Theosophy

Pekka Ervast

Translated and edited by Antti Savinainen – Finland

Brothers,

I want to advise you on a few old occult skills suitable for every person who takes life seriously. When one becomes an esotericist, that is, when one has been a seeker after truth and then has made up one’s mind to walk in life towards the ideal which one has seen as a seeker after truth, almost without exception, one discovers that the so-called esoteric work which one has started to practice and perform becomes so important and wonderful a task that one almost feels the desire to neglect some of those other duties which belong to one as a human being. This is a very interesting observation to make about most aspiring occultists. It is quite a natural phenomenon and forgivable. No Master would condemn or criticize an aspirant who so completely, so wholeheartedly devotes themselves to the esoteric life that they forget and give less importance to everyday duties. No Master will judge them spiritually. But the Master who looks at them with gentleness knows that the great enthusiasm and zeal of the aspirant will sooner or later be reciprocated. The old occult rule says: “The one who wants to become an occultist in the practical and real sense of the word will first have to free oneself from the old karma.”

Barbara Hebert – USA

There are many difficulties that individuals deal with in this world of physical manifestation. Mental health is just one of those difficulties. It is a huge topic, and one that concerns each and every one of us. It has been said that the after-effects of the global pandemic continue to impact the mental health of many. As we follow the events that are occurring in various parts of the world right now–divisiveness, war, oppression, death, continued surges of Covid19 and other viruses–we can only assume that struggles with mental health will be exacerbated.

Catalina Isaza Cantor – Colombia, India (Adyar)

The author

[Based on a Zoom presentation delivered on Saturday September  21 for the United Lodge of Theosophists, San Diego, as a part of their Aquarian Series.]

Before going into the subject, I feel compelled to make the disclaimer that I am not anything closer to an astrology expert, but just a student of theosophy, a learner on the path. However, I have always felt fascination for the intricacies of astrology and the zodiac, the symbolism which is proper to it and the possibilities of a practical application of the astrological insights to the daily life. That is why I delved into it, seeing it as a challenge and an opportunity of learning. I really believe that the study of any science, from the esoteric point of view, has the big purpose to trigger in us possibilities of reflection insofar as all esoteric study reveals possibilities of understanding our human journey from the point of view of the universal and immanent.

Douglas Keene – USA

As most would agree, the world seems to be in a state of upheaval. Violence, and nearly as upsetting, the threat of violence, seems to be everywhere. The Middle East is on the verge of a regional war and total collapse, the conflict in Ukraine is unrelenting, the major powers creep toward confrontation. Domestic politics in many countries are divisive and there is deep passion and commitment on both sides with an uncertain outcome. Food shortages, potential pandemics, degradation of our natural resources and the consequences of climate change are largely unmitigated.

Tim Boyd – India, USA

Responding to a recent interviewer who asked me for a “Message in a Bottle”, I offered a brief reply: “Trust. Be open. Do something.” Having considered the first two statements in previous articles, it is time to expand on “Do something”. The three parts of the message are brief, and the common question which they invoke is equally brief. Trust. In what? Be open. To what? And for “Do something”, the briefest question of all, “What?” It is a fair question, but a reasonable answer must be something more than a list of “Thou shalt . . .” activities.

Marly Winckler – Brazil

The author, founding president of SVB (2003-2015), president of IVU (2011-), translator of the H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings

The contact with the Theosophical ideas awakened vegetarianism in me. It was the early 1980s. I had already lived in London for about two years and visited more than twenty European countries without noticing anything related to vegetarianism there. Before going to Europe, I had learned about Helena Blavatsky. I bought a few books, including Fernando Pessoa's translation into Portuguese of The Voice of the Silence. However, I would only delve deeper into the subject later when I returned to Brazil. These readings made a lot of sense, and I began to ‘devour’ everything I could find.

