Hey all, I recently went down a fascinating rabbit hole on death and post-death processes described by Theosophical literature, and although I found it compelling, I noticed something was missing. Maybe I didn’t read it carefully enough and missed it, but I couldn’t see anything which described retribution for evil acts in the afterlife. Is this not something that Theosophists believe in, or do they instead think that evil acts are mostly stoned for during life?

Not that I don’t want to hear from non-theosophists as well if you’re here!

I only ask because I come from atheism. I (23M) was raised Catholic until I rejected it at the age of 15, and have only recently discovered theosophy. For the longest time I would say I was a “staunch” atheist, I was absolutely argumentative and militant, but in recent years have stopped prostelytizing.

However, when I discovered theosophy I was able to come at it with an open mind and have loved everything I’ve learned in my short time reading Annie Besant’s book Esoteric Christianity.

Today, I started a thread in r/TrueAtheism, https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueAtheism/s/6jB8bPkDVC, which, I’ll admit, I knew the title might be kind of triggering to a bunch of atheists. But I did NOT imagine the responses that I’ve gotten thus far. This group of people that I once held in such high esteem as the “logical-,” “sensical-,” “objective-“ thinkers have reacted so emotionally and rudely to my open-ended questions.

I’m now starting to really empathize with all of the Christians I argued with over the years. These atheists, whom I consider my comrades and brethren, have hardened their minds, and immediately dismiss the idea that any “religion” might hold some sort of truth. Was I unclear about the allegorical nature of theosophy’s teachings?

TL;DR - Back to my initial question: What religion/philosophy did you follow before theosophy (if you do at all) and how did it impact your initial reception of theosophical teachings? Have you experienced anything similar in trying to share theosophy with friends, family members, colleagues?

Is annihilation as in eternal separation from god really a thing?

Or will even the ones in this hell at some point get another chance to reach the light?

1 - If God is omniscient, he knew that Satan would rebel.

If he knew, he also knew that Satan would create sin and induce Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. If he knew, he could have avoided it If he didn't want to avoid it, it's because he wanted to. Now, if God wanted this, he wanted the creation of evil. Therefore, God created evil.

2 - God is totally Good If God is love and completely good, why did he create evil? "God allowed evil" No, if we follow what is in the Bible, the absolute words of God, he created evil, as he is omniscient and omnipotent, therefore, he could avoid this and create a world without sin.

3 - Why didn't God create a world free from sin and evil?

If God's intention was the end of the Bible, to save souls and take the righteous to heaven, why didn't he just do it from the beginning? What is the meaning of life if it is unfair? If God created a world where he gave the same opportunities to everyone, putting everyone through the same temptations and challenges and afflictions, then there could be a premise of justice, but currently, the world is not like that by a long shot.

I can give several examples of injustices that have no explanation.

Some people's justification is that God knows what he does and he gives everyone a chance.

Now I ask: If God is just and wants equal salvation for all souls, why do some people have a better chance than others?

Example;

• A person who was born into a community of Candomblé Umbandists in Ethiopia, where they worship several gods and don't even know Christianity well, this person is influenced their entire life by their parents and community and sets out on this path. Due to the various precarious circumstances of the environment in which he lives, this person ends up going into the world of crime and committing bad things.
• this person is removed from Christianity and the Christian principles of society, not following the precepts of the church.
• this person then dies after being run over without knowing Christianity or believing in Jesus
• What chance did this person have?

If God is fair to everyone, why do some people die before they even have the chance to convert, if salvation lies only in conversion as it says in the Bible?

It doesn't seem fair to me, much less 'goodness'.

If God were as he is described in the Bible, people could even be born miserable, sick, disabled, in suburbs, as long as they were already blessed with the word and taught from an early age, but that is not what happens.

Some say that people being born sick, in poverty, in sewers, is a consequence of human actions. Now, if God is love and omnipotent, couldn't he avoid or help these people? Why does he only do it with some?

Therefore, the idea that God is totally love collapses.

If God is completely omnipresent, why would he grant some people's requests and not others?

If he is present and knows what everyone is thinking, why are some people who pray and ask all day abandoned and others who sin and ask for something and are answered?

If God is omnipresent, he should prevent many unjust tragedies, since he is also omnipotent and omniscient, but why doesn't he do so? If he does, he avoids only some, and if so, it is neither fair nor entirely good.

