By Joy Mills (1920 – 2015).

76 Pagina’s | Eerste druk 1989 | Softcover | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 906175061X.

Engels origineel: Living in Wisdom – Lectures on ‘The Secret Doctrine’ | Eerste druk 1994, 2000 editie | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750680.

‘Leef het Leven als je tot de Wijsheid wilt komen’.

De Geheime Leer van Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) verscheen in 1888 en is nog steeds het belangrijkste werk op het gebied van de theosofische filosofie. In de zomer van 1988 hield de Amerikaans theosofe Joy Mills in Nederland een serie lezingen over dit werk. Dit boek bevat de tekst van deze lezingen.

Zij gaat hierin onder meer in op het mythisch karakter van hetgeen in De Geheime Leer geschreven staat over het ontstaan van de wereld en de wording van de mens. Ook legt zij sterk de nadruk op de ethische gevolgen, die voortvloeien uit deze studies. In eigentijds bewoordingen en met verwijzingen naar nieuwe ontwikkelingen in de wetenschap wordt De Geheime Leer voor de lezer toegankelijk gemaakt.

Afkomstig uit Hoofdstuk 1 – ‘De Geheime Leer: het wekken van een nieuwe Wijze van Denken (blz. 6):

” In de gepubliceerde verzameling van de brieven, die bekend staan als de Mahatma-brieven aan A.P Sinnett komt een erg duidelijke uitspraak voor. Een van hen, Mr. A.O. Hume, vond dat hij, als goed opgeleid Engelsman, orde kon aanbrengen in de leringen van de occulte leer en hij schreef dan ook aan een van zijn adept-leraren: ‘Waarom vertelt u ons niet gewoon wat de occulte leer is en dan zal ik het onder woorden brengen in termen, die voor het Westerse denken redelijk en rationeel en zinvol zijn. ‘

En de adept-leraar antwoordt: ‘Het lijkt misschien vanuit uw Westers gezichtspunt zo dat het enige wat ons te doen staat is het schrijven van een handboek over occultisme. Maar’, zei hij, ‘zo gaat het niet toe in onze scholen (dat wil zeggen in de esoterische traditie), want totdat en tenzij de student voorbereid is om de waarheid te ontvangen of te begrijpen, is er eenvoudig geen waarheid. Niemand houdt deze voor hem of haar achter, hij/zij kan haar gewoon niet begrijpen!’ “

By Joy Mills (1920- 2015).

94 Pages | First edition 1996, reprint 2002 | Softcover | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9061750830.

Bij het Juni nummer van Theosofia wordt een ‘Special’ gepubliceerd met de Nederlandse vertaling van dit werk.

‘ Bestride the bird of life, if thou would’st know. ‘

It is the nature of a bird to fly upwards. When one moves to a higher position, for example to a mountain’s peak, one’s vision is greatly extended. There is much more to be seen from an airplane than from a train or an automobile. This does not mean, that the closer view of the terrain, which is seen when one is walking or driving in a car, is not important, but to gain a wider perspective of the entire area one wishes to explore, a view from the heights is essential.

The theosophical worldview gives a panoramic view, and this is an essential part of its uniqueness. Many philosophies and much of science start from a very limited view and stay there; for example, in some cases, the view is only of the physical world, and then the existence of anything beyond the physical or material is posited as perhaps plausible, but not very likely. On the other hand, the theosophical philosophy encourages us to gain the widest view possible, to start not with the physical, but with that which is the ground of our being, the ultimate reality underlying all phenomenal existence.

From Chapter II – ‘Waking up’ (p. 29):

” In the Voice of Silence, we are encouraged to take a wider view, the view a bird would have. And what is that view? From the theosophical perspective, it is a view of the universe. which brings about the profound realization of the unity of all existence. You realize, that our generation, of all generations that have lived on this planet, is the first to have seen our globe whole, that is there are no boundaries. Where are the boundaries? Where are the frontiers? 

[…]

If our aim is as The Voice of Silence tells us, to ‘follow in the steps of holy Tathagata’, which is to take the Bodhisattva path, then we must see the world and all within it as does a Bodhisattva. It has been said, that a Bodhisattva sees the single thread, that unites all consciousnesses, all beings. […] We know, that there are groups in which there is ancestor worship. There is a truth in this, because the blood is symbolic of the living thread, which connects us with all ancestors and if one goes back far enough, there is only one ancestor, which is the Great Man, Purusha. We are all linked as bloodbrothers then. This was one of the great symbols in mediaeval time, to become bloodbrothers, to mingle the blood. ” 

Door Joy Mills (1920 – 2015), vertaald door Fay van Ierlant en Peter Smit.

18 Paginas’s | Brochure | Uitgegeven in 2008 | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9789061750895.

Deze brochure onder de titel: Dharma: The Law of Our Best Being | Een artikel in The Theosophist, januari 2006 | The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar.

Misschien is de vervulling van onze individuele unieke roeping wel datgene waardoor wij op onze pelgrimstochten worden geroepen, ofwe nu in staat zijn deze roeping helder en bondig uit te drukken, of dat we alleen maar intuïtief aanvoelen dat er een doel is waarheen wij ons begeven, maar dat we nog niet in woorden kunnen uitdrukken. Er bestaat een begrip dat een bruikbaar antwoord zou kunnen zijn op het onderzoek, dat voor ons ligt. Dat begrip heet ‘dharma’. Dit woord heeft vele betekenissen, maar gaat tegelijkertijd dieper dan elk van de betekenissen, die er aan gegeven kunnen worden.

Afkomstig van blz. 10:

” . . . Er bestaat geen menselijke maatschappij, die gebaseerd is op de erkenning van inherente goedheid en natuurlijke hierarchie, die niet tevens het inzicht bezit in de aard van de werkelijkheid, die samengevat wordt in het woord ‘dharma’: alles omvattende wet, dat wat alle inzichten, elementen en ervaringen van de werkelijkheid ondersteunt en doordringt. “

Door Rohit Mehta, vertaald door E.J.H. Bonjer-van Eeghen.

146 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1977; dit boek maakt deel uit van de Lotusreeks I | Softcover | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750413.

Engels origineel: Seek-out the Way – Studies in ‘Light on the Path’ | Uitgegeven in 1957 | The Theosophical Publishing House | ISBN: 9780722972014.

Licht op het Pad (Engels origineel Light on the Path), geschreven door Mabel Collins staat bekend als ‘een der kostbaarste juwelen van de moderne Theosofie’. Het bestaat uit 30 aforismen van geestelijke lering met een diepe betekenis, die integraal in dit werkje zijn opgenomen. Ze zijn afkomstig uit een serie toespraken door Rohit Mehta, gehouden in Benares in het hoofdkwartier van de Indiase afdeling van de Theosophical Society.

Afkomstig van blz. 70:

” ‘Licht op het Pad’ zegt: Groei, zoals de bloem groeit, onbewust, maar vurig verlangend haar Ziel te openen voor de lucht. Zo moet gij vooruit dringen om uw Ziel te openen voor het Eeuwige. Maar het moet het Eeuwige zijn, dat uw kracht en schoonheid te voorschijn brengt, niet de begeerte naar groei. Want in het ene geval ontwikkelt gij u in de lichtende glans van reinheid, in het andere verhardt gij u door de hevige hartstocht voor het bereiken van persoonlijke grootheid. “

Door Rohit Mehta, vertaald door Ir. A.J.H. Leeuwen.

189 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1977; dit boek maakt deel uit van de Lotusreeks I | Softcover | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750291.

Engels origineel: The Creative Silence | Uitgegeven in 1986 | The Theosophical Publishing House | ISBN: 9788170590170.

Rohit Mehta heeft getracht in deze Overpeinzingen over het bekende werk van Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s (1831 – 1891) De Stem van de Stilte, een verklaring te geven van een van de merkwaardigste boeken die ooit over het geestelijk leven zijn geschreven. Blavatsky geeft in haar werk de mystieke leer van de Boeddha en de leer van de Vedanta weer. Beide kunnen als nagenoeg identieke wijsgerige stelsels worden beschouwd. Zo noemt Blavatsky de Vedanta ‘vergeestelijkt Boeddhisme’ en het Boeddhisme ‘radicaal Vedantisme’.

Afkomstig van blz. 89:

” De parasiet, die het hart doorknaagt en het levenssap drinkt, is het verlangen om zich ergens aan vats te klampen. En het verlangen om zich ergens aan vast te klampen ontstaat uit de heugenis aan vroegere ervaringen. Het is dit verlangen, dat de leerling ertoe brengt achterom te kijken. De roos, die weer tot knop wordt, is inderdaad de toestand van het denkvermogen, dat bevrijd is van de heugenis aan vroegere ervaringen. Het is een toestand van vernieuwing, van geestelijke wedergeboorte. Terug te keren tot de kindstaat is geestelijk herboren worden. “

By Śrī N.S. Marathey.