Antti Savinainen – Finland

Henry Steel Olcott

Introduction

It is generally thought among theosophists that the Masters of Wisdom, Morya (Master M.) and Koot Hoomi (Master K.H.), inspired the founding of the Theosophical Society and the subsequent Theosophical movement. To people outside Theosophy, talking about the Masters seems to be a figment of the imagination or even a hoax. Why do we think that there is such a thing as a Master? There are at least three reasons. First, the existence of Masters is not based on the testimony of one individual. In the early years of Theosophy, many people dealt with the Masters through written correspondence, and some of them met them physically and supra-physically. Secondly, the existence of historical Masters – such as Buddha, Zoroaster, and Jesus Christ – in the world is rarely disputed. There have, therefore, been exceptional individuals who have been founders of religions (or central figures of religions, if one considers that it was the followers who founded the religions) and who have represented a higher humanity. Third, if the spirit of a human being evolves from one incarnation to another, it is perfectly logical to think that some individuals are more advanced than others. Thus, theosophists have good reasons to believe in the existence of Masters. In short, Masters are real people who have overcome the shackles of selfishness and live eternal lives. Moreover, they are helpers and servants of humanity.

Robert  Crosbie – USA 

There is only one Perceiver; the sights are modified by the channels through which the Perceiver looks. It is the same Soul in any and all modifications. The power of seeing is the Soul; the power of the Soul goes into the seeing, hence what It “sees” is to It real because seen; as sights each is a reality; but the nature of Soul is different from any and all “sights.”

Tim Boyd – India, USA

In last month’s article I mentioned a question that I was asked during an interview, “If you were to write a message in a bottle and entrust it to the sea, what would you write?” My answer was five words: “Trust, Be Open, Do Something.” Having given attention to “Trust” in the previous article, I would like to give some thought to “Be open”. A good starting point might be to ask what it means to be open.

Vinoba Bhave – India

We should think constantly of our svadharma and devote all our energies to it; we should have no thought for anything else. This is the touchstone of svadharma. Karma Yoga is not action which is great or weighty. The Karma Yoga of the Gita is something quite different. Its distinctive virtue consists in progressively acquiring chittashuddhi, inner purity, through performing,  without any thought of fruit, the svadharma that comes to one naturally and inescapably. Endless activities go on all the time throughout creation. But Karma Yoga means performing all actions with a special mental attitude.

Muneeb Ahmad – India

Theosophy, a spiritual and philosophical tradition that seeks to explore the underlying unity of all life, offers profound insights into the urgent task of conserving our environment. This comprehensive worldview emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of living in harmony with Nature. By understanding and applying theosophical principles, individuals and communities can be inspired to adopt more sustainable practices and contribute to the preservation of our planet for future generations.

The soul is the Perceiver; is assuredly vision itself pure and simple; unmodified; and looks directly upon ideas.

PATANJALI

Tim Boyd – India, USA

Recently, while visiting with members of the Theosophical Society (TS) in Italy, I was asked for an interview. A film about the TS in Italy’s history was being made and the director thought a few questions with the International President might be useful. The questions were few in number, maybe five or six. Most were historical or related to the teachings of Theosophy, but the final question was different. It was: If you were to write a message in a bottle and entrust it to the sea, what would you write?

Introduction to this presentation by translator/compiler Antti Savinainen

Pekka Ervast (1875–1934), a theosophical lecturer and author, played a pivotal role in establishing the Theosophical movement in Finland . For a concise overview of his life and work, click HERE  

Ervast’s tenure as the General Secretary of the Theosophical Society (Adyar) in Finland for over a decade was instrumental. He later founded the Finnish Rosy Cross (“Ruusu-Risti” in Finnish) in 1920, with a focus on esoteric Christianity and the mysteries of the Finnish national epic, the Kaleva. Ervast always held a deep reverence for Madame Blavatsky (1831–1891), whom he believed embodied the true spirit of Theosophy and the Masters' mission to guide humanity towards a new awakening.

Kenneth Small – USA

Ke

Kenneth Small 

Insights from Helena Blavatsky, William James, D.T. Suzuki, Erich Fromm, Meister Eckhart

The Path of Compassion: Poetry and ‘Points’ of Awakening

In this introductory overview of Blavatsky’s The Voice of the Silence (VOS), we will touch on its history and religious and literary influence since it was first published, its core elements of poetry and rhythm, paradox and simile. Then in this series, also in its content:  the path of compassion, the paramitas and ethics of transformation, and non-dualism, as well as its Tibetan Buddhist, Mahayana and Raja Yoga elements.

