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Article

Articles from various theosophical authors.

“Two Professors.” Christian and Skeptic.

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Theosophist, October, 1887

At the recent May Meeting of the Church Missionary Society, Sir M. Monier-Williams felt impelled to lay before the world in general, and the crowd… Read More »“Two Professors.” Christian and Skeptic.

Gospels and Upanishads

Article/ by Charles Johnston with W. Q. Judge, , The Path, September, 1887

“The principle which gives life, undying and eternally beneficent, is perceived by him who desires perception.” As the clouds are dispelled by the rising sun,… Read More »Gospels and Upanishads

Misconceptions: A Response to Various Criticisms

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Le Lotus, September, 1887 [Translated from the original French]

A France, why do you misunderstand us? European and American Journalists, why don’t you study genuine Theosophy before criticizing it? Because scientific aristocracy is full… Read More »Misconceptions: A Response to Various Criticisms

The History of a Planet

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

No star, among the countless myriads that twinkle over the sidereal fields of the night sky, shines so dazzlingly as the planet Venus—not even Sirius-Sothis,… Read More »The History of a Planet

Theosophical Theories of the Microcosm

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

The greatest schisms often come about through the supporters of one cause disputing over mere terminology. Mr. Subba Row, in his able addresses on Bhagavad… Read More »Theosophical Theories of the Microcosm

Re-Classification of Principles

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, August, 1887

[For background, see: Classification of “Principles”] In the May Theosophist (1887 [see “The Constitution of the Microcosm”]) I find the first part of a long… Read More »Re-Classification of Principles

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 contradictory aspects which they present,… Read More »Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Shall We Know our Friends in Heaven?

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Path, July, 1887

When that system of philosophy which is now known as the Esoteric Doctrine was first given to the world, it was stated that, in the… Read More »Shall We Know our Friends in Heaven?

The Poetry of Reincarnation in Western Literature

Article/ by Edward Dwight Walker, The Path, July-October, 1887 [Serialized]

The poets are the seers of the race. Their best work comes from the intuitional heights where they dwell, conveying truths beyond reason, not understood… Read More »The Poetry of Reincarnation in Western Literature

The Constitution of the Microcosm

Article/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, May & August, 1887 [Serialized]

I. The few remarks which I have made in my first lecture on the Bhagavad Gita published in the February issue of Theosophist, on the septenary… Read More »The Constitution of the Microcosm

Reincarnation: A Western Study of the Subject

Article/ by Edward Dwight Walker, The Path, April, 1887

Although commonly rejected throughout Europe and America, reincarnation is unreservedly accepted by the majority of mankind at the present day, as in all the past… Read More »Reincarnation: A Western Study of the Subject

The Bhagavad-Gita [Notes, Chapters 1-7]

Article/Commentary/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, April, November-December, 1887; January-March, May-June, August-December, 1888; September, November-December, 1895; February, 1896 [Serialized]

Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 [Chapter I] If the title of this sacred Hindu poem… Read More »The Bhagavad-Gita [Notes, Chapters 1-7]

Classification of “Principles”

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April, 1887

In a most admirable lecture by Mr. T. Subba Row on the Bhagavad Gita, published in the February number of the Theosophist, the lecturer deals,… Read More »Classification of “Principles”

Considerations on Magic

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

We hear a good deal nowadays and are likely to hear still more of occult science. In this regard we may as well accept the… Read More »Considerations on Magic

Heralds from the Unseen

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Path, March-April 1887 [Serialized]

Part I “Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.”—I Cor. Xv, 51. “I have found… Read More »Heralds from the Unseen

Theosophical Studies

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Occult Word, February, 1887

Study all scriptures written near and far; Worship all images and saints of earth; But if you do not study who and what you are,… Read More »Theosophical Studies

Environment

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

To the Western mind the doctrines of Karma and Reincarnation contain difficulties which while they seem imaginary to the Eastern student, are nevertheless for the… Read More »Environment

The Tendency of the Present Civilization

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Path, January, 1887

Pretty much every subject comes up for discussion at our afternoon tea table. Hence I was not surprised lately, walking in upon our five-o’clock callers,… Read More »The Tendency of the Present Civilization

Rotation—Individual Evolution

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Path, January, 1887

The paper on “The Higher Life,”1 and the remarks which it has called forth, have led me to further reflections upon the subject. That subject… Read More »Rotation—Individual Evolution

Lines From Lower Levels

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Path, December, 1886

Many will turn from this heading. Whether they really live upon the upper levels or only imagine such to be their dwellings, these words are… Read More »Lines From Lower Levels

“The Theosophical Mahatmas”

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Path, December, 1886

It is with sincere and profound regret—though with no surprise, prepared as I am for years for such declarations—that I have read in the Rochester… Read More »“The Theosophical Mahatmas”

