By Ianthe H. Hoskins (1912 – 2001).

19 Pages | Adyar Pamphlet New Series, No. 3  Dec. 1989. This is the 1997 edition. |  Softcover | The Theosophical House, London | No ISBN.

Based on a Lecture at the International Convention of The Theosophical Society, Adyar, December 1989.

The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875, is a worldwide body whose primary object is Universal Brotherhood based on the realization that life, in all its diverse forms, human and non-human, is indivisbly One. The Society imposes no belief on its Members, who are united by a common search for truth and the desire to learn the meaning and purpose of existence by engaging themselves in study, reflection, purity of life and loving service.

Theosophy is the Wisdom underlying all religions when they are stripped of accretions and superstitions. It offers a philosophy, which renders life intelligible and demonstrates that justice and love guide the cosmos. Its teachings aid the unfoldment of the latent spiritual nature in the human being, without dependence or fear.

From Page 10:

” In these concluding verses from Emily Brontë’s Last Lines, the ‘Thou’ addressed by the dying poetess is no remote Creator in the skies, but that ‘God, within my breast, ‘Almighty ever-present Deity’, the One All:

Though earth and man were gone,

And suns and universe ceased to be,

And Thou wert left alone,

Every existence would exist in Thee.

There is no room for Death,

Nor atom that his might could render void:

THOU – THOU art Being and Breath,

And what THOU are can never be destroyed. “

Door Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004), vertaald door Louis Geertman.

54 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 2001 door de Theosophical Society, London; deze Nederlandse editie is uitgegeven in 2008 | Brochure | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9789061750871.

Engels origineel: Theosophy, Its Beneficent Potentialities | Een Blavatsky-lezing gehouden in Winchester op 29 juli 2001 tijdens de Zomerschool van de Engelse afdeling van de Theosophical Society | Geen ISBN.

Theosofie is in haar totaliteit een allesomvattende kennis van de aard en van de wijzen waarop de Natuur werkzaam is, waarbij de mens een fundamentele rol speelt. Het mensenrijk vertegenwoordigt een kritische fase in het immense evolutionaire programma, wanneer de ‘mens’, de denker, geboren wordt. Kennis van de Theosofie wordt verkregen door generaties van getrainde zoekers en onderzoekers, ingewijden in de esoterische mysteriën. Zij maakt er aanspraak op een uitdrukking te zijn van waarheid, van de feiten van het bestaan. Daarom berust zij niet op gissingen of geloof.

Afkomstig uit de ‘Inleiding’ (blz. 7):

” Occultisten, kabbalisten, theosofen, jullie weten heel goed dat een Woord, zo oud als de Wereld, hoewel nieuw voor jullie, geklonken heeft bij het begin van deze cyclus, waarvan de potentie onopgemerkt door anderen, verborgen ligt in de som der cijfers van de jaren 1889; jullie weten heel goed, dat er zojuist een toon is aangeslagen die nooit eerder door de mensheid van dit tijdperk is gehoord; en dat er een Nieuw Denkbeeld wordt onthuld, gerijpt door de krachten van de evolutie. Dit denkbeeld verschilt van alles wat er in de negentiende eeuw is voortgebracht; het is echter identiek met de gedachte, die de overheersende toon en de grondtoon vormde van iedere eeuw, in het bijzonder van de afgelopen eeuw – absolute vrijheid van denken voor de mensheid. “

– Uit: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Collected Writings XI, blz. 133.

Door Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004).

51 Pages | A Blavatsky-lecture delivered at the Summerschool of the Theosophical Society in England, King Alfred’s College Winchester, Sunday 29 July 2001 | Brochure | No ISBN.

Dutch translation: Theosofie: Een Weldadige Bron van Inspiratie | Published in 2008 | Brochure | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9789061750871.

Theosophy is in its fulness a comprehensive knowledge of the Nature and the working of Nature, in which man plays a prime part. The human kingdom is a critical stage in the immens evolutionary programme when ‘Man’, the thinker, is born. The knowledge of Theosophy is gained by generations of trained seekers and enquirers, Initiates in the Arcane Mysteries. It claims to be an expression of Truth, the facts of existence. It is therefore not a matter of conjecture or belief.

