Theosophy Thread

[Souline]

I was interested in creating this thread for those who are interested to raise and discuss the concepts and ideas that are exposed in the different books of theosophy. I am mainly interested in the teachings of Helena Blavatsky and Rudolf Steiner but feel free to raise ideas from other authors.

As a starting point I would like to know your opinions about what Helena Blavatsky calls Dhyan Chohan. " Dhyan Chohan or Dhyāni-Chohan is a generic term for all Devas, Angels or celestial beings, of which are several hierarchies and degrees. The Sanskrit word dhyani means “contemplative, one who meditates” while the origin of the word chohan is unknown. The Dhyāni-Chohan are the host of celestial beings that impress upon matter the ideas found in the cosmic ideation. In this sense, the universal mind is seen as the “architect” providing the plan for the building and functioning of the universe, while the celestial beings are the “masons”

[Rosechalice]

Hi @Souline Great topic!

My comment is not going to be helpful in any way lol, sorry about that. I am unfamiliar with Blavasky’s use of the term Dhyan Chohan as a category for celestial beings. The only use of the word chohan that I am familiar with is this:

Chohans of the 7 rays

The Chohans of the 7 Rays are ascended masters who oversee the activities of humanity under a specific ray, color, and vibration of God. Each Chohan serves in an etheric retreat and administers one or more gifts of the Holy Spirit to humanity.

In terms of opinions, what is yours about her beliefs about the Dhyan Chohan?

[Souline]

Thank you very much for sharing this information!
According to helena these beings they vary infinitely in their respective degrees of consciousness and intelligence. So certain ascended masters who were once human may be part of this group.

In my opinion it is an interesting theory but the only problem is that these beings would be like gods if they have the ability to order the cosmos and are of direct relationship with “the creator” or “Brahman”, then in a sense Shiva, Vishnu and other deities would be Dhyan-Chohan, maybe I’m a little confused but I love to study these topics, although they are quite complex and difficult to understand.

“Ordinarily, a man is said to reach Nirvana when he evolutes into a Dhyan Chohan. The condition of a Dhyan Chohan is attained in the ordinary course of Nature, after the completion of the 7th round in the present planetary chain. After becoming a Dhyan Chohan, a man does not, according to the Law of Nature, incarnate in any of the other planetary chains of this Solar system. The whole Solar system is his home. He continues to discharge his duties in the Government of this Solar system until the time of Solar Pralaya, when his monad, after a period of rest, will have to overshadow in another Solar system a particular human being during his successive incarnations, and attach itself to his higher principles when he becomes a Dhyan Chohan in his turn. There is progressive spiritual development in the innumerable Solar systems of the infinite cosmos. Until the time of Cosmic Pralaya, the Monad will continue to act in the manner above indicated, and it is only during the inconceivable period of cosmic sleep which follows the present period of activity, that the highest condition of Nirvana is realized”

[Rosechalice]

Yeah interesting theory. Reminds me a bit of the Bodhisattva Ideal.

[Souline]

Is there an end to the evolution of a Bodhisattva or is it infinite? I suppose it is infinite as any being in this universe, maybe they are referring to the same beings but naming them differently

[Marie]

Possibly off topic but I was advised to take Blavatsky’s ideas with special caution due to antisemitism, racism, misinformation and cultural appropriation. I haven’t checked but the racism part is obvious judging by the quotes in the Secret Doctrine’s Wikipedia page (more specifically those from the second volume).
Maybe this advice could be help someone else.
Going back to lurking now! I’m not too knowledgeable about the subject

Correction: the red flag is more part of her theory pushing racist ideas, rather than racist/colonialist views which reflected those of the 19th century society she evolved in.

[Rosechalice]

Yes, as with all humans, she had her flaws, some of which might be questionnable sources, so it is a good plan (as always) to choose/sift wisely.

[Souline]

As Rose said there may be prejudices because after all she was a human being, but thanks for the warning, I have her books and I find them interesting, however I do not believe that it is the ultimate reality of the spiritual world, there are also later authors who have broken down much of Helena’s postulates for this time

[Neytiri]

Hilma af Klint

Taking the opportunity to introduce an interesting artist inspired by theosophy.

Feel free to move or delete if too off topic.

[Souline]

Thank you for share! Amazing art

[toby]

I never knew about theosophy until now, ill be keenly reading