[Common Esotericism of East and West]
Selection from a Letter to the Editor (in response to a review of The Perfect Way) by it’s authors: Dr. Anna Kingsford and Edward Maitland… Read More »[Common Esotericism of East and West]
H. P. Blavatsky
Occultist, Author, Chela, Co-founder of the Theosophical Society. Bio: H. P. Blavatsky.
[On “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena”]
Selections from J. D. Buck’s Letter to the Editor, titled: “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena” | Note and Reply by H.P.B. . . . Fortified by the outlines of… Read More »[On “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena”]
A Spectral Warning
A respectable American paper publishes a story of a clairvoyant prevision of death. One Martin Delehaute, employed in a steam sawmill, saw one night at… Read More »A Spectral Warning
[Numbers, Harmony, and Correspondences or Affinities]
Article selection by John Tyndall | Note by H.P.B. . . . The union of bodies in fixed and multiple proportions constitutes the basis of… Read More »[Numbers, Harmony, and Correspondences or Affinities]
[Notes on the “Philosopher’s Stone”]
Selections from HPB’s translation of Éliphas Lévi’s “Rituel de la Haute Magie” | Notes by H.P.B. . . . This stone is one and multiple; it… Read More »[Notes on the “Philosopher’s Stone”]
A Mysterious Race
While travelling from the landing place—on the Madras “Buckingham Canal”—to Nellore, we were made to experience the novel sensation of a transit of fifteen miles… Read More »A Mysterious Race
Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research
The first number of the journal of this new Society is full of interesting matter and indicates that our sister association will do good work… Read More »Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research
A Freethinker in Palestine
[Review of The Book of the Chronicles of the Pilgrims in the Land of Yahweh. By D. M. Bennett (N. Y., 1882).] Of Mr. Bennett’s… Read More »A Freethinker in Palestine
The Poor Brutes
“’Twere all as good to ease one beast of grief, As sit and watch the sorrows of the world, In yonder caverns with the priests… Read More »The Poor Brutes
[“Time, Space, and Eternity”]
Introductory Notes by H.P.B. to a Review by M. A. (Oxon) We find a review in the Notes by the Way by “M. A. (Oxon)”… Read More »[“Time, Space, and Eternity”]
The Utterances of Ramalingam Pillay
The communication from an esteemed brother, Mr. Velayudam Mudaliar, F.T.S., Tamil Pandit in the Madras Presidency College, which appeared in The Theosophist for July last,… Read More »The Utterances of Ramalingam Pillay
The Freethinkers’ “Salvation Army”
To the Editor of The Philosophic Inquirer. My dear Colleague and Brother,—I do not generally read the Thinker (an Anglo-Tamil Journal), the “crusader against superstition,… Read More »The Freethinkers’ “Salvation Army”
Occult and Spiritual Phenomena in the Light of Modern Science
I have just received Light—the ablest of the Spiritual periodicals of England—of September 23, and read its “NOTES BY THE WAY,” contributed by “M. A.… Read More »Occult and Spiritual Phenomena in the Light of Modern Science
The Arya and its “Outstation” Correspondence
There exists a class of men—among the great variety composing genus homo—who, by their modes of thought and action, have to be viewed as a… Read More »The Arya and its “Outstation” Correspondence
[Adepts and Marriage]
Article selection from “The Three Grades of Ancient Theosophists,” by A. Sankariah, F.T.S. | Note by H.P.B. . . . They are but nominal Theosophists who are… Read More »[Adepts and Marriage]
Is Suicide a Crime?
Letter by “Inquirer” | Reply by H.P.B. The writer in the London Spiritualist for November, who calls the “Fragments of Occult Truth” speculation-spinning, can hardly,… Read More »Is Suicide a Crime?
[Notes on Symbolism in Selections by Eliphas Levi]
Selections from Eliphas Levi’s “Dogme de la Haute Magie” | Notes by H.P.B. Gleanings from Eliphas Levi1 Extracts from the Introduction to Dogme de la Haute… Read More »[Notes on Symbolism in Selections by Eliphas Levi]
Death and Immortality
Letter by N.D.K. | Reply by H.P.B. [Note: it is quite possible that this reply to N.D.K. was authored by an adept, given the three… Read More »Death and Immortality
[The Chinese Septenary Division]
Article Selection by “A Parsi F.T.S.” | Note by H.P.B. Here [in the Avesta] the whole man is spoken of as composed of five parts, as… Read More »[The Chinese Septenary Division]
The Origin of the Gospels and the Bishop of Bombay
The ignorance which commonly prevails among English Christians concerning the history of their own religious books and, it is feared, of their contents—has been amusingly… Read More »The Origin of the Gospels and the Bishop of Bombay
[Note on “Can Man Live Without Food?”]
