1. TheosophyTheosophy

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

3. HPBlavatskyHPBlavatsky

4. Slide 4. Theosophy 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

5. Slide 5. Theosophy 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.Sanat Kumara

6. Slide 6. Conception of Divine/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)

7. Slide 7. EvilEvil 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.

8. HPBlavatskyHPBlavatsky 1.Isis Unveiled video

9. HPBlavatskyHPBlavatsky

10. Slide 10. HumanityHumanity 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.

11. Slide 11. Humanity: Bodies There are 7 bodies. 4 outer (lower forms): 1.Physical body 2.Etheric body – close to physical, spiritualized a bit 3.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, intelligence 2.Buddhi – soul, spiritual being 3.Atma – absolute self

12. Slide 12. Humanity: Root Species There will be seven root species in cosmic earth. We are the 5 th. Each has been a different composite of body & matter. We are to be masters of the material world. Science.

13. Slide 13. Humanity: 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.

14. HPBlavatskyHPBlavatsky 1.Stories video

15. Slide 15. Death & 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

16. Slide 16. Death & 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.

17. Slide 17. How to live the good life Non-prescriptive ethical system Don’t care about individual behaviour But oppose racial prejudice, nuclear bombs, oppression.

18. Slide 18. SummarySummary 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 5 th 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.