From the Introduction:

” But you, Occultists, Kabbalists and Theosophists, you well know that a Word, old as the world, though new to you, has been sounded at the beginning of this cycle, and the potentiality of which, unperceived by others, lies hidden in the sum of digits of the years 1889; you well know that a note has just been struck which has never been heard by mankind of this era; and that a New Idea is revealed, ripened by the forces of evolution. This Idea differs from everything that has been produced in the nineteenth century; it is identical, however with the thought that has been the dominant tone and the keynote of every century, especially the last- absolute freedom of thought for humanity. “

• From: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Collected Writings XI, p. 133.
  

By Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004).

36 Pages | May 25th 1974 | Softcover | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.

The Blavatsky Lecture delivered at the Annual Convention of the Theosophical Society in England, May 25th 1974.

Life is something we all feel we know something about at first hand, because we are alive. We know what it feels like. We may never examine that realization much, but to the extent that we do, we know what life is. Similarly, we all dream or at least can remember having dreamed, and we are all certain of our own eventual demise even if that prospect does not unduly worry us. The subject of life, death and dreams is one then, that concerns us all even if we do not pay it much attention in the ordinary way. For theosophical students, however, it is of more interest. The word ‘Theos’ is, for them, synonymous with ‘Deity’ in a pantheistic sense, and in Madame Blavatsky’s writings Deity equates to life in all its aspects. Theosophy is therefore a study or knowledge of life, in the very widest and deepest sense.

From page 3:

” The Mysteries of life as of death, of the visible and invisible worlds, have been fathomed and observed by initiated Adepts in all epochs and in all nations. They have studied these during the solemn moments of union of their divine monad with the universal Spirit . . . and they have recorded the observations of one with those of another, and finding none of the contradictions so frequently noticed in the dicta, or communications of the mediums, but on the contrary, having been able to ascertain that the visions of Adepts, who lived 10.000 years ago are invariably corroborated and verified by those of modern Adepts, to whom the writings of the former never do become known until later – the truth has been established. A definite science, based on personal observations and experience, corroborated by continuous demonstrations, containing irrefutable proofs, for those who study it, has thus been established. I venture to belief that this science is just as good as that which relies on the accounts of one or even of several somnambulists (C.W., V,51). “

By Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004).

49 Pages | Published in 2001 | Brochure | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.

Nederlandse vertaling: Aspecten van de Goddelijke Wet | Published in 2004 | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9061750849.

Most in this brochure is extracted from the writings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891). It has been said that these writings constitute a quarry from which generations of students can extract treasures of information concerning the truths of existence. What follows has been taken from these writings by the use of indexes, and the numerous extracts classified very roughly according to aspect. The story is a vast one. The universe manifests dynamism in all its operations and these operations apparently exhibit order. Whatever chaos there may have been in the remote beginnings of things now manifests this order as harmony and equilibrium. Where this not so the whole cosmic scene would be chaotic and self-destructive, whereas it is self-preserving as is evidenced by its very existence after countless millions of years.

From page 49:

” If Theosophy prevailing in the struggle, its all-embracing philosophy strikes deep root into the minds and hearts of men, if its doctrines of reïncarnation and karma, in other words, of hope and responsibility, find a home in the lives of the new generations, then, indeed, will dawn the day of joy and gladness for all, who now suffer and are outcast. For real Theosophy is ALTRUISM, and we cannot repeat it too often. It is brotherly love, mutual help, unswerving devotion to Truth. If once men do but realize that in these alone can true happiness be found, and never in wealth, possesions, or any selfish gratification, then the dark clouds will roll away, and a new humanity will be born upon earth. Then, the GOLDEN AGE will be there, indeed . . . “

From: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Collected Writings XI, p. 202.

Door Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004), vertaald door Louis Geertman.

52 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 2004 | Brochure | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9061750849.

Engels origineel: Aspects of Divine Law | Published in 2001 | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.