102 Pages | First edition 2002 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170594014.

In simple language, but with great insight, the evolutionairy journey of consciousness from the mineral through the human kingdom is traced. We learn of the gradual transition from primitive man, who is ruled by his sense organs, to the awakened individual, who has gained full command over them. With clarity and a clear understanding of the subject, the author describes how man’s initial identification with a separate self eventually gives rise to his merging with the all-pervading consciousness, which is the true goal of his life.

Sri Marathey is author of several theosophical books in Marathi. In this, his first publication in English, we are invited toexamine the fundamental nature of the universe as a dynamic interplay of matter, energy, space, time, consciousness and life.

By Tim Lyons.

188 Pages | A Quest Original, First Edition 1986 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606120.

In this book, an attempt is made to look more closely at the basic, structural implications of astrology, at its foundations or philosophic base, by examining the fruit of the astrological tree, fruit which has proven itself healthy through actual life-giving application. But more particularly, this Volume examines the inner core of the fruit – the pit, or pith, or seeds – for the core is a microcosm of the tree itself, containing all its potentials.

On another level, this work attempts to address the larger question: ‘What does Astrology imply about the human condition’? Astrological symbology is discussed from the standpoint of its inherent Perennial Wisdom. This Wisdom is not lacking in practical value, but this value cannot be appropiated by ego. In the end, the Perennial Wisdom of Astrology is that it directs us, through the inner logic of its symbols, to see the necessity of spiritual growth for human beings. The sum and substance of the hard line is that the solidity of ego is an illusion, an illusion which is in the end only a limitation that obscures our vision, our freedom, and our ability to relate fully with others.

From Chapter 8 – ‘The Illusionairy Prison; Astrology, Freedom and Ego ‘ (p. 170):

‘” The world has often been referred to as a prison house. Astrology may at first seem threatening, because it demonstrates the structure of the prison, thus bringing our fears to the surface. But in the end it can actually show us the inner structure of the prison house, thus allowing us to escape. It can also show us that the walls of the prison are not solid, but permeable, no more solid than the person they surround. In this way, astrological knowledge can be liberating. “

By Hal A. Lingerman.

340 Pages | A Quest Original, first published in 1988 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606295.

‘Like a carpet ride, music carries the listener/reader into the Eternal in daily meditations, that both delight and inspire’. 

This inspirational book of daily meditations offers readers, who appreciate music an enriched multi-media experience. Lingerman blends suggested classical and New Age music with daily meditations, anchored by passages from some of the greatest Souls in history. The result is harmony and balance. A meditative theme sets the tone for each day, followed by a quotation from Thoreau, Schweitzer, Franklin, Lincoln, or perhaps Pythagoras. Then guided imagery sets a general course for the reader to ’take off’ on the theme wherever intuïtion may lead. Finally, a selection of music is recommended to highlight the daily theme.

The reader/listener may focus on a daily classical selection from Dvorak, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi or perhaps Ravel. Popular New Age musical selections are listed as alternatives to persons, who may prefer the soundscapes of Zamfir, Paul Horn or perhaps Richard Musk.

From Pages 319 & 320:

December 21st

” FOCUS: The Angels help man as far as he can be helped. They intensify all his highest aspirations, stir up his adoration and his love, and to give effect to the ancient and beautiful words of their traditional Hymn: ‘Glory be to God in the highest, on earth peace to men of goodwill’. – Dora van Gelder.

MEDITATION: Feel the Angels today, stirring your sense of joy and adoration. Let your heart open now; feel the surge of the Spirit, the current of life coursing through you. The glory of God shines through you.

MUSICAL KEYNOTES: Jakub Jan Ryba, ‘Czech Mass’ (Matl-Supraphon). This very ancient setting of the Mass, for soloists, chorus and orchestra, brings a devotional quality and contains many beautiful melodies of adoration.

Zdenek Fibich, Symphony No. 3 (Belohlavek-Supraphon), Love and nature are the themes of this wonderful music. In the adagio (slow movement) a sense of bliss and deep devotion emerge to bathe the listener in sound.

Soundings of the Planet: Joy to the World (box 43512, Tucson, AZ 85733). This contemporary statement of Christmas contains a joyful spirit of adoration. “

Door Anna Lemkow.

416 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1993 | Softcover, incl. index, woordenlijst & literatuurlijst | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9061750660.

Engels origineel: The Wholeness Principle – Dynamics of Unity within Science, Religion and Society | Uitgegeven in 1990 | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835607151.

Het begint steeds duidelijker te worden dat de huidige verdeeldheid tussen volkeren en godsdiensten een bedreiging vormt voor het voortbestaan van de mensheid. Een filosofie, waarin juist de nadruk wordt gelegd op de eenheid, die achter alle verdeeldheid ligt wordt wel ‘holisme’ genoemd. In de holistische literatuur is tot nu toe ingegaan op de mogelijke verbanden tussen religie (mystiek) en wetenschap (fysica). De maatschappelijke dimensie wordt daarbij vaak onbesproken gelaten. In Het Heelheid Principe wordt juist aan deze sociale dimensie van het holisme veel aandacht besteed.

Anna Lemkow bestrijkt een enorm terrein aan onderwerpen. Eerst behandelt zij de opkomst van de moderne wetenschap en de gevolgen, die dat heeft gehad voor ons mens- en wereldbeeld. Daarna betrekt zij de spirituele dimensie in haar betoog, waarbij zij ingaat op de overeenkomsten en verschillen tussen de grote religies van de wereld, de verhouding van religie en wetenschap, en de plaats van de mystiek in het geheel van de menselijke kennis. Tenslotte bespreekt zij uitvoerig de maatschappelijke ontwikkelingen die het gevolg zijn van de hoge vlucht van de technologie, zoals industrialisering en automatisering. Lemkow schetst de omtrekken van een politieke visie, die aangepast is aan de nieuwe wereldorde, waarin men inziet dat Oost en West, Noord en Zuid niet zonder elkaar kunnen leven.

Afkomstig uit Hoofdstuk 1 – ‘Heelheid, Sleutel tot Inzicht’ (blz. 47):

” De Hermetische keten van de Grieks mystieke traditie . . . . . verwijst naar het bestaan van een levende traditie, die van leraar op leerlingen wordt doorgegeven en medegedeeld, leraar na leraar, in een eeuwigdurende keten waarvan de schakels levende mensen zijn . . . ‘Rechtvaardige vervolmaakte mensen’, ‘Meesters van Wijsheid en Mededogen’. Het belang van de traditie schuilt niet zozeer in de vraag wie deze Meesters waren of zijn dan in datgene wat werd doorgegeven: een wijsheid, die alle kennis verenigt en doel en richting geeft aan de pogingen van de mens om zichzelf en de wereld, waarin hij/zij zich beweegt te begrijpen. “

Compiled by Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934) and translated by Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

41 Pages | First edition 1902, first reprint 2004 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 817059443X.

This work is a translation of a small Sinhalese Catechism of Buddhism in two parts, called Bauddha Sisubodhaya, which was compiled by Mr. C.W. Leadbeater in 1889, when he was working in connection with the Buddhist Theosophical Society. During the work of teaching in Buddhist Sunday Schools and later in the Buddhist English High School of Colombo (now Ananda College), Mr. Leadbeater found Colonel Olcott’s Catechism far above the grasp of most of the children, as that Catechism was not composed for children. A far simpeler work being urgently needed, Mr. Leadbeater with the help of Buddhist friends put together this little publication.

68 Pages | Second edition, 2nd reprint 2012 | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar

We may think that death has snatched away one dear to us. But the Soul is immortal. Man is a Soul and has a body. Death only means putting the body aside, for there is life after death and one’s dear one lives on in the spiritual body and may be contacted during sleep or deep in one’s consciousness. If we sorrow for the dead, their progress is hindered. The attitude of mourning shows lack of faith. There is one God, and we are all in Him. If we can but realize the unity of that Eternal Love, there will be no more sorrow for us.

From page 62;

” If we mourn, if we yield to gloom and depression, we throw out from ourselves a heavy cloud which darkens the sky for them. Their very affection for us, their very sympathy for us, lays them open to this direful influence. We can use the power which that affection gives us, to help them instead of hindering them, if we only will: but to do that requires courage and self-sacrifice. We must forget ourselves utterly in our earnest and loving desire to be of the greatest possible assistance to our dead . . . “

By Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934).

94 Pages | First edition 2012, 13th Reprint | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 9788170592532.

The subject of life after death is one of great interest to all of us, not only because we ourselves must certainly die one day, but far more because there can scarcely be any more among us, except perhaps the very young, who has not lost (as we call it) by death someone who is near and dear to us. So if there be any information available with regard to the life after death, we are naturally very anxious to have it.

