Mr. A. Lillie’s Delusions
To the Editor of Light. Sir,— I write to rectify the many mistakes—if they are, indeed, only “mistakes”—in Mr. Lillie’s last letter that appeared in Light of August 2nd,… Read More »Mr. A. Lillie’s Delusions
H. P. Blavatsky
Occultist, Author, Chela, Co-founder of the Theosophical Society. Bio: H. P. Blavatsky.
[Note on the Odic Aura of Mediums]
Article Selection by Miad Hoyo-ra Kora-hon | Note by H.P.B. It may not be amiss for me to remark that persons in the possession of… Read More »[Note on the Odic Aura of Mediums]
The Future Buddhas
Letter by Khetra Mohana Mukhopadhyaya | Notes by H.P.B. On page 144 of Esoteric Buddhism we have the following:— “A Buddha visits the earth for each of… Read More »The Future Buddhas
The Future Occultist
A correspondent of the Indian Mirror, an influential daily paper at Calcutta, writing under the heading of “Proper Education for our Ladies,” says:— Your editorial on the… Read More »The Future Occultist
Can The Mahatmas Be Selfish?
In various writings on occult subjects, it has been stated that unselfishness is a sine qua non for success in occultism. Or a more correct… Read More »Can The Mahatmas Be Selfish?
Mahatmas and Chelas
A MAHATMA is a personage, who, by special training and education, has evolved those higher faculties and has attained that spiritual knowledge, which ordinary humanity… Read More »Mahatmas and Chelas
[Note on “The Silver Hatchet” by A. Conan Doyle]
Note by H.P.B. on a condensed reproduction of “The Silver Hatchet,” by A. Conan Doyle. [Note by H.P.B.:] We reprint this from a Christmas Annual, edited, we… Read More »[Note on “The Silver Hatchet” by A. Conan Doyle]
Nirvana
Letter by H. C. Niblett | Note by H.P.B. We are told and have also read a great deal about the number seven. We are… Read More »Nirvana
Is the Desire to “Live” Selfish?
The passage “to Live, to live, to Live must be the unswerving resolve,” occurring in the article on the Elixir of Life, published in the March… Read More »Is the Desire to “Live” Selfish?
Mr. Moncure D. Conway’s “A Tour Round the World”
The Glasgow Herald of April 11, 1884, contains 2-1/2 columns devoted by the eminent London Ontologist to—“The Theosophists.” A dangerous subject taking it all in all,… Read More »Mr. Moncure D. Conway’s “A Tour Round the World”
[Notes on the Legitimacy of the Roman Catholic Church, and its Crimes]
Article Selections from “Unpublished Writings of Eliphas Levi” | Notes by H.P.B. . . . Pope. We do not want to save ourselves, and God will… Read More »[Notes on the Legitimacy of the Roman Catholic Church, and its Crimes]
Karma
It is generally supposed that animals are not under the operation of the law of Karma, as applied to human beings. If so, how can… Read More »Karma
A Roman Catholic Saint at Goa
St. Francis Xavier was a Roman Catholic priest. His sacred corpse is lodged at Gôa, and exposed every third or fourth year to the public… Read More »A Roman Catholic Saint at Goa
Are Chelas Mediums?
According to the newest edition of the “Imperial Dictionary,” by John Ogilvie, L. L. D., “A medium is a person through whom the action of another being… Read More »Are Chelas Mediums?