Deze brochure is grotendeels ontleed aan de geschriften van Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891). Men zegt dat deze geschriften een bron vormen waaruit generaties bestudeerders schatten aan informatie kunnen putten over de waarheden omtrent het bestaan. Wat hier verteld wordt is buitengewoon veelomvattend. Het universum is op alle gebieden dynamisch werkzaam en in die werkzaamheid is duidelijk een ordening aanwezig. Hoe chaotisch deze ordening in het verre begin van all bestaan ook mag hebben geleken, thans manifesteert zij zich evenwel als harmonie en evenwicht. Als dit niet zo was, dan zou de hele kosmos chaotisch zijn en zich te gronde richten, terwijl zij zichzelf in stand houdt, zoals blijkt uit het feit dat hij nog steeds na talloze miljoenen jaren bestaat.

Afkomstig van pagina 49 & 50:

” Als de Theosofie in de strijd zegeviert, haar allesomvattende filosofie diep geworteld in het denken en in de harten van de mensen, als haar leringen over reïncarnatie en karma, met andere woorden, over hoop en verantwoordelijkheid, een thuis vinden in de levens van de nieuwe generaties, dan zal, inderdaad, de dag van glorie en blijdschap aanbreken voor allen die nu nog lijden en verstoten zijn. Want ware Theosofie is ALTRUISME, en dat kunnen we niet vaak genoeg herhalen. Het is broederlijke liefde, wederzijdse hulp, onwankelbare toewijding aan de ‘waarheid’. Als mensen maar eenmaal beseffen dat hierin alleen het ware geluk gevonden kan worden, en nooit in rijkdom, bezittingen, of welke zelfzuchtige bevredigingen dan ook, dan zullen de donkere wolken optrekken en er zal een nieuwe mensheid op aarde geboren worden. Dan zal het GOUDEN TIJDPERK werkelijk aanbreken . . . “

Uit: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Collected Writings XI, blz. 202.

By Prof. Emeritus Arthur Ellison (1920 – 2000).

34 Pages | Blavatsky Lecture 1988 | A6 Softcover | Theosophical Books Limited | No ISBN.

This Blavatsky Lecture was delivered at the Summer School of The Theosophical Society in England, The University of Leicester, Sunday 26th of July, 1998.

In this lecture, Professor Emeritus Ellison will discuss his approach to the Theosophical descriptive model of the universe at all its levels and consider the way, it seems to him, members were evidently intended to approach this model as indicated by the Three Objects. He will consider and briefly review the work of the Science Group, some of which was reviewed in the book Psychism and the Unconscious Mind (First Quest edition 1968, second edition 1974), and possible lessons to be drawn from the Group’s subsequent demise. Finally, he will briefly consider the activities of other bodies, who have taken up the pioneering research on Third Object matters dropped by the Science Group.

From page 10:

” The Buddha and the Theosophical Masters said, that we were not to believe something because it was written in some book that men considered sacred, nor indeed presumably in any other book. So it seemed to me right to find a good medium and try a séance. (Such things are forbidden in the Esoteric Section). This was to be a piece of open-minded scientific research and of course psychical research is an important part of the Third Object of the Theosophical Society. To my delight my wife came through ‘like a bomb’, as the saying goes, enormously glad to be able to reassure us all that she was in good shape and happy. She referred to many things related to her interests and there seemed to me little doubt that it was indeed she. The script – received by automatic writing – gave her relative exactly what he needed to continue his life. He never needed another communication from her. “

By Muriel Daw.

37 Pages | Blavatsky Lecture 1987 | Soft cover | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.

” Yea Lord, I see the PATH, its foot in mire, its summits lost in glorious Nirvanic. And now I see the ever narrowing Portals on the hard and thorny way to Jñana “ – From: The Voice of Silence , ‘The Seven Portals’, p.  47.

” . . . O weaver of thy freedom, thou hast to master these Pāramitās of perfection – the virtues transcendental six and ten in number – along the weary path. ” – From: The Voice of Silence, ‘The Seven Portals’, p. 48.

” The six and ten transcendental virtues “, (the Pāramitās), are not for ful-grown yogis and priests alone, but for all those who enter the PATH. ” – Written to H.P.B. by her Master, from: Collected Writings 12, p. 598.

Most of us, as students of Theosophy, are already familiair with the second quotation from The Voice of Silence. However, although we may have meditated for years on the first of the transcendental virtues so richly described in THE SEVEN PORTALS, for some of us there remains a burning question: ‘Ten Pāramitās are mentioned, what about the other four?