“The Second Wave”

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Theosophist, December, 1886

Have you ever stood on the shore, and watched the incoming tide? First a tiny ripple advances a few inches over the yellow sand, then… Read More »“The Second Wave”

Thought Transference and Dreams

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Path, December, 1886

Have you ever noticed the swiftness of thought transference in cases where the thinker is not consciously projecting his thought to another mind? The writer… Read More »Thought Transference and Dreams

Poetical Occultism (2)

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Path, November, 1886 [Serialized]

[For Number I of this series, authored by “S.B.J.”, see here.] II. Perhaps no passage in Light on the Path is more forcible than that… Read More »Poetical Occultism (2)

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 sense of “an object selected… Read More »Animated Statues

Theories About Reincarnation and Spirits

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

Over and over again the abstruse and mooted question of Rebirth or Reincarnation has crept out during the first ten years of the Theosophical Society’s… Read More »Theories About Reincarnation and Spirits

Poetical Occultism (1, 3 & 4)

Article/ by Sylvester Baxter with W. Q. Judge, , The Path, October, December, 1886; February, 1887 [Serialized] [Article signed “S. B. J.” stands for Sylvester Baxter & Judge; see here.]

Tis the deep music of the rolling world, Kindling within the strings of the waved air Aeolian modulations.—Percy Bysshe Shelley I. In the Bhagavid-Gita and… Read More »Poetical Occultism (1, 3 & 4)

Hindu Symbolism

Article/ by Isaac Myer, The Path, October, November, 1886; February, March, 1887 [Serialized]

I. The student of Hindu metaphysical religious philosophy, will find most of its important formulations, veiled under a mystical symbolism; to understand which, is a… Read More »Hindu Symbolism

Ancient Magic in Modern Science

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

Paulthier, The French Indianist, may, or may not, be taxed with too much enthusiasm when saying that India appears before him as the grand and… Read More »Ancient Magic in Modern Science

Reticence of Mahatmas and Evolution of the Individual

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Path, September, 1886

Members of the Theosophical Society and the general public have alike manifested a wide divergence of opinion both as regards the fundamental aim of the… Read More »Reticence of Mahatmas and Evolution of the Individual

Karma

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, September, 1886

The child is the father of the man, and none the less true is it: “My brothers! each man’s life The outcome of his former… Read More »Karma

Hermes Trismegistus

Article/ by Isaac Myer, The Path, September, 1886

That a tablet, now called the Smaragdine, was found there is no doubt. Its discovery is attributed by tradition to an isarim or initiate, who… Read More »Hermes Trismegistus

The Singing Silences

Article/ by Julia Keightley, The Path, August, 1886

Theosophists may be interested in an experience which I have named as above; “Singing”—because of a peculiar resonance which I then hear: “Silences”—because this resonance… Read More »The Singing Silences

Musings on the True Theosophist’s Path

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, August, October, 1886; February, 1887 [Serialized]

[Part I] “The way of inward peace is in all things to conform to the pleasure and disposition of the Divine Will. Such as would… Read More »Musings on the True Theosophist’s Path

The Idyll of the White Lotus [An Explanation]

Article/Commentary/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, July-August, 1886 [Serialized]

The interesting story published under the above title has already attracted considerable attention. It is instructive in more ways than one. It truly depicts the… Read More »The Idyll of the White Lotus [An Explanation]

The Hermetic Philosophy

Article/ by Sylvester Baxter, The Path, June, July, December, 1886 [Serialized]

Fragments of the Ancient Wisdom Religion have come down to us from the remotest past, through many channels, and in various forms. The study of… Read More »The Hermetic Philosophy

Theosophical Symbolism

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, May, 1886

The number 7 has, ever since the Theosophical Society was founded November 17th, 1875, played a prominent part in all its affairs, and, as usual,… Read More »Theosophical Symbolism

What is the Udgitha?

Article/Q & A/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, May, 1886

JAMESTOWN April 16th, 1886 DEAR BROTHER:—Will you kindly explain, through THE PATH, what is to be understood by the Udgitha, or hymn of praise to… Read More »What is the Udgitha?

