National Lodge

The National Lodge is a self-study program available to members for an annual fee. Each year, the National Lodge covers a specific topic of study. Lessons are delivered by email on the first week of the month.

The Many Forms of Knowledge
September 2025 - August 2026
By Richard Smoley

Knowledge is central to the human experience. But what is it? It comes in many forms, but how do they relate to one another? Is it really possible to know anything apart from ourselves? If so, what is it that we know, and how? Is it possible that everything we think we know is an illusion?

In this twelve-month National Lodge course, Quest editor Richard Smoley delves into the many aspects of knowledge, the questions it raises, and the insights they provide.

The course will cover a number of approaches to knowledge, ranging from the practical to the mystical. Richard will use insights from ancient and modern philosophy, esoteric traditions such as Theosophy and Gnosticism, and Hindu teachings such as the Samkhya to explore the ultimate questions of what we know, how we know it, and how we can know it.

Join the National Lodge

To receive the NL course monthly, you must:

    1.  Be a current member of the Theosophical Society in America. If you are not already a TSA member, become one by clicking here.
    2.  Pay annual National Lodge dues: $10.
    3.  New TSA members can receive one year's free membership in the National Lodge by sending an email request to NatLodge@theosophical.org

To join or renew, please click here*
*This course is for members only. If you are not a member, your payment will be processed as a non-refundable donation.