From Chapter VII – ‘Guardian Angels’ (p. 69 & 71):

” There are many graceful traditions of spiritual guardianship and angelic intervention, which we should all very much like to believe if we could only see our way to accept them rationally, and I hope to explain that to a very large extent we may do this. The belief in such intervention is a very old one. Among the earliest Indian legends we find accounts of the occasional appearances of minor deities at critical points in human affairs. […] The old belief in angels and archangels is justified by the facts, for just as there are various kingdoms below humanity, so there are also kingdoms above it in evolution. We find next above us, holding much the same position with regard to us that we in turn hold to the animal kingdom, the great kingdom of Deva-s or Angels, and above them again an evolution which has been called that of the Dhyan Chohans or archangels and so upward to the very feet of Divinity. All is one graduated life, from God Himself to the very dust of beneath our feet – one long ladder, of which humanity occupies only one of the steps. “

By Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854 – 1934).

27 Pages | Reprinted 2002 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170591678.

Leadbeater was a highly developed clairvoyant and the author of over thirty books on the spiritual life and the psychic nature of man.

From page 2:

” Naturally the work of every Lodge has its public side. There are lectures given to the public and opportunities offered for them to ask questions; all this is good and necessary. But every Lodge, which is worthy of the name, is also doing something far higher than any work on the physical plane, and this higher work can only be done in its own primary meetings. Furthermore, it can be done only if these meetings are properly conducted and entirely harmonious. ” 

Door Eunice Layton en Felix Layton.

75 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1987; dit boek maakt deel uit van de Lotusreeks II | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750239.

Engels origineel: Some Basic Concepts of Theosophy | Uitgegeven in 1960 | The Theosophical Publishing House | Geen ISBN nr.

Dit boekje bestaat uit vier toespraken over Theosofische grondbegrippen, beginselen van de oude wijsheid, die onderwezen werden door de wijzen van alle volken en tijden:

1. Een goddelijk plan in een chaotische wereld
2. Ken uw ware zelf
3. Reïncarnatie
4. Heerst er gerechtigheid in de wereld?

De Theosofisch Vereniging is een groepering van zoekers naar ‘waarheid’, die allemaal het geloof in de algemene Broederschap der Mensheid gemeen hebben. Zodoende is er geen dogma of geloofsbelijdenis, die het denken van de leden aan banden legt. De beschouwingen in dit werkje zijn voor hen, waarheidszoekers overal ter wereld, in de hoop dat ze zullen helpen om dieper inzicht te verkrijgen in de speurtocht naar het ontdekken van het eigen wijze ‘Zelf’.

Afkomstig van blz. 71:

” We zijn niet alleen de omstandigheden, die we zelf hebben geschapen, maar we zijn ook in de best denkbare gelegenheid om die geestelijke vermogens te ontplooien, waaraan we toe zijn. De werking der wet is een zege, al denken we daar soms anders over. We zijn hier niet toevallig. Het is niet bij toeval, dat we hier wonen in plaats van China of op de Zuidzee Eilanden of nog ergens anders. Als we onze lessen leren, indien we die eigenschap aankweken, die de omstandigheden en het leven ons proberen bij te brengen, zullen we na de volgende stap voorwaarts gedaan te hebben, zien, dat onze omstandigheden op miraculeuze wijze zijn veranderd. Niet de wereld moet veranderd worden, maar wij zelf. Zoals wij zelf zijn, zo maken we de wereld. “

By Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986).

132 Pages | First edition 2002, reprinted in 2004 | Softcover | Krishnamurti Foundation, India | ISBN: 8187326395.

This book consists of six talks, that Krishnamurti gave at Indian Universities of Technology between 1969 – 1984.

Krishnamurti’s chief concern here is to awaken students to the fact that the pursuit of knowledge does not liberate man from his ignorance of himself. While knowledge is indispensable, it also creates the illusion that we have the intelligence to meet the challenges of life. This makes us neglect the vast and subtle field of the human psyche. This perspective comes through clearly in these talks, which therefore have significance not just for the young, but also for parents, teachers, and all those interested in the deeper issues of life.

From page 39:

” So if we come back to the fundamental question: what is ignorance? Ignorance, is this unawareness of the whole structure of and nature of the mind, the brain and of all its movement; that is the very essence of ignorance. You learn from books and from your professors, pass examinations, get a few degrees and get a job – that is nothing. That is necessary in this mad world, but to be totally unaware of the extraordinary movement, the beauty, the subtlety, the quickness of all that inward movement, to be unconscious, to be unaware of it is not only ignorance; it brings its own destruction. “

Door Grace F. Knoche (1909 – 2006).

108 Bladzijden| Vertaling van de tweede en herziene 1999 editie | Softcover | Theosophical Universiy Press Agency, Den Haag | ISBN: 9070328569.

Engels origineel: The Mystery Schools | Originally published in 1940, second and revised 1999 edition | The Theosophical University Press, Pasadena U.S.A. | ISBN: 1557000662.

Achter de religies, filosofieën en wetenschappen van de wereld ligt een weinig begrepen, maar krachtige bron van spiritueel leven van de mensheid: de Mysteriescholen. Deze esoterische instellingen gaan terug tot in de verre Oudheid; ze hebben de tijdloze Theosophia of Goddelijke Wijsheid van de eeuwen levend gehouden, en stimulansen gegeven aan de geestelijke intuitie en evolutionaire vooruitgang van de mensheid.

Dit boekje behandelt de geschiedenis, doeleinden en methoden van deze scholen, die hun bestaan en inspiratie ontlenen aan een heilige oorsprong. Tot de besproken onderwerpen behoren het tweevoudige karakter van de Mysteriën, symbolen en patronen van inwijding, de broederschap van mededogen en de Mysteriescholen van nu.

Uit Hoofdstuk 9 – ‘Wegen van Inwijding’ (blz. 65):

” In de meer gevorderde mysterietraining moet de leerling niet alleen leren het mystieke voertuig van ontwaakt bewustzijn op te bouwen dat hem van het ene gebied naar het andere zal brengen, maar ook om in de loop van zo’n individueel wordingsproces de eeuwige wegen van inwijding zelf opnieuw te ontdekkken. Wat wijsheid en een vooruitziende blik betreft is de natuur in alle opzichten consequent: een wet, een methode, een structuur. Met bekoorlijke zorgvuldigheid repeteert ze de wegen van inwijding door middel van de cyclus van slaap en dood. De dood en de processen, die daarbij een rol spelen vormen het hart en de kern van de grote Mysteriën: door de dood van het lagere wordt het hogere geboren. Als het zaad niet sterft, kan de bloem niet bloeien; als de bloem niet sterft kan zich geen zaad vormen. ‘Hij die zijn leven verliest om Mijnentwil zal het vinden’ (Matt. 10:39). “

By Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

74 Pages | First edition 1946, first reprint 1977, second edition 2000 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170593905.

The first letter was received in 1870 and the last in 1900, nine years after the death of Madame Blavatsky (1831 – 1891). The first letter has inscribed in Russian on the envelope which contains it: ‘Received at Odessa, November 7, about Lelinka, probably from Tibet. November 11, 1870. Nadydja F.’ Madame Nadydja Andreewna Fadeef was the aunt of HPB, and Lelinka was the pet name for Helena, her baptismal name. At this time, HPB had gone on her travels. The following is what Madame Fadeef wrote to Colonel Olcott in French on 26th June, on 1884:

” Two or three years ago I wrote to Mr. Sinnett in reply to one of his letters, and I remember telling him what happened to me in a letter which I received phenomenally, when my niece was on the other side of the world, and because of that nobody knew where she was – which made us deeply anxious. All our researchers had ended in nothing. We were ready to believe her dead, when – I think it was about the year 1870, or possibly later – I received a letter from him whom I believe you call ‘Kouth Humi’, which was brought to me in the most comprehensible and mysterious manner, in my house by a messenger of Asiatic appearance, who then disappeared before my very eyes. “

This letter, which begged me to not fear anything, and which announced that she was in safety – I have still, but at Odessa. Immediately upon my return I shall send it to you, and I shall be very pleased if it can be of any use to you.

By Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

69 Pages | First edition 1926, reprint 1927, second edition 1988 | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | No ISBN.

‘The first edition was issued under the title The Mediator. Some of the titles of the essays included therein have been altered in this Volume to make them more meaningful. The essay The Mediator does not find a place in this edition; hence the change of the title of the book.

From Chapter 10 – The Secret of the Ages (p. 63):

” If only we will look rightly into our own heart, and listen to the still small voice there, we shall hear where our path lies, and we shall always see visions of our work. At the bottom of our nature we are unselfish, and we hunger to give. Even when we are reckless in selfishness, the soul’s cry at our depths is ‘Let me find how to give’. When, with increasing will, heart and mind are used to subdue the fierce thirst for sensation, then, evitably vistas appear of a work. For Soul and work are interchangeable terms, and the greater the work the more spiritual the Soul . . . “

By Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

189 Pages | First to fourth reprints 1973 – 2002 | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170593964.

From the Foreword:

” I AM privileged to introduce to the world this priceless booklet of Letters from the Elder Brothers, who were the true Founders of the Theosophical Society. Many a Pilgrim on the Probationary Path will find in it much of help and inspiration, and it will serve to deepen the sense of the reality of our Teachers, sometimes blurred in the mind of neophytes by the tumultuous happenings in the outer world, as the notes of a vina are drowned if played in the rattle of an engine-shed. May it speak to those who have ears to hear. “ – Annie Besant

By Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

64 Pages | Published in 1915 | Paperback |  Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590159.

‘To the Master Koot Hoomi from his living son’.

