Door H.P. Blavatsky

127 Pagina’s | 2021 (4e herziene druk) | Softcover | Uitgeverij Theosophical University Press | ISBN 9789491433214

Een introductie tot De Geheime Leer bevat de essentie van H.P. Blavatsky’s meesterwerk De geheime leer.

Opgenomen zijn fragmenten uit De geheime leer zoals het voorwoord, de proloog, de stanza’s van Dzyan, en de samenvatting en conclusie die op de stanza’s volgen. Zo krijgt de lezer een beknopt overzicht van de hoofdlijnen van De geheime leer.

Daarnaast bevat het een artikel van Robert Bowen waarin Blavatsky’s aanwijzingen voor het bestuderen van De geheime leer zijn opgenomen, en een artikel van Kirby Van Mater over het schrijven van De geheime leer.

By Coulson Turnbull (1864 – xxxx).

341 Pages | Facsimile edition of the original 1913 edition | Kessinger Publications Ltd., Montana, USA | ISBN 1564598284.

A study in planetary and spiritual vibrations, with an account of the involution and evolution of the Soul. 

CONTENTS:

Chapter 1 – Sun in the diferrent Houses
Chapter 2 – The Meaning of the different Degrees
Chapter 3 – Symbolization of Zodiacal Signs
Chapter 4 – How to erect a Horoscope
Chapter 5 – How to read a Nativity
Chapter 6 – How to prognosticate Events
Chapter 7 – Directions
Chapter 8 – Important Aphorisms
Chapter 9 – How to prove the Moment of Birth
Chapter 10 – The Nativity of Jesus, Napoleon I, and H.P. Blavatsky
Chapter 11 – Some astronomical Short-cuts.

APPENDIX TO PART II:

Transits of superior Planets
Houses of New York, London
Examples of Ephemerides
Logarithms.

From page 308:

” In Figure 11 (on page 309), we have the astral portrait of that gifted student of mysticism, Helena P. Blavatsky, who founded the present Theosophical Society on this planet in the nineteenth century. The student will note the 13th degree of Cancer ascending symbolized as follows: – A caduceus between two moons – one crescent, the other gibbous. It denotes a person of extreme capacity in the pursuit of knowledge, a penetrating mind and retentive memory. The native will accomplish wonders in the pursuit of subtle sciences. The temper is changeful like the moon and subject to fits of hope and despondency of more or less rapid alternation. The native is likely to travel much and be subject to many changes, but the chief characteristics are versatility and aptitude in the gaining of knowledge. With the symbol of Hermes dominant in the nature, the native will be either a linguïst, doctor, or distinguished scholar. Hermes or Mercury was strong, being in Virgo. This degree succinctly and clearly defines her life and her excellent though not faultless work. A most noticeable satellitum is the Sun, Mars, Saturn and Mercury, all in the third house, that is mind. “

By Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934).

203 Pages | First edition, 16th reprint 2016 | Softcover | The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 9788170592501.

A Textbook of Theosophy is an ideal primer for the student of Theosophy. It suggests that Theosophy comprises the best of religion, science and philosophy. The book presents a concise, clear description of the evolution of human beings and the solar system, and describes the divine inner nature of each one of us. Moreover, through discussing reincarnation and the purpose of life, it leads us to understand the after-death state. The book urges us to rise to the highest good within us: ‘God is Good, man is immortal, and as we sow, so must we reap.’

From Chapter 1 ‘What Theosophy is’ (p. 5 & 6):

” The existence of Perfected Men, and the possibility of coming into touch with them and being taught by them, are prominent among the great new thruths which Theosophy brings to the Western world. Another of them is the stupendous fact that the world is not drifting blindly into anarchy, but that its progress is under the control of a perfectly organized hierarchy, so that final failure even for the tiniest of its units is of all impossibilities the most impossible. “

By Joseph S. Willis.

135 Pages | First Quest Edition 2001 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835608050.

‘We know we don’t know‘ Willis sympathizes with the Greek philosopher Socrates, yet he adds: ‘we all (even atheists) must stand on assumptions that help us lead good lives‘. To explore these assumptions, he discusses different ways of thinking about God, involves both scientific and mythical views, deals with sources of good and evil, and argues for the need for freedom together with commitment. He assures us we can all think reasonably about Ultimate Reality and find a faith that fits and offers a reader-friendly guide helping questioners to maintain their integrity, whilst relating to the Ultimate Mystery beyond all understanding.

From the Introduction (p. 1):

” Everyone needs a faith, a commitment, that is congruent with her or his reason and knowledge, and it must be personal. There is no single way; ultimate truth is simply beyond human reach. But for yourself, for the sake of your own integrity, as a place upon which to stand as you make your life’s decisions, you must find a faith that makes real sense to you. It’s your life, your heart, and your mind.

This book is for people, who doubt the traditional answers, but who believe that the sheer accumulation of material things is not a satisfying way to live. It’s about faith and reason and truth from science, philosophy, and the religions of humankind. “

By Alfred Woll.

158 Pages | A Quest Original, first edition 1992 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606864.

Why should overcommitted Westerners make time in their schedules for meditation? In this down-to-earth book, Alfred Woll, a Westerner who himself benefited from the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, guides the reader in answering these questions:

• Why does the typical Western lifestyle of ‘consume-orientation’ lead more often to pervasive dissatisfaction than than to lasting happiness?
• How can the example of the Buddha’s life and teachings lead to an alternative focus on ‘self-evolvement’ and spiritual development?
• How can meditation, drawn from Tibetan practice, help Westerners?

Unlike many authors, Woll does not automatically assume that the reader accepts karma and reïncarnation; rather, he presents arguments to help readers make up their own minds. Easy to understand and yet rich in content, this book is ideal for those, who wish to learn more about Tibetan spiritual practice.

From Chapter 15: ‘Selflessness’ (p. 145):

” To stop the samsaric melodrama in which we exist once and for all, we need the realization of selflessness or, as this key Buddhist idea is also called: emptiness. We have seen that our disturbed mental attitudes, such as anger, jealousy, attachment, and so forth, take away our peace of mind. These attitudes are the real troublemakers in our lives. Though, we can certainly reduce the extent to which these negative mind states control our behavior by working on our personality and increasing our mindfullness, in order to eliminate them completely, we have to end our false way of seeing reality. “

By Willamay Pym.

39 Pages | Copyright 1989 by The Theosophical Society in America | A4 Study Course | Quest Books, U.S.A. | No ISBN.

The course may be studied by an individual. In this case, the keeping of a journal, supplemental reading, and a willingness to discuss the material with others will be most useful in deepening and broadening one’s insights. Prior to each lesson is a section entitled ‘Preparation for Lesson…’ Many of the articles listed in these sections are from the American Theosophist special issues or from Quest Magazine.

From page 37:

” The desire for wholeness develops within the framework of human love. It is only when love has been sufficiently developed by means of different kinds of temporary relationships between different fragments of the Divine Life (that means us) that the love for the whole is born within it. Then, instead of seeking satisfaction in this piecemeal manner, the fragment seeks it in the whole and through the whole in other fragments . . . This coming together in whatever measure it may be achieved is the only source of happiness, bliss or ananda there is in this world. Love is the very nature of the Divine, the unity which is the One Reality. It alone is the force, which causes the unreal to be drawn into the Real – the many into the One. “

• I.K. Taimni (1898–1978) in The Secret of Self-Realization.

By Elizabeth W. Preston

109 Pages | First published in 1947, second and revised edition 1968, Second reprint 2007 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN 8170591562

In a first attempt to read The Secret Doctrine (1888), many students lose their way in the richness and exuberance of its ideas. It is like a wood, where the trees are so dense, varied and beautiful that it is difficult to find or follow any special path. For this reason – wishing to follow one path – that of science, and to find out exactly what The Secret Doctrine does say on certain scientific subjects, I have extracted such portions as as appear to have a direct scientific value and interest. These extracts are strictly in the order, in which they appear in the Original.

