Original Theosophy and Later Versions

Five Main Distinctions To Be Considered

“Well; if in the different spheres contradictory doctrines are propounded, these doctrines cannot contain the Truth, for Truth is One, and cannot admit of diametrically opposite views.”
(Master K.H.)

“Our doctrine knows no compromises.”
(Master K.H.)

“We have no two beliefs or hypotheses on the same subject.”
(H. P. Blavatsky, “The Key to Theosophy” p. 87)

“Occult Science has its changeless traditions from prehistoric times.”
(H. P. Blavatsky, “The Secret Doctrine” Vol. 1, p. 516)

This article originally included a fairly brief summary and overview under each of the five points but it is difficult in such a highly condensed manner to include and represent all the numerous aspects and subtleties which people – primarily the students and followers of later, highly altered version of Theosophy presented by such individuals as C. W. Leadbeater, Annie Besant, and Alice Bailey – ought to be aware of. We have therefore now replaced these brief and inevitably imperfect summaries with links to other articles on this site, in which anyone interested can explore in some depth what the original teachings of Theosophy have to say on these subjects. Those who are familiar with later versions of Theosophy can then see and notice for themselves where the differences, contradictions, and incompatibilities lie.

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This article only lists five main points of difference between original Theosophy and the system of teaching which is often described as Neo-Theosophy or by HPB’s term “Pseudo-Theosophy.” There are in fact many more important differences and serious discrepancies. If one goes into detail and examines everything carefully, more than forty can be found.

Apart from the issues mentioned above, major contradictions of various sorts exist in regard to such matters as the Seven Planes, the Seven Rays, the after-death states and processes, the Path of Initiation, the nature and evolution of the “angels,” the seven sacred planets, the Earth Chain, Shambhala, elementals, sexual relations, prayer, Pratyeka Buddhas, the role of East and West, Church and Christianity, ceremonial magic, the importance of philosophy, the value of religion, and so forth.

Some of these can be explored in other articles on the site, by going to the Articles page or using the search function (the magnifying glass symbol on the home page).

Clearly, as the Masters have said, two contradictory doctrines or teachings cannot both be true.