“Under the Shadow of Great Names” [2]
Reply by H.P.B. to two letters defending the medium George Spriggs. Our love for “fair play” has never been doubted even by those of our… Read More »“Under the Shadow of Great Names” [2]
“Oppressed Widowhood” in America
Having read an article signed with the above pseudonym in The Philosophic Inquirer of July 1st, in which the hapless condition of the Hindu widow is so… Read More »“Oppressed Widowhood” in America
On the Status of Jesus
Selections from a letter by a correspondent named Vera | Notes by H.P.B. Under the teachings of the beneficent and sublime Wisdom-Religion now being given… Read More »On the Status of Jesus
From Theosophy to Shakespeare
Notes by H.P.B. on a letter from Mr. Henry G. Atkinson We have received a very interesting letter from Mr. Henry C. Atkinson, now in… Read More »From Theosophy to Shakespeare
Prakriti and Purusha
The editorial at the head of the article that precedes will explain to the learned Hermit of Almora and the readers of the Theosophist the… Read More »Prakriti and Purusha
The Almora Swami
Editorial Comments and Notes by H.P.B. on a letter from the Swami of Almora. In our February number (see page 118) prefacing the valuable though… Read More »The Almora Swami
The Septenary Principle in Esotericism
Since the exposition of the Arhat esoteric doctrine was begun, many who had not acquainted themselves with the occult basis of Hindu philosophy have imagined… Read More »The Septenary Principle in Esotericism
The Efficacy of Funeral Ceremonies
Letter by N. D. K. addressed to A. P. Sinnett | Reply by H.P.B. To the Writer of the “Occult Fragments.” Dear Sir And Brother, In your article… Read More »The Efficacy of Funeral Ceremonies
Zoroastrianism in the Light of Occult Philosophy
The following letter having been sent to us from a Parsee gentleman, we publish the paragraphs containing his queries seriatim as in the original, but… Read More »Zoroastrianism in the Light of Occult Philosophy
Should Men Cut Their Hair?
Article selection by Alexander Wilder | Note by H.P.B. Whether the hair should be cut I could never quite satisfy myself. As a physiological practice… Read More »Should Men Cut Their Hair?
Electroscope and “Astral Doubles”
Some Australian and American papers are very much exercised with a new invention made by Dr. Gnedra (?) of Victoria (Australia), called the Electroscope. The… Read More »Electroscope and “Astral Doubles”
Swami Dayanand—A Freethinker
“O Lord, protect me from my friends, and I will myself take care of my enemies!”—was the daily prayer of a philosopher. We do not… Read More »Swami Dayanand—A Freethinker
Gambetta’s Eye and Brain
Science in the face of her Parisian representatives was very much exercised, if not offended, lately, by what is viewed as an unpardonable freak of… Read More »Gambetta’s Eye and Brain
Will
Article Selections by L. A. Sanders | Note by H.P.B. It is with the greatest interest that I read the profound article by T. Subba Row,… Read More »Will
A Few Thoughts on Some Wise Words from a Wise Man
In an article, in the Tatwa Bodhini Patrika “The Essential Religion,” Babu Rajnarain Bose, the well known Brahmo, prefacing it with a quotation from Ramohun… Read More »A Few Thoughts on Some Wise Words from a Wise Man
A Levy of Arms Against Theosophy
As nearly everywhere else, we have a Branch Society in Paris: a handful or so of members lost among thousands of spiritists and spiritualists. Strictly… Read More »A Levy of Arms Against Theosophy
Psychometry and Archæology
Question by Poorna Chundra Mookherji | Note by H.P.B. . . . Now the great problem [facing the author as an archæological researcher] is to… Read More »Psychometry and Archæology
Pertinent Questions
Questions by H. N. Vakil | Reply by H.P.B. Will you or any of your readers enlighten me on the following points: 1. What is… Read More »Pertinent Questions
Explanation Wanted
Question by “A Junior Student” | Reply by H.P.B. I shall feel highly obliged if you will kindly insert in the columns of The Theosophist the meanings… Read More »Explanation Wanted
[On Some Confusions about Rings and Rounds]
Article selections from “Cosmical Rings and Rounds,” by A Student of Occultism | Notes & Editor’s Note by H.P.B. No. VII of the Fragments [of… Read More »[On Some Confusions about Rings and Rounds]
