By Hugh Shearman, jacket design by Jane A. Evans.

135 Pages | First published in 1962 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835602001.

The author of this book offers a unique approach to the discovery of meaning and purpose, which he suggests involves the transformation of our lives by realizing our own infinite potential. He writes of the search for the One, which has been passionate necessity of mystics of all faiths throughout the ages. While speaking from the heart, he does not deny the value of reason and mind, but suggests the necessity of penetrating beyond to that center within, which is stable and firm and amid the changing universe.

Dr. Hugh Shearman, an honor graduate in history, in which he earned the Ph.D. degree, has long been interested in philosophical and metaphysical subjects. He is the author of some twenty titles, which include The Purpose of Tragedy and Desire and Fulfillment.

From Chapter XIX – Immortality (page 129:

” The One remains, the many change and pass.

Heaven’s light for ever shines; Earth’s shadows fly.

Life like a dome of many-coloured glass

Stains the white radiance of eternity. “

• Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792 – 1822).

By Hugh Shearman.

88 Pages | First edition 1954, reprinted 1992 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170591937.

The object of this little book is to introduce theosophy as an interpretation of human tragedy. It is the introduction and interpretation of one individual and excludes no other among an almost infinite variety of possible approaches to the subject. Much of it has necessarily been written in the spirit of ‘Thus have I heard.’ Yet, the principles that we receive and communicate in this spirit can often become alive and become our own as they are found to respond to the demands of experience. One short and simple interpretation of human tragedy, human freedom, and many other problems, has been a constant source of illumination to the writer. It is a Chapter from The Wonder Child, a little book by Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953), a revered former President of the Theosophical Society and one, who devoted his life to the lightening of human sorrow and the healing of human conflict. This Chapter from The Wonder Child is printed as an Appendix at the back of this book.

From Chapter 11 – ‘Grace and Healing’:

” It has been the testimony of many that, for those who will remain steady and fulfil their life’s tragedy through to its end, there is always a gift at the bottom of the pit of darkness, and at the end of the longest tunnel shines a star. Sometimes, in the shorter conflicts and tensions of life, this gift comes in the form of a healing or harmonising of a new kind. Sometimes such terms as ‘spiritual healing’ or ‘divine healing’ are used. Sometimes expressions are used, which speak of ‘forgiveness of sins’ and the ‘bestowing of grace’. “

By Hugh Shearman.

164 Pages | First edition 1959, second revised edition 2007 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar.| ISBN: 9788170595229.

This book is a new edition of To Form a Nucleus, a comprehensive guide to work in the Theosophical Society. It covers all aspects of the work of the Sections and Lodges of the Society, and gives information on the formation of the Lodges, the maintenance and running of their premises, libraries, book sales, propaganda material, the organization of talks and lectures, the administrative work of office-bearers and so on. An excellent reference book for Lodges as well as individual members.

From Chapter X – The Theosophical Worker (p. 164):

” It is essentially fear of the unknown and dependence on the known that create the bleak and barren state of indecision. Fear, therefore is to be sought out and brought to the surface in our lives and dissipated, and dependence is to be recognized and challenged as to its worth. It is not enough that our Theosophy should come to us on good authority. We shall never be happy until we bring it to the test of living experience and find sacrifice is a reliable way of life. Then, we shall be happy and effective workers and not merely dutiful ones. “

By Hugh Shearman.

84 Pages | First edition 1956, first reprint 1988 | Softcover | The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170591007.

The great problems of all, who try to lead a good life lie not in knowledge, but in volition. It is often said, that the great barrier is ignorance; but if ignorance is to be taken to mean mere lack of information, this is not the whole truth. Our difficulties often arise, not because we do not know what to do. but because we do not want to do it. In fact, our main problems are in the emotive aspect of our lives. They lie in our sense of purpose and in our experience of emotional and creative fulfilment. If they are problems of ignorance, it is a lyrical and intuitive ignorance and not predominantly an intellectual one. Although several excellent works of long established authority in theosophical literature have expounded the nature of the creative and lyrical aspect of our world and the place of desire and emotion in human life, this is a subject, which, without apology, may be interpreted afresh in a new generation.

From Chapter ‘The Source of Motive’ (p.15):

Earth’s humanity today is just entering upon the transition from one kind of motivation to the other. It is a vast and long transition, extending over many ages and shaping many cultures. Great teachers have given such help as they can, and there are many hints and intimations in the religions, philosophies and poetry of the world. But the great problem cannot be solved for us vicariously. The great transition has to be made by each as well as by all. Exhortation and explanation are not enough; for the great truths are alive in a realm that is beyond the scope and limits of rational or systematic thinking. They cannot be caught and conveyed within a cage of rational explanation. It is more often in the dignity of an act, in the perfect response to a situation, in the rare fragrance of a great teacher’s presence, that the truth is worldlessly conveyed and recognised. ”