Sufism, or Theosophy from the Standpoint of Mohammedanism [Islam]

Article/ by Carl H. A. Bjerregaard, The Path, May-October, 1886 [Serialized]

The spirit of Sufism is best expressed in the couplet of Katebi: “Last night a nightingale sung his song, perched on a high cypress, when… Read More »Sufism, or Theosophy from the Standpoint of Mohammedanism [Islam]

Another Theosophical Prophecy

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, May, 1886

In the first number of The Path was inserted a prophecy made from certain books in India called Nadigrandhams, respecting the Society. This called forth… Read More »Another Theosophical Prophecy

The Application of Theosophical Theories

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Occult Word, May, 1886

The mistake is being made by a great many persons, among them being Theosophists, of applying several of the doctrines current in Theosophical literature, to… Read More »The Application of Theosophical Theories

Studies in the Upanishads

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, May & July, 1886; March, 1891 [Serialized]

[I.] Many American theosophists are asking, “What are the Upanishads?” They are a portion of the ancient Aryan literature which this journal has set itself… Read More »Studies in the Upanishads

A Prophecy About Theosophy

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, April, 1886

There are alleged to exist in India certain Sibylline books called Nadi-grandhams. As the name indicates, they are compilations of astrological statements or predictions, and… Read More »A Prophecy About Theosophy

AUM!

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, April, 1886

The most sacred mystic syllable of the Vedas, is Aum. It is the first letter of the Sanscrit alphabet, and by some it is thought… Read More »AUM!

Theosophy as a Cult in India

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Index, April, 1886 [Incl. Follow-up(s)]

[Note: the following includes an initial article from April 1st and a follow-up article from June 3, 1886.] [April 1st, 1886] The pictures fabricated in… Read More »Theosophy as a Cult in India

Jacob Boehme and the Secret Doctrine

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, April, 1886

Jacob Boehme (or as some say Behmen) was a German mystic and spiritualist who began to write in the 17th century. In his works he… Read More »Jacob Boehme and the Secret Doctrine

Occult or Exact Science?

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April-May, 1886 [Serialized]

I. Ecce Signum! Behold the sign foreseen in a brighter future; the problem that will be the question of the forthcoming age, that every thoughtful,… Read More »Occult or Exact Science?

Have Animals Souls?

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, January-March, 1886 [Serialized]

“Continually soaked with blood, the whole earth is but an immense altar upon which all that lives has to be immolated—endlessly, incessantly.” . . .—Comte… Read More »Have Animals Souls?

The Nadigranthams

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, October, 1885

The article by T. Subba Row Garu in the July Theosophist will be read with great interest by all Theosophists, not only because it is… Read More »The Nadigranthams

Facts and Ideations

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, August-September, 1885 [Serialized]

The current of public attraction runs towards psychic phenomena and is becoming in Europe stronger every year. Even German science and philosophy are beginning to… Read More »Facts and Ideations

Spiritual Progress

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, May, 1885

Christina Rossetti’s well-known lines: “Does the road wind up-hill all the way? Yes, to the very end. Does the journey take the whole long day?… Read More »Spiritual Progress

Kama-Loka and the Bearings of the Esoteric Doctrine on Spiritualism

Article/ by A. P. Sinnett, The Theosophist, February, 1885

Students of the information lately obtained from Eastern sources for the elucidation of what is known as the Esoteric doctrine, are well aware that the… Read More »Kama-Loka and the Bearings of the Esoteric Doctrine on Spiritualism

Chirognomy and Palmistry

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, December, 1884

Chirognomy is the art of delineating character by means of the hand. One of the arts of the Gypsies of Europe is Palmistry, which is… Read More »Chirognomy and Palmistry

Thought Transference or Mind Reading

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, November, 1884

A writer in The Saturday Review, in 1882, said: “We had thought we had heard the last of thought reading.” It seems, however, that he… Read More »Thought Transference or Mind Reading

Are the “Arabian Nights” All Fiction?

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, October, 1884

For many years it has been customary to regard that collection of interesting stories called “The Arabian Nights,” as pure fiction arising out of Oriental… Read More »Are the “Arabian Nights” All Fiction?

Chelas

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1884

Notwithstanding the many articles which have appeared in this magazine upon the above subject, much misunderstanding and many false views seem still to prevail. What… Read More »Chelas

Qualifications for Chelaship

Article/ by Mohini M. Chatterji, The Theosophist, September, 1884

The power of the Adepts over forces of nature, not generally recognized, has been enlarged upon on various occasions, but no account of them can… Read More »Qualifications for Chelaship

Can The Mahatmas Be Selfish?

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, August, 1884

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

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, July, 1884

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

Is the Desire to “Live” Selfish?

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, July, 1884

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?

[Septenary Division in Different Indian Systems]

Article/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, June, 1884 [Originally signed “T.S.”; reprinted in Five Years of Theosophy and The Secret Doctrine; authorship verified as T. Subba Row in the latter.]

