Fifteen years ago I came across a book that would lead me into a never-ending warren of twists and turns. What looked to be a way out, mired me further into this maze. In true Carroll and Orwellian fashion, left was right, up was down, and the answers I sought were not to be found (sorry couldn't resist the rhyme there). It took me ten years to realize that the carrot was on a string.
It began innocently enough, as most things do, on a Sunday trip to Barnes and Noble. It's odd how some moments remain etched in your mind, possibly to serve as a reminder. It was a beautiful, sunny, winter day. I've always loved reading and I was quite content to roam the aisles. Searching the bargain section I came across the books on religion and new age philosophy. My eyes scanned over the requisite books on Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, until they rested on an obscure title, Theosophy: Wisdom of the Ages. Of course to my adolescent mind a book promising, of all things, the wisdom of the ages was too good to pass up. It was also suitable for my fifteen year old budget. I left, happy with my purchase, and not knowing what I had truly bought that day.
For the fortunately uninitiated, I'll give a synopsis of Theosophy. Essentially it's a philosophy that believes in an evolution of the spirit. Doesn't sound so bad, right? However, it's also rooted in Social Darwinism (survival of the fittest/natural selection) and some have accused this ideology of being the basis for the holocaust. Coincidentally their membership was at its peak in conjunction with the rise of the third reich.
It was founded by a woman named Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. She claimed to receive messages from ascended masters who influenced her writings. Here is where their philosophy begins to break down. They encourage a universality of religion and that essentially there are no boundaries. We are all one, good and evil doesn't really exist, etc...That's all good and well except that there is a hierarchy in place. She is receiving messages from ascended masters. The best analogy I can give is a leveling game or a fraternal organization (I play World of Warcraft and this analogy is not meant to offend but rather to demonstrate).
Systems, like Theosophy, WoW, or fraternal organizations, depend on titles, obtaining the next goal or level, and unlocking withheld knowledge (gear in the case of a leveling game). Humans are a curious lot in that they like to elevate themselves above their fellows. Whether it's having a nicer car, brand name clothes, or having the latest gadgets and gizmos. Even in a game we like to think we've got the best stuff or the highest skill level. I'm working on my archaeology in WoW and when I max out that skill it'll probably be fairly satisfying for about two minutes. In fraternal organizations its gotta feel pretty good to be called a Supreme Knight or an Exalted Ruler.
Similar principles apply in Theosophy. Although they claim a oneness for humanity not everyone is on the same level. I'm sure a rep for the Theosophical society could concoct some answer for me on that one. There are seven bodies that you can progress through. In the seventh body you become everything and nothing, free of the chains of this planet. But I'm pretty certain they still have to use the toilet like the rest of us. Again maybe a rep could contact me and explain how an evolved person's bowels work.
Snarkiness aside, there is no end game. Is the level cap in WoW 85 right now? Sure it is. But does that mean you are done at level 85? Or are there dungeons to grind and an endless list of achievements. If you obtain the title of Master Mason why would you still keep going to meetings? Or are there promises of more esoteric knowledge and maybe degrees unknown to the public or even other masons. I operated under this fallacy for a number of years, seeking to be more human than human. The whole forty six & 2 bit. In the next installment I will discuss how Theosophy led me into the occult and what happened as a result of that journey.
