Gods in Exile
118 pages | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, 1987
The way and power of the ego.
1926. A priest in the Liberal Catholic Church, Van Der Leeuw writes that the pages in this book are based on an awakening of Ego-consciousness that came to him in a single moment, but has taken days to realize and many pages to describe. Contents: The Drama of the Soul in Exile; The Way to the Ego; The World of the Ego; The Powers of the Ego; and The Return of the Exile.
An Adyar book, imported from India.
Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
81 pages | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, 2002
Truth, Beauty, and Goodness are interrelated. While beauty is the garment of truth, goodness is beauty revealed in action. Many philosophers and poets have spoken about the identity of these three aspects of reality, how each one leads to the other. Discovery of truth or beauty is the natural aspiration of every right thinking individual. Clarity and undisturbed serenity are essential requirements for perceiving truth. These qualifications cannot be acquired in the absence of pure and righteous living.
An Adyar book, imported from India.
More Details Radha Burnier became 7th international President of the Theosophical Society in 1980, following the lead of her father, N. Sri Ram, who was the 5th President, and close associate of Annie Besant. Mrs. Burnier had previously served in many capacities, including Director of the research and publications of the Adyar Library and Research Centre from 1959-1979. She holds a Master’s degree in Sanskrit from the Benares Hindu University, and an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Nagarjuna University. She has lectured all over the world on Theosophical and cultural topics, and both her talks and writings are known for their clarity of thought and depth of vision.
Aan de Voeten van de Meester – Werkboek
Door Christian Vandekerkhove
87 Bladzijden | 2011 | Paperback | Mens en Cultuur Uitgevers | ISBN 9789077135266
Aan de Voeten van de Meester werd in 1909 geschreven door de 13-jarige Krishnamurti. Een eeuw later is het boek in ongeveer 100 talen vertaald en voor steeds meer mensen een leidraad op het spirituele Pad. Dit boekje geeft de integrale tekst van Aan de Voeten van de Meester, aangevuld met historische context, toelichtingen, commentaren en vooral talrijke oefeningen om van dit ethische werkje een praktisch werkboek te maken.
Christian Vandekerkhove studeerde informatica en vergelijkende godsdienstwetenschappen. Naast zijn activiteit als docent werkt hij als therapeut en parapsycholoog. Buiten ondersteuning bij levensproblemen en begeleiding inzake zingeving, runt hij een instituut waar personen zich kunnen laten testen op hun paranormale vermogens en begeleiding ontvangen bij het ontwikkelen van hun gaven. Hij heeft jarenlang ervaring in het geven van studieklassen en workshops rond het boek Aan de Voeten van de Meester.
Hij schreef ook andere boeken, waarvan een aantal eveneens via deze website te koop zijn.
Eminent Theosophists (CD-Rom)
CD Rom | T.P.H. Adyar, India, 2006
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831–91) was perhaps the greatest Occultist of the West in recent times, and an outstanding messenger who presented the Ancient Wisdom for the modern age. With little fanfare she brought to bear powerful influences on human affairs, as is exemplified in her life and works. She did not bring anything new to mankind; in fact she succeeded in the great task of communicating wisdom that is as ancient as mankind.
More Details Annie Besant (1847–1933), second President of The Theosophical Society from 1907 to 1933, was described as a ‘Diamond Soul’, for she had many brilliant facets to her character. She was an outstanding orator of her time, a champion of human freedom, educationist, philanthropist, and author with more than three hundred books and pamphlets to her credit.
Henry Steel Olcott (1832–1907), President-Founder of the Theosophical Society was born on 2 August 1832 at Orange, New Jersey. Olcott came from an old English Puritan family that had been settled for many generations in the United States.
C. Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953), the fourth President of the Theosophical Society, was educated at Cambridge University, England, and was an exceptional linguist, who lectured fluently in many European languages. His wide range of interests and writings included religion, philosophy, literature, art, science and occult chemistry. He made valuable sketches and notes during the clairvoyant investigations of Annie Besant and C. W. Leadbeater into the structure of matter.
Charles Webster Leadbeater (1847–1934) was a highly developed clairvoyant who unfolded and perfected his psychic faculties under the guidance of his Adept-Teacher. He commenced clairvoyant investigations in 1893, on occasion collaborating with Annie Besant, the second President of The Theosophical Society, and wrote over thirty books on the spiritual life and the psychic nature of man.
N. Sri Ram (1889–1973), fifth President of The Theosophical Society from 1953 to 1973, dedicated himself to Theosophical work as a young assistant of Dr Besant. He was closely associated with her social, political and educational and other activities, and helped her in editing New India, a daily newspaper that was influential in the struggle for India’s freedom.
Little Tyke – The True Story of a Gentle Vegetarian Lionness
By Georges H. Westbeau.
150 Pages | Copyright 1975, first Re-Quest edition 1986 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606058.
Born to be a bewildered and frustrated mother on a somber September day, the lionness Little Tyke set the world thinking anew. She was to fire the deepest thoughts within us and to remind us of an ancient prophecy. She was to bring out out heart-felt tenderness in a most unexpected manner.
A tragedy and a miracle were to occur minutes apart. The tragedy took only seconds. The miracle would last nine years, and to many it lasts to this very day . . .
From Chapter ‘The Vegetarian’ (p. 32, 33 & 34).
“At four years of age Little Tyke was a mature African lionness, and she weighed three hundred and fifty-two pounds. Every year, she became more gentle. We had practically given up the hope of creating in Little Tyke a taste for meat, […] On one occasion, I asked a young visitor this question, and it was he, who put my mind at ease. He turned to look at me with serious eyes, then asked; ‘Don’t you read your Bible?’ I admitted, I didn’t read it as much as I probably should. He continued; ‘Read Genesis 1:30 and you will get your answer. ‘ At my first opportunity I got my Bible and turned to the passage he had indicated. To my astonishment, I read these words:
‘And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat; and it was so.’
We didn’t worry anymore about Little Tyke’s diet. We had already worked out one which she loved. It consisted of cooked cereals, raw eggs and milk. Did she thrive on it? Well, one of this country’s most able zoo curators said Little Tyke was the best of her species he had ever viewed! “
Vrije Wil en Vrijheid van Handelen
Door Dr. W.H. van Vledder.
27 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1981 | Lecture | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Utrecht | Geen ISBN.
De publicatie betreft de inhoud van een Rede uitgesproken bij het aanvaarden van het ambt van bijzonder hoogleraar in de metafysica in de geest van de Theosofie aan de Rijksuniversiteit te Leiden op vrijdag 3 april 1981.
Afkomstig van pagina 21:
” We kunnen het probleem van de vrije wil en de vrijheid van handelen nu ook als volgt benaderen. Uitgaande van de mens levend in wat wij het veld van openbaring hebben genoemd, zien wij de mens gebonden door zijn gericht zijn op al wat hem omringt. Wij hebben dat een horizontale relatie genoemd. De moeilijkheid is nu hierin gelegen, dat de mens zijn aandacht naar buiten richt, dat hij vraagt om meer ruimte voor zichzelf, waardoor een steeds grotere afgescheidenheid onstaat. die – paradoxaal – zijn wezenlijke vrijheid belemmert. Afgescheidenheid, begeerte naar vrijheid en ik-gerichtheid zijn omgekeerd evenredig met de wezenlijke, innerlijke geestelijk gerichte vrijheid. De naar buiten gerichte mens is zich daar echter niet van bewust. “
De Beoefening van Yoga – Yama & Niyama
Door S.S. Varma.