Writers, such as Mrs. Besant, Mrs. Ransom and Mr. E.L. Gardner have contributed studies in and expansions of certain portions of the teachings. The author’s has been a simplification rather than a commentary or elaboration. She tries to indicate very briefly what appears to her to be the main content of each section, comparing the statements with modern scientific thought and terminology.

From the Introduction:

” The ‘Secret Doctrine’ was first published in 1888. Its purpose, as given by Madame Blavatsky, is:

1. To show that Nature is not a fortuitous concurrence of atoms.
2. To assign to man his rightful place in the scheme of the universe.
3. To rescue from degradation the archaic truths, which are at the basis of all religion.
4. To uncover, to some extent, the fundamental unity from which they all spring.
5. To show that the occult side of Nature has never been approached by the science of modern civilization.

The teachings of The Secret Doctrine are based on an ancient book called the ‘Book of Dzyan’. In prehistoric times, about 80.000 – 20.000 BC, a civilization existed in Central Asia in the districts now known as the plateau of Tibet and the valley of the Tarim. The ‘Book of Dzyan’, which was originally written in a language called Senzar, is part of a larger work which was dictated by Divine Beings to the Initiates in the early days of this civilization. Some of the manuscripts were said to be in the keeping of the Teshu Lama, at Shigatse. Madama Blavatsky stated that centuries would pass before much more of ‘The Secret Doctrine’ is given out, but in the twentieth century another disciple may be sent to give proof of the existence of the Secret Science . . . “

Redactie: Ir. H.E. Ch. Poortman, Dr. J.H. Dubbink en Drs. R. Engelse.

93 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1975 | A4-formaat softcover incl. illustraties | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 0906175038.05.

Deze publicatie ziet het licht tijdens de viering van het 100-jarig jubileum van de internationale Theosophical Society. Moge zij bijdragen tot een juist inzicht in de oorsprong en het doel van het theosofisch werk, geworteld als het is in bepaalde universele leringen van het Tibetaans Boeddhisme. En moge zij helpen bij de verspreiding van mededogen en broederschap tot geluk van alle wezens.

Deze uitgave bevat een verzameling studies van diverse auteurs over de volgende onderwerpen:

• De Dalai Lama en zijn boodschap
• De Dalai Lama als mens
• Tibetaanse mystiek
• Dharmacakra, het levensrad van het bestaan
• Het Tibetaanse Dodenboek van leven en sterven
• Het Pad van de Bodhisattva
• Tibetologie
• Brieven van De Meesters
• Erkenning van de esoterische school
• De Mahatma’s over Tibet
• Het Vajrayana (tantrisch) Boeddhisme
• De zeven menselijke beginselen.

By Joy Mills (1920- 2015).

41 Pages | Copyright 1990, 1996 by The Theosophical Society in America | A4 Study Course | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835601160.

While the program is divided in four parts, each part can be expanded into several sessions or compressed into one session. Participants in the program may determine how long or short a course they want it to be. Not included, but recommended, is a fifth section in which group members meet to share in total the myths they have written. Such a sharing is both personally valuable and provides a useful review to the material covered in the course.

From Chapter 4: ‘Creating Rituals’ (p. 26):

” Myth, symbol and ritual are all closely related and are all expressions of archetypical realities, that may or may not be conscious within us. In fact, as we become familiar with the myths of our lives, we may find that we have been performing many rituals quite unconsciously. Sometimes people, who are very much opposed to ritual and ceremony, or who think these are outmoded by contemporary scientific and rational ways of acting, discover they have been performing rituals all their lives and in fact have even been quite unconsciously governed by them. Just as in the preceding sessions we have become aware of the myths of our lives and discovered what archetypes of the heroic journey we are living out, we may now explore whether we can find new ways to live in the world, and even how we can activate the archetypes, that we would like to experience on our hero journey. “

By George R.S. Mead (1863-1933).

