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. "