[A Note on “Divine Revelation”]
Article Selection from “The Veda, The Origin and History of Religion,” by Rao Bahadur Shankar Pandurang Pandit | Note by H.P.B. The other attributes of… Read More »[A Note on “Divine Revelation”]
H. P. Blavatsky
Occultist, Author, Chela, Co-founder of the Theosophical Society. Bio: H. P. Blavatsky.
Letter of Madame Blavatsky—Dr. Rotura’s Discovery
You do not write to us any more then? And to diversify your Parisian amusements you demolish me in the Revue. Very good, I have… Read More »Letter of Madame Blavatsky—Dr. Rotura’s Discovery
A Strange Revery
Article selection by K.P.B. | Note by H.P.B. The query naturally suggests itself to any one now observing this “poor shadow” of the Aryan land—Is… Read More »A Strange Revery
“Lieutenant-Colonel St. Anthony”
In 1808 Juan VI, then Prince-Regent of Portugal, fearing Napoleon I, made his escape to Brazil; and in 1815, was crowned monarch of the United… Read More »“Lieutenant-Colonel St. Anthony”
Nocturnal Thoughts on Newspaper Clippings
We begin with a strange story from the Gainesville Eagle—an American journal:— “Some time ago Dr. Stephenson was prospecting the vast hornblende and chloritic slate… Read More »Nocturnal Thoughts on Newspaper Clippings
The Popular Idea of Soul-Survival
At what epoch the dawning intellect of man first accepted the idea of future life, none can tell. But we know that, from the very… Read More »The Popular Idea of Soul-Survival
Christmas Then and Christmas Now
We are reaching the time of the year when the whole Christian world is preparing to celebrate the most noted of its solemnities—the birth of… Read More »Christmas Then and Christmas Now
A Thunder Cloud With Silver Lining
“All comes in good time to him who knows to wait,” says the proverb. The small party of New York Theosophists, who arrived at Bombay… Read More »A Thunder Cloud With Silver Lining
War in Olympus
Dark clouds are gathering over the hitherto cold and serene horizon of exact science, which forebode a squall. Already two camps are forming among the… Read More »War in Olympus
Buddhistic Exegesis
We feel honored in being able to lay before Western thinkers, preliminary contributions from two of the most eminent priests of the religion of Buddha,… Read More »Buddhistic Exegesis
Cross and Fire
Perhaps the most widespread and universal among the symbols in the old astronomical systems, which have passed down the stream of time to our century,… Read More »Cross and Fire
Notes on “The Brahmachari Bawa”
Article selections by “An English Admirer” | Notes by H.P.B. . . . The following translation has been made for us from the Marathi, by a young… Read More »Notes on “The Brahmachari Bawa”
Echoes from India: What is Hindu Spiritualism?
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: Phenomena in India, beside the undoubted interest they offer in themselves, and, apart from their great variety,… Read More »Echoes from India: What is Hindu Spiritualism?
The Magnetic Chain
We have read with great interest the first number of a new French journal devoted to the science of Mesmerism, or, as it is called,… Read More »The Magnetic Chain
Persian Zoroastrianism and Russian Vandalism
Few persons are capable of appreciating the truly beautiful and esthetic; fewer still of revering those monumental relics of bygone ages, which prove that even… Read More »Persian Zoroastrianism and Russian Vandalism
Antiquity of the Vedas
A journal interested like the THEOSOPHIST in the explorations of archæology and archaic religions, as well as the study of the occult in nature, has… Read More »Antiquity of the Vedas
The Drift of Western Spiritualism
Late advices from various parts of the world seem to indicate that, while there is an increasing interest in the phenomena of spiritualism, especially among… Read More »The Drift of Western Spiritualism
[Review:] “The Light of Asia”
[Review of The Light of Asia, by Sir Edwin Arnold] A timely work in poetical form, and one whose subject—perfect though the outward clothing be—is sure… Read More »[Review:] “The Light of Asia”
Spiritualism at Simla (intro)
An esteemed young English lady of Simla, interested in Occultism, sends us some interesting narratives of psychological experiences which may safely be copied by our… Read More »Spiritualism at Simla (intro)
Notes to “The Autobiography of Dayanund Saraswati, Swami.”