[Notes on Spiritual Death and the Descent of Spirit into Matter]
Article Selections from “Magicon…” | Notes by H.P.B. A stupendous revolution in the realm of spirit caused the source of all being to begin an… Read More »[Notes on Spiritual Death and the Descent of Spirit into Matter]
[A Parable of the Séance Room]
Article Selections | Notes by H.P.B. . . . At the time when European civilization first invaded Japan, mirrors were unknown among the common people.… Read More »[A Parable of the Séance Room]
A Singular Case
A Correspondent writes:— The Banner of Light has a curious case given in its columns. “There is,” it says, “a gentleman, in the city of New York… Read More »A Singular Case
A Spirit Visit
Article Selection from The Diocesan Vyedomosty of Mogilev (Russia) | Note by H.P.B. The “Diocesan Vyedomosty” of Mogilev (Russia) quotes an interesting experience in the life of the… Read More »A Spirit Visit
Prince Bismarck’s Mysterious Visitor
La France in an article headed “Chronique Allemande” says about Prince Bismarck: “There is no doubt that he works hard, while undergoing treatment at Kissingen; but… Read More »Prince Bismarck’s Mysterious Visitor
[Notes on “Three Unpublished Essays” by Éliphas Lévi]
Essay Selections by Éliphas Lévi (translated from French) | Notes by H.P.B. The three Essays—the first of which is now given—belong to the unpublished MSS. of… Read More »[Notes on “Three Unpublished Essays” by Éliphas Lévi]
[Notes on “A Canon Occultist”]
Letter Selections from “A Russian Theosophist” (translated by H.P.B.) | Notes by H.P.B. A Russian Theosophist sends to us extracts from a letter received from… Read More »[Notes on “A Canon Occultist”]
[Note to “Practical Work for Theosophists”]
Letter by Raj Coomar Roy | Note by H.P.B. The objects of the Theosophical Society are very laudable, and if they are realized by the… Read More »[Note to “Practical Work for Theosophists”]
Ghost Stories Galore
Article from 1877 by D.A.C. | Note by H.P.B. [Note: the notes to this article are all signed “Editor,” with the exception of Note 3,… Read More »Ghost Stories Galore
“The Planetary Cycles of Humanity, or the Astronomical Progress of Civilization”
Article Selections by Léon Leconte | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. A Suisse journal “Lumière et Liberté” contains an article, from which we make the following… Read More »“The Planetary Cycles of Humanity, or the Astronomical Progress of Civilization”
[Note on the Symbolism of Triangles and Squares]
Article Selection by A. B. | Note by H.P.B. The whole system of our Theosophists is based upon a threefold division; the Divine, the Intellectual, and the… Read More »[Note on the Symbolism of Triangles and Squares]
[On the Kama-rupa and Vampires]
Article Selection by Dr. Fortin | Note by H.P.B. [Note: the assumption made with this note, signed “Translator,” is that the original article by Dr.… Read More »[On the Kama-rupa and Vampires]
[Notes on “Drama of the Latter Days”]
Article Selections | Introduction and Notes by H.P.B. Drama of the Latter Days: A Suggestion. We hardly need to offer an apology to the English… Read More »[Notes on “Drama of the Latter Days”]
Psychometry
From a private letter to our energetic friend, Mrs. Parker, from Professor J. R. Buchanan, we learn that that distinguished gentleman is engaged in preparing… Read More »Psychometry
A British Thinker on The Theosophist
One of the ablest philosophical students and writers of Great Britain writes in a private letter to a friend, who has kindly allowed us to… Read More »A British Thinker on The Theosophist
The High Water Mark of Modern Philosophy
In last month’s Nineteenth Century, the great English thinker and philosopher, Mr. Herbert Spencer, has contributed a remarkable article, “Religion: a Retrospect and Prospect.” This contribution, which… Read More »The High Water Mark of Modern Philosophy
Victims of Words
The saying has become trite that we are oftener victims of words than of facts. The Theosophical Society has been credited with atheism and materialism,… Read More »Victims of Words
Spirit Guardianship, or What?
Article selctions by Dr. Rohner | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. [Relaying a story about a family aboard a train] . . . one of the… Read More »Spirit Guardianship, or What?
What Scientific Russia Knows of Ceylon
At various times, already, we had an opportunity of learning from the reports of the Moscow “Society of the Lovers of Natural Sciences,” how careless… Read More »What Scientific Russia Knows of Ceylon
Introversion of Mental Vision
Some interesting experiments have recently been tried by Mr. F. W. H. Myers and his colleagues of the Psychic Research Society of London, which, if… Read More »Introversion of Mental Vision
The Oxonians and Theosophy Again
Barring an occasional drop of gall in the cup of Hippocrates, our esteemed antagonists of the Oxford Mission are very kind towards us. In fact,… Read More »The Oxonians and Theosophy Again
Divination by the Laurel Cubes