Ali Ritsema – the Netherlands

I would like to start with a quotation from the Catechism in The Secret Doctrine (SD), vol. I, p. 120:

'Lift thy head, O Lanoo; dost thou see one, or countless lights above thee, burning in the dark midnight sky?'

'I sense one Flame, O Gurudeva, I see countless undetached sparks shining in it.'

'Thou sayest well. And now look around and into thyself. That light which bums inside thee, dost thou feel it different in anywise from the light that shines in thy Brother men?'

'It is in no way different, though the prisoner is held in bondage by Karma, and though its outer garments delude the ignorant into saying, "Thy Soul and My Soul".'

Tim Boyd – India, USA

Tim Boyd, driven. motivated and always inspiring

Recently I was invited to say something about the second verse of the Universal Invocation, “O Hidden Light shining in every creature.” As with most members of the Theosophical Society (TS), it is a verse with which I am quite familiar. Since the earliest stages of my membership and throughout my association with the TS, I have continually encountered it. At the TS international headquarters in Adyar and throughout the Indian Section every meeting begins with it, and many groups around the world take the same approach. The entire invocation is:

O Hidden Life, vibrant in every atom;

O Hidden Light, shining in every creature;

O Hidden Love, embracing all in Oneness;

May each who feels himself as one with Thee, Know he is therefore one with every other.

Boris de Zirkoff – USA

[Original cover-photo]

The far-flung scene of the organized Theosophical Movement is astir with a new life, and the old stage setting is giving way to a new.

Gradual in some places, rather rapid in others, the change is welcome. If continued and expanded, it might spell life for the Movement as a whole, as opposed to suspended animation, lethargy and final death.

As is the case with all changes in nature, those in the organized Movement are connected with much soul-searching and attendant suffering and confusion. Wherever leadership is absent, the confusion is greater, and the outcome uncertain. Emotions may for a while take the place of reason, but will eventually resolve themselves into a new pattern of thought.

Antti Savinainen – Finland

Philosopher and psychiatrist Raymond Moody published the first book on near-death experiences (NDEs), Life after Life, in 1975. Moody interviewed 150 people who had experienced an NDE and presented his findings in this book, which created broad interest and became a best seller. Although it was based on qualitative data (individual recollections), Moody’s later research utilized more rigorous methods typically employed in medical science.

Marie Harkness – Ireland

The JOY of Service

It is important to have a clear understanding of what Theosophy actually is. What is Theosophy? It literally means Divine Wisdom, or Wisdom of the Gods. Radha Burnier, former International President (1980–2013) of the Theosophical Society (TS) stated:

Theosophy is not a kind of empty philosophy, or a new sect or religion, but has to do with learning about life and the realization of its beauty and its meaning. Those who work in this way . . . become a light radiating friendship and harmony, kindness and love in action towards all. If we study Theosophy and that does not lead to such a change in the quality of our relationships and our attitude, there is something missing in the way we understand Theosophy.

Marly Winckler – Brazil

The author translated H. P. Blavatsky's Collected Writings Volume 1 into Portuguese

For the first time, Portuguese-speaking readers now have access to the translated version of the Collected Writings of H. P. Blavatsky, originally penned between 1874 and 1878. The monumental task of compiling her writings was undertaken by Boris de Zirkoff, Blavatsky's great nephew, who described her writings as "one of the most impressive products of the human creative mind. Considering their unparalleled erudition, prophetic nature, and spiritual depth, they must be classified among the inexplicable phenomena of the era, by both friends and foes alike. Even a cursory examination of these writings reveals their monumental character."

Douglas Keene – USA

For those that recognize a divinity in ourselves and our universe, we often wonder how to approach it. How do we open ourselves and unlock the secrets of the universe?  What is the formula for spiritual progress, if there is one?  How do we seek and engage our own divinity?  Many traditions have offered answers across the ages. One very simple response might be what I called the 3P’s of spiritual progress.