Article selections by the Swami | Notes by H.P.B. [Note: the following note by H.P.B. preceded the December, 1879 portion of the article; we place… Read More »Notes to “The Autobiography of Dayanund Saraswati, Swami.”
What are the Theosophists?
Are they what they claim to be—students of natural law, of ancient and modern philosophy, and even of exact science? Are they Deists, Atheists, Socialists,… Read More »What are the Theosophists?
What is Theosophy?
This question has been so often asked, and misconception so widely prevails, that the editors of a journal devoted to an exposition of the world’s… Read More »What is Theosophy?
Namastae!
The foundation of this journal is due to causes which, having been enumerated in the Prospectus, need only be glanced at in this connection. They… Read More »Namastae!
Final Reply of a Theosophist to Mr. Rossi De Justiniani
The article entitled: “Final Reflexions of an Oriental,” which is addressed to me in the June number of La Revue Spirite, demands a reply. As… Read More »Final Reply of a Theosophist to Mr. Rossi De Justiniani
Correspondence: Madame Blavatsky
Sir,—Be so kind as to make room in your next issue for this indignant protest of mine. Speaking of me in your leading article of… Read More »Correspondence: Madame Blavatsky
Letter to the Editor of the Indu Prakash
Madame H. P. Blavatsky writes as follows to the editor of the Indu Prakash: Ever since my arrival here, in February, with an hospitality and persistence worthy… Read More »Letter to the Editor of the Indu Prakash
The Theosophists and Their Opponents
Sir,—I pray you to give me, in your Calcutta paper, space enough to reply to the mendacious comments of one of your religious neighbours upon… Read More »The Theosophists and Their Opponents
Buddhist Priests and the Title “Reverend”
To the Editor, Sir,—My writing is prompted by the legitimate curiosity of a foreigner, who is studying the value of English words and their relative… Read More »Buddhist Priests and the Title “Reverend”
Harichandra Chintamon
Sir,—In compliance with your request of April 2nd to inform you of the total amount of money sent by order of the Council, from New… Read More »Harichandra Chintamon
Madame Blavatsky [On Her Contempt for Titles]
To the Editor of the Bombay Gazette: Sir,—On the very day of my return from a month’s travel, I am shown by the American Consul two… Read More »Madame Blavatsky [On Her Contempt for Titles]
Magic
In The Indian Tribune of March 15th appears a letter upon the relations of the Theosophical Society with the Ârya Samâj. The writer seems neither… Read More »Magic
[Reply to:] “Madame Blavatsky”
Sir,—If my memory has not altogether evaporated under the combined influences of this blazing Indian sun, and the frequent misconstructions of your correspondents, there occurred,… Read More »[Reply to:] “Madame Blavatsky”
The Retort Courteous
There is a story current among the Yankees of a small schoolboy, who, having been thrashed by a bigger fellow and being unable to hit… Read More »The Retort Courteous
The Indian “Public” and Theosophy
To the Editor of The Indian Spectator. Before entering upon the main question that compels me to ask you kindly to accord me space in your… Read More »The Indian “Public” and Theosophy
Erroneous Ideas Concerning the Doctrines of the Theosophists
We insert this reply to Monsieur Rossi de Justiniani, but we express no opinion upon the doctrines expounded therein; our Smyrna brother may reply to… Read More »Erroneous Ideas Concerning the Doctrines of the Theosophists
From the Caves and Jungles of Hindostan
Translator’s Preface “You must remember,” said Mme. Blavatsky, “that I never meant this for a scientific work. My letters to the Russian Messenger, under the… Read More »From the Caves and Jungles of Hindostan
The Real Madame, H. P. Blavatsky
One of our many friends, a distinguished writer and publicist, received a letter about the Theosophists from one of his confrères in America (United States);… Read More »The Real Madame, H. P. Blavatsky