From a private letter, written by a perfectly reliable and very learned Theosophist in Europe, we copy the following, omitting however the names of the… Read More »Divination by the Laurel Cubes
Mr. Moncure Conway
Under this heading our old well-wisher, a pious Baptist editor in Ceylon, takes an opportunity of snapping at us. As usual, he goes out of… Read More »Mr. Moncure Conway
A Lapsus Calami
[Note: for background, see “The Saracens of Theosophy and the Madras Crusaders” etc.] Says the Editor of the Indian Churchman, in his issue of January 5,… Read More »A Lapsus Calami
From a Letter of an Old Friend and Theosophist
Letter from G. L. Ditson | Reply by H.P.B. . . . Well, my dear friends, I read with boundless satisfaction of your triumphal march,… Read More »From a Letter of an Old Friend and Theosophist
[Notes on Sophia, Aditya and Kshetra]
Selections from a Review of “Buddha and Early Buddhism” by Arthur Llillie, by Dharani Dhar Kauthumi | Notes by H.P.B. On page 5, we read:—… Read More »[Notes on Sophia, Aditya and Kshetra]
[Notes on Evolution and Perception]
Extracts from “The Cosmic Position of Man” and “The Janus-facedness of Man,” by Baron Karl du Prel | Notes by H.P.B. These are two short… Read More »[Notes on Evolution and Perception]
The Theosophists and Irenæus
The Rev. Editor of the Christian College Magazine comes down short and heavy upon Col. Olcott. He speaks of somebody’s “invincible ignorance” and remarks that “on the… Read More »The Theosophists and Irenæus
[Notes on Elementals and Elementaries]
Selections from a Paper read at a Meeting of the British T.S. | Notes by H.P.B. . . . The beings which play the most… Read More »[Notes on Elementals and Elementaries]
[Note on “Equality, Fraternity and Liberty”]
Selection from a reply by the Editor of The Epiphany to a letter by H. C. Niblett | Note by H.P.B. May we ask you whether “we must remain apart… Read More »[Note on “Equality, Fraternity and Liberty”]
The Neutrality of the Senate House
With reference to a correspondence on the subject of this heading that is now taking place in the Madras Mail, a few remarks will be perhaps timely.… Read More »The Neutrality of the Senate House
Archæological Difficulties
Letter by P. C. M. | Note by H.P.B. May I be permitted to ask what Sanskrit and Buddhistic books, printed or manuscript, are of… Read More »Archæological Difficulties
[Notes on Sibyls]
Article Selections by Dr. Fortin | Notes by H.P.B. The Sibyl differs essentially from all other subects (mediums), inasmuch as her gift enables her to… Read More »[Notes on Sibyls]
The Miraculous Beard
Article selections by Vera Zhelihovsky | Note and Editor’s Note by H.P.B. [The article begins with a description of the St. Stephano Church in Vienna,… Read More »The Miraculous Beard
Posthumous Visitor
Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on an article by Gustave Zorn [Note: in the article, Zorn relays the story of a 15 year old girl who claimed… Read More »Posthumous Visitor
“Precipitation”
Of all phenomena produced by occult agency in connection with our Society, none have been witnessed by a more extended circle of spectators or more… Read More »“Precipitation”
Premature and Phenomenal Growths
A Russian Theosophist in a letter dated November 1883, writes as follows:— The Petersburg and Moscow papers are greatly concerned with the miraculous growth of… Read More »Premature and Phenomenal Growths
My Final Word to the Reply of Mr. Tremeschini
[For some background, see: “A Levy of Arms Against Theosophy”] In the August Bulletin the esteemed “Fellow of the Theosophical Society” promised the reader proof “That if… Read More »My Final Word to the Reply of Mr. Tremeschini
[On the Brahma Garbha of Agastya Bhagavan]
Article selections by Samar Pungava Sastri | Notes by H.P.B. We fully appreciate the kindly feeling in which we are referred to in the following… Read More »[On the Brahma Garbha of Agastya Bhagavan]
Wart-Charming
Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on an article by Frederick Helmone With reference to the following correspondence which appeared in Knowledge, dated 26th October 1883, a well-known… Read More »Wart-Charming
Rain-Stopping Brahmans
Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on an article by H. Mukhopadyaya I shall be highly obliged if you kindly allow me to relate through the columns… Read More »Rain-Stopping Brahmans
Existence of the Himalayan Mahatmas
Note and Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on an account by Preo Nath Banerjee In May or June last, a young Bengali Brahmachari happened to pass… Read More »Existence of the Himalayan Mahatmas
Queries from Australia
Replies by H.P.B. to several Queries from C. Rohner Allow me to address you on a subject of vital importance to me in connection with… Read More »Queries from Australia
Buddhism Before Buddha
Letter from “An Outsider” | Notes by H.P.B. [Note: for some background on what “An Outsider” is here referencing, see “Sakya Muni’s Place in History,”… Read More »Buddhism Before Buddha