If God allows some people to be tempted by the devil and others not, it is not entirely fair. Even though he knows what everyone endures, why did he choose certain people to suffer?

If he chose, then he is not impartial.

And he chose, considering that he knows everything and can do everything.

If people have free will, how can we explain divine interference such as miracles and healings? How to explain the existence of Judas, Abraham or Joseph?

Or the saints themselves.

In fact, saints are saints, why did they have to go through all the suffering to become saints? So necessarily everyone who suffers becomes a saint? It's not what it looks like.

There are many proofs of the existence of a divine being, but I am beginning to question whether everything in the Bible is really true, because contradictions exist.

God is not:

• Omniscient
• Ubiquitous
• Omnipotent
• Fair
• Totally good

If so, he is no longer acting in people's lives.

Hi all! I was introduced to theosophy very recently—I came across Annie Besant’s “Esoteric Christianity” in a bookstore, and I’m obsessed. I’ve truly never felt so spiritually inspired or motivated in my entire life (raised Catholic…go figure). I’m just wondering…what are the next steps?

It’s my understanding that there were some schisms between different coalitions in the Theosophical Society. Are most all of them as good as the next? Is there really all that much of a difference between one lodge and the next? I’m in NYC so I was assuming that I’d have no trouble finding info online, but I’m struggling to find which meetings are most reputable/genuine, and struggling even more to understand how to find mentors/peers that have truly been initiated the way Annie Besant outlines. I know I definitely have more reading to do, but I’m also getting the sense that this journey will take some personal guidance/mentorship and a lot of discipline, so I want to be sure to focus my energy in the right direction.

So, I guess my question is, what are the obligations of a proper theosophist today? Are there weekly or monthly meetings to attend or certain historical sites that should be visited? What should be next on my reading list? Are there any figures today that have extrapolated upon the principles of Besant or CW or Blavatsky?

Truly anything would help as I am just beginning my journey. Thanks in advance for your support! ✌️🙏

Sri Aurobindo was an Indian philosopher, mystic, poet, and yogi who, as a result of his spiritual realisations, developed a system of Yoga which has as its fundamental aim a complete transformation of mind, life, and body, resulting in the manifestation of the Divine here on earth. Whereas the systems of old tend to focus solely on Self-Realisation or Enlightenment, considering liberation to be the final goal, in the integral or supramental Yoga this is regarded as merely a stage, albeit a crucial one; that, not only are further realisations possible, but the supramental power of the Divine may be brought down so as to permeate and transform every aspect of man's nature.

The following article gives an overview of certain aspects of Sri Aurobindo's teachings and how they relate to Theosophy.

Sri Aurobindo, Raja Yoga, and Theosophy

For those who are interested, r/SupramentalYoga is a community for discussion of the philosophy and system of Yoga expounded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother), including all subjects related to its practice.

​

I'm attracted to Theosophy because of being a Perennialist and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. I'm really into Advaita Vedanta, Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, Spinozism, Buddhism, and early Adoptionist Christianity. And I loved how Theosophy has a panentheistic impersonal God like Advaita or Neoplatonism and venerates Christ, The Buddha, and Lao Zi as Masters. And was fascinated by Theosophy's ideas about Satan which I thought were merely that Satan brought Gnosis with the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. I'm reading all the religious scriptures of the world too as a Perennialist who's wanting to be a Theosophist. But I was reading the Gospel of Mark as that's the first appearence of Jesus. Then I got the part about blasphemy against The Holy Spirit. So then I wanted to look it up and found these quotes.

They all come from The Secret Doctrine. "It is 'Satan who is the god of our planet and the only god,' and this without any allusive metaphor to its wickedness and depravity. For he is one with the Logos." But it does clarify "Satan represents metaphysically simply the reverse or the polar opposite of everything in nature. He is the 'adversary,' allegorically, the 'murderer,' and the great Enemy of all, because there is nothing in the whole Universe that has not two sides—the reverses of the same medal. But in that case, light, goodness, beauty, etc., may be called Satan with as much propriety as the Devil, since they are the adversaries of darkness, badness and ugliness." But she does talk about the tree of knowledge of good and evil and other aspects of the biblical Satan. I'm fine worshipping both God and Satan as a kind of yin and yang with veneration of Christ. But I'm not fine worshipping Satan as the sole God when you combine it with veneration of Christ as it would mean Satan sent Christ which would classify as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit wouldn't it? Or has the Gospels been altered? I hope so because I really do like Theosophy.

