Theosophy

What It's About

This short work sets out Besant's outline of Theosophy as a complete system of thought, moving through seven sections: Theosophy considered as science, as morality and art, as philosophy, and as religion, followed by its application to social problems, a discussion of the systems and worlds of occult cosmology, and finally an account of the Theosophical Society itself. Rather than a narrow doctrinal statement, it presents Theosophy as a unifying framework meant to underlie and reconcile science, ethics, philosophy, and religious belief.

Key Concepts

Central ideas include the law of karma and reincarnation as the mechanism of moral and spiritual evolution, the existence of subtler planes of matter and consciousness beyond the physical, the guidance of advanced spiritual teachers or "Masters," and the principle of universal brotherhood without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or colour, which Besant presents as Theosophy's practical, social expression.

About the Author

Annie Besant (1847–1933) was an English writer, orator, and social reformer. She first became prominent as a campaigner for secularism, free thought, and birth control in Victorian Britain, and was briefly associated with the Fabian Society. After encountering Theosophy in the late 1880s, she became one of its foremost exponents, eventually serving as international president of the Theosophical Society from 1907 until her death. She was also deeply involved in Indian politics, serving as president of the Indian National Congress in 1917.