Analysis of contents Is Theosophy a Religion?

1 analysis of contents

1.1 incorrect assumptions
1.2 against blind faith
1.3 theosophical definition of religion
1.4 spiritual alchemy
1.5 source of wisdom
1.6 prejudices , misconceptions

analysis of contents
incorrect assumptions

the article begins statement (the author has reproduced repeatedly elsewhere) there general sense of confusion , lack of understanding public true nature of theosophical movement. in particular, assumed movement religion.

year after year, , day after day had our officers , members interrupt people speaking of theosophical movement putting in more or less emphatic protests against theosophy being referred religion, , theosophical society kind of church or religious body. still worse, spoken of new sect !

thus, according major founder of movement, theosophy can not called either religion or sect in usual sense of word. asks rhetorical question, whether confusion result of deep-rooted prejudice or mistake due lack of information. , @ same time suggests frank cynics , slanderers don t miss opportunity labels ism or sect engender sense of distrust. blavatsky says opinion of absolute majority not true.

against blind faith

blavatsky emphasizes dogmatic religions antithesis of objectivity , dull thinking not correspond theosophical principles. , says main task of movement has been struggle such beliefs.

moreover, raison d être of theosophical society was, beginning, utter loud protest , lead open warfare against dogma or belief based upon blind faith.

thus, raison d être characterized here corrective impulse, expressed in form of loud protest , open warfare against status quo. objects of same discontent rigid dogmatic positions. criticism directed @ prevailing attitude when thoughtless decision preferable, not unhindered investigation. in regard, blavatsky states best recruits of theosophical movement came camp of agnosticism or materialism, process of discussion more free , not constrained dogma. how can assumed, essence of logic such more difficult overcome personal biases, if have christian origin, because science, @ least, approve objectivity, while christianity preaches exclusivity.

theosophical definition of religion

blavatsky concerned how modern theosophy perceived public. once again reiterates that, point of view, theosophy not religion, although associated specific religious, philosophical , scientific conceptions, , hence can give rise confusion. nevertheless, point of view, theosophy presented not religion, religion itself. strong assertion assumes theosophy expression of more sincere religious feeling , more authoritative knowledge , experience provided in existing popular forms of religion. blavatsky feels theosophy able eliminate uncomfortable , distracting social functions of religion, considers exoteric, , create elite esoteric ideational source, available qualified, trained persons.

what theosophical interpretation of religion ?

religion in true , correct sense, bond uniting men together—not particular set of dogmas , beliefs. religion, per se, in widest meaning binds not men, beings , things in entire universe 1 grand whole. our theosophical definition of religion...

thus theosophy not religion, say, religion itself, 1 bond of unity, universal , all-embracing no man, no speck—from gods , mortal down animals, blade of grass , atom—can outside of light. therefore, organization or body of name must universal brotherhood.

spiritual alchemy

blavatsky writes that, considered philosophy, theosophy transmutes apparently base metal of every ritualistic , dogmatic creed (christianity included) gold of fact , truth, , produces universal panacea ills of mankind. analogy explains difference between exoteric , esoteric interpretation of symbols, myths, legends, scriptures, folklore, is, of forms of cultural material. point of view of blavatsky, theosophy filter, through must skipped , transmuted religious attributes. sincerely believes methodology urgently needed correct distorted representation of exoteric side of religion.

according author, practical theosophy not 1 science because covers existing sciences of spiritual , physical life. can called global mentor or teacher of universal knowledge, experience, , erudition, designed not pupils pass exams in kinds of scientific , moral activity in earthly life, prepare them next lives. this, necessary study universe , mysteries looking through oneself, , not through spectacles of orthodox science , religions.

source of wisdom

kalnitsky noted that, according myth of origins of theosophical doctrine, original truth of universe first transferred ancestors of human race spiritually advanced beings in greater extent assumed in exoteric approach. original revelation extra-cosmic truth (i. e. transfer of primary spiritual knowledge in appropriate phase of cycle) allegedly carried out spiritually elevated wise beings sure esoteric knowledge fixed of symbolic encoding , tradition spiritually mature , correctly oriented interpreters. transfer of original truth necessary part of evolutionary scheme, , involved in spiritually advanced beings must ensure primordial wisdom available in circumstances , conditions, albeit in veiled or secret form.

about spiritually advanced wise beings blavatsky writes follows:

so-called occultism , or rather esoteric science, has traced in origin beings who, led karma, have incarnated in our humanity, , struck key-note of secret science countless generations of subsequent adepts have expanded since in every age, while checked doctrines personal observation , experience. bulk of knowledge—which no man able possess in fulness—constitutes call theosophy or divine knowledge .

blavatsky writes unity of in universe in implies , justifies belief in existence of theosophical knowledge @ once scientific, philosophical , religious, demonstrating reality of interconnectedness of beings , objects of universe. knowledge, therefore, becomes religion, , must called in integrity , universality distinctive name of wisdom-religion.

prejudices , misconceptions

blavatsky writes parent trunk of religions , philosophical systems contains great truth date hidden, distorted or ignored. believes secret doctrine book, in set out can transmitted humanity in century , , attempt clear part of common foundation of all—great , small religious , philosophical systems. found indispensable tear away mass of concreted misconceptions , prejudice hides parent trunk of (a) great world-religions; (b) of smaller sects; , (c) of theosophy stands now—however veiled great truth, ourselves , our limited knowledge.

blavatsky believes prejudice , misconceptions have accumulated quite lot, because created great crowd, , theosophists attempt deal them has led fact attack on theosophical writers , society have become permanent. friends , readers of theosophical journals characterize attempt deal errors merciless attacks on christianity, untheosophical assaults , on. writes: yet these necessary, nay, indispensable, if wish plough @ least approximate truths. have lay things bare, , ready suffer it—as usual. vain promise give truth, , leave mingled error out of mere faint-heartedness... our masterly policy of inactivity , , playing @ hide-and-seek in shadow of dreary metaphysics, have led theosophy being regarded religious sect.

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