Related Terms • Buddhism • Hinduism

Profile:
Name: Theosophy, The Theosophical Society
Founded: November 17, 1875
Lineage:

Founders:
Name: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
Born: August 12, 1831 in the Ukraine
Died: May 8, 1891 (influenza)

Name: H.S. Olcott (Henry Steel Olcott)
Born: August 2, 1832 in Orange, New Jersey
Died: February 17, 1907 in Adyar, Madras (heart disease)

History:
The label "Theosophy" means "wisdom of god" is generally applied to the school of religious thought created by the Theosophical Society, which was founded in New York City in 1875 by Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, a self-proclaimed psychic from Russia, and Col. H.S. Olcott (1832-1907). Blavatsky's writings constitute the most important source of Theosophical beliefs and her book The Secret Doctrine (1888) is generally regarded as the key Theosophical text.

Madame Blavatsky was originally married to a older general, whom she abandoned, and she later moved in with a Bulgarian opera singer (whom she may have married). She developed a relationship with the medium Daniel Dunglas Home from whom she presumably learned all of her tricks and methods. She was later revealed to engage in blatant deceit in her attempts to get people to believe that she had contact with the spirit world, but this did little to decrease her popularity.

After the deaths of Blavatsky and Olcott, Annie Besant (1847-1923) became the leader of the Society. In 1911 Besant declared Jiddu Krishnamurti to be the next "World Teacher," a role fulfilled in the past by people like Jesus and Buddha. Krishnamurti, however, later rejected this claim and went his own way. The influence and popularity of Theosophy declined after the 1930s, but the Theosophical Society still has a presence in 60 countries. It has found appeal in India among a wide variety of Hindus who have eclectic beliefs.

Beliefs:
Theosophy incorporates aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism, especially the belief in reincarnation and spiritual development. Human salvation, in turn, depends upon the development of spiritual and mental discipline. Prior to the incorporation of Eastern religious traditions, Olcott and Blavatsky had already absorbed quite a lot from alternative spiritual traditions which had become increasingly popular in the United States, including Swedenborgianism, Transcendentalism, Gnosticism, spiritualism, and Native American shamanism.

One thing which characterized Theosophy, especially in its early days, was its general lack of involvement with social concerns. This was a result of two forces, the first of which was the general emphasis on personal spiritual growth. Because people must take an active role in the development of their spiritual knowledge and powers, this left little time for interest in the social conditions of others - convenient, since most members tended to come from the middle or upper classes.

A second reason was the impact of particular ideas regarding karma and reincarnation. More extreme forms of these beliefs teach that anyone who currently lives in impoverished or desperate circumstances does so as a consequence of errors committed in past lives. Thus, in essence, current problems are also current punishments. This makes it relatively easy to ignore their plight and enjoy one's own life.

Issues:
Although Blavatsky claimed to have psychic powers and to be able to communicate with the dead, all the evidence indicates that she was a fraud and had no such powers at all. In addition, many have argued that much of the material in her important works was plagiarized from other sources. After her death some moved away from her teachings and formed their own, independent theosophical societies; nevertheless, most involved in the movement continue to believe in her claimed powers and continue to give credibility to her writings.

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.