It may be thought perhaps these other four are unimportant, otherwise Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) would have given us more information about them: but this is not true. In fact, Buddhists call them ‘The Four Great Perfections’. They are so important that they are never given to beginners, only to students well advanced along the Way. It should also be noted, that in the Buddhist Scriptures, the Path of the Ten Pāramitās is always linked with the Ten Bhūmis (Stations or Earths) experienced along the Way.

By Mabel Collins (1851-1927).

71 Pages |Facsimile of the original 1905 edition |Softcover | Kessinger Publishing Company, Montana U.S.A. | ISBN: 1564599094.

The following essay is an effort towards the freeing of our consciousness from the limitation in which it habitually dwells, and which exits only by means of certain illusions that are common to all men.

CONTENTS:

ILLUSION 1. – That man is imprisoned in the body.

ILLUSION 2. – That the Unborn are unknown.

ILLUSION 3. – That there is any secret in the Mind of the memory from man.

ILLUSION 4. – That the earth exists apart from man.

ILLUSION 5. – That Nature is indifferent to Man.

From ILLUSION 3 (p. 47):

” The memory of man is a great storehouse, filled to overflowing with the wonderful experiences of incarnated life, of life between the incarnations and of the thoughts and feelings brought both from above and below – from that depth of material life to which passion and desire take us, and from the Great White Throne before which we do obeisance in our high moments of inspiration and adoration. Nothing is lost or forgotten, or passed by. “

By Radha S. Burnier.

34 Pages | First edition 2006 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN:

The Theosophical Society exists for the regeneration of humanity, beginning with establishing a nucleus of Universal Brotherhood, encouraging an open-minded quest for Truth, and investigating the essence of man and the universe. Because this is the main thrust of the Society, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), co-founder of tbe Theosophical Society with Colonel Steel Olcott (1832 – 1907), discussed what would ensure the stability of the Society’s work and its future in her book The Key to Theosophy.

The ‘Blavatsky Lecture’ discusses in depth what she regarded as necessary for continuing the work of regeneration without a break. Apart from essential qualifications like earnestness, selflessness, devotion, knowledge and wisdom, ‘living truth’ must dynamize the workers of the Theosophical Society. But what is ‘living truth’? The reader will learn by perusing this lecture and realize how much we can ensure peace and goodness upon the earth.

From page 22:

” . . . we never accept on faith any authority upon any question whatsoever; nor, pursuing as we do, Truth and progress through a full and fearless enquiry, untrammelled by any consideration, would we advise any of our friends to do otherwise. ” – Blavatsky – CW II, p. 433.

By Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891).

198 Pages | Original Edition 1891, Death Centenary Edition 1991 | Softcover | Theosophy Company Private LTD., India | ISBN: 817059037X.

PREFACE

The articles on Helena Petrovna Blavatsky that appeared in the monthly magazine ‘Lucifer’, after her death in 1891, were published the same year in a Memorial Volume. In 1931, to commemorate the centenary of her birth, a reprint of that book, with some additional material, was published by The Blavatsky Association of London.

Both the earlier editions have long been 0ut of print. The present photo-offset reprint is being published in the year of the hundredth anniversary of her passing as a tribute to this greatest Theosophist of our age.

THE PUBLISHERS.

Bombay, 8th May 1991.

From page XI:

” The inspiration given by Madame Blavatsky has indeed been incalculable in regard to this inborn desire and determination to find the PATH, and to attain, at whatever cost, the realisation of the true SELF. For she showed, as has been shown from time immemorial, that the WAY lies within; that each man has the power to work out his own salvation without the intervention of any deity other than his own highest SELF. In the Doctrines of Reincarnation and Karma with which Madame Blavatsky familiarised the West, are to be found the arbiters of Man’s fate – wholly just, yet, when rightly understood, wholly merciful, and the ultimate appeasers of mortal sorrow. “

By Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), edited by Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953)

181 Pages | First edition 1951, reprint 1986 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 817059037X.

It is a strange series of events that letters written by H.P.B. to a friend of her youth, Prince Alexander Mihailovich Dondukov-Korsakoff – some of them written from the Adyar Headquarters – should finally find their resting place in the Archives of the Theosophical Society in Adyar.

