Theosophical Study

Study and Occultism

H. P. Blavatsky stated that the study of Theosophy is a necessary preliminary before developing any interest in practical occultism:

Study the Esoteric Sciences with their double object: (a) of proving Man to be identical in spiritual and physical essence with both the Absolute Principle and with God in Nature; and (b) of demonstrating the presence in him of the same potential powers as exist in the creative forces in Nature––to such an one a perfect knowledge of the correspondences between Colors, Sounds and Numbers is the first requisite.

Theurgy has to be preceded by a training of our senses and the knowledge of the human Self in relation to the Divine SELF. So long as man has not thoroughly mastered this preliminary study, it is idle to anthropomorphize the formless.

Knowledge of the inner meaning of their hierarchies, and purity of life alone can lead to the acquisition of the powers necessary for communion with them.

Damodar K. Mavalankar placed emphasis on study, not only as an intellectual preparation but also as a means of spiritualizing our nature:

Before a person can have the privilege of being admitted as a chela even, he has to pass through a succession of lives, and prepare himself theoretically for the task. . . . According to western notions this may sound very strange; but, nevertheless, it is a fact. The man has to study theoretically first, and develop within himself this germ of adeptship, before he can ever hope to approach the Secret Sanctuary in any capacity.

How can we etherealise ourselves? By studying the action of Causes and Effects and acting accordingly. Or, in other words, by obtaining knowledge of the Forces of Nature—in one word, by studying occultism. . . . And just as one step leads you to certain progress, more Knowledge will lead you to a greater progress. . . . The more he studies and understands the action of the Forces of Nature, the more is he in a position to benefit Humanity.