The Theosophical
Society in Australia

It has been said that one of the "occupational hazards" of being a member of the Theosophical Society is the frequently asked question, "What is Theosophy?" Perhaps we should address this question, before taking up some of the concepts found in the theosophical philosophy, particularly as it is a question that is not so easily answered and we often find ourselves stumbling around for the right words to explain the term.

A former president of the Society, N. Sri Ram, wrote on one occasion: 'The word theosophy is defined neither in the constitution of the Society nor in any official document. It is evidently intended that each one of us should discover for himself what it is, or of what nature it is.' Now while there is indeed no official definition of Theosophy and we may agree with Mr Sri Ram that each one of us must discover its meaning for ourselves, we may suggest some approaches to an understanding of the term. Every one of the Society's leaders has at one time or other offered a definition, and a study of some of those statements can be helpful as we formulate our own understanding in terms of a definition that satisfies us.

May we suggest that there may be three aspects to answering the question, 'What is Theosophy?' The first aspect is a simple definition of the word. As you probably know, Theosophy is derived from two Greek words, theos, which means 'god' or 'divine, and sophos, which means 'wise'. Therefore, we may say, quite simply, that Theosophy is the 'Divine Wisdom'. Some people prefer to call it the wisdom of the divine nature of things or spiritual wisdom.

The second aspect to be considered in answering the question, 'What is Theosophy?' concerns what we may call the doctrine or the teachings, the concepts which form the theosophical worldview. That worldview embodies a tradition founded on certain fundamental propositions which have been expressed in a number of ways. The basic proposition stresses the unity and interconnectedness of all life, the essential oneness of all species on earth and of all peoples. Other propositions, particularly those presented by H.P. Blavatsky in her brilliant exposition of theosophical metaphysics, The Secret Doctrine, emphasise the purposeful, ordered and meaningful processes of nature, and the progressively unfolding latent powers of spirit and consciousness according to the inherent lawfulness of those processes.

Under this second aspect, we study such concepts as reincarnation, karma, the existence of superphysical worlds, the processes of spiritual unfoldment, the nature of the human constitution, the stages of after-death existence, the ideal of Adeptship, etc. It is for each student to determine how deeply these concepts are to be probed and investigated.

Remember that the Theosophical Society itself imposes no dogma or belief on its members, so we are left free to pursue any or all of these ideas. To quote Mr Sri Ram again: 'It is only in absolute freedom of mind and heart that Truth in its absoluteness can shine and manifest itself. Therefore, in the Theosophical Society we try to maintain that freedom which is the open way.'

The third aspect to be considered in our effort to define Theosophy, or to answer what it is, involves a way of life. To many members, this is the really essential aspect of Theosophy, for they feel that it is implicit in its study. Theosophy, then, is a way of life in which we act from a realisation of our oneness with all others and strive to awaken our inner, spiritual potentials for intuition, understanding, insight, love, and compassion. It is a way of life that encourages self­-awareness through meditation as an inner discipline, and through altruistic service as the outer expression of our sense of oneness with all life.

Let me close with three quotations:

Theosophy is ... the archaic Wisdom-Religion, the esoteric doctrine once known in every ancient country having claims to civilization.

H.P. Blavatsky

Theosophy is that ocean of knowledge which spreads from shore to shore of the evolution of sentient beings; unfathomable in its deepest parts, it gives the greatest minds their fullest scope, yet, shallow enough at its shores, it will not overwhelm the understanding of a child.

W.Q. Judge

Theosophy is a knowledge of truth, in its essence, of the heart of truth, that nature or Principle which is present in all that exists and also in the heart of man*, making it possible for him to know the truth of everything in a flash.

N.Sri Ram

   *We have retained the term "man" as it appeared in the original article by N. Sri Ram, but it is to be understood as referring to the human being,
     whether male or female.

Suggested Articles - follow the links

Why Theosophy is Left Undefined

The Living Tradition: Historical Review Pedro Oliveira

The Original Aim and Present Direction of the Theosophical Society