Parting Words from Madame Blavatsky
Dear Sir,—So far, as I can at present foresee, this will be the last time I shall ask you to print anything over my—to many… Read More »Parting Words from Madame Blavatsky
Letter to the Editor of “L’Opinione Nazionale”
Our Correspondence. New York. My dear Editor,—I am sending to you the New York Echo—our local Organ for Secret Societies. It will be, I believe,… Read More »Letter to the Editor of “L’Opinione Nazionale”
The Arya Samaj
Madame Blavatsky Narrates the History of the Brahmo-Samaj and the Ârya-Samâj.—The Conflict of Faiths in India.—Why the Theosophists Now Receive their Instructions from a Hindu… Read More »The Arya Samaj
The Akhund of Swat
Madame Blavatsky’s Dramatic Word-Painting and Graphic Description of Abdul Ghafur’s Remarkable And Eventful Career—Antagonism of the Sikhs to the Modern Hierophant—Almost Simultaneous Deaths of the… Read More »The Akhund of Swat
[Notes on Zöllner’s “Fourth-Dimension”]
Article Selections by A. N. Aksakoff ’s “The Scientific Hypothesis Respecting Mediumistic Phenomena”| Notes by H.P.B. [Note: Aksakoff’s article details some of the experiments performed… Read More »[Notes on Zöllner’s “Fourth-Dimension”]
The Todas
[Note: for some background, see “Isis Unveiled and the Todas.” The following article was preceded by a letter from Capt. O’Grady to H.P.B. which can… Read More »The Todas
Isis Unveiled and the Todas
To the Editor of The Spiritualist. Sir,—I have read the communications of “H.M.” in your paper of the 8th inst [p. 110].1 I would not have mentioned… Read More »Isis Unveiled and the Todas
The Cave of the Echoes
In the older countries of Europe and Asia there frequently occur examples of interference by the dead with the living, to which American Spiritualists are… Read More »The Cave of the Echoes
Madame Blavatsky on Indian Metaphysics
Sir,—Two peas in the same pod are the traditional symbol of mutual resemblance, and the time-honoured simile forced itself upon me when I read the… Read More »Madame Blavatsky on Indian Metaphysics
The Knout
Mr. Editor:—I have read some of the assaults upon Colonel Olcott and myself, that have appeared in the Journal. Some have amused me, others I have… Read More »The Knout
Dr. Slade’s Final Triumph
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: I have just received from the Hon. Alexander Aksakoff, of St. Petersburg, a letter dated February 7th, the… Read More »Dr. Slade’s Final Triumph
A Society Without a Dogma
Times have greatly changed since the winter of 1875-6, when the establishment of the Theosophical Society caused the grand army of American Spiritualists to wave… Read More »A Society Without a Dogma
Madame Blavatsky on the Views of the Theosophists
Sir,—Permit an humble Theosophist to appear for the first time in your columns, to say a few words in defence of our beliefs. I see… Read More »Madame Blavatsky on the Views of the Theosophists
The Author of Isis Unveiled Defends the Validity of Her Masonic Patent
[Note: for some background, see “Honours to Madame Blavatsky,” by Charles Sotheran, Banner of Light, February 2, 1878; H.P.B. in her Scrapbook notes that “I have received… Read More »The Author of Isis Unveiled Defends the Validity of Her Masonic Patent
Letter to the Editor of the “Tiflis Messenger”
Dear Sir:—In New York, where many people, who hearing the name of Tiflis, will face the serious problem of placing this city in their geographical… Read More »Letter to the Editor of the “Tiflis Messenger”
Kabalistic Views on “Spirits” as Propagated by The Theosophical Society
Editor, Journal: Dear Sir:—I must beg you to again allow me a little space for the further elucidation of a very important question—that of the “Elementals”… Read More »Kabalistic Views on “Spirits” as Propagated by The Theosophical Society
Dr. Carpenter on “Tree-Trickery” and H. P. Blavatsky on Fakir “Jugglery”
