The “Elixir of Life”
And Enoch walked with the Elohim, and the Elohim took him.”—GENESIS. The curious information—for whatsoever else the world may think of it, it will doubtless… Read More »The “Elixir of Life”
Answers to Correspondents—Mr. “Joseph Wallace”
No names—but one—having been mentioned in the article “Western ‘Adept’ and Eastern Theosophists;” and positively not one word of an insulting character directly relating to… Read More »Answers to Correspondents—Mr. “Joseph Wallace”
Answers to Correspondents—J.K.
“J.K.”—Your letter headed “Under which ‘adept’ Theosophist?” will not be published, for the following reasons: 1. Personal abuse to the address of the editor, however… Read More »Answers to Correspondents—J.K.
Doomed!
A letter signed by a Mr. R. Barnes Austin of Heathfield, England, addressed to the editor of The Theosophist, has been lying for two months,… Read More »Doomed!
From Madame Blavatsky to Mr. Joseph Cook
Article Selections detailing comments from Mr. Cook’s Lecture | Notes and Reply by H.P.B. [Note: the following was preceded by letters to Mr. Joseph Cook… Read More »From Madame Blavatsky to Mr. Joseph Cook
A Conjurer Among the Spiritualists
Following is an article taken from the Bombay Gazette of January 30, in which we find a new and very important proof of the reality… Read More »A Conjurer Among the Spiritualists
[Notes on the Origin of Freemasonry and the Presence of Adepts in India]
Article Selections from “A Flash of Light upon Occult Freemasonry” | Notes by H.P.B. We are in receipt of an intensely interesting document. It is… Read More »[Notes on the Origin of Freemasonry and the Presence of Adepts in India]
[On Bhuts or Pisachas in India]
Article Selections by S. Ramaswamier | Notes by H.P.B. Some questions have arisen in The Theosophist as to the views of the Hindus in general upon… Read More »[On Bhuts or Pisachas in India]
In Desperate Straits
The emotional letter to the Editor of a Christian journal of London, from a well-known native clergyman of Ceylon, which we copy below, is generously… Read More »In Desperate Straits
“Nature-Spirits and Elementals”
A correspondent of Light having asked Mrs. Emma Hardinge Britten, the famous Spiritualist speaker and author, to state her beliefs as regards the existence of… Read More »“Nature-Spirits and Elementals”
Spiritualism and Occult Truth
The Spiritualist of Nov. 18th takes notice of the article published in the THEOSOPHIST for October under the heading “Fragments of Occult Truth,” but it… Read More »Spiritualism and Occult Truth
The Spirit of the Zoroastrian Religion
Col. Olcott on Zoroastrianism [Editorial from The Theosophist, March, 1882] On the evening of the 14th of January [February?], the President-Founder delivered at the Town Hall… Read More »The Spirit of the Zoroastrian Religion
A Personal Explanation
It is impossible for the Founders of the Theosophical Society to answer more than a few of the attacks made upon them in the Anglo-Indian… Read More »A Personal Explanation
The Aryan-Arhat Esoteric Tenets on the Sevenfold Principles in Man
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probably the Aryan (we shall for the present call it… Read More »The Aryan-Arhat Esoteric Tenets on the Sevenfold Principles in Man
Esoteric Axioms and Spiritual Speculations
In a lengthy review of A. Lillie’s book, Buddha and Early Buddhism, by M. A. (Oxon), our esteemed friend, the critic, takes the opportunity for… Read More »Esoteric Axioms and Spiritual Speculations
“Is it Idle to Argue Further”?
Says Light, in its “Notes by the Way,” edited by M.A. (Oxon):— “The current number of The THEOSOPHIST contains an important manifesto, which establishes and… Read More »“Is it Idle to Argue Further”?
On “Theosophism” in India
Article Selections | Notes and Editor’s Note by H.P.B. From the July number of the Church Missionary Intelligeneer and Record, a London monthly magazine and the… Read More »On “Theosophism” in India
Are Dreams but Idle Visions?
Letter by K. Sarman Banerjee | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. To the Editor of The Theosophist. A few months ago, one Babu Jugut Chunder Chatterjee,… Read More »Are Dreams but Idle Visions?
[Notes on Bhutas or Ghosts]
Article Selections by Piarai Lall Chachondia | Notes by H.P.B. Lakshmibai (The Authentic Story of a Bhut)1 1. A ghost, an earth-bound soul. We give room to… Read More »[Notes on Bhutas or Ghosts]
The Universe in a Nut-Shell
The article on dreams alluded to in the following letter is reprinted with the desired explanatory notes for the information of our readers:— TO THE… Read More »The Universe in a Nut-Shell
The Great Master’s Letter
(Strictly) (Private) & (Confidential) Several good reasons, given to Mahatma K. H., why the T.S. should be a Brotherhood of Humanity. The doctrine we promulgate… Read More »The Great Master’s Letter
A Letter from Madame Blavatsky
Sir,—In the course of your remarks you have made in your issue of the 17th, on the letter of my solicitors, Messrs. Sanderson and Company,… Read More »A Letter from Madame Blavatsky
“The Knight Without Reproach or Fear”
To the Editor of the Bombay Gazette. Sir,—Since you were kind enough to republish in your paper of the 6th instant an article from the… Read More »“The Knight Without Reproach or Fear”
[Crimes of Preachers in the United States]
“The Crimes of Preachers in the United States”1 for the last five years—from May 1876 to May 1881, “translated out of the original newspapers and with previous… Read More »[Crimes of Preachers in the United States]
[Notes on “Weird Phenomena”]
Article by Dr. Ram Das Sen| Editor’s Note by H.P.B. I. The following narrative was related in the presence of a large assemblage of friends… Read More »[Notes on “Weird Phenomena”]
“We Will Not Quarrel But Simply Argue”
Our much respected contemporary Light has taken us quite unexpectedly to task. Turning a sentence of ours—the one which heads the present protest—into a weapon,… Read More »“We Will Not Quarrel But Simply Argue”
[Note on “The Theosophists”]
Article by Gerald Massey | Editor’s Note by H.P. Blavatsky I see from quotations made my “M. A. (Oxon)” in Light for September 17 that… Read More »[Note on “The Theosophists”]
Is Creation Possible for Man?
The Editor of the Theosophist. MADAME, Talking the other day to a friend, who, like me, without being a Theosophist, takes a very great interest… Read More »Is Creation Possible for Man?
Hazy Notions
Enter Ghost. Hamlet: . . . . . . “Ministers of grace, defend us! Be thou a spirit of health, or goblin damn’d Bring with… Read More »Hazy Notions
What is “A Fact”?
Once fairly started on a friendly discussion—not “quarrelling,” we hope—with Light, 1 we may just as well set matters right regarding another topic, about which,… Read More »What is “A Fact”?
Trance Mediums and “Historical” Visions
The reliability of the identification of returning spirits, may be inferred from this bit of fresh intelligence recently received through the Religio-Philosophical Journal, of July… Read More »Trance Mediums and “Historical” Visions
The Theosophist and Hindu Pantheism
It is upon the above subject 1 that we find Mr. Henry Atkinson, of Boulogne, France, treating in the Philosophic Inquirer of Madras. This gentleman… Read More »The Theosophist and Hindu Pantheism
Superstition
Owing to the fanciful reports of superficial and prejudiced travellers, to their entire ignorance of Asiatic religions and—very often, their own—Western nations generally are labouring… Read More »Superstition
[Spiritualism and the Christian Churches]
Magna est veritas et prevalebit. The reality of the phenomena has prevailed, and the Church is now forced to seek alliance with the Spiritualists against… Read More »[Spiritualism and the Christian Churches]
Western “Adepts” and Eastern Theosophists
[Note: for some background, see “Madame Blavatsky on ‘The Himalayan Brothers’”] Since the first appearance of The Occult World the London Spiritualist undertook a series… Read More »Western “Adepts” and Eastern Theosophists
Dayanand Saraswati and his Followers
To the Editor of The Theosophist. Madam: The following is a very important notice received from Benares. Please publish it in your columns, and give your… Read More »Dayanand Saraswati and his Followers
[On the Salvation Army]
Poetry and profanity is the leading feature we find in this month’s otherwise sober English papers, we are sorry to say. There are two short… Read More »[On the Salvation Army]
[On the Gods of the New Dispensation]
Oh, that mine adversary had written a Book! was the sad exclamation of the long-suffering Job. “Oh, that our adversaries had always edited newspapers!” is… Read More »[On the Gods of the New Dispensation]
[Notes on Atman]
Article Selection from “Advice from a Swami” | Notes by H.P.B. I offer you a most valuable advice at the express order of my very… Read More »[Notes on Atman]
[Three Explanations for a Case of “Spirit” Phenomena]
Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on an article titled “The Witchcraft and Demonology of Pictavia” [Note: the following comment by H.P.B. follows an article which gives… Read More »[Three Explanations for a Case of “Spirit” Phenomena]
Bright Spot of Light
MADAME,—In the last issue of your valuable journal, a member of the New York Theosophical Society seeks to be enlightened as to the cause of… Read More »Bright Spot of Light
The Grand Inquisitor
[Dedicated by the Translator to those sceptics who clamour so loudly, both in print and private letters—“Show us the wonder-working ‘Brothers,’ let them come out… Read More »The Grand Inquisitor
The Six-Pointed and Five-Pointed Stars
Our authorities for representing the pentagram or the five-pointed star as the microcosm, and the six-pointed double triangle as the macrocosm, are all the best… Read More »The Six-Pointed and Five-Pointed Stars
The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
The division of the Zodiac into different signs dates from immemorial antiquity. It has acquired a world-wide celebrity and is to be found in the… Read More »The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
Stray Thoughts on Death and Satan
TO THE EDITOR OF THE THEOSOPHIST Madam,—Since you have published a posthumous letter of my Master and beloved friend, the late Éliphas Lévi, I think… Read More »Stray Thoughts on Death and Satan
The Theosophist and Arya Samajist
In the August number of The Theosophist there appeared a short paragraph announcing the death of Pandit Shraddha Ram of Jallunder, Puñjab. Several friends and… Read More »The Theosophist and Arya Samajist
[On the Religious Neutrality of the T.S.]
