The Common Origin of Man – Selections from Theosophy’s Sacred Teachings in “The Key to Theosophy,” Part 1 of 2

Theosophy, meaning “Divine wisdom,” refers to knowledge that comes through spiritual experience rather than intellectual understanding alone. Madame Blavatsky wrote several important books on Theosophy, including “Isis Unveiled,” “The Secret Doctrine,” “The Key to Theosophy,” and “The Voice of the Silence.” “The Key to Theosophy” unlocks the door that leads to a deeper study of Theosophy.

In this section, “The Common Origin of Man,” we see that all of humanity is united through a spiritual essence that is identical for us all. Understanding this can also lead to a peaceful understanding among religions, since it will then be clear that all beliefs in the Divine originate from the same higher Source.

“Theosophist: All men have spiritually and physically the same origin, which is the fundamental teaching of Theosophy. As mankind is essentially of one and the same essence, and that essence is one — infinite, uncreated, and eternal, whether we call it God or Nature— nothing, therefore, can affect one nation or one man without affecting all other nations and all other men.”

“Christ is alleged to have said: ‘Love each other’ and ‘Love your enemies’; for ‘if ye love them (only) which love you, what reward (or merit) have ye?”

“Matter, deprived of its soul and spirit, or its divine essence, cannot speak to the human heart. But the identity of the soul and spirit, of real, immortal man, as Theosophy teaches us, once proven and deep-rooted in our hearts, would lead us far on the road of real charity and brotherly goodwill.”

“The influence of Theosophy and of the Society is plain, for they all take as their basis, their first and fundamental principle, the Brotherhood of Humanity as taught by Theosophy. In their declaration of Principles they state: — ‘The principle of the Brotherhood of Humanity is one of the eternal truths that govern the world’s progress on lines which distinguish human nature from brute nature.’ What can be more Theosophical than this? But it is not enough. What is also needed is to impress men with the idea that, if the root of mankind is one, then there must also be one truth which finds expression in all the various religions.”