Theosophical Mahatmas: From Theosophy’s Sacred Teachings in “The Key to Theosophy,” Part 1 of 2

The “Theosophical Mahatmas.” Are They “Spirits of Light” or “Myths”?

“But what does the word ‘Mahatma’ really mean?” The Theosophist explained: “Simply a ‘great soul,’ great through moral elevation and intellectual attainment. If the title of great is given to a drunken soldier like Alexander, why should we not call those ‘Great’ who have achieved far greater conquests in Nature’s secrets, than Alexander ever did on the field of battle? Besides, the term is an Indian and a very old word.”

The Enquirer questioned further: “And why do you call them ‘Masters’?” The Theosophist clarified: “We call them ‘Masters’ because they are our teachers; and because from them we have derived all the Theosophical truths, however inadequately some of us may have expressed, and others understood, them. They are men of great learning […], and still greater holiness of life. They are not ascetics in the ordinary sense, though they certainly remain apart from the turmoil and strife of your western world.”

The Enquirer remarked: “But is it not selfish thus to isolate themselves?” The Theosophist expounded: “Where is the selfishness? Does not the fate of the Theosophical Society sufficiently prove that the world is neither ready to recognize them nor to profit by their teaching? Of what use would Professor Clerk Maxwell have been to instruct a class of little boys in their multiplication-table? […]”

The Enquirer continued questioning: “This is very interesting. Tell me, have the Adepts [those who have reached a high spiritual level] thus inspired or dictated to many of your Theosophists?”

The Theosophist replied: “No, on the contrary, to very few. Such operations require special conditions. […] unless a person has been brought into psychic relationship with the Masters, and is assisted by virtue of his full faith in, and devotion to, his Teachers, the latter, whenever transmitting their thoughts to one with whom these conditions are not fulfilled, experience great difficulties in penetrating into the cloudy chaos of that person’s sphere. […]”