Tag: theosophy
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Explaining the Layers of Reality in Theosophy and Sankhya
Theosophy and the Sankhya school of Indian philosophy present a hierarchical cosmology that attempts to explain the nature of existence, consciousness, and spiritual evolution. Theosophy gives us the seven planes of existence that range from the dense physical world to the highest spiritual planes. Sankhya presents a metaphysical framework based on tattvas (principles) that distinguish…
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States of Consciousness in Theosophy
In Theosophy, the concept of “planes” refers to different dimensions or layers of existence. Each is associated with distinct states of matter and consciousness. The word plane is “the range or extent of some state of consciousness, or of the perceptive power of a particular set of senses, or the action of a particular force” (Theosophical…
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The Five Characteristics of Spiritual Decay in the Age of Kali Yuga: Materialism
The Materialism of the Kali Yuga is exemplified by the people’s excessive attachment to wealth and physical pleasures. The focus is first on external possessions: money and our ability to trade it for tangible materials and tangible commons such as land, natural resources, and water. Thus, our ego’s striving for power is satisfied. Additionally, the…
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The Five Characteristics of Spiritual Decay in the Age of Kali Yuga: Darkness
The Darkness of the Kali Yuga is intangible and immaterial. It is really the darkness of the soul. As spiritual beings, we naturally seek the good and the light. Our whole purpose is education and the unburdening of our souls within our physical bodies as we process a variety of emotions available to us in…
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The Fourth Yuga as the Foundation for the Current Spiritual Decay
In Hinduism, time is cyclical. It is constituted of four major epochs or Yugas: Satya Yuga (the Age of Truth), Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. The yugas represent a gradual decline from an age of spiritual perfection to an age of moral decay and materialism. The fourth yuga, Kali Yuga, is the final…
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Practice and Purpose: The Universal Appeal of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s Part 2
Beyond the Yamas and the Niyamas, the first two of Pantajli’s 8-limbs, Pantajali discusses six more principles critical to yoga philosophy. As we move from limb to limb, we gain a closer understanding of ourselves, and if we take the study seriously, the ultimate goal becomes that of Samadhi, or the pure union with the divine.…
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Practice and Purpose: The Universal Appeal of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s
The Yoga Sutras, 325 CE, contain 195 aphorisms distilling wisdom from earlier writings such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other sources. The work is presented in four chapters or pada: “part,” “a step,” from pad, “a foot,” suggesting “foundation.” What is yoga? For Pantajali, “yoga is stopping the turning of thinking” or a way…
LUX PHARI YOGA 