[Evidence of the Existence of Mahatmas]
Editorial Note on the Article “The Himalayan Brothers—Do they Exist?” by Mohini M. Chatterji Editor’s Note. [H.P.B.]—Secondary evidence is no longer necessary. On November the… Read More »[Evidence of the Existence of Mahatmas]
The Saracens of Theosophy and the Madras Crusaders
Some of the Dailies and Weeklies—English as well as Vernacular—of this benighted Presidency feel very unhappy over the Theosophists. Their editorial plumage is painfully ruffled… Read More »The Saracens of Theosophy and the Madras Crusaders
[On the Nature of Blood]
Article Selection by Alexander Wilder | Note by H.P.B. . . . The body is only an incident of our individuality . . . It… Read More »[On the Nature of Blood]
Adepts and Politics
Article Selections by Chhabigram Dolatram | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. The perusal of an article headed “The Adepts in America in 1776,” published in the… Read More »Adepts and Politics
Important Notice to our Subscribers and Fellows
The Supplement to The Theosophist has hitherto been the only channel of communication between ourselves and our numerous Branches and unattached Fellows, scattered far and wide all over… Read More »Important Notice to our Subscribers and Fellows
The Death of a Great Man
A Master Spirit has passed away from India. Pundit Dayananda Saraswati, the Founder and Supreme Chief of the Arya Samaj of Aryavarta, is gone. The… Read More »The Death of a Great Man
Moral Education by Prof. Buchanan
[Review of:] Moral Education: Its laws and methods. Governments, Churches and Colleges for many thousand and years have striven in vain to conquer crime, disease… Read More »Moral Education by Prof. Buchanan
[An Appeal to Honest and Honorable Foes]
Letter to the Editor by H.P.B. [Note: for background, see “The Saracens of Theosophy and the Madras Crusaders”] Dear Sir, In the wide Missionary world… Read More »[An Appeal to Honest and Honorable Foes]
[Notes on “The God Idea”]
Article selections by Babu Raj Narain Bose | Notes by H.P.B. I deem it necessary to reply to some of your remarks on my letter… Read More »[Notes on “The God Idea”]
[Miscellaneous Notes]
Note by H.P.B. on an Extract from the Poona Observer The following is an extract from the Poona Observer and Civil and Military Gazette of October 24:—… Read More »[Miscellaneous Notes]
[Explanation of the Appearance of Ghosts]
Letter selections from Henry G. Atkinson | Notes by H.P.B. There is a long article on Ghosts, and the author says, “If I mistake not,… Read More »[Explanation of the Appearance of Ghosts]
A Psychological Phenomenon
Article selections (anonymous) | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. We have much pleasure to be able to lay before the public a remarkable psychological phenomenon, as… Read More »A Psychological Phenomenon
[An Eye-witness Account of Wonders in India]
Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on a selection from Col. Stephen Fraser’s Twelve Years in India, titled “The Bhattah Mirrors” Editor’s Note. [H.P.B.]—This curious passage found in… Read More »[An Eye-witness Account of Wonders in India]
Ananda Bai Joshi’s Reception
Article from the Philadelphia Press | Editor’s Note by H. P. B. [Note: for background, see “[Mrs. Anandabai Joshi, F.T.S.]”] Greeting to the Brahmin Lady… Read More »Ananda Bai Joshi’s Reception
[The Seven Centers of Vāc]
Selection from Mohini M. Chatterji’s translation of the Ātmānātmaviveka of Śaṃkarācarya | Note by H.P.B. Q: What are the organs of action? A: The organ of speech (vāc),… Read More »[The Seven Centers of Vāc]
Have we to Lower the Flag of Truce?
The spiritualistic journals, with the honourable and solitary exception of the Banner of Light, lose no opportunity for effecting Quixotic thrusts in the direction of Theosophy.… Read More »Have we to Lower the Flag of Truce?
The Puranas on the Dynasty of the Moryas and on Koothoomi
Letter from R. Ragoonath Row | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. It is stated in Matsya Puran, chapter 272, that ten Moryas would reign over India, and… Read More »The Puranas on the Dynasty of the Moryas and on Koothoomi
The Ionian Theosophical Society
The necessity of the organization of committees by our members for the investigation of psychometry and the cognate sciences has been reiterated in these columns… Read More »The Ionian Theosophical Society
A Christian Minister on Theosophy
Writing to the Indian Mirror, the Rev. C. H. A. Dall says:— “Skeptomai is Greek for “I enquire.” In the radical sense I am a sceptic regarding… Read More »A Christian Minister on Theosophy
The Rev. W. Hastie’s Karma and the Progress of Poesy in Bengal
According to some contemporaries:—“A copy of the pamphlet containing a full account of the trial of Pigot vs. Hastie, has been presented by the plaintiff to… Read More »The Rev. W. Hastie’s Karma and the Progress of Poesy in Bengal
The St. James Gazette and Esoteric Buddhism
