Article

Articles from various theosophical authors.

Filters

Filter by Year

[Note: Use the sliders from both ends to define your date range]

Filter by Exact Date

[Notes: Articles published in monthly magazines are dated on the 1st of the month. Books where the exact date of publication are unknown, are dated as Dec, 31st, of the year they were published.]

Filter by Authors

Search for an Author

Select an Author

Filter by Co-Authors/Collaborators

[Note: first select the main author, then this will show co-authors, collaborators, compilers, etc.]

Filter by Recipients

[Note: this applies to recipients of letters and other correspondence.]

Filter by Source

Filter by Content Type

Filter by Keywords

Other Filters

Occultism: What is it?

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, May, 1890

Not only in the Theosophical Society, but out of it, are tyros in Occultism. They are dabblers in a fine… Read More »Occultism: What is it?

The Heritage of the Brahmans

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, January, 1894

It is said that long ago, in the childhood of the world, the senses were so fine that we could… Read More »The Heritage of the Brahmans

Animated Statues

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, November, 1886

To whatsoever cause it may be due matters little, but the word fetich is given in the dictionaries the restricted… Read More »Animated Statues

The Tree of Life

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Forum (2nd Series), June, 1899

“Rooted above, with branches downwards, stands the immemorial Tree of Life. This, verily, is called the Shining, the Eternal, the… Read More »The Tree of Life

The Bhagavad-Gita [Notes, Chapters 8-18]

Article/Commentary/ by Robert Crosbie, Theosophy Magazine, July, 1915; May-December, 1916; January-February, 1917 [Serialized]

[Note: the following was meant by Mr. Crosbie to be a continuation of the Notes on Chapters 1-7 by W.… Read More »The Bhagavad-Gita [Notes, Chapters 8-18]

The Septenary Principle in Esotericism

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, July, 1883

Since the exposition of the Arhat esoteric doctrine was begun, many who had not acquainted themselves with the occult basis… Read More »The Septenary Principle in Esotericism

Apollonius Tyaneus and Simon Magus

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1881

In the “History of the Christian Religion to the year two hundred,” by Charles B. Waite, A.M., announced and reviewed… Read More »Apollonius Tyaneus and Simon Magus

The Mahatmas as Ideals and Facts

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, March, 1893

A visitor from one of the other planets of the solar system who might learn the term Mahatma after arriving… Read More »The Mahatmas as Ideals and Facts

A Buddhist Doctrine

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, September, 1888

There are twelve principal Buddhist sects in Japan. These are: Ku-Sha-Shiu, Jo-Jitsu-Shiu, Ris-Shiu, Ho-so-Shiu, San Ron-Shiu, Ke-Gon-Shiu, Ten-Dai-Shiu, Shin-Gon-Shiu, Jo-Do-Shiu,… Read More »A Buddhist Doctrine

Exploring Isis Unveiled

Article/ by Mark Casady, Theosophy Nexus, October, 2016 to November, 2017 [Serialized] [Draft]

Volume 1 Part 1: Do flying guitars unconsciously cerebrate? Blavatsky’s Isis Unveiled was tremendously well-received at the time, an instant… Read More »Exploring Isis Unveiled

The Dual Aspect of Wisdom

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Lucifer Magazine, September, 1890

“No doubt but ye are the people and wisdom shall die with you.”—JOB xii. 2. “But wisdom is justified of… Read More »The Dual Aspect of Wisdom

The Esoteric Character of the Gospels

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Lucifer Magazine, November, December, 1887; February, 1888 [Serialized]

Part I “. . . . Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of… Read More »The Esoteric Character of the Gospels

A Hundred Years Ago

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophy, January-February, 1897 [Serialized]

I. Here is a curious old book, duskily venerable in paper and binding outworn in the fashion of the German,… Read More »A Hundred Years Ago

The Arya Samaj

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, New York Echo, June, 1878

Madame Blavatsky Narrates the History of the Brahmo-Samaj and the Ârya-Samâj.—The Conflict of Faiths in India.—Why the Theosophists Now Receive… Read More »The Arya Samaj

The Abstract Algebraical Formula

Article/ by Jon W. Fergus, Universal Theosophy, November, 2015

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

Uncomfortable Brothers

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Irish Theosophist, July, 1895

“To freedom you are called, Brothers!—only that your freedom be not a pretext for the flesh. But serve each other… Read More »Uncomfortable Brothers

A Memory of Madame Blavatsky

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Lucifer Magazine, June, 1891

The first and earliest impression I received from Madame Blavatsky was the feeling of the power and largeness of her… Read More »A Memory of Madame Blavatsky

Lao Tzu

Article/ by Jon W. Fergus, Universal Theosophy, February, 2013

Lao Tzu (or Laozi), an honorific title meaning “Old Sage” or “Ancient Master,” is the name used to indicate the… Read More »Lao Tzu

The Seven Dwipas

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Path, April, 1889

I. It is the opinion of many at the present day that the almost grotesque myths and fantastic geographical and… Read More »The Seven Dwipas

The Cycle Moveth

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Lucifer Magazine, March, 1890

Let the great world spin for ever down the ringing grooves of change.—TENNYSON The goal of yesterday will be the… Read More »The Cycle Moveth

The Sevenfold Division

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, April, 1890

MR. Sinnett’s book Esoteric Buddhism has done a great deal towards bringing before the West the Eastern philosophy regarding man… Read More »The Sevenfold Division

The Devil’s Own: Thoughts on Ormuzd and Ahriman

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Lucifer Magazine, March, 1891

“Hail, holy light, offspring of Heaven first-born. Or of the Eternal co-eternal beam. . . . . . . Since God is light Bright effluence… Read More »The Devil’s Own: Thoughts on Ormuzd and Ahriman