I've got a question about one of the more mysterious and darker subjects regarding theosophy.

I'm confused about the final destination of beings retrogressing to the eigth sphere. I've read multiple things:

1. That they will be 'recycled' at the end of this universe so to start their way to the light once more in a next round of evolution.

2. That they will be recycled and will be eternally banned to live as the lowest lifeforms in all subsequent rounds of evolution.

3. That beings venturing to the 8th sphere will never return and are eternally damned.

Does anyone know more about this subject and could give me some clarity?

Hi.

I asked my local Theosophical Society Lodge if they had a group of people who have had clairvoyant experiences so we could translate them using Leadbeater illustrations and texts.

I have seen many figures, colors and entities since little and never quite understood what I saw until, through Pranic Healing, I came across Theosophy and cried when I saw the forms, shapes and entities written by someone as I saw them. I had felt crazy before but thanks to him I felt sane, as if these were not 'strange' things but rather they had a logical explanation and, the most important thing, that other people saw it too. It gave me peace and relief. It also helped me during energy work and healing as now these random dots, colors and shapes made sense.

But when I approached the Theosophical Society Lodge they told me they don't encourage developing psychic faculties and that Leadbeater could only see because he was special and was guided by masters.

I don't believe I am special because I see these forms, triangles, clouds, dots or deceased people. I know other people who can see them too (close family and friends) and I am sure anyone can train to see it, but they aren't also quite sure what everything means. It's an unknown language. Precisely, if Leadbeater was an advanced clairvoyance I would like to learn from other advanced clairvoyants so that I read this signals on time. When I have done so, I was able to help my loved ones seeing what they had on their aura before it manifested on the physical body so they got treated on time. I thank Leadbeater for the translation and interpretation of these images. That's why I thought the Theosophical Society could help me.

Is there any other way to connect to people who have similar experiences to mine and that have used Leadbeater illustrations and guides to decipher the colors, the shapes, the textures, the eyes, the pupils, the movement, the spins and so?

I've been reading about the many theories and stuff in books. And I had this kind of. What is the point of it all. Of life. Kind of thing. I know the point is to go back to the source/ life. But. Why is that cycle even there. It says it's because god wanted to experience itself. OR atleast similar sentiment less anthropomorphized. But why. Boredom is a human concept. Why did the process start at all. Why not just stay at the source level forever. Why have this movement through the cycle at all. What is the reason for it?

As the title suggests, I’m starting an Online Secret Doctrine book discussion group. We’ll be meeting Tuesdays at 8:30pm EST, beginning February 6th. If you’re interested in participating, share your email in a DM or chat!

Hello everyone,

I've recently encountered a fascinating intuitive experience that I'd love to share with you for insights and perspectives. It concerns a potential connection between the master Morya and Winston Churchill.

Firstly, I am fully aware that this notion might seem far-fetched. Logically, there are several reasons why this concept might not hold up. From what we understand about Morya’s time on Earth, he should have been alive during the same era as Churchill. Moreover, Churchill's lifestyle and decisions do not reflect the typical traits of an ascended spiritual master, at least not from a conventional standpoint.

However, here's the intriguing part - I feel a strong intuitive pull towards the idea that there might be some kind of link between them. Could it be possible that Churchill, at some point in his life, was possessed by Morya or in some way influenced by him? Could this feeling be an expression of something deeper that I'm yet to understand?

I am open to all possibilities, including that this feeling might just be a figment of my own imagination. But I wonder, have any of you had similar experiences or thoughts? Do you believe there might be a deeper esoteric connection here, despite the logical contradictions?

Looking forward to reading your opinions and insights.

Thank you!

I know nothing about theosophy; one of the magazines announces the death of H. P Blavatsky. She seemed very important to theosophists, can anyone tell me about her?

I am a South Korean who is interested in Theosophy. Are there any related organizations or associations in Korea?

Hi everyone, sorry to be that guy but for the last couple of weeks, me and a small team have created a community based around the esoteric and the exoteric, spirituality, society, and essentially everything else that has an impact on the world and on individuals. We are trying to foster a community where podcast-level meaningful discussions occur on a regular basis, and where people can learn and grow about esotericism, theosophy, anthroposophy and other paths in total freedom to choose what they want to continue with.

