Maitreya (Theosophy)

Above: The emblem of theTheosophical Society

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy

Theosophy (from Greek θεοσοφία theosophia, from θεός theos, God + σοφία sophia, wisdom; literally "God's wisdom"), 

refers to systems of esoteric philosophy concerning, or investigation seeking direct knowledge of, presumed mysteries of being and nature, particularly concerning the nature of divinity. 

Theosophy is considered a part of the broader field of esotericism, referring to hidden knowledge or wisdom that offers the individual enlightenment and salvation.  

The theosopher seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe and the bonds that unite the universe, humanity, and the divine. The goal of theosophy is to explore the origin of divinity and humanity, and the world. From investigation of those topics, theosophers try to discover a coherent description of the purpose and origin of the universe.

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Link: http://skepdic.com/theosoph.html

Theosophy, or divine wisdom, refers either to the mysticism of philosophers who believe that they can understand the nature of some god by direct apprehension, without revelation, or it refers to theesotericism of eclectic collectors of mystical and occult philosophies who claim to be handing down the great secrets of some ancient wisdom.

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Maitreya (Theosophy)
http://www.chinabuddhismencyclopedia.com/en/index.php/Maitreya_(Theosophy)

The Maitreya or Lord Maitreya is described in Theosophical literature of the late 19th-century and subsequent periods as an advanced spiritual entity and high-ranking member of a hidden Spiritual Hierarchy, the so-called Masters of the Ancient Wisdom. 

According to Theosophical doctrine, one of the Hierarchy's functions is to oversee the evolution of humankind; 

in accord with this function the Maitreya is said to hold the so-called Office of the World Teacher. 

Theosophical texts posit that the purpose of this Office is to facilitate the transfer ofknowledge about the true constitution and workings of Existence to humankind. 

Humanity is thereby assisted on its presumed cyclical, but ever progressive, evolutionary path. 

Reputedly, one way the knowledge transfer is accomplished is by Maitreya occasionally manifesting or incarnating in the physical realm; 

the manifested entity then assumes the role of World Teacher of Humankind. 

The Theosophical concept of Maitreya has many similarities to the earlier Maitreya doctrine in Buddhism. 

However, they differ in important aspects, and developed differently. 

The Theosophical Maitreya has been assimilated or appropriated by a variety of quasi-theosophical and non-theosophical New Age and Esoteric groups and movements. 

These have added, and advanced, their own interpretations and commentary on the subject. 

Development of the Theosophical concept of the Maitreya