The Theosophical Library

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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… Read More »The Warrior

[A Parable of the Séance Room]

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, May, 1884

Article Selections | Notes by H.P.B. . . . At the time when European civilization first invaded Japan, mirrors were… Read More »[A Parable of the Séance Room]

[On Spirit and Matter]

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, January, 1883

Selections from the Article “Karma” by A. Govinda Charlu | Reply by H.P.B. 1. We start with the supposition that… Read More »[On Spirit and Matter]

What’s in a Name?

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

What’s in a name? Very often there is more in it than the profane is prepared to understand, or the… Read More »What’s in a Name?

Orcus; or Past and Future

Story/ by Charles Johnston, Dublin University Review, June, 1887

It was almost midnight. I was sitting in the parlous of a quaint old ivy-clad house, over whose high-gabled, red-tiled… Read More »Orcus; or Past and Future

[The Astral Light, a Record Book of All Things]

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Incidents in the Life of Madame Blavatsky, 1886

Selection from Vera Zhelikhovsky’s Narrative | Note by H.P.B. Her uncle . . . too the greatest interest in this… Read More »[The Astral Light, a Record Book of All Things]

Schopenhauer and Shankara

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Forum (2nd Series), January, 1901

It is a somewhat humiliating thing to think of, that in spite of all the good intentions and praiseworthy endeavours… Read More »Schopenhauer and Shankara

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… Read More »Vakya Sudha (The Essence of the Teaching)

Hierosophy and Theosophy

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, July, 1883

Article selections from “Hierosophy and Theosophy”, by William Oxley | Notes by H.P.B. In dealing with what appears to be the difference between… Read More »Hierosophy and Theosophy

Why the Theosophical Society is Poor

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, March, 1889

A very great difference is to be observed between the condition of the treasury of our society, especially of the… Read More »Why the Theosophical Society is Poor

[On the Variety of After-Death States]

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, September, 1882

Article Selection from “Letters on Esoteric Theosophy” | Note by H.P.B. . . . When les espirits souffrants I am describing—to borrow… Read More »[On the Variety of After-Death States]

Seventeen Years Ago and Now

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

In November, 1875—seventeen years ago—the Inaugural Address of Col. Henry S. Olcott as President of the Theosophical Society was delivered… Read More »Seventeen Years Ago and Now

Journalist vs. Missionary

Editorial/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, May, 1880

Some weeks ago, the Times of India, in a moment of rancorous spite towards the Invalide Russe, which it had… Read More »Journalist vs. Missionary

Instinct and Intuition

Article/Lecture/ by Robert Crosbie, Theosophy Magazine, April, 1921 [Posthumously Published]

Instinct is a direct perception of what is right, within its own realm. Intuition is a direct cognition of the… Read More »Instinct and Intuition

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.… Read More »The Earliest Races

The Religious Question in China

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Forum (2nd Series), June, 1902

[I.] “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city,… Read More »The Religious Question in China

Giordano Bruno: A Martyr Theosophist

Article/Review/ by Charles Johnston, Lucifer Magazine, October, 1888

[Reference: “The Heroic Enthusiasts” (Gli Eroici Furori), of Giordano Bruno, translated by L. Williams. (George Redway, London, 1887.)] “My name… Read More »Giordano Bruno: A Martyr Theosophist

Have we to Lower the Flag of Truce?

Editorial/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1883

The spiritualistic journals, with the honourable and solitary exception of the Banner of Light, lose no opportunity for effecting Quixotic thrusts… Read More »Have we to Lower the Flag of Truce?

Nocturnal Thoughts on Newspaper Clippings

Editorial/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1879

We begin with a strange story from the Gainesville Eagle—an American journal:— “Some time ago Dr. Stephenson was prospecting the… Read More »Nocturnal Thoughts on Newspaper Clippings

Nigamagama Dharma Sabha

Editorial/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, July, 1894

This is the name of a society in India which has also members in the ranks of the Theosophical Society… Read More »Nigamagama Dharma Sabha

[Explanation of Incidents in the Life of Sankaracharya]

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, January & May, 1880 [Serialized]

Article selections from “The Life of Sankaracharya, Philosopher and Mystic” by Kashinath Trimbak Telang | Notes by H.P.B. The question… Read More »[Explanation of Incidents in the Life of Sankaracharya]

Native Astrologers

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1881

By Khansaher Darasha Dosabhoy, F.T.S., Deputy-Collector at Sholapur. | Editor’s Note by H.P. Blavatsky Insurance Companies Beware! “I am already… Read More »Native Astrologers

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.… Read More »The Kalevala

[On the Brahma Garbha of Agastya Bhagavan]

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1883

Article selections by Samar Pungava Sastri | Notes by H.P.B. We fully appreciate the kindly feeling in which we are… Read More »[On the Brahma Garbha of Agastya Bhagavan]

