“When one sees eternity in things that pass away and infinity in finite things, then one has pure knowledge.” Bhagavad Gita

That’s the quote that greets you on the home page of The Theosophical Society of America…

A society founded by one Helena Blavatsky and one Colonel Olcott in 1875.

The original purpose behind the society was to investigate, study and explain mediums and their claims.

After several developmental stages, however, including a dive into Eastern religions, the nuts and bolts of the society came down to three declared Objects:

1. To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color.

2. To encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science.

3. To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity.

Here are ten more quick facts on the religion of theosophy:

4. Blavatsky said, “Theosophy is the shoreless ocean of universal truth, love, and wisdom reflecting its radiance upon earth. . . . The Theosophical Society was formed to show mankind that it exists.”

5. Theosophists believe One Life pervades and sustains the universe.

6.  The universe is the manifestation of an eternal, boundless and immutable Reality beyond the range of human understanding.

7 Matter and consciousness are the two polar aspects of ultimate Reality.

8. An intelligence that is both immanent and transcendent is the basis of all laws of nature. “Deity is Law,” said H. P. Blavatsky.

9. The visible universe is only its densest part. The entire universe is made up of invisible worlds that dictate the physical.

10. Both the visible and invisible universe are evolving to greater expression, awareness and unified consciousness–including you.

11. The human consciousness (spirit or soul) is in essence identical with the one supreme Reality. Our consciousness also connects you and I.

12. The gradual unfolding of this latent divine Reality within us takes place through reincarnation. This is the law of karma, by which we weave our own destiny through the ages.

13. The human pilgrimage takes us from the One through experience of the many back to the One. When you reach that place, you are enlightened and can make sense of the Gita’s statement that kicked off this discussion.

Legend has it that Blavatsky told some Theosophical students that the real purpose of the Society was to prepare mankind for the World Teacher…

A statement like that brings into into the realm of fringe Christianity. In other words, a cult. I don’t know. Any theosophists out there who can identify the truth of that statement?

**Part of the Quick Facts on Christian Cults series.**

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