Frequent questions

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WHAT IS THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY?
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Theosophical society is organization, estabilished in New York in year 1875. Society was estabilished with purpose of reasearching naure of universe and place. that human has in this universe; encouraging of understanding different cultures and to form core of universal brotherhood, without difference between people. Society consists of disciples, belonging to different religions or none. It’s members share in common approval of three objectives of Society. Today, the Society operates in 70 countries, with headquarters in India.
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WHAT IS THEOSOPHY?
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Primary meaning of this word is “Divine Wisdom” and it refers to direct spiritual experiences of mystics, yogis and wise man. Beside this, word Theosophy is used to label the doctrines, which are forwarded by those, who reached state of inner enlightment, In last meaning of word we must distinguish between modern Theosophy and ancient or timeless Theosophy. Timeless Theosophy, with many names labeled as “Tradition of Wisdom” or “Eternal Philosophy”, is univeral wisdom, of which particlescan be found in cultures all around the world and in all eras of history. It is foundation of inner or mystic side of numerous philosophies and religions. Theosophical Society is explanation, that Modern Theosophy is modern saying of this tradition.
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WHAT DOES TRADITION OF WISDOM TEACH US?
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Three basic ideas of Theosophy are (1) fundamental unity of entire existence; (2) correctness of universal law; (3) progress in evolution of consciousness through life cycles onto even larger realization of unity,
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WHAT DO THESE IDEAS MEAN IN DAILY LIFE AND HOW WE LIVE THEM?
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This abstract ideas have few very specific and practical results, for example:
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  • You and me are different expression of the same life and so whatever happens to one of us, happens to both – our prosperity is related to HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR AND BY DOING THIS YOU HELP YOURSELF.
  • Life and death are cyclical face of our existence, which alternate in a continuous sequence. This is part of the full process of spiritual development: Do not be afraid of death.
  • The purpose of life is to gather experience and learn, the purpose of death is to bring the experience and develop:
    LIVE WITH AWARNESS AND DESIRE TO LEARN
  • As we develop, not by renouncing the world, but by working together with the nature of the intention to safeguard and supplement: RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND BE ECOLOGICALY RESPONSIBLE
  • Disagreements and malice are the result of ignorance and selfishness: LIVE IN HARMONY AND GOODNESS, SO YOU CAN WITH YOUR SELF AND WORDS  INSTRUCT OTHERS

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IN WHICH SPECIFIC DOCTRINES DO THEOSOPHISTS BELIEVE?
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The Theosophical Society is non-dogmatic and encourages freedom of thought for each of its members. Theosophists are therefore encouraged to explore ideas (beliefs and words of others) and take only those who satisfy their sense of what is real and important. Modern Theosophy offers this view of life and presents ideas such as:
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  • There is a unity of all life in the universe that animates every form separately.
  • Life and consciousness are present in varying degrees in all.
  • The universe is multi-dimensional with levels of non-physical experiences .
  • People are determined by physical, life, emotional and spiritual dimensions .
  • There is a development of the mind and intelligence, as well as physical issues.
  • The reality of free will and personal responsibility.
  • People can consciously engage their development, speed up or slow down the process.
  • The law of reincarnation leads the soul back into physical life to develop their full potential.
  • The law of karma governs this process, adapting the causes and effects on the physical, moral and spiritual level.
  • The power of thought affects the individual and the environment.
  • Since we are all one, altruism and concern for the welfare of others are key to happiness.
  • Substantially complete human nature will eventually manifest as a result of the process of evolution.

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WHICH PRACTICES ARE FOLLOWED BY THEOSOPHISTS?
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The members of the Theosophical Society are not required to accept any of the practices that do not appeal to their inner sense of reason and morality. Therefore, every Theosophist decides which practices and lifestyles are suitable for him or her. Some of the suggested practices that include Theosophical ideas are regular meditation to attain insight into themselves and as a service to humanity; vegetarian food, avoiding the use of fur or skin; avoiding the use of products that artificially affect the normal state of consciousness, such as alcohol, drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor); support the right of all people to be treated fairly and equitably, thereby upholding the rights of women and minorities; respect for the diversity of cultures and support for intellectual freedom.
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WHAT DO THEOSOPHISTS DO AT THEIR MEETINGS?
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Members are free to organize meetings, leading to the accomplishment of the three objectives of the Society. Usually meetings are about talk, followed by a discussion or research, study and discussion on a particular topic or book. Theosophy has no developed rituals, but meetings may begin and end with a short meditation or recite short texts. Some groups use a simple ceremony as a welcome to new members. In Theosophy there are no privileged symbols and icons, but they worshiped many different symbols of religious traditions from around the world. The Theosophical Society officials are democratically determined (eg . The president, secretary, treasurer, etc.), but they have power only in administrative matters.
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HOW DO THEOSOPHISTS VIEW THE CHURCH AND RELIGIONS?
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Theosophy says that all religions are an expression of humanity’s efforts to connect with each other, with the universe around us and decisive cause of existence. Individual religions are different because they are an expression of the effort to adapt to a particular time, space, culture and needs. Theosophy itself is not a religion, although it is religious in that it deals with mankind’s efforts to establish a relationship with the elementary values. Individual Theosophists are of different faiths, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists. Some people do not belong to any religion. The Society is an expression of the belief that human beings, be they their environment from which they derive so different, communicate and collaborate. The company as such provides an ideal platform for interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.
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WHAT IS MESSAGE OF THEOSOPHY TODAY?
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The problems facing humanity – war, overpopulation, exploitation, prejudice, oppression, greed, hatred – they are only symptoms of the disease. We should treat symptoms, but to heal illness, we must eliminate her cause. The disease is caused by ignorance of some basic truths. First, we are not unconnected, independent beings whose happiness can be achieved at the expense of the general good. The cure for this is the recognition that we are one with each other and ultimately with the entire life of the universe.
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Despite the superficial cultural and genetic differences that divide humanity, we are remarkably homogeneous. Biologically we are one human gene pool with minor differences. Psychologically, we experience pleasure and pain, hope and fear, and we strive for that to be happy. Intellectually, we have the same interest about our position in the universe and the same power to discover the truth.
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However, it would really feel we should be aware of another truth: that in fact we are not physical and psychological compensation, but spiritual self that is above any limitation and separation. As long as we are identified with our personality, it will be difficult to feel that we are all united, because our lower self can perceive separation. Only when we become more aware of our spiritual nature, we can feel like part of the whole existence. And when the feeling of unity with all people, with all other forms of life, becomes a dominant factor in our lives, we realize that the other can not harm or help without harm or help themselves.
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To be aware of that, we must be physically healthy, psychologically whole and sacred in spirit. This ideal is expressed, known as “Universal Invocation”, written by Annie Besant:
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Oh hidden Life
Vibrant in every atom

Oh hidden Light
Shining in every creature

Oh Hidden Love
Embracing all in Oneness

May all who feel themselves
As one with Thee

Know they are therefore
One with Every Other

Frequent questions are Pogosta vprašanja so summarized and translated from web site of American Theosophical Society.