From the Foreword:

” We met only for an hour, but I felt from the moment I saw you, that I had a message to give you. What that message is, you will find in the following pages. You have come to a point in your life when you feel you cannot any longer be fully of the world. You are established in an honourable career, and you know that time will bring you success and ease. But you already feel that you cannot work for success alone. You feel you must be an idealist in your profession, and be loyal to the ideal you see, even though it means suffering and humiliation. You are in the position that hundreds are in to-day, but you are different from them, in that you believe that the ideal which compels your obedience is not a thing of your imagination, but the first glimpse of a Personality whom you would like to call the Master. You feel that if this Master really exists and you could know hyim, then you could be utterly true to him in every way, regardless of what comes. 

You know further that you cannot seek this Master by retiring into some monastic seclusion, in order that by meditation and contemplation there you might commune with him. You are not free to consider your welfare only, for there are those depending upon you for their needs. For their sakes you know you must engage in a worldly career. But while you are so engaged, you would like, if it be possible, at the same time to serve the Master is some way. It is because there is such a way, that I write these pages for you, and for others who are opening their eyes to those higher human possibilities which you have already seen.

Each human Soul has some message to givr to every other human Soul and what I wrtie is my message to you just now. It is not mine in reality, for it came to me from other human Souls, and I am giving to you as a brother what others as Brothers have given to me. “

C.J.  – Taormina 1912.

By Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

76 Pages | First Edition 1928, 1st – 3rd reprints 1949-1954, second edition 1986 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590329.

These three Lectures were delivered by the Author at the Queen’s Hall London in May 1927, and formerly published  under the title ‘The Divine Vision’.

It is a true saying, and one experienced and proved by us all, that we rise to higher things on the stepping stones of our dead selves. The life of man is a continual change of vision; as experiences come to him one after another, it is as if he rose from one level to another as he climbs up a mountain side, and therefore his visions steadily changes.

We recognise that there are two kinds of vision possible for us, that of the ordinary man of the world, and that other vision, which is presented to us by the great leaders of humanity, the founders of the religions. But we are apt to imagine that that lofty vision of the great teachers is something reserved for them alone, that we men in these lower levels are not capable of a divine vision. Yet the whole purpose of the message of Theosophy is to show that what the greatest of mankind has achieved shall some day be the achievement of every human being. In the course of these three Lectures, I shall try to show there is possible for us a divine vision of man, of nature and of God.

From Page 26:

” The student of Nature wonders the more and is astonished the less, the more conversant he becomes with her operations; but of all the perennial miracles she offers to his inspection, perhaps the most worthy of admiration, is the development of a plant or of an animal from its embryo. Examine the recently laid egg of some common animal, such as the salamander or a newt. It is a minute spheriod in which the best microscope will reveal nothing but a structureless sac, enclosing a glairy fluid holding granules in suspension. But strange possibilities lie dormant in that semi-fluid globe. Let a moderate amount of warmth reach its watery cradle, and the plastic matter undergoes changes so rapid and yet so steady and purposelike in their succession, that one can only compare them to those operated by a skilled modeller upon a formless lump of clay. As with an invisible trowel, the mass is divided and sub-divided into smaller and smaller proportions until it is reduced to an aggregation of granules not too large to build withal the finest fabrics of the nascent organism. And, then, it is as if a delicate finger traced out the line to be occupied by the spinal column, and moulded the contour of the body, pinching up the head at one end, the tail at the other, and fashioning flank and limb into due salamandrine proportions in so artistic a way that, after watching the process hour by hour, one is almost involuntarily possessed by the notion that some more subtle aid to vision than an achromatic microscope would show the hidden artist, with his plan before him, striving with skilful manipulation to perfect his work. ” – Lay Sermons, Chapter – ‘The Origin of Species’.

By Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

122 Pages | Published in 1953 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | No ISBN.

Selected and arranged by E.N.

This Volume of Poems by Jinarājadāsa is presented in fulfilment of a verbal promise made to him in 1949, further enjoined by a clause is his last Will, to the effect that after his death there should be published certain poems written in notebooks carefully preserved by him from 1909, when he first adopted the poetic method for giving expression to his feelings, thoughts and aspirations. Not many of these have previously appeared in print, although from time to time he has quoted a number to illustrate some point in a lecture or a book, and has on several occasions given readings from this poems to Theosophical audiences. I am indebted to the Manager of the Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar Madras, for permission to reproduce here a few poems which have already appeared in one or two of the author’s prose works.

From Page 3:

LACRIMAE RERUM
(To ‘Little Flower’)

” This I see – that Nature is but a glass

Before which Form and Formless transient pass.

This I think – that a Hand unseen but kind,

To joys of Life my tranced eyes unbind.

This I feel – that life is a darkened room,

Where yearning I fulfil a weary doom.

This I know – that in inmost heart I cry

From life’s oppressive shadow-show to fly.

For this I AM: my flower-heart unfurled,

Turns to a Sun not of this shadow-world.

And so I cull the perfume of each thing,

And to you, dearest Shadow, tearful bring. “

France, 1913.

Door Helena Petrovna Blavatksy (1831 – 1891), met een voorwoord door Ianthe Helen Hoskins (1912 – 2001).

80 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1992, gebaseerd op de Engelse 1988 editie | Softcover, incl. woordenlijst en literatuurlijst | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750673.

Engels origineel: Foundations of Esoteric Philosophy | First Adyar Edition, fifth reprint 2012 | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 9788170592211.

Zoals het zand, dat op zichzelf vormloos is, door de wind wordt beroerd en als gevolg daarvan een oneindige rijkdom aan patronen te zien geeft, zo zijn alle dingen voortgekomen uit een samenspel van stof en geest is voortgekomen uit het Ene.

De esoterische filosofie legt er de nadruk op dat achter de veelvuldige wereld van onze ervaring een enkele Realiteit ligt, die de bron en oorzaak is van alles wat ooit was, is en zal zijn. Aangezien alle dingen zijn voortgekomen uit het Ene Allerhoogste, zijn ze zelf, in hun ware aard, dat Allerhoogste. De oneindige verschijnselen van het gemanifesteerde universum, van het hoogste tot het laagste, van het omvangrijkste tot het nietigste, zijn het Ene, gehuld in naam en vorm.

In dit zevende deel van de Adyar-reeks zijn enkele sleutelpassages samengebracht uit de Geheime Leer van Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, de grondlegster van de Theosofische beweging. De lezer kan zo in kort bestek kennis nemen van deze diepzinnige esoterische filosofie.

Afkomstig uit ‘Drie Grondstellingen’ (blz. 26):

” De ENE WERKELIJKHEID; haar tweevoudige aspecten in het voorwaardelijke Heelal. Verder stelt De Geheime Leer: (B) De eeuwigheid van het Heelal ‘in toto’ als een grenzeloos gebied, periodiek ‘het toneel van talloze Heelallen die zich onophoudelijk manifesteren en verdwijnen en die de zich manifesterende sterren en de vonken van de eeuwigheid worden genoemd. De eeuwigheid van de pelgrim is als een oogwenk van het Zelf-bestaan (Boek van Dzyan). Het verschijnen en verdwijnen van werelden is als een regelmatig getij van eb en vloed. “

By Ianthe H. Hoskins.

28 Pages | First edition 1969, 3rd reprint 2002 , Adyar Mini| Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592003.

From the Foreword:

” To study yoga without attempting to translate it into practice is like studying the technique of car driving without ever taking the car from the garage. Yoga is a practical science, and its value to the student can be appreciated only when the theoretical study is translated into experience. The questions and notes which follow may provide a starting-point for those, who feel the need of some simple and precise suggestions in applying what they have studied to everyday life. “

The notes in this Adyar Mini Booklet are intended as an introduction to the deeper study of the Yoga Sutra-s of Patañjali available in various translations. For further reading, The Still Mind by Roy Agard and Rāja Yoga – A Practical Course by Wallace Slater, are recommended.

By George Hodson (1886 – 1983).

88 Pages | Second edition, 1st reprint 2011 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590523.

In the Occult Tradition, the number seven occurs frequently. The Seven Rays refer to the seven different human temperaments. Geoffrey Hodson describes the characteristics of people in each of these rays, their strengths and weaknesses, ideals and methods. He also points out that most people show forth in daily life the characteristics of the Seven Rays. Ultimately, we must develop the qualities of all the Rays, although the unique characteristics of one of them will predominate.

Included is an enfolded A2-diagram mapping out the Seven Rays and their characteristics.

Geoffrey Hodson (1886 – 1983).

95 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1978; dit boek maakt deel uit van Lotusreeks I | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750482.