From page 16:

” My dear prince, you are interested in my life? Yes, you are right, for never has one of your compatriots been led by his mocking destiny into more original and unexpected situations than I have; situations both terrible and grotesque; heights and depths; one day on the level of the stars beyond the solar system, the next day in bottomless abysses. Such is my life and my fate that stake on my rise and fall like drunken stock-brokers. I am now on the rise and by God I will remain there even though I should be obliged to allow my army of Theosophists to crown me Queen-Prophet of Ceylon or Assam- and this under the very nose of the English, of whom half in India adore me and the other half detest me! “

By Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), edited by Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953)

248 Pages | First edition 1950, reprint 1986 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590361.

There exist in the Archives of the Theosophical Society at Adyar certain manuscripts of H.P.B. Among them all, the most interesting historically is her Diary for 1878, which is published in this work. Furthermore, letters written by H.P. Blavatsky  from 1875 onwards and some extracts from Scrapbook No. 1. are included.

From page 105:

” That I was called Heliona (not Helen as people call me) – a Greek name derived from that of the Sun-Helios- because (1st) there was an eclipse of the luminary on that day, who knew prophetically, one must infer, that it would be eclipsed for long years by the newly born babe, and also (2nd) because of the possibility it gave the clergy and missionaries of the 19th century to spell it with a double ‘ll’ (thus – Helliona) and assure the more readily their congregations that I was an imp of Hell . . . “

By Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891).

504 Pages | A facsimile of the original edition of 1895 | Hardcover | The Theosophical Company, USA. | ISBN: 0938998226.

The title A Modern Panarion has been taken from the controversial Panarion of the Church Father Epiphanius, in which he attacked the various sects and heresies of the first four centuries of the Christian era. The Panarion was so called as being a ‘basket’ of scraps and fragments. We are told. that this Panarion was ‘ a kind of medicine chest, in which he had collected means of healing against the poisonous bite of the heretical serpent. ‘ A Modern Panarion is of a like nature with the intent of the Christian Father; only in the nineteenth century, heresy has in many instances become orthodoxy, and orthodoxy heresy, and the Panarion of H.P. Blavatsky is intended as a means of healing against the terrors of ecclesiasticism, dogma and bigotry, and the blind negation of materialism and pseudo-science.

– Editors.

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).

44 Pages | First edition 1963, second edition 2005 | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170594685.

Annie Besant (1847 – 1933), second President of the Theosophical Society (1907 – 1933) was described as a ‘Diamond Soul’, for she had many brilliant facets to her character. She was an outstanding orator of her time, a champion of human freedom, educationist, philanthropist and author with more than three hundred books and pamphlets to her credit. She also guided thousands of men and women all over the world in their spiritual quest.

In 1896, Dr. Annie Besant gave four Convention Lectures on Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Chrisitianity at Adyar, Madras, on the twenty-first anniversary of the Theosophical Society, the President-Founder, Colonel Henry Steel Olcott (1832 – 1907), being in the Chair. In 1901, she continued the series with another four lectures on Islam, Jainism, Sikhism and Theosophy or ‘Divine Wisdom’ as the common source of all religions at the twenty-sixth anniversary, Colonel Olcott again presiding. Each of the lectures on the seven religions has been published as a separate booklet with the exception of the lecture on Divine Wisdom, and the whole series as a single volume under the title Seven Great Religions.

From page 37:

” Zarathustra gave the words of power that could call down the fire down from above, and century after century, the fire that blazed on the Zoroastrian altar in the fire-temple was no mere mingling of material flames. The sacred fire was called down from fiery ākāśa; at the word of the priest, it fell upon the altar, and blazed there as the living symbol of God. When the lower priesthood had to act (when the higher one was not available), they were given the rod, in which the living flame or fire was ever flashing, and, as when they touched the altar fuel with it, the heavenly fire blazed forth. “

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).

153 Pages | 14th Reprint, 2015 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170591236.

In these four lectures, Annie Besant traces the Path of Discipleship through perceptible and subtle milestones. The experience that is gained by action done for self-gratification could be elevated in to a dutiful performance of rites and ceremonies for the settlement of karmic clearance, which in turn could ascend into a joyful and sacred dedication, that accomplishes union with Godhead.

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933) and  Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934).

474 Pages | First edition, 10th reprint 2010 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar

This book is the third volume of a trilogy, being commentaries on three classics – At the Feet of the Master, The Voice of Silence and Light on the Path – considered the mystical gems of theosophical literature. They throw light on the deep significance and far-reaching implications of the perennial teachings embodied in these three classics, whose subject matter is the path of inner transformation and spiritual realization.

” Once having passed through the storm and attained the peace, it is then always possible to learn, even though the disciple waver, hesitate, and turn aside. The Voice of Silence, remains within him, and though he leave the Path utterly, yet one day it will resound, and rend him asunder and separate his passions from his divine possibilities. Then, with pain and desperate cries from the deserted lower self, he will return… “ – From Chapter ‘Rule 21’, page 285.

By Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934).

417 Pages | Eleventh reprint 2010 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN:

This book is the second volume of a trilogy, being commentaries on three classics – At the Feet of the Master, The Voice of Silence and Light on the Path – considered the mystical gems of Theosophical literature. They throw light on the deep significance and far-reaching implications of the perennial teachings embodied in these three classics, whose subject matter is the path of inner transformation and spiritual realization.

From Chapter – ‘The World’s Mother’ (p. 110):

“ Let not thy ‘heaven-born’, merged in the sea of Māyā, break from the universal Parent (Soul), but let the fiery power retire into inmost chamber, the chamber of the heart, and the abode of the world’s Mother. Then, from the heart that power shall rise into the sixth, when it becomes the breath of the One-soul, the voice which filleth all, thy Master’s voice. “

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933) and  Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934).

474 Pages | Eleventh reprint 2004 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170591600.

This book is the first volume of a trilogy, being commentaries on three Classics – At the Feet of the Master, The Voice of Silence and Light on the Path – considered the mystical gems of Theosophical literature. They throw light on the deep significance and far-reaching implications of the perennial teachings embodied in these three Classics, whose subject matter is the path of inner transformation and spiritual realization.

From Chapter – ‘True and False Aims’ (p. 55):

” You enter the Path, because you have learnt that on it alone can be found those things, which are worth gaining. Men, who do not know, work to gain wealth and power, but these are at most for one life only, and therefore unreal. There are greater things than these – things which are real and lasting; when you have once seen these, you desire those others no more.. ” –

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).

67 Pages | First edition, ninth reprint 2012 | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN:

In three inspiring and illuminating lectures, Annie Besant reveals the ‘Reign of Law’ in the Universe and the need for man to understand and act according to that Law for his material, moral and spiritual progress. Man can realize his/her true nature as the Higher Consciousness only in proportion as he ’tranquillizes the senses and retrains the mind‘. He or she advances towards that realization in proportion as he obeys ‘Dharma’, the Law of Duty, by setting himself definitely and resolutely to the fulfilment of all his/her obligations. Ultimately, Dharma lifts man up by leading a life of daily dedication to ‘Self’ realise himself/herself and supporting herewith the liberation of all sentient beings.

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933) with a Foreword by Radha Burnier – 7th international president (1980 – 2013) of the Theosophical Society. Preface by Dr. C.V. Agarwal, general secretary of the Indian Section of the Theosophical Society.

339 Pages | Published in 1990 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | No ISBN.

This publication highlights lectures delivered by eminent persons (1952 – 1988) in memory of the great servant of India and of humanity, Dr. Annie Besant (1847 – 1933) – ‘Lover of Truth’ and ‘Friend to all Creatures’. Twenty-four lectures by for instance I.K. Taimni (1898–1978), Achyut Patwardhan (1905 – 1992), Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi (1917 – 1984) and C.P. Ramaswami Iyar (1879 – 1966) are included, dealing with:

1. The role of India
2. Man: his problems and role
3. Philosophical presentations
4. The modern crisis.

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).

137 Pages | Reprinted in 2002 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170593654.

Through immensely long ages or kalpā-s, climbing steadily the ladder of evolution, the ‘Liberated Ones’ merge with eternal life. Within them burns the flame of Love for all that exists. It is they who, from time to time, descend into manifested forms (avatāra-s) to accelerate the course of evolution. So says Annie Besant (1847 – 1933), who had a profound knowledge of Hindu religious philosophy and tradition, while answering the question: what is an avatāra? in a series of four lectures delivered in 1899.

By Laurence J. Bendit and Phoebe D. Bendit.

154 Pages | First printed in 1973 | Hardcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0722950241.

Theosophy in the true sense is the perennial and unchanging philosophy of mankind, but its presentation needs to be adapted to the times. In these essays an attempt is made to discuss some of the principles of this philosophy in modern terms, and especially related to the presentation of it as set out by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) and others. It can safely be assumed that, were these older writers doing their work today, they would do so in quite other language than in that of the nineteenth and earlier twentieth centuries. They would have to take into account the vast mental revolution which has been taking place in the last thirty or forty years, which has altered our views on so many things, and in particular in our knowledge. These collected articles rest very much on the modern – and probably temporary – mental climate of the second half of the twentieth century.

From the Introduction:

” Theosophy, the Wisdom of the enlightened mind, is unchanging for ever. It existed before history began – for man was already inhabitant of the earth – and it will endure lonf after history had ended as a record of events in time: when it will, in some form, remain as part of the heritage of the universe. It is the Pearl of Great Price fo the Gnostic Christian, it is the Jewel in the Lotus, the Clear Light of the Buddhist, the Tao of the mind; it is known by many names, yet it is always the same Wisdom . . . “

By two anonymous students.

76 Pages | Copyright 1978 | Paperback | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835602265.

In this small book have been collected together articles authored by two outstanding students of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s (1831 – 1891) The Secret Doctrine. What makes this collection so unique is that the two authors were contemporaries of Blavatsky, and consequently, their writing reflects the atmosphere, captures the flavor of, the occult community of the late nineteenth century. All who admire  and respect the magnitude of H.P.B.’s philosophy, particularly as expressed in The Secret Doctrine, will find much in this book to enchance their study of the nature of creation and of man.

From Chapter I, ‘Theosophical Gleanings’ or ‘Notes On The Secret Doctrine, Lucifer, Vol. VI, No. 31. London, March 15th, 1890:

” We are literally what our signature says: Two Students, nothing more pretentious. If we are also what has been called ‘communicative learners’, it is because we feel that what have been difficulties to us are probably difficulties to others, and that fellow-students can sometimes lend each other a helping hand over a rough piece of road. In reading ‘The Secret Doctrine’, the student is apt to be confused, even dazed, by the range of erudition, the wealth of illustrations, the abundance of digressions, the number of literary allusions. Devas and Daimons, Dhyani, Buddhas and Kumaras, Yugas and cycles, satyrs and fakirs, alchemists and adept, Manus and Monads, whirl around him in dazzling phantasmagoria, and he rises from hours of effort, his only distinct acquirement a headache.

We have found the most fruitful system of study is to fix on some one thing, to follow it, through all its windings with dogged persistency, steadily hunting it down through the two volumes, disregarding all alluring byways and seductive glades, until there lies before us that one thing in its completeness, with every touch given to it from beginning to end, clear definite, comprehensible. It may be remembered that there was one Proteus who could give the most interesting information, if only you could keep grip on him through all his transformations, until he reassumed his proper shape and became conversable. So, in following the Protean shapes in ‘The Secret Doctrine’, if you can only ‘hang on’ to the end, your reward is true. “

By Swami Abhedananda (1886 – 1936).

99 Pages | Photocopy of the Original 1908 edition | A4 Softcover | Kessinger Publication Company Ltd. | ISBN: 1564598861.

CONTENTS:

Chapter 1 – Reïncarnation

Chapter 2 – Heredity and Reïncarnation

Chapter 3 – Evolution and Reïncarnation

Chapter 4 – Which is Scientific, Resurrection or Reïncarnation?

Chapter 5 – Theory of Transmigration.

From Chapter 2 – ‘Heredity of Reïncarnation’ (p. 47):

” Those, who accept the truth of Reïncarnation do not blame their parents for their poor talents, or for not possessing extraordinary powers, but they remain content with their own lot, knowing that they have made themselves as they are to-day by their own thoughts and deeds in their previous incarnations. They understand the meaning of the saying ‘what thou sowest, mus thou reap’, and always endeavor to mould their future by better thoughts and better deeds. They explain all the inequalities and diversities of life and character by the law of ‘Karma’, which governs the process of Reïncarnation as well as the gradual evolution of the germs of life from lower to higher stages of existence. “