Introduction
The terms Philosophy and Theosophy may sound similar, but they have distinct meanings. Philosophy is the study of knowledge, reality, and existence, while Theosophy is a religious philosophy based on mystical insight into the nature of God.
Philosophy
Philosophy encompasses various schools of thought, such as monism and dualism. Monists believe in the oneness of everything, including the unity of individual souls with the Supreme soul. On the other hand, dualists believe that although liberation brings happiness, individuals can never merge with the Supreme Self.
Philosophical concepts are often considered as dogmas, and books on philosophy are seen as sources of verbal authority. Philosophy is not characterized by mysticism.
Theosophy
Theosophy is considered a wisdom religion and can be referred to as a religious philosophy. Theosophists believe in one absolute and one Supreme Self, which they consider to be the Universal Soul. They believe that human beings have the innate power of immortality since they are part of the Universal Soul. Theosophy is filled with mysticism and views science, religion, and philosophy as pathways to reach the Supreme Absolute.
Theosophy is a single school of thought and does not have different schools like philosophy. Theosophists focus more on the astral body and material body, while philosophers emphasize the individual self and the supreme self. Theosophical concepts are not considered dogmas and are more like ideas rather than sources of verbal authority.
In summary:
– Philosophy is the science of soul while Theosophy is the wisdom religion.
– Philosophical concepts are dogmas, unlike Theosophical concepts.
– Theosophy is characterized by mysticism, while philosophy is not.
– Philosophy has many schools of thought, whereas Theosophy has a single school.
– Theosophists focus on the astral and material bodies, while philosophers emphasize the individual and supreme selves.
Highlights
1. Philosophy is the science of the soul, studying knowledge, reality, and existence, while Theosophy is a religious philosophy or speculation based on mystical insight into the nature of God.
2. Philosophy has multiple schools of thought, such as monism and dualism, while Theosophy has a single school of thought that believes in one absolute and one Supreme Self.
3. Theosophy is characterized by mysticism and believes that science, religion, and philosophy can bring people closer to the Supreme Absolute, while philosophy is not laden with mysticism and focuses more on the individual self and the supreme self.
