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1910. Contents: The Constitution of the Human Being; Reembodiment of the Spirit and Destiny; The Three Worlds; The Path of Knowledge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

barely readable
This is a terrible version of Theosophy. it is filled with typographical errors that make the text next to impossible to read. The chapters are incomplete and don't match up to other texts. Pay more for a better version.

DO NOT BUY THIS EDITION
UGH, why didn't I read the other reviews before I bought this edition?This book is FILLED with the most bizarre typesetting errors you can imagine, which makes it incredibly difficult to read.Sometimes you really do get only what you pay for.I will order another edition, but never again buy a book published by General Books LLC.

Serious lack of editing
Amazon really has no business selling this copy of Theosophy.Some of the pages are nothing but letters, not even words.I ended up ordering a better version from Steiner books.Wish I had known what a terrible edition this copy was and saved myself the money.

Stay away from this edition
This is a review of the General Books edition of Teosophy, and not of the content of Teosophy itself. The General Books edition (at $8 here on Amazon) is obviously a scanned version of the book, with no apparent proof reading after the text recognition (OCR) was done. The result is a book with lots of typos, and some pages are pure garble. Reading Steiner is hard enough, so stay away from this edition unless you totally have to save the few extra dollars to get a read-through version.

Steiner's Architecture of the Subtle Body
This is a good place to begin with Steiner, although the reader should be forewarned that it is not his most characteristic work. That would have to be "An Outline of Esoteric Science" in which Steiner's true vision of the cosmos as a war between invisible angelic beings for possession over the human soul is detailed. This book, on the other hand, contains Steiner's model of the architecture of the subtle body and it is important for understanding the basis of his work, since without the knowledge of the subtle body, nothing else will quite make sense. So it is foundational in that sense.

But the reader coming to it with no prior knowledge of any of Steiner's other ideas may be a little put off by its German academicism, with its dry arranging of concepts into schematic hierarchies. Steiner's model of the subtle body has at least three different versions, a four-fold model, a seven-fold model and a nine-fold model, but the simplest and easiest is the four-fold model of physical body, etheric body, astral body and Ego. This model of the soul is largely derived from the Hindu Vedantic doctrine of the five sheaths within which the Atman is enwrapped, like a mummy.

The physical body is what the human being shares in common with the mineral world. At death, this body returns to the realm of the minerals which have composed it. But animating this physical body and regulating all of its processes of growth and metamorphosis is the etheric body, which is what the human being shares in common with the plant world. The etheric body is what makes living beings live. In the human being, it becomes associated with memory. The astral body, however, is what the human being shares in common with the animal world, since the astral body is essentially waking consciousness and enables animals to move about in space. Any being with a nervous system possesses one. But finally, the human being possesses something which is uniquely human and which animals do not have and which Steiner calls the Ego. By the term "ego," however, he does not mean the Freudian ego or even the Jungian ego, but something closer to the Jungian idea of the "Self" and the ego together. The Ego is that transmigrating monad which hops from body to body over the reincarnation process and it is responsible for the faculties of human freedom and conscious will and decision-making. You won't find anything on reincarnation in this particular Steiner text, however.

He further subdivides the ego into a sensory soul, a consciousness soul and an intelligence soul, which are basically the three faculties of the senses, the intellect and the will.

But you get the idea. This is Steiner's "Theosophy" in a nutshell, and it is a good place for a beginner to start, but the beginner should in no way get the idea that that is all there is to Steiner's vast, gigantic vision. This is only the tip of the tip of the iceberg.

SEE MY LECTURE ON STEINER ON YOU TUBE FOR MORE

--John David Ebert, author of Celluloid Heroes & Mechanical Dragons: Film as the Mythology of Electronic Society ... Read more

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1890. 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 has Been Founded with a Copious Glossary of General Theosophical Terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

REEEER!!!
For someone who teaches that we must be pure in thought and emotion in order to seriously labor for spiritual ends, she sure does like to take shots at mainstream christianity and judaism... The Madame flirts with bigotry in this epic discourse of things she probably shouldn't be writing about because the "science" she reveals has no practical use for the average reader, or the average reader who thinks he/she is above average.

Great Introduction
This book is an excellent introduction to the views of Theosophy, which in many respects is not a religion or a philsophy; it is a helpful guide to distinguish and compare theosophy both to the world religions as they are practiced and the "secret wisdom" that is also found in all world religions.As another reviewer remarked, the Glossary is a very helpful set of definitions for learning further about the theosophical perspective.

A critical masterpiece!
Exhaustive, penetrating, and wholly satisfying, you will refer to this tome for years to come.The A to Z glossary alone has proved invaluable to me as I struggle to understand concepts far weightier than I ever imagined existed!

Best historic Introduction to HPB' theosophy
Almost all expositions of Tibetan Buddhism that are current in the west, logical studies of mahdyamika, ethical studies of prajanaparamita, mantra and tankha practice from the Tantric or Varjayana presume upon an intimate knowledge of the arguments, psychology and metaphysics of a Buddhism as described in this work. Even Madame Blavatksy wrote in Key to Theosophy, a popular introduction to the context of her theosophy embodied in her magnum opus The Secret Doctrine, recommended that the Buddhism of Tsong-kha-pa would be an explanation to her own occultism. It took many years before any attempt was made to summarize or introduce even parts of this work. Not because the text was scarce but that the technical command of Tibetan scholastic language, logic, hermeneutics, and exegeses of Buddhist scripture were needed to approach this powerful work. The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path of Enlightenment is the first of a series of three projected volumes. In this first volume the reader is brought into basic Buddhist teachings as characterized in a Buddhist monastic setting, for people of little or middling capacity in religion to cultivate the awakening of Bodhichitta. The work is being expedited by a committee of exceptional Buddhist scholars and is being translated in a straightforward manner without commentary or cumbersome notes.

Excellent summary of Theosophy
'The Key to Theosophy' is a classic of Theosophical mysticism and esoteric doctrine.This book is a must-have for anyone seriously interested in philosophy or religion.

The name "Theosophy" is derived fromthe ancient Greek for "Divine Wisdom," and is used by theTheosophical Society (founded 1875) to describe a synthesis of philosophy,ancient spiritual mysticism and modern science.

But be aware thatTheosophical works such as 'The Key to Theosophy' present a rathercontroversial view of the universe, and the reader should be prepared for along process of in-depth study and consideration of ideas that do notfollow the normal mainstream of traditional dogma.

The unorthodoxphilosophy contained in 'The Key to Theosophy' has been abused by suchinfamous figures as Adolf Hitler and others.But great personalities suchas Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, andMahatma (Mohandas) Ghandi have also been associated with Theosophicalstudies. This work is a classic among intellectuals of the 19th and 20thcenturies.

'The Key to Theosophy' describes the Universe in terms ofPantheism (which refers to the intimate connection between Divinity andNature, not "multiple gods" as is commonly misunderstood), and inthis way, explains in logical terms a common set of fundamental principlesbehind many of the religions of the world.Theosophy shows therelationship of the Inner Essence of the soul of mankind to the DivineSource, and makes clear the "how" and "why" behind theGolden Rule and all the moral teachings of the various religions.

Inlight of the Theosophical explanations, traditional morals, ethics, andspirituality become more than a set of arbitrary dogmatic rules.For thosewho look closely, even such fundamental Christian principles as salvationand sacrifice become clear.

In addition to 'The Key to Theosophy,' otherworks of Helena Blavatsky, as well as William Q Judge, Annie Bessant, andCharles Ledbeater provide insight into this fascinating area ofphilosophy.

I would particularly recommend 'Man, Visible and Invisible,''Isis Unveiled,' 'Thought Forms,' 'The Hidden Side of Things,' and 'GoldenPrecepts.' ... Read more

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This title has fewer than 24 printed text pages. Turning Point is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Alfred Coppel is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Alfred Coppel then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The author really unlocks the mysteries of the universe!
I really enjoyed this book and believe I'm better for having read it. My increased study of the metaphysical has led me to discover that the best knowledge tends to be found in the older books like this one. This is an extremely important work, and I cannot stress this enough. It's truly a rare and special masterpiece.
What I loved about this book the most is how much ground it covered, the way it put all the pieces of the puzzle together for anyone even a layman to easily understand. It amply covered not only topics I'm very interested and knowledgeable in, but even some things I was not familiar with until now, and it all made perfect sense.

The author really unlocks the mysteries of the universe and lays it all out for us in this book, which is such a fantastic find. I am so happy to have finally gotten my hands on this work, and I heartily recommend it.

I should also add that full and compete editions of this book are not easy to find, and it's important that you get a complete edition so that you don't miss anything. So be careful to make sure that the edition you pick up is the full and complete one.

I highly recommend this book if you are serious in any way about the mysteries that lie beyond the veil.
This is a beautiful work that will help anyone even beginners to understand and grow on their path to their full divine potential. It's is an excellent book for people seeking truth and the perfection that we are all meant to achieve. Rogers has indeed found the truth and handed us the keys to the great mysteries in this comprehensive masterpiece.

It's sad that there are so many people out there who claim to hold the truth but only have a portion of it and refuse to open their eyes and minds. They could benefit immensely from this book, which I believe everyone should read. It's absolutely jam-packed with revelations of monumental significance. I learned so much from it.

I especially enjoyed his teachings on super physical evolution. That's something I'd never read about anywhere else before, and I thought I'd read everything there was. There is always something new to learn and I'm grateful whenever I find a new gem. I firmly believe I was led to this book, which is an amazing and rare find.
This is a book that I intend to recommend to all my friends, and I will have to pick up more books on theosophy now that I've found so many vital truths in this one.I highly recommend this book if you are serious in any way about the mysteries that lie beyond the veil.
... Read more

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What are the essential teachings of Qabbalah, the Jewish esoteric wisdom passed on for millennia from teacher to pupil? This clear presentation concentrates on principal themes: the emanation of the universe, the Sefirothal Tree of Life and its cosmic and human symbology, the Four Worlds of creation, the Four Adams or Heavenly Archetypes, and the composite structure of our being and its bearing on sleep, death, and initiation. To elucidate their meaning, the author compares Qabbalistic concepts and symbols with equivalents in modern theosophy, particularly in the works of H. P. Blavatsky and G. de Purucker, revealing Qabbalah as one stream of the universal wisdom tradition of mankind. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

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A modern expression of the ancient wisdom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Well written book on a non-sensical topic. Save the $$$
Ellwood writes clearly and to the point. However, in my opinion, Theosophy is really neither worth reading nor writing about. I am returning this book hoping that the store where I bought it will give me credit toward the purchase of something more worthy of my time. Really idiotic stuff!

From a true scholar...
I had Dr. Ellwood as a professor last quarter.He is a true scholar, and one who knows how to focus on ultimate questions.I find this work very well written, clear, easy to read, and scholarly.Dr. Ellwood gets into subtleties that I have not found elsewhere.His profundity in reflection, coupled with a clear and precise exposition is refreshing.I would recommend this book without reservation to anyone interested either in Theosophy, or in issues addressed generally in meatphysics.

Arthur Minassian, ESQ.

Theosophy, a modern expression
I liked this book.It was easy to read and understand.I think it is a really good introductory book on the path known as Theosophy.The author lays out the concepts in a concise and precise manner.Good knowledge for beginners on the path. ... Read more

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1915. This simple outline of the teachings of theosophy is intended for those who are commencing their study of the subject, and to be of service to teachers of classes in elementary theosophy. Its only recommendation is its simplicity and directness of statement, to attain which no effort was spared. ... Read more

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We often speak of Theosophy as not in itself a religion, but the truth which lies behind all religions alike. That is so; yet, from another point of view, we may surely say that it is at once a philosophy, a religion and a science. ... Read more

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Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free.This is an OCR edition with typos.Excerpt from book:between the visible universe and the real perceiver within. And all these various powers and potentialities being well worked out in this slow but sure process, at last man is put upon the scene a sevenfold being just as the universe and earth itself are sevenfold. Each of his seven principles is derived from one of the great first seven divisions, and each relates to a planet or scene of evolution, and to a race in which that evolution was carried out. So the first sevenfold differentiation is important to be borne in mind, since it is the basis of all that follows; just as the universal evolution is septenary, so the evolution of humanity, sevenfold in its constitution, is carried on upon a septenary Earth. This is spoken of in Theosophical literature as the Sevenfold Planetary Chain, and is intimately connected with Man's special evolution.CHAPTER III.OMING now to our Earth the view put forward by Theosophy regarding its genesis, its evolution and the evolution of the Human, Animal and other Monads, is quite different from modern ideas, and in some things contrary to accepted theories. But the theories of to-day are not stable. They change with each century, while the Theosophical one never alters because, in the opinion of those Elder Brothers who have caused its repromulgation and pointed to its confirmation in ancient books, it is but a statement of facts in nature. The modern theory is, on the contrary, always speculative, changeable, and continually altered.Following the general plan outlined in preceding pages, the Earth is sevenfold. It is an entity and not a mere lump of gross matter. And being thus an entity of a septenary nature there must be six other globes which roll with it in space. This company of seven globes has been called the "Earth Chain", the "... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Soreley Disappointed
I looked forward to reading this book but the publishing format made it impossible to follow. I sent it back for an exchange and received a copy just like the first. The printing was all convoluted and scrambled. The publisher shrank the book down to fewer pages but failed to edit it properly so what you get is a new chapter that starts with the last two paragraphs of the previous chapter or lines with all capital letters in the middle of the page that were HEADINGS at the top of the page in the original copy. This created a terrible flow to reading causing constant starts and stops to make sense of it all. This is difficult reading for me to start with and I didn't need the scrambled mess confusing me more. I will order this book form another publisher at a later date.

"There is no religion higher than than Truth."
This is the best single volume text on the basics of classical Theosophy that I have found. Personally, I have read it cover-to-cover twice, plus it was the basis of an excellent correspondence course on Theosophy that I took through Theosophical University in Pasedena.

Judge clearly explains all of the more fundamental principles of the perennial philosophy in clear language and well organised chapters. While he does use some of the Sanscrit terminology, he is very careful to render the definition into English as closely as possible. While this book was originally published nearly 110 years ago, I still considerate it the best primer for the serious student (those who go beyond mere pamplets and lectures.)

I am dismayed that so many people seem to think that Theosophy, and the Society, is somehow obsolete and "quaint" in modern times. Look closely at anything of worth in your modern spiritual "revolution"- chances are you will find it all revealed in greater detail in either this volume, or certainly in, _Isis Unveiled_ and _The Secret Doctrine_....

"There is no religion higher than than Truth."
_This is the best single volume text on the basics of classical Theosophy that I have found. Personally, I have read it cover-to-cover twice, plus it was the basis of an excellent correspondence course on Theosophy that I took through Theosophical University in Pasedena.

_Judge clearly explains all of the more fundamental principles of the perenial philosophy in clear language and well organised chapters. While he does use some of the Sanscrit terminology, he is very careful to render the definition into English as closely as possible. While this book was originally published nearly 110 years ago, I still considerate it the best primer for the serious student (those who go beyond mere pamplets and lectures.)

_I am dismayed that so many people seem to think that Theosophy, and the Society, is somehow obsolete and "quaint" in modern times. Look closely at anything of worth in your modern spiritual "revolution"- chances are you will find it all revealed in greater detail in either this volume, or certainly in, _Isis Unveiled_ and _The Secret Doctrine_....

"There is no religion higher than than Truth."
This is the best single volume text on the basics of classical Theosophy that I have found. Personally, I have read it cover-to-cover twice, plus it was the basis of an excellent correspondence course on Theosophy that I took through Theosophical University in Pasedena.

Judge clearly explains all of the more fundamental principles of the perenial philosophy in clear language and well organised chapters. While he does use some of the Sanscrit terminology, he is very careful to render the definition into English as closely as possible. While this book was originally published nearly 110 years ago, I still considerate it the best primer for the serious student (those who go beyond mere pamplets and lectures.)

I am dismayed that so many people seem to think that Theosophy, and the Society, is somehow obsolete and "quaint" in modern times. Look closely at anything of worth in your modern spiritual "revolution"- chances are you will find it all revealed in greater detail in either this volume, or certainly in, _Isis Unveiled_ and _The Secret Doctrine_....

A good previous reading of theosophy
Main Theosophy 's book "The Secret Doctrine" by H.P. Blavatsky is very hard to understand without some previous readings on the subject. I think that "Ocean of Theosophy" is one of those books. It describes many Theosophy subjects such as cosmogenesis, anthropogenesis, reincarnation, death, karma in a more simpler way but it does not mean that it is easy. So this book should be read several time and each time you discover new things that you haven't thought of or even been conscious of. That's the magic of this book! ... Read more

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THIS 9 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Doctrine and Literature of the Kabalah, by Arthur Edward Waite. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564592790. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Well Done
The book is an easy read upon the concepts of Theosophy, which is a complex subject, indeed. The author's personal way of writing conveys the material in an easy to read, but correct and direct way.
Excellent book!

As good as it gets...
Theosophy and ancient wisdom are fascinating subjects. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of good introductory reading material in the field aimed at the armchair philosopher/theologian. The few introductory books I have explored through the decades seem to presume both previous knowledge and the readers desire to decode a lot of arcane thinking. Or the subject is downgraded into New Age self-help.

"Secret Gateway" is a book I suspect many have been waiting for. It is by far the most clear and practical introduction to theosophical theory I have seen. Using illustrative examples that are easily grasped, the author gives a no-nonsense introduction to esoteric principles reflected in worldwide wisdom traditions, and demonstrates many possible connections to modern scientific theory as well. Chopra is probably more marketable, but for clarity and accuracy "Gateway" isas good as it gets.

Ancient Wisdom in a simple language and with great examples
One should watch the video production from the theosophical website as a company product for this book. That is how I have started it. The book is just a hardcopy version as a reference to the wonderful production. The problem is with Madame Blavatsky's books and other esoteric works is the Oxford English used that most ill educated Americans either have hard time reading and/or understanding.

Excellent introduction to Theosophy
Members and friends of the Theosophical Society have long benefitted from Ed Abdill's lectures and classes.With this book, his perspective on the inner tradition as presented in Theosophy is finally available to a wider audience.In his accessible style, Abdill ranges across topics from the metaphysics of Blavatsky's Secret Doctrine to the founding and history of the Theosophical Society to instructions for meditation.For anyone interested in Theosophy as a spiritual path, Abdill's book is an ideal place to start. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

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This work deals with the great renaissance of ancient Oriental Esotericism in the Western world in modern times.This book is an attempt to present a unified picture of the Theosophic movement in its larger aspects.Contents:Theosophy, An Ancient Tradition; The American Background of Theosophy; Helena P. Blavatsky:Her Life and Psychic Career; From Spiritualism to Theosophy; Isis Unveiled; The Mahatmas and Their Letters; Storm, Wreck, and Rebuilding; The Secret Doctrine; Evolution, Rebirth, and Karma; Esoteric Wisdom and Physical Science; Theosophy in Ethical Practice; Later Theosophical History; Some Facts and Figures; Bibliography. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

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The author attempted to fill a gap in theosophical literature by supplying an up-to-date and complete dictionary of the technical terms current in theosophical literature. The principles on which the dictionary were compiled are fully set out in the introduction, where some related points are also brought forward. The bibliography contains a classified list of the chief works the author used in compiling this reference book. ... Read more

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A historical and interpretive study of three aspects of Western esotericism from the Renaissance to the twentieth century.

Not only does this book present the current state of research in esotericism, but it also explores three main aspects of the field from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Previously published in French and now available in English for the first time, Theosophy, Imagination, Tradition traces the history of the theosophical current, its continuity and shifts, against the background of social and cultural events. The book also covers the Paracelsian course, the romantic Philosophies of Nature and the Occultist movement. The book provides glimpses into the notions and practices of the so-called "active" and "creative" imagination, and questions how they serve as a bridge into certain kinds of mystical experience. It also examines the place that the notion of "tradition" occupies in some major exponents of western esotericism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An overview of Western theosophical traditions
Antoine Faivre's book is maybe the most comprehensive overview of the Western theosophical traditions that I have seen. Theosophy as understood by this book is not affiliated by the Society that took upon itself thisname, but rather refers to its various manifestations throughout Westernesoteric traditions starting with Jakob Boehme. Boehme, von Baader, andSchelling emerge, as widely accepted by other scholars and people fromesoteric circles, as the starting point of the so-called modern conceptionof theosophy, under which the possibility of a direct connection betweenthe individual and the Godhead is presupposed and the whole universe isseen as a theogonic process unfolding within God. The book traces thegenealogy of this central notion in its form peculiar to Westerntheosophists starting from Boehme, through Christian Kabbalists to 19th and20th century. Antoine Faivre, it should be remembered, is from esotericcircles himself. So the book may not be for those looking for cold anddisinterested or prejudiced scholarship. The book contains material aboutsome difficult to find or rarely analyzed figures like von Baader, whonevertheless are very crucial in the evolution of Western esotericism.Antoine Faivre has been deeply influenced by the late Henry Corbin, hisidea of "Imaginal World" and religious phenomenology. As such,his interpretation has a bias towards Corbin, and the Imagination in thetitle as well as discussed in the book is not Imagination in the sense ofphantasy that we normally use in daily life, but refers to an independentontological sphere, which is very crucial to understanding Corbin's, andFaivre's views. I would refer the reader to Corbin's "CreativeImagination in the Sufism of Ibn Arabi". Over all, a very systematicand nearly comprehensive, if not totally unbiased overview of the subjectsin question. ... Read more

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1925. Contents: What Theosophy is; From the Absolute to Man; Formation of a Solar System; Evolution of Life; Constitution of Man; After Death; Reincarnation; Purpose of Life; Planetary Chains; Result of Theosophical Study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Great Reference Guide to Theosophy!
I personally find CWL one of the more easier to read of all the famous Theosophists (no offense, HPB, but you can digress a bit too often).This is a clear and concise primer of the basic tenets of this incredible path towards truth and a highly valuable tool for anyone wishing to gain a greater understanding of Theosophical definitions.

Great Overview
Great overview, written in a straightforward and easily understandable manner.Discusses the evolution of life, man, the planet and our purpose here from the theosophist viewpoint without being dogmatic. ... Read more