What is Theosophy?

The word theosophy is derived from the Greek theos and sofia, meaning divine wisdom. It is not a religion but an esoteric philosophy on spiritual evolution. This divine wisdom is as old as Creation. As such it is the spiritual heritage of all humanity and may be considered the essence of the great religions and philosophies of the world.

Is theosophy practical?

Theosophical work implies study, meditation, and service. Studying the theosophical concepts without practice in daily life, however, is a map that is not followed, whereas practice without clear concepts is a journey with no direction. Theory and practice are interrelated.

Is theosophy something of the past?

The TS was founded over 145 years. Many of its expressions have been incorporated in our current culture, while some of the comments in the original literature are outdate due to the development of science. Theosophy, divine wisdom, is ageless. Its expression may vary according to the understanding of the time. As such, it is even more important ever.

Theosophy and religions

The motto of the Theosophical Society says “There is no religion higher than truth”. In many religions inner search for “Divine Wisdom” has been stale, expressed in external forms or dogmas. Members of the Theosophical Society believe that each religion is derived from an inner source, and to a certain extend they still reflect the light of that One, Eternal Divine Wisdom. Those who follow a certain religion find its hidden – esoteric – wisdom through theosophy. Those without a religion will be able to enrich their image of man and universe with a profound philosophy, related to religious awareness, offering the opportunity of inner development and perfection.

Theosophical literature

Theosophical literature offers a broad range of books and articles on the different aspects of spiritual life, both from the East as well as the West. The most well-known book is “The Secret Doctrine”, written by H.P. Blavatsky in 1888, based on the Stanzas of Dzyan, an ancient book on the creation of cosmos and man. The book is not a revelation but a collection of fragments from the scriptures of the world to explain these Stanzas.

Three Theosophical concepts.

1. 1. One absolute reality
      Absolute Reality is the source of all conscious life and matter in the universe. This implies absolute unity that underlies the phenomenal world and includes each individual person. Brotherhood is the practical consequence of the oneness of reality, including humanity. Forming a nucleus of universal brotherhood of humanity is the first object of the Theosophical Society, and the only object that each member needs to subscribe.
      God is a much more complex and profound concept than generally expressed by most religions. The word God is therefore largely avoided in Theosophical research, as it often leads to confusion and misunderstandings.
   2. The law of periodicity
      The universe and all that is created is subject to constant cycles. The different forms are subject to harmonious universal laws and a constant process of evolution. This evolution implies concepts such as “karma” and “reincarnation”. Studying these laws allows us to live in harmony with them.
   3. The fundamental unity of all souls
      The fundamental unity of all souls, as such an aspect of absolute reality. Man is composed of different vehicles, including body, mind, soul and spirit. In that spirit we are fundamentally One. Human being is a microcosmos, corresponding to the macrocosmos. Meditation is perfect silence or stillness of the mind, to experience Oneness, or the Divine.

   
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