Letter Selections by Raghu Nandan | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. To the Editor of The Theosophist. Madame,—On Saturday, the 23rd of July, 1881, Shri Shrikrishna Parsanna… Read More »[On the Religious Neutrality of the T.S.]
[Notes on “Who are the Aryas and the Buddhists”]
Article Selections from the Journal of the Hindu Sabha| Notes by H.P.B We find in the “Journal of the Hindu Sabha,” edited by our highly-valued… Read More »[Notes on “Who are the Aryas and the Buddhists”]
[On Col. Olcott’s Opponents in Ceylon]
The rabid Christians in Ceylon seem to have been rather overdoing their game of detraction in the case of the Theosophists. The love of justice… Read More »[On Col. Olcott’s Opponents in Ceylon]
[On Cremation]
Nothing promises to prove more dangerous to the Bible and to the Bible Christians—not even the new Revision of the sacred volume by the combined… Read More »[On Cremation]
[Notes on “Fragments of Occult Truth” 1-3]
Notes by H.P.B. on the first three articles under the title “Fragments of Occult Truth,” written by A. O. Hume. We have received from our… Read More »[Notes on “Fragments of Occult Truth” 1-3]
Fragments of Occult Truth [1-3]
[Note: for the following 5 Fragments by A.P. Sinnett, see “Fragments of Occult Truth [4-8]”] No. 1 We have received from our esteemed Australian Brother… Read More »Fragments of Occult Truth [1-3]
The Moral Law of Compensation
“For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field; and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.”—Job, Chap.… Read More »The Moral Law of Compensation
[Notes on “The New Dispensation Dissected”]
Article Selections by Babu Tripuracharan Banerjea | Notes by H.P.B. Sooner a pard can lose its spots than a theologian his dogmatism. . . .… Read More »[Notes on “The New Dispensation Dissected”]
Letter from Col. Olcott to Mr. H— X—
Colombo, Ceylon, 30th September 1881. Dear Mr. X., The enclosed card, to the Spiritualist, I had written and put under cover to ——— as early… Read More »Letter from Col. Olcott to Mr. H— X—
Miracles
That golden treasury of arcane knowledge—the Catholic Mirror—reports a “magnificent lecture” upon miracles by Archbishop Seguers. It is a “fascinating discourse” on the “manifestations of… Read More »Miracles
“The Claims of Occultism”
This is the heading of an article I find in a London publication, a new weekly called Light, and described as a “Journal Devoted to… Read More »“The Claims of Occultism”
[On Mesmeric Healing]
Insane by Electricity.—A young man, twenty-four years of age, named George Odette, has just been adjudged insane and committed to an asylum for lunatics, in… Read More »[On Mesmeric Healing]
[On the Role of the “Astral Soul” in Phenomena]
Article Selections by N.D.K. | Note and Editor’s Note by H.P.B. The author of “Confessions of a Thug,” “Seeta,” “Tara,” etc. (the well-known Colonel Meadows… Read More »[On the Role of the “Astral Soul” in Phenomena]
[On the “Brothers” and Real Adepts]
Article Selections by C.C.M. and Onesimus | Notes by H.P.B. [Note: for some background, see “Madame Blavatsky on “The Himalayan Brothers””. In The Theosophist for… Read More »[On the “Brothers” and Real Adepts]
[Notes on Planetary Spirits and “Always Existing” Entities]
Translation Selections by Alexander Wilder | Notes by H.P.B. (Continued from No. 22 [July, 1881]) Iamblichus: A Treatise on the Mysteries A New Translation, by… Read More »[Notes on Planetary Spirits and “Always Existing” Entities]
The Theosophist in Ceylon
To the Editor of the Sun— Sir: In The Sun you notice a paper published in Ceylon by the Theosophical Society, but I am sure… Read More »The Theosophist in Ceylon
Madame Blavatsky on “The Himalayan Brothers”
Sir— “On the authority of an adept” (?) “they” (the Theosophists and Madame Blavatsky) “are all mediums under the influence of the lower spirits.” Such… Read More »Madame Blavatsky on “The Himalayan Brothers”
The Five-Pointed Star
Of late numerous letters have been received in The THEOSOPHIST office concerning the efficacy of the mysterious Pentagram. Our Eastern readers are perhaps unaware of… Read More »The Five-Pointed Star
