alt.magicK KfaQ#14: Theosophy (kreEePing oOze faQ)
tyaginator
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Revised 9412
Kreeping FAQ Question #14: "What is Theosophy?"
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THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
The Theosophical Society was formed at New York, N.Y., November
17, 1875, and incorporated at Madras, India, April 3, 1905.
The three declared Objects are:
To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity,
without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color.
To encourage the study of Comparative Religion, Philosophy and
Science.
To investigate unexplained laws of Nature and the powers latent in man.
FREEDOM OF THE SOCIETY
The Theosophical Society, while co-operating with all other bodies whose
aims and activities make such co-operation possible, is and must remain
an organization entirely independent of them, not committed to any objects
save its own, and intent on developing its own work on the broadest and
most inclusive lines, so as to move toward its own goal as indicated in
and by the pursuit of those objects and that Divine Wisdom which in the
abstract is implicit in the title The Theosophical Society.
Since Universal Brotherhood and the Wisdom are undefined and
unlimited, and since there is complete freedom for each and every
member of the Society in thought and action, the Society seeks
ever to maintain its own distinctive and unique character by
remaining free of affiliation or identification with any other
organization.
The Theosophical World View
THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, while reserving for each member full
freedom to interpret those teachings known as theosophy, is
dedicated to preserving and realizing the ageless wisdom, which
embodies both a world view and a vision of human self
transformation.
This tradition is founded upon certain fundamental propositions:
1.) The universe and all that exist within it are one
interrelated and interdependent whole.
2.) Every existent being,from atom to galaxy, is rooted in the
same universal, life creating Reality. This Reality is all
pervasive, but it can never be summed up in its parts, since it
transcends all its expressions. It reveals itself in the
purposeful, ordered, and meaningful processes of nature as well
as in the deepest recesses of the mind and spirit.
3.) Recognition of the unique value of every living being ex
presses itself in reverence for life, compassion for all,
sympathy with the need of all individuals to find truth for
themselves, and respect for all religious traditions. The ways
in which these ideals become realities in individual life are
both the privileged choice and the responsible act of every
human being.
Central to the concerns of theosophy is the desire to promote
understanding and brotherhood among people of all races,
nationalities, philosophies, and religions. Therefore, all people,
whatever their race, creed, sex, caste, or color, are invited to
participate equally in the life and work of the Society. The
Theosophical Society imposes no dogmas, but points toward the
source of unity beyond all differences. Devotion to truth, love
for all living beings, and commitment to a life of active altruism
are the marks of the true theosophist.
Theosophy in Action
After 116 years of service to Humanity, the Theosophical Society is still
a thriving organization. We have active lodges in approx. 45 countries
through-out the world, with new study centers coming online all the time.
Our efforts to establish a NUCLEUS of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity
have progressed a great deal since our inception. As noted above, we have
found kindred spirits in various communities world-wide. We feel that the
more people know and the sooner the day will come when we will have the
type of world that Loves instead of hates, Helps instead of hinders, Seeks
to become ONE with whatever we perceive GOD to be rather than forcing a
separation due to ignorance of the Law. We search for opportunities to
support and assist all humanity in its effort to overcome the results of
actions set in motion long ago.
We have done this through the writings of numerous members of our small
group, the establishment of service organizations and direct public contact.
Also, there is a wealth of theosophical material in print. These writings
deal with subjects that reflect the longing felt by most humans to answer
those eternal questions:
A) Where did I come from?
B) Why am I here? and
C) Where do I go once this life is over?
Of course, these are the questions that are dealt with by most of the
worlds religions. But it is through the study of these religions and
their philosophies that we find that there is but one PHILOSOPHY. This
PHILOSOPHY /SCIENCE has suffered through numerous permutations and
interpretation until its true identity has been all but lost.
It is the study and understanding of these relations and how they are
expressed that is Theosophy.
Bob...@aol.com
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The venerable (founded 1875) and much maligned but basically
well-intentioned movement that is working to promote a universal
siblinghood of humanity, while synthesizing religion, science and
philosophy. Its adherents generally advocate a harmless lifestyle (e.g.
vegetarianism), encourage investigation into what is generally termed
"the occult" and insist on the perfectability of human beings through
meditation, karma yoga (service) and study. Although generally not
considered "serious" by Thelemites, its writers have had a profound
effect on Western thought, especially through the introduction of
Eastern (Hindu/Buddhist) teachings such as karma and reincarnation.
pa...@actrix.co.at (Paul Gillingwater)
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Theosophy was a European mysticism movement that started around the mid 1800's
when there was a great resurgence of interest in the occult and Eastern
religions all over Europe (one can make some interesting sociological
observations that this occurred about the same time as the first real surge of
anti-colonialism). It was started by a woman name of Helena Petrova Blavatsky
who claimed to have some special contact with Indian mystics that gave her
specialized knowledge regarding the history of the Earth, human destiny, and
how to achieve enlightenment. A lot of folks consider her to have been a
charlatan who made it all up, others have found great value in her writings.
Nowadays she would likely be considered some kind of "Trans-Channeler" because
of the way she obtained her info. She had a number of followers and critics
whom I can identify for you when I have my books in front of me. A lot has
been written about her, searching for her name in a well stocked library
should prove fruitful.
s...@uno.edu
=================================================== END OF OOZING FAQ #14
This document is Copyright (c) 1994, authors cited.
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This is from a series of continually-updated posts responding to recurrent
questions in this newsgroup. Please debate anything in here which seems
extreme and add your own response to these questions after the post. I'll
integrate what I can. Thanks.
tyagi nagasiva
ty...@houseofkaos.Abyss.coM (I@AM)