The Origin of Evil

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Lucifer Magazine, October, 1887

The problem of the origin of evil can be philosophically approached only if the archaic Indian formula is taken as… Read More »The Origin of Evil

Conversations on Occultism [1st Series]

Article/ by W. Q. Judge with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Path, April-October, 1888 [Serialized]

The Kali Yuga—The Present Age Student.—I am very much puzzled about the present age. Some theosophists seem to abhor it… Read More »Conversations on Occultism [1st Series]

Traces of India in Ancient Egypt

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Lucifer Magazine, September, 1889

“Who is the God to whom we shall offer worship? He whose shadow is Immortality!”—Rig Veda. “The Egyptians are the… Read More »Traces of India in Ancient Egypt

Occult Knowledge

Article/Lecture/ by Robert Crosbie, Theosophy Magazine, August, 1922 [Posthumously Published]

Occult Knowledge means knowledge which is “hidden,” but it also means knowledge which is known. If it is knowledge that… Read More »Occult Knowledge

Thoughts on Karma

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, August, 1892

Every day in life we see people overtaken by circumstances either good or bad and coming in blocks all at… Read More »Thoughts on Karma

The Buddha’s Life

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Forum (2nd Series), February, 1903

We first heard of Buddhism, it may almost be said, through the works of Brian Houghton Hodgson, and his explorations… Read More »The Buddha’s Life

Details of Discipline

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, July, 1926

We have considered some of the rules which the Buddha laid down for his followers [see “Discipline for Disciples”]. We… Read More »Details of Discipline

The Inner Constitution of Man

Article/Lecture/ by W. Q. Judge, The New Californian, December, 1891

“We are such stuff as dreams are made of.“—Shakespeare “Have perseverance as one who doth for evermore endure, for thy… Read More »The Inner Constitution of Man

The Adepts in America in 1776

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, October, 1883

The following suggestions and statements are made entirely upon the personal responsibility of the writer, and without the knowledge or… Read More »The Adepts in America in 1776

Theosophy (Lecture)

Article/Lecture/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, July, 1923

It may be asked how the single word, Theosophy, can stand as the title of a lecture. It is because… Read More »Theosophy (Lecture)

The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac

Article/ by T. Subba Row with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, November, 1881

The division of the Zodiac into different signs dates from immemorial antiquity. It has acquired a world-wide celebrity and is… Read More »The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac

The Akhund of Swat

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, New York Echo, May, 1878 [See Note 1]

Madame Blavatsky’s Dramatic Word-Painting and Graphic Description of Abdul Ghafur’s Remarkable And Eventful Career—Antagonism of the Sikhs to the Modern… Read More »The Akhund of Swat

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, August, 1887

Many students, in their search for light, find divers problems presented to them for solution; questions so puzzling from the… Read More »Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Devachan

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, September, 1890

A letter to the editor from Holland upon this subject deserves reply, as is must give utterance to the questions… Read More »Devachan

A Dissertation on the Life and Theology of Orpheus

Article/ by Thomas Taylor, 1787 [From the introduction to the Hymns of Orpheus, 1st Edition]

Section I The great obscurity and uncertainty in which the history of Orpheus is involved, affords very little matter for… Read More »A Dissertation on the Life and Theology of Orpheus

A Land of Mystery

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, March, April, June, August, 1880 [Serialized]

[I] Whether one surveys the imposing ruins of Memphis or Palmyra; stands at the foot of the great pyramid of… Read More »A Land of Mystery

The Present Great Need of a Metaphysico-Spiritual Vocabulary

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April, 1882

In Light (of February 11) “C. C. M.,” in the article “Communicating Spirits,” says the following:— “It will thus be… Read More »The Present Great Need of a Metaphysico-Spiritual Vocabulary

A German Mystic’s Teachings

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, October, 1888

In the last three numbers of the Path we have given a story by the German Mystic Kernning of the… Read More »A German Mystic’s Teachings

William Quan Judge

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Irish Theosophist, February, March, May & June, 1896 [Serialized]

There are events common to human life, events small and inconsiderable in seeming, which, in their ulterior development and under… Read More »William Quan Judge

Authorship of Secret Doctrine

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, April, 1893

A good deal has been said about the writing of Isis Unveiled, and later of the Secret Doctrine, both by… Read More »Authorship of Secret Doctrine

The Dogma of the Virgin Birth

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, January, 1912

“A certain woman lifted up her voice, and said unto Him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee. . .… Read More »The Dogma of the Virgin Birth

The Nativity of Buddha

Article/Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Forum (2nd Series), July, 1902

I feel more convinced than ever that Ashva Ghosha’s Sanskrit Life of Buddha will be the Life of Buddha which… Read More »The Nativity of Buddha

Lamas And Druses

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1881

Mr. L. Oliphant’s new work “Land of Gilead” attracts considerable attention. Reviews appeared some time since, but we had to… Read More »Lamas And Druses

Hit the Mark

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, September, 1890

“Having taken the bow, the great weapon, let him place on it the arrow, sharpened by devotion. Then, having drawn… Read More »Hit the Mark

The Number Seven

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1880

A deep significance was attached to numbers in hoary antiquity. There was not a people with anything like philosophy, but… Read More »The Number Seven

The Religion of Chaldea

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, April, 1906

The land long known as Chaldea, wherein many nations successively grew and ruled, bears striking resemblances to the land of… Read More »The Religion of Chaldea

Article

Filters

Filter by Exact Date

Search for an Author

Select an Author

Filter by Co-Authors/Collaborators

Filter by Recipients

Featured Content

Collected Writings

Authors

Publications

Browse by Keyword