Article Selection by Krishnasarma Mookerjee | Note by H.P.B. . . . the question arises, whether it is possible that a man could live without… Read More »[Note on “Can Man Live Without Food?”]
Was it “Spirits” or What?
[H.P.B.’s response to “A Perplexed Theosophist”] The strict adherence to our duty as an Occultist, while it satisfies a few of our fellow students, materially… Read More »Was it “Spirits” or What?
Sympathy for Mr. Charles Bradlaugh
To the Editor of The Philosophic Inquirer. My dear Sir and Brother,—I was very ill for the last two or three weeks, and could not… Read More »Sympathy for Mr. Charles Bradlaugh
[Intro to] “C.C.M.” and Isis Unveiled
We publish the following letter from “H. X.,” [A. O. Hume] under a strong personal protest. Another paper signed by several Chelas—all accepted pupils and… Read More »[Intro to] “C.C.M.” and Isis Unveiled
The “Contradictions of the Bible” and The Rawal Pindi Mission School
TO THE MANAGER, THEOSOPHIST OFFICE. Sir.—the copy of Self-contradictions of the Bible arrived at my school on August 3. By chance the post peon gave… Read More »The “Contradictions of the Bible” and The Rawal Pindi Mission School
[Reviews: Two Christian Papers]
The Christian Herald and Signs of Our Times carry in their title-name the gist of their subject matter. It is an illustrated paper; and one… Read More »[Reviews: Two Christian Papers]
[Buddhism as a Philosophy, not a Religion]
“A Lecture on the Peculiarities of Hindu Literature”—delivered at the Triplicane Hindu Literary Society of Madras, by C. T. Winfred, B.A—is a very thoughtful and scientific… Read More »[Buddhism as a Philosophy, not a Religion]
[Review: Pamphlet on the T.S. by Rev. Theophilus]
The Theosophical Society, its Objects and Creed; its Attitude towards Christianity and its Work in India: being a Paper in an enlarged form read before the… Read More »[Review: Pamphlet on the T.S. by Rev. Theophilus]
[On the Variety of After-Death States]
Article Selection from “Letters on Esoteric Theosophy” | Note by H.P.B. . . . When les espirits souffrants I am describing—to borrow a phrase from the French… Read More »[On the Variety of After-Death States]
[Notes on “Puzzling Queries”]
Article Selections by Bitra Ramaswamy Naidu | Notes by H.P.B. I ask permission to offer a few questions in view of getting light for myself… Read More »[Notes on “Puzzling Queries”]
[Notes on “The Philosophy of Spirit”]
Article Selections by William Oxley | Introduction and Notes by H.P.B. We give room in this number to an interminably long paper—entitled “The Philosophy of… Read More »[Notes on “The Philosophy of Spirit”]
[Note on the Sufficiency of the Arhat Doctrine]
Article Selections from the Authors of “The Perfect Way” | Note by H.P.B. “The Perfect Way” To the Editor of The Theosophist. For the frank recognition… Read More »[Note on the Sufficiency of the Arhat Doctrine]
[On Vaccination]
Review by H.P.B. | Reply by William Tebb | Note by H.P.B. THE VACCINATION INQUIRER and Health Review, the Organ of the London Society for… Read More »[On Vaccination]
The So-Called Theosophical Society at Ghazipore
Sir—Notwithstanding our protest that there is no Theosophical Society at Ghazipore, I am surprised to find that, in your issue of the 10th instant, you… Read More »The So-Called Theosophical Society at Ghazipore
“Isis Unveiled” and the “Theosophist” on Reincarnation
In Light (July 8) C.C.M. quotes from the THEOSOPHIST (June 1882) a sentence which appeared in the Editor’s Note at the foot of an article… Read More »“Isis Unveiled” and the “Theosophist” on Reincarnation
The Harmonics of Smell
The old proverb, that “Truth is stranger than fiction,” is again exemplified. An English scientist—Professor William Ramsay, of University College, Bristol—has just communicated to Nature… Read More »The Harmonics of Smell
The Philosophic Inquirer
The first numbers of our iconoclastic Madras contemporary in its new English garb are on our table. We confess with pleasure that it has greatly… Read More »The Philosophic Inquirer
Questions About Esoteric Theosophy Answered
Letter by W.H.C.D. | Reply by H.P.B. TO THE EDITOR OF THE THEOSOPHIST I have been studying the pamphlet on Esoteric Theosophhy, and find the… Read More »Questions About Esoteric Theosophy Answered