Visishthadwaita Philosophy [2]
Article selections from “Viśishtadvaita Philosophy,” by Govinda Charlu | Notes by H.P.B. Parabrahma being an All-pervading principle, itself being the All, is still considered as a… Read More »Visishthadwaita Philosophy [2]
[On the Tantras]
Note by H.P.B. on an article by T. S. For reasons of their own, the Aryas or the “reformers,” as they and the Brahmos call… Read More »[On the Tantras]
[Genuine, Orthodox and Heteredox Brahmanism]
Selections from “Esoteric Spiritualism the Law of ‘Influx’ and ‘eflux’” by William Yeats | Introductory Note & Footnotes by H.P.B. In giving room to the… Read More »[Genuine, Orthodox and Heteredox Brahmanism]
Theosophy and Spiritism: Explanations Relative to the Controversy on Occultism
To Mr. Fauvety, President of the Scientific Society for Psychological Studies. Mr. President, The monthly Bulletin of the Society of which you are the President, issue of April, 1883,… Read More »Theosophy and Spiritism: Explanations Relative to the Controversy on Occultism
Corrections Concerning the Controversy on Occultism
We have received from Mme Blavatsky a letter dated from Madras, April 17. In this letter, the eminent Secretary of the Theosophical Society and Editor… Read More »Corrections Concerning the Controversy on Occultism
Visishthadwaita Philosophy
Article by A. Govinda Charlu | Notes by H.P.B. [Only the notes by H.P.B. are included here. Notes by A.G.C. are not included.] For the… Read More »Visishthadwaita Philosophy
The Shylocks of Lahore
“Many are called, but few are chosen”—is a saying, that, to our great regret, applies to our Society collectively, and to a certain number of… Read More »The Shylocks of Lahore
[Re-Union of the Arya Samaj and the Theosophical Society?]
Notice from the Indian Mirror | Note by H.P.B. Rai Bishen Lall, M.A., Pundit Gaindan Lall, B.A., and party deputed by the N.W.P. Patriotic Association,… Read More »[Re-Union of the Arya Samaj and the Theosophical Society?]
[Mrs. Anandabai Joshi, F.T.S.]
Anonymous Notice | Note by H.P.B. Mrs. Anandabai Joshi, F.T.S., the well-known Mahratta Brahmin lady, sailed yesterday by S.S. City of Calcutta for New York.… Read More »[Mrs. Anandabai Joshi, F.T.S.]
Col. Olcott’s Wonderful Success
Letter by Purna Chundra Sen, with note by the Editor of The East | Reply by H.P.B. To the Editor of the “East.” Sir, With… Read More »Col. Olcott’s Wonderful Success
Zoroaster and His Religion
Article selections by Pestonji Dorabji Khandalavala | Notes by H.P.B. All authors of antiquity agree in giving a place to this high personage [Zoroaster] in… Read More »Zoroaster and His Religion
The Trinity of Righteousness
Three other victims “smelling sweet in the nostrils of the Lord!” The names of Justice North, the Rev. Dr. S. Wainwright, and Mr. Alexander Scott,… Read More »The Trinity of Righteousness
Parabrahm, Defined by Vedantins
Letter by Ramji Mall Pandit | Reply by H.P.B. I beg to call the attention of those who are interested in the question of “Personal,… Read More »Parabrahm, Defined by Vedantins
Materialism and its Lessons
Quotation from Prof. Maudsley | Note by H.P.B. “Disclosing to man the stern and uniform reign of law in nature, even in the evolution and… Read More »Materialism and its Lessons
[Buddhism and Esoteric Brahmanism]
We acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of Mr. Lillie’s Buddha and Early Buddhism. The subject of the work being one to which the greatest interest… Read More »[Buddhism and Esoteric Brahmanism]
Theosophy and Religious Riots
Some far-sighted and promising correspondent, anxious to penetrate the mystery of the recent Kotahena riot between the Buddhists and the Roman Catholics to its very… Read More »Theosophy and Religious Riots
Another “Spiritual” Puzzle
Letter by E.W.W | Reply by H.P.B. I feel that Mr. Terry has been doing great service in procuring for us the few crumbs from… Read More »Another “Spiritual” Puzzle
Dragged in Again!
The bisons, or North American buffaloes, we are told, when migrating, travel in vast solid columns of tens of thousands, which it is almost impossible… Read More »Dragged in Again!
