Book Description
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 (10)

An excellent book
The title is potentially a little misleading, since beyond superficial similarities it really has very little to do with the Theosophy of Blavatsky and Besant. Steiner really forges his own path, and a quite interesting one at that. This is really the book to start with if you want to understand Steiner's thought and worldview.

Real Truth
I find Steiner's work invigorating.Theosophy requires you to THINK, unlike much of the New Age drivel on the bookshelves today.Steiner was obviously a man with a great gift of sight and I feel blessed that he has shared so much with us through his writing.

This is a must read for anyone serious about delving deeper into spiritual truth and wisdom.Not only does Steiner share his vision of the Spiritual world, he tells how we can all gain access to that world IF we are willing to devote ourselves to the work with sincerity and dedication.

Steiner's succienct work stinks
There was found to be no original thought put into this writing. Copied from many other authors and in his 'succienct' writtings, he misses out on the One true picture. While covering such a broad subject, one can only draw to the conclusion that plagerism on such a matter as this one could only have been hoped for!

Incredibly profound!
In this rich and fascinating study, the tenets of Theosophy are explained in a way that enhances and enriches what you think you already know about the subject.Steiner takes the mind on an incredible journey - one that leads directly to your soul!

Much Needed Wisdom for American Culture
The wisdom in this book is exactly what is needed in America today.In this book, Steiner takes care to scientifically explain his knowledge of human spiritual existence, as he himself has observed it.It is a great help in bridging the gap, so prominent in our culture, between science and spirituality.It is a little difficult to get through in terms of its ease of readability, but don't let that hinder you.The book is written that way on purpose so that as you work through it (re-reading sentences sometimes more than twice) it expands your mind to allow it to accept more complex concepts.I recommend it for everyone. ... Read more

Book Description
Questions and answers on theosophical ideas. Edited by Joy Mills ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

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

Book Description
This detailed firsthand account of the rise and fall of the Russian Theosophical Movement from 1908-1923 includes the story of its champion Anna Kamensky and her struggle to establish and maintain the group amidst internal pressures as well as from a hostile pre-revolutionary government. The author reveals intimate details about how the Movement came into being and prospered, engaging with other prominent Russian intellectual circles of the time. ... Read more

Book Description
THIS 20 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Occult Sciences: A Compendium of Transcendental Doctrine and Experiment, by Arthur Edward Waite. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 156459369X. ... Read more

Book Description
Originally published in 1893, here is Judge's book on the Theosophy, which explains the practices and beliefs of Theosophists for the ordinary reader. Includes the Index, which was originally published as a separate volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

"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!

A good previous reading about 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!

A good previous reading about 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

Product Description
Many readers of Guénon's later doctrinal works have longed to hear the tale of his earlier entanglement, and disentanglement, from the luxuriant undergrowth of so-called esoteric societies in late nineteenth-century Paris and elsewhere. The present work documents in excoriating detail Guénon's findings on what did, and did not, lie behind the Theosophical Society founded by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott in 1875. Much further information has of course come to light since this book was written, but it has never been superseded as a fascinating record of the path of a master metaphysician through this maze. A particularly unusual feature is its extensive treatment of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, which has recently attracted the attention of scholars of the occult. ... Read more

Product Description
This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1893 edition by the Theosophical Publishing Society, London, New York, Madras. ... Read more

Book Description
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

Book Description
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

Book Description
Bridging science and spiritualtiy, Theosophy formulates a modern statement of the ancient wisdom tradition found in all world religions. But while many have heard of Theosophy, few simple interpretations exist. This introduction by a leading Theosophical teacher clarifies this often-misunderstood esoteric system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

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

Book Description
Given his energetic involvement in practical initiatives and extensive lecturing, Rudolf Steiner had very little time to write. Of the books he found time to write, four titles are considered indispensable introductions to his teaching as a whole: How to Know Higher Worlds; An Outline of Esoteric Science; Intuitive Thinking As a Spiritual Path; and Theosophy. With the exception of his Anthroposophical Leading Thoughts and Autobiography, Steiner's writings belong to his earliest work.

In this classic translation of Theosophy, Steiner brings us a psychology based not on the conventional duality of body and mind, but on the more ancient division of body, soul, and spirit. Steiner offers a detailed description of the functions and organs of the three aspects of the human being, as well as the objective realms to which they belong. Just as the physical body originates in and belongs to the material world, so too do the human soul and spirit belong to their specific realms. These are the dimensions through which all human beings travel in the life after death, and in which—after passing the "midnight hour"—we begin to seek our karma and destiny in a new life. Theosophy features one of the most comprehensive and condensed of all Steiner's accounts of these realms, as well as the events our immortal being experiences in passing through them.

The book ends with a chapter on the modern "path of knowledge," in which Steiner describes exercises by means of which everyone can develop the latent powers of perception needed to know the higher worlds. ... Read more

Product Description
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

Book Description
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

Book Description
This volume deals with the transformation of religious creativity in the late modern West. Its point of departure is a set of esoteric beliefs, from Theosophy to the New Age. It shows how these traditions have adapted to the cultural givens of each successive epoch.

The claims of each movement have been buttressed by drawing on various structural characteristics of late modernity. The advance of science has resulted in attempts to claim scientific status for religious beliefs. Globalization has given rise to massive loans from other cultures, but also to various strategies to radically reinterpret foreign elements. Individualism has led to an increasing reliance on experience as a source of legitimacy.

The analytical tools applied to understanding religious modernization shed light on changes that are fundamentally reshaping many religious traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Pivotal Examination of New Age Claims
This book has the potential to empty American public libraries of half of their holdings. If you believe that the key to a better world is through "feeling good,"as Wayne Dyer claimed in his PBS Special, then this book is for you.If you believe that modern reincarnation, reiki, feng shui, aromatherapy, and chakras are based on ancient wisdoms of trial and error research, this book is for you.If you believe that the energy of the body is based on science, this book is for you.If you believe that quantum physics unquestionably supports mind science theories that the world is nothing more than an energy field, this book is for you.This book will hit you hard, but it will present you with facts about your spirituality that must be addressed if your movement is to survive.

The New Age Movement is one that is largely ignorant of its own tradition.Hammer presents a cross-section of its history and its primary experiential basis for knowledge which provides a semblance of congruity to a very diverse and flamboyant body.

Depending on your viewpoint, the New Age is either an opening or a closing of the eyes.This book will help you decide with striking revelations regarding the histories of beliefs that shape the movement.

A book to be celebrated, and a book to commission many likeminded studies. The book should be regarded as a genesis.Let the research begin.The esoteric tradition of our age has made too many unanswered claims.

The Epistemology of Esoteric Belief.
_Claiming Knowledge_ by Olav Hammer is an examination of some of the esoteric developments within belief systems within the West ranging from Theosophy (of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, for example) to New Age belief systems.The book includes a vast array of material from various beliefs which have arisen in a post-Enlightenment West which increasingly experiences the pressures of globalization and decline, c.f. Spengler.Much of the esoteric material presented within this book consists of belief systems which offer a reaction to modernity (either by looking directly back to a distant past or a vanished culture or civilization, attempting to import systems of knowledge from distant cultures, in particular the East, or by attempting to merge ancient belief with modern day science and rationalism).Olav Hammer's book is full of details about these various belief systems and offers much of comparison and contrast between the unique systems ranging from the Theosophy of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky carried on by Annie Bessant, Charles Webster Leadbeater, and Alice Bailey, the Anthroposophy of Rudolf Steiner, the psychoanalysis and depth psychology of Carl Gustav Jung (with precursors in mesmerism), the Church Universal and Triumphant (CUT) of Elizabeth Clare Prophet, the experiences of occultist and psychic Edgar Cayce, various attempts to merge science with the occult through spiritism and the opposition of spiritism and "skepticism" (of the various skeptical societies, for example), attempts to merge modern day Darwinian evolution with esoteric belief, and attempts to merge modern day physics and cosmology (in particular Quantum Mechanics, but also the Theory of Relativity) with various esoteric beliefs, New Age philosophies ranging from those of _The Aquarian Conspiracy_ of Marilyn Ferguson to _The Celestine Prophecy_ of James Redfield, and various New Age beliefs about crystals, auras, chakras, and personal growth and transformation through healing.Much of what is presented here falls into categories.For example, often lost civilizations and distant cultures are used as sources of tradition for constructed esoteric and New Age belief systems.These include lost civilizations such as those of the legendary Atlantis or ancient Egypt and Tibet, as well as distant cultures such as those of the Orient or even the Native Americans, Aztecs, or Mayans.Also, various forms of healing are discussed frequently within the book.These include methods often excluded from the mainstream Western medical community.A particular case is that of the Indian medical doctor Deepak Chopra who offers a system of New Age healing and healthy mindedness.In many ways, much of these methods of healing can be related to the discussion of the "Religion of Healthy Mindedness" found in some of William James' works (in particular see _The Varieties of Religious Experiences_).In an attempt to re-enchant science, which is believed to be fallen from the Naturphilosophie of the 18th century to pure materialism and rationalism, many have opted to incorporate occult philosophies as well as vitalism into physics or biology.In particular, the author makes an interesting discussion of the Quantum Theory, relating the standard, but inferior, Copenhagen interpretation of the collapse of the wavefunction to some of the alternatives.At the far extreme opposed to the Copenhagen interpretation stand such ultra-idealists as Fritjof Capra and Gary Zukav (arguing that reality is in fact consciously constructed, often surpassing the idealism even of such early proponents as Bishop Berkeley and incorporating Oriental and Eastern mysticism into their interpretation).Much of New Age belief hinges on the idea of a coming Aquarian Age and an end to the Age of Pisces (perhaps, the Age of Pisces, that of the fish, is indeed the age of Christ - Christ of course being symbolized as the fish by the earliest Christians in the catacombs, c.f. _Hamlet's Mill_ by Giorgio de Santillana and Hertha von Dechand.)In many ways, the New Age movement is similar to that of the Romantic reaction to the Enlightenment, with an emphasis on individual experience.Thus, the author will provide several case studies including details of healing practices, Jungian psychotherapy, past lives therapy, and reincarnation as useful interludes emphasizing individual experience.Within medicine the school of Anton Mesmer is important for its role in the discovery of the unconscious, later formulated explicitly by Eduard von Hartmann, a disciple of Schopenhauer.There is much more contained in this book from what has been laid out here, and the book offers a complete bibliography including many of the different movements which have played a unique role in shaping modern day esoteric belief systems.The author contrasts etic and emic historiography, demonstrating how what the particular belief system offers as its own history or traces as its own tradition may not always hold up under the rigorous standards of scholarship from within the academy.Still, I believe that much that is present here is indeed uniquely valueable for any student of religious beliefs, alternative beliefs, hidden or lost knowledge, or with a general interest in the esoteric, the occult, or the modern day New Age.

For an alternative perspective on the New Age movement, written from a somewhat reactionary point of view, with basis in the Traditionalist school of Rene Guenon and Frithjof Schuon consult the work _The System of Antichrist_ by Charles Upton. ... Read more

Book Description
1921. This volume, presented in a question and answer format, is intended to be a primer for students of Theosophy. The material collected here is drawn from over seventy books and pamphlets, mainly the works of the wonderful occultist, C.W. Leadbeater, and the famous President of the Theosophical Society, Mrs. Annie Besant. Contents: What Theosophy Is; God and the Solar System; The Constitution of Man; Reincarnation; Karma; Life after Death; Thought-Power, Its Action and Use; The Evolution of Life; Brotherhood; and The Masters and the Way to Them. ... Read more

Book Description
THIS 34 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Life! More Life!, by C. Jinarajadasa. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766192253. ... Read more