Spotless Murderers
Some time ago we noted the cheering fact (for murderers) that George Nairns, a drunken beast who killed a poor Hindu at Calcutta, and subsequently… Read More »Spotless Murderers
Sobs, Sods and Posies
A few weeks ago, one George Nairns, a British sailor, brutally murdered at Calcutta a poor police sepoy who was quietly standing on his beat,… Read More »Sobs, Sods and Posies
The “Occult World” and the “Spiritualist”
Having just read in the London Spiritualist a review of Mr. Sinnett’s book “The Occult World,” I find in it more than a doubt expressed… Read More »The “Occult World” and the “Spiritualist”
[On the “Hide and Seek” Policy of the Christian God]
Article Selections from “Our Ceylon Work”| Note by H.P.B. The Ceylon Times, of Colombo, of June 8, noticing the good work of our President in that island,… Read More »[On the “Hide and Seek” Policy of the Christian God]
[On Adepts Living Apart from Society]
The British Theosophical Society We have received no official report as yet from those quarters though we hope to publish the Secretary’s Report next month.… Read More »[On Adepts Living Apart from Society]
[On “The New Dispensation”]
Under the heading of “Forgiveness and Chastisement” the New Dispensation, comparing its members to Jesus when whipping out the money-changers from the temple, takes us… Read More »[On “The New Dispensation”]
[On the Death of Émile Littré]
The nefarious influence of the year 1881 is still asserting itself. The assassination of the President of the United States, General Garfield, follows the murder… Read More »[On the Death of Émile Littré]
[On “Stone-Showers”]
Article Selections from a letter by A. J. Riko | Note and Editor’s Note by H.P.B. [Note: see also [Note on “Stone-Throwing by ‘Spirits’”]] Following… Read More »[On “Stone-Showers”]
Canonization of a New Saint
The last mail from Europe informs us of the canonization of a new Saint who, if he takes his mundane habits to heaven, will be… Read More »Canonization of a New Saint
A Reply to Our Critics
In the ordinary run of daily life speech may be silver, while “silence is gold.” With the editors of periodicals devoted to some special object… Read More »A Reply to Our Critics
The Evidence of Science
From Professor Hare, the great American chemist, a world-wide celebrity, a quarter of a century ago, down to Professor Zöllner, the Leipzig astronomer in 1878,… Read More »The Evidence of Science
Science, Phenomena, and the Press
Fiat Justitia, ruat coelum is not the motto of our century. Nothing is so amusing as to watch at every fresh exposure of some tricky… Read More »Science, Phenomena, and the Press
[Review:] The Scientific Basis of Spiritualism
Having already (p. 139, Vol. II, Theosophist) borne testimony to the admirable moral qualities and intellectual endowments of our lamented friend, the late Epes Sargent,… Read More »[Review:] The Scientific Basis of Spiritualism
[Note on Confusion about Theosophy and Theosophists]
Article Selections from “The Hindu Sabha”| Notes by H.P.B. The Hindu Sabha. Inaugurated A.D. 1880—Kali Era 4882. Affiliated to The Theosophical Society, Bombay. The members… Read More »[Note on Confusion about Theosophy and Theosophists]
[Notes on the Theosophical Society, Christianity, Buddhism and Vedanta]
Article Selections from “The Work of the Theosophical Societies” | Notes by H.P.B. Extracts from the President’s Letters to the Bombay Headquarters Thursday, May 12,… Read More »[Notes on the Theosophical Society, Christianity, Buddhism and Vedanta]
[Notes on Two Stories of Phenomena]
Article Selections from “The Five Pointed Star” | Notes and Editor’s Note by H.P.B. To Madame H. P. Blavatsky, . . . Circumstances of a… Read More »[Notes on Two Stories of Phenomena]
[Notes on “A Letter from Surb Ohannes”]
Article Selections by the Adept Hillarion Smerdis (signed “X. . . F.T.S.”) | Notes by H.P.B. . . . Your archaeologists and ethnologists are yet… Read More »[Notes on “A Letter from Surb Ohannes”]
Lamas And Druses