338 Pages | Photo copy of the first edition in 1913 by G. Bell & Sons, Ltd, London | Kessinger Publishing Company, Montana U.S.A. | ISBN: 0922802793.

from the Preface:

” All the studies or sketches in this volume are illustrative of the quest of reality, the search for truth, or the restless striving of the human soul for the satisfaction of its needs, spiritual or philosophical, mystical or psychical. The subjects are gleaned from the past and present, from east and west; and all of them, each in their different ways, seem to the writer to be of deep interest and great importance, even though some are little known and may appear on first acquaintance somewhat strange. “

CONTENTS:

1. The Way of the Spirit of ancient China
2. The Doctrine of the true Man in ancient Chinese mystical philosophy
3. Spiritual reality in progressive Buddhism
4. The ideal life in progressive Buddhism
5. Some features of Buddhist psychology
6. The doctrine of reincarnation ethically considered
7. Some mystical experiments on the frontiers of early Christendom
8. The meaning of Gnosis in the higher forms of Hellenistic religion
9. ‘The Book of the Hidden Mysteries’ by Hierotheos
10. The rising psychic tide
11. Vaihinger’s philosophy of the ‘As If’
12. Bergon’s intuitionism
13. Eucken’s activism.

By Caitlin Matthews.

430 Pages | First Quest Edition 2001, third printing 2009 | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835608015.

Sophia, or ‘Wisdom’ in Greek, has been revered in many forms throughout history. From the Dark Goddess of ancient Anatolia; to her Egyptian, Greek, Celtic, and Cabalistic manifestations; to her current forms as Mary and the orthodox St. Sophia. In the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, Sophia sits with God until the creation. Then She falls into matter and becomes manifest in every atom, permeating all things ‘like the sparks that run through charcoal’, as Matthews says. While God is out there,” the Goddess is in here: the mother-wit of practical inspiration and compassion at the heart’s core.

‘ Anyone interested in the feminine face of God throughout the ages will find Sophia an illuminating experience. Caitlin Matthews’ scholarship connects us to past, present, and future in the very depths of our femininity. ‘  – Marion Woodman, Jungian analyst and author of Bone: Dying into Life.

From Chapter 1 – ‘The Black Goddess’ (p. 6):

 ” The Black Goddess lies at the heart of spiritual knowledge, which is why her image continually appears within many traditions as the Veiled Goddess, the Black Virgin, the Outcast Daughter, the Wailing Widom, the Dark Woman of Knowledge. Our own search for the Goddess is one, that is begun in darkness and unknowing. Ours is the knowing ignorance of the child in the mother’s womb: we have to be born, and we are frightened of the extra womb dimension. Once out of that womb, we begin to be terrified about our origins. But one of the prophecies of Sophia is: ‘I will give thee the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places. ‘ Those treasures of the Divine Feminine liep deep within us, waiting to be discovered . . . “

By Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

465 Pages | Facsimile reprint published in 1995 | Softcover | Kessinger Publishing, LLC, Montana U.S.A. | ISBN: 1564595358.

Theosophy is the Wisdom arising from the study of the evolution of life and form. This Wisdom already exists, because the study has been pursued for long ages by properly equipped investigators into nature’s mysteries. The investigators, who are called ’the Masters of Wisdom’, are those Souls, who in the evolutionary process have passed beyond the stage of man to that next higher, that of the ‘Adept’.

As man evolves to Adept, he gains knowledge by investigation and experiment. The knowledge so far gained by an unbroken line of Adepts is Theosophy, the Ancient Wisdom. As man becomes Adept he ceases to be merely an item in the evolutionary process, and appears as a Master and Director of that process, under the supervision of a great Consciousness called in Theosophy the LOGOS. He is enabled, as co/operator with LOGOS, to see nature from His standpoint, and to some extent survey her, not as helpless tool, but with the vision of her Creator. Such a survey is Theosophy to-day.

From Chapter XVI  – ‘God’s Plan, Which is Evolution’ (p. 368):

” So the Solar System, as the Logos and His seven great Assistants, who work with Him, appears as a great Flower of many petals, with a great, glowing golden heart at its centre. Whoso can attain to this vision of the work of the Logos can never have a shadow of doubt as to His Love and Might and Beauty. Each vision of the Truth, through religion or philosophy, through science or art, or through philantropy and service, leads the Soul one step nearer to the goal, which is, to live and move and have his being, in full consciousness, and with exceeding joy, in the Logos of our Solar System. “

By Jean Gullo, Joseph D. Gullo & Diana Dunningham-Chapotin.

