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Translation

Translations

Vakya Sudha (The Essence of the Teaching)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophy, July, 1897

[Translation] Seer and Seen The form is seen, the eye is seer; the mind is both seen and seer. The changing moods of mind are… Read More »Vakya Sudha (The Essence of the Teaching)

Concerning Three Brahmans

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, April, 1897

I. In the city of Devikota, there is a Brahman, Vedasharma by name. In the season of the equinox, he received a vessel of rice.… Read More »Concerning Three Brahmans

Chandogya Upanishad 4:4-9 (Teachers Other Than Human)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, April, 1897

[Translation] Satyakama the son of Jabala addressed his mother Jabala thus: I am going to dwell with a teacher, in the service of the Eternal.… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 4:4-9 (Teachers Other Than Human)

The Sorrows of Damayanti

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, April, 1897

Thereon Damayanti, seeing King Nala, ruler of men, thus distraught, his thoughts wrapped up in the play, herself not distraught though full of fear and… Read More »The Sorrows of Damayanti

The Tale of a Tiger

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, February, 1897

Once on a time, as I passed through the Southern Forest, I beheld An old Tiger who had taken a bath, covering his paw with… Read More »The Tale of a Tiger

Chandogya Upanishad 4:1-2 (An Old Legend)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, February, 1897

[Translation] Janashruti, the grandson of Janashruta, was full of faith, a giver of many gifts, bestowing much cooked food. He caused many houses of refuge… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 4:1-2 (An Old Legend)

Nala and the Gods (Mahabharata)

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, February, 1897

And when the king of the Nishadhas had been chosen by the daughter of Bhima, the lords of the worlds in their brightness departing beheld… Read More »Nala and the Gods (Mahabharata)

“Vita Brevis”

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, February, 1897

Whither are gone the great lords of the earth, with their might of chariots and armies? The earth, that witnessed their departure, stands even today.… Read More »“Vita Brevis”

Pistis Sophia

Translation/ by G. R. S. Mead, 1896 [Revised 2nd Ed., 1921] [PDF Version 1 | PDF Version 2]

Contents Preface Introduction The First Book The Second Book A Third Book A Fourth Book A Fifth Book A Sixth Book Preface In the Introduction… Read More »Pistis Sophia

Anugita

Translation/ by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1896 [Drawn from the complete translation of the Mahabharata]

Mahabharata, Book 14: Aswamedha Parva Section XVI Janamejaya said, “When the high-souled Kesava and Arjuna after slaying their enemies repaired to the assembly rooms, what… Read More »Anugita

Chandogya Upanishad 3:12-16 (Heart, Will, Life)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, December, 1896

[Translation] The divine Song, verily, is all their being, whatsoever there is; and the Word is the divine Song. The Word, verily, enounces and guards… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 3:12-16 (Heart, Will, Life)

King Nala’s Rivals

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, December, 1896

[Translation] When a fair time had come, and a lucky day and hour, King Bhima called the lords of the earth to the choosing. Hearing… Read More »King Nala’s Rivals

The Great Deep

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, December, 1896

For the Waters were in the beginning, when fire had perished from the face of the world; and all things, fixed and moving, and all… Read More »The Great Deep

Chandogya Upanishad 3:1-11 (Honey for the Gods)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, October, 1896

[Translation] That sun is honey for the bright powers; the heaven is the curved support of it; the mid-world is the comb; the beams are… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 3:1-11 (Honey for the Gods)

The Soul and the Self

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, October, 1896

The oneness of the soul with the Self is already a fact, and not a thing that requires a further effort to bring about; and… Read More »The Soul and the Self

Chandogya Upanishad 2:22-24 (The Mysteries of Sound 3)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, August, 1896

[Translation] I select and assign the different notes of the chant. The animal note is the up-singing of the Fire-lord. The undefined note is the… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 2:22-24 (The Mysteries of Sound 3)

The Prince and the Woodman

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, August, 1896

A certain prince, born under an evil star, was cast out from the city, and fed by a certain woodman. So he came to think:… Read More »The Prince and the Woodman

From the Upanishads

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Booklet, July, 1896

Wilt thou not open thy heart to know What rainbows teach, and sunsets show? Verdict which accumulates From lengthening scroll of human fates, Voice of… Read More »From the Upanishads

Chandogya Upanishad 1:8-2:21 (The Mysteries of Sound 2)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, June, 1896

[Translation] Three, verily, were skilled in the up-singing Shilaka Shalavatya, Chaikitayana Dalbhya, Pravahana Jaivala. They said: In the up-singing, indeed, are we skilled; let us… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 1:8-2:21 (The Mysteries of Sound 2)

The Warrior

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, June, 1896

Seership is of the Self; actor-ship, of the powers. For, as the great King, even without being engaged himself, becomes the warrior, through his army… Read More »The Warrior

