Theosophy: A Spiritual Journey
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Authors
Boswell, Maria
Outlaw, Elizabeth
Issue Date
2024-04-26
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
Scholarship Sewanee 2024 , University of the South , Theosophy , spirituality , philosophy
Alternative Title
Abstract
Our research explores the principles of Theosophy, a spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th century. Influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism, founders Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott formulated three “core objects” of Theosophy. Firstly, to form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color. Secondly, to encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science, and finally, to investigate unexplained laws of nature and the esoteric powers latent in humanity. The Orientalist history of Theosophy’s emergence and its unique conglomeration of religious phenomena continues to animate considerable work among scholars of religious studies. However, public knowledge of this movement remains much more limited. In this project, we describe and analyze Theosophy’s “core objects” and contextualize them by exploring their historical formation, philosophical meanings, and contemporary relevance. Through a study of Blavatsky’s original doctrinal works and analyses of later Theosophist texts, we seek to examine the tradition’s esoteric teachings and provide insights into its mix of various eastern esoteric practices and beliefs as well as its significant relationship to Spiritualist practices. We hope to foster intercultural understanding and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of this seemingly mysterious religious movement.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University of the South