We are in a position to state that Mr. Sinnett never intended to maintain that Buddhism, as popularly conceived, is the nearest approach ever made… Read More »[Septenary Division in Different Indian Systems]

Astrology

Article/ by Anon., The Theosophist, June, 1884

[Note: it is not certain who the author of this article was. It is included in the Collected Writings of H. P. Blavatsky, though there… Read More »Astrology

Adepts and Politics

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, June, 1884

The communication in your December number from Chhabigram Dolatram, headed as above, is a piece of special pleading, directed against the adepts, and flowing from… Read More »Adepts and Politics

Are Chelas Mediums?

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1884

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?

The Metaphysical Basis of “Esoteric Buddhism”

Article/Review/ by Damodar K. Mavalankar, The Theosophist, May, 1884

The pamphlet of Mr. C. C. Massey, an F.T.S., of the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society, is a valuable contribution to the discussion now… Read More »The Metaphysical Basis of “Esoteric Buddhism”

Occult Study

Article/Lecture/ by A. P. Sinnett, The Theosophist, March, 1884

(The following Paper was read lately by a Theosophist and “Lay Chela” in London to an audience consisting chiefly, but not exclusively, of Theosophists.—Ed.) The… Read More »Occult Study

The Bhagavad Gita and Esoteric Buddhism

Article/ by W. Q. Judge with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, February, 1884

The only fault I have to find with Mr. Sinnett’s book is that he too often says that: “this knowledge is now being given out… Read More »The Bhagavad Gita and Esoteric Buddhism

Contemplation

Article/ by Damodar K. Mavalankar, The Theosophist, February, 1884 [Incl. Follow-up(s)]

A general misunderstanding of this term seems to prevail. The popular idea appears to be to confine oneself for half an hour—or at the utmost… Read More »Contemplation

Observations on “A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge”

Article/ by T. Subba Row with H. P. Blavatsky, , Booklet, January, 1884

To MADAME H. P. BLAVATSKY, Corresponding Secretary to the Theosophical Society, Madame, After a careful examination of the private and confidential “Letter” addressed to the… Read More »Observations on “A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge”

Psychometry

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Platonist, January, 1884

The name Psychometry has been given to a faculty which, it is claimed, inheres in about seven out of every ten persons. but it seems… Read More »Psychometry

“Precipitation”

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, January, 1884

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”

A Great Riddle Solved

Article/Note(s)/ by Damodar K. Mavalankar, The Theosophist, December, 1883 [Incl. Follow-up(s)]

On my return to the Head-quarters from the North, where I had accompanied Col. Olcott on his Presidential Tour, I learnt with regret and sorrow… Read More »A Great Riddle Solved

The Himalayan Brothers—Do They Exist?

Article/ by Mohini M. Chatterji, The Theosophist, December, 1883

“Ask and it shall be given unto you; knock and it shall be opened,” this is an accurate representation of the position of the earnest… Read More »The Himalayan Brothers—Do They Exist?

Morality and Pantheism

Article/ by Mohini M. Chatterji, The Theosophist, November, 1883 [This article has formerly been misattributed to H. P. Blavatsky and/or a Mahatma. See C. J. Ryan, “Did the Masters Write 'Morality and Pantheism'?” The Theosophical Forum, June, 1936]

Questions have been raised in several quarters as to the inefficiency of Pantheism (which term is intended to include Esoteric Buddhism, Adwaitee Vedantism, and other… Read More »Morality and Pantheism

Inscriptions Discovered by General A. Cunningham

Article/Q & A/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, November, 1883

7. Buddha’s birth is placed (on p. 141) in the year 643 B.C.. Is this date given by the Adepts as undoubtedly correct? Have they any… Read More »Inscriptions Discovered by General A. Cunningham

Sakya Muni’s Place in History

Article/Q & A/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, November, 1883

7. Buddha’s birth is placed (on p. 141) in the year 643 B.C.. Is this date given by the Adepts as undoubtedly correct? Have they any… Read More »Sakya Muni’s Place in History

Philological and Archæological “Difficulties”

Article/Q & A/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, November, 1883

7. Buddha’s birth is placed (on p. 141) in the year 643 B.C.. Is this date given by the Adepts as undoubtedly correct? Have they any… Read More »Philological and Archæological “Difficulties”

Was Writing Known Before Panini?

Article/ by Anon., The Theosophist, October, 1883 [Author signed as “A Chela”]

I am entrusted with the task of putting together some facts which would support the view that the art of writing was known in India… Read More »Was Writing Known Before Panini?

Historical Difficulty—Why?

Article/Q & A/ by Anon., The Theosophist, October, 1883 [For notes on authorship see Blavatsky CW vol. 5, pp. 129-138]

6. Is there not some confusion in the letter quoted on p. 62 of Esoteric Buddhism, where “the old Greeks and Romans” are said to… Read More »Historical Difficulty—Why?

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 consent—as far as he knows—of… Read More »The Adepts in America in 1776