Derived from the Latin word Adeptus — “he who has obtained.” The term refers to one who is an Initiate, and has become a master of the secret sciences, “men who have developed and perfected their physical, mental, psychic, and spiritual organisations to the utmost possible degree” (SD I:273). Helena P. BLAVATSKY distinguishes adepts of the right and the left path. The latter are sorcerers whose powers are used for selfish purposes.

In theosophy, the term is often used to refer to the Mahātmas or the Masters of the Wisdom. See MAHATMA.

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