The Voice of the Silence
122 pages | Paperback | Quest Books, 2007
A facsimile reprint of the 1889 edition exactly the way Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) wrote it, laying out the path of spiritual development. Includes an index and introduction by Boris de Zirkoff. The cloth edition (€13,50) is gilt-edged and has a ribbon marker.
More Details Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) was born of a noble family in Russia. She became a student of metaphysical lore, and traveled to many lands, including Tibet, in search of hidden knowledge. In the 1870s she went to New York and, with Col. Henry S. Olcott and others, formed the Theosophical Society, an organization dedicated to: – Fellowship among all peoples of the world – Encouragement of the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science – Investigation of the unexplained powers and forces at work in nature and in humankind.
The Key to Theosophy – An Abridgement
By Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), edited by Joy Mills (1920 – 2015).
176 Pages | 1972, Third Quest printing 1992 | Paperback | Quest Books, USA.
The Key to Theosophy unlocks the door to understanding the perennial Wisdom. H.P. Blavatsky makes theosophy accessible to the average reader by presenting theosophical concepts in a question-and-answer format. Some fo the topicis covered are evolution, reincarnation, karma, spiritualism, prayer, and spiritual masters. Even though this classic was written in 1889, its answers are still relevant, especially with the current revival of interest in spirituality. Ideal for both spiritual seekers and students of theosophy, this book gives readers a solid introduction to a worldview which gives meaning and purpose to life.
From Chapter V: ‘The Fundamental Teachings of Theosophy’ (p. 35):
ON GOD AND PRAYER
” Enquirer: Do you believe in God?
Theosophist: That depends on what you mean by the term.
Enquirer: I mean the God of the Christians, the Father of Jesus. and the Creator: the Biblical God of Moses, in short.
Theosophist: In such a God we do not believe. We reject the idea of a personal, or an extra-cosmic and anthropomorphic God, who is but the gigantic shadow of man, and not of man, at his best either. The God of theology, we say is a bundle of contradictions and a logical impossibility. Therefore we will have nothing to do with him. “
The Letters of H.P. Blavatsky – Volume 1 1861-1879
656 pages | Gebonden/Hardcover | Quest Books, 2003
A Psychological Enigma, A Puzzle for Future Generations, a Sphinx!
This unparalleled offering contains all known letters H.P.B. wrote between 1860 and the time just before she left for India in 1879. Meticulously edited by John Algeo, former President of the Theosophical Society in America and current Vice President of the international Society, the volume also contains letters to and about Blavatsky, articles, and editorial commentary.
Helena P. Blavatsky (1831-1891) is widely celebrated as the leading esoteric thinker of the nineteenth century who influenced an entire generation of artists and intellectuals and introduced Eastern spirituality to the West. Until now, however, readers have been able to know this fascinating woman only through her public writings. Few may have realized that H.P.B. was also a tireless correspondent with family and colleagues, friends and foes, the learned and the simple. Her personal correspondence reveals for the first time the private H.P.B. in all of her sphinx-like complexity rarely visible in her published material.
More Details Among them are controversial and colorful letters, like the one H.P.B. sent to the director of the Russian secret police offering to join their ranks. Also documented are her attempts to begin a Society of Spiritualists in Cairo, Egypt and the tragic and at times comedic troubles she experienced in doing so. You will receive a behind-the-scenes look at the establishment of the Theosophical Society and of the heated debates, both internal and external, surrounding its emergence. And you will experience H.P.B.’s infectious enthusiasm as she corresponds about beginning her first published work, Isis Unveiled. The first of four planned volumes being presented as the H. P. Blavatsky Collected Letters Series, this book delivers all you didn’t know about H.P.B. and with the humor and eloquence of her spellbinding personality. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) was born of a noble family in Russia. She became a student of metaphysical lore, and traveled to many lands, including Tibet, in search of hidden knowledge. In the 1870s she went to New York and, with Col. Henry S. Olcott and others, formed the Theosophical Society, an organization dedicated to: – Fellowship among all peoples of the world – Encouragement of the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science – Investigation of the unexplained powers and forces at work in nature and in humankind.
The Spiritual Life
165 pages | Paperback | Quest Books, 1993
Illuminating the Path
The key to living spiritually in the modern world, says this classic writer, “depends upon one’s attitude.” The principles Besant set forth over 70 years ago are no different today. She shows that the value of the spiritual path is not in the goal but in the striving, and offers clear principles for those with the courage to try.