Chandogya Upanishad 1:1-7 (The Mysteries of Sound 1)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, April, 1896

Note: It will be advisable to study the Commentary that follows, before reading this translation. [Translation] OM: let a man draw near to this imperishable… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 1:1-7 (The Mysteries of Sound 1)

Aitareya Upanishad (Father, Mother and Son)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, January, 1896

[Translation] Self was here verily in the beginning; nothing else opposing at all. He beheld, saying: Let me now put forth worlds. He put forth… Read More »Aitareya Upanishad (Father, Mother and Son)

Rajput and Brahman

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, The Irish Theosophist, January, 1896

Aruna’s grandson Shvetaketu came to the gathering of the Panchâlas. He came to Pravâhana the son of Jibala, in the midst of his followers. Looking… Read More »Rajput and Brahman

The Uttarādhyayana Sūtra

Translation/ by Hermann Jacobi, 1895 [From The Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 45, with updated Sanskrit and Prakrit transliterations.]

Contents Introduction First Lecture: On Discipline Second Lecture: On Troubles Third Lecture: The Four Requisites Fourth Lecture: Impurity Fifth Lecture: Death Against One’s Will Sixth… Read More »The Uttarādhyayana Sūtra

The Dream of Life

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, December, 1895

Dream, wherein the Self is mirrored, has two, powers,—to extend and to envelope; enveloping the habitual self and its world, it extends a new self… Read More »The Dream of Life

Taittiriya Upanishad 3 (The Lotus of the Sage Bhrgu)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, December, 1895

III. [Translation] Invocation Om. May That guard us two—teacher and pupil; may That save us two; may we two do the work with valor; may… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 3 (The Lotus of the Sage Bhrgu)

Taittiriya Upanishad 2 (The Lotus of the Bliss of the Eternal)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, October, 1895

II.[Translation] The knower of the Eternal obtains the supreme; therefore this is declared: Real, wisdom, endless is the Eternal; he who knows that, hid in… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 2 (The Lotus of the Bliss of the Eternal)

The Song of the Self

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, October, 1895

Nor earth nor water, fire nor liquid air, Nor ether, nor the powers, nor these in one; Undifferentiated, in dreamless perfect test, That, the One,… Read More »The Song of the Self

The Noble Eightfold Path

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, October, 1895

I. There are two extremes, Brothers, that he who has renounced should shun. On the one side, the constant following after things that appeal to… Read More »The Noble Eightfold Path

Taittiriya Upanishad 1 (The Lotus of the Teaching)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, June, 1895

I. [Translation] Om Bless us Mitra; bless us Varuna; bless us Aryaman; bless us Indra, Vrhaspati; bless us wide-stepping Vishnu. Obeisance to the Eternal; obeisance… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 1 (The Lotus of the Teaching)

The Races of Ancient India

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, June, 1895

Of the Brahmans, white is the color; of the Kshattriyas, red; of the Vaishyas, yellow is the color; of the Shudras, black. There was no… Read More »The Races of Ancient India

The Mother of the Vedas (Gayatri)

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, May, 1895

The Gâyatri, the most sacred Indian verse, the Mother of the Vedas, is taken from the third of the ten cycles of hymns, the cycle… Read More »The Mother of the Vedas (Gayatri)

The Earliest Races

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, May & June, 1895 [Serialized]

[I.] At the beginning of the formative period, in the first of the four ages, the Evolver put forth beings. The beings, which I told… Read More »The Earliest Races

The Hymn of the Spirit

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, March, 1895

Thousand-headed is Spirit, thousand-eyed, thousand-footed; he wrapping the world altogether, overpassed it by a space of ten fingers. Spirit verily is all this, what has… Read More »The Hymn of the Spirit

Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, March & May, 1895 [Serialized]

I. [Translation] The Evolver first of the bright ones came into being, the maker of the whole, the guardian of the world. He taught the… Read More »Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)

Isha Upanishad (By The Master)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, January, 1895

[Translation] By the Master is to be covered all, whatever moving thing there is in the world. By this renouncing thou shalt enjoy; nor grudge… Read More »Isha Upanishad (By The Master)

Tattva Bodha (Shankara’s Catechism)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, January & March, 1895 [Serialized]

Introductory In the “Awakening to the Self” [Atma Bodha], and, still more, in the “Crest-Jewel of Wisdom”, Shankara the Teacher uses many words in a… Read More »Tattva Bodha (Shankara’s Catechism)

The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

Translation/ by E. W. Coleman, Collectanea Hermetica, 1894

1. First worship the immortal gods as the Law ordains. 2. Reverence thy oath, and next, the illustrious heroes. 3. Then supplicate the good terrestrial demons,… Read More »The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, November, 1894

[Translation] By whom commanded does the mind go forth? By whom compelled does the first life go forth? By whom commanded do they put forth… Read More »Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)

Chandogya Upanishad 6:8-16 (First Principles 2)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, September, 1894

[Translation] Aruna’s son Uddalaka addressed his son Shvetaketu, saying: —Learn from me, dear, the reality about sleep. When a man sinks to sleep, as they… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 6:8-16 (First Principles 2)

True Friendship

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, September, 1894

He who transgresses and despises modesty, who says—I am a friend but undertakes nothing for his friend, know that he is no friend. Whoever uses… Read More »True Friendship

Atma Bodha (The Awakening to the Self)

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, July, 1894

This awakening to the Self is recorded for those whose inner darkness has been worn away by strong effort, who have reached restfulness, from whom… Read More »Atma Bodha (The Awakening to the Self)

Chandogya Upanishad 6:1-7 (First Principles 1)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, July, 1894

[Translation] There lived once Shvetaketu, Aruni’s grandson; his father addressed him, saying: —Shvetaketu, go, learn the service of the Eternal; for no one, dear, of… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 6:1-7 (First Principles 1)

The Birth of the World-Egg

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, July, 1894

The universe was wrapped in darkness, unseen, unnamed, unthinkable, unknowable, in dreamless sleep. Then the Self-being, the unmanifested Master, manifested this universe and its powers;… Read More »The Birth of the World-Egg

The Fourfold Self’s Three Vestures

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Lucifer Magazine, July, 1894

Introduction The doctrine of the fourfold Self and its three vestures is outlined in Prashna Upanishad, clearly stated in Mandukya Upanishad, and developed by Shankara… Read More »The Fourfold Self’s Three Vestures

The Meaning of OM

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, May, 1894

Mandukya Upanishad The unchanging Om is the All. Its expansion is, what has been, what is, what shall be. And what is beyond the three… Read More »The Meaning of OM

Esoteric Teaching (Rig Veda, i. 164, 45)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, May, 1894

The most ancient declaration of Esoteric Teaching in the Sacred Books of India is probably this verse from the earliest and oldest of the ten… Read More »Esoteric Teaching (Rig Veda, i. 164, 45)

The Four Duties of a Dervish

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, May, 1894

The faith of Islam, the latest of the world-wide religions, is also, in many things, the most materialistic and dogmatic. The Semite peoples, Hebrew or… Read More »The Four Duties of a Dervish

Buddha’s Method

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, March, 1894

“If a Bhikshu should desire, brethren, by the complete destruction of the three bonds to become purified, to be no longer liable to be reborn… Read More »Buddha’s Method

Vivekachudamani (Crest-Jewel of Wisdom)

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, March, 1894; November, 1895; January-April, July-December, 1896; January-April, 1897; concluded in Theosophy, June, 1897 [Serialized]

First Steps on the Path Prologue (Verses 1–15) I bow before Govinda, the objectless object of final success in the highest wisdom, who is supreme… Read More »Vivekachudamani (Crest-Jewel of Wisdom)

Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, January & March, 1894 [Serialized]

[I.][Translation] These men, Sukesha Bharadvaja, Shaivya Satyakama, Sauryayani Gargya, Kaushalya Ashvalayana, Bhargava Vaidharbhi, and Kabandhi Katyayana, bent on the Eternal, following the Eternal, were seeking… Read More »Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)

The Symbolism of the Upanishads

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, The Path, January-March, 1894 [Serialized]

I. Students of the Oriental Theosophy, which finds its highest expression in the Ten Upanishads, are met at the outset by a serious difficulty which… Read More »The Symbolism of the Upanishads

Sepher Yetzirah

Commentary/Translation/ by William Wynn Westcott, Collectanea Hermetica, 1893 [2nd Edition, updated from 1st ed. of 1887]

Preface to the Second Edition It has been at the earnest’ wish of many students, members of the Theosophical Society, and of my Hermetic fratres… Read More »Sepher Yetzirah

The Foundations of Christian Mysticism

Article/Commentary/Translation/ by Franz Hartmann, Lucifer Magazine, February-April, June-July, September, 1893 [Serialized]

Contents Preface Introduction Part I. I. The Soul and its Powers.II. Knowledge.III. The Nature of the Soul.IV. The Absolute.V. Deity.VI. Being.VII. Personality.VIII. God.IX. Creation.X. The… Read More »The Foundations of Christian Mysticism

Pages from the Upanishads—Mandukya Upanishad

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, The Irish Theosophist, December, 1892; January, 1893 [Serialized]

The Four Steps of the Self. The syllable OM is all; its expansion is what has been, what is, what shall be; all is OM.… Read More »Pages from the Upanishads—Mandukya Upanishad

Modernized Upanishad

Translation/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, September, 1892