The Religion of the Future
Occultism teaches us that ideas based upon fundamental truths move in the eternity in a circle, revolving around and filling the space within the circuit… Read More »The Religion of the Future
Medical Magnetism and the Healer Magnetic
Article selections by Seeta Nath Ghose | Notes by H.P.B. There are some substances which are naturally highly magnetic, such as cobalt, nickel, oxygen gas… Read More »Medical Magnetism and the Healer Magnetic
The Seventeen-Rayed Sun-Disc
The following interesting letter was received by us from Fresno, California. As it is a private one, we can give but extracts from it.—Ed. [H.P.B.]… Read More »The Seventeen-Rayed Sun-Disc
The Buddhist Movement in England
The frequent publication of books on the subject in England, of recent years, has evidenced the strong interest now felt by the cultivated classes in… Read More »The Buddhist Movement in England
Devachan
Question by F. Hartmann | Reply by H.P.B. Will you kindly permit me a question? In Vol. IV, No. 2, on page 29 [see “Death… Read More »Devachan
To the “Dissatisfied”
We have belief in the fitness and usefulness of impartial criticism, and, even at times, in that of a judicious onslaught upon some of the… Read More »To the “Dissatisfied”
The Chosen “Vessels of Election”
A friendly correspondent “8111,” has sent to us a severe rebuke embodied in a long letter. Received after the 20th of last month, it could… Read More »The Chosen “Vessels of Election”
The Magic of the New Dispensation
From the “New Dispensation,” April 1: “The juggler who appeared, on Tuesday last, in the last scene of the New Dispensation Drama, explained the deeper… Read More »The Magic of the New Dispensation
A Heavy Curse
As a specimen of condensed and concentrated episcopal malice, the following ANATHEMA recently sent by the Pope to various Bishops with orders to be read… Read More »A Heavy Curse
Pickings from our Contemporaries
La Revue Spirite of Paris for February publishes a communication from a medium named L. Cephas—which it calls quite pertinently “very original.” It is headed… Read More »Pickings from our Contemporaries
By “Bell, Book, And Candle”
Not with the object of vindicating the Asiatic people from any charge of superstition that may lie against them, but only to show that in… Read More »By “Bell, Book, And Candle”
The Power to Heal
It is a striking commentary upon the imperfection of our modern system of medicine that an almost unanimous scepticism prevails among physicians as to the… Read More »The Power to Heal
Theosophy and Miracles
Article selection by Gilbert Elliot, Esq. | Note by H.P.B. . . . The main difficulty in the way of ascertaining the truth about so-called miracles is… Read More »Theosophy and Miracles
[Nadi Granthams]
Article selection by N. Chidambarum Iyer | Note by H.P.B. Very few of the modern Hindus—and fewer still of the so-called educated Hindus—are aware of… Read More »[Nadi Granthams]
Retrogression in Rebirth
Letter to the Editor, by H. | Note by H.P.B. In his able review of Mr. Oxley’s “Philosophy of Spirit,” concluded in the current number… Read More »Retrogression in Rebirth
Whence the Name “Lunatic”?
It is well known that the moon-beams have a very pernicious influence; and recently this question became the subject of a very animated discussion among… Read More »Whence the Name “Lunatic”?
Old and New Methods
So much information relating to the highest science of Nature has lately been given out to the world through these columns, that it is worth… Read More »Old and New Methods
An Excellent Magic Mirror
Of the many kinds of divination glass or Magic-mirror that have been devised, the one described by a theosophical brother in the following note is… Read More »An Excellent Magic Mirror
The “Blessing” of the Brothers
A correspondent calls our attention to the paragraph on p. 66 of the pamphlet, Hints on Esoteric Theosophy, in which a person not mentioned by… Read More »The “Blessing” of the Brothers
“Under the Shadow of Great Names” [1]
The common vice of trying to palm off upon the world the crude imaginings or rhapsodical concoctions of one’s own brain, by claiming their utterance… Read More »“Under the Shadow of Great Names” [1]
Sham Asceticism
The Surya Prakash, of Surat, says that a Hindu ascetic, in company with a few of his disciples, has recently arrived at that place. He… Read More »Sham Asceticism
The Sacred Tree of Kum Bum
Thirty-seven years ago, two daring Lazarist Missionaries who were attached to the Roman Catholic Mission establishment at Pekin, undertook the desperate feat of penetrating as… Read More »The Sacred Tree of Kum Bum
Sir Richard and Theosophy, Again.
