The Theosophical Library

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The Cure of Diseases

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

Mortal ills and the needs of the stomach rank next after the instinct of self-preservation among all the subjects which… Read More »The Cure of Diseases

Cup-Mark Inscriptions

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

H. Rivett-Carnac, Esquire, of the Bengal Civil Service, C.I.E., F.S.A., M.R.A.S., F.G.S., etc., has placed us under obligations by sending… Read More »Cup-Mark Inscriptions

The Buddha’s Teaching of the Logos

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, October, 1929

For millenniums the Brahman community has dominated the religious and intellectual life of India. It may be added that, today,… Read More »The Buddha’s Teaching of the Logos

Porphyry, On Abstinence from Animal Food

Translation/ by Thomas Taylor, 1823

Book One 1. Hearing from some of our acquaintance, O Firmus,1 that you, having rejected a fleshless diet, have again… Read More »Porphyry, On Abstinence from Animal Food

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… Read More »Theosophical Theories of the Microcosm

The Songs of the Master

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, October-December, 1896 & February, 1897 [Serialized]

I. In the Bhagavad Gita, first translated and best known of all the Sacred Books of the East, there is… Read More »The Songs of the Master

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,… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 1:8-2:21 (The Mysteries of Sound 2)

The Opening Eyelids of the Morn

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

“There is a small white lotus bud in this house of the Soul; in it there is a firmament, and… Read More »The Opening Eyelids of the Morn

The Sacred Tree of Kum Bum

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

Thirty-seven years ago, two daring Lazarist Missionaries who were attached to the Roman Catholic Mission establishment at Pekin, undertook the… Read More »The Sacred Tree of Kum Bum

The Oxonians and Theosophy Again

Editorial/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Journal of The Theosophical Society, February, 1884

Barring an occasional drop of gall in the cup of Hippocrates, our esteemed antagonists of the Oxford Mission are very… Read More »The Oxonians and Theosophy Again

Whipped into Admission

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

When the Heliocentric system was finally and irretrievably established, and no escape from it was found possible, the Church, letting… Read More »Whipped into Admission

Professor Max Müller on Buddhism

Editorial/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, October, 1889

The distinguished Sanskritist Max Müller delivered last year before the University of Glasgow a series of lectures—called Gifford Lectures—upon Religions,… Read More »Professor Max Müller on Buddhism

Cautions in Paragraphs

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

Do not make statements that tend to mix up the Theosophical Society with any religious belief, political theory, or social… Read More »Cautions in Paragraphs

The History of a “Book”

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Pioneer, March, 1880

As the indications in the press all point towards a Russian reign of terror, either before or at the death… Read More »The History of a “Book”

H. P. B. was Not Deserted by the Masters

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, Theosophy, April, 1896 [Posthumously Published]

There are certain things connected with the personality of the great leader which have to be referred to and explained… Read More »H. P. B. was Not Deserted by the Masters

Materialistic Science (A Summary)

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Theosophist, January, 1889

In the August number of this Magazine, in an essay entitled “Two Thousand Years Ago,” I endeavoured to show that… Read More »Materialistic Science (A Summary)

Lovers of the East: Anquetil Duperron (1731-1805)

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

Who opened the doors of the east to the west? Who brought to the west the light of the east?… Read More »Lovers of the East: Anquetil Duperron (1731-1805)

Esoteric Axioms and Spiritual Speculations

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

In a lengthy review of A. Lillie’s book, Buddha and Early Buddhism, by M. A. (Oxon), our esteemed friend, the… Read More »Esoteric Axioms and Spiritual Speculations

Blavatsky’s Influence

Article/ by Mark Casady, Theosophy Nexus, October, 2015 & May, 2016 [Serialized]

[Part 1] I think since around the mid-80s, Blavatsky has been getting wider recognition for her influence on contemporary spirituality.… Read More »Blavatsky’s Influence

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… Read More »Philological and Archæological “Difficulties”

Is Heredity a Puzzle?

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

A well known writer in Harper’s Magazine said lately “Heredity is a Puzzle.” He then proceeded, “The race is linked… Read More »Is Heredity a Puzzle?

The Buddha’s Cosmology

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, January, 1930

The teaching of the Buddha, particularly where it is most profound and spiritual, is for all practical purposes identical with… Read More »The Buddha’s Cosmology

“Isis Unveiled” and the “Theosophist” on Reincarnation

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

In Light (July 8) C.C.M. quotes from the THEOSOPHIST (June 1882) a sentence which appeared in the Editor’s Note at… Read More »“Isis Unveiled” and the “Theosophist” on Reincarnation

Masters, Adepts, Teachers, and Disciples

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

This article is meant for members of the T.S., and chiefly for those who keep H.P.B. much in mind, whether… Read More »Masters, Adepts, Teachers, and Disciples

A Concise Exposition of Chaldaic Dogma, by Psellus

Commentary/Translation/ by Thomas Taylor, The Classical Journal, December, 1817; March, June, 1818 [Serialized] [Extracted from “Collection of the Chaldean Oracles.”]