Chapter First 1 The Master was asked by the pupil to tell at whose wish the mind of man, when sent forth for any act,… Read More »Modernized Upanishad

Selections from the Yoga Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki

Translation/ by Vihari-Lala Mitra, 1891 [See also: Full edition of the Yoga Vasishtha Maharamayana, by Vihari Lala Mitra]

Utpatti-Khanda: Evolution of the World Chapter III: Causes of Bondage in the Body Rāma said:—It is even so as you have said, that the mind… Read More »Selections from the Yoga Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki

The Life and the Doctrines of Jacob Boehme, the God-Taught Philosopher

Book/Translation/ by Franz Hartmann, 1891 [Paperback Version]

Contents Preface The Life of Jacob Boehme Account of His Life and Labours, and of the Influence of his Writings upon the Outside World. The… Read More »The Life and the Doctrines of Jacob Boehme, the God-Taught Philosopher

Bhagavad Gita (The Book of Devotion)

Book/Translation/ by W. Q. Judge with J. H. Connelly, , 1890

Antecedent Words The Bhagavad-Gita is an episode of the Mahabharata, which is said to have been written by Vyasa. Who this Vyasa is and when he lived is not… Read More »Bhagavad Gita (The Book of Devotion)

Yoga Sutras (Aphorisms) of Patanjali

Book/Commentary/Translation/ by W. Q. Judge with J. H. Connelly, , 1889

Dedication THIS BOOK IS LAID UPON THE ALTAR OF MASTERS’ CAUSE, AND IS DEDICATED TO THEIR SERVANT H. P. BLAVATSKY. ALL CONCERN FOR ITS FRUITS… Read More »Yoga Sutras (Aphorisms) of Patanjali

The Kalevala

Book/Translation/ by John Martin Crawford, 1888

[Reviews: “The National Epic of Finland,” by H. P. Blavatsky & “The Kalevala,” by Anon.] [Dedication] To Dr. J. D. Buck, an encouraging and unselfish… Read More »The Kalevala

Indian Proverbs

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Lucifer Magazine, June, July & September, 1888 [Serialized]

[I.] On a lake reflecting myriads of stars a swan, by night seeking the young lotus buds, though wise, was for a time deceived. Through… Read More »Indian Proverbs

Idra Zuta Kadisha: The Lesser Holy Assembly

Commentary/Translation/ by S. L. MacGregor Mathers, Kabbalah Unveiled, 1887

Chapter I.Which Containeth the Introduction. 1. Tradition.—On that day on which the Companions were assembled together in the house of Rabbi Schimeon, and on which… Read More »Idra Zuta Kadisha: The Lesser Holy Assembly

Idra Rabba Kadisha: The Greater Holy Assembly

Commentary/Translation/ by S. L. MacGregor Mathers, Kabbalah Unveiled, 1887

Chapter I.The Ingress and the Preface. 1. Tradition.—Rabbi Schimeon spake unto his companions, and said: “How long shall we abide in the condition of one… Read More »Idra Rabba Kadisha: The Greater Holy Assembly

Siphra Ditzniuta: The Book of Concealed Mystery

Commentary/Translation/ by S. L. MacGregor Mathers, Kabbalah Unveiled, 1887

Chapter I 1. Tradition.—“The Book of Concealed Mystery” is the book of the equilibrium of balance. [The word “Dtzenioutha” is difficult to translate, but I… Read More »Siphra Ditzniuta: The Book of Concealed Mystery

Ancient Iranian and Zoroastrian Morals

Book/Translation/ by D. J. Medhora, 1887

“The little work called Ancient Iranian and Zoroastrian Morals, compiled by Mr. Dhunjibhoy Jamsetjee Medhora, a Parsi Theosophist of Bombay, is an excellent treatise replete… Read More »Ancient Iranian and Zoroastrian Morals

The Life and the Doctrines of Paracelsus

Book/Translation/ by Franz Hartmann, 1887 [Paperback Version]

Complete Title: THE LIFE AND THE DOCTRINES OF PHILIPPUS THEOPHRASTUS BOMBAST OF HOHENHEIM KNOWN BY THE NAME OF PARACELSUS AND THE SUBSTANCE OF HIS TEACHINGS… Read More »The Life and the Doctrines of Paracelsus

Atmanatmaviveka (Discrimination of Spirit and Not-Spirit)

Translation/ by Mohini M. Chatterji, The Theosophist, November, 1882 & December, 1883 [Serialized] [Reprinted in Five Years of Theosophy, 1885]

Introductory Note An apology is scarcely needed for undertaking a translation of Sankara Acharya’s celebrated Synopsis of Vedantism entitled “Atmanatma Vivekah.” This little treatise, within… Read More »Atmanatmaviveka (Discrimination of Spirit and Not-Spirit)