Engels origineel: The Seven Human Temperaments | Uitgegeven in 1973, reprint 2006 (Kessinger Publishing, LLC.) | The Theosophical Publishing House | ISBN: 9781428648203.

‘Het leven gelijkt enigermate op een geweven tapijt: aan de onderzijde ziet men een wirwar van kleuren, knopen en draden; een patroon kan men echter niet ontdekken. Zodra de bovenzijde wordt bekeken ziet men de bedoeling van het weefsel en, hòe alles – juist in die volgorde – werd gerangschikt’, aldus Hodson. Het menselijk verstand, dat begrensd is, kan de ‘waarheid’ niet geheel bevatten, want deze is onbegrensd. Maar het begripsvermogen van de mens kan worden getraind en vergroot, wanneer het leven vanuit verschillende invalshoeken wordt waargenomen. Zo kan iemand een berg waarnemen, iedere keer vanuit een ander gezichtspunt. Ook al blijft de berg hetzelfde; de aanblik is iedere keer weer anders en zo kan de berg steeds beter worden begrepen. Zo werkt het precies met het leren kennen van ‘waarheid’.

Afkomstig uit Hoofdstuk IV – ‘De Derde Straal’ (blz. 44):

” De derde Straal is een openbaring van het derde aanzicht van de heilige Drievuldigheid, de heilige Geest, de Vernieuwer en Hervormer. De karakterhoedanigheden zijn bevattingsvermogen – speciaal van grondbeginselen – een begrip, een diep indringend en verklarend denkvermogen, aanpassingsvermogen, tact, waardigheid, welk besef zich heel sterk uit, en erkenning van de macht en de waarde van stilte. Bekwaamheid tot scheppend beelden is een van de karakteristieke vermogens. Het type mens is de filosoof, de organisator, de diplomaat, de strateeg, de tacticus, de geleerde, de econoom, de bankier, de schaakspeler, de rechter, de mens die zich uit in zinnebeelden. “

Compiled by V. Hanson and C. Pedersen.

127 Pages | First Quest printing 1985, 2nd printing 1987 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835605930.

In a spiritual sense one might describe the philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson as that of a nineteenth century ‘Voice of America’. Contained within his writings one will find almost incomparable insights into the nature of America, of America’s people and their destiny.

Emerson’s essays are based on his sensitivity to the fundamental fellowship of all that lives. The 301 excerpts in this book have been culled from the author’s best-known works including The Oversoul, Compensation, Fate, Friendship, Nature, Heroism and Self-Reliance. Here then is The Sage from Concord at his transcendental best – a selected digest of his philosophy particularly suitable for today’s seeker, who must ‘read as he/she runs‘.

Terminus (p. 127):

” As the bird trims her to the gale

I trim myself to the storm of time

I man the rudder, reef the sail,

Obey the voice at eve obeyed at prime:

‘Lowly faithful, banish fear,

Right onward drive unharmed;

The port, well worth the cruise, is near,

And every wave is charmed’. “

By Virginia Hanson (1898 – 1991).

25 Pages | First Edition 1977, first reprint 1986 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170590256.

Today’s Encounter with the Wisdom of the Ages.

The philosophy of The Mahatma Letters is timeless; the story of The Mahatma Letters is in time. What results is a cross-fertilization from which a rare kind of drama emerges – a drama in which, quite unexpectedly at times, one sees oneself and the whole of humankind reflected with pitiless clarity. Tragedy and comedy, courage and cowardice, pathos, compassion, frustration and fulfilment, despair and hope – all these are there as in life through-out the millenia of recorded, and unrecorded history. What is there, in addition, is a perspective which gives it all meaning.

From page 4:

” The question would not arise if those concerned knew something of what an Adept is, as explained in The Mahatma Letters . . . Writing about Themselves, one of Them says: ‘None of you have ever formed an accurate idea of the ‘Masters’ or of the Laws of Occultism they are guided by . . . The Adepts do not advertise Themselves, nor do they seek followers. Their work, for the most part, lies away from the world, whose ways are not their ways. If we understand this, there will be none amongst us ready to lend an ear to persons, who seek to impress others by claiming occult connection with mysterious beings, or that they themselves are the manifestations of such beings. “

By Manly P. Hall (1901 – 1990).

52 Pages | Published in 1982 | Softcover | The Philosophical Research Society Inc. | ISBN: 0893148121.

Humanity is the only form of life in our physical environment capable of the experience of joy; therefore, it should be assiduously cultivated. If pleasures are normal, require no compromise of moral or ethical values, and are free from dissipation, they are a valuable defense against morbid conditions arising in the mind or body.

A bit advice stated by the English scholar Robert Berton, author of The Anatomy of Melancholy, is summarized in the six words, ‘Be not solitary, be not idle‘. We should all maintain a direct and friendly contact with the society to which we belong, and regardless of the availability of leisure, we should never permit ourselves to be idle. If we remain concerned with the common good and contribute in various practical ways to the well-being of the community in which we reside, we have every reason to hope that health problems can be controlled and for the most part overcome. Health, like happiness, must be earned. It is a reward for constructive involvement in labors dedicated to the common good.

From Page 10:

” Paracelsus regarded disease as an organism with its roots in the invisible nature of man, like parasitic plants or, like lecherous animals, sucking the blood of his Soul. He declared that as lions and tigers attack and devour humans and each other, so diseases are ravenous beasts loosed from the matrix of perverse impulses, and must be treated as such; not as mere aggregations of irrational malignancies. A disease is a story or diary, usually a rather comprising document. It sets forth that which we would tell no man, for it is a forced confession. When man can be laid low in no other way, he is humiliated by infirmity. But even the ailment may be a blessing in disguise, for by such checking we are often protected from ourselves. We are prevented by a lesser ache from doing a greater wrong. “

By Duncan Greenlees (1899 – 1966).

404 Pages | World Gospel Series: First Edition 1952, 2nd edition 1960, 3rd edition 1968, 4th edition 1975, 5th edition 1994 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592364.

Sikhism is the religion taught through Guru Nanak in the forms of the Ten Gurus, and now through the Guru-Granth Sahib and the whole community of disciples. It is a practical way of life that does not involve itself in verbose theorizing but leads a man straight to his goal.

To protect the young community of disciples (Sikhs) that had become subject to persecution, the sixth Guru converted it into a semi-military brotherhood, arming it with outward insignia and sacraments, and thus subjecting it to the purifying fires of martyrdom, which instilled the necessary courage and resolution in its heart. The Sikhs should therefore have a great place in the future of their country, as so pure and spiritual a religion as theirs has already a great place among the religions of the world.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duncan Greenlees was educated in England and spent much of his life in India. He was associated with Dr. Annie Besant in her educational work for India and served as Principal of one of the many theosophical high schools she founded. He participated in the Indian national struggle for freedom, was associated with Gandhi, and drafted the Indian National Education Policy. Later, withdrawing from all worldly and political activities, he made a study of the religious scriptures of the world. His detailed expositions of the underlying philosophy of the religions are published as the World Gospel Series.

From Chapter 6 – ‘The Way to God’ (p. 294):

“7. Happiness is not for those, who make many friends in the world; it is those who keep the mind on the One, who ever enjoy happiness (K. śloka 21). The servants serve [Him] who uplifts [them] by kindness; dewy is the night of those in whose heart is a yearning [for Him] (N.Āsa di vār, 5 Sl.2). Bliss is in the heart which delights in love [N. Barah Maha, 16], so there is always bliss for devotees; they are put into ecstasy by singing the excellences of God (Ar.Āsa, 10:2). “

By Duncan Greenlees (1899 – 1966).

438 Pages | World Gospel Series: third reprint 2003 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592585.

The literary language in Zarathushtra’s days in Eastern Irān was the dialect of Avesta (an Aryan tongue close to Sanskrit) known to us as Gāthic. This has generally been assumed, because more primitive in form, to be older than the normal Avesta, but as Jackson suggested it is quite as likely to be a geographic, not chronologic, variation – for Bactria is far from Persis.

Two books in this Gāthic dialect survive, both of them forming part of the Yasna included in the original Stot-Yasht Nask. These two books are the Gāthās and the Haptanghaiti Yasna (Y.35-42) and considered two most important sources for the Prophet’s teachings. Of the Prophet it was Khwāja Kamāluddin, who said: ‘Zoroaster was the true Prophet of God’.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duncan Greenlees was educated in England and spent much of his life in India. He was associated with Dr. Annie Besant in her educational work for India and served as Principal of one of the many theosophical high schools she founded. He participated in the Indian national struggle for freedom, was associated with Gandhi, and drafted the Indian National Education Policy. Later, withdrawing from all worldly and political activities, he made a study of the religious scriptures of the world. His detailed expositions of the underlying philosophy of the religions are published as the World Gospel Series.

From page 267:

AIRYEMA-ISHYO

” To both men and women of Zarathushtra, may the dear Friendship, the grace of Love, come down! I pray for that precious reward, the blessing of Righteousness, which is won through the Faith – a longing which the Lord God satisfies. (Y.54:1).