Annie Besant (1847-1933) led the fight for the rights of women and laborers in her native England; later she worked with Mahatma Gandhi and spearheaded India’s struggle for freedom. Theosophist Joy Mills describes her as “a feminist before the movement for women’s rights was fully launched; she stood for freedom when half the world was held in the bonds of colonialism.” A student of India’s spiritual traditions, Annie Besant was famed as an orator, author, and international President of the Theosophical Society.
From the Outer Court to the Inner Sanctum (A Quest Miniature)
By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933)
158 Pages | 1983 | Paperback | Quest Books, Wheaton | ISBN: 9780835605748
Spirituality never ages. This little volume contains lectures held in 1895, but which are as relevant today as then, if not more so. A Temple on a Mountain top is described. It is encircled by courts, quite similar to the concentric courtyards (prakāram) of a Hindu temple. Aspirants are climbing up the ‘Mountain of Evolution’ and waiting in the enclosure outside the Temple – ‘The Outer Court’. None are in the Outer Court save those who have definitely dedicated themselves to service. Much has to be accomplished in the Outer Court, classified by the author as purification, thought control, character building, spiritual alchemy and ‘On the Threshold’. These are to be practised simultaneously, sincerely and continuously.
The Transforming Mind
By Laurence J. Bendit and Phoebe D. Bendit.
160 Pages | Second Quest printing 1983 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835600122.
Many seers, mystics, artists and poets seem to have an inkling about the purpose of life – the mystery of creation. Such an experience is something each of us must seek and find for ourselves. Such an experience can happen ‘in a moment’, in the twinkling of an eye. We must come upon such a transformative vision of reality, declare the authors, we must, or we die.
Clairvoyant, Phoebe Bendit, has ‘seen’ our potential for undoing the harm we have done, and are doing, to our personhood and to our planet. With her Jungian trained psychiatrist husband, Laurence, they have written this, sometimes frightening, but essentially optimistic, spiritual/psychological study of the mind and the supermind of man. Attractive in its simplicity, extra-ordinary in its potential. The Transforming Mind suggests that once man looks inward to encompass the whole of Nature, he will automatically re-order his world and save it for peaceful use by his children and their children.
From Chapter VII ‘Jacob’s Ladder’:
” Jacob dreamt, and behold, a ladder set up on earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the Angels of God ascending and descending on it. And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, ‘I am the Lord, the God of Abraham . . . And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee withersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land, for I will not leave thee until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of . . . ” – From: Genesis 28.23.
The Etheric Body of Man – The Bridge of Consciousness
By Laurence J. Bendit and Phoebe D. Bendit.
124 Pages | 1977, third Quest printing 1989 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835604896.
A clairvoyant and a psychiatrist pool their talents in a study of the human health aura! No other work can speak to this subject with such confidence. Imagine:
- Taking one of the most respected clairvoyants in the world.
- A psychiatrist recognized for his fine contributions to his field.
- Having the clairvoyant study the aura of a human subject using her unusual talents.
- Having the psychiatrist study the psyche of the same subject.
- Then finally integrating their observations to arrive at new and startling conclusions concerning the subtle (physically invisible) human bodies. It has never been done before. It may never be done again.
From page 20:
” A particular feature of the aura, which stands out to the vision of every competent clairvoyant is a series of quickly moving vortices of energy situated at certain points of the body. These were known of old, and are often found represented in ancient diagrams, whether of East or West, on statues or carvings, and so on. Sometimes – as in the halo of Christian saints, or in the caste-marks of Hindus – a particular one of these centers is emphasized and the rest left out. But in any case they appear pretty constant both in ancient traditions and in the perceptions of modern sensitives. Moreover, it is not by any means essential to be able to see to realize their existence, and many people become aware of them through their hands when examining a person with an extra-sensory touch. “
Our Psychic Sense – A Clairvoyant and a Psychiatrist Explain How It Develops
By Laurence J. Bendit and Phoebe D. Bendit.
225 Pages | First Quest book edition, 1967 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835600343.
If we are ever to become knowledgeable about the ‘whole man’ we must learn to understand his deeper invisible nature. This book, authored by a Jungian psychiatrist and his clairvoyant wife, helps us to do just that. Combining their talents, the Bendits provide us with a unique and enthralling overview of man’s latent powers.
Our Psychic Sense has also been referred to as the ‘sixth sense’. It can be considered as a window opening onto the real world of our inner consciousness; not just a valuable adjunct to our personality, but our actual ground of being. Together, the Bendits describe this mysterious power within us, then explain how it manifests, and finally evaluate its uselfullness to humanity.
From page 223:
” Many people are extremely frightened of psychic invasion or, as it is commonly called, possession or obesession. There is no need for this: no psychic force or entity can invade the aura of a human being unless he himself opens the door to it. That is to say, in principle, that if a person’s mind is positive, he is perfectly safe. If he becomes frightened, however, he is in a negative state, and he may then feel himself to be a prey to forces, which do not seem to belong to him. But the ‘entity’ or force is almost certain to be really only an unconscious part of himself: something which psychological re-education can help him to deal with. […] In any case, if one realizes that one is master in one’s own house, and that any intruder can be dealt with by positive thought and self-assertion, there is no need for fear. “
The Song Celestial – A Poetic Version of the Bhagavad Gītā (A Quest Miniature)
By Sir Edwin Lester Arnold (1832 – 1904).
154 Pages | First edition 1970, Quest Miniature Series 1975 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835604187.
The incomparable religious classic of India . . .
In exquisite poetic allegory, Sir Edwin Lester Arnold translates the revered and sacred story of Arjuna and Krishna, representing the eternal struggle between the personality and the Immortal Self.
” Take my last word. My utmost meaning have! Precious thou art to Me; right well-be-loved! Listen! I tell thee for thy comfort this. Give Me thy heart! Adore Me! Serve Me! Cling in faith and love and reverence to Me! So shalt thou come to Me! I promise true, For thou art sweet to Me! “
The Radiant Child
By Thomas Armstrong.
203 Pages | A Quest Original, first published in 1985, second printing 1988 | Soft cover| Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606007.
Thomas Armstrong believes, that children come into this life radiating and reflecting the mystery of creation; that their spiritual nature as well as their basic instincts are close to the surface of their awareness. Unfortunately, for most part, parents, teachers, and child therapists have not recognized this delightfully useful aspect of the childhood psyche. The author notes, that this hidden sight of youthful consciousness has been noticed and appreciated primarily by poets, mystics, authors of fairy tales, and world mythologists. These folks identify with the wonder-child, the divine child, the child-god, the child hero. This practical guide is heavily documented with case-histories of ‘radiant’ experiences, the reality of which is supported by telling testimony from the author’s peers.
From page 101:
” The child is potential future . . . the ‘child’ paves the way for a future change of personality. In the individuation process it anticipates the figure, that comes from the synthesis of conscious and unconscious elements in the personality. It is therefore a symbol, which unites the opposites; a mediator, a bringer of healing; that is, one who makes whole. “
Reminiscences of Colonel H.S. Olcott
177 pages | Gebonden/Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House Adyar, 2006
This enlarged edition of Reminiscences of Colonel H.S. Olcott retains the original compilation of articles about this outstanding man and his work, with new sections containing additional information, and quotations taken from his deeply insightful talks and writings for the reader to meditate upon. It is offered as a tribute to a great soul who passed away a hundred years ago on 17 February 1907, and who made an impact in the diverse fields of agricultural science, law, religion, social welfare, education, healing and research. His memory is cherished both on account of his stupendous work and the goodness of his heart.
The Healing Energy Of Love – A Personal Journal
By Prof. John Allan.
175 Pages | Softcover | First published in 1986 | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606031.
‘ One man’s journey into the heart of all that lives’.
The book takes the form of Prof. John Allan’s diary entries over the course of a year showing how it is possible to escape from the confines of the world of matter and open oneself to the profound and timeless Love of the world of Spirit. It is a supremely practical book which, among other things, will make clear how illness is caused and how you, like the author, can heal yourself. It also deals with such issues as overcoming grief and conquering the fear of death. Furthermore, it enables you to see what keeps you from feeling the joy that is inherent in life and from experiencing the love that is everyone’s birthright. These and many other problems in living (and dying) yield to the overwhelming presence of Spirit.
In this book, John Allan, in prose as pellucid as the mountain streams he frequents, beckons you to follow him into the world of Spirit and to learn for yourself how Spirit works – and how it can work for you. Can any of us afford not take this journey at some time in our life? You are fortunate to have a guide like John Allan to help illuminate your Way.
From page 12:
Tuesday May 10, 1983:
” The ‘way’ one uses to find God doesn’t really matter unless we get focused on the way and make that our truth. What does matter is the losing of self. And if this comes through prayer, church, or other means, then so be it; for the life we find when having lost self will teach us, show us better to be with that Life. Thus there will come a time when the way will drop away, for the experiencing of Spirit and its life will be sufficient. “
Unlocking the Door – Studies in ‘The Key to Theosophy’
By John Algeo.
192 Pages | A Wisdom Tradition Book published in 2001 | Softcover | Olcott Institute of the Theosophical Society in America and The Theosophical Publishing House, Wheaton | ISBN: 9780835608121.
A Wisdom Tradition Book, based on Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s (1831 – 1891) Key to Theosophy (1889). Like the original, this is a question and answer outline of the basic teachings of Theosophy. The original ‘key’ was dedicated by Madame Blavatsky to: ‘all her pupils, that they may learn and teach in their turn’.
In his turn, John Algeo offers his teaching in the clear language of our day, and includes ‘Suggestions for Study’ at the end of each chapter. John Algeo was the past president of the Theosophical Society in America from 1993–2002, then as Vice President of the international Theosophical Society in Adyar, Chennai, India until 2008.
From Chapter 4 – ‘The Relations of the Theosophical Society to Theosophy’ (p. 62):
” The Theosophical Society exists to express the Wisdom of Theosophy, but it can do so only imperfectly. And where does it find that Wisdom? From the early days of the Society two traditions have existed in tension with it. One is to compare the exoteric teachings of the great religions, philosophies and sciences: ‘It is only by studying the various great religions and philosophies of humanity, by comparing them dispassionately and with an unbiased mind, that men can hope to arrive at the truth,’ as Blavatsky says at one point in this chapter. The other is to look for the esoteric wellspring of all the exoteric teachings: ’the oldest philosophy in the world, called the Wisdom Religion or the Archaic Doctrine’ . . . or Theosophy, as she says at another point. “
More Details John Algeo, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia, was Alumni Foundation distinguished Professor of English until his retirement to accept the presidency of the Theosophical Society in America.
Theosophy – An Introductory Study Course
By John Algeo (1930 – 2019).
89 Pages | Original edition 1996, fourth edition 2007 | A4 Softcover, Study Course | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835601900.
This is a study course introducing Theosophy as presented by the Theosophical Society. Have you ever wondered about the ‘big’questions of life?
- Who am I really?
- Why is the world the way it is?
- Where did I come from?
- What am I doing here?
- What comes next?
- When will I find out all these things?
We, human beings, are curious about ourselves and the world around us. That curiosity appears especially in little children, who continually ask why? and what? As we grow older, we may learn to live with our unknowing and stop questions, at least overtly. But, being human, we have a passion for knowing the meaning of things and that passion cannot be wholly surpressed.
From Chapter III – Universal Brotherhood (p. 15):
” The FIRST OBJECT of the Theosophical Society is concerned with Brotherhood:
To form a nucleus of the universal Brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color.
Brotherhood is the primary focus of Theosophy, because all human beings are related. Indeed, we are all ultimately the same life expressing itself diversely. Because of our interrelatedness, everything each of us does affects everyone else. If humanity as a whole does not learn to live as one family, we will not live at all. Thus, the Theosophical Society is a nucleus fostering the practical reality of Brotherhood for the furtherance of humanity’s evolution. “
Getting Acquainted With The Secret Doctrine (Study Guide)
By John Algeo.
60 Pages | Study guide, first edition 1981, third edition 2007 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835602099.
This study guide offers an introduction to Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s (1831 – 1891) Secret Doctrine – The Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy (1888) based primarily on the ‘Bowen notes’, which purportedly record Blavatsky’s own advice. The work borrows freely, however, from the Wisdom and practice of many others as well and formulates questions rather than answers.
Students of The Secret Doctrine differ considerably in their attitude toward the book and its study. The attitude adopted here – namely that it is remarkable and indeed a marvellous book, but that it is not free from error or in any sense a ‘sacred’ text – is not universally held. But John Algeo believes that it is in the Spirit of the Ageless Wisdom and The Secret Doctrine that we should respect each other’s views, without necessarily sharing them.