[On Levitation and Flight]
Article Selections by W. R. Frink | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. . . . I have . . . followed your writings and teachings in The… Read More »[On Levitation and Flight]
Theosophy and Spiritualism
A Calcutta correspondent asks: (a) Is Occultism a science akin to Spiritualism? (b) What are the principal points in which the Theosophists and the Spiritualists… Read More »Theosophy and Spiritualism
[Note on the Assumptions of Materialism and Dogmatic Religion]
Article Selection from a paper by Lionel Beale | Note by H.P.B. . . . I believe all materialistic doctrines, vary as they may in… Read More »[Note on the Assumptions of Materialism and Dogmatic Religion]
“Tharana,” or Mesmerism
Letter by N. Chidambaram Iyer | Reply by H.P.B. In the June number of The Theosophist, Babu Purno Chandra Mukerjee enumerates certain processes resorted to… Read More »“Tharana,” or Mesmerism
[On Sufis and Mahatmas as Non-Religious]
Article Selection from “A Treatise on Sufism” | Notes by H.P.B. When man arrives to a knowledge of his own nature, of the affinity he… Read More »[On Sufis and Mahatmas as Non-Religious]
[Notes on Tibet and its Lamas]
Article Selections by Captain A Banon | Notes by H.P.B. During the month of May, I was in the Gungotri Valley, and wish to relate… Read More »[Notes on Tibet and its Lamas]
Our Fourth Year
The end of the third year of publication has come (Volume III ends with the September number), and still the THEOSOPHIST exists and thrives, despite… Read More »Our Fourth Year
Visions in the Crystal
At a number of his lectures Colonel Olcott has exhibited a crystal from the Gastein Mountains, which was kindly sent him by our very esteemed… Read More »Visions in the Crystal
A Learned Bramhan Spirit!
Article selections from questions posed to a supposed medium. | Introductory Note, Notes, and closing Editor’s Note by H.P.B. [Note: In the following selections, exclamation… Read More »A Learned Bramhan Spirit!
Stone-Showers
[Note: for some background, see “[Note on “Stone-Throwing by ‘Spirits’”],” “[On “Stone-Showers”],” “More Anecdotes of Hassan Khan Djinni,” and “[More on “Stone-Showers”].] In connection with the… Read More »Stone-Showers
Sympathy from the Founders of the Theosophical Society
To the Editor, Philosophic Inquirer. My dear Sir and Brother,—I send you the enclosed letter from Colonel Olcott—who has just left for Ceylon—to be inserted… Read More »Sympathy from the Founders of the Theosophical Society
The “Veda of the Buddhists!”
Sceptics often taunt the Spiritualists with the fact that their mediums, though claiming to be inspired and “controlled” by the spirits of the great men… Read More »The “Veda of the Buddhists!”
The “Political” Side of Theosophy
For over two years—ever since the now exploded craze of suspecting Madame Blavatsky of being a “Russian spy,” was blushingly consigned to the limbo of… Read More »The “Political” Side of Theosophy
[Notes on a Review of Mr. Chevillard’s Researches into Spiritism]
Review Selections by Marcel Rouher (translated by H.P.B.) | Notes by H.P.B. Reviews Experimental Studies on Certain Nervous Phenomena, and a Rational Solution of the… Read More »[Notes on a Review of Mr. Chevillard’s Researches into Spiritism]
A Truth-Seeker Around the World
[Review: A Truth-Seeker Around the World: A Series of Letters written while making a Tour of the Globe, by D. M. Bennett. Vol. 1. From… Read More »A Truth-Seeker Around the World
The Fellow-Worker
Among the pleasantest memories of our late visit to Bengal is the recollection of the number of delightful friends whom we were fortunate enough to… Read More »The Fellow-Worker
Spiritualistic Morals in London
Letter from “British Theosophist” | Reply by H.P.B. TO THE EDITOR OF THE “THEOSOPHIST” As a Theosophist and lover of truth, I cannot allow a… Read More »Spiritualistic Morals in London
Is Belief in Omens a Superstition?
Letter Selections by Dhame Dinanath Pandurang | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. To the Editor of The Theosophist: Madame,—Having had with a friend . . . a… Read More »Is Belief in Omens a Superstition?