Zarathushtra closes his Divine Message by invoking God’s full blessing and intimate fellowship upon all who loyally and righteously serve the Cause of his Religion. So may it be! “

By Duncan Greenlees (1899 – 1966).

438 Pages | World Gospel Series: First Edition 1948, first reprint 1973, second reprint 1996, 3rd reprint 2000 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592771.

Islam is the religion of self-surrender to God, which alone can bring peace to the world and peace to the Soul of man. It was given to the world more than thirteen centuries ago through the life and preaching of Muhammad the Prophet of Arabia. But it does not derive from him, and claims to be nothing but a re-statement of the natural and primeval religion of the world, dropping the accretions that time brings in to corrupt it from age to age.

It teaches that all the universe, seen and unseen, was brought into being at a word by the One and Only God, whose Nature is perfect Goodness, absolute Justice, and almighty Power. To man, God has given reason and conscience as a guide towards righteous life in accordance with His will. To make man’s path in life easier to trace, He has sent down in all ages and to all people of the world His messengers, to teach the ways of peace and to warn against unrighteous paths.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duncan Greenlees was educated in England and spent much of his life in India. He was associated with Dr. Annie Besant in her educational work for India and served as Principal of one of the many theosophical high schools she founded. He participated in the Indian national struggle for freedom, was associated with Gandhi, and drafted the Indian National Education Policy. Later, withdrawing from all worldly and political activities, he made a study of the religious scriptures of the world. His detailed expositions of the underlying philosophy of the religions are published as the World Gospel Series.

From Chapter 7 – ‘The Muslim’ (p. 166):

82. And Kind to Parents

” 1 | Your Lord has ordained Goodness to parents; if one or both of them reach old age in your presence, do not say ‘Pooh!’ to them, nor scold them, but speak to both of them with polite words, and make yourself tenderly submissive and gentle, and say, ‘My Lord, have compassion on them both, just as they cared for me when little.’ (17:23-24). “

Door Adelaide Gardner, vertaald door E. v.d. Berg – Boldingh.

121 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1978; dit boek maakt deel uit van de Lotusreeks I | Softcover | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750475.

Engels origineel: Meditation – A Practical Study | Uitgegeven in 1986 | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835601054.

Gardner biedt een eenvoudige, tegelijk zeer praktische handleiding in meditatie voor alle leeftijden. Per hoofdstuk zijn oefeningen opgenomen voor individuele toepassing en groepsmeditatie. De volgende onderwerpen komen onder meer aan de orde: het doel van meditatie, verschillende methoden, concentratie en contemplatie, hindernissen en hulpmiddelen, groepsmeditatie, het helpen van anderen door gedachten en aanbevolen literatuur voor verdere studie.

Afkomstig uit Hoofdstuk 2 – ‘De Wezenlijke Achtergrond'(blz. 31):

” Er is een zelf, dat uit de essentie van stof bestaat – er is een ander innerlijk zelf van leven, dat het eerste vult – er is en ander innerlijk zelf van de gedachte – er is een ander innerlijke zelf van waarheid – kennis – er is een ander innerlijk zelf van zaligheid. “ – Taittirīya Upaniṣad.

Edward Lewis Gardner (1869 – 1969).

15 Pages | Reprinted 1966, 1975, 1991 | Mini-booklet | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.

From the Appendix to The Web of the Universe.

A study of the Earth Chain is a study in essence of the whole Scheme. Just as in embryology one may trace the evolution of the physical form through all the earlier stages of development from the simple cell, so in the first three Rounds of our Chain the work of the first three Chains is recapitulated. On these Rounds certain work is done rapidly that took untold ages of effort on the earlier chains. The Scheme works onwards to the Climax of its involution in the fourth Round of its fourth Chain. The Rounds are the big and important divisions of a Chain’s manifestation.

From page 3:

OUR TERRENE SCHEME

” In each Planetary Scheme there are seven successive incarnations or circuits of the great Life Waves from the Solar Logos. On each Chain, from the first onwards, all the stages of consciousness known as the kingdoms of nature, from the elemental to the human, are present. The broad rule appears to be that, for the span of a Chain, a given impulse of the Logoic consciousness functions through the forms of one kingdom only. “

By Gopalakrishna Gandhi.

26 Pages | First edition 2001 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170594324.

‘Where does the real India reside?’‘ asks the author, for India is a land of enormous disparities and contradictions. In 1916, his grandfather Mahatma Gandhi denounced before an august assembly at Varanasi the existence of pomp and wealth amidst degrading penury, filfth around holy places, and the domination of a foreign language over native tongues. He also pronounced other unpalatable truths.

This lecture contains and eloquent description of the same contradictions, existing even today all over India, because the same attitudes of callousness and cruelty continue. But there is also an aquifer of goodness that is essentially Indian, which must be tapped and never allowed to run dry.

‘What we are, the world is’. Here is a compelling call to every Indian to tap that goodness and be what is needed for the redemption of the nation.

From page 10:

” Where does India, the real India, reside? Not in cities, surely, where money grows but humanity shrinks; where you have, for example, this hush so wonderful, this air so pure, but just beyond, a steaming slum which bravely, hopefully (perhaps sarcastically?) is called ‘Jasmine Town’ (mallippoo nagar). Soweto in Johannesburg, the world’s most famous informal settlement, is an eldorado compared to the slums in India’s cities, slums that are home to what Valentine Chirol in his essay on Kalighat described as ’tangled knots of perspiring humanity’. Is this, the Theosophical Society, which affords divine knowledge (brahmajñana), the real thing, or is it mallippoo nagar? “

By Rajmohan Gandhi.

32 Pages | First edition 1994 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592275.

The deep commitment of this grandson of Mahatma Gandhi to the well-being of India led him to participation in the public life of the nation and to being a member of the Rajya Sabha. The present publication consists of the Besant Lecture delivered at the annual international convention of the Theosophical Society, Adyar, Madras in 1993.

Rajmohan Gandhi is Research Professor at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi and was formerly Editor of Indian Express and Himmat. Among his well-known publications are: The Rajaji Story; A biography of his grandfather C. Rajagopalachari: a biography of Vallabhbhai Patel; and Eight Lives: A Study of Hindu-Muslin Encounter.

From page 20:

” Was God absent-minded then when designing the Indian character? Is the Indian Soul inferior in quality? No! No with a dozen exclamation marks! Often the Indian citizen is heroic in his or her response to the trials of every day, fighting for standing room, for elbow room, for space in the place of work, in the home and on the way from one to the other, for a place in school or college, or for a job. Where in the world do you see greater endurance? Our failing is that we evoke one another’s worst rather than best. “

Door Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004), vertaald door Louis Geertman.

54 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 2001 door de Theosophical Society, London; deze Nederlandse editie is uitgegeven in 2008 | Brochure | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9789061750871.

Engels origineel: Theosophy, Its Beneficent Potentialities | Een Blavatsky-lezing gehouden in Winchester op 29 juli 2001 tijdens de Zomerschool van de Engelse afdeling van de Theosophical Society | Geen ISBN.

Theosofie is in haar totaliteit een allesomvattende kennis van de aard en van de wijzen waarop de Natuur werkzaam is, waarbij de mens een fundamentele rol speelt. Het mensenrijk vertegenwoordigt een kritische fase in het immense evolutionaire programma, wanneer de ‘mens’, de denker, geboren wordt. Kennis van de Theosofie wordt verkregen door generaties van getrainde zoekers en onderzoekers, ingewijden in de esoterische mysteriën. Zij maakt er aanspraak op een uitdrukking te zijn van waarheid, van de feiten van het bestaan. Daarom berust zij niet op gissingen of geloof.

Afkomstig uit de ‘Inleiding’ (blz. 7):

” Occultisten, kabbalisten, theosofen, jullie weten heel goed dat een Woord, zo oud als de Wereld, hoewel nieuw voor jullie, geklonken heeft bij het begin van deze cyclus, waarvan de potentie onopgemerkt door anderen, verborgen ligt in de som der cijfers van de jaren 1889; jullie weten heel goed, dat er zojuist een toon is aangeslagen die nooit eerder door de mensheid van dit tijdperk is gehoord; en dat er een Nieuw Denkbeeld wordt onthuld, gerijpt door de krachten van de evolutie. Dit denkbeeld verschilt van alles wat er in de negentiende eeuw is voortgebracht; het is echter identiek met de gedachte, die de overheersende toon en de grondtoon vormde van iedere eeuw, in het bijzonder van de afgelopen eeuw – absolute vrijheid van denken voor de mensheid. “

– Uit: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Collected Writings XI, blz. 133.

By Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004).

53 Pages | Revised and enlarged edition December, 1999 | Softcover | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.

ISIS UNVEILED (1877) | THE SECRET DOCTRINE (1888) | THE CORNER STONE.