A wise saying that which affirms that he who seeks to prove too much, in the end proves nothing. Professor W. B. Carpenter, F.R.S. (and… Read More »Dr. Carpenter on “Tree-Trickery” and H. P. Blavatsky on Fakir “Jugglery”
“Elementaries”
Editor, Journal: Dear Sir—I perceive that of late the ostracized subject of the Kabalistic “elementaries,” is beginning to appear in the orthodox spiritual papers, pretty often.… Read More »“Elementaries”
Tabula Smaragdina (The Emerald Tablet)
Tradition declares that on the dead body of Hermes, at Hebron, was found by an Isarim, an initiate, the tablet known as the Smaragdine. It contains, in… Read More »Tabula Smaragdina (The Emerald Tablet)
Isis Unveiled
ISIS UNVEILED A MASTER-KEY TO THE MYSTERIES OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY. BY H. P. BLAVATSKY [2 Volumes, Unabridged, Single HTML File] “Cecy… Read More »Isis Unveiled
The Jews in Russia
It is to be regretted that your incandescent contemporary, The Sun, should have no better sources of information. It stated on Saturday last that: “in Russia… Read More »The Jews in Russia
Washing the Disciples’ Feet
To the Editor of The Sun: Sir—At the ceremony of “feet-washing” which occurred at Limwood campground, Aug. 8th, and is described in The Sun of today, Elder Jones,… Read More »Washing the Disciples’ Feet
Turkish Barbarities
[Note: for background and context, see newspaper articles of the time about the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78)] To the Editor of The World: Sir—The Sublime Porte has… Read More »Turkish Barbarities
Buddhism in America
To the Editor of The Sun: Sir—As, in your leading article of May 6th, I am at one moment given credit for knowing something about the… Read More »Buddhism in America
Catechizing a Buddhist
The Doctrines of a Faith which in its Purity has no Dogmas. Its Practical Workings as a Religion. The Story of Jesus Christ Anticipated by… Read More »Catechizing a Buddhist
Various Slanders Refuted
[Note: the wording between the two printings of this letter to the editor(s) differed slightly, including the title. The exact wording here is from The Sun,… Read More »Various Slanders Refuted
Madame Blavatsky on Fakirs
[Note: see also “Madame Blavatsky Protests” on the same subject.] To the Editor of The Sun: Sir—However ignorant I may be of the laws of the… Read More »Madame Blavatsky on Fakirs
Madame Blavatsky Protests
To the Editor of The World: Sir—There was a time when the geocentric theory was universally accepted by Christian nations, and if you and I had… Read More »Madame Blavatsky Protests
Concerning Gods and Interviews
[Note: for the interview H.P.B. refers to in this letter, see “A Coming Buddhist Book”] To the Editor of The World: Sir—In my benighted country such… Read More »Concerning Gods and Interviews
A Coming Buddhist Book
[Note: H.P.B. protested to some follow-up articles in the day’s newspapers, which either twisted or misunderstood her meaning about gravitation and her reference to fakirs,… Read More »A Coming Buddhist Book
Huxley and Slade: Who is More Guilty of “False Pretences”?
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: Sir—As I see the issue that has been raised by Dr. Hallock with Mr. Huxley, it suggests to… Read More »Huxley and Slade: Who is More Guilty of “False Pretences”?
(New) York Against Lankester
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: Sir—Despite the constant recurrence of new discoveries by modern men of science, an exaggerated respect for authority and… Read More »(New) York Against Lankester
The Russian Scientists
[Note: for some background, see “The Russian Investigation & “Psychophobia” in Russia”] Special Correspondence of the Banner of Light. New York, June 15th, 1876. Dear Sir,—By the last… Read More »The Russian Scientists
Mediums, Beware!
[Note: for some background, see “The Russian Investigation & “Psychophobia” in Russia”] To the Editor of The Banner of Light: Dear Sir,—I take the earliest opportunity… Read More »Mediums, Beware!
