A.L. Rawson and H.P.B.’s World Travels
Albert Leighton Rawson is famous in theosophical history for two things; first, he is a major witness of HPB’s travels and second, he claims to… Read More »A.L. Rawson and H.P.B.’s World Travels
theosophical movement
Writings related to the modern Theosophical Movement. See also: Theosophy.
Blavatsky’s Influence
[Part 1] I think since around the mid-80s, Blavatsky has been getting wider recognition for her influence on contemporary spirituality. With the completion of her… Read More »Blavatsky’s Influence
Charles Johnston: A Biography
As one author notes, Charles Johnston “left us very little in the way of autobiography,—if biography still mean to us, as it had ceased to… Read More »Charles Johnston: A Biography
Some Clarifications Regarding H. P. Blavatsky
Blavatsky herself, I find was quite articulate in stating her case and a lot of the common critiques and misconceptions about her had already been… Read More »Some Clarifications Regarding H. P. Blavatsky
The Corresponding Secretary
To The casual reader, the original Constitution or “By-laws of the Theosophical Society,” as published with its Preamble1 on October 30, 1875, signify little more than a… Read More »The Corresponding Secretary
Our Directives: A Study of the Evolution of the “Objects of the T.S.”—from 1875 to 1891
Inspired by the conviction that the Theosophical Society was the inevitable outgrowth of the spiritual demands of the century, its Founders valiantly strove, without concealment… Read More »Our Directives: A Study of the Evolution of the “Objects of the T.S.”—from 1875 to 1891
H. P. Blavatsky and the Theosophical Movement
Prefatory Note Foreword Chapter 1: Introductory Chapter 2: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky Chapter 3: Training in Chelaship Chapter 4: From Apprenticeship to Duty Chapter 5: Work… Read More »H. P. Blavatsky and the Theosophical Movement
Memorabilia of H.P.B.
When the editor of the Canadian Theosophist asked me, several years ago, to write my memoirs of H. P. B., I declined to do so, explaining… Read More »Memorabilia of H.P.B.
[The Original Programme of The Theosophical Society]
[Note: for historical context, see the introduction by C. Jinarajadasa and the appendices in the 1931 printing, as well as in the Blavatsky Collected Writings… Read More »[The Original Programme of The Theosophical Society]
Letters That Have Helped Me (Vol. 2)
[Dedication] In DevotionTO THE IMMORTALSand inthe Service of Humanitythis little bookis laidUpon the Altar —June, 1905 The Master’s love is bountiful; its light shines upon thy… Read More »Letters That Have Helped Me (Vol. 2)
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
My sister, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, nee de Hahn, better known in our country under the nom de plume of Radha-Bai, which she adopted for her writings in Russia,… Read More »Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
About “The Secret Doctrine”
I have been asked to write anything known to me personally about the writing of The Secret Doctrine by H.P.B. As but little time was then… Read More »About “The Secret Doctrine”
The First Object of the Theosophical Society
The three principal objects of the Theosophical Society as laid down in the books are: First, “To form a nucleus of a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity without… Read More »The First Object of the Theosophical Society
The Path’s Fifth Year
Our Magazine has turned the last corner of the square and now enters up an it’s fifth year. Whether it shall live ten or twenty… Read More »The Path’s Fifth Year
The Tract-Mailing Scheme
The General Secretary heartily thanks those Brethren who have responded to the call “To Theosophists Willing to Work,” and congratulates them that the number now… Read More »The Tract-Mailing Scheme
To Theosophists Willing to Work
For some 18 months past, private zeal has carried out a system by which a single copy of one of the tracts expounding popularly some… Read More »To Theosophists Willing to Work
The Key to Theosophy
BEING A CLEAR EXPOSITION, IN THE FORM OF QUESTION AND ANSWER, OF THE ETHICS, SCIENCE, AND PHILOSOPHY FOR THE STUDY OF WHICH THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY… Read More »The Key to Theosophy
A Chat with Correspondents
One illustration of the expansion of Theosophical interest through this country is found in the growth of business during the last two years in the… Read More »A Chat with Correspondents
Theosophical Tracts
Earnest Theosophists, of small means and opportunity, often inquire what one thing they can do to further the spread of Truth and contribute to the… Read More »Theosophical Tracts
“Peace with Honor” or “A Scientific Frontier”
The Path has never been a controversial magazine, and does not intend to be. But it cannot in justice to its readers fail to notice… Read More »“Peace with Honor” or “A Scientific Frontier”
Force of Prejudice
“The difference is as great between The optics seeing, as the objects seen. All manners take a tincture from our own, Or some discolour’d through… Read More »Force of Prejudice
