ABSTRACT
In popular usage the term ‘Theosophy’ usually refers to the philosophy popularized by the Theosophical Society. In fact it is of much more ancient origin–the word derives from the Greek, theos and sophia and was used by some of the ancient Greek philosophers, and later in the West. Gradually there emerged the idea that a tradition of secret knowledge had been transmitted throughout the ages, constituting an esoteric, or inner, philosophy–known as ‘the ancient wisdom’ or ‘theosophy’. This concept was popularized in the late nineteenth century by a Russian noblewoman, Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, whose writings aroused considerable interest and controversy. Her monumental and voluminous Secret Doctrine constitutes the source of most of the teachings of the Theosophical Society. Within the Society there developed an inner group, known as the ‘Eastern School’ or the ‘Esoteric Section’ to which only select members were admitted and in which secret teachings were promulgated.
