The Secret Doctrine

1. Humanity Evolves Through Seven Root Races

As regards the evolution of mankind, the Secret Doctrine postulates three new propositions, which stand in direct antagonism to modern science as well as to current religious dogmas: it teaches (a) the simultaneous evolution of seven human groups on seven different portions of our globe; (b) the birth of the astral, before the physical body: the former being a model for the latter; and (c) that man, in this Round, preceded every mammalian -- the anthropoids included -- in the animal kingdom.

Seven distinct groups. The Secret Doctrine posits that humanity didn't originate from a single source but evolved simultaneously in seven distinct groups across different regions of the Earth. This challenges both scientific monogenesis and religious creation myths. Each group, or Root Race, possesses unique characteristics and contributes to the overall tapestry of human evolution.

Astral blueprint. The astral body, an energetic template, precedes the physical form. This astral blueprint guides the development of the physical body, suggesting a pre-existing design or pattern that shapes our material existence. This concept aligns with the idea that consciousness and energy precede matter.

Humanity's primacy. Humans, in their astral form, existed before mammals, including anthropoids. This challenges the Darwinian view of human evolution, suggesting that the human lineage is not a branch of the mammalian tree but a distinct and prior development. This idea is supported by the concept of the "Heavenly Man" or Adam Kadmon, a universal form that engenders the manifested Logos.

2. The Earth's History Mirrors Human Evolution

After great throes she cast off her old three and put on her new seven skins, and stood in her first one.

Geological transformations. The Earth undergoes seven major geological changes, each corresponding to the evolution of a Root Race. These changes are not merely physical events but are deeply connected to the spiritual and physical development of humanity. This suggests a symbiotic relationship between the planet and its inhabitants.

Casting off old skins. The Earth sheds its "old three skins" to make way for the new. This symbolizes the discarding of outdated forms and the embracing of new potentials. This process is likened to a serpent shedding its skin, representing renewal and transformation.

Seven geological changes. These changes are not just about the physical Earth but also about the evolution of consciousness. Each new "skin" represents a new stage in the Earth's and humanity's journey, with the current stage being the first of the "new seven."

3. Divine Instructors Guide Humanity's Progress

The Globe, propelled onward by the Spirit of the Earth and his six assistants, gets all its vital forces, life, and powers through the medium of the seven planetary Dhyanis from the Spirit of the Sun. They are his messengers of Light and Life.

Planetary influences. The Earth and its inhabitants receive vital forces from the Spirit of the Sun through the seven planetary Dhyanis. These Dhyanis act as messengers of light and life, each influencing specific qualities in humanity. This highlights the interconnectedness of the cosmos and its impact on human evolution.

Dhyanis and races. Each of the seven primordial human groups receives light and life from its own Dhyani, both spiritually and physically. This suggests that each race has a unique connection to a specific planetary spirit, shaping its characteristics and destiny.

Individual septenates. Every individual is a septenate, a combination of principles each originating from a quality of a specific Dhyani. This implies that each person is a microcosm of the universe, with planetary influences shaping their individual nature.

4. The Fall: A Necessary Stage in Human Development

The sons of Wisdom, the sons of Night, ready for rebirth, came down, they saw the vile forms of the first Third, "We can choose," said the Lords, "We have wisdom."

Incarnation of Wisdom. The Sons of Wisdom, beings ready for rebirth, descend to Earth and see the imperfect forms of the Third Race. They choose to enter these forms, driven by wisdom and compassion. This act of incarnation is a deliberate choice, not a forced descent.

Sacrifice for knowledge. Some Sons of Wisdom enter the forms, becoming Arhats, while others project a spark, remaining partially detached. Those who enter fully gain wisdom, while those who only project a spark remain without knowledge. This highlights the different paths to enlightenment and the sacrifices involved.