We are trying to create a new platform for new expressions of spirituality and thought, basically.

There are no requirements to be a member of the community other than simply being willing to participate. From the advanced, to beginners, to those who have just heard of these things, you probably won't regret joining. Come join this community of seekers and simply see what happens!

https://discord.gg/97tHXy8SCj

The Theosophical Society and Its Future is an article by Geoffrey Farthing where he makes the following proposals:

The Society has its own special message to promulgate. This message only exists in the writings of H.P.B. and in the Mahatma Letters. This message in its completeness (as far as it was given out) is unique.

The future direction of the Society must therefore include:

1. The eradication of the 'make-believe' Leadbeater influence - in all departments including literature, and severance from the Society of all other organizations, i.e. the Liberal Catholic Church and Co-Masonry.

2. A thorough examination of all literature purporting to be 'theosophical', and a brave declaration, and no further promotion, of any which is not wholly consonant with the original teachings. This is no proscription but all books purporting to be theosophical which strictly are not should be clearly labeled or marked that they are the author's views on the subject and not necessarily authentic. Members are, of course, free to read what they like but they can be warned, if not guided. The section in any Theosophical Society library purporting to be theosophical literature should be segregated from other material offered, be clearly marked and the books given prominence on book lists, catalogues, etc.

3. The retention and promotion of the three objects of the Society plus an active promotion of Theosophy as given by the Masters

4. At all Theosophical Society Centers, Headquarters, etc., there should be someone qualified to discuss Theosophy, say what it is, and recommend books to enquirers. This service should as far as possible be available at all times or a notice displayed as to where it can be obtained.

5. Commercialism in any form, i.e. book selling or publication as such, without specific reference to the promotion of a knowledge of Theosophy, is not part of the legitimate activities of the Society. 'Fringe' literature can be obtained in ordinary bookshops or from other organizations, e.g. the Arcane School, the Anthroposophical Society, etc. This recommendation is made with our second object specifically in mind. Study of comparative religion is encouraged by the Society but it does not have to publish or supply the books.

6. Professionalism in the society should be examined. Whereas 'goods and services' must obviously be paid for, Theosophy as such cannot be sold. Should exponents be paid? If so, to what extent?

7. Serious study of the 'prime' literature, whatever else is done in Lodges, at Centers, etc., should be encouraged and all facilities provided. Facilities should be provided for meditation - quiet and solitude if possible. Meditation should, however, be 'theosophical', i.e. classical (Patanjali), H.P.B. Diagram, or just silence, not according to local gurus and amateurs with 'special' methods, and never for money.

8. The Society will obviously need a group of students dedicated to the study of the literature and to the dissemination of what they discover both in the writings, and in themselves, as they progress. This can be supplied by some of the existing members of the E.S. At present there are no 'esoteric' leaders or teachers in the Society; it will therefore in this respect have to 'lift itself up by its own boot-laces' as the expression has it.

There is no justification for secrecy within the E.S. or the Society but on occasion private members meetings could be efficacious for discussion, exchange of information, mutual encouragement, etc. There is obviously now no corporate connection with the Masters so that that 'make-believe' can be dispensed with. The E.S. study should be confined to the Master or H.P.B. writings. The Society has no other Initiate-inspired literature.

Where the E.S. members feel they need inspirational literature apart from books like The Voice of the Silence, Light on the Path and some of the classical mystical works like The Bhagavad-Gita, as this is a personal matter they should be free to discover their own. Discrimination as to what is consonant with theosophical teachings will grow. Let students beware of self-styled teachers and of themselves posing as such. They will know when they really are qualified - they will have been 'authorized'. Let none pretend.

9. The Society's relation to 'computerization', the Internet, etc., needs serious examination and Sections given guidelines.

​

What do you think is the future of The theosophical Society? What actions are needed for it to even have a future?

https://ascentdescentadventures.com/blog/roerichs-himalayan-adventures-the-untold-saga/

Does anyone know where or even if it would be possible to get the whole series for a reasonable price? It seems that most books in the series are out of print.

Which books in the series do you think are the most important to read for someone who is interested in the history of the TS?

As the title says. I’m considering a trip to Wheaton, IL to check out the national center. Any one been there? It’s only 6 hours from me so it’s not too big of a journey.