Category: The Key To Theosophy (1889): H. P. Blavatsky

"Enq:  But how will you explain it?   Theo:  We assert that the divine spark in man being one and identical in its essence with the Universal Spirit, our "spiritual Self" is practically omniscient, but that it cannot manifest its knowledge owing to the impediments of matter.   Now the more these impediments are removed, [...]

"Enq:  But do you not believe in Spiritualism?   Theo:  If by "Spiritualism" you mean the explanation which Spiritualists give of some abnormal phenomena, then decidedly we do not.   They maintain that these manifestations are all produced by the "spirits" of departed mortals, generally their relatives, who return to earth, they say, to communicate [...]

"Enq:  But are not all these Occult sciences, magic, and sorcery, considered by the most cultured and learned people as relics of ancient ignorance and superstition?   Theo:  Let me remind you that this remark of yours cuts both ways. The "most cultured and learned" among you regard also Christianity and every other religion as [...]

"Enq:  You speak of Theosophy and Occultism; are they identical?   Theo:  By no means. A man may be a very good Theosophist indeed, whether in or outside of the Society, without being in any way an Occultist. But no one can be a true Occultist without being a real Theosophist; otherwise he is simply [...]

"Enq:  Is the production of such healing adepts the aim of Theosophy?   Theo:  Its aims are several; but the most important of all are those which are likely to lead to the relief of human suffering under any or every form, moral as well as physical. And we believe the former to be far [...]

"Enq:  Are we to understand that the inner group of the T.S. claims to learn what it does from real initiates or masters of esoteric wisdom?   Theo:  Not directly. The personal presence of such masters is not required. Suffice it if they give instructions to some of those who have studied under their guidance [...]

"Enq:  But why could not a man of well-balanced mind and singleness of purpose, one, say, of indomitable energy and perseverance, become an Occultist and even an Adept if he works alone?   Theo:  He may: but there are ten thousand chances against one that he will fail. For one reason out of many others, [...]

Enq:  This applies to lay members, as I understand. And what of those who pursue the esoteric study of Theosophy; are they the real Theosophists?   Theo:  Not necessarily, until they have proven themselves to be such. They have entered the inner group and pledged themselves to carry out, as strictly as they can, the [...]

"Enq:  Which system do you prefer or follow, in that case, besides Buddhistic ethics?   Theo:  None, and all. We hold to no religion, as to no philosophy in particular; we cull the good we find in each. But here, again, it must be stated that, like all other ancient systems, Theosophy is divided into [...]

"Enq:  Your doctrines, then, are not a revival of Buddhism, nor are they entirely copied from the Neo-Platonic Theosophy?   Theo:  They are not. But to these questions I cannot give you a better answer than by quoting from a paper read on "Theosophy" by Dr. J. D. Buck, F.T.S., before the last Theosophical Convention, [...]