“Madame Blavatsky’s Income”
Will you give place for a small act of justice? In your issue of June 15, Rev. David Swing has an article entitled “A New… Read More »“Madame Blavatsky’s Income”
“Reply to the Attack on Madame Blavatsky”
EDITOR OF GOLDEN GATE: In view of the Coues-Collins attack upon Theosophy and Mme. Blavatsky, I wish to say: I have read, and do now… Read More »“Reply to the Attack on Madame Blavatsky”
A Circulating Library
A theosophical circulating Library has been established at the General Secretary’s office in New York, Room 47, 21 Park Row. Donations of money and books… Read More »A Circulating Library
The New Cycle (Le Cycle Nouveau)
We cannot inaugurate this first issue of an official and strictly Theosophical Magazine without giving our readers some information that seems essential to us. Indeed,… Read More »The New Cycle (Le Cycle Nouveau)
End of Our Third Year
With this number the third year of The Path’s existence comes to an end. The only definite rule we made in the conduct of the… Read More »End of Our Third Year
Why the Theosophical Society is Poor
A very great difference is to be observed between the condition of the treasury of our society, especially of the East Indian section, and that… Read More »Why the Theosophical Society is Poor
Blavatsky Still Lives
The Very Latest News From the World of Occultism—Blavatsky and her Mahatmas Mr. W. Q. Judge, who is the head of the theosophical organizations of… Read More »Blavatsky Still Lives
The Test of Theosophic Interest
The test of Theosophic interest is precisely the test of every other kind of interest,—What one will do to promote it. And here, obviously, two… Read More »The Test of Theosophic Interest
Letters That Have Helped Me [Vol. 1]
[Dedication] To Z. L. Z., the Greatest of the Exiles, and Friend of all Creatures; from his Younger Brother, the Compiler. —Jasper Niemand, 1891 Preface… Read More »Letters That Have Helped Me [Vol. 1]
“Esoteric Buddhism” and the “Secret Doctrine”
Letter by A. P. Sinnett | Notes and Closing Remark by H. P. B. In reference to various remarks concerning “Esoteric Buddhism” which appear in the course of… Read More »“Esoteric Buddhism” and the “Secret Doctrine”
A Servant of the Masters: Col. Henry S. Olcott
A Pioneer in a great movement, such as that represented by the Theosophical Society, should be known to the contemporary members of the organization, who… Read More »A Servant of the Masters: Col. Henry S. Olcott
The Third Year
This magazine begins its third year with the present number. While we are not sectarian, we acknowledge having a definite object in view in all… Read More »The Third Year
Two Years on the Path
Twenty-four months ago this Magazine was started. It was then the second periodical devoted solely to the Theosophical Society’s aims, and the only one in… Read More »Two Years on the Path
“Let Every Man Prove His Own Work”
Such is the title of a letter received by the Editors of Lucifer. It is of so serious a nature that it seems well to… Read More »“Let Every Man Prove His Own Work”
The Signs of the Times
It is intensely interesting to follow season after season the rapid evolution and change of public thought in the direction of the mystical. The educated… Read More »The Signs of the Times
[Review: The Theosophist]
The Theosophist: a magazine of Oriental Philosophy, Art, Literature, and Occultism, conducted by H. P. Blavatsky, and H. S. Olcott, Permanent President of the T.… Read More »[Review: The Theosophist]
Notice to Inquirers
Within the mind and heart of every thoughtful individual there exists some vital question unanswered. Some subject is uppermost, and asserts itself obtrusively with greater… Read More »Notice to Inquirers
[Reviews:] Theosophical and Mystic Publications
The Theosophist, a magazine of Oriental Philosophy, Art, Literature, and Occultism. Conducted by H. P. Blavatsky, and H. S. Olcott, Permanent President of the T.S.,… Read More »[Reviews:] Theosophical and Mystic Publications
[Review: Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research]
Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research: These reports coming out ad libitum, without any definite date, cannot be regarded as periodical. Depending for their… Read More »[Review: Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research]
[On the Life of a True Theosophist]
It is rumoured that A Catechism on Every-Day Life, by a Theosophical writer, is ready for press. Let us hope it will contain no special… Read More »[On the Life of a True Theosophist]
Classification of Principles
[Note: for some background, see: Classification of “Principles”] It seems a pity that the time and energies of our brothers should be employed in a… Read More »Classification of Principles
Misconceptions: A Response to Various Criticisms
A France, why do you misunderstand us? European and American Journalists, why don’t you study genuine Theosophy before criticizing it? Because scientific aristocracy is full… Read More »Misconceptions: A Response to Various Criticisms
What’s in a Name?
What’s in a name? Very often there is more in it than the profane is prepared to understand, or the learned mystic to explain. It… Read More »What’s in a Name?
Theosophical Theories of the Microcosm
The greatest schisms often come about through the supporters of one cause disputing over mere terminology. Mr. Subba Row, in his able addresses on Bhagavad… Read More »Theosophical Theories of the Microcosm
Re-Classification of Principles
[For background, see: Classification of “Principles”] In the May Theosophist (1887 [see “The Constitution of the Microcosm”]) I find the first part of a long… Read More »Re-Classification of Principles
“The Theosophical Mahatmas”
It is with sincere and profound regret—though with no surprise, prepared as I am for years for such declarations—that I have read in the Rochester… Read More »“The Theosophical Mahatmas”
“The Second Wave”
Have you ever stood on the shore, and watched the incoming tide? First a tiny ripple advances a few inches over the yellow sand, then… Read More »“The Second Wave”
Reticence of Mahatmas and Evolution of the Individual
Members of the Theosophical Society and the general public have alike manifested a wide divergence of opinion both as regards the fundamental aim of the… Read More »Reticence of Mahatmas and Evolution of the Individual
Matters Touching Theosophy
To the Editor of the Religio-Philosophical Journal: Will you permit me to say a few words in regard to some correspondence I notice in your… Read More »Matters Touching Theosophy
A Prophecy About Theosophy
There are alleged to exist in India certain Sibylline books called Nadi-grandhams. As the name indicates, they are compilations of astrological statements or predictions, and… Read More »A Prophecy About Theosophy
The Path
This magazine is not intended either to replace or to rival in America The Theosophist, nor any other journal now published in the interest of… Read More »The Path
Theosophy as a Cult in India
[Note: the following includes an initial article from April 1st and a follow-up article from June 3, 1886.] [April 1st, 1886] The pictures fabricated in… Read More »Theosophy as a Cult in India
The So-Called Exposé of Madame Blavatsky
Editors of the Index: Will you give me a little space in your valuable paper for a few words regarding the so-called exposé of Madame… Read More »The So-Called Exposé of Madame Blavatsky
“H. P. Blavatsky on Precipitation and Other Matters”
This is a letter from H. P. Blavatsky to Countess Constance Wachtmeister reprinted verbatim et literatum and in full, portions of which only, as far as we… Read More »“H. P. Blavatsky on Precipitation and Other Matters”
Madame Blavatsky’s Protest
[Note: for background, see “[On the Coulomb Forged Letters]”; “The Collapse of Koot Hoomi”; “To Theosophists and Men of Honour,” The Letters of H. P. Blavatsky to… Read More »Madame Blavatsky’s Protest
[Letter From H. P. Blavatsky to the Editor of Rebus]
Dear Sir: In No. 30 of your interesting journal, on page 276, under “Brief Notes,” I find the following, regarding my arrival in Europe: “It… Read More »[Letter From H. P. Blavatsky to the Editor of Rebus]
Retirement of Madame Blavatsky
The following circular issued to the Branches of the Theosophical Society by the President-Founder, is now, by permission made public:— Headquaters, Adyar, 14th April, 1885.… Read More »Retirement of Madame Blavatsky
Spiritual Progress
Christina Rossetti’s well-known lines: “Does the road wind up-hill all the way? Yes, to the very end. Does the journey take the whole long day?… Read More »Spiritual Progress
“The Collapse of Koot Hoomi”
[Note: for background, see “[On the Coulomb Forged Letters]”] Madame Blavatsky leaves London for India today (Friday). Last night she took farewell of the faithful… Read More »“The Collapse of Koot Hoomi”
[On the Coulomb Forged Letters]
Pamphlet Selections incl. Comments by H.P.B. [Note: for bakckground, see “The Theosophical Society in India,” and the history of the conspiracy of the Coulombs against… Read More »[On the Coulomb Forged Letters]
Mr. Arthur Lillie
[Note: for background, see “Mr. A. Lillie’s Delusions” among other articles.] To the Editor of “Light.” Sir,—When, in my answer to Mr. Arthur Lillie’s “Delusions,”… Read More »Mr. Arthur Lillie
The Theosophical Society in India
