The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 1 of 4: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and PhilosophyBlavatsky, H. P. (Helena Petrovna)
Religion
The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 1 of 4: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy
Blavatsky, H. P. (Helena Petrovna)
Theosophy
This Doctrine teaches that the whole Universe is ruled by intelligent and
semi‐intelligent Forces and Powers, as stated from the very beginning.
Christian Theology admits and even _enforces_ belief in such, but makes an
arbitrary division and refers to them as “Angels” and “Devils.” Science
denies the existence of both, and ridicules the very idea. Spiritualists
believe in the “Spirits of the Dead,” and outside these deny entirely any
other kind or class of invisible beings. The Occultists and Kabalists are
thus the only rational expounders of the ancient traditions, which have
now culminated in dogmatic faith on the one hand, and dogmatic denial on
the other. For both belief and unbelief each embrace but one small corner
of the infinite horizons of spiritual and physical manifestations: and
thus both are right from their respective standpoints, yet both are wrong
in believing that they can circumscribe the whole within their own special
and narrow barriers, for—they can never do so. In this respect, Science,
Theology, and even Spiritualism show little more wisdom than the ostrich,
when it hides its head in the sand at its feet, feeling sure that there
can be thus nothing beyond its own point of observation and the limited
area occupied by its foolish head.
As the only works now extant upon the subject under consideration, within
reach of the profane of the Western “civilized” races, are the above‐
mentioned Hermetic Books, or rather Hermetic Fragments, we may contrast
them in the present case with the teachings of Esoteric Philosophy. To
quote for this purpose from any other would be useless, since the public
knows nothing of the Chaldean works, which are translated into Arabic and
preserved by some Sufi Initiates. Therefore the “Definitions of
Asclepios,” as lately compiled and glossed by Dr. Anna Kingsford, F.T.S.,
some of which sayings are in remarkable agreement with the Eastern
Esoteric Doctrine, have to be resorted to for comparison. Though not a few
passages bear a strong impression of some later Christian hand, yet on the
whole the characteristics of the Genii and Gods are those of Eastern
teachings, although concerning other things there are passages which
differ widely in our doctrines.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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