The Secret Doctrine II: Anthropogenesis
🧬 The Secret Doctrine II: Anthropogenesis
- Course Code: THEO 5003
- Florida Course Numbering System: REL 5311
- Credits: 3
- Level: Graduate
- Program: Master of Theosophy
📘 Course Description
This course provides an intensive study of Volume II of The Secret Doctrine by H.P. Blavatsky, titled Anthropogenesis. It explores the esoteric account of the origin and evolution of humanity, as described in the Stanzas of Dzyan, focusing on Root Races, spiritual lineage, and the psychic and physical development of man across vast cosmic epochs. Students will critically examine how these teachings correspond with ancient mythologies, sacred scriptures, and occult sciences, and contrast them with modern evolutionary theory.
🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Interpret the Stanzas of Dzyan in Volume II of The Secret Doctrine regarding human origins.
- Describe the succession and purpose of the Root Races in Theosophical anthropology.
- Explain esoteric concepts such as monadic evolution, spiritual involution, and physical embodiment.
- Compare the Theosophical view of human origins with religious and scientific narratives.
- Analyze the ethical and metaphysical implications of the destiny of humanity.
🗂️ Weekly Topics Breakdown
| Week | Topic | Key Readings & Resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Anthropogenesis: Structure and Themes | The Secret Doctrine, Vol. II – Preface |
| 2 | The Stanzas of Dzyan (II): Myth, Symbol, and Initiatic History | Stanza I–II with commentary |
| 3 | The First Root Race: Etheric Beginnings | Stanza III, concept of astral prototypes |
| 4 | The Second Root Race: Fluidic and Formative | Evolution of subtle form, embryonic humanity |
| 5 | The Third Root Race: Lemuria and the Separation of Sexes | Fall into duality, awakening of mind |
| 6 | The Fourth Root Race: Atlantis and the Rise of Ego | Psychic descent, technological abuse, and cataclysm |
| 7 | The Fifth Root Race: Aryan Cycle and Spiritual Responsibility | Present cycle, ethical awakening, future evolution |
| 8 | The Sixth and Seventh Root Races (Preview) | Coming races and their spiritual characteristics |
| 9 | Karma and Evolution in Human History | Cyclic karma, collective destiny |
| 10 | Human vs. Animal Evolution: Spiritual vs. Physical Lineages | Misconceptions about Darwinian interpretation |
| 11 | The Monad, Reincarnation, and Group Souls | Inner nature evolving through bodies |
| 12 | The Occult Schools and Guardians of Human Evolution | Masters and hidden lineages guiding progress |
| 13 | Modern Parallels: Genetic Myths, Ancient Civilizations, and Science | Atlantis, Lemuria, and modern paleo-mythology |
| 14 | Final Presentations and Integration | Student-led synthesis and reflective dialogue |
🧾 Assessments
- Weekly Commentaries (20%) – Responses to stanzas and commentary
- Midterm Essay (20%) – Thematic essay on one Root Race or cosmological stage
- Diagram Project (15%) – Visual model of Root Races or human evolution chart
- Final Paper or Presentation (30%) – Research-based or symbolic exploration
- Participation (15%) – Online forum, discussion, peer feedback
📚 Required Texts
- The Secret Doctrine, Vol. II – H.P. Blavatsky
- The Mahatma Letters – selected letters on human origins
- The Ancient Wisdom – Annie Besant (chapters on human evolution)
- Supplementary: A Study in Consciousness – Annie Besant; Atlantis – W. Scott-Elliot