Mr. L. Oliphant’s new work “Land of Gilead” attracts considerable attention. Reviews appeared some time since, but we had to lay the subject aside until… Read More »Lamas And Druses
Apollonius Tyaneus and Simon Magus
In the “History of the Christian Religion to the year two hundred,” by Charles B. Waite, A.M., announced and reviewed in the Banner of Light… Read More »Apollonius Tyaneus and Simon Magus
A Psychic Warning
Letter by A. Constantine, Esq. | Editor’s Note by H. P. Blavatsky Can any of the numerous readers of the Theosophist enlighten me as to… Read More »A Psychic Warning
Stars and Numbers
Ancient civilization saw nothing absurd in the claims of astrology, no more than many an educated and thoroughly scientific man sees in it today. Judicial… Read More »Stars and Numbers
Native Astrologers
By Khansaher Darasha Dosabhoy, F.T.S., Deputy-Collector at Sholapur. | Editor’s Note by H.P. Blavatsky Insurance Companies Beware! “I am already known to you as a… Read More »Native Astrologers
[Notes on the Czar and the “Nihilist-Socialists”]
A strange phenomenon happened, write the Russian papers. “There was a sign in heaven on the day of the regicide. On March 1 about 10… Read More »[Notes on the Czar and the “Nihilist-Socialists”]
“Praise Him With The Timbrel And Dance”
. . . “Let the children of Zion . . . praise the Lord’s name in the dance. . . with the timbrel and harp”… Read More »“Praise Him With The Timbrel And Dance”
The Occult World
THE OCCULT WORLD BY A. P. SINNETT 1885 Second American, from the Fourth English Edition, with The Author’s Corrections and a New Preface. [The Preface… Read More »The Occult World
The State of Russia
“Heaven save us from beholding a Russian insurrection, senseless and merciless. Those who in our country would bring about all manner of violent revolutions, are either… Read More »The State of Russia
Count Saint Germain
At long intervals have appeared in Europe certain men whose rare intellectual endowments, brilliant conversation, and mysterious modes of life have astounded and dazzled the… Read More »Count Saint Germain
Ancient Doctrines Vindicated by Modern Prophecy
The German press has recently attempted in numerous editorials to solve what seems a mystery to the ordinary and sceptical public. They feel that they… Read More »Ancient Doctrines Vindicated by Modern Prophecy
A “Medium” Wanted
We extract the following from a letter, dated April 7—from an esteemed friend of ours, a native gentleman and a Fellow of our Society at… Read More »A “Medium” Wanted
Human Life at High Altitudes
Doubt has been expressed of the correctness of the statement that Indian Yogis have lived and still reside at extreme altitudes in the Himalayas. It… Read More »Human Life at High Altitudes
[On Ceylon and Christian Converts]
Complying with the pressing invitations of our Buddhist brothers, our President, Col. Olcott, is again on his way to Ceylon. He sailed on April 22,… Read More »[On Ceylon and Christian Converts]
[On the Sūryaprajñapti]
The learned principal of Benares college—Dr. G. Thibaut—has laid us under obligations by the presentation of a copy of the paper On the Sûryaprajñapti, which… Read More »[On the Sūryaprajñapti]
[A Missionary Demand]
The Bombay Guardian, an organ of the Methodist sect, recently expressed in strong terms the decided opinion that the Government of India should “demand of… Read More »[A Missionary Demand]
[Notes on Dharma and Paramatma]
Article Selections by Vishnu Bawa’s “True Religion Defined” | Notes by H.P.B. What is dharma, or that which is popularly interpreted to be Religion? Or rather,… Read More »[Notes on Dharma and Paramatma]
[Note on “A Hindu Story of Re-Incarnation”]
Article Selections from a Story by “A Kshatriya Lady” | Note by H.P.B. . . . there lived, about forty years ago, a Brahman names… Read More »[Note on “A Hindu Story of Re-Incarnation”]
A False “Witness”
The Lucknow Witness, it appears, indulged some time since in a bit of casuistical morality at the expense of the “Theosophists.” The term used by… Read More »A False “Witness”