The Song Celestial – A Poetic Version of the Bhagavad Gītā (A Quest Miniature)
By Sir Edwin Lester Arnold (1832 – 1904).
154 Pages | First edition 1970, Quest Miniature Series 1975 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835604187.
The incomparable religious classic of India . . .
In exquisite poetic allegory, Sir Edwin Lester Arnold translates the revered and sacred story of Arjuna and Krishna, representing the eternal struggle between the personality and the Immortal Self.
” Take my last word. My utmost meaning have! Precious thou art to Me; right well-be-loved! Listen! I tell thee for thy comfort this. Give Me thy heart! Adore Me! Serve Me! Cling in faith and love and reverence to Me! So shalt thou come to Me! I promise true, For thou art sweet to Me! “
The Radiant Child
By Thomas Armstrong.
203 Pages | A Quest Original, first published in 1985, second printing 1988 | Soft cover| Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606007.
Thomas Armstrong believes, that children come into this life radiating and reflecting the mystery of creation; that their spiritual nature as well as their basic instincts are close to the surface of their awareness. Unfortunately, for most part, parents, teachers, and child therapists have not recognized this delightfully useful aspect of the childhood psyche. The author notes, that this hidden sight of youthful consciousness has been noticed and appreciated primarily by poets, mystics, authors of fairy tales, and world mythologists. These folks identify with the wonder-child, the divine child, the child-god, the child hero. This practical guide is heavily documented with case-histories of ‘radiant’ experiences, the reality of which is supported by telling testimony from the author’s peers.
From page 101:
” The child is potential future . . . the ‘child’ paves the way for a future change of personality. In the individuation process it anticipates the figure, that comes from the synthesis of conscious and unconscious elements in the personality. It is therefore a symbol, which unites the opposites; a mediator, a bringer of healing; that is, one who makes whole. “
Reminiscences of Colonel H.S. Olcott
177 pages | Gebonden/Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House Adyar, 2006
This enlarged edition of Reminiscences of Colonel H.S. Olcott retains the original compilation of articles about this outstanding man and his work, with new sections containing additional information, and quotations taken from his deeply insightful talks and writings for the reader to meditate upon. It is offered as a tribute to a great soul who passed away a hundred years ago on 17 February 1907, and who made an impact in the diverse fields of agricultural science, law, religion, social welfare, education, healing and research. His memory is cherished both on account of his stupendous work and the goodness of his heart.
The Healing Energy Of Love – A Personal Journal
By Prof. John Allan.
175 Pages | Softcover | First published in 1986 | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 0835606031.
‘ One man’s journey into the heart of all that lives’.
The book takes the form of Prof. John Allan’s diary entries over the course of a year showing how it is possible to escape from the confines of the world of matter and open oneself to the profound and timeless Love of the world of Spirit. It is a supremely practical book which, among other things, will make clear how illness is caused and how you, like the author, can heal yourself. It also deals with such issues as overcoming grief and conquering the fear of death. Furthermore, it enables you to see what keeps you from feeling the joy that is inherent in life and from experiencing the love that is everyone’s birthright. These and many other problems in living (and dying) yield to the overwhelming presence of Spirit.
In this book, John Allan, in prose as pellucid as the mountain streams he frequents, beckons you to follow him into the world of Spirit and to learn for yourself how Spirit works – and how it can work for you. Can any of us afford not take this journey at some time in our life? You are fortunate to have a guide like John Allan to help illuminate your Way.
From page 12:
Tuesday May 10, 1983:
” The ‘way’ one uses to find God doesn’t really matter unless we get focused on the way and make that our truth. What does matter is the losing of self. And if this comes through prayer, church, or other means, then so be it; for the life we find when having lost self will teach us, show us better to be with that Life. Thus there will come a time when the way will drop away, for the experiencing of Spirit and its life will be sufficient. “
Unlocking the Door – Studies in ‘The Key to Theosophy’
By John Algeo.
192 Pages | A Wisdom Tradition Book published in 2001 | Softcover | Olcott Institute of the Theosophical Society in America and The Theosophical Publishing House, Wheaton | ISBN: 9780835608121.
A Wisdom Tradition Book, based on Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s (1831 – 1891) Key to Theosophy (1889). Like the original, this is a question and answer outline of the basic teachings of Theosophy. The original ‘key’ was dedicated by Madame Blavatsky to: ‘all her pupils, that they may learn and teach in their turn’.
In his turn, John Algeo offers his teaching in the clear language of our day, and includes ‘Suggestions for Study’ at the end of each chapter. John Algeo was the past president of the Theosophical Society in America from 1993–2002, then as Vice President of the international Theosophical Society in Adyar, Chennai, India until 2008.
From Chapter 4 – ‘The Relations of the Theosophical Society to Theosophy’ (p. 62):
” The Theosophical Society exists to express the Wisdom of Theosophy, but it can do so only imperfectly. And where does it find that Wisdom? From the early days of the Society two traditions have existed in tension with it. One is to compare the exoteric teachings of the great religions, philosophies and sciences: ‘It is only by studying the various great religions and philosophies of humanity, by comparing them dispassionately and with an unbiased mind, that men can hope to arrive at the truth,’ as Blavatsky says at one point in this chapter. The other is to look for the esoteric wellspring of all the exoteric teachings: ’the oldest philosophy in the world, called the Wisdom Religion or the Archaic Doctrine’ . . . or Theosophy, as she says at another point. “
More Details John Algeo, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia, was Alumni Foundation distinguished Professor of English until his retirement to accept the presidency of the Theosophical Society in America.
Theosophy – An Introductory Study Course
By John Algeo (1930 – 2019).
89 Pages | Original edition 1996, fourth edition 2007 | A4 Softcover, Study Course | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835601900.
