How is Theosophy related to the teachings of Master Choa Kok Sui?
Theosophy is an esoteric and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th century, founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge. The word “Theosophy” is derived from the Greek theos (god) and sophia (wisdom), and it reflects the movement’s focus on seeking divine wisdom or knowledge. Theosophy is the esoteric science using which one can understand the inner teachings of all religions.
Theosophy and the teachings of Master Choa Kok Sui, particularly through Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga, share some commonalities in their focus on spiritual development and understanding the subtle energies of the body. Especially, the principles of Theosophy are some of the core tenants of the Pranic Healing system created by Master Choa Kok Sui.
In the Autobiography of Master Choa Kok Sui, The Origin of Modern Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga (Published by the Institute for Inner Studies), MCKS narrates, how from an early age he grew up reading various esoteric books, including that of Madame Blavatsky. There is indeed a sharp resemblance especially between the concepts of Master Choa and that of the works of the Theosophical duo (Annie Besant & CW Leadbeater.)
Theosophy, founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky in the late 19th century, explores spiritual wisdom and the interconnectedness of all life. It delves into esoteric knowledge and promotes the idea of spiritual evolution. The Septenary Principle of Theosophy is perhaps the core foundation upon which Pranic Healing is based. For it mentions Prana or Vitality & the etheric body a.k.a the etheric double which is the vehicle for Prana. As H.P Blavatsky wrote:
“Although the student can no longer look on Prâna as one of the Seven Principles, since it is the Universal Life, he must not forget that it vivifies all, as Prânic energy. Every Principle is a differentiation of Jîva, and the life-motion in each is Prâna, “the Breath of Life.” It is Nephesh: and Jîva becomes Prâna only when the child is born. . . . As an example, a sponge may be immersed in an ocean; the water in the sponge’s interior may be compared to Prâna; the water outside is Jîva. Prâna is the motor-principle in life. The Body leaves Prâna, Prâna does not leave it. Take out the sponge from the water, and it becomes dry––thus symbolizing death.”
-Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. XII
In his writings, Master Choa Kok Sui has also mentioned Pranic Healing & Arhatic Yoga is prehistoric in origin, insinuating it’s root in the inner teachings of ancient religions. Hence, he calls it “Modern Pranic Healing” while refraining from being attributed as it’s “Inventor“. Master Choa Kok Sui founded Modern Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga in the 20th century. His teachings also center around understanding energy, specifically prana or life force, and how it influences physical and mental well-being. Pranic Healing involves energy healing techniques based on the manipulation of prana. While both Theosophy and Master Choa Kok Sui’s teachings involve spiritual development and the exploration of subtle energies, they have distinct approaches and contexts. Theosophy has a broader focus on spiritual wisdom and universal principles, while Master Choa Kok Sui’s teachings are more specific to energy healing and personal transformation through the understanding and manipulation of prana.
There were many Theosophists who were Clairvoyants in the 19th & early 20th century. The most prominent being C.W Leadbeater. In his autobiography, MCKS mentions how along with his associate Clairvoyant Mang Mike Nator, he revaluated the clairvoyant investigations done by C.W Leadbeater & thereby formulating those teachings into practical techniques of Pranic Healing. In his list of recommended books, Master Choa Kok Sui also included a vast body of Theosophical literature. He recommended the works of many Theosophists including H.P Blavatsky, C.W Leadbeater, Annie Besant, C. Jinarājadāsa, Rudolf Steiner & others. He even mentioned those books are vital to one’s spiritual development.
The relationship between the teachings of Master Choa Kok Sui further deepens if one explores the system of Arhatic Yoga. According to Master Choa Kok Sui, Arhatic Yoga is a system that can lead one to Arhatship which is a state of enlightenment or initiation. The term Arhat, and the theory of Initiation runs deep within the Teachings of Theosophy. As a matter of fact, it were the Theosophists who originally used this Buddhist term “Arhat” parallel with the western esoteric concept of Initiation. C.W Leadbeater states:
“The candidate who has passed the fourth Initiation is spoken of in Buddhist terminology as the Arhat, which means the worthy, the capable, the venerable or perfect, and in the Eastern books very many beautiful things are said about him, for they know at what a high level of evolution he stands. The Hindus call him the Paramahamsa, the one above or beyond the Hamsa.”
There are many synonyms for the word, Arhat, namely Paramahansa, Saint, 4th Initiate etc etc. However, the most widely used term in Theosophy is “Arhat”, so is the preferred term by Master Choa Kok Sui. Furthermore, we find even greater union between Theosophy & Pranic Healing in the book “Achieving Oneness with the Higher Soul” (Published by Institute for Inner Studies), where Master Choa Kok Sui explores the concepts of Soul, Spiritual Triad, Higher Self, Permanent atoms, subtle bodies etc. All these predates Master Choa’s career as an esotericist and can be found widely in the Theosophical framework. Master Choa Kok Sui can therefore be described as a passionate Theosophist. He was perhaps greatly inspired by the teachings of prominent Theosophists like Madame Blavatsky, C.W Leadbeater, Rudolf Steiner, Alice Bailey & others. Master Choa Kok Sui based his original principles on Theosophy and further developed them into a system of healing & a comprehensive system of spiritual development known as “Arhatic Yoga” which is taught by his instructors all over the world today.
Many students of Master Choa Kok Sui today refuse to see the similarities between the teachings of Master Choa who they refer to as MCKS & Theosophy. However, it is self evident that through the study of Theosophy & the recommended books of Master Choa kok Sui, one can have a much deeper understanding of his teachings than it is usually possible. Theosophy can therefore be an instrument using which one can become a better Pranic Healer & Arhatic Yogi. Theosophy is universal in nature & in non-sectarian. Students of Master Choa Kok Sui can therefore be Theosophical students at the same time & benefit from the vast ocean of esoteric knowledge Theosophy contains.