From Chapter 6 – ‘How to Study The Secret Doctrine’ (p. 21):
” The Bowen notes tell us that ‘reading the S.D, page by page as one reads any other book’ – for example, a textbook – ‘will only end in confusion’. The notes also give suggestions on how to go about studying the work. They advise the student to hold fast to four basic ideas:
The fundamental unity of all existence with two aspects: consciousness and substance;
The vitality of all matter;
The microcosmic correspondence of human nature to the great cosmos because of our oneness with it;
The hermetic order of the universe as a Divine Economy, which is simultaneously a hierarchy of power and a network of equality. “
The Vision Keepers – Walking for Native Americans and the Earth
292 Pages | Published in 2007 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835608510.
We are all seekers… Some find their path on pilgrimage to the Mahabodhi Temple in India or the Haji Ali mausoleum as they embark on a journey to Mecca. Others find God at the burial site of St. James in the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Author and environmentalist Doug Alderson meets ’the Great Spirit’ through the ancient spiritual practice of walking. The Vision Keepers is the compelling true story of a seeker who, under the guidance of Bear Heart, a Muskogee Creek Indian and Medicine Man, finds unity with our nation’s native people and reconnects with the earth through profound and mysterious means.
From the Epilogue (p. 260 & 261):
” The Hopi, along with traditional people worldwide, believe it is their role to uphold global balance through their ceremonies and lifestyles. As tribal life has eroded, the hefty burden has fallen on fewer and fewer people. It is now up to everyone, through prayers, thoughts, and actions, to share the responsibility of keeping life in harmonious synchronisation. To create a peaceful and beautiful world for the unborn is perhaps our highest purpose. A great adventure lies ahead, one that will present us with critical choices and challenges. I pray that we will adhere to that old Quaker adage slightly altered, to ‘live simply so that others – and the earth’s creatures – may simply live. “
The Secret Gateway – Modern Theosophy and the Ancient Wisdom Tradition
241 pages | 2005 | Paperback | Quest Books
Presenting his own interpretation of the basic Theosophical concepts established in the late nineteenth century by the brilliant mystic, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Edward Abdill gives us perhaps the first simplified and straightforward written version of the esoteric system that for centuries has often been misunderstood. The book is a perfect guiding tool for all those on the quest to self-discovery and self-transformation.
More Details Drawing from more than fifty years of experience studying, researching, teaching, and working in Theosophy, Abdill imparts practical, day-to-day examples and illustrative stories detailing how we can live the ancient tradition in contemporary times. Where documented evidence is not available to support various Theosophical themes, Abdill provides exercises that, if practiced, may produce a joyful, enlightening experience able to convince anyone that it’s possible to awaken the principles of Theosophy within us. While several books have been written on modern Theosophy — the ancient wisdom tradition that can be found in every great culture from earliest times to the present — none currently exist today in the form of Edward Abdill’s new title. Presenting his own interpretation of the basic Theosophical concepts established in the late nineteenth century by the brilliant mystic, H. P. Blavatsky, Abdill gives us perhaps the first simplified, straightforward written version of the esoteric system that for centuries has often been misunderstood. Through this concise, easy-to-read introduction to Theosophy, people of all faiths and religions can finally start to bridge the gap that is the realm between science and spirituality. While not restating the whole tradition, this new release uses fresh, contemporary language relevant to people today, unlike that of the previous texts typically written in Victorian language. Putting strong emphasis on the need to have an open mind and an eager intellect, this book also stresses the importance of discovering Theosophical principles within ourselves and from the world around us; the need to experience truth rather than to merely believe or disbelieve what an author or doctrine says. Abdill relates the reader to the “kingdom of heaven” as Jesus taught in the scriptures and reminds us that the kingdom is not necessarily a place where we go when we die, but perhaps the spark of divinity within our own consciousness.
Foundations of the Ageless Wisdom (Study Guide)
By Edward C. Abdill.
24 Pages | Copyright 1996 by The Theosophical Society in America | A4 Study Course | Quest Books, U.S.A. | No ISBN.
A Study Course to accompany the five-part video series Foundations of the Ageless Wisdom.
CONTENTS
- Suggested Uses of this Study Guide
- Getting started
- Symbols used in this Study Guide
- The Ultimate Real
- Meaningful Motion
- Sevenfold Human Nature
- Progressive Evolution
- The Path and the Spiritual Life
- Suggestions for future Study
- Texts:
- 1. Course Objectives and Outline
- 2. First fundamental Proposition (abridged)
- 3. Yoga of Knowledge (Jñana Yoga)
- 4. Second Fundamental Proposition (abridged)
- 5. From the Tao Te Ching
- 6. An optical Illusion
- 7. An optical Illusion Aid
- 8. Sevenfold Human Nature
- 9. Third fundamental Proposition (abridged).
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