Apollonius of Tyana
Apollonius of Tyana is one of the most extraordinary exemplars in human history. What he shows us clearly is the… Read More »Apollonius of Tyana
Jon W. Fergus
Author, publisher. Manager of Kshetra Books, Editor of Universal Theosophy.
The Abstract Algebraical Formula
The history of cosmic evolution, as traced in the Stanzas [of Dzyan], is, so to say, the abstract algebraical formula… Read More »The Abstract Algebraical Formula
The Meaning of “Tao”
This will be an exploration of the Chinese term Tao through a breakdown of the traditional Chinese characters. Tao is… Read More »The Meaning of “Tao”
Charles Johnston: A Biography
As one author notes, Charles Johnston “left us very little in the way of autobiography,—if biography still mean to us,… Read More »Charles Johnston: A Biography
Tattvasamasa
Introduction: “On the Tattvasamāsa and its place in Sāṃkhya,” by Prof. Max Müller SANSKRIT TRANSLITERATION (IAST) TRANSLATION 1. aṣṭau prakṛtayaḥ… Read More »Tattvasamasa
Research: Svabhavat in the Writings of H. P. Blavatsky
Abstract In the writings of H. P. Blavatsky (HPB), and in Theosophical literature in general, we find the use of… Read More »Research: Svabhavat in the Writings of H. P. Blavatsky
Buddha: The Life of Siddhartha Gautama
Over the centuries there have been numerous biographies of Gautama the Buddha in various formats, from the ancient traditional biographies, to epic poems like Sir Edwin Arnold’s Light of Asia, to articles, modern biographies and documentaries. Throughout all of these we find certain keynotes, certain events and ideas that form a basis for the life of Buddha, but we also find more fantastical aspects to the stories. Modern scholars tend to dismiss the latter as merely “mythological” or exaggerated, and they seek (and fail) to find the “real Buddha” by stripping these away. In the present biography, we will attempt to trace not only the historical basis for the life of the Buddha, but to unveil, as much as is possible, some of the symbolism involved in the traditional accounts. How far we are successful in so doing is left to the reader to decide.
Research: On the Etymology of Fohat
Introduction “Fohat” is one of the more mysterious terms in modern theosophical literature. It was introduced by H. P. Blavatsky… Read More »Research: On the Etymology of Fohat
Research: On the Etymology of Senzar
Senzar in the Writings of Blavatsky (In Chronological Order) Yes, the letter-tree of Tibet is a fact; and moreover, the… Read More »Research: On the Etymology of Senzar
Research: On the Etymology of Dzyan
In The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 1, p. xx fn. H.P.B. gives an etymology of Dzyan thus: Indeed, the secret portions… Read More »Research: On the Etymology of Dzyan
Introduction to the Dream of Ravan
In the caves of Eastern Sibyl,1 what curious leaves lie hidden, or go whirling in the wind! written over with… Read More »Introduction to the Dream of Ravan
Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu (or Laozi), an honorific title meaning “Old Sage” or “Ancient Master,” is the name used to indicate the… Read More »Lao Tzu
Tao Te Ching: A New Translation (in progress)
Tao-teh-king (Chin.). Lit., “The Book of the Perfectibility of Nature” written by the great philosopher Lao-tze. It is a kind… Read More »Tao Te Ching: A New Translation (in progress)
Kamadeva: An Exploration by Two Students
The following is not meant as an exhaustive treatise on Kamadeva, but rather as an outline of certain ideas, from… Read More »Kamadeva: An Exploration by Two Students
Sankaracharya
Sankaracharya (from Saṅkara, a personal name + ācarya teacher) was an Indian reformer and teacher of Vedanta, who founded what… Read More »Sankaracharya
Buddha and Ambapali
In the story of the Buddha’s final journey and Paranirvana, recorded beautifully in the Maha-parinibbana Sutta,1 we are confronted with… Read More »Buddha and Ambapali
Research: Sien-Tchan and Related Terms
The following is some preliminary research into a few terms used by H. P. Blavatsky, which appear to be Chinese… Read More »Research: Sien-Tchan and Related Terms
Research: On the Etymology of Lanoo
One of the more curious terms of unknown origin in the writings of H. P. Blavatsky, is “Lanoo,” a term… Read More »Research: On the Etymology of Lanoo
Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
For the first part of this article, see: “Patanjali.” While Patañjali is commonly referred to as the founder or father… Read More »Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Kalahaṃsa in the writings of H. P. Blavatsky
The following is an examination of the use of the term “kalahamsa” in the writings of H. P. Blavatsky, with… Read More »Kalahaṃsa in the writings of H. P. Blavatsky
Patanjali
“About Patanjali’s life very little, if anything, can be said.” 1 A biography of Patanjali could almost begin and end… Read More »Patanjali
Aryasanga
Composing a biography on Aryasanga is not an easy task. Reliable records are scant and partial at best. Thus what… Read More »Aryasanga
Kapila Rishi
At the outset it must be admitted that the composition of a historical biography of Rishi Kapila is, in our… Read More »Kapila Rishi
Introduction to the Tao Te Ching
The Tao Te Ching is today the second most widely translated book in human history. It forms the fundamental core… Read More »Introduction to the Tao Te Ching
The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga
“Let us divide Meditation into two sorts. First is the meditation practiced at a set time, or an occasional one,… Read More »The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga
Introduction to Sankhya
[Note: this article is a continuation of our biography of Kapila Rishi.] Part 1 As we found in our earlier… Read More »Introduction to Sankhya
Nagarjuna
Often viewed as the greatest or most important philosopher of the Buddhists, 1 Nāgārjuna plays a central role in the… Read More »Nagarjuna
Neptune and the Titius-Bode Law
One of the primary empirical evidences, in my view, of the scientific accuracy of the theosophical teachings related by HPB… Read More »Neptune and the Titius-Bode Law
Research: the “Dzeno-doo” sect of “Tzi-onene”
The term “Dzenodoo” appears on page 173 of The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 1. In the original 1888 edition: The seven… Read More »Research: the “Dzeno-doo” sect of “Tzi-onene”
Research: On the Etymology of Ah-hi
Ah-hi and Ahi in the Writings of Blavatsky (In Chronological Order) In Isis Unveiled (1877): Burnouf has endeavored to show… Read More »Research: On the Etymology of Ah-hi