Theosophist - Revision history

Pablo Sender: /* Online resources */

2023-12-27T22:36:29Z

Online resources

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	===Audio===		===Audio===
			*[https://ia802903.us.archive.org/28/items/1438norm_202004/1438norm.mp3# What Membership in the Theosophical Society Implies] by Radha Burnier
	*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/narayan/1412.mp3# Am I a Theosophist?] by Surendra Narayan		*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/narayan/1412.mp3# Am I a Theosophist?] by Surendra Narayan
	*[https://archive.org/download/1291_20191220/1291.mp3# From Vision to Action] by Joy Mills		*[https://archive.org/download/1291_20191220/1291.mp3# From Vision to Action] by Joy Mills

	===Video===		===Video===
	*[https://~~youtu~~.be/QGD_lDWLH28# Our Mission as Theosophists] by John Algeo		*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGD_lDWLH28# Our Mission as Theosophists] by John Algeo
	*[https://youtu.be/ovWQiLkaqQs# The Mystic, the Scholar, and the Magus] by Pablo Sender		*[https://youtu.be/ovWQiLkaqQs# The Mystic, the Scholar, and the Magus] by Pablo Sender
			*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndiLpulr22M# Calling and Covenant: Our Undivided Relations with All Life] by Maria Parisen

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

SysopJ: /* Articles */

2023-11-21T17:49:32Z

Articles

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	==Online resources==		==Online resources==
	===Articles===		===Articles===
	*[~~http~~://www.theosophy.ph/~~encyclo~~/~~index.php?title=Theosophist,_Definition_of#~~ Definition of Theosophist] at ~~Theosopedia~~		*[https://www.theosophy.world/encyclopedia/theosophist-definition Definition of Theosophist] at Theosophy World
	*[https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/viewpoint-on-being-eclectic On Being Eclectic] by John Algeo		*[https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/viewpoint-on-being-eclectic On Being Eclectic] by John Algeo
	*[http://hpb.narod.ru/PracticalWorkForTheosophistsAB.htm# Practical Work for Theosophists] by Annie Besant		*[http://hpb.narod.ru/PracticalWorkForTheosophistsAB.htm# Practical Work for Theosophists] by Annie Besant

SysopJ: /* Online resources */

2023-11-17T13:28:39Z

Online resources

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 17 November 2023
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	===Articles===		===Articles===
	*[http://www.theosophy.ph/encyclo/index.php?title=Theosophist,_Definition_of# Definition of Theosophist] at Theosopedia		*[http://www.theosophy.ph/encyclo/index.php?title=Theosophist,_Definition_of# Definition of Theosophist] at Theosopedia
	*[~~http~~://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/~~1284#~~ On Being Eclectic] by John Algeo		*[https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/viewpoint-on-being-eclectic On Being Eclectic] by John Algeo
	*[http://hpb.narod.ru/PracticalWorkForTheosophistsAB.htm# Practical Work for Theosophists] by Annie Besant		*[http://hpb.narod.ru/PracticalWorkForTheosophistsAB.htm# Practical Work for Theosophists] by Annie Besant
	*[http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/bcw/b78-2-8b.htm# A Society without a Dogma] by H. P. Blavatsky		*[http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/bcw/b78-2-8b.htm# A Society without a Dogma] by H. P. Blavatsky

Pablo Sender: /* Online resources */

2023-09-15T22:10:42Z

Online resources

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:10, 15 September 2023
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	*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/narayan/1412.mp3# Am I a Theosophist?] by Surendra Narayan		*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/narayan/1412.mp3# Am I a Theosophist?] by Surendra Narayan
	*[https://archive.org/download/1291_20191220/1291.mp3# From Vision to Action] by Joy Mills		*[https://archive.org/download/1291_20191220/1291.mp3# From Vision to Action] by Joy Mills