[Note: for background, see the history of the conspiracy of the Coulombs against H. P. Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society.] To the Editor of The Times.… Read More »The Theosophical Society in India
Mr. A. Lillie’s Delusions
To the Editor of Light. Sir,— I write to rectify the many mistakes—if they are, indeed, only “mistakes”—in Mr. Lillie’s last letter that appeared in Light of August 2nd,… Read More »Mr. A. Lillie’s Delusions
The Metaphysical Basis of “Esoteric Buddhism”
The pamphlet of Mr. C. C. Massey, an F.T.S., of the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society, is a valuable contribution to the discussion now… Read More »The Metaphysical Basis of “Esoteric Buddhism”
[Note to “Practical Work for Theosophists”]
Letter by Raj Coomar Roy | Note by H.P.B. The objects of the Theosophical Society are very laudable, and if they are realized by the… Read More »[Note to “Practical Work for Theosophists”]
Ghost Stories Galore
Article from 1877 by D.A.C. | Note by H.P.B. [Note: the notes to this article are all signed “Editor,” with the exception of Note 3,… Read More »Ghost Stories Galore
A British Thinker on The Theosophist
One of the ablest philosophical students and writers of Great Britain writes in a private letter to a friend, who has kindly allowed us to… Read More »A British Thinker on The Theosophist
The Oxonians and Theosophy Again
Barring an occasional drop of gall in the cup of Hippocrates, our esteemed antagonists of the Oxford Mission are very kind towards us. In fact,… Read More »The Oxonians and Theosophy Again
Divination by the Laurel Cubes
From a private letter, written by a perfectly reliable and very learned Theosophist in Europe, we copy the following, omitting however the names of the… Read More »Divination by the Laurel Cubes
Mr. Moncure Conway
Under this heading our old well-wisher, a pious Baptist editor in Ceylon, takes an opportunity of snapping at us. As usual, he goes out of… Read More »Mr. Moncure Conway
A Lapsus Calami
[Note: for background, see “The Saracens of Theosophy and the Madras Crusaders” etc.] Says the Editor of the Indian Churchman, in his issue of January 5,… Read More »A Lapsus Calami
From a Letter of an Old Friend and Theosophist
Letter from G. L. Ditson | Reply by H.P.B. . . . Well, my dear friends, I read with boundless satisfaction of your triumphal march,… Read More »From a Letter of an Old Friend and Theosophist
White and Black Magic
Having just had a little leisure I was going over Mirza Moorad Alee’s letter in the Philosophic Inquirer of the 6th Instant. Col. Olcott’s reply… Read More »White and Black Magic
The Neutrality of the Senate House
With reference to a correspondence on the subject of this heading that is now taking place in the Madras Mail, a few remarks will be perhaps timely.… Read More »The Neutrality of the Senate House
Observations on “A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge”
To MADAME H. P. BLAVATSKY, Corresponding Secretary to the Theosophical Society, Madame, After a careful examination of the private and confidential “Letter” addressed to the… Read More »Observations on “A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge”
The Work of the Branches
Notwithstanding the repeated protest of the Parent Theosophical Society, there does yet seem to linger in the minds of individual members and of some Branches,… Read More »The Work of the Branches
My Final Word to the Reply of Mr. Tremeschini
[For some background, see: “A Levy of Arms Against Theosophy”] In the August Bulletin the esteemed “Fellow of the Theosophical Society” promised the reader proof “That if… Read More »My Final Word to the Reply of Mr. Tremeschini
A Great Riddle Solved
On my return to the Head-quarters from the North, where I had accompanied Col. Olcott on his Presidential Tour, I learnt with regret and sorrow… Read More »A Great Riddle Solved
Existence of the Himalayan Mahatmas
Note and Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on an account by Preo Nath Banerjee In May or June last, a young Bengali Brahmachari happened to pass… Read More »Existence of the Himalayan Mahatmas
[Evidence of the Existence of Mahatmas]
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 longer necessary. On November the… Read More »[Evidence of the Existence of Mahatmas]
The Himalayan Brothers—Do They Exist?