The Theosophical Society in India

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

[Note: for background, see the history of the conspiracy of the Coulombs against H. P. Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society.]… Read More »The Theosophical Society in India

Transmigration of Souls

Article/Q & A/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, March, 1891

Is there any foundation for the doctrine of transmigration of souls which was once believed in and is now held… Read More »Transmigration of Souls

Wisdom of the Gods

Article/Lecture/ by W. Q. Judge, Stockton Independent, October, 1891

Several hundred of the most intelligent people in the city gathered in Turn-Verein hall last night to listen to William… Read More »Wisdom of the Gods

The Arya and its “Outstation” Correspondence

Editorial/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, November, 1882

There exists a class of men—among the great variety composing genus homo—who, by their modes of thought and action, have… Read More »The Arya and its “Outstation” Correspondence

How She Must Laugh

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

Since the demise of H.P. Blavatsky’s body, a little over a year ago, mediums in various parts of the world… Read More »How She Must Laugh

Hindu Theosophy and Professor Buchanan

LTTE/ by W. Q. Judge, Religio-Philosophical Journal, April, 1889

To the Editor of the Religio-Philosophical Journal: Will you permit me to say a few words about Prof. J. Rodes… Read More »Hindu Theosophy and Professor Buchanan

Proclus, Commentary on the Timaeus of Plato

Translation/ by Thomas Taylor, 1820

Introduction Of that golden chain of philosophers, who, having themselves happily penetrated, luminously unfolded to others the profundities of the… Read More »Proclus, Commentary on the Timaeus of Plato

Fragments of the Ethical Writings of Certain Pythagoreans

Translation/ by Thomas Taylor, Life of Pythagoras, 1818

FROM HIPPODAMUS, THE THURIAN, IN HIS TREATISE ON FELICITY. ———— Of animals, some are the recipients of felicity, but others… Read More »Fragments of the Ethical Writings of Certain Pythagoreans

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,… Read More »The Nadigranthams

[Notes on the Theosophical Society, Christianity, Buddhism and Vedanta]

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, July, 1881

Article Selections from “The Work of the Theosophical Societies” | Notes by H.P.B. Extracts from the President’s Letters to the… Read More »[Notes on the Theosophical Society, Christianity, Buddhism and Vedanta]

[Review: The Book of Life]

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

The Book of Life, by Siddhartha (also) Vonisa; his discoveries from “6215 to 6240, Anno Mundi.” A cross between an… Read More »[Review: The Book of Life]

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… Read More »Modernized Upanishad

[On the Brahmo Samaj and Theosophical Society]

Editorial/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, March, 1881

In the Sunday Mirror of February 20, we find a paragraph in which Sir Richard Temple’s opinion on the Brahmo Samaj is… Read More »[On the Brahmo Samaj and Theosophical Society]

Queries from Australia

Note(s)/Q & A/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1883

Replies by H.P.B. to several Queries from C. Rohner Allow me to address you on a subject of vital importance… Read More »Queries from Australia

“A Personal Statement of Religious Belief”

Editorial/Review/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April, 1880

“A PERSONAL STATEMENT OF RELIGIOUS BELIEF” is the title of a pamphlet now just appearing at Bombay. It is an… Read More »“A Personal Statement of Religious Belief”

Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, October, 1920; January, 1921 [Serialized]

By whom impelled flies the forward-impelled Mind? By whom compelled does the First Life go forth? By whom impelled is… Read More »Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)

The Signs of This Cycle

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

Men of all nations for many years in all parts of the world have been expecting something they know not… Read More »The Signs of This Cycle

[On Cremation]

Editorial/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1881

Nothing promises to prove more dangerous to the Bible and to the Bible Christians—not even the new Revision of the… Read More »[On Cremation]

Answers to Queries

Note(s)/Q & A/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Lucifer Magazine, December, 1887 [Incl. Follow-up(s)]

A Correspondent from New York writes: . . . The Editors of Lucifer would confer a great benefit on those who… Read More »Answers to Queries

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… Read More »The Metaphysical Basis of “Esoteric Buddhism”

Vikramâditya’s “Jewel.”

Story/ by Charles Johnston, Lucifer Magazine, March, 1891

Dramatis personae. 1. Ghost of Kâlidâsa (the Court-poet of King Vikramâditya). 2. Professor M.M. (Orientalist). 3. Smith (a plebeian). ———… Read More »Vikramâditya’s “Jewel.”

The States of Consciousness

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Lucifer Magazine, October, 1890

“When the eyes that are beneath are closed, Then the eyes that are above are opened.” Orphic Mysteries. About two… Read More »The States of Consciousness

The Turning Tide

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

“There are those who draw near to Thee through will, holding Thee ever in their hearts: there are those who… Read More »The Turning Tide

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… Read More »Adepts and Politics

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