“They assert that there are seven corporeal worlds, one Empyrean and the first; after this, three etherial, and then three… Read More »A Concise Exposition of Chaldaic Dogma, by Psellus

Each Member a Centre

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, October, 1895

Some years ago one of those Masters in whom so many of our members believe directed H.P.B. to write a… Read More »Each Member a Centre

The Antiquity of India

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Forum (2nd Series), August, 1904

In previous articles on Primeval Man,1 we have tried to outline and develop a view of the unfolding of history,… Read More »The Antiquity of India

A Spectral Warning

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

A respectable American paper publishes a story of a clairvoyant prevision of death. One Martin Delehaute, employed in a steam… Read More »A Spectral Warning

Spiritualistic Morals in London

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

Letter from “British Theosophist” | Reply by H.P.B. TO THE EDITOR OF THE “THEOSOPHIST” As a Theosophist and lover of… Read More »Spiritualistic Morals in London

Occult Arts

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, October-December, 1893; January, 1894 [Serialized]

No. I. Precipitation The word “precipitation” means to throw upon or within. This term is used in chemistry to describe… Read More »Occult Arts

[Evidence of the Existence of Mahatmas]

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

Editorial Note on the Article “The Himalayan Brothers—Do they Exist?” by Mohini M. Chatterji Editor’s Note. [H.P.B.]—Secondary evidence is no… Read More »[Evidence of the Existence of Mahatmas]

Dialogues Between the Two Editors: On Astral Bodies, or Doppelgangers

Article/Q & A/ by H. P. Blavatsky with Mabel Collins, , Lucifer Magazine, December, 1888

M. C. Great confusion exists in the minds of people about the various kinds of apparitions, wraiths, ghosts or spirits. Ought we… Read More »Dialogues Between the Two Editors: On Astral Bodies, or Doppelgangers

[Review:] “The Light of Asia”

Review/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1879

[Review of The Light of Asia, by Sir Edwin Arnold] A timely work in poetical form, and one whose subject—perfect though… Read More »[Review:] “The Light of Asia”

A Case of Obsession

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

A most interesting and instructive letter has been addressed to the Society by a respectable physician in England, in which… Read More »A Case of Obsession

Will and Desire

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Lucifer Magazine, October, 1887

[Note: in the pages of Lucifer, aphorisms or brief explanations of specific topics, like the following, often appear at the… Read More »Will and Desire

Work for Theosophy

Article/Lecture/ by Robert Crosbie, Theosophy Magazine, November-December, 1940; January-February, 1941 [Posthumously Published] [Serialized]

It is futile to accept revelations on anybody’s say-so. They convey no knowledge, and it is actual knowledge that is… Read More »Work for Theosophy

The Indian Renaissance

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

At the close of the nineteenth century, the scientific ideal was already visibly losing its power. Very strange; yet an… Read More »The Indian Renaissance

Christmas Then and Christmas Now

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

We are reaching the time of the year when the whole Christian world is preparing to celebrate the most noted… Read More »Christmas Then and Christmas Now

True Progress

Article/Story/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, July, 1890

Perhaps those who have engaged in discussions about whether it is more advisable to become acquainted with the Astral Plane… Read More »True Progress

Is Poverty Bad Karma?

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, July, 1891

The question of what is good Karma and what bad has been usually considered by theosophists from a very worldly… Read More »Is Poverty Bad Karma?

Fifteen Years Ago

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

Fifteen years ago in November the Theosophical Society was started at the residence of H.P. Blavatsky in Irving Place, New… Read More »Fifteen Years Ago

“Spirit” Pranks Intra Caucasus (intro)

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

“Verily . . . Truth is often stranger than fiction!” Some three months ago, the Yankee-Irish editor of a unimportant, third-class Anglo-Indian… Read More »“Spirit” Pranks Intra Caucasus (intro)

“Lieutenant-Colonel St. Anthony”

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

In 1808 Juan VI, then Prince-Regent of Portugal, fearing Napoleon I, made his escape to Brazil; and in 1815, was… Read More »“Lieutenant-Colonel St. Anthony”

Is Suicide a Crime?

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

Letter by “Inquirer” | Reply by H.P.B. The writer in the London Spiritualist for November, who calls the “Fragments of… Read More »Is Suicide a Crime?

Mars and Mercury

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

In the June Path there was printed a review of a pamphlet issued by the London Lodge T. S., and… Read More »Mars and Mercury

Claiming to be Jesus

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, November, 1895

In one of the letters written by the Master K.H. and printed by Mr. Sinnett it is said the world… Read More »Claiming to be Jesus

The Future and the Theosophical Society

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

In 1888 H.P. Blavatsky wrote: “Night before last I was shown a bird’s eye view of the theosophical societies. I… Read More »The Future and the Theosophical Society

The Books of Hidden Wisdom

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

. . . Beheld the Gods all, sweatless, steady-eyed, their flower-wreaths fresh and dust-free, as they stood, touching not the… Read More »The Books of Hidden Wisdom

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