A Storm in a Teacup
We print elsewhere letters from two estimable ladies—members of the British Theosophical Society—protesting against a short article—“A Sad Lookout”—printed in our April number. We make… Read More »A Storm in a Teacup
Coming Events Foretold
When, in answer to a direct challenge, the author of The Occult World wrote to the Bombay Gazette (April 4, 1882), he began his letter… Read More »Coming Events Foretold
The New Society for Psychical Research
In Light for April 27th, we find the manifesto of the new Socierty which has just been organized at London under the above title. The… Read More »The New Society for Psychical Research
Singing Animalcules
The editor of the Religio-Philosophical Journal has microscopic intuitions, it seems. In a recent number he says: “There are animalcules, we have no doubt, that have… Read More »Singing Animalcules
An “Honest” Enquiry into the Aims of our Society
We have been kindly favoured with a copy of a little pamphlet entitled: “The Theosophical Society and its Founders: An Honest Enquiry into their Aims and… Read More »An “Honest” Enquiry into the Aims of our Society
Hindu Widow Marriage
[Note: the following is a copy of a letter received by Dewan Bahadur Ragunath Row from Madame Blavatsky.] My Dear Sir,—I have not made a… Read More »Hindu Widow Marriage
Trance-Speakers
No Hindu needs to be told the meaning of the term Angánta Yéné. It is the action of a bhût, who enters into or possesses… Read More »Trance-Speakers
The Magic of Science
An Anglo-Indian paper of Madras speaks thus of the telephone: “The wonders of science bid fair to grow more wonderful. The latest addition, to the… Read More »The Magic of Science
Seeming “Discrepancies”
Letter by “Caledonian Theosophist” | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. TO THE EDITOR OF THE “THEOSOPHIST.” I have lately been engaged in devoting a few evenings’… Read More »Seeming “Discrepancies”
[A Note on the Arya]
[Note: for some background, see “The ‘Arya’ on the Theosophists” and the following “Notice,” in The Theosophist, May, 1882, Supplement, p. 7.] Our late friends of… Read More »[A Note on the Arya]
[On the T.S. Policy of Eclectic Tolerance of All Creeds]
Article Selections by N. Chidambaram Iyer | Notes by H.P.B. . . . You are surprised to find that your friend and ally, Swami Dayanand… Read More »[On the T.S. Policy of Eclectic Tolerance of All Creeds]
[More on “Stone-Showers”]
Article Selections by T. Vijiaraghava Charlu | Notes by H.P.B. [Note: for some background, see “[Note on “Stone-Throwing by ‘Spirits’”],” “[On “Stone-Showers”],” and “More Anecdotes… Read More »[More on “Stone-Showers”]
[The Bhagavad Gita a Book of Initiation]
Article Selection from “Bhagavad-Gita,” by Babu Nobin K. Bannerji | Note by H.P.B. . . . many a sound scholar considers the Gita as quite a… Read More »[The Bhagavad Gita a Book of Initiation]
Friendly Chastisement
Letter from Aletheia | Note and Reply by H.P.B. To the Editor of The Theosophist. Madame,—From time to time I have been grieved to notice,… Read More »Friendly Chastisement
“A Friend in Need, a Friend Indeed”
We copy the following letter from the Bombay Gazette of April 4th, not for its bearing upon the recent “unpleasantness,” but to preserve, in our… Read More »“A Friend in Need, a Friend Indeed”
Hindu Theism
Old readers will recollect our desire, long ago expressed, that some respectable Brahmo would undertake, in these columns, a candid exposition of the views of… Read More »Hindu Theism
[Notes on God, Spirit and Matter]
Article Selections by Pestanji Dorabji Khandalawala | Notes by H.P.B. . . . Man is a miniature universe, a child of its great namesake. He… Read More »[Notes on God, Spirit and Matter]
More Anecdotes of Hassan Khan Djinni
Statement by Dr. Abdul Rahman Khan | Note by H.P.B. While Col. Olcott was at Lucknow, he was enabled to collect some more items of… Read More »More Anecdotes of Hassan Khan Djinni
[Notes on “Mediums and Yogis”]
Article Selections by * * * | Notes by H.P.B. Mediums and Yogis What is the Difference Between the Two? A Yogi is a man… Read More »[Notes on “Mediums and Yogis”]
[Notes on “The Recluses of the Himalayas”]
Article Selections by G… P… C… | Introductory Note & Notes by H.P.B. The following interesting communication was received by an influential Officer of the… Read More »[Notes on “The Recluses of the Himalayas”]
A “Light” Shining in Darkness
Our respected contemporary, Light, catches at an expression in a recent letter, from one of the Secretaries of our Society, to its Editor, transmitting a… Read More »A “Light” Shining in Darkness
Psyche
Our old friend, The [London] Spiritualist, died of inanition, but has resurrected under the Hellenic alias of Psyche. In short, it might be said that,… Read More »Psyche
We Stand Corrected