“Ask and it shall be given unto you; knock and it shall be opened,” this is an accurate representation of the position of the earnest… Read More »The Himalayan Brothers—Do They Exist?
The Saracens of Theosophy and the Madras Crusaders
Some of the Dailies and Weeklies—English as well as Vernacular—of this benighted Presidency feel very unhappy over the Theosophists. Their editorial plumage is painfully ruffled… Read More »The Saracens of Theosophy and the Madras Crusaders
Important Notice to our Subscribers and Fellows
The Supplement to The Theosophist has hitherto been the only channel of communication between ourselves and our numerous Branches and unattached Fellows, scattered far and wide all over… Read More »Important Notice to our Subscribers and Fellows
The Death of a Great Man
A Master Spirit has passed away from India. Pundit Dayananda Saraswati, the Founder and Supreme Chief of the Arya Samaj of Aryavarta, is gone. The… Read More »The Death of a Great Man
Have we to Lower the Flag of Truce?
The spiritualistic journals, with the honourable and solitary exception of the Banner of Light, lose no opportunity for effecting Quixotic thrusts in the direction of Theosophy.… Read More »Have we to Lower the Flag of Truce?
The Ionian Theosophical Society
The necessity of the organization of committees by our members for the investigation of psychometry and the cognate sciences has been reiterated in these columns… Read More »The Ionian Theosophical Society
Esoteric Buddhism and its Critic
To the Editor of Light. “Bottom. Let me play the lion . . . I will roar, that I will do any man’s heart good to… Read More »Esoteric Buddhism and its Critic
The Lawn-Tennis School of Critics
Those intellectual prodigies of the Lawn-Tennis clubs—Anakim among critics—who swallow the story of Balaam’s speaking “she-ass” but cannot believe in the Reincarnation of her “soul”… Read More »The Lawn-Tennis School of Critics
Paying the Way
The late Artemus Ward, a famous American humorist, wishing to prove his effusive patriotism during the late Civil War, said that he was ready to… Read More »Paying the Way
[The Sacred Brahmanical Thread]
Article selections from “Two Words about Chelaship” by A. Sankariah | Note by H.P.B. There were days when all had belief in esoteric theosophy and… Read More »[The Sacred Brahmanical Thread]
Genteel Beggars
We have just received from a gentleman, an Anglo-Indian Theosophist of the highest rank, and one, whose generous disposition is unfortunately too well known, the… Read More »Genteel Beggars
The Theosophists: As Photographed in the Imperial Census
It may be interesting for our friends to learn how our Association is, or rather was (for now they have learned better) viewed, and its… Read More »The Theosophists: As Photographed in the Imperial Census
Our New Branches
We are happy to notify to our Fellows throughout the world, that in addition to “The Theosophical Society of the French Spiritists” at Paris—(France)—a Branch… Read More »Our New Branches
Our Fifth Year
Again we have the pleasure of noting the continued prosperity of The Theosophist, and the fact that its publication will be continued as heretofore. The experimental… Read More »Our Fifth Year
“Esoteric Buddhism”
Mr. A. P. Sinnett, F.T.S., author of The Occult World, has in the press of Messrs. Trübner and Co. a new volume of Asiatic Esotericism, to which… Read More »“Esoteric Buddhism”
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
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
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
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