Theosophy is a relatively recent name for the Ancient Wisdom known from time immemorial, ever since there were minds to apprehend it. It is variously known as the Wisdom Religion, the Ancient Wisdom, the Science of Sciences, Esotericism and Occultism. It has been kept secret to preserve it from distortion, adulteration and misuse. As much of it as was thought wise by two if the Masters was made public for the first time at the end of the 19th century. This was mainly in the writings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891); something of how this was done is told herein. The word ‘modern’ can only properly be applied to this outpouring, not to the ever-enduring Wisdom itself.

The expressed purpose behind this release of information was the eradication of superstitious ignorance and crass materialism, and the earnest desire to establish a Universal Brotherhood of Mankind on a truly spiritual basis.

From page 45:

” Help Nature and work with her and Nature will regard thee as one of her creators and make obeisance.

And she will open wide before thee the portals of her secret chambers, lay bare before thy gaze the treasures hidden in the very depths of her pure virgin bosom. Unsullied by the hand of matter she shows her treasures only to the eye of Spirit – the eye which never closes, the eye for which there is no veil in all her kingdoms.

Then she will show thee the means and way, the first gate and the second, the third, up to the very seventh. And then, the goal – beyond which lie, bathed in the sunlight of the Spirit, glories untold unseen by any save the eye of the Soul. [V.S. vs 66, 67, 68]. “

By Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004).

36 Pages | May 25th 1974 | Softcover | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.

The Blavatsky Lecture delivered at the Annual Convention of the Theosophical Society in England, May 25th 1974.

Life is something we all feel we know something about at first hand, because we are alive. We know what it feels like. We may never examine that realization much, but to the extent that we do, we know what life is. Similarly, we all dream or at least can remember having dreamed, and we are all certain of our own eventual demise even if that prospect does not unduly worry us. The subject of life, death and dreams is one then, that concerns us all even if we do not pay it much attention in the ordinary way. For theosophical students, however, it is of more interest. The word ‘Theos’ is, for them, synonymous with ‘Deity’ in a pantheistic sense, and in Madame Blavatsky’s writings Deity equates to life in all its aspects. Theosophy is therefore a study or knowledge of life, in the very widest and deepest sense.

From page 3:

” The Mysteries of life as of death, of the visible and invisible worlds, have been fathomed and observed by initiated Adepts in all epochs and in all nations. They have studied these during the solemn moments of union of their divine monad with the universal Spirit . . . and they have recorded the observations of one with those of another, and finding none of the contradictions so frequently noticed in the dicta, or communications of the mediums, but on the contrary, having been able to ascertain that the visions of Adepts, who lived 10.000 years ago are invariably corroborated and verified by those of modern Adepts, to whom the writings of the former never do become known until later – the truth has been established. A definite science, based on personal observations and experience, corroborated by continuous demonstrations, containing irrefutable proofs, for those who study it, has thus been established. I venture to belief that this science is just as good as that which relies on the accounts of one or even of several somnambulists (C.W., V,51). “

By Geoffrey A. Farthing (1909 – 2004).

49 Pages | Published in 2001 | Brochure | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | No ISBN.

Nederlandse vertaling: Aspecten van de Goddelijke Wet | Published in 2004 | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam | ISBN: 9061750849.

Most in this brochure is extracted from the writings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891). It has been said that these writings constitute a quarry from which generations of students can extract treasures of information concerning the truths of existence. What follows has been taken from these writings by the use of indexes, and the numerous extracts classified very roughly according to aspect. The story is a vast one. The universe manifests dynamism in all its operations and these operations apparently exhibit order. Whatever chaos there may have been in the remote beginnings of things now manifests this order as harmony and equilibrium. Where this not so the whole cosmic scene would be chaotic and self-destructive, whereas it is self-preserving as is evidenced by its very existence after countless millions of years.

From page 49:

” If Theosophy prevailing in the struggle, its all-embracing philosophy strikes deep root into the minds and hearts of men, if its doctrines of reïncarnation and karma, in other words, of hope and responsibility, find a home in the lives of the new generations, then, indeed, will dawn the day of joy and gladness for all, who now suffer and are outcast. For real Theosophy is ALTRUISM, and we cannot repeat it too often. It is brotherly love, mutual help, unswerving devotion to Truth. If once men do but realize that in these alone can true happiness be found, and never in wealth, possesions, or any selfish gratification, then the dark clouds will roll away, and a new humanity will be born upon earth. Then, the GOLDEN AGE will be there, indeed . . . “

From: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Collected Writings XI, p. 202.

By Prof. Emeritus Arthur Ellison (1920 – 2000).

34 Pages | Blavatsky Lecture 1988 | A6 Softcover | Theosophical Books Limited | No ISBN.

This Blavatsky Lecture was delivered at the Summer School of The Theosophical Society in England, The University of Leicester, Sunday 26th of July, 1998.

In this lecture, Professor Emeritus Ellison will discuss his approach to the Theosophical descriptive model of the universe at all its levels and consider the way, it seems to him, members were evidently intended to approach this model as indicated by the Three Objects. He will consider and briefly review the work of the Science Group, some of which was reviewed in the book Psychism and the Unconscious Mind (First Quest edition 1968, second edition 1974), and possible lessons to be drawn from the Group’s subsequent demise. Finally, he will briefly consider the activities of other bodies, who have taken up the pioneering research on Third Object matters dropped by the Science Group.

From page 10:

” The Buddha and the Theosophical Masters said, that we were not to believe something because it was written in some book that men considered sacred, nor indeed presumably in any other book. So it seemed to me right to find a good medium and try a séance. (Such things are forbidden in the Esoteric Section). This was to be a piece of open-minded scientific research and of course psychical research is an important part of the Third Object of the Theosophical Society. To my delight my wife came through ‘like a bomb’, as the saying goes, enormously glad to be able to reassure us all that she was in good shape and happy. She referred to many things related to her interests and there seemed to me little doubt that it was indeed she. The script – received by automatic writing – gave her relative exactly what he needed to continue his life. He never needed another communication from her. “

De Yoga-Aphorismen van Patañjali – Manilal Nabhubhai Dvivedi. vertaald door Ir. A.J.H. van Leeuwen.

159 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1970; dit boek maakt deel uit van de Lotusreeks II | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | ISBN: 9789061750406.

+

Een Inleiding tot de Studies van Theosofie en de Yoga-Aphorismen van Patañjali – Geoffrey C.E. Williams.

40 Pagina’s | Uitgegeven in 1970 | Brochure | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland | Geen ISBN.

Een nieuwe vertaling van de Yoga-Sūtra’s van Patañjali heeft geen inleiding nodig. Binnen de Theosofie bestaat immer een grote belangstelling voor al wat yoga is; want wat zou Theosofie zijn als het geen yoga was? Dvivedi, hoogleraar Sanskriet, geeft een vertaling en commentaar op het ethisch-filosofisch systeem van de Yoga-Sūtra’s van Patañjali. In de uitgebreide inleiding onderzoekt hij de plaats van yoga in de Indiase filosofie. Het werk bevat eveneens een register en index van Sanskriet termen.

NB: Het wordt aangeraden eerst het werkje van Williams te lezen, want er zijn weinig besprekingen van de Yoga-Sūtra’s, die zo helder, enthousiast en opwekkend zijn geschreven, waardoor het lezen van de Sūtra’s zelf veel duidelijker bestudeerd en in de praktijk gebracht kan worden.

Afkomstig van blz. 13 (Williams):

” Patañjali leerde, dat door de gedachten op een enkel punt te concentreren, met uitsluiting van alle andere gedachten, en door het denken op die ene gedachte gevestigd te houden, men deze hogere vermogens van het denkvermogen – de occulte, sublieme, verborgen eigenschappen van de ziel, kan dwingen om te hulp te komen, als het ware, en het lagere verstand te verlichten. Hij leerde, dat wanneer iemand het vermogen van mentale concentratie in volmaaktheid bezat, het slechts nodig was om het denken op een bepaald probleem te richten om het dan dadelijk te doorzien en te begrijpen.

Het denken op een enkel punt richten, met uitsluiting van van alle andere gedachten, lijkt zo, op het eerste gezicht, iets heel eenvoudigs en gemakkelijk te verrichten, en toch ben ik er zeker van, dat niemand diergenen, die dit lezen, het zal kunnen doen. Het is een mentale operatie van het allergrootste kaliber en van titanische afmetingen. Beproef het eens en ontdek dat voor U-zelf. “

120 blz. | Paperback | Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, 1982

Feestbundel ter gelegenheid van het 25-jarig bestaan van de Stichting Proklos.

Zeven artikelen over de relatie van theosofie met wetenschap en politiek.

By Madhu Dandavate (1924 – 2005).

17 Pages | First reprint 2005 | A Besant Lecture given at the Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai on Thursday, 27 Dec. 2001 | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170594804.

Gender injustice is an evil that exists even today, though in a less virulent form than in earlier times. In this lecture, Prof. Madhu Dandavate traces the roots of this inequality from mythological to contemporary times and the involvement of social reformers like Dr. Annie Besant, Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi in attempting to wipe out this black spot in civilized nations.