88 Pages | A4 Study Course | Quest Books, U.S.A. | No ISBN.

This guide is designed for use as a series of workshops. The information, questions and discussion matter contained herein are aimed towards service in the spirit and with the underlying principles of Theosophy. It may be used effectively in groups of any size, but can be useful to individuals as well. Where there are questions for discussion, responses by an individual might be written down or put in a journal.

From Part One: ‘True Theosophists’ (p.1 & 2):

” Many of us, though caring, are overwelmed by the enormity of the social and ecological changes needed, and the problems to be dealth with. It is well to bear in mind that many millions of people are feeling same concern and frustration. Our individual yearning for change and the goodwill to bring it about are part of a huge and growing tide of thought. We may begin where we are, and with a few or many others, then work toward greater realization and growth.

In heeding the admonition of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HPB), co-founder of the Theosophical Society (TS), that we are not true Theosophists until we help humanity, we may join the flow of ‘people power’ sweeping the planet. This is the time for such female qualities as nurturing, caring and compassion to come to the fore in humanity. Many individuals and organizations are already working toward these ends. We may work in theosophical groups or in harmony with others and thereby greatly increase the effectiveness of our efforts. Working with others (networking) is important now if we are to make the greater changes.

Where can we start? Contemporary issues such as ecology, peace, international economic and political cooperation, human and animal rights, poverty, the weakening of family structures, the homeless, health and healing are becoming increasingly urgent. “

By Haridas Chaudhuri.

222 Pages | 1968, First Quest Edition 1975 | Soft cover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835604632.

This is a ‘HOW TO’ book, that aims to help you in your daily life quest. It is definitely not a book to be casually studied and forgotten. It is a book to be used; to be referred to each and every day. It contains a formula for mastering ALL problems of living – every daily experience – a formula, that you will want to recall time after time after time :)

With frankness and vision, Chaudhuri discusses basic and specific concerns, such as:

• failure at school,
• disappointment in love
• emotional fluctuations
• the pressure of perfectionism
• the dizziness success
• the depression of middle age.

From Chapter ‘How to live a balanced Life’? (p. 211):

” The Art of integrated living consists in the spirit of intelligent cooperation between nature and spirit. Nature is blind without spirit; spirit is lame without nature. According to a story in the Sānkhya philosophy of India, one time a blind man and a lame man got lost in a forest. Each by himself was in helpless quandery. When they met each other, hope appeared. The lame man jumped upon the shoulders of the blind man. Together, both could easily manage to get out of the forest and reach their destination. Similarly, nature and spirit – by virtue of their purposive togetherness – can together make life gloriously meaningful. “

By Louise C. Bromley.

64 Pages | Copyright 1998 by The Theosophical Society in America | A4 Study Course | Quest Books, U.S.A. | No ISBN.

From the Publisher’s Foreword:

Astrology is an ancient and complex symbolic system linking human temperament, behavior. and events to the position of the heavenly bodies. On one level we may think of astrology as a symbolic system, in which human experiences are represented by the intricate interactions of the stars and planets. On another level we may think of it as exemplifying the concept of the universe as an orderly place, in which everything is connected with, influences, and is influenced by everything else.

If we think of astrology as expressing the order of the universe, we may ask whether the relative position of the planets can be causes for earthly conditions, or whether some other principle may be involved. Do the stars cause earthly events? Or is the connection coincidental, though meaningful? We can consider both of those alternatives.

How could the position of the planets, which are so far away, cause changes in my life? What connection could there be? Causal relationships can be so complicated that they look like random chance, like chaos. If astrology is a science of causes connecting the stars with the earth, perhaps the causes are like that.

By Robert Bowen (1815 – 1908).

18 Pages | First published in 1960, reprinted in 1967, first Indian edition 1979, 3rd reprint 1973 – 1992, 4th reprint 1997 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170591910.

Robert Bowen’s personal notes on the teachings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) provide an invaluable aid to the student today. They offer insights into the study and understanding of the essentials of Theosophy, particularly of Madame Blavatsky’s major work The Secret Doctrine (1888). They also point to their impact on the mind of the serious student, who is urged to go beyond verbal expositions of Theosophy to the depth of experience where alone truth is revealed.

From page 12:

” (D) Fourth and last basic idea to be held is that expressed in the Great Hermetic Axiom. It really sums up and synthesizes all the others. As is the Inner, so is the Outer; as is the Great so is the Small; as it is Above, so it is Below; there is but ONE LIFE AND LAW; and he that worth it, is ONE. Nothing is Inner, nothing is Outer; nothing is Great, nothing is Small; nothing is High, nothing is Low, in the Divine Economy. “

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).

111 Pages | First Adyar Edition, 12th reprint 2015 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 9788170590972.

This book is the first in a series of manuals intended to meet the need for a simple exposition of Theosophy. It describes in clear terms the seven aspects of man’s nature based on theosophical precepts. Its aim is to lead the casual enquirer to a deeper study of the philosophy, science and religion of Theosophy and ultimately to a realization of the central objective of the Society, the Brotherhood of man and the possibility of spiritual growth.

From page 2:

” Man, according to the Theosophical teachings, is a sevenfold being, or, in the usual phrase, has a septenary constitution. Putting it in another way, man’s nature has seven aspects, may be studied from seven different points of view, is composed of seven principles. The clearest and best way of all in which to think of man is to regard him as one, the Spirit or true Self; this belongs to the highest region of the universe, and is universal, the same for all: it is a ray of God, a spark from the divine fire. This is to become an individual, reflecting the divine perfection, a son that grows into the likeness of his father. “

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).

95 Pages | First edition 1892, twelfth reprint 1999 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592348.

From the Preface:

” Few words are needed in sending this little book out into the world. It is a Manual designed to meet the public demand for a simple exposition of Theosophical teachings. Some have complained that our literature is at once too abstruse, too technical, and too expensive for the ordinary reader, and it is our hope that the present series may succeed in supplying what is a very real want. Theosophy is not only for the learned; it is for all. Perhaps among those who in these little books catch their first glimpse of its teachings, there may be a few who will be led by them to penetrate more deeply into its philosophy, its science, and its religion, facing its abstruser problems with the student’s zeal and the neophyte’s ardour.

But these Manuals are not written for the eager student, whom no initial difficulties can daunt; they are written for the busy men and women of the work-a-day world, and seek to make plain some of the great Truths that render life easier to bear and death easier to face. Written by servants of the Masters who are Elder Brothers of our race, they can have no other object than to serve our fellow-men. “

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933)

82 pages | Second edition 2016 | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 9788170595908.

In response to public demand for a simple exposition of theosophical teachings, Annie Besant designed a set of seven Theosophical Manuals, and Karma is the fourth in that series. These were written for the busy men and women of the workday world, rather than the undaunted eager student, and seek to make plain and lucid some of the eternal truths, that render life easier to bear and death easier to face.

According to Master KH:

” Every thought of man upon being evolved . . . becomes . . . an active Intelligence for a longer or shorter periode proportionate with the original intensity of the cerebral action which generated it . . . Man is continually peopling his current in space with a world of his own . . . a current which reacts upon any sensitive or nervous organization, which comes in contact with it, in proportion to its dynamic intensity . . . [This is given] the name of ‘Karma’. The Adept evolves these shapes consciously; other men throw them off unconsciously. “

By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).

Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 9788170595755.

This Theosophical Manual by Annie Besant helps us face death more easily. Death and dying are the greatest human fears. Clearly and simply, Dr Besant explains that although the body perishes at death, Life survives. We are each a spark of the Divine life that survives the dissolution of the gross body. Life is a conscious existence unbroken by death, and the soul that escapes from earthly life is but a means to spiritualize the material before we pass on to the life after death.

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. “

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. “

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:

1. The fundamental unity of all existence with two aspects: consciousness and substance;

2. The vitality of all matter;

3. The microcosmic correspondence of human nature to the great cosmos because of our oneness with it;

4. The hermetic order of the universe as a Divine Economy, which is simultaneously a hierarchy of power and a network of equality. “

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).