theosophy

Writings related to the fundamental doctrines of Theosophy. Note: If one begins their study from the oldest writings in serial order, one will get a better sense of the gradual unfolding of theosophical doctrines as they were given out to the world.

Seeming “Discrepancies”

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

Letter by “Caledonian Theosophist” | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. TO THE EDITOR OF THE “THEOSOPHIST.” I have lately been engaged… Read More »Seeming “Discrepancies”

Erroneous Ideas Concerning the Doctrines of the Theosophists

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, La Revue Spirite, January, 1879 [Translated from the original French]

We insert this reply to Monsieur Rossi de Justiniani, but we express no opinion upon the doctrines expounded therein; our… Read More »Erroneous Ideas Concerning the Doctrines of the Theosophists

“A Personal and Impersonal God”

Article/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, February, 1883

A letter signed by H. X. has appeared in the December issue of the Theosophists under the heading abovementioned containing… Read More »“A Personal and Impersonal God”

The New Cycle (Le Cycle Nouveau)

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, La Revue Theosophique, March, 1889 [Translation from the original French]

We cannot inaugurate this first issue of an official and strictly Theosophical Magazine without giving our readers some information that… Read More »The New Cycle (Le Cycle Nouveau)

Prakriti and Purusha

Article/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, July, 1883

The editorial at the head of the article that precedes will explain to the learned Hermit of Almora and the… Read More »Prakriti and Purusha

Universal Applications of Doctrine

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

During the last few years in which so much writing has been done in the theosophical field of effort, a… Read More »Universal Applications of Doctrine

[Notes on “Three Unpublished Essays” by Éliphas Lévi]

Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April-May, 1884 [Serialized]

Essay Selections by Éliphas Lévi (translated from French) | Notes by H.P.B. The three Essays—the first of which is now given—belong… Read More »[Notes on “Three Unpublished Essays” by Éliphas Lévi]

[Answers to Questions on Adepts]

Note(s)/ by Damodar K. Mavalankar, The Theosophist, December, 1883

Questions by D. P. Dhumme | Reply by Damodar K. Mavalankar Madame,—Will you, with your usual kindness, enlighten me on… Read More »[Answers to Questions on Adepts]

Devachan

Note(s)/Q & A/ by H. P. Blavatsky with Franz Hartmann, , The Theosophist, May, 1883

Question by F. Hartmann | Reply by H.P.B. Will you kindly permit me a question? In Vol. IV, No. 2,… Read More »Devachan

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”

Article/ by T. Subba Row with H. P. Blavatsky, , Booklet, January, 1884

To MADAME H. P. BLAVATSKY, Corresponding Secretary to the Theosophical Society, Madame, After a careful examination of the private and… 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”

[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]

[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]

Questions About Esoteric Theosophy Answered

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

Letter by W.H.C.D. | Reply by H.P.B. TO THE EDITOR OF THE THEOSOPHIST I have been studying the pamphlet on… Read More »Questions About Esoteric Theosophy Answered

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

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?

The Almora Swami

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

Editorial Comments and Notes by H.P.B. on a letter from the Swami of Almora. In our February number (see page… Read More »The Almora Swami

Pertinent Questions

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

Questions by H. N. Vakil | Reply by H.P.B. Will you or any of your readers enlighten me on the… Read More »Pertinent Questions

Victims of Words

Editorial/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, February, 1884

The saying has become trite that we are oftener victims of words than of facts. The Theosophical Society has been… Read More »Victims of Words

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

The Future Buddhas

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

Letter by Khetra Mohana Mukhopadhyaya | Notes by H.P.B. On page 144 of Esoteric Buddhism we have the following:— “A Buddha visits… Read More »The Future Buddhas

[Notes on “The God Idea”]

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

Article selections by Babu Raj Narain Bose | Notes by H.P.B. I deem it necessary to reply to some of… Read More »[Notes on “The God Idea”]

[On the Life of a True Theosophist]

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

It is rumoured that A Catechism on Every-Day Life, by a Theosophical writer, is ready for press. Let us hope… Read More »[On the Life of a True Theosophist]

What is Theosophy?

Article/ by Anon. with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, August, 1882 [Article credited to “a Paramahansa¹ of the Himalayas”]

1. Theosophy is that branch of human perfection, by which one may establish himself with the eternal cause of invisible… Read More »What is Theosophy?

The Religion of the Future

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

Occultism teaches us that ideas based upon fundamental truths move in the eternity in a circle, revolving around and filling… Read More »The Religion of the Future

Classification of Principles

LTTE/ by Charles Johnston, The Theosophist, September, 1887

[Note: for some background, see: Classification of “Principles”] It seems a pity that the time and energies of our brothers… Read More »Classification of Principles

Old and New Methods

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

So much information relating to the highest science of Nature has lately been given out to the world through these… Read More »Old and New Methods

Retrogression in Rebirth

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

Letter to the Editor, by H. | Note by H.P.B. In his able review of Mr. Oxley’s “Philosophy of Spirit,”… Read More »Retrogression in Rebirth

[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]

A Levy of Arms Against Theosophy

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

As nearly everywhere else, we have a Branch Society in Paris: a handful or so of members lost among thousands… Read More »A Levy of Arms Against Theosophy

[Proper use of the term Jivatma]

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

Article selection from “The Seven Human Bodies” | Note by H.P.B. In the course of reading the Fragments of Occult… Read More »[Proper use of the term Jivatma]

Nirvana

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

Letter by H. C. Niblett | Note by H.P.B. We are told and have also read a great deal about… Read More »Nirvana

[On Some Confusions about Rings and Rounds]

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

Article selections from “Cosmical Rings and Rounds,” by A Student of Occultism | Notes & Editor’s Note by H.P.B. No.… Read More »[On Some Confusions about Rings and Rounds]

Devachan: Western Stricture and Eastern Version

Article/Note(s)/ by Anon. with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, August, 1883

[The following contains a “Memorandum” sent to A. P. Sinnett, and three replies to that “Memorandum.” H.P.B. mentions that these… Read More »Devachan: Western Stricture and Eastern Version

[Notes on “Mediums and Yogis”]

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

Article Selections by * * * | Notes by H.P.B. Mediums and Yogis What is the Difference Between the Two?… Read More »[Notes on “Mediums and Yogis”]

Some Inquiries Suggested by Mr. Sinnett’s “Esoteric Buddhism”

Letter(s)/ by Frederick W. H. Myers, The Theosophist, September, 1883 [For notes on the authorship of the “Replies,” see Blavatsky CW vol. 5, pp. 129-138]

The [following] questions being of very grave import require to be answered at length: questions involving critical enquiry into the… Read More »Some Inquiries Suggested by Mr. Sinnett’s “Esoteric Buddhism”

About the Mineral Monad

Article/Q & A/ by Anon., The Theosophist, September, 1883 [For notes on authorship see Blavatsky CW vol. 5, pp. 129-138]

5. Is the expression “a mineral monad” authorized by the Adepts? If so, what relation does the monad bear to… Read More »About the Mineral Monad

Occult Study

Article/Lecture/ by A. P. Sinnett, The Theosophist, March, 1884

(The following Paper was read lately by a Theosophist and “Lay Chela” in London to an audience consisting chiefly, but… Read More »Occult Study

Karma: An Appendix to “Fragments of Occult Truth”

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

[Note: see “Fragments of Occult Truth,” No’s 1-3 and 4-8 by A.O. Hume and A.P. Sinnet respectively.] With reference to… Read More »Karma: An Appendix to “Fragments of Occult Truth”

“The Philosophy of Spirit”

Article/ by T. Subba Row with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, May & October, 1882; February, 1883 [Serialized]

[Note: the following addresses the book “The Philosophy of Spirit,” by William Oxley.] The book bearing the above title, and professing… Read More »“The Philosophy of Spirit”

From Theosophy to Shakespeare

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

Notes by H.P.B. on a letter from Mr. Henry G. Atkinson We have received a very interesting letter from Mr.… Read More »From Theosophy to Shakespeare

The Sevenfold Constitution of Man

Article/ by Katherine Hillard, The Path, June, 1890

In the second volume of the Secret Doctrine, p. 81, Mme. Blavatsky bids us remember that to some extent even… Read More »The Sevenfold Constitution of Man

Appendix to “Devachan”

Article/ by Mahatma K. H. with Anon, , The Theosophist, March, 1883 [for evidence of authorship, see Mahatma Letter No. 104]

[For the article to which this is an appendix, see “Fragments of Occult Truth,” No. 6] Appendix A It may… Read More »Appendix to “Devachan”

Kama-Loka and the Bearings of the Esoteric Doctrine on Spiritualism

Article/ by A. P. Sinnett, The Theosophist, February, 1885

Students of the information lately obtained from Eastern sources for the elucidation of what is known as the Esoteric doctrine,… Read More »Kama-Loka and the Bearings of the Esoteric Doctrine on Spiritualism

[Septenary Division in Different Indian Systems]

Article/ by T. Subba Row, The Theosophist, June, 1884 [Originally signed “T.S.”; reprinted in Five Years of Theosophy and The Secret Doctrine; authorship verified as T. Subba Row in the latter.]

We are in a position to state that Mr. Sinnett never intended to maintain that Buddhism, as popularly conceived, is… Read More »[Septenary Division in Different Indian Systems]

Historical Difficulty—Why?

Article/Q & A/ by Anon., The Theosophist, October, 1883 [For notes on authorship see Blavatsky CW vol. 5, pp. 129-138]

6. Is there not some confusion in the letter quoted on p. 62 of Esoteric Buddhism, where “the old Greeks… Read More »Historical Difficulty—Why?

Do the Adepts Deny the Nebular Theory?

Article/Q & A/ by Anon., The Theosophist, September, 1883 [For notes on authorship see Blavatsky CW vol. 5, pp. 129-138]

1. Is the Nebular Theory, as generally held, denied by the Adepts? It seems hard to conceive of the alternate… Read More »Do the Adepts Deny the Nebular Theory?

Reply to An English F.T.S.

Article/Q & A/ by Anon., The Theosophist, September, 1883 [For notes on authorship see Blavatsky CW vol. 5, pp. 129-138]

[Note: the following represents the opening Reply to “Some Inquiries Suggested by Mr. Sinnett’s ‘Esoteric Buddhism’”] It was not in… Read More »Reply to An English F.T.S.

Is the Sun merely a Cooling Mass?

Article/Q & A/ by Anon., The Theosophist, September, 1883 [For notes on authorship see Blavatsky CW vol. 5, pp. 129-138]

2. And, further, the time necessary for the manvantara even of one planetary chain, much more of all seven,—seems largely… Read More »Is the Sun merely a Cooling Mass?

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