			===Video===
			*[https://youtu.be/QGD_lDWLH28# Our Mission as Theosophists] by John Algeo
			*[https://youtu.be/ovWQiLkaqQs# The Mystic, the Scholar, and the Magus] by Pablo Sender

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

SysopJ at 20:59, 27 January 2023

2023-01-27T20:59:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:59, 27 January 2023
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	[[Category:Theosophical concepts]]		[[Category:Theosophical concepts]]
			[[es:Teósofo]]

Pablo Sender at 23:44, 6 May 2020

2020-05-06T23:44:12Z

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	~~{{Template:Article needs expansion}}~~		<b>NOTE: For the periodical of this name, see [[The Theosophist (periodical)\|''The Theosophist'']]</b>
	<br>
	~~<br>~~
	<br>

	~~<b>NOTE: For the periodical of this name, see [[The Theosophist (periodical)\|''The Theosophist'']]</b>~~

	[[H. P. Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]] ~~defined~~ the term as follows:		The word '''Theosophist''' is today generally applied to a member of a Theosophical organization or to a student of [[Theosophy]]. However, the founders of the Theosophical Society reserved this term for those people who had attained ''theos-sophia'', that is, divine wisdom.

			Related terms such as the Greek "''theosophos''" and "theosopher" were used by some Neoplatonists and Christian mystics (such as Jakob Böhme) respectively.

			== Historical use ==

			[[H. P. Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]] expounded on the historical use of the term "Theosophist" as follows:

	<blockquote>'''Theosophists.''' A name by which many mystics at various periods of history have called themselves. The Neo-Platonists of Alexandria were Theosophists; the Alchemists and Kabbalists during the mediaeval ages were likewise so called, also the Martinists, the Quietists, and other kinds of mystics, whether acting independently or incorporated in a brotherhood or society. All real lovers of divine Wisdom and Truth had, and have, a right to the name, rather than those who, appropriating the qualification, live lives or perform actions opposed to the principles of Theosophy. As described by Brother Kenneth R. Mackenzie, the Theosophists of the past centuries -- "entirely speculative, and founding no schools, have still exercised a silent influence upon philosophy; and, no doubt, when the time arrives, many ideas thus silently propounded may yet give new directions to human thought. ~~One of the ways in which these doctrines have obtained not only authority, but power, has been among certain enthusiasts in the higher degrees of Masonry~~. ~~This power has, however, to a great degree died with the founders, and modern Freemasonry contains few traces of theosophic influence~~. However accurate and beautiful some of the ideas of Swedenborg, Pernetty, Paschalis, Saint Martin, Marconis, Ragon, and Chastanier may have been, they have but little direct influence on society." This is true of the Theosophists of the last three centuries, but not of the later ones. For the Theosophists of the current century have already visibly impressed themselves on modern literature, and introduced the desire and craving for some philosophy in place of the blind dogmatic faith of yore, among the most intelligent portions of ~~human-kind. Such is the difference between past and modern THEOSOPHY~~.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''The Theosophical Glossary'' (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 328-329.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>'''Theosophists.''' A name by which many mystics at various periods of history have called themselves. The Neo-Platonists of Alexandria were Theosophists; the Alchemists and Kabbalists during the mediaeval ages were likewise so called, also the Martinists, the Quietists, and other kinds of mystics, whether acting independently or incorporated in a brotherhood or society. All real lovers of divine Wisdom and Truth had, and have, a right to the name, rather than those who, appropriating the qualification, live lives or perform actions opposed to the principles of Theosophy. As described by Brother Kenneth R. Mackenzie, the Theosophists of the past centuries -- "entirely speculative, and founding no schools, have still exercised a silent influence upon philosophy; and, no doubt, when the time arrives, many ideas thus silently propounded may yet give new directions to human thought. . . . However accurate and beautiful some of the ideas of Swedenborg, Pernetty, Paschalis, Saint Martin, Marconis, Ragon, and Chastanier may have been, they have but little direct influence on society." This is true of the Theosophists of the last three centuries, but not of the later ones. For the Theosophists of the current century have already visibly impressed themselves on modern literature, and introduced the desire and craving for some philosophy in place of the blind dogmatic faith of yore, among the most intelligent portions of humankind.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''The Theosophical Glossary'' (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 328-329.</ref></blockquote>