“Learning is light, ignorance is darkness,” says a proverb. It is good to be learned, when one’s knowledge rests on facts; it is wise to… Read More »The St. James Gazette and Esoteric Buddhism
Esoteric Buddhism and its Critic
To the Editor of Light. “Bottom. Let me play the lion . . . I will roar, that I will do any man’s heart good to… Read More »Esoteric Buddhism and its Critic
The Lawn-Tennis School of Critics
Those intellectual prodigies of the Lawn-Tennis clubs—Anakim among critics—who swallow the story of Balaam’s speaking “she-ass” but cannot believe in the Reincarnation of her “soul”… Read More »The Lawn-Tennis School of Critics
A Plea for a Personal God
Notes by H.P.B. on a Letter by P. *** T. *** S. *** Can the Editor please enlighten me as to the following:— 1. It… Read More »A Plea for a Personal God
“Impressions from the Infinite”
For some time past, M. C. W. Rohner, M.D. of Benalla, was busy translating from the Spanish of Balmes trance-utterances of the name that heads… Read More »“Impressions from the Infinite”
An Appeal for the Redemption of the Poor Pariahs [Outcastes]
Introductory Note by H.P.B. A noble movement, one of a most redeeming and high character, is set on foot by several native gentlemen of Southern… Read More »An Appeal for the Redemption of the Poor Pariahs [Outcastes]
Pindams at Gya
Selections from a Letter by “A. Hindu” | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. Referring to N. D. K.’s query and your reply in The Theosophist for… Read More »Pindams at Gya
Introductory Note to “Life of Giordano Bruno”
It is suggestive that in these Numbers which close the 4th and begin the 5th year of our Magazine, several scientific and philosophical articles should… Read More »Introductory Note to “Life of Giordano Bruno”
Projection of the Double
In one of the daily issues of the N. Y. World—an influential journal of the great American metropolis—for the year 1878, appeared a description of the… Read More »Projection of the Double
The Buddhists and Government
The statement is circulating through the Indian Press, that “considerable indignation is felt in Ceylon at the attempts which the Buddhists are making to pose… Read More »The Buddhists and Government
Paying the Way
The late Artemus Ward, a famous American humorist, wishing to prove his effusive patriotism during the late Civil War, said that he was ready to… Read More »Paying the Way
[The Sacred Brahmanical Thread]
Article selections from “Two Words about Chelaship” by A. Sankariah | Note by H.P.B. There were days when all had belief in esoteric theosophy and… Read More »[The Sacred Brahmanical Thread]
Genteel Beggars
We have just received from a gentleman, an Anglo-Indian Theosophist of the highest rank, and one, whose generous disposition is unfortunately too well known, the… Read More »Genteel Beggars
[Relation of Hermetic Philosophy to the Esoteric Teachings]
Note by H.P.B. on an article by Dr. Fortin, President of the Theosophical Society of Paris, called “Société Scientifique des Occultistes de France.” Dr. Fortin… Read More »[Relation of Hermetic Philosophy to the Esoteric Teachings]
The Theosophists: As Photographed in the Imperial Census
It may be interesting for our friends to learn how our Association is, or rather was (for now they have learned better) viewed, and its… Read More »The Theosophists: As Photographed in the Imperial Census
The Khabar
Notes by H.P.B. on an article quoted from Chamber’s Journal Sometime ago one of the London daily papers referred to the ‘khabar,’ as a thing of… Read More »The Khabar
[A Note on Narayana, and Missing Chapters of the Chandogya Upanishad]
Selections from a Letter by Laldi M. Ghose | Notes by H.P.B. The death of our dear Brother Babu Jogendra Nath Basu Sarbadhikary, was the most… Read More »[A Note on Narayana, and Missing Chapters of the Chandogya Upanishad]
[Miscellaneous Notes]
Article selection from “Fundamental Truths Eternal” by Gilbert Elliot | Note by H.P.B. [Dr. O.] Hahn in his work “Die Urselle”—The Original Cell—published in 1879,… Read More »[Miscellaneous Notes]
[Notes on Devachan]
Selections from a Letter by F. Hartmann | Notes by H.P.B. Allow me to express my sincere gratitude for the kind answer you gave to… Read More »[Notes on Devachan]
The Final Results of the Savage Attack of the Roman Catholics on the Buddhists at Colombo
What we said about the recent religious riots at Ceylon, in the May Theosophist [see: “Theosophy and Religious Riots”], has been fully verified now by the Report… Read More »The Final Results of the Savage Attack of the Roman Catholics on the Buddhists at Colombo
Professor Huxley and Isis Unveiled
Editor’s Notes by H.P.B. on an article by A. Banon One of the articles of the May number of Macmillan’s Magazine is by Professor Huxley,… Read More »Professor Huxley and Isis Unveiled
What is Sauce for the Goose, is not Sauce for the Gander
Selections from a Letter by Narsing Dass Chowdry | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. . . . In The Sunday at Home, a Missionary publication . .… Read More »What is Sauce for the Goose, is not Sauce for the Gander