If the saying of the witty Sydney Smith, that you cannot get a joke into a Caledonian head without trepanning the skull be true, no… Read More »Sir Richard and Theosophy, Again.
The Gospel of the Future: or the “Revelation” of (St.) Keshub
“’I (Keshub Chunder Sen), a servant of God, called to be an apostle of the Church.’ . . . . ‘heard behind me a great voice, as… Read More »The Gospel of the Future: or the “Revelation” of (St.) Keshub
The Travelling Truthseeker
[Review of A Truthseeker Around the World, Vol. III, New York, D. M. Bennett, 1882.] The third volume of Mr. Bennett’s Narrative of his Voyage… Read More »The Travelling Truthseeker
Do the Rishis Exist?
Letter to the editor by A Hindu Theosophist | Note by H.P.B. Following the example of the Parsi Gentleman whose letter you published in the… Read More »Do the Rishis Exist?
A Word with the Theosophists
The following letters appeared recently in the Poona Observer. Were it not for a few flagrant misconceptions in letter the first and which it seems… Read More »A Word with the Theosophists
Appendix to “Devachan”
[For the article to which this is an appendix, see “Fragments of Occult Truth,” No. 6] Appendix A It may be worth the reader’s while… Read More »Appendix to “Devachan”
Mistaken Notions
The Psychological Review, kindly taking notice of our misguided journal, has the following in its November number. “The present number [of The Theosophist for September,… Read More »Mistaken Notions
“Self-Contradictions of the Bible”
Letter Selections by Lakshman Singh | Introductory Note and Notes by H.P.B. [Note: for background, see The “Contradictions of the Bible” and The Rawal Pindi Mission… Read More »“Self-Contradictions of the Bible”
“Mr. Isaacs.”
The subject of our present review is—a romance!1 A curious production, some might say, to come to our book table, and claim serious notice from… Read More »“Mr. Isaacs.”
[Did Paracelsus “give way to intemperance”?]
Selection from letter to the editor “Paracelsus” by E.N.T. | Note by H.P.B. In regard to “Theophrastus Paracelsus,” whose name appears from time to time… Read More »[Did Paracelsus “give way to intemperance”?]
[A Reverend on After-Death States]
Selections from Brief Memorials of the Rev. Alphonese Francois Lacroix | Notes by H.P.B. He hailed every possible evidence of the soul’s life after the body’s… Read More »[A Reverend on After-Death States]
[On T. Subba Row]
Introductory Note by H.P.B. to a Letter by “Paramahamsa Swami” on Advaita Philosophy As the subjoined letter, comes from such a learned source, we do… Read More »[On T. Subba Row]
[On the Parabrahm of the Upanishads]
Selection from letter to the editor “Is Brahmoism True Hinduism” by “A Member of the Adi B. Samaj” | Note by H.P.B. In your issue… Read More »[On the Parabrahm of the Upanishads]
From Keshub Babu to Maestro Wagner via The Salvation Camp
But a few days since Friend of India and Statesman gave room to the reflections of a reverential correspondent, deploring the disrespectful familiarity with which… Read More »From Keshub Babu to Maestro Wagner via The Salvation Camp
The Bugbears of Science
[I.] The fanaticism of blank negation is often more tenacious, more dangerous, and always far harder to deal with, and to combat, than that of… Read More »The Bugbears of Science
“A Personal and Impersonal God”
A letter signed by H. X. has appeared in the December issue of the Theosophists under the heading abovementioned containing some observations on “the Theoretical… Read More »“A Personal and Impersonal God”
Horoscopes and Astrology
Letter by Kinoo Roy | Reply by H.P.B. A custom is prevalent among the high classes of well to do Hindus, from time immemorial to… Read More »Horoscopes and Astrology
Spiritualistic Black Magic
Introduction by H.P.B. to a letter by “Caledonian Theosophist” Certain allegations by a “Caledonian Theosophist,” as to the spread of immoral ideas and even practices,… Read More »Spiritualistic Black Magic
[On Vegetarianism and the Murder of Innocent Animals]
Selection from the Article “Indian Agricultural Reform” by J. J. Meyrick | Note by H.P.B. . . . A great loss of valuable food would be avoided if… Read More »[On Vegetarianism and the Murder of Innocent Animals]
Occult Accoustics
Letter to the Editor, from “A” F.T.S. | Reply by H.P.B. In your instructive and interesting note to the article headed, “Tharana or Mesmerism,” published… Read More »Occult Accoustics