“Psychophobia” in Russia
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: Dear Sir,—I have received from St. Petersburg the protests of Professor Butleroff and the Honorable Alexander Aksakoff, with… Read More »“Psychophobia” in Russia
The Russian Investigation
To the Editor of the Spiritual Scientist: Dear Sir,—In advices just received from St. Petersburg, I am requested to translate and forward to the Scientist for publication, the… Read More »The Russian Investigation
A Crisis for Spiritualism
[Note: H.P.B.’s letter was preceded by the following Editor’s Note. For further context, see previous editions of the Spiritual Scientist, Banner of Light, and other magazines,… Read More »A Crisis for Spiritualism
Madame Blavatsky Explains
To the Editor of the Spiritual Scientist: Dear Sir,—For the last three months one has hardly been able to open a number of the “Banner,” or… Read More »Madame Blavatsky Explains
The Luminous Circle
We were a small party of merry travellers. We had arrived at Constantinople a week before from Greece, and had devoted fourteen hours a day… Read More »The Luminous Circle
A Story of the Mystical: Can the “Double” Murder?
[Forward from the republication in The Theosophist:] The story which follows was written by the editor of this magazine some years ago at the request of… Read More »A Story of the Mystical: Can the “Double” Murder?
An Unsolved Mystery
The circumstances attending the sudden death of M. Delessert, inspector of the police de sûreté, seems to have made such an impression upon the Parisian authorities… Read More »An Unsolved Mystery
A Letter from Madame Blavatsky
To the Editor of the Spiritual Scientist:— Sir,—In my country, and in every other recognized as civilized, except America, a man who defames and slanders a… Read More »A Letter from Madame Blavatsky
The Science of Magic
Happening to be on a visit to Ithaca, where spiritual papers in general, and the Banner of Light in particular, are very little read, but where, luckily,… Read More »The Science of Magic
From Madame H. P. Blavatsky to Her Correspondents
Being daily in receipt of numerous letters—written with the view of obtaining advice as to the best method of receiving information respecting Occultism, and the… Read More »From Madame H. P. Blavatsky to Her Correspondents
“What are You Going to do About it?”
A most outrageous swindle was perpetrated upon the public last Sunday evening, at the Boston Theatre. Some persons with no higher aspirations in the world,… Read More »“What are You Going to do About it?”
A Few Questions to “Hiraf ”
Among the numerous sciences pursued by the well-disciplined army of earnest students of the present century, none has had less honors or more scoffing than… Read More »A Few Questions to “Hiraf ”
A Card to the American Public
In compliance with the request of the Honourable Alexander Aksakoff, Counselor of State in the Imperial Chancellery at St. Petersburg, the undersigned hereby give notice… Read More »A Card to the American Public
A Word of Advice to the Singing Medium, Mr. Jesse Sheppard
I am truly sorry that a spiritualist paper like the Religio-Philosophical Journal, which claims to instruct and enlighten its readers, should suffer such trash as Mr.… Read More »A Word of Advice to the Singing Medium, Mr. Jesse Sheppard
To the Spiritualists of Boston
In a private letter received by me from A. N. Aksakoff, Counselor of State in the private Chancellery of the Emperor of Russia, at St.… Read More »To the Spiritualists of Boston
Who Fabricates?
In the last Religio-Philosophical Journal (for February 27th [p. 5]), in the Philadelphia department, edited by Dr. Child, under the most poetical heading of “After the Storm… Read More »Who Fabricates?
The Philadelphia “Fiasco,” or Who is Who?
[Note: for background on the Katie King affair, see here. See also newspaper articles on the subject here.] A few weeks ago, in a letter,… Read More »The Philadelphia “Fiasco,” or Who is Who?
A Card from the Countess Blavatsky
Article Selections from the N.Y. Sunday Mercury | Reply by H.P.B. [Note: for a slightly re-worded and longer version of the first article “Heroic Women,”… Read More »A Card from the Countess Blavatsky
Madame Blavatsky: Her Experience & Opinions of American Spiritualism
From a letter received from Mme. Blavatsky last week we make the following extracts, want of space alone preventing us from publishing it entire. It… Read More »Madame Blavatsky: Her Experience & Opinions of American Spiritualism
About Spiritualism
[Note: for background, see “Marvellous Spirit Manifestations”] Mme. Blavatsky visited The Daily Graphic office yesterday, and excited a great deal of Interest. She exhibited the… Read More »About Spiritualism
Marvellous Spirit Manifestations
The following letter was addressed to a contemporary journal by Mme. Blavatsky, and was handed to us for publication in The Daily Graphic, as we… Read More »Marvellous Spirit Manifestations