To the Editor of The Bombay Gazette: Sir,—Since you refuse publishing my long letter, will you kindly insert this one—merely to correct two grave mistakes… Read More »We Stand Corrected
The Theosophical Society and Swami Dayanand
Owing to misrepresentations and consequent misunderstandings caused by our mutual ignorance of each other’s language, the learned Pandit Dayanand Saraswati was prevailed upon, by our… Read More »The Theosophical Society and Swami Dayanand
A Sad Lookout
. . . An English gentleman, a Fellow of the British Theosophical Society, writing to a Hindu Brother Theosophist of Bombay, says the following: “As to the… Read More »A Sad Lookout
[The Philosophic Inquirer on Joseph Cook]
The Philosophic Inquirer, of Madras, a weekly Anglo-Tamil Free-thought Journal, has sent us its issue of March 19 with two editorials, and an article in… Read More »[The Philosophic Inquirer on Joseph Cook]
Obituary [Thomas Stolk]
Obituary selections by A. de Bourbon | Note by H.P.B. Obituary Death of the President of the “Post Nubila Lux Theosophical Society.” . . .… Read More »Obituary [Thomas Stolk]
[Spirit-Photography]
Chronicles of the Photographs of Spiritual Beings and Phenomena Invisible to the Material Eye, by Miss G. Houghton. A neat and curious volume, “Illustrated by… Read More »[Spirit-Photography]
Milk for Babes and Strong Meat for Men
When the great poet and writer, Coleridge, tried to establish his Watchman—a periodical in prose and verse, intended to advocate liberal opinions—owing partly to its… Read More »Milk for Babes and Strong Meat for Men
Mr. William Eglinton’s Departure from India
The enemies of Spiritualism and Theosophy can rejoice and triumph, and the Calcutta bigoted and dyspeptic fogies—old or young—are invited to render thanks to their… Read More »Mr. William Eglinton’s Departure from India
“A Faithful ‘Witness’ Will Not Lie”
“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous WITNESS” (Exodus, xxiii, I ). The Indian… Read More »“A Faithful ‘Witness’ Will Not Lie”
Another “Orthodox” Prosecution!
The Asiatic nations have often been accused of holding obstinately to their old routine and customs, and of being the least progressive individuals in the… Read More »Another “Orthodox” Prosecution!
A Theological Snob
A pretty story comes to us from Madras about the American lecturer, now starring in India. The Bombay Gazette once wittily remarked of him that… Read More »A Theological Snob
[Review:] The Arya
The Arya, “a Monthly Journal devoted to Aryan Philosophy, Art, Literature, Science, and Religion, as well as to Western Modern Philosophy” conducted by R. C.… Read More »[Review:] The Arya
Masons and Jesuits
Our Masonic readers, of whom very respectable numbers are scattered throughout India, ought to be on the lookout for recent publications against their Fraternity. We… Read More »Masons and Jesuits
The Present Great Need of a Metaphysico-Spiritual Vocabulary
In Light (of February 11) “C. C. M.,” in the article “Communicating Spirits,” says the following:— “It will thus be seen (1) that only the… Read More »The Present Great Need of a Metaphysico-Spiritual Vocabulary
Correct Definitions and Incorrect Insinuations
A wise and just interpretation of the main objects of our Society was given by our esteemed contemporary the Mahratta of Poona in its issue… Read More »Correct Definitions and Incorrect Insinuations
Which the Truth, and Which a Lie?
“For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; yet am I also judged as a sinner?”—Romans, iii, 7.… Read More »Which the Truth, and Which a Lie?
Reincarnations in Tibet
So little is known by Europeans of what is going on in Tibet, and even in the more accessible Bhootan, that an Anglo-Indian paper—one of… Read More »Reincarnations in Tibet
Buddhist Morals
In a recent issue of the China Mail appears an account of the destruction of the “Temple of Longevity,” one of the richest and most… Read More »Buddhist Morals
Whipped into Admission
When the Heliocentric system was finally and irretrievably established, and no escape from it was found possible, the Church, letting go the “Joshua stopping the… Read More »Whipped into Admission
[On the Command to Love All]
Letter Selections from “The ‘Rast Goftar’ in Hot Water” | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. To the Editor of The Theosophist: Madame—I never read a more ungenerous… Read More »[On the Command to Love All]
[An Antidote]
Permanganate of Potash, better known as Condy’s Fluid, has evidently a future before it. It is already the most popular of disinfectants; no good orthodox… Read More »[An Antidote]
[Note on the Policy of Mutual Toleration]
Article Selections from “The Samajees that India Needs”| Notes by H.P.B. A correspondent, writing from Lahore, under date, February 17, informs us that our esteemed… Read More »[Note on the Policy of Mutual Toleration]