This is a study course introducing Theosophy as presented by the Theosophical Society. Have you ever wondered about the ‘big’questions of life?
- Who am I really?
- Why is the world the way it is?
- Where did I come from?
- What am I doing here?
- What comes next?
- When will I find out all these things?
We, human beings, are curious about ourselves and the world around us. That curiosity appears especially in little children, who continually ask why? and what? As we grow older, we may learn to live with our unknowing and stop questions, at least overtly. But, being human, we have a passion for knowing the meaning of things and that passion cannot be wholly surpressed.
From Chapter III – Universal Brotherhood (p. 15):
” The FIRST OBJECT of the Theosophical Society is concerned with Brotherhood:
To form a nucleus of the universal Brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color.
Brotherhood is the primary focus of Theosophy, because all human beings are related. Indeed, we are all ultimately the same life expressing itself diversely. Because of our interrelatedness, everything each of us does affects everyone else. If humanity as a whole does not learn to live as one family, we will not live at all. Thus, the Theosophical Society is a nucleus fostering the practical reality of Brotherhood for the furtherance of humanity’s evolution. “
Getting Acquainted With The Secret Doctrine (Study Guide)
By John Algeo.
60 Pages | Study guide, first edition 1981, third edition 2007 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835602099.
This study guide offers an introduction to Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s (1831 – 1891) Secret Doctrine – The Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy (1888) based primarily on the ‘Bowen notes’, which purportedly record Blavatsky’s own advice. The work borrows freely, however, from the Wisdom and practice of many others as well and formulates questions rather than answers.
Students of The Secret Doctrine differ considerably in their attitude toward the book and its study. The attitude adopted here – namely that it is remarkable and indeed a marvellous book, but that it is not free from error or in any sense a ‘sacred’ text – is not universally held. But John Algeo believes that it is in the Spirit of the Ageless Wisdom and The Secret Doctrine that we should respect each other’s views, without necessarily sharing them.
From Chapter 6 – ‘How to Study The Secret Doctrine’ (p. 21):
” The Bowen notes tell us that ‘reading the S.D, page by page as one reads any other book’ – for example, a textbook – ‘will only end in confusion’. The notes also give suggestions on how to go about studying the work. They advise the student to hold fast to four basic ideas:
The fundamental unity of all existence with two aspects: consciousness and substance;
The vitality of all matter;
The microcosmic correspondence of human nature to the great cosmos because of our oneness with it;
The hermetic order of the universe as a Divine Economy, which is simultaneously a hierarchy of power and a network of equality. “
The Vision Keepers – Walking for Native Americans and the Earth
292 Pages | Published in 2007 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 9780835608510.
We are all seekers… Some find their path on pilgrimage to the Mahabodhi Temple in India or the Haji Ali mausoleum as they embark on a journey to Mecca. Others find God at the burial site of St. James in the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Author and environmentalist Doug Alderson meets ’the Great Spirit’ through the ancient spiritual practice of walking. The Vision Keepers is the compelling true story of a seeker who, under the guidance of Bear Heart, a Muskogee Creek Indian and Medicine Man, finds unity with our nation’s native people and reconnects with the earth through profound and mysterious means.
From the Epilogue (p. 260 & 261):
” The Hopi, along with traditional people worldwide, believe it is their role to uphold global balance through their ceremonies and lifestyles. As tribal life has eroded, the hefty burden has fallen on fewer and fewer people. It is now up to everyone, through prayers, thoughts, and actions, to share the responsibility of keeping life in harmonious synchronisation. To create a peaceful and beautiful world for the unborn is perhaps our highest purpose. A great adventure lies ahead, one that will present us with critical choices and challenges. I pray that we will adhere to that old Quaker adage slightly altered, to ‘live simply so that others – and the earth’s creatures – may simply live. “
The Secret Gateway – Modern Theosophy and the Ancient Wisdom Tradition
241 pages | 2005 | Paperback | Quest Books
Presenting his own interpretation of the basic Theosophical concepts established in the late nineteenth century by the brilliant mystic, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831 – 1891), Edward Abdill gives us perhaps the first simplified and straightforward written version of the esoteric system that for centuries has often been misunderstood. The book is a perfect guiding tool for all those on the quest to self-discovery and self-transformation.
More Details Drawing from more than fifty years of experience studying, researching, teaching, and working in Theosophy, Abdill imparts practical, day-to-day examples and illustrative stories detailing how we can live the ancient tradition in contemporary times. Where documented evidence is not available to support various Theosophical themes, Abdill provides exercises that, if practiced, may produce a joyful, enlightening experience able to convince anyone that it’s possible to awaken the principles of Theosophy within us. While several books have been written on modern Theosophy — the ancient wisdom tradition that can be found in every great culture from earliest times to the present — none currently exist today in the form of Edward Abdill’s new title. Presenting his own interpretation of the basic Theosophical concepts established in the late nineteenth century by the brilliant mystic, H. P. Blavatsky, Abdill gives us perhaps the first simplified, straightforward written version of the esoteric system that for centuries has often been misunderstood. Through this concise, easy-to-read introduction to Theosophy, people of all faiths and religions can finally start to bridge the gap that is the realm between science and spirituality. While not restating the whole tradition, this new release uses fresh, contemporary language relevant to people today, unlike that of the previous texts typically written in Victorian language. Putting strong emphasis on the need to have an open mind and an eager intellect, this book also stresses the importance of discovering Theosophical principles within ourselves and from the world around us; the need to experience truth rather than to merely believe or disbelieve what an author or doctrine says. Abdill relates the reader to the “kingdom of heaven” as Jesus taught in the scriptures and reminds us that the kingdom is not necessarily a place where we go when we die, but perhaps the spark of divinity within our own consciousness.
Foundations of the Ageless Wