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For the periodical of this name, see [[Theosophy (periodical)]].
'''''For the Theosophical journal see [[Theosophy (periodical)]]'''''


'''Theosophy''' derives from the Greek term θεοσοφία (theosophia), from θεός (theos), "god", "gods" or "divine", and σοφία (sophia), wisdom; variously translated as divine wisdom, the wisdom of God or the gods, or wisdom in things divine.
'''Theosophy''' derives from the Greek term θεοσοφία (theosophia), from θεός (theos), "god", "gods" or "divine", and σοφία (sophia), [[wisdom]]; variously translated as divine wisdom, the wisdom of God or the gods, or wisdom in things divine.
The term is first found in writings of [[Porphyry]] (AD 234–c. 305), a well-known Alexandrian philosopher who belonged to the [[Neoplatonism|Neo-Platonic]] school.<ref>Santucci, James A. ''On Theosophia And Related Terms'' (Theosophical History, vol. II, no. 3, 1987), 107-110</ref>
The term is first found in writings of [[Porphyry]] (AD 234–c. 305), a well-known Alexandrian philosopher who belonged to the [[Neoplatonism|Neo-Platonic]] school.<ref>Santucci, James A. ''On Theosophia And Related Terms'' (Theosophical History, vol. II, no. 3, 1987), 107-110</ref>
In the course of time, several people and movements spiritually inclined also adopted the denomination of "theosophers" or "theosophists" for themselves. That was the case of Meister Eckhart in the 14th century, a group of Renaissance philosophers such as Paracelsus in the 16th century, Robert Fludd, Thomas Vaughan, and Jacob Boehme in the 17th ; and Emanuel Swedenborg and Karl von Eckartshausen in the 18 th century, among others. Finally, the theosophical movement reappeared in the 19th century with the founding of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875 by [[H. P. Blavatsky]], [[H. S. Olcott]], [[W. Q. Judge]], and others.
In the course of time, several people and movements spiritually inclined also adopted the denomination of "theosophers" or "theosophists" for themselves. That was the case of Meister Eckhart in the 14th century, a group of Renaissance philosophers such as [[Paracelsus]] in the 16th century, Robert Fludd, Thomas Vaughan, and [[Jacob Boehme]] in the 17th; and [[Emanuel Swedenborg]] and Karl von Eckartshausen in the 18 th century, among others. Finally, the theosophical movement reappeared in the 19th century with the founding of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875 by [[H. P. Blavatsky]], [[H. S. Olcott]], [[W. Q. Judge]], and others.


[[H. P. Blavatsky]], in [[The Theosophical Glossary (book)|''The Theosophical Glossary'']], describes the term as follows:
[[H. P. Blavatsky]], states that "''theosophia'' properly means not a knowledge of "God" but of gods, ''i.e.'', ''divine'', that is superhuman knowledge".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 335.</ref> In [[The Theosophical Glossary (book)|''The Theosophical Glossary'']], she describes the term further as follows:


<blockquote>Theosophia (Gr.). Wisdom-religion, or “Divine Wisdom”. The substratum and basis of all the world-religions and philosophies, taught and practised by a few elect ever since man became a thinking being. In its practical bearing, Theosophy is purely divine ethics; the definitions in dictionaries are pure nonsense, based on religious prejudice and ignorance of the true spirit of the early Rosicrucians and mediæval philosophers who called themselves Theosophists.<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Theosophical Glossary'' (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1918), 304.</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>Theosophia (Gr.). Wisdom-religion, or "Divine Wisdom". The substratum and basis of all the world-religions and philosophies, taught and practised by a few elect ever since man became a thinking being. In its practical bearing, Theosophy is purely divine ethics; the definitions in dictionaries are pure nonsense, based on religious prejudice and ignorance of the true spirit of the early Rosicrucians and mediæval philosophers who called themselves Theosophists.<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Theosophical Glossary'' (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1918), 304.</ref></blockquote>


==Neo-Platonic theosophy==
==Neo-Platonic theosophy==


The origin of the term theosophia is unknown, but it is likely to have been coined by the [[Neoplatonism|Neo-Platonic]] (a philosophical school founded by [[Ammonius Saccas]], who was born ca. 175). Based on the writings of the famous Platonist [[Prof. Alexander Wilder]], [[H. P. Blavatsky]] suggests that the term was commonly used by all Neo-Platonists.<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''The Key to Theosophy'' (London: Theosophical Publishing House, [1968], 1-2)</ref> However, researches made in the late 1980s by scholars James Santucci<ref>Santucci, James A. ''On Theosophia And Related Terms'' (Theosophical History, vol. II, no. 3, 1987), 107-110</ref> and Dr. Jean-Louis Siémons<ref>Jean-Louis Siémons, ''Theosophia in Neo-Platonic and Christian Literature'', (London: Theosophical History Centre, 1988)</ref> showed that it is only with the third-generation Neo-Platonist Porphyry (234–305) that we find the term in writing for the first time. In Porphyry’s view, the divine wisdom is a state of illumination that can be attained by self-exertion. The theosophos (Gr. θεόσοφος) tries “by himself, to elevate himself, alone to alone, to a communion with the divine.With Iamblichus (250–325), the pure mystical meaning given to the term by Porphyry acquires a more occult or magical significance. He proposed that the theosophia can be attained through theurgy (Gr. θεουργία), a series of religious rituals and magic operations aimed at elevating consciousness. Proclus (412–485) uses the term in yet another way to denominate specific spiritual doctrines, making reference to a local ‘Hellenic theosophy’, but also to a foreign or barbarian (that is, non-Greek) theosophy, referring to Chaldean doctrines.  
The origin of the term theosophia is unknown, but it is likely to have been coined by the [[Neoplatonism|Neo-Platonic]] (a philosophical school founded by [[Ammonius Saccas]], who was born ca. 175). Based on the writings of the famous Platonist [[Alexander Wilder|Prof. Alexander Wilder]], [[H. P. Blavatsky]] suggests that the term was commonly used by all Neo-Platonists.<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''The Key to Theosophy'' (London: Theosophical Publishing House, [1968], 1-2)</ref> However, researches made in the late 1980s by scholars James Santucci<ref>Santucci, James A. ''On Theosophia And Related Terms'' (Theosophical History, vol. II, no. 3, 1987), 107-110</ref> and Dr. Jean-Louis Siémons<ref>Jean-Louis Siémons, ''Theosophia in Neo-Platonic and Christian Literature'', (London: Theosophical History Centre, 1988)</ref> showed that it is only with the third-generation Neo-Platonist Porphyry (234–305) that we find the term in writing for the first time. In Porphyry’s view, the [[Wisdom#Divine wisdom|divine wisdom]] is a state of illumination that can be attained by self-exertion. The theosophos (Gr. θεόσοφος) tries "by himself, to elevate himself, alone to alone, to a communion with the divine." With Iamblichus (250–325), the pure mystical meaning given to the term by Porphyry acquires a more occult or magical significance. He proposed that the theosophia can be attained through theurgy (Gr. θεουργία), a series of religious rituals and magic operations aimed at elevating consciousness. Proclus (412–485) uses the term in yet another way to denominate specific spiritual doctrines, making reference to a local 'Hellenic theosophy', but also to a foreign or barbarian (that is, non-Greek) theosophy, referring to Chaldean doctrines.


==Christian theosophy==
==Christian theosophy==


Many early Christians, including a number of Church Fathers, were students of Neo-Platonic teachers. They also adopted the term theosophia, but used it in a more Christian sense to mean “the Wisdom of God”. Clement of Alexandria (150–215) talks about a theosophos as one who writes “driven by divine inspiration,and thus in time this term came to be used to refer to the prophets of old. An important difference between the Neo-Platonic and Christian concepts of theosophia, is that in the former view no one is a born theosophos—he becomes such by long exertion, application to philosophy, self-purification and contemplation of the divine.<ref>Siémons, op. cit., p. 24</ref> In the Christian view the divine wisdom is bestowed by God—as He chooses—upon the prophet, in the form of a revelation. After the Neo-Platonists disappeared in the 6th century, the term theosophia continued to be used in Christianity during the Middle Ages, but frequently in a lower sense as a synonym of theologia.  In the 9th century, after the re-discovery of the works of Pseudo-Dionysius (a Christian Neo-Platonist that lived ca. 500) the term regained a lofty meaning among great mystics such as Meister Eckhart, J. Tauler, John of Ruysbroeck, and others. It was through their writings that 17th to 19th century European mystics such as Boehme, Saint-Martin, Swedenborg, and others, inherited the term theosophy and adopted it as their own. With these “theosophers” (as they came to be known) the term became popular, being on the title of a number of books during the 1700s.<ref>Faivre, Antoine, ''Theosophy, Imagination, Tradition'' (Albany, State University of New York Press, 2000), 19</ref> There continued to be publications on Christian theosophy until the middle of the 19th century.
Many early Christians, including a number of Church Fathers, were students of Neo-Platonic teachers. They also adopted the term theosophia, but used it in a more Christian sense to mean "the [[Wisdom]] of God". Clement of Alexandria (150–215) talks about a theosophos as one who writes "driven by divine inspiration," and thus in time this term came to be used to refer to the prophets of old. An important difference between the Neo-Platonic and Christian concepts of theosophia, is that in the former view no one is a born theosophos—he becomes such by long exertion, application to philosophy, self-purification and contemplation of the divine.<ref>Siémons, op. cit., p. 24</ref> In the Christian view the divine wisdom is bestowed by God—as He chooses—upon the prophet, in the form of a revelation. After the Neo-Platonists disappeared in the 6th century, the term theosophia continued to be used in Christianity during the Middle Ages, but frequently in a lower sense as a synonym of theologia.  In the 9th century, after the re-discovery of the works of Pseudo-Dionysius (a Christian Neo-Platonist that lived ca. 500) the term regained a lofty meaning among great mystics such as Meister Eckhart, J. Tauler, John of Ruysbroeck, and others. It was through their writings that 17th to 19th century European mystics such as Boehme, Saint-Martin, Swedenborg, and others, inherited the term theosophy and adopted it as their own. With these “theosophers” (as they came to be known) the term became popular, being on the title of a number of books during the 1700s.<ref>Faivre, Antoine, ''Theosophy, Imagination, Tradition'' (Albany, State University of New York Press, 2000), 19</ref> There continued to be publications on Christian theosophy until the middle of the 19th century.


==Modern Theosophy==
==Modern Theosophy==


At the opening of the last quarter of the 19th century a committee formed by [[H. P. Blavatsky]], [[H. S. Olcott]], [[W. Q. Judge]], and others, founded what they called the [[Theosophical Society]]. According to Col. Olcott, the choice of the name of the newly formed Society was subject of discussion in the committee, and several options were suggested, such as the Egyptological, the Hermetic, the Rosicrucian, etc. However, none of them seemed the right one. ‘At last,he recalls ‘in turning over the leaves of the Dictionary, one of us came across the word “Theosophy,whereupon, after discussion, we unanimously agreed that that was the best of all.Olcott explained this name was appropriate because it expressed ‘the esoteric truth we wished to reach’ and covered the ground of ‘methods of occult scientific research.<ref>Olcott, H. S., ''Old Diary Leaves'', v. 1 (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 132</ref>
At the opening of the last quarter of the 19th century a committee formed by [[H. P. Blavatsky]], [[H. S. Olcott]], [[W. Q. Judge]], and others, founded what they called the [[Theosophical Society]]. According to Col. Olcott, the choice of the name of the newly formed Society was subject of discussion in the committee, and several options were suggested, such as the Egyptological, the Hermetic, the Rosicrucian, etc. However, none of them seemed the right one. 'At last,' he recalls 'in turning over the leaves of the Dictionary, one of us came across the word "Theosophy," whereupon, after discussion, we unanimously agreed that that was the best of all.' Olcott explained this name was appropriate because it expressed 'the esoteric truth we wished to reach' and covered the ground of 'methods of occult scientific research.'<ref>Olcott, H. S., ''Old Diary Leaves'', v. 1 (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 132</ref>
It does not seem likely that the name for the Society was chosen merely out of a dictionary search, since Madame Blavatsky had already connected her knowledge with the term theosophy a few months before, in a letter to Hiram Corson:
It does not seem likely that the name for the Society was chosen merely out of a dictionary search, since Madame Blavatsky had already connected her knowledge with the term theosophy a few months before, in a letter to Hiram Corson:


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In her article "The Beacon of the Unknown" [[H. P. Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] says there are two Theosophies: that of the true [[Theosophist]] and that of the regular fellow of the [[Theosophical Society]].<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 252.</ref> The first is the "true Theosophy, inner Theosophy, that of the soul"<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 254.</ref> and it is connected with the use and development of the spiritual intuition.<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 253.</ref> Here, the term Theosophy is used in its literal sense, as a state of ''divine wisdom'' that transcends the intellectual faculties.
In her article "The Beacon of the Unknown" [[H. P. Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] says there are two Theosophies: that of the true [[Theosophist]] and that of the regular fellow of the [[Theosophical Society]].<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 252.</ref> The first is the "true Theosophy, inner Theosophy, that of the soul"<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 254.</ref> and it is connected with the use and development of the spiritual intuition.<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 253.</ref> Here, the term Theosophy is used in its literal sense, as a state of ''divine wisdom'' that transcends the intellectual faculties.


A second meaning for the term [[H. P. Blavatsky]] is defined as follows: "Theosophy, as already said, is the WISDOM-RELIGION."
The second meaning of the term was defined by [[H. P. Blavatsky]] as follows: "Theosophy, as already said, is the [[Religion#Wisdom-Religion|WISDOM-RELIGION]]". In this aspect, theosophy represents a body of teachings which is claimed to form the basis of every religious truth.
 
A third and more specific meaning was also assigned to the term by Mme. Blavatsky, to refer to the teachings that were given at the time through the [[Theosophical Society]]. The phrase "Modern Theosophy" is frequently used in this connection.
 
== Living Theosophy ==
 
According to one of the [[Masters of Wisdom]], Theosophy should not be seen a mere intellectual philosophy, but should express itself as a way of living based on love and the search for truth:
 
<blockquote>Theosophy can only find objective expression in an all-embracing code of life, thoroughly impregnated with the spirit of mutual tolerance, charity, and brotherly love. Its Society, as a body, has a task before it which, unless performed with the utmost discretion, will cause the world of the indifferent and the selfish to rise up in arms against it. Theosophy has to fight intolerance, prejudice, ignorance and selfishness, hidden under the mantle of hypocrisy. It has to throw all the light it can from the torch of Truth, with which its servants are entrusted. It must do this without fear or hesitation, dreading neither reproof nor condemnation. Theosophy, through its mouthpiece, the Society, has to tell the TRUTH to the very face of LIE; to beard the tiger in its den, without thought or fear of evil consequences, and to set at defiance calumny and threats. As an Association, it has not only the right, but the duty to uncloak vice and do its best to redress wrongs, whether through the voice of its chosen lecturers or the printed word of its journals and publications—making its accusations, however, as impersonal as possible. But its Fellows, or Members, have individually no such right. Its followers have, first of all, to set the example of a firmly outlined and as firmly applied morality, before they obtain the right to point out, even in a spirit of kindness, the absence of a like ethic unity and singleness of purpose in other associations or individuals. No Theosophist should blame a brother, whether within or outside of the association; neither may he throw a slur upon another’s actions or denounce him, lest he himself lose the right to be considered as a Theosophist. For, as such, he has to turn away his gaze from the imperfections of his neighbour, and centre rather his attention upon his own shortcomings, in order to correct them and become wiser. Let him not show the disparity between claim and action in another, but, whether in the case of a brother, a neighbour, or simply a fellow man, let him rather ever help one weaker than himself on the arduous walk of life.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. VII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 174-175.</ref></blockquote>


== According to Annie Besant ==
== According to Annie Besant ==
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The secondary meaning lies at the level of the basic philosophical and moral teachings shared by different religions:
The secondary meaning lies at the level of the basic philosophical and moral teachings shared by different religions:


<blockquote>Theosophy, in a secondary sense–-the above being the primary-–is the body of doctrine, obtained by separating the beliefs common to all religions from the peculiarities, specialities, rites, ceremonies and customs which mark off one religion from another; it presents these common truths as a consensus of world-beliefs, forming, in their entirety, the Wisdom-religion, or the Universal Religion, the source from which all separate religions spring, the trunk of the Tree of Life from which they all branch forth.<ref>Besant, Annie, ''Theosophy'' (London: T.C. & E.C. Jack, [1912?]), 12.</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>Theosophy, in a secondary sense–-the above being the primary-–is the body of doctrine, obtained by separating the beliefs common to all religions from the peculiarities, specialities, rites, ceremonies and customs which mark off one religion from another; it presents these common truths as a consensus of world-beliefs, forming, in their entirety, the [[Religion#Wisdom-Religion|Wisdom-religion]], or the Universal Religion, the source from which all separate religions spring, the trunk of the Tree of Life from which they all branch forth.<ref>Besant, Annie, ''Theosophy'' (London: T.C. & E.C. Jack, [1912?]), 12.</ref></blockquote>
 
== Definition by Fritz Kunz ==
 
American Theosophist [[Fritz Kunz]] gave another perspective on the term in his entry "Theosophy" written for Runes' ''Dictionary of Philosophy'':
<blockquote>
'''Theosophy:''' (Gr., lit. "divine wisdom") is a term introduced in the third century by [[Ammonius Saccas]], the master of [[Plotinus]], to identify a recurring tendency prompted often by renewed impulses from the Orient, but implicit in mystery schools as that of Eleusis, among the Essenes and elsewhere. Theosophy differs from speculative philosophy in allowing validity to some classes of [[Mysticism|mystical experience]] as regard [[soul]] and [[spirit]], and in recognising [[clairvoyance]] and [[telepathy]] and kindred forms of perception as linking the worlds of [[psyche]] and body. Its content describes a transcendental field as the only real (approximating to [[Brahman]], [[Nous]], and [[Pleroma]]) from which emerge material universes in series, with properties revealing that supreme Being. Two polarities appear as the first manifesting stage, [[consciousness]] or spirit ([[Brahmā|Brahma]], [[Chaos]], Holy Ghost), and matter or energy ([[Śiva|Siva]], [[Logos]], Father). Simultaneously, life appears clothed in matter and spirit, as form or species ([[Viṣṇu|Vishnu]], Cosmos, Son). In a sense, life is the direct reflection of the transcendent supreme, hence biological thinking has a privileged place in Theosophy. Thus, cycles of life are perceived in body, psyche, soul and spirit. The lesser of these is reincarnation of impersonal soul in many personalities. A larger epoch is [[Circle of Necessity|"the cycle of necessity"]], when spirit evolves over vast periods. -- F.K.<ref>Fritz Kunz, "Theosophy." Dagobart D. Runes, editor. ''Dictionary of Philosophy''. New York: Philosophical Library, 1942. Available at [http://www.ditext.com/runes/t.html Dictionary of Philosophy].</ref>
</blockquote>


== Online resources ==
== Additional resources ==
===Articles and pamphlets===
===Articles and pamphlets===
*[http://www.theosophy.ph/encyclo/index.php?title=Theosophy# Theosophy] at Theosopedia
*[http://www.theosophy.ph/encyclo/index.php?title=Theosophy# Theosophy] at Theosopedia
*[http://www.austheos.org.au/tsia-article-is-theosophy-a-religion.html# Is Theosophy a Religion?] by John Algeo
*[https://theosophicalsociety.org.au/articles/is-theosophy-a-religion Is Theosophy a Religion?] by John Algeo
*[http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1473# Theosophy's Most Holy and Important Mission] by John Algeo
*[http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1473# Theosophy's Most Holy and Important Mission] by John Algeo
*[http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1634# Entering the Garden of Theosophy] by Mary Anderson
*[http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1634# Entering the Garden of Theosophy] by Mary Anderson
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No211.pdf# Theosophy and Truth] by George S. Arundale
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No211.pdf# Theosophy and Truth] by George S. Arundale
*[http://www.philaletheians.co.uk/Major%20works/Theosophia%20Inner%20Wisdom.pdf# Theosophia. Inner Wisdom] edited by C. A. Bartzokas
*[http://www.philaletheians.co.uk/Major%20works/Theosophia%20Inner%20Wisdom.pdf# Theosophia. Inner Wisdom] edited by C. A. Bartzokas
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No88.pdf# Is Theosophy Anti-Christian?] by Annie Besant
*[https://www.gutenberg.org/files/20800/20800-h/20800-h.htm#Theosophy_and_the_Theosophical_Society# Theosophy and The Theosophical Society] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No130.pdf# The Nature of Theosophical Proofs] by Annie Besant
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No88.pdf# Is Theosophy Anti-Christian?] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No131.pdf# A Rough Outline of Theosophy] by Annie Besant
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No130.pdf# The Nature of Theosophical Proofs] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No160.pdf# A Sketch of Theosophy] by Annie Besant
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No131.pdf# A Rough Outline of Theosophy] by Annie Besant
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No160.pdf# A Sketch of Theosophy] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/other/besant-theosophy.htm# Theosophy] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/other/besant-theosophy.htm# Theosophy] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No32.pdf# Theosophy and Its Evidences] by Annie Besant
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No32.pdf# Theosophy and Its Evidences] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No197.pdf# Theosophy, Its Meaning and Value] by Annie Besant
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No197.pdf# Theosophy, Its Meaning and Value] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No198.pdf# The Work of Theosophy in the World] by Annie Besant
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No198.pdf# The Work of Theosophy in the World] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/blavatsky/arts/IsTheosophyAReligion.htm# Is Theosophy A Religion?] by H. P. Blavatsky
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/index.php/is-theosophy-a-religion# Is Theosophy A Religion?] by H. P. Blavatsky
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/blavatsky/arts/OnPseudoTheosophy.htm# On Pseudo-Theosophy] by H. P. Blavatsky
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/index.php/on-pseudo-theosophy# On Pseudo-Theosophy] by H. P. Blavatsky
*[http://www.theosophy-nw.org/theosnw/theos/th-hpb.htm# What is Theosophy?] by H. P. Blavatsky
*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v2/y1879_020.htm# What is Theosophy?] by H. P. Blavatsky
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/otherdocuments/NatureandAimofTheosophy_JDBuck.pdf# The Nature and Aim of Theosophy] by J. D. Buck
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/NatureandAimofTheosophy_JDBuck.pdf# The Nature and Aim of Theosophy] by J. D. Buck
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/theosophy/judge/articles/dogmatism-in-theosophy.htm# Dogmatism in Theosophy] by William Q. Judge
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/index.php/dogmatism-in-theosophy# Dogmatism in Theosophy] by William Q. Judge
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/theosophy/judge/articles/mechanical-theosophy.htm# Mechanical Theosophy] by William Q. Judge
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/index.php/mechanical-theosophy# Mechanical Theosophy] by William Q. Judge
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/theosophy/judge/articles/practical-theosophy.htm# Practical Theosophy] by William Q. Judge
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/index.php/practical-theosophy# Practical Theosophy] by William Q. Judge
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/theosophy/judge/articles/theosophy-generally-stated.htm# Theosophy Generally Stated] by William Q. Judge
*[http://www.blavatsky.net/index.php/theosophy-generally-stated# Theosophy Generally Stated] by William Q. Judge
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No12.pdf# What Theosophy does for us] by C. W. Leadbeater
*[http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1407# Theosophy and Orthodoxy] by Pedro Oliveira
*[http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1407# Theosophy and Orthodoxy] by Pedro Oliveira
*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/other/sender-theosophy.htm# What is Theosophy?] by Pablo Sender
*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/other/sender-theosophy.htm# What is Theosophy?] by Pablo Sender
* [https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No193.pdf The Purpose of Theosophy: Part I] by Patience Sinnett.  First published 1885, 2nd Indian edition 1886, 3rd edition 1902, 4th edition 1935. Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House. Digitized by Canadian Theosophical Association.
* [https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AdyarPamphlet_No194.pdf The Purpose of Theosophy: Part II] by Patience Sinnett. First published 1885, 2nd Indian edition 1886, 3rd edition 1902, 4th edition 1935. Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House. Digitized by Canadian Theosophical Association.


===Books===
===Books===
*[http://www.theosophical.ca/books/Theosophy_AnnieBesant.pdf# Theosophy] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.blavatskyarchives.com/12880479.pdf# Theosophy. An Introduction by H.P. Blavatsky] Compiled & edited by Daniel H. Caldwell
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/KeyToTheosophy_HPBlavatsky.pdf The Key to Theosophy] by H.P. Blavatsky
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/Theosophy_AnnieBesant.pdf# Theosophy] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.anandgholap.net/Theosophy_And_TS-AB.htm# Theosophy and the Theosophical Society] by Annie Besant
*[http://www.anandgholap.net/Theosophy_And_TS-AB.htm# Theosophy and the Theosophical Society] by Annie Besant
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/OceanOfTheosophy_WQJudge.pdf# The Ocean of Theosophy] by William Q. Judge
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/PracticalTheosophy_CJinarajadasa.pdf# Practical Theosophy] by C. Jinarajadasa
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AnOutlineOfTheosophy_CWLeadbeater.pdf# An Outline of Theosophy] by C.W. Leadbeater
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/TextbookOfTheosophy_CWLeadbeater.pdf# A Textbook of Theosophy] by C.W. Leadbeater
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/TheosophyItsBeneficentPotentialities_GFarthing.pdf# Theosophy: Its Beneficent Potentialities] by Geoffrey Farthing
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/ElementaryTheosophy_LWRogers.pdf Elementary Theosophy] by L.W. Rogers
*[https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/ModernTheosophy_CFWright.pdf# Modern Theosophy] by Claude Falls Wright


===Audio===
===Audio===
*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/mehta/Theosophy%20of%20the%20Invisible%20and%20the%20Intangible.mp3# Theosophy of the Invisible and the Intangible] by Rohit Mehta
*[https://archive.org/download/1292_20191220/1292.mp3# Theosophy of the Invisible and the Intangible] by Rohit Mehta
*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/mills/Theosophy%20and%20the%20Quest%20for%20Meaning.mp3# Theosophy and the Quest for Meaning] by Joy Mills
*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/mills/Theosophy%20and%20the%20Quest%20for%20Meaning.mp3# Theosophy and the Quest for Meaning] by Joy Mills
*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/mills/Theosophy:%20Search%20for%20the%20Holy%20Grail.mp3# Theosophy: Search for the Holy Grail] by Joy Mills
*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/mills/Theosophy:%20Search%20for%20the%20Holy%20Grail.mp3# Theosophy: Search for the Holy Grail] by Joy Mills
Line 78: Line 106:


===Video===
===Video===
*[http://www.theosophicalinstitute.org/medialibrary/viewtitle.php?titleid=2E4ED703-E333-4A40-A244-A2B724507E1A# Theosophy and the World Religions] by Robert Ellwood
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0L80pqqQ08 Theosophy and the World Religions] by Robert Ellwood
*[http://www.theosophicalinstitute.org/medialibrary/viewtitle.php?titleid=009C2714-0C08-4DBE-A097-863D51E2ED7C# Theosophy: Tradition, Revelation, Innovation] by Joy Mills
*[http://www.theosophicalinstitute.org/medialibrary/viewtitle.php?titleid=009C2714-0C08-4DBE-A097-863D51E2ED7C# Theosophy: Tradition, Revelation, Innovation] by Joy Mills
===Social Media===
* [https://www.facebook.com/theosophywatch?fref=ts Theosophy Watch] Facebook page
* [https://www.facebook.com/theosophy.revealed?fref=ts Theosophy Revealed] Facebook page
* [https://www.facebook.com/TheFireAndLightOfTheosophicalLiterature The Fire and Light of Theosophical Literature] Facebook page
=== Bibliographies ===
*[http://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/library/Bibliography/IntroductiontoTheosophy.pdf#  Bibliography on Introductions to Theosophy] from the [[Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library]].
=== Collections of digital resources ===
*[https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C14&q=theosophy&btnG= Google Scholar]
*[https://archive.org/search.php?query=Theosophy Internet Archive]
*[https://www.google.com/search?q=Theosophy%20site%3Ahathitrust.org&rlz=1C1TSNP_enUS460US460&oq=hathitrust&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0l2j69i60l3j69i65l2.3111j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&ved=2ahUKEwjo75qPzYvqAhXQLc0KHbVwCbYQ2wF6BAgIEAE&ei=533rXqjgItDbtAa14aWwCw Hathitrust]
*[https://www.academia.edu/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Theosophy Academia.edu] (a commercial site)


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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[[Category:Western Esotericism]]
[[Category:Western Esotericism]]
[[Category:Philosophy]]
[[Category:Philosophy]]
[[Category:Schools of Thought]]
[[es:Teosofía]]
[[it:Teosofia]]

Revision as of 14:46, 18 June 2020

For the Theosophical journal see Theosophy (periodical)

Theosophy derives from the Greek term θεοσοφία (theosophia), from θεός (theos), "god", "gods" or "divine", and σοφία (sophia), wisdom; variously translated as divine wisdom, the wisdom of God or the gods, or wisdom in things divine. The term is first found in writings of Porphyry (AD 234–c. 305), a well-known Alexandrian philosopher who belonged to the Neo-Platonic school.[1] In the course of time, several people and movements spiritually inclined also adopted the denomination of "theosophers" or "theosophists" for themselves. That was the case of Meister Eckhart in the 14th century, a group of Renaissance philosophers such as Paracelsus in the 16th century, Robert Fludd, Thomas Vaughan, and Jacob Boehme in the 17th; and Emanuel Swedenborg and Karl von Eckartshausen in the 18 th century, among others. Finally, the theosophical movement reappeared in the 19th century with the founding of the Theosophical Society in 1875 by H. P. Blavatsky, H. S. Olcott, W. Q. Judge, and others.

H. P. Blavatsky, states that "theosophia properly means not a knowledge of "God" but of gods, i.e., divine, that is superhuman knowledge".[2] In The Theosophical Glossary, she describes the term further as follows:

Theosophia (Gr.). Wisdom-religion, or "Divine Wisdom". The substratum and basis of all the world-religions and philosophies, taught and practised by a few elect ever since man became a thinking being. In its practical bearing, Theosophy is purely divine ethics; the definitions in dictionaries are pure nonsense, based on religious prejudice and ignorance of the true spirit of the early Rosicrucians and mediæval philosophers who called themselves Theosophists.[3]

Neo-Platonic theosophy

The origin of the term theosophia is unknown, but it is likely to have been coined by the Neo-Platonic (a philosophical school founded by Ammonius Saccas, who was born ca. 175). Based on the writings of the famous Platonist Prof. Alexander Wilder, H. P. Blavatsky suggests that the term was commonly used by all Neo-Platonists.[4] However, researches made in the late 1980s by scholars James Santucci[5] and Dr. Jean-Louis Siémons[6] showed that it is only with the third-generation Neo-Platonist Porphyry (234–305) that we find the term in writing for the first time. In Porphyry’s view, the divine wisdom is a state of illumination that can be attained by self-exertion. The theosophos (Gr. θεόσοφος) tries "by himself, to elevate himself, alone to alone, to a communion with the divine." With Iamblichus (250–325), the pure mystical meaning given to the term by Porphyry acquires a more occult or magical significance. He proposed that the theosophia can be attained through theurgy (Gr. θεουργία), a series of religious rituals and magic operations aimed at elevating consciousness. Proclus (412–485) uses the term in yet another way to denominate specific spiritual doctrines, making reference to a local 'Hellenic theosophy', but also to a foreign or barbarian (that is, non-Greek) theosophy, referring to Chaldean doctrines.

Christian theosophy

Many early Christians, including a number of Church Fathers, were students of Neo-Platonic teachers. They also adopted the term theosophia, but used it in a more Christian sense to mean "the Wisdom of God". Clement of Alexandria (150–215) talks about a theosophos as one who writes "driven by divine inspiration," and thus in time this term came to be used to refer to the prophets of old. An important difference between the Neo-Platonic and Christian concepts of theosophia, is that in the former view no one is a born theosophos—he becomes such by long exertion, application to philosophy, self-purification and contemplation of the divine.[7] In the Christian view the divine wisdom is bestowed by God—as He chooses—upon the prophet, in the form of a revelation. After the Neo-Platonists disappeared in the 6th century, the term theosophia continued to be used in Christianity during the Middle Ages, but frequently in a lower sense as a synonym of theologia. In the 9th century, after the re-discovery of the works of Pseudo-Dionysius (a Christian Neo-Platonist that lived ca. 500) the term regained a lofty meaning among great mystics such as Meister Eckhart, J. Tauler, John of Ruysbroeck, and others. It was through their writings that 17th to 19th century European mystics such as Boehme, Saint-Martin, Swedenborg, and others, inherited the term theosophy and adopted it as their own. With these “theosophers” (as they came to be known) the term became popular, being on the title of a number of books during the 1700s.[8] There continued to be publications on Christian theosophy until the middle of the 19th century.

Modern Theosophy

At the opening of the last quarter of the 19th century a committee formed by H. P. Blavatsky, H. S. Olcott, W. Q. Judge, and others, founded what they called the Theosophical Society. According to Col. Olcott, the choice of the name of the newly formed Society was subject of discussion in the committee, and several options were suggested, such as the Egyptological, the Hermetic, the Rosicrucian, etc. However, none of them seemed the right one. 'At last,' he recalls 'in turning over the leaves of the Dictionary, one of us came across the word "Theosophy," whereupon, after discussion, we unanimously agreed that that was the best of all.' Olcott explained this name was appropriate because it expressed 'the esoteric truth we wished to reach' and covered the ground of 'methods of occult scientific research.'[9] It does not seem likely that the name for the Society was chosen merely out of a dictionary search, since Madame Blavatsky had already connected her knowledge with the term theosophy a few months before, in a letter to Hiram Corson:

My belief is based on something older than the Rochester knockings [that began the Spiritualistic movement in 1848], and springs out from the same source of information that was used by Raymond Lully, Picus della Mirandola, Cornelius Agrippa, Robert Fludd, Henry More, et cetera, etc., all of whom have ever been searching for a system that should disclose to them the "deepest depths" of the Divine nature, and show them the real tie which binds all things together. I found at last, and many years ago, the cravings of my mind satisfied by this theosophy taught by the Angels and communicated by them that the protoplast might know it for the aid of the human destiny.[10]

Uses of the term by H. P. Blavatsky

In her article "The Beacon of the Unknown" Mme. Blavatsky says there are two Theosophies: that of the true Theosophist and that of the regular fellow of the Theosophical Society.[11] The first is the "true Theosophy, inner Theosophy, that of the soul"[12] and it is connected with the use and development of the spiritual intuition.[13] Here, the term Theosophy is used in its literal sense, as a state of divine wisdom that transcends the intellectual faculties.

The second meaning of the term was defined by H. P. Blavatsky as follows: "Theosophy, as already said, is the WISDOM-RELIGION". In this aspect, theosophy represents a body of teachings which is claimed to form the basis of every religious truth.

A third and more specific meaning was also assigned to the term by Mme. Blavatsky, to refer to the teachings that were given at the time through the Theosophical Society. The phrase "Modern Theosophy" is frequently used in this connection.

Living Theosophy

According to one of the Masters of Wisdom, Theosophy should not be seen a mere intellectual philosophy, but should express itself as a way of living based on love and the search for truth:

Theosophy can only find objective expression in an all-embracing code of life, thoroughly impregnated with the spirit of mutual tolerance, charity, and brotherly love. Its Society, as a body, has a task before it which, unless performed with the utmost discretion, will cause the world of the indifferent and the selfish to rise up in arms against it. Theosophy has to fight intolerance, prejudice, ignorance and selfishness, hidden under the mantle of hypocrisy. It has to throw all the light it can from the torch of Truth, with which its servants are entrusted. It must do this without fear or hesitation, dreading neither reproof nor condemnation. Theosophy, through its mouthpiece, the Society, has to tell the TRUTH to the very face of LIE; to beard the tiger in its den, without thought or fear of evil consequences, and to set at defiance calumny and threats. As an Association, it has not only the right, but the duty to uncloak vice and do its best to redress wrongs, whether through the voice of its chosen lecturers or the printed word of its journals and publications—making its accusations, however, as impersonal as possible. But its Fellows, or Members, have individually no such right. Its followers have, first of all, to set the example of a firmly outlined and as firmly applied morality, before they obtain the right to point out, even in a spirit of kindness, the absence of a like ethic unity and singleness of purpose in other associations or individuals. No Theosophist should blame a brother, whether within or outside of the association; neither may he throw a slur upon another’s actions or denounce him, lest he himself lose the right to be considered as a Theosophist. For, as such, he has to turn away his gaze from the imperfections of his neighbour, and centre rather his attention upon his own shortcomings, in order to correct them and become wiser. Let him not show the disparity between claim and action in another, but, whether in the case of a brother, a neighbour, or simply a fellow man, let him rather ever help one weaker than himself on the arduous walk of life.[14]

According to Annie Besant

Dr. Annie Besant talks about a primary and a secondary meaning for the word Theosophy. In her view the primary meaning has to do with the development of the ability to gain a "direct" personal knowledge of the divine. This aspect is present in the mysticism and esotericism of different religions:

Theosophy is this direct knowledge of God; the search after this is the Mysticism, or Esotericism, common to all religions, thrown by Theosophy into a scientific form, as in Hinduism, Buddhism, Roman Catholic Christianity, and Sufism. Like these, it teaches in a quite clear and definite way the methods of reaching firsthand knowledge by unfolding the spiritual consciousness, and by evolving the organs through which that consciousness can function on our earth –once more, the methods of meditation and of a discipline of life.[15]

The secondary meaning lies at the level of the basic philosophical and moral teachings shared by different religions:

Theosophy, in a secondary sense–-the above being the primary-–is the body of doctrine, obtained by separating the beliefs common to all religions from the peculiarities, specialities, rites, ceremonies and customs which mark off one religion from another; it presents these common truths as a consensus of world-beliefs, forming, in their entirety, the Wisdom-religion, or the Universal Religion, the source from which all separate religions spring, the trunk of the Tree of Life from which they all branch forth.[16]

Definition by Fritz Kunz

American Theosophist Fritz Kunz gave another perspective on the term in his entry "Theosophy" written for Runes' Dictionary of Philosophy:

Theosophy: (Gr., lit. "divine wisdom") is a term introduced in the third century by Ammonius Saccas, the master of Plotinus, to identify a recurring tendency prompted often by renewed impulses from the Orient, but implicit in mystery schools as that of Eleusis, among the Essenes and elsewhere. Theosophy differs from speculative philosophy in allowing validity to some classes of mystical experience as regard soul and spirit, and in recognising clairvoyance and telepathy and kindred forms of perception as linking the worlds of psyche and body. Its content describes a transcendental field as the only real (approximating to Brahman, Nous, and Pleroma) from which emerge material universes in series, with properties revealing that supreme Being. Two polarities appear as the first manifesting stage, consciousness or spirit (Brahma, Chaos, Holy Ghost), and matter or energy (Siva, Logos, Father). Simultaneously, life appears clothed in matter and spirit, as form or species (Vishnu, Cosmos, Son). In a sense, life is the direct reflection of the transcendent supreme, hence biological thinking has a privileged place in Theosophy. Thus, cycles of life are perceived in body, psyche, soul and spirit. The lesser of these is reincarnation of impersonal soul in many personalities. A larger epoch is "the cycle of necessity", when spirit evolves over vast periods. -- F.K.[17]

Additional resources

Articles and pamphlets

Books

Audio

Video

Social Media

Bibliographies

Collections of digital resources

Notes

  1. Santucci, James A. On Theosophia And Related Terms (Theosophical History, vol. II, no. 3, 1987), 107-110
  2. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 335.
  3. Blavatsky, H. P., Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1918), 304.
  4. Blavatsky, H. P., The Key to Theosophy (London: Theosophical Publishing House, [1968], 1-2)
  5. Santucci, James A. On Theosophia And Related Terms (Theosophical History, vol. II, no. 3, 1987), 107-110
  6. Jean-Louis Siémons, Theosophia in Neo-Platonic and Christian Literature, (London: Theosophical History Centre, 1988)
  7. Siémons, op. cit., p. 24
  8. Faivre, Antoine, Theosophy, Imagination, Tradition (Albany, State University of New York Press, 2000), 19
  9. Olcott, H. S., Old Diary Leaves, v. 1 (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 132
  10. Algeo, John (Ed.), The Letters of H. P. Blavatsky, v. 1, Letter 21, (Wheaton, Il: Quest Books, TPH, 2003), p. 86.
  11. Blavatsky, H. P., Collected Writings vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 252.
  12. Blavatsky, H. P., Collected Writings vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 254.
  13. Blavatsky, H. P., Collected Writings vol. XI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 253.
  14. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. VII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 174-175.
  15. Besant, Annie, Theosophy (London: T.C. & E.C. Jack, [1912?]), 12.
  16. Besant, Annie, Theosophy (London: T.C. & E.C. Jack, [1912?]), 12.
  17. Fritz Kunz, "Theosophy." Dagobart D. Runes, editor. Dictionary of Philosophy. New York: Philosophical Library, 1942. Available at Dictionary of Philosophy.