TheosophyTheosophyTheosophyTheosophy

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1.Video: Madame Blavatsky, “Mother of the New Age”

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1.Video: Madame Blavatsky, “Mother of the New Age”

Slide 4.

Theosophy BeliefsTheosophy BeliefsTheosophy BeliefsTheosophy Beliefs

• We lack true understanding of the world.• That truth comes for Ascended Masters.

• Were human, almost podlike – thousands of years.

• Buddha, Jesus were Ascended Masters• 100’s-1000’s of these AMs throughout the world,

in schools.• Seven-foot tall one in London, white clothing &

turban (according to Alice Bailey)• AMs are like Bodhisattvas

Slide 5.

Theosophy BeliefsTheosophy BeliefsTheosophy BeliefsTheosophy Beliefs

• There are 1000’s of other worlds. • All in the same great cosmic drama.• Their history and mythology are described by

Blavatsky.• Sanat Kumara (lord of earth. Came from

Venus 18 million years ago) lives at Shamballa – in another dimension in Gobi desert.

Slide 6.

Conception of Conception of Divine/TranscendentDivine/Transcendent

Conception of Conception of Divine/TranscendentDivine/Transcendent

• No “God” but the ultimate is:• “the One”• Unlimited• Absolute• Indescribable• Is.• Ultimate Cause, but not creator.

• Evolves through an eternal dynamic of spirit & matter.• We know “the One” by knowing our consciousness.

• Turn inward to know the outward world as it really is.• Reject personal, anthropomorphic God, a logical

impossibility• (Platonic, Hegelian, Samkya Yoga)

Slide 7.

EvilEvilEvilEvil

• Strictly there are no devils, demons, evil.• But they explain why bad things happen:

• Disharmony.• Accidents are part of the ebb & flow of nature.• When we increase disharmony (by ignorance of

our consciousness) we contribute to these bad things.

• Pain = want of harmony.• Selfishness is source of disharmony.

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1.Isis Unveiled video

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1.Isis Unveiled video

Slide 10.

HumanityHumanityHumanityHumanity

1. We are complex interpenetrating planes of matter & consciousness

2. We are manifestations of the ultimate, therefore interconnected with each other & with all the universe.

3. Consciousness reached a special level in humans, therefore have a special responsibility for development of the universe.

Slide 11.

Humanity: BodiesHumanity: BodiesHumanity: BodiesHumanity: Bodies• There are 7 bodies.• 4 outer (lower forms):

1. Physical body2. Etheric body – close to physical, spiritualized a bit3. Astral body – can separate & travel in space & time

(dozens of groups also become)4. Manasic body – lacks physical form. Mental ball of

energy• 3 inner (higher forms). Imperishable triad. These three

survive death and continue life in another being.1. Manas – mind, intelligence2. Buddhi – soul, spiritual being3. Atma – absolute self

Slide 12.

Humanity: Root SpeciesHumanity: Root SpeciesHumanity: Root SpeciesHumanity: Root Species

• There will be seven root species in cosmic earth.

• We are the 5th.• Each has been a different composite of

body & matter.• We are to be masters of the material

world.• Science.

Slide 13.

Humanity: FreedomHumanity: FreedomHumanity: FreedomHumanity: Freedom

• We can’t change things through prayer• But it is somewhat in our control.• We are free agents.• You can change the universe by changing

yourself.

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1.Stories video

Slide 15.

Death & the AfterlifeDeath & the AfterlifeDeath & the AfterlifeDeath & the Afterlife

• Karma & reincarnation.• Karma is the larger ordering principle which

governs reincarnation• Doing bad things accumulates bad karma

• Reborn as grasshopper, perhaps.• Doing good things more enlightened.

• Good = morals• Bad = manipulation

Slide 16.

Death & the AfterlifeDeath & the AfterlifeDeath & the AfterlifeDeath & the Afterlife• 16 levels of this world to be reborn in:

• Hungry ghost (lowest)• …• Human beings (in the middle)• …• Deva (eats ambrosia, floating around, distracted, not

desire)• Not immediately reborn when you die.

• Go to Devachan (like purgatory – review your life)• When reborn, don’t take your personality &

memories (unless you acquire the right skills)• To the extent you fail to know your true self, you

will have a bad time with death.

Slide 17.

How to live the good lifeHow to live the good lifeHow to live the good lifeHow to live the good life

• Non-prescriptive ethical system• Don’t care about individual behaviour• But oppose racial prejudice, nuclear

bombs, oppression.

Slide 18.

SummarySummarySummarySummary• Theosophy Beliefs: truth comes from Ascended Masters; There are 1000’s

of other worlds. • Conception of Divine/Transcendent: No “God” but “the One” is knowable by

knowing our consciousness.• Evil: no devils, demons, evil; why bad things happen: disharmony.• Humanity

• manifestations of the ultimate, interconnected with each other & all the universe.• 7 Bodies• Root Species: We are the 5th of 7 on earth.• Freedom: You can change the universe by changing yourself.

• Death & the Afterlife• Karma & reincarnation; Bad = manipulation• 16 levels of this world to be reborn in:• Not immediately reborn when you die, but go to Devachan (like purgatory)

• How to live the good life: no rules, but oppose generally recognized evil.