	== ~~General description~~ ==		== Modern use ==

	Mme. Blavatsky ~~declared~~:		In connection with the modern use of this term, Mme. Blavatsky stated:

	<blockquote>A member of the [[Theosophical Society]] is not necessarily a Theosophist . . . and therefore it is so necessary that all should learn what a Theosophist is, and what any man must do to make Theosophy a living factor in his life".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 508.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>A member of the [[Theosophical Society]] is not necessarily a Theosophist . . . and therefore it is so necessary that all should learn what a Theosophist is, and what any man must do to make Theosophy a living factor in his life".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 508.</ref></blockquote>
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	<blockquote>He who does not practice altruism; he who is not prepared to share his last morsel with a weaker or poorer than himself; he who neglects to help his brother man, of whatever race, nation, or creed, whenever and wherever he meets suffering, and who turns a deaf ear to the cry of human misery; he who hears an innocent person slandered, whether a brother Theosophist or not, and does not undertake his defence as he would undertake his own––is no Theosophist.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 508.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>He who does not practice altruism; he who is not prepared to share his last morsel with a weaker or poorer than himself; he who neglects to help his brother man, of whatever race, nation, or creed, whenever and wherever he meets suffering, and who turns a deaf ear to the cry of human misery; he who hears an innocent person slandered, whether a brother Theosophist or not, and does not undertake his defence as he would undertake his own––is no Theosophist.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 508.</ref></blockquote>

	A similar statement can be found in the words of [[Koot Hoomi\|~~Master~~ K.H.]] He wrote:		A similar statement can be found in the words of one of Blavatsky's teachers, [[Koot Hoomi\|Mahatma K.H.]], who wrote:

	<blockquote>The first object of the Society is philanthropy. The true theosophist is the Philanthropist who— "not for himself, but for the world he lives."<ref>Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom'' Second Series No. 68 (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1977), 125.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>The first object of the Society is philanthropy. The true theosophist is the Philanthropist who—"not for himself, but for the world he lives."<ref>Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom'' Second Series No. 68 (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1977), 125.</ref></blockquote>

	Because a Theosophist is preparing himself to become a helper in the work of the Masters for humanity, he or she must be willing to make personal sacrifices and employ his time in making himself fit for that work. As Mme. Blavatsky wrote:		Because a Theosophist is preparing himself to become a helper in the work of the Masters for humanity, he or she must be willing to make personal sacrifices and employ his time in making himself fit for that work. As Mme. Blavatsky wrote:
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	In regards to the qualities of a Theosophist, Mme. Blavatsky wrote:		In regards to the qualities of a Theosophist, Mme. Blavatsky wrote:

	<blockquote>Any person of average intellectual capacities, and a leaning toward the ~~meta-physical~~; of pure, unselfish life, who finds more joy in helping his neighbour than in receiving help himself; one who is ever ready to sacrifice his own pleasures for the sake of other people; and who loves Truth, Goodness and Wisdom for their own sake, not for the benefit they may confer—is a Theosophist.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. I (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 156.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Any person of average intellectual capacities, and a leaning toward the metaphysical; of pure, unselfish life, who finds more joy in helping his neighbour than in receiving help himself; one who is ever ready to sacrifice his own pleasures for the sake of other people; and who loves Truth, Goodness and Wisdom for their own sake, not for the benefit they may confer—is a Theosophist.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. I (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 156.</ref></blockquote>

	~~== Universal~~ and ~~Non~~-dogmatic ==		She also connected this term with an unbiased and non-dogmatic search for Truth:

	<blockquote>Theosophists have no dogmas, exact no blind faith. Theosophists are ever ready to abandon every idea that is proved erroneous upon strictly logical deductions.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 304.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Theosophists have no dogmas, exact no blind faith. Theosophists are ever ready to abandon every idea that is proved erroneous upon strictly logical deductions.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 304.</ref></blockquote>

Pablo Sender: /* Articles */

2020-04-30T20:33:46Z

Articles

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	*[http://www.theosophy.ph/encyclo/index.php?title=Theosophist,_Definition_of# Definition of Theosophist] at Theosopedia		*[http://www.theosophy.ph/encyclo/index.php?title=Theosophist,_Definition_of# Definition of Theosophist] at Theosopedia
	*[http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1284# On Being Eclectic] by John Algeo		*[http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1284# On Being Eclectic] by John Algeo
			*[http://hpb.narod.ru/PracticalWorkForTheosophistsAB.htm# Practical Work for Theosophists] by Annie Besant
	*[http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/bcw/b78-2-8b.htm# A Society without a Dogma] by H. P. Blavatsky		*[http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/bcw/b78-2-8b.htm# A Society without a Dogma] by H. P. Blavatsky
	*[http://www.blavatsky.net/blavatsky/arts/WhatAreTheTheosophists.htm# What Are the Theosophists?] by H. P. Blavatsky		*[http://www.blavatsky.net/blavatsky/arts/WhatAreTheTheosophists.htm# What Are the Theosophists?] by H. P. Blavatsky

Pablo Sender: /* Audio */

2019-12-26T22:02:13Z

Audio

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	===Audio===		===Audio===
	*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/narayan/1412.mp3# Am I a Theosophist?] by Surendra Narayan		*[https://www.theosophical.org/files/resources/Downloads/mp3/narayan/1412.mp3# Am I a Theosophist?] by Surendra Narayan
			*[https://archive.org/download/1291_20191220/1291.mp3# From Vision to Action] by Joy Mills

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

Pablo Sender: /* General description */

2013-12-12T20:04:55Z

General description

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:04, 12 December 2013
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	<blockquote>A member of the [[Theosophical Society]] is not necessarily a Theosophist . . . and therefore it is so necessary that all should learn what a Theosophist is, and what any man must do to make Theosophy a living factor in his life".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 508.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>A member of the [[Theosophical Society]] is not necessarily a Theosophist . . . and therefore it is so necessary that all should learn what a Theosophist is, and what any man must do to make Theosophy a living factor in his life".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 508.</ref></blockquote>

	~~She then quotes~~ the ~~following~~:		<blockquote>The Theosophist who is at all in earnest, sees his responsibility and endeavours to find knowledge, living, in the meantime, up to the highest standard of which he is aware.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 4-5.</ref></blockquote>

	<blockquote>He who does not practice altruism; he who is not prepared to share his last morsel with a weaker or poorer than himself; he who neglects to help his brother man, of whatever race, nation, or creed, whenever and wherever he meets suffering, and who turns a deaf ear to the cry of human misery; he who hears an innocent person slandered, whether a brother Theosophist or not, and does not undertake his defence as he would undertake his own––is no Theosophist.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 508.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>He who does not practice altruism; he who is not prepared to share his last morsel with a weaker or poorer than himself; he who neglects to help his brother man, of whatever race, nation, or creed, whenever and wherever he meets suffering, and who turns a deaf ear to the cry of human misery; he who hears an innocent person slandered, whether a brother Theosophist or not, and does not undertake his defence as he would undertake his own––is no Theosophist.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 508.</ref></blockquote>

Janet Kerschner at 01:16, 18 November 2013

2013-11-18T01:16:08Z

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	<br>		<br>
	<br>		<br>

			<b>NOTE: For the periodical of this name, see [[The Theosophist (periodical)\|''The Theosophist'']]</b>

	[[H. P. Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]] defined the term as follows:		[[H. P. Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]] defined the term as follows: