What is Theosophy?
The word Theosophy is derived from the
Greek THEOS (god) and SOPHIA (wisdom)which can be translated as Divine Wisdom,
Wisdom Religion or in the modern interpretation as Ageless Wisdom. The word
Theosophy has been in use for centuries. However, this explanation in itself
doesn’t tell the new enquirer very much.
Theosophy seeks to examine and identify the underlying elements of
basic wisdom or thought of various religious teachings that have been important
in the development of humankind. This examination does not seek to draw anyone
away from the religion that he or she belongs to, but to give a rational
explanation and interpretation of the inner meanings of the creeds and
ceremonies of religion.
Members of the Theosophical Society may adhere to any religion or
have no religion at all. A Faivre said of the
Theosophist;
In truth, he seeks to gain the ultimate vision of the principle
of the world’s reality. His work begins where rational philosophy ends, but the
Theosophist is more free and more creative than the Theologian.
The ideas presented by Helena Petrovna P Blavatsky in works such as
the Secret Doctrine are primarily drawn from Esoteric Buddhism and Brahminical Hinduism but also contain elements of other
religious systems. In the Secret Doctrine, H P blavatsky
presents a scheme for the existence of the Universe and outlines man’s place
within that scheme. Her work is based on three propositions outlined here in
simplified form;
1) There exists an
omnipresent and immutable principle on which all speculation is impossible.
2) Ours is one of
many universes which have existed and will exist in a boundless plane of
existence.
3) We are each part of a greater over-soul and we
evolve through the learning process provided by the cycle of death and rebirth known
as Reincarnation, and governed by the law of cause and effect known as Karma
H P Blavatsky also sought to interpret the eastern esoteric
tradition for the western mind and to bring science and religions closer
together. This work is carried on by the Theosophical movement.
Theosophy is not a religion since it has no dogma, creed, or
ritual. Ideas presented at Theosophical meetings, study groups, in Theosophical
literature and on the internet are for consideration and are negotiable. Even
the works of the big names of Theosophy can be questioned.
For more info on Theosophy
Try these
Dave’s Streetwise Theosophy Boards
This is for everybody not just people in Wales
Cardiff Lodge’s Instant Guide to
Theosophy
One Liners & Quick Explanations
The Most Basic Theosophy Website
in the Universe
If you run a Theosophy Group you can use
this as an introductory handout
The Spiritual Home of Urban Theosophy
The Earth Base for Evolutionary Theosophy
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2009 Starts with
a Boost for Theosophy
at the Bangor, Conwy & Swansea Lodges
The news that the
Welsh Regional Association has recently
received a pecuniary
bequest of £3000 has to be greeted
with overwhelming
enthusiasm by the members of the
three Regional Association
affiliated Lodges in
The possibilities
for a massive boost in Theosophical
activities at these Lodges
are enormous and great
things are probably, at
this moment, being planned.
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Try these if you are looking
for a
local Theosophy
Group or Centre
UK Listing of Theosophical
Groups
Worldwide Directory of
Theosophical Links
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& of course
you don’t need to live in Wales
to take advantage
of this guide
Your Own
Theosophy Group Starts Here
A Guide to
starting your own
Theosophy Group
These are suggestions and pointers for forming
your own independent Theosophy Group and
not instructions on how to form a branch of a
larger Theosophical Organisation.
The subject of affiliation to a larger body is
covered but as affiliation may mean compromise
and nobody owns Theosophy anyway, we leave
that decision entirely up to you
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