Prof. Madhu Dandavate, freedom fighter for Indian Independence, former Union Cabinet Minister in India and author of several books on social and political issues, is a well respected public figure in India. He is known for his tireless work and commitment to social issues.

From page 17:

” With my criticism of social orthodoxy on the question of gender injustice, my speech may please some and displease others. In this context, I would like to conclude by again quoting Dr. Annie Besant, who wrote in her autobiography:

‘Here, as at other times in my life, I dare not purchase peace with a lie. An imperious necessity forces me to speak the truth as I see it, whether the speech please or displease, whether it brings praise or blame. That one loyalty to Truth I must keep stainless, whatever friendships fail me or human ties be broken. She may lead me to the wilderness, yet I must follow her she may strip me of all love, yet I must pursue her, though she slay me, yet will I trust in her; and I ask no other epitaph on my tomb but;

‘SHE TRIED TO FOLLOW TRUTH’ “

By Jessie K. Crum.

96 Pages | Copyright 1975, fourth printing 1989 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835603032.

TRUST YOUR INNER VOICES.

Here is a key to personal revolution, a remarkable guide to discovering and exploiting your own creative birthright. The author has written a helpful, hopeful, book about her own experience with self-awakening – how it happened, and the steps in this new and absorbing quest.

The search voor understanding, the far-reaching effects of thought and emotion, IQ and genius, the role of faith, meditation, focus, love, how to contact the higher mind: The Art of Inner Listening offers the touchstone to perception beyond the conscious mind. It is a guide for the most rewarding journey you will ever make!

From the flyleaf:

” Power is available for your use, and the connection also is ready, but it is up to you to turn on the switch. 

You can become your own best self only by remaining true to yourself. There is a clear and simple path to self-discovery, as beautiful and direct as a straight line. 

Every man is potentially creative, and the seeds of genius are asleep within him. “

By Irving S. Cooper

107 Pages | First published in 1915, 1979 edition | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606511.

” Reincarnation…Karma…Evolution…The Soul… All lead us inexorably to The Splendid Goal. “

And, all of these things together form the basis of the ancient and sublime system of thought known as theosophy. That’s what this book is all about. There has been a dramatic upsurge of interest in this time-tested religio-philosophy during recent years. People everywhere are coming to know that there are many important aspects of life, that cannot be experienced through our five senses. People everywhere are becoming aware, that there is indeed a great and grand Divine Plan behind all of creation; that the people are participants in this plan; that knowledge of this plan is available to every human being.

With these facts in mind, The Theosophical Publishing House decided to re-issue this primer of theosophy. Simply put, it is about the creation of the world and the evolution of humankind. Everything else is but a commentary upon the methodology used by the instigator of the Plan. The instigator is called Brahma, God, Allah, Jehovah, The First Principle, the Causeless Cause, or any of a thousand other appellations. Theosophy Simplified is a brief, clear, highly readable explanation of the most basic and important questions that we may ask ourselves.

From Chapter 1 – ‘The Sources and Nature of Theosophy’:

” Theosophy is, then, the archaic Wisdom-Religion, the esoteric doctrine once known in every ancient country having claims to civilization. This ‘Wisdom’ all the old writings show is an emanation of the Divine Principle; and the clear comprehension of it is typified in such names as the Indian Budh, the Babylonian Nebo, the Thoth of Memphis, the Hermes of Greece;  . . . and finally the Vedas, from the word ’to know’.  – Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), A Modern Panarion (1895).

By Clara Margaret Codd (1876 – 1971) and Dorothy Codd.

76 Pages | Published in 1964 | Softcover| Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | No ISBN.

This little work consists of a selection of poems written by the sisters Codd.

From page 1 & 2:

To The God In My Heart

” Ah! Thou most beautiful,
Mysterious, pure,
And high above my Soul as life and death,
Whence comest thou?
Dear God! Dear God!

Ah! Thou strange visitant,
And yet not strange,
My soul cries for Thee through the veil which
. . . shades
My clearer sight,
And loves, loves, loves.

Whence comes that wondrous world,
Still, far, and sweet,
Which opens to my soul, and makes my heart
Stand still, forget
She lives, she beats?

Ah! I have lived so long,
Eternities!
Such long, long years surge in my memory,
Such years and years
Of long-dead sweets.

So, then. within the circle of these arms,
As though a cross upheld through all the worlds;
So, then, within the boundary of his heart,
Grown greater than the seas, and deep as hell;
Come thou, O world, I that have ache of thee,
And pity that shall fill a thousand years
For every tear of thine! And thee, thou soul
Amongst all other souls so well-beloved,
If thou hast will to come –

Aye! If thou art blind, and know not –
Little one, come! “

By Clara Margaret Codd (1876 – 1971).

47 Pages | Sixth reprint 2004 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 817059071X.

Clara Margaret Codd was born in England in 1876. Early in life she rejected conventional thought. Rebelling against all oppression and injustice, she plunged into the Suffragette Movement. Her meeting with Colonel Henry-Steel Olcott, President-Founder of the Theosophical Society, proved a turning point in her life. She let go an assignment in the Women’s Social and Political Union to work for the Theosophical Society. A lecturer for the Society, who travelled widely, she spoke and wrote with intimate understanding of various aspects of life.

From page 2 & 3:

The Masters of the Art and Science of Living:

” There are vast and immutable laws governing the progress of life. This is its science. Most of us are merely children in the great school of life and are learning by experience something of these great laws. But there must be those, who know them thoroughly, and therefore share their power. William James, the psychologist, once said that all great thinkers presuppose that there must be behind every different form of human knowledge a root knowledge. What would that root knowledge be? Surely the great art and science of life itself. Occultism, about which we hear so much these days, has been defined by a great occultist as: ‘The Science of Life and the Art of Living’. 

Just as in the science of mathematics where there are the children learning that two and two make four and the great professors of the science, like Albert Einstein, for example, so in the great school of life there are the scholars of varying degrees of growth and attainment, and also the great professors of that Science of all sciences and that beautiful Art of all arts. For untold ages in the history of this planet great master-minds, sages and adepts have garnered this deeper knowledge, and have handed it on from one generation to another; and now, in these modern days, they have lifted a tiny corner of the veil, which screens this tremendous knowledge, and gives us, through their pupils, an outline of the universal principles which govern all life. What these are, and how they illuminate life for us, we shall now try to describe. “

By Harindranath Chattophadyaya (1898 – 1990) with a Foreword by Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875–1953).

Chattopadyaya 135 Pages | Published on Sept. 2nd 1950 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | No ISBN.

From the Foreword:

For over half a century the poetry of England and the United States has been balefully influenced by the prevailing materialism of our age. They remind me of our Indian ants, who bite the yellow rind only and never penetrate into the sweet pulp. The Poetry of today with its rhythms and imageries appeals mainly to the mind. Not that they are not exquisite in their way; they can certainly do give delight. Yet nevertheless, it can be said of these poets:

‘Tis ye, ’tis your estrang-ed faces,

That miss the many-splendoured thing’.

Of course here and there are a few exceptions like Alice Meynell, Francis Thompson, A.E. Yeats, Cousins and a few others. But in the main, I who love poetry greatly, have felt a profound dissatisfaction with the poems I have read.

From the Prelude:

” I AM a vagabond, but never ask me
From where I came.
I only know that I came like a shadow,
I’ll pass like a flame.
Every man that you meet on the roadway
And in the street,
Without his knowing hides a great vagabond’s
Tune in his feet.
What is the sun but a vagabond’s laughter?
What are the stars but a vagabond’s tears?
And the wide world is a wandering vagabond
Looking for some one through the long years. “

By Charles E.O. Carter (1887 – 1968).

88 Pages | First published in 1929, second edition 1946, reprinted in 1984 | Softcover | The Theosophical Publishing House, London | ISBN: 722951450.

In a sense of course, all Astrology is in part astronomical, for astronomy furnishes at least some of the symbols, which we use in the most abstract system, to wit, the Sun, Moon, and planets, and to some extent the Houses and the Zodiac, which begin from astronomical datum-points. But when we desire to progress the natus or radical figure and study its changes as indicative of the development of a human life, an acute difference may arise as between an astronomical method and a symbolic one. In both cases it is true that the measure of time is symbolic, be it a day to a year or the passage of a degree of right ascension over the meridian to a year. But in the primary and secondary systems, the movements of the planets are not symbolic but actual, whether denominated real or apparent. In the symbolic methods the movement is a mere arbitrary assumption, used for the sake of practical convenience.

From the Introduction (p. 11):

” In time, simplicity and completeness may be combined in one. Thus, we may look forward to the construction of a complete and harmonious system of Symbolic Directing, founded on basic but simple principles. However, it is well to recollect that the material plane can never perfectly reflect the Ideal Realm, and, therefore, such a system may require supplementing for practical purposes. This may well be the function of the astronomical methods, such as secondaries, transits and lunations. “