Mindless and narrow-headed. The Third Race, not yet ready for full consciousness, remains mindless. Their Jivas are set apart, becoming the "narrow-headed." This sets the stage for the next phase of evolution, where the Lords of Flame dwell in the Third Race, preparing them for future development.

5. Atlantis: A Civilization Lost to Pride and Destruction

Then the fourth became tall with pride. We are the kings, it was said; we are the gods.

Pride and degeneration. The Fourth Race, the Atlanteans, grew tall with pride, declaring themselves kings and gods. This pride led to moral and spiritual degeneration, marking a turning point in their civilization.

Interbreeding and monsters. The Atlanteans took wives from the mindless, breeding monsters and wicked demons. This symbolizes the mixing of advanced and less evolved beings, resulting in the creation of distorted and destructive forces.

Loss of the Third Eye. They built temples for the human body, worshipping male and female forms. This marked the end of the Third Eye's function, signifying a loss of spiritual vision and a descent into materialism.

6. The Interplay of Spirit and Matter Shapes Our Reality

Every sin committed on Earth is felt by Usanas-Sukra. The Guru of the Daityas is the Guardian Spirit of the Earth and Men. Every change on Sukra is felt on, and reflected by, the Earth.

Venus as Earth's prototype. Venus, or Sukra, is the light-bearer of Earth, both physically and mystically. It is the Earth's primary and spiritual prototype, suggesting a deep connection between the two planets.

Guardian Spirit. Sukra is the Guru of the Daityas and the Guardian Spirit of Earth and Men. This implies that every change on Venus is felt and reflected on Earth, highlighting the interconnectedness of planetary events.

Twin-sister relationship. Venus and Earth are represented as twin sisters, with the Spirit of Earth subservient to the Lord of Venus. This symbolizes the balance and interplay between the physical and spiritual realms.

7. Ancient Wisdom Echoes in World Religions

In the ancient Cosmogonies, the visible and the invisible worlds are the double links of one and the same chain.

Dual links. The visible and invisible worlds are interconnected links in a single chain. This highlights the importance of understanding both the physical and metaphysical aspects of existence.

Logos and hierarchies. The invisible Logos, with its seven hierarchies, forms one power, the inner and invisible. In the world of forms, the Sun and seven chief planets constitute the visible and active potency. This shows the interplay between the spiritual and material realms.

Races and planets. Every race is born under the direct influence of one of the planets. This suggests that planetary energies shape the evolution and characteristics of different human groups.

8. Science and Esotericism: Two Paths to Understanding

Modern science insists upon the doctrine of evolution; so do human reason and the "Secret Doctrine," and the idea is corroborated by the ancient legends and myths, and even by the Bible itself when it is read between the lines.

Evolution as a shared concept. Modern science, human reason, and the Secret Doctrine all support the idea of evolution. This suggests that evolution is a fundamental principle of the universe, recognized across different disciplines.

Evolution of species. Each genus, from mollusks to humans, has modified its own primordial and distinctive forms. This implies that evolution is not a linear progression but a branching process, with each group adapting to its specific environment.

Giants and progenitors. The antediluvian ancestors of humans may have been the "giants" of the Vedas, the Voluspa, and the Book of Genesis. This challenges the materialistic view of evolution, suggesting that our progenitors were not primitive apes but beings of great stature and power.

9. The Power of Numbers Reveals Cosmic Truths

Number Seven, the fundamental figure among all other figures in every national religious system, from Cosmogony down to man, must have its raison d'etre.

Sacred number seven. The number seven is a recurring motif in various cultures and religions. This suggests that it holds a fundamental significance in the structure of the universe and human existence.

Vehicle of life. Pythagoras called seven the "Vehicle of Life," containing body and soul. This highlights the importance of seven in understanding the relationship between the physical and spiritual aspects of being.

Sevenfold nature. Every man is a septenate, a combination of principles each having its origin in a quality of a special Dhyani. This implies that each person is a microcosm of the universe, with planetary influences shaping their individual nature.

Last updated: February 20, 2025