Theosophical Society

The Mother of All Religions: The Genesis of Blavatsky's Theosophy, Ancient Theology, Orientalism, and BuddhismAuthor: Urs App BOOK REVIEW by Richard Smoley - published in Quest, Winter 2026Urs App states the central thesis of his book by saying, “Whatever [H.P. Blavatsky] knows appears to be…

Summary

Dogma? Faith? These are the right and left pillars of every soul-crushing theology. Theosophists have no dogmas, exact no blind faith. Theosophists are ever ready to abandon every idea that is proved erroneous upon strictly logical deductions; let Spiritualists do the same. Dogmas are the toys that amuse and can satisfy but unreasoning children.

It is easier to say what the Theosophical Society is not, rather than what it is, because the Society has a character which is a synthesis of a number of different elements. Its aim is to bring about the uplift of the human being at all levels — physical, cultural, moral, intellectual, spiritual…

Theosophy is a wisdom that is based on truth, but this truth is manifold—it has several layers, one within the other. One might call it “the totality of truth with regard to man, life and the universe.” If our actions, thoughts, feelings, responses are all in harmony with the nature of this totality, then we are wise. One might say this is a very large or tall order. How are we to come to such wisdom?

These notes of teachings given by Madame Blavatsky towards the close of her life have already appeared in print at various times in a number of journals.

The word "theosophy" was first used in writing during the 3rd to the 6th century of our era by the Alexandrian Neo-Platonic philosophers.

Sometimes the terminology used in theosophical literature can be confusing due to the use of Sanskrit words or even what is meant when using English words.

The freedom of Lodges and Branches is defined by the scope of the Society’s Objects as well as its essential mandate to make Theosophy known as a practical living Wisdom, which can uplift human consciousness to a realisation of the Oneness of life.

How do Theosophists view war and violence? Or, perhaps more telling, how do Theosophists respond to war and violence? It may seem that such a question is needless. After all, the first of the eight parts of yoga is yama—a list of five moral prohibitions; and the first of those five is ahimsa— harmlessness, nonviolence. Theosophy is the yoga of the West, and the very first step in yoga is nonviolence.

Do you know the meaning of the white and black interlaced triangles, of the Parent Society's seal that it has also adopted? Shall I explain?—the double triangle viewed by the Jewish Kabalists as Solomon's Seal, is, as many of you doubtless know the Sri-antara of the archaic Aryan Temple, the “mystery of Mysteries," a geometrical synthesis of the whole occult doctrine.

Let us take a moment to consider this question that is often asked by Branches and Study Centres, using a condensed perspective on the subject from John Algeo, past International Vice-President of the Theosophical Society. I consider this a very important topic for us all to consider.