26 Pagina’s | Eerste druk 1995, tweede druk 2011 | Brochure | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750918.
Engels origineel: Yogic Practice – Yama and Niyama | Uitgegeven in 1991 & 2002 | The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170591805.
Yoga betekent letterlijk ‘eenwording’, eenwording van de individuele ziel met de Overziel en daarmee eenwording met alles wat is. Iedereen die beseft dat hij of zij één is met het Allerhoogste, weet daarmee ook dat hij of zij één is met ieder ander. Alleen dit is spiritualiteit. Hoewel deze eenwording het einddoel is, is ‘yoga’ ook ‘het pad dat daarheen leidt’ gaan betekenen.
In deze brochure staan voorschriften voor ethisch gedrag. Yama omvat deugden als het zich onthouden van geweld, leugen en bedrog, diefstal, onkuisheid en hebzucht. Niyama slaat op het naleven van de geboden, die betrekking hebben op zuiverheid, tevredenheid, onthouding, zelfstudie en zelfovergave aan God. Varma brengt deze deugden terug tot hun ware essentie.
Afkomstig van blz. 17:
” Voordat we beginnen met de behandeling van de vijf onderdelen van niyama, kan het nuttig zijn om eerst het verschil tussen de yama’s en de niyama’s verder toe te lichten. Beide lijken naar een gemeenschappelijk doel te streven: de verandering van de lagere aard op een wijze, die haar geschikt maakt om als voertuig te dienen voor het Goddelijke Leven. De oefeningen vervat in yama zijn ethische verboden en leggen het fundament voor het leven van een yogi, terwijl die van niyama disciplinair en constructief van aard zijn en ten doel hebben om het leven van de spirituele aspirant te organiseren. “
More Details In deze brochure staan voorschriften voor ethisch gedrag. Yama omvat deugden als het zich onthouden van geweld, leugen en bedrog, diefstal, onkuisheid en hebzucht. Niyama slaat op het naleven van de geboden die betrekking hebben op zuiverheid, tevredenheid, onthouding, zelfstudie en zelfovergave aan God. Varma brengt deze deugden terug tot hun ware essentie.
Praktische Mystiek – Voor Gewone Mensen
Door Evelyn Underhill.
171 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1978; dit boek maakt deel uit van de Lotusreeks I | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750178.
Engels origineel: Practical Mysticism – A Little Book for Normal People | Uitgegeven in 1914, reprint 1942, 2de reprint 2003 | Vintage Books, New York | ISBN 0375725709.
Dit bekende boekje, geschreven in Londen in 1914, gaat onder meer in op de vraag: Wat is Mystiek? Underhill geeft een beschouwing over de wereld van de ‘werkelijkheid’ en behandelt onderwerpen zoals: de voorbereiding van de mysticus, liefde en wilskracht, meditatie en bezinning, en de vernieuwing van het bewustzijn. Ze komt uiteindelijk tot de volgende definitie: ‘Mystiek is de kunst van het éénworden met de Werkelijkheid en een mysticus is iemand, die deze éénwording in meer of mindere mate heeft bereikt, of althans iemand, die streeft naar en gelooft in éénwording’.
Afkomstig van blz. 35:
” Hoe groter kunstenaar, hoe wijder en dieper de visie die hij heeft, hoe scherper hij zich bewust is van de bruisende levensstroom en levensschoonheid, van de overweldigende rijkdom en pracht in kleuren, klanken en vormen. Hij wil steeds dieper voortdringen, opdat zijn blik steeds wijder en rijker perspectieven ontwaren zal, totdat hij een wordt met de totaliteit van de Werkelijkheid, die hij altijd reeds om zich heen heeft geweten en waarvan hij beseft deel te zijn. Altijd door tracht hij over de drempel heen te komen, waardoor hij, de kunstenaar, een mysticus zal worden. “
More Details “Wat is Mystiek?”, blijven velen zich afvragen na lezingen, preken en anderszins te hebben aangehoord: kunnen wij westerlingen dat bevatten en er mee leven? Evelyn Underhill geeft “een” definitie:
“Mystiek is de kunst van het éénworden met de Werkelijkheid. Een mysticus is iemand, die deze éénwording in meer of mindere mate heeft bereikt, of althans iemand, die streeft naar en gelooft in zulk een éénwording.”Dit boekje heeft in onze hedendaagse maatschappij nog niets aan actualiteit verloren.
The Natural Man – A Thoreau Anthology (A Quest Miniature)
119 pages | Paperback | Quest Books, 1988
This Quest Miniature presents a lively selection of Thoreau’s writings, topically arranged.
Popular quotes:
Page 1 – I should not talk so much about myself if there were anybody else whom I knew as well.
Page 5 – If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
Page 7 – I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
More Details Page 8 – Not till we are lost, in other words not till we have lost the world, do we begin to find ourselves, and realize where we are and the infinite extent of our relations. Page 8 – Some are dinning in our ears that we Americans, and moderns generally, are intellectual dwarfs compared with the ancients, or even the Elizabethan men. But what is that to the purpose ? A living dog is better than a dead lion. Shall a man go and hang himself because he belongs to the race of pygmies, and not be the biggest pygmy that he can ? Let every one mind his own business, and endeavor to be what he was made. Page 31 – In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost ; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. Page 50 – I wish to speak a word for Nature, for absolute freedom and wildness, as contrasted with a freedom and culture merely civil, — to regard man as an inhabitant, or a part and parcel of Nature, rather than a member of society. Page 52 – At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be infinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable.
The Union of All Faiths – In a Common Act of Worship
By anonymous authors. Authorities quoted amongst others: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934), Alice Bailey (1880 – 1949), Geoffrey Hodson (1886 – 1983) and Alfred Trevor Barker (1893 – 1941).
27 Pages | Second edition, 7th reprint 2011 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592186.
Prayers offered at International Conventions and Other Important Functions of the Theosophical Society.
From page 27:
” O Hidden Life! vibrant in every atom,
O Hidden Light! shining in every creature,
O Hidden Love! embracing all in Oneness,
May each who feels himself as one with Thee,
Know he is also one with every other. ”
– Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).
The Mystery Of Healing
By anonymous authors.
95 Pages | Published in 1958, First Quest Book revised edition 1968, third Quest printing 1981 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835601145.
In the last few decades, medicine has made vast strides, although there is still much to be learned about the basic problems of disease. At the same time, public interest in spiritual healing and unorthodox methods has greatly increased, often without critical or intelligent study of their results. Yet the most careful scientific scrutiny shows that in a small number of case quasi-miraculous cures do indeed occur.
In this book, the writers attempt to discuss the conditions, which allow exceptional cures to take place or which seem to prevent them. The fundamental question is: ‘What heals’? This raises further questions: Why does healing not always take place when all the apparently obvious conditions are there for it to do so? Moreover, why is it that sometimes a quite fantastic method will succeed when proved and tried medical treatment has failed?
The group, which produced this small book consists of qualified medical practitioners and psychotherapists, together with others who have had long experience with unorthodox methods of diagnosis and treatment. While acknowledging all that can be and has been done by medical science and psychotherapy to alleviate suffering, the conclusions arrived and emphasise the interior sources of healing that exist deep within each individual.
From Appendix A – ‘Karma and Health’ (p. 87):
” Thus in the case of illness – and for that matter in happy experiences also – the individual, who accepts the idea of karma can ask himself: ‘What am I doing to deserve this? And if he is in pain, ‘What is there in me that perpetuates this misery? In what way is my attitude towards it, or towards life itself, in error?’ And if this leads him to learn the lesson he has to learn, he may find himself quickly and unaccountably free of that situation. “
Annie Besant – A Character Sketch
By William Thomas Stead (1849 – 1912).