[On Spirit and Matter]
Selections from the Article “Karma” by A. Govinda Charlu | Reply by H.P.B. 1. We start with the supposition that the Karma (or merit) theory… Read More »[On Spirit and Matter]
The Rationale of Fasts
Letter from H. Hardy | Reply by H.P.B. Knowing the interest you take in Oriental philosophy, will you kindly allow me to ask you or… Read More »The Rationale of Fasts
[Common Esotericism of East and West]
Selection from a Letter to the Editor (in response to a review of The Perfect Way) by it’s authors: Dr. Anna Kingsford and Edward Maitland… Read More »[Common Esotericism of East and West]
[On “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena”]
Selections from J. D. Buck’s Letter to the Editor, titled: “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena” | Note and Reply by H.P.B. . . . Fortified by the outlines of… Read More »[On “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena”]
A Spectral Warning
A respectable American paper publishes a story of a clairvoyant prevision of death. One Martin Delehaute, employed in a steam sawmill, saw one night at… Read More »A Spectral Warning
[Numbers, Harmony, and Correspondences or Affinities]
Article selection by John Tyndall | Note by H.P.B. . . . The union of bodies in fixed and multiple proportions constitutes the basis of… Read More »[Numbers, Harmony, and Correspondences or Affinities]
[Notes on the “Philosopher’s Stone”]
Selections from HPB’s translation of Éliphas Lévi’s “Rituel de la Haute Magie” | Notes by H.P.B. . . . This stone is one and multiple; it… Read More »[Notes on the “Philosopher’s Stone”]
A Mysterious Race
While travelling from the landing place—on the Madras “Buckingham Canal”—to Nellore, we were made to experience the novel sensation of a transit of fifteen miles… Read More »A Mysterious Race
Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research
The first number of the journal of this new Society is full of interesting matter and indicates that our sister association will do good work… Read More »Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research
A Freethinker in Palestine
[Review of The Book of the Chronicles of the Pilgrims in the Land of Yahweh. By D. M. Bennett (N. Y., 1882).] Of Mr. Bennett’s… Read More »A Freethinker in Palestine
The Poor Brutes
“’Twere all as good to ease one beast of grief, As sit and watch the sorrows of the world, In yonder caverns with the priests… Read More »The Poor Brutes
How a “Chela” Found His “Guru”
. . . When we met last at Bombay I told you what had happened to me at Tinnevelly. My health having been disturbed by… Read More »How a “Chela” Found His “Guru”
[“Time, Space, and Eternity”]
Introductory Notes by H.P.B. to a Review by M. A. (Oxon) We find a review in the Notes by the Way by “M. A. (Oxon)”… Read More »[“Time, Space, and Eternity”]
The Utterances of Ramalingam Pillay
The communication from an esteemed brother, Mr. Velayudam Mudaliar, F.T.S., Tamil Pandit in the Madras Presidency College, which appeared in The Theosophist for July last,… Read More »The Utterances of Ramalingam Pillay
The Freethinkers’ “Salvation Army”
To the Editor of The Philosophic Inquirer. My dear Colleague and Brother,—I do not generally read the Thinker (an Anglo-Tamil Journal), the “crusader against superstition,… Read More »The Freethinkers’ “Salvation Army”
Atmanatmaviveka (Discrimination of Spirit and Not-Spirit)
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)
Occult and Spiritual Phenomena in the Light of Modern Science
I have just received Light—the ablest of the Spiritual periodicals of England—of September 23, and read its “NOTES BY THE WAY,” contributed by “M. A.… Read More »Occult and Spiritual Phenomena in the Light of Modern Science
The Arya and its “Outstation” Correspondence
There exists a class of men—among the great variety composing genus homo—who, by their modes of thought and action, have to be viewed as a… Read More »The Arya and its “Outstation” Correspondence
[Adepts and Marriage]
Article selection from “The Three Grades of Ancient Theosophists,” by A. Sankariah, F.T.S. | Note by H.P.B. . . . They are but nominal Theosophists who are… Read More »[Adepts and Marriage]
Is Suicide a Crime?
Letter by “Inquirer” | Reply by H.P.B. The writer in the London Spiritualist for November, who calls the “Fragments of Occult Truth” speculation-spinning, can hardly,… Read More »Is Suicide a Crime?