100 Pages | First edition 1946, first reprint 1993 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592440.
Well-known humanist and journalist W.T. Stead writes of Annie Besant (1847 – 1933): ‘there are few living women, who have in them more of some elements of the Christian saint, than this fiery assailant of the Christian creed.’ He traces the various phases of her search for truth as also the challenges she faces.
From the Foreword by C. Jinarājadāsa (1875 – 1953) (p. viii):
” At last, sitting alone in deep thought as I (Annie Besant) had become accustomed to do after the sun had set, filled with an intense but nearly hopeless longing to solve the riddle of life and mind, I heard a Voice, that was later to become to me the holiest sound on earth, bidding me take courage for the light was near. A fortnight passed, and then Mr. Stead gave into my hands two volumes. ‘Can you review these? My young men all fight shy of them, but you are quite mad enough on these subjects to make something out of them.’ I took the books; they were the two volumes of The Secret Doctrine written by H.P. Blavatsky. . . . I wrote the review, and asked Mr. Stead for an introduction to the writer, and then sent a note asking to be allowed to call. I received the most cordial of notes, bidding me to come (pp340 – 1). “
Thoughts for Aspirants Vol. 2
171 pages | Gebonden/Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, 1999
The first volume of Mr. Sri Ram’s Thoughts for Aspirants was so enthusiastically received, that this second series was compiled for publication. The author was working on revisions when he passed away in 1973. Although he was unable to complete what he intended to do, the unrevised parts retain his clarity of thought, and the poetic but precise expression which was characteristic of all his writing.
An Adyar book, imported from India.
The Nature of our Seeking
262 pages | Gebonden/Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House Adyar, 1989
Mr. N. Sri Ram, the author of this book, was International President of The Theosophical Society for 20 years over the period 1953-73. He brings to his writings a background of eastern wisdom combined with keen awareness of modern thought and knowledge, as well as a sensitive understanding of human problems. His special felicity of style enables him to convey profound ideas in a lucid and absorbing manner.
More Details N. Sri Ram, was international President of the Theosophical Society for over 20 years, from 1953-73. He brings to his writings a background of eastern wisdom combined with keen awareness of modern thought and knowledge, as well as a sensitive understanding of human problems. His special felicity of style enables him to convey profound ideas in a lucid and absorbing manner.
De Diepere Zin van het Leven
Door N. Śrī Ram.
108 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1970; dit boek maakt deel uit van de Lotusreeks II | Softcover | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750246.
Engels origineel: Life Deeper Aspects | Eerste editie 1968 | The Theosophical Publishing House | ISBN: 9780835671729.
Śrī Ram geeft een serie toespraken over uiteenlopende kwesties: leven, dood en onsterfelijkheid, de werking van het denkvermogen, de mens als een bewustzijnsverschijnsel, slaap en dood als tweelingbroers, vernieuwing van binnenuit, ontwaken tot het besef van ‘waarheid’, het ware, het goede en het schone en de betekenis van het ‘Nu’.
Elke gehechtheid betekent een belemmering voor onze ontwikkeling. Door onze verlangens bouwen wij een muur om het bewustzijn en sluiten het hiermee als het ware op in een gevangenis, waarin we een bekrompen en nauw bestaan leiden. Ook het denken blijft hierdoor gevangen binnen deze zelf gecreëerde muren. Pas wanneer het lukt om gehechtheden aan deze toestand los te laten, lossen de muren en betreden we een grotere ruimte van bewustzijn vol nieuwe mogelijkheden.
Afkomstig van blz. 107:
” Wanneer het bewustzijn weer tot zijn oorspronkelijke staat is teruggekeerd en volkomen wakker is, zal alles waarmee het in aanraking komt het zijn diepste zin onthullen. Ieder gebeuren wordt dan een sleutel, die een poort in het bewustzijn opent en een aspect van het Mysterie openbaart. Dan straalt elk moment met een eigen glorie van uniekheid en schoonheid. Alles, wat in die toestand ervaren of beleefd wordt, is nieuw, want het is de nieuwheid van het bewustzijn zelf. “
More Details Elke gehechtheid betekent een belemmering voor onze zijns-ontwikkeling. Door onze hunkeringen en verlangens bouwen wij een muur om het bewustzijn; wij sluiten het als het ware op in een gevangenis waarbinnen wij een bekrompen eng bestaan leiden. Ook ons denken blijft binnen deze nauwe begrenzingen gevangen. Wanneer ons denkvermogen al deze gehechtheden zou kunnen loslaten, zou dit de meest verstrekkende consequenties hebben. Dit boekje bevat toespraken, die over een periode van enkele jaren op verschillende plaatsen zijn gehouden. Hoewel de voordrachten enigszins zijn bijgeschaafd en herzien, zijn ze toch gegeven in de vorm waarin ze werden uitgesproken. N. Sri Ram was Internationaal President van de Theosophical Society van 1953 tot 1973.
Consciousness: Its Nature and Action
By Nilakanta Sri Ram (1889 – 1973).
28 Pages | First edition 2002 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170593921.
In this lecture,, known for his deep understanding of philosophical questions, explores how consciousness loses its sensitivity and gets obscured, but has the potency of awakening into the full light of wisdom. He says: ‘We do not notice the beauty of a cloud or the movement of a leaf or bird and many other things. An artist is needed to paint a picture and point out the beauty‘.
How can we achieve union with the living beings around us, and even to a slight extent be open to the truth and beauty, which are inherent and omnipresent in life? This book offers insights into how the quality of our consciousness can be transformed so that it is constantly renewed, remaining open to the truth of life as it reveals itself.
Search for Values
19 Pages | Besant Lecture delivered at Adyar, Dec. 1992, first published in 1995 | Booklet | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592623.
The moral worth of a society or a community is reflected in its aspirations and the ideals it pursues, the values it cherishes and its sincerity in upholding those values, Throughout history, humanity’s chief concern has been the disovery and preservation of values, which impart grace and significance to civilization and also to individual human lives. One of the cruellest paradoxes of our times is that an age that has witnessed tremendous scientific progress and technological development has at the same time also witnessed unprecedented decline in moral and spiritual values.
From page 17:
” If I can stop one heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain
If I can ease one life the aching or cool one pain
Or help one fainting robin unto its nest again
I shall not live in vain. “
Hatha Yoga – A Simplified Course (1977 edition)
By Wallace Slater.
65 Pages | First edition 1966, 2nd and revised edition 1977 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835601382.
NB: This is the older 1977 edition, the most recent 1994 edition can be purchased in our Webshop here.
Yoga is a process by which the Laws of Nature are intelligently an deliberately applied to daily life in order to realize in full self-consciousness, one’s identity with the Supreme. There have been many books published on yoga and more recently a fair number has appeared on Hatha Yoga. This Simplified Course was prompted by requests for an ordered course of training in the form of lessons, which could be spread over a period of 20 to 40 weeks. It was also required, that the exercises should be critically selected to include only those, which could be readily used by people in the Western modern world without risk and without the need for personal instruction. Lastly, the course was required by busy people, who could only spare a short time each day for its practice.
From LESSON 1 (p. 8):
D. Meditation
” Think selectively. Choose what you are going to think about, then think seriously about it. This is not just an early morning exercise, this is for the whole day. Try to make all thinking during the day more definite and clear. In particular, think optimistically. “
Ecofilosofie
Door Henryk Skolimowski (1930 – 2018).
140 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1985 | Softcover | Uitgeverij Markant, Nijmegen | ISBN: 9067720011.
Engels origineel: Eco-philosophy | Uitgegeven in 1981 | Boyars Boston / London.
In zijn werk Ecofilosofie – Schets van een Nieuwe Manier van Leven, een krachtig pleidooi voor een geheel nieuw filosofisch uitgangspunt, legt Henryk Skolimowski (hoogleraar filosofie aan de Universiteit van Michigan) een direct verband tussen onze Westerse filosofische traditie en het hedendaagse ecologische besef. Ecofilosofie wil de aanzet geven tot een praktische heroriëntatie op onze samenleving – mens én milieu – teneinde fundamentele veranderingen in ons denken en handelen te bewerkstelligen. Een boeiende en vooral inspirerende uitdaging.
Afkomstig uit Hoofdstuk 2 – ‘Ecofilosofie tegenover Moderne Filosofie’ (p. 37 & 38):
” Wat is ecofilosofie? In hoeverre verschilt zij van wat wij moderne filosofie hebben genoemd? Ik onderscheid twaalf karakteristieken, die ik zal vergelijken met de twaalf corresponderende kenmerken van de hedendaagse filosofie. Om het contrast te verhogen zal ik beginnen met twee diagrammen, die beide hierna in detail zullen worden besproken:
Diagram 1 – Karakteristieken van de ecofilosofie:
Op het leven georiënteerd, 2. Betrokken, geëngageerd, 3. Spiritueel levend, 4. Allesomvattend, universeel, 5. Strevend naar wijsheid, 6. Milieubewust, ecologisch, 7. Verbonden met de economie van de kwaliteit van het bestaan, 8. Politiek bewust, 9. Sociaal geëngageerd, 10. Met nadruk op individuele verantwoordelijkheid, 11. Tolerant ten opzichte van transfysische verschijnselen, 12. Gezondheidsbewust. “
Creative Living
By Ramjivan Sinha.
39 Pages | First edition 1970, first reprint 1993 | Booklet | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592267.
We learn from the study of Theosophy, the Ancient Wisdom, that while man is alive, his inner principles, namely Spirit, Intuition, Intellect, lower Manas and Kama, all are mixed together; that at our best moments we get some rays of Light or inspiration from the higher principles and we produce a beautiful work of art. And that there are moments when we fall back from such heights and are prone to karmic influences, which lead to contradictions in life. Very often, therefore, we find instances of self-indulgence, moral laxity or looseness, physical imbalance, loneliness or depression in the lives of artists. We are trying to discover ways of total creative living, in which there is no such contradiction, in which the life-stream flows freely and smoothly, in all its loveliness and beauty all the time . . .
From page 39:
” It has been said (above), that the constant openness of one’s being is an essential pre-requisite for discovery. To this may be added an attitude of constant helpfulness. As the plants and trees are pouring themselves out all the time for the joy of all around, so also the individual must learn to give, to serve and to sacrifice with joy. ‘What is the best that I can give or contribute? What way can I serve best’? Such questions the individual should, off and on, put to him or herself, in quiet moments and in solitude. The deep within will probably give the answer, and if one is open and alert, one will listen and discover one’s true vocation. “
Letters from a Sufi Teacher
By Baijnath Singh.
97 Pages | First edition 1908, revised edition 1987 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590450.
A teacher is in reality the inner being by the side of God, in the region of Truth, clothed in Divine Mercy and Glory . . . Perfect discipleship consists in perfect Love for the beauty of the teacher’s Godly strength. O brother and sister, know for certain that this work has been before thee and me, and that each man and woman has already reached a certain stage! No one has begun this Work for the first time . . .
From page 82:
THE HEART
” There is a treasure buried in the heart of the knower, It is LOVE. A single jewel out of it is worth a thousand heavens. The guardian of heaven is an Angel named Rizwân, whereas the guardian of the treasure of LOVE is God. Know that thy merit is assured by what thou seekest. If thou worshippest to obtain heaven or avoid hell, thou worshippest thy own desires. If thou seekest or fearest an object, thou are the worshipper of that object. Thy real value depends on what is in thy heart. If thou heart is attached to God, thou art a divine man or woman. “
The Pilgrim and the Pilgrimage (Wisdom Tradition Books)
By Emily B. Sellon.
108 Pages | First Edition 1996 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835607526.
This volume has been edited from a transcription of the Pumpkin Hollow tapes kindly made by Ann M. and Douglas L. Clemens. In it is offered as a concise statement of Emily’s philosophy and of the metaphysical foundation of Theosophy. Emily was herself president of the New York Lodge during 1950 – 1954 and 1964 – 1968.
From Chapter 1 – ‘Metaphysics and Machinery’ (p. 1):
” What we are going to talk about is essentially metaphysics. In Theosophical studies there are really two approaches. One is metaphysics or the ‘grand principles’ and the other is what I call ‘machinery’. That may seem like a derogatory or pejorative term, but nevertheless that is what it really is. Studies of reïncarnation and karma, or of the cycles and rounds and races and that kind of thing, are really studies of the machinery, that is, the consequences of the working out of metaphysical principles. ”
Saundarya-Laharī – Ocean of Beauty
By Śrī Śaṃkara-Bhagavatpāda with transliteration, English translation, commentary, diagrams and an appendix on Prayoga by Pandit S. Subrahmany Sastri and T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar.
288 Pages | First published in 1937, sixth printing 1985 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 0835670678.
The Saundarya-laharārī, ’the Ocean of Beauty’, eminently shares the characteristics of a poem displaying the finest touches of poetical fancy, (ii) a Stotra, hymn, in praise of the Goddess Tripurasundarī, (iii) a series of Mantra-s, mystic formulae, to be used by the Upāsaka along with the corresponding Yantra-s, diagrams, wherein the Devī is to be conceived as abiding, and (iv) an exposition of the Agama-s and Tantra-s, bearing on the worship of the Supreme Being in Its aspect of the Śakti, Creative Energy, known as the Śrī-vidyā, embodying the underlying principles of Vaidika-dharma and as such having the sanction of the Veda-s. In its first forty-one stanzas it encompasses the Ananda-laharī, ’the Ocean of the Blisfully Sublime’.
From Page 220:
” 78. Sthiro gangāvartah stana-mukula-romāvali-latā-
nijāvālaṃ kuṇdaṃ kusumasara-tejo-huta-bhujaḥ ;
Rater līlāgāraṃ kim api tava nābhir giri-sute
biladvāraṃ siddher girisa-nayanānāṃ vijayate.
O Daughter of the Mountain! all glory to Thy navel (which may be characterized) in some such way (as) a motionless eddy of the Gangā, a trench for the growth of the creeper of the line of down, with the breasts as buds; the pit for maintaining the sacrificial Fire of the prowess of the flower-arrowed (Kusuma-Śāra); the pleasure-bower of Rati; the mouth of the cavern for the attainment (of Yoga) by Girisa’s eyes! “
Het Innerlijke Leven van Krishnamurti
Door Aryel Sanat, vertaald door Louis Geertman en Ali Ritsema.
413 Pagina’s | Eerste druk 2005 | Softcover | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750857.
Engels origineel: The Inner Life of Krishnamurti | Uitgegeven in 1999 | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 083560781X.
Krishnamurti’s innerlijke leven is een raadsel, niet in de laatste plaats doordat hij het vijfdecennia lang geheim heeft gehouden
Toen Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) veertien jaar oud was, riepen theosofen hem uit tot de nieuwe messias en zij brachten hem in contact met de eeuwige wijsheid. Krishnamurti was opgevoed in Groot Brittannië en hij wijdde zijn leven aan de verspreiding van zijn inzichten over de gehele wereld. Hij behoort inderdaad tot de grootste spirituele leiders van de twintigste eeuw. Onder de zeer velen, die hij beïnvloedde bevinden zich de Dalai Lama, Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Henry Miller en Aldous Huxley. Maar Krishnamurti was een revolutionair in diepste zin. Meer dan zestig jaar schuwde hij geloofssystemen en vooronderstellingen van welke aard ook, inclusief de esoterische beginselen van de Theosofie.
Maar persoonlijk?
Aryel Sanat onthult de rijke esoterische gebeurtenissen van Krishnamurti’s innerlijke leven. Persoonlijk heeft Krishnamurti nooit het bestaan van zijn ‘meesters’ ontkend, noch het feit dat hij het voertuig voor de Heer Maitreya of de Christus zou zijn. Deze innerlijke realiteiten vormden zelfs ieder dag een onderdeel van zijn volwassen leven en waren nauw verbonden met het werk dat hij deed.
Afkomstig uit Deel I – ‘De Oerbron’; Hoofdstuk 3 ‘Mutatie (blz. 107 & 108):
” Het lichaam is je lastdier – het paard, waarop je rijdt. Daarom moet je het goed behandelen en er goed voor zorgen; je moet het geen overwerk laten doen, je moet het naar behoren voeden met uitsluitend zuiver eten en drinken, en het altijd strikt reinigen, zelfs van het kleinste spatje vuil. Want zonder een volmaakt schoon en gezond lichaam kun je niet het zware werk van voorbereiding doen, kun je de onophoudelijke inspanning ervan niet verdragen. Maar jij moet het zijn, die altijd controle heeft over dat lichaam en niet omgekeerd. ”
More Details Onder de zeer velen die hij beïnvloedde bevinden zich de Dalai Lama, Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Henry Miller en Aldous Huxley. Maar Krishnamurti was een revolutionair in diepste zin. Meer dan zestig jaar schuwde hij geloofssystemen en vooronderstellingen van welke aard ook, inclusief de esoterische beginselen van de Theosofie.
Maar persoonlijk?
Aryel Sanat onthult de rijke esoterische gebeurtenissen van K’s innerlijke leven. Persoonlijk heeft Krishnamurti nooit het bestaan van zijn ‘meesters’ ontkend, noch het feit dat hij het voertuig voor de Heer Maitreya of de Christus zou zijn. Deze innerlijke realiteiten vormden zelfs iedere dag een onderdeel van zijn volwassen leven en waren nauw verbonden met het werk dat hij deed.
ARYEL SANAT (Miguel Angel Sanabria) heeft sinds 1964 over Krishnamurti onderwezen en geschreven. Hij is universitair hoofddocent in de filosofie en godsdienst aan de Amerikaanse Universiteit in Washington. Hij woont in Arlington, Virginia.
The 75th Anniversary Book of the Theosophical Society – A Short History of the Society’s Growth from 1926 – 1950
By Josephine Ransom (1879 – 1960).
252 Pages | First edition, 1st reprint 2005 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170594502.
” May Those who are the embodiment of Love Immortal, bless with Their Protection the Society established to do Their Will on Earth; may They ever guard it by Their Power, inspire it with Their Wisdom, and energize it with Their Activity. “ – Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).
This excellent book recording the history of the Theosophical Society from 1926 – 1950, has been painstakingly researched and is accurate in facts and shrewd in assessment. Ransom tells us: ‘I have tried to be accurate, to observe due proportion, to exercise the historian’s prerogative of impartiality, and to give a clear impression of how the great ideals of the Society are working themselves out.’ She has succeeded admirably.
The Human and the Divine – Nine-fold Relationship to Śrī Piļļai Lokācārya and Madame Blavatsky
172 Pages | First limited edition 1995 | Softcover | Prapti Books, Madras, India | No ISBN.
The lives of Śrī Piļļai Lokācārya and Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) were irradiated by the Great Ones who are ever seeking for interpreters of Occult Knowledge in the outer world . . . Their contribution and catholicity of thought remain a source of perennial inspiration to the true aspirants of Divine Wisdom.
From Section C – ‘Present and Future of the Thoughts: (p. 136):
” The teachings of any philosopher necessary are expressions of the Eternal Wisdom. Each one has dealt with the reality of the world, the organic relation of all life to the Divine Principle, the workings within the Cosmos, which are all matters of great appeal to a rational human. Stressing the solidarity of man, aiding him and his mind to the cosmic Mind, and leading each to the inevitable state of embracing the whole of the Universe has been the effort of both PL and HPB in their own chosen way. ”
An Enduring Philosopher (T. Subba Row) – A Sequel to A Lonely Disciple
61 Pages | First limited edition 1995 | Softcover | Prapti Books, Madras, India | No ISBN.
T. Subba Row, an outstanding figure in the early days of the Theosophical Society after the Founders, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott (1832 – 1917) came to India, was highly respected for his wide-ranging erudition and knowledge of esoteric philosophy and practice. He had many things to reveal on Occult Science and Philosophy. This slim volume, second in the series, includes seven essays vividly written.
From page VI:
” . . . You are wrong in distrusting Subba Row’s writings. He does not write willingly, to be sure, but he will never make a false statement. – Ten to one – it will never receive the attention it deserves – Why? Simply, because his statements contain sober facts, and that what your prefer generally is fiction so long as the latter dovetails with, and answers preconceived theories. ”
- Master K.H. in: ‘Letter No. 93’ (Winter 1883) The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett.
Subba Row – A Lonely Disciple
By N.C. Ramanujachary.
59 Pages | First edition 1993 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592151.
T. Subba Row, an outstanding figure in the early days of the Theosophical Society after the Founders, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott (1832 – 1917) came to India, was highly respected for his wide-ranging erudition and knowledge of esoteric philosophy and practice. Such, he played an important role during the formative years of the Society. His speeches and writings contained in two publications, The Philosophy of the Bhagavad Gītā and Esoteric Writings, strike the reader even today by their range and depth.
N.C. Ramanujachary born in 1935 at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, India, is a long-standing member of the Theosophical Society. A member of the Authors Guild of India, he is well known as short-story writer in Telugu, with the nom de plume SRIVIRINCHI.
From page 42:
” Madame Blavatsky had to face the accusation, that ‘Isis Unveiled’ was written with the help of Subba Row. She countered this in a letter dated January 9 1886:
I made Subba Row’s acquaintance on the day I first arrived to Madras, in 1882. Saw him for a week and then when we left Bombay for Madras to live, in January 1883, had exchanged with him a few letters till then. How could I write ‘Isis’ with his help, I in New York, he at Madras and perfect strangers to each other? “
Dynamics of the Psychic World – Comments by H.P. Blavatsky (First Reprint 1989)
Comments by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), compiled by Lina Psaltis.
132 Pages | 1972, 1st reprint 1989 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN 817059121X
Psychic phenomena, magic, hypnotism, spiritualism, planes of perception, dreams, and spiritual progress – these are some of the subjects discussed in this collection of excerpts from the writings of one of the most famous occultists of history: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky.
In this small book the compiler has drawn together from various sources some of the important and interesting statements made by H.P. Blavatsky more than a century ago on subjects, which are arousing wide interest today. Her comments not only reveal something of her profound knowledge and wisdom, but are also fascinating, informative and relevant. They contain valuable advice to those who would dabble in psychic realms without being aware of their dangers and pitfalls.
From page 104/105:
” The key in each degree is the ‘aspirant himself’. It is not the fear of God, which is the beginning of Wisdom, but the knowledge of SELF which is WISDOM ITSELF. How grand and true appears, thus, to the student of Occultism who has commenced to realize some of the foregoing truths, the answer given by the Delphic Oracle to all who came seeking after Occult Wisdom – words repeated and enforced again and again by the wise Socrates: MAN KNOW THYSELF . . . ”
- From: Collected Writings, Vol. IX, p. 162.
Madame Blavatsky Unveiled
By Leslie Price.
44 Pages | First edition February 1986 | Softcover; (paper) leaflet | Theosophical History Centre, London | ISBN: 0948753005.
A new discussion of the most famous investigation of The Society for Psychical Research.
Founded in 1985, Theosophical History Centre seeks to promote interest in the history of the Theosophical Society and related fields. The paper was first presented on 12 April 1983 and it was subsequently made available in draft in both the parapsychological and theosophical communities.
From page 1:
” Madame Blavatsky, the co-founder of the T.S. was born in 1831. In ‘Spiritual Magazine’, April 1872, she was reported to be directing a Spiritualist society in Cairo, Egypt and after her arrival in New York in 1873 reports of paranormal phenomena around her began to appear regularly in the Spiritualist papers. She was corresponding secretary of the T.S., founded in New York in 1873, of which Col. Henry Olcott was president until his death in 1907. The two chief founders left the U.S.A. for India in 1878 via London, and transferred T.S. headquarters first to Bombay and in 1882 to Adyar. It was during a visit by the founders to Europe in May 1884 that the S.P.R. Committee was formed. The S.P.R, itself was only two years old, and the personnel of Spiritualism, Theosophy and Psychical Research were not then as polarised as they later became. “
The Story of Creation – According to ‘The Secret Doctrine’
By Elizabeth W. Preston
109 Pages | First published in 1947, second and revised edition 1968, Second reprint 2007 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN 8170591562
In a first attempt to read The Secret Doctrine (1888), many students lose their way in the richness and exuberance of its ideas. It is like a wood, where the trees are so dense, varied and beautiful that it is difficult to find or follow any special path. For this reason – wishing to follow one path – that of science, and to find out exactly what The Secret Doctrine does say on certain scientific subjects, I have extracted such portions as as appear to have a direct scientific value and interest. These extracts are strictly in the order, in which they appear in the Original.
Writers, such as Mrs. Besant, Mrs. Ransom and Mr. E.L. Gardner have contributed studies in and expansions of certain portions of the teachings. The author’s has been a simplification rather than a commentary or elaboration. She tries to indicate very briefly what appears to her to be the main content of each section, comparing the statements with modern scientific thought and terminology.
From the Introduction:
” The ‘Secret Doctrine’ was first published in 1888. Its purpose, as given by Madame Blavatsky, is:
- To show that Nature is not a fortuitous concurrence of atoms.
- To assign to man his rightful place in the scheme of the universe.
- To rescue from degradation the archaic truths, which are at the basis of all religion.
- To uncover, to some extent, the fundamental unity from which they all spring.
- To show that the occult side of Nature has never been approached by the science of modern civilization.
The teachings of The Secret Doctrine are based on an ancient book called the ‘Book of Dzyan’. In prehistoric times, about 80.000 – 20.000 BC, a civilization existed in Central Asia in the districts now known as the plateau of Tibet and the valley of the Tarim. The ‘Book of Dzyan’, which was originally written in a language called Senzar, is part of a larger work which was dictated by Divine Beings to the Initiates in the early days of this civilization. Some of the manuscripts were said to be in the keeping of the Teshu Lama, at Shigatse. Madama Blavatsky stated that centuries would pass before much more of ‘The Secret Doctrine’ is given out, but in the twentieth century another disciple may be sent to give proof of the existence of the Secret Science . . . “
Verzonken Continenten en Continentverschuiving
Door David Pratt.
62 Pagina’s | Eerste druk 2009, tweede druk 2010 | Softcover | Theosophy University Press Agency, Den Haag | ISBN: 9789070328740.
Engels origineel: Sunken Continents versus Continental Drift | www.davidpratt.info.
Volgens de platentektoniek hebben ‘legendarische’ verzonken continenten zoals Atlantis en Lemurië nooit echt bestaan. Ze beweert dat continenten duizenden kilometers kunnen verschuiven, maar dat het verrijzen en verzinken van grote continenten onmogelijk zou zijn. De platentektoniek ligt echter zwaar onder vuur. Een groeiende hoeveelheid bewijsmateriaal toont aan dat continenten niet als meubelstukken kunnen worden verplaatst, dat periodieke verticale korstbewegingen een sleutelrol spelen in de evolutie van de aarde, en dat grote delen van de zeebodem in het verre verleden continenten waren.
Afkomstig uit Hoofdstuk ‘Het Verrijzen en Verzinken van Continenten’ (p. 26):
Verticale bewegingen
” De theosofische traditie leert dat de aardkorst zich voortdurend verheft of verzinkt, meestal langzaam maar op sommige momenten met cataclysmische intensiteit. Er is een voortdurende afwisseling van land en water: als één deel van de droge landen verzinkt, ontstaat elders nieuw land. Blavatsky schrijft:
Het opheffen en dalen van continenten gaat steeds voort. De hele kust van Zuid-Amerika is in een uur 10 tot 15 voet opgeheven en ook weer gedaald. Huxley heeft aangetoond dat de Britse eilanden vier keer onder de oceaan zijn gezakt en vervolgens weer zijn omhoog gekomen en opnieuw bevolkt. De Alphen, de Himalaya en de Cordilleras waren alle het gevolg van bezinksels, die zich op de zeebodem hadden afgezet en die door titanische kracht tot hun huidige hoogte werden opgeheven. “
The Art of Meditation – (Adyar Pamphlet New Series No. 5)
By Marie Poutz.
21 Pages| A talk delivered at ‘Olcott’, Wheaton, Illinois, in the Summer of 1935; first published in 2003 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170594413.
When you succeed in building a bridge at first in meditation between the personal self and the world of intuïtion – where brotherhood, joy and beauty are facts – and then gradually spreading it all through your daily life, you will no longer ask whether you’re making progress. You will simply have forgotten all about yourself! And in precisely this forgetting lies your success and achievement . . .
From page 1 & 2:
” People are apt to think that meditation to be successful must be accompanied by some astral phenomenon – seeing forms, colours, hearing sounds, bells, and so forth. Even some purely physical sensations – a shiver along the spine, a tingling in the finger tips – those examples have come to me, and they are hailed with delight and proclaimed on the housetops, to the dismay of those who have had no such experiences, and therefore consider their own meditations as failures. Surely, such trivial and often foolish manifestations do not constitute a succesful meditation. They are rather an obstacle, because they draw the attention away from the inner realities. It is better to see and hear nothing on the psychic planes, so that the consciousness, wholly turned inwards, may reach communion with the Divine and gradually unify the personal self with the Ego consciousness. ”
Man – A Universe in Miniature
By Joy Piper.
113 Pages | First printed in 2003, reprint 2012 | Soft cover | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.
In this work, the author attempts to explain the nature of man’s existence and his place in the overall scheme of things. It is concerned with challenges concerning ‘human-ness’ and all that it implies: joys, sorrows and a sense of bewilderment and frustration when one faces, as one ultimately must, the depths of one’s own ignorance as how to live a life on Earth in the truest and most spiritual sense.
It is the author’s hope, that this work may provide a basic structure for the reader’s own research and study. Feel encouraged to embark upon your own quest for knowledge of this wonderful Universe, in which we live. Discover the Great Cosmic Laws governing the way in which all solar systems with their planets in orbit follow their pre-destined pattern of movement in space: the way in which a man’s seven bodies ‘orbit’ his own ‘Spiritual Sun’ or ‘Spark of the Divine’. Because these same Great Laws apply to the macrocosm (the large) and to the microcosm (the small). As it is above, so it is below, as it is within, so it is without: by learning about humankind – ourselves – we can begin to find the answers to questions about the Universe.
From page 107:
” Although the Masters may not actively intervene in human affairs, they can and do constantly observe the progress of events on our planet Earth. They are aware of those individuals, who have willingly committed themselves to the rigours of self-training necessary to equip them with the knowledge and stamina, which are essential for carrying out the Masters’ work. This work involves spreading the Ageless Wisdom Teachings – Theosophy – as widely as possible, so that others also may become helpers in the work of the Masters. In this way, the Masters’ influence for Good will greatly undermine the dark forces, so that in time a greater harmony will prevail in life on our world. ”
Anima, Evidence of a Yogic Siddhi – Remote Viewing of Subatomic Particles
66 Pages | First edition 1996, first reprint 2003 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592976.
This paper presents evidence of how facts of nuclear particle physics have confirmed purported, psychic descriptions of subatomic particles. It is because Annie Besant (1847 – 1933) and Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934) finished their observations many years before pertinent scientific knowledge became available that their work cannot be dismissed as fraudulent. Nor can their observations be interpreted as precognitive visions of future ideas and discoveries of physics. Besant and Leadbeater claimed that they used one of the eight yogic siddhis (aṇimā) to study the structure of the atoms in every element.
From Chapter – ‘Micro-psi Investigations’ (p. 1):
” The Vedas and books on yoga mention siddhis, or psychic powers, which a yogi may acquire as a result of meditation, drugs, incantations or austerities. The Yoga-Sūtra’s, the earliest exposition of yoga written by Patañjali about 400 BC., describes eight siddhis. In Aphorism 3.26 of the Sūtra’s he states that a yogi can acquire ‘knowledge of the small, the hidden or the distant by directing the light of the superphysical faculty’:
pravr̥tty-āloka-nyāsāt sūksma-vyavahita-viprakr̥ṣṭa-jñānam |
In parapsychological terms the ability to acquire ‘knowledge of the hidden or the distant’ is ‘remote viewing’ of the world at large. The ability to obtain ‘knowledge of the small’ can, likewise, be interpreted as remote viewing of the microscopic world. It has the Sanskrit name of animā and is defined by writers on yoga as ‘minuteness, the power to become as small as atom, at will’. It has been given the self-explanatory name of ”micro-psi’. “
A Geometry of Space-Consciousness
By James S. Perkins (1899 – 1991).
147 Pages | First edition 1964, 2nd revised edition 1973, 3rd revised edition 1978, 1st reprint 1986 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590205.
In this little volume, a new approach to the understanding of that ultimate mystery, Space, has been indicated. Physical space is viewed as the outer, visible appearance of an invisible ‘inner space’. The explanation given herein of major concepts are treated visually as well as verbally to render precisely the geometrical patterns of movement. There are two geometries:
- The geometry of form in physical space.
- The geometry of motion in man’s consciousness.
The object of this manual is to describe for practical use the movements of consciousness and their inter-orbital transpositions as a means of creative self-discovery.
From the Introduction (p. v):
” HERMES Trismegistus proclaimed that the greatest ill among men is ignorance of God. Since the greater sages and teachers of mankind have ever taught that the above is reflected in the below, the statement attributed to Hermes is tantamount to saying that the greatest ill among men is the ‘igorance of men’ – ignorance of man’s God-self. “
The Living Wisdom – An Introduction to Theosophy in Questions and Answers
By P. Pavri
157 pages | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House Adyar, 2000 ISBN 8170594103
The work of the Theosophical Society involves a way of life which leads to self-knowledge and knowledge of the laws of being. Only when man begins to act, think, feel and ‘be’ in accordance with the unchanging and unchangeable laws which pervade and regulate all things in the visible as well as the invisible worlds, does his psyche permit spiritual energy to flow through from hidden depths. Both individual regeneration end the reordening of human society in such a way that harmony, freedom and creativity flourish, depend on discovering the right way of living.
Personal Transformation in the Tradition of Annie Besant – A Study Course
By Mary Jane Newcomb.
49 Pages | Published in 1990 | A4 – Study Course, softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A | ISBN: 9780835600781.
This Study Course, based on the published works of the significant theosophist Annie Besant (1847 – 1933) is written for the use of theosophists and friends of the Theosophical Society. For all those, who are interested in the Ancient Wisdom, that is at the core of theosophical studies and for all those, who are seeking personal unfoldment. The Course can be used by individuals or for group study. Its lessons are on topics chosen from an extensive bibliography, that focuses on some of the areas that lie at the very center of individual life and growth.
The following topics are discussed:
- Karma
- Reïncarnation
- Education and Art
- Consciousness & Meditation
- Dharma and Morality
- Pleasure & Pain: Happiness & Sorrow
The Science and the Art of Indian Medicine
By G. Srinivasa Murti (1887 – unknown).
196 Pages | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590337.
Many and varied have been the objections that have been raised, from time to time, against the recognition and encouragement by the State of the indigenous systems of medicine like the Ayurveda, the Siddha and the Unani; these objections have always been challenged by exponents of these systems as well as by others interested in their promotion. The resulting controversy has sometimes been mild and sometimes wild. Some of the objections are trivial, while others are vital. And round none has the fire of controversy raged so fiercely as on the central question whether these Indian systems of medicine are scientific or not. The object of this memorandum is to view things from a scientific standpoint and stimulate scientific discussion on a subject which, it is clear, can now be neither ignored nor shelved.
From Chapter ‘Ayurveda as an Art – The Past and the Present’ (p. 195):
” Hence it is that, in Indian Medicine, it has always been considered necessary that the training of the future physician should provide not only for the study of Medicine in all its branches, as as to equip him or her with the capacity to have proper expert orientation to the problems of health and ill-health but also for the study of the Humanities, the Classics, as will enable him to have the proper humanist-orientation to Life and its Vital human problems. In other words, the ancient scheme of studies was so ordered as to give to the world great physicians, who were not only great scientists, but also great humanists. ”
Be a Lamp unto Yourself
By Kotha Satchidananda Murty (1924 – 2011).
278 Pages | First Edition 2000, Adyar Pamphlets New Series No. 2 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170593344.
‘What alone serves as the light here for a man? The Self alone serves as his light.’
The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875, is a worldwide body, whose primary object is Universal Brotherhood based on the realization that life, in all its diverse forms, human and non-human, is indivisibly One. The Society imposes no belief on its members, who are united by a common search for truth and the desire to learn the meaning and purpose of existence by engaging themselves in study, reflection, purity of life and loving service. Theosophy is the Wisdom underlying all religions when they are stripped of accretions and superstitions. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible and demonstrates that justice and love guide the cosmos. Its teachings aid the unfoldment of the latent spiritual nature in the human being, without dependence or fear.
From the Conclusion (p. 20):
” Lastly, it is easy enough to say, ‘Search for yourself; whatever you find in the end will be quite all right.’ But this does not seem to be of much use in practice. That is why everybody, who has been a religious preacher or teacher has always added something more. For example: Follow, devote yourselves to one who is wise, who is able to lead, who is dutiful, who is noble, who is very learned and who is above all a good and disciplined (wo)man.
This is from Dhammapada, Sukhavagga, 12.
But then the question arises: Where am I or you to find such a (wo)man? That is your business and mine. “
Reconstruction in Education
By Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952).
14 Pages | Reprinted from The Theosophist, Feb. 1942, 7th reprint 1986 | Booklet | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590043.
We have the idea that education can help the development of the child, and that we, adult people, will give this help. That is the ordinary idea of education. This idea is not a right idea, because it concludes that the adult can help this little child very much with his or her own wisdom and care. The idea of education is to give to the child and to young people all the best that we have.
That is so: but we cannot with our efforts, create a man. That is the task of the children themselves and it is the most important side of the whole educational question: what the children themselves accomplish of their own power and not what adult man can do for them.
From page 14:
” The hope we have is a hope in a new humanity, that will come from this new education, and education that is a collaboration of man and the universe, that is a help for evolution, for the incarnation of man. “
Food for Thought
By Adam Moledina.
71 Pages | Published in 1996 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | No ISBN.
Even non-vegetarians, at least the generality of them, may really not be aware of the true enormity of pain and suffering our subhuman brethren have to undergo to meet the fancied needs of man’s palate. Food for Thought shows in graphic intensity the inch-by-inch torture our animals undergo and how in the name of scientific farming we have perfected and continue to perfect torture as a fine art and science. Each sincere reader will have to face the stunning questions: What right do I have to inflict so much suffering on other creatures? Does my subsistence really call for all that? The final decision, of course, is his or hers to take.
From page 63:
” More people are becoming aware of the deplorable conditions to which animals are subjected to live all their lives. The conscientious consumer is now demanding meat, poultry and eggs from animals raised on farms. There are known as ‘free-range’ products. Each of us is responsible for our choices, and for the consequences of our choices. The better informed we are, the more intelligently we are able to weigh the alternatives and make choices that satisfy our conscience. If real change comes about, as it can, it will have to be consumer-led. The bottom line weapon that counts is the shoppping bag.
Can I see another’s woe,
And not be in sorrow too?
Can I see another’s grief
And not seek for kind relief? “
- From: William Blake (1757 – 1827).
Op de Drempel van het Heilige Pad – Psychologisch Commentaar op Licht op het Pad
Door Joy Mills (1920 – 2015).
188 Pagina’s | Eerste druk 2004 | Paperback | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9061750865.
Engels origineel: Entering on the Sacred Way – A Psychological Commentary on Light on the Path | Published in 2000 in the Wisdom Tradition Book Series | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835607895.
Het idee van een heilig pad is in alle religieuze tradities te vinden. Het gaat uit van een doel dat tal van benamingen heeft: Zelfrealisatie, verlichting, moksha, satori, bevrijding of redding. Het spirituele pad kent voorwaarden en regels. Joy Mills noemt er een paar: aandacht; een zuiver leven; begeerte zonder gehechtheid; ‘doden’ zonder geweld; onophoudelijke waakzaamheid.
De schrijfster gaat in op het paradoxale karakter van sommige van deze regels. Mills spreekt helder, met ernst en met psychologisch inzicht, over zaken die bedoeld zijn voor de serieuze zoeker naar spiritualiteit. Zij laat zien dat de oude wijsheid nog altijd actueel is.
Afkomstig uit Hoofdstuk 2 – ‘Een Zuiver Leven’ (p. 37):
” De wezenlijke vraag, die we onszelf in iedere situatie weer moeten stellen is: Hoe moeten we de situatie benaderen; hoe moeten onze gedachten en gevoelens in die situatie zijn; welke actie zullen we hierin ondernemen? Wat is, in de vele omstandigheden, die ons van alle kanten belegeren, de richting van de werkelijke vooruitgang?
Pas wanneer onze levens niet langer gehinderd worden door voorbije gehechtheden en evenzeer door verwachtingen voor de toekomst, welke ons onnodig (dat wil zeggen op een blinde manier) binden, kunnen we te rade gaan bij ons innerlijk kompas. Dat kompas moet wijzen naar het Noorden van het Zelf en die daarvan worden afgebogen door de magnetische aantrekkingskracht van vooroordelen of verwarrende emoties. “
More Details De schrijfster gaat in op het paradoxale karakter van sommige van deze regels. Mills spreekt helder, met ernst en met psychologisch inzicht, over zaken die bedoeld zijn voor de serieuze zoeker naar spiritualiteit. Zij laat zien dat de oude wijsheid nog altijd actueel is. De teksten van “Licht op het Pad” en “Karma” zijn in een bijlage opgenomen.
O Hidden Life – An Exposition by Joy Mills
By Joy Mills (1920 – 2015).
14 Pages | Reprinted from The Theosophist, June 1976 | Softcover (Leaflet) | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592410.
Sometime, in early 1923, Dr. Annie Besant (1847 – 1933), then President of The Theosophical Society, penned some lines that have since become familiar to members throughout the world, have been translated into several languages, and have, indeed, become a nearly indispensable part of ebery Theosophist’s vocabulary. The words have been set to music; they have been chanted and sung; and few gatherings of the Society that have been held since that year have not been opened with the recitation of these words. At every International Convention, successive Presidents of the Society have inaugurated the proceedings with the antiphonal recitation of what has come to be known as the ‘Universal Prayer’ or ‘ Universal Invocation’. Simple in the extreme, the words possess the magical power of a mantram:
” O Hidden Life, vibrant in every atom;
O Hidden Light, shining in every creature;
O Hidden Love, embracing all in Oneness;
May each who feels himself as one with Thee,
Know he is therefore one with every other. “
- (From page 2.)
Living in Wisdom – Lectures on ‘The Secret Doctrine’
By Joy Mills (1920 – 2015).
60 Pagina’s | Eerste druk 1994, 2000 editie | Softcover | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750680.
Dutch translation: Leven in Wijsheid – Lezingen over ‘De Geheime Leer’ | First published in 1989 | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 906175061X.
In the summer of 1988 Joy Mills gave a series of lectures celebrating the centenary of the publication of The Secret Doctrine, by H.P. Blavatsky. This book contains the texts of these lectures. In these lectures, Joy Mills places a special emphasis on the ethical conclusions to be drawn from study of this book. She elaborates on the mythological nature of the content of The Secret Doctrine, particularly where it refers to the origins and development of man. In contemporary language, and with frequent references to the latest developments in physics and biology, the essence of The Secret Doctrine is made more accessible to the modern reader.
Joy Mills has been a member of the Theosophical Society since 1940 and has served as General Secretary of the American Section and the Australian Section, and she was International Vice-President of the T.S.. She was director of the Krotona Institute School of Theosophy in Ojai, California. Her lecture tours have taken her to more than 50 countries.
More Details In the lectures, Joy Mills places a special emphasis on the ethical conclusions to be drawn from study of this book. She elaborates on the mythological nature of the content of The Secret Doctrine, particularly where it refers to the origins and development of man. In contemporary language, and with frequent references to the latest developments in physics and biology, the essence of The Secret Doctrine is made more accessible to the modern reader. Joy Mills has been a member of the Theosophical Society since 1940 and has served as General Secretary of the American Section and the Australian Section, and she was International Vice-President of the T.S.. She was director of the Krotona Institute School of Theosophy in Ojai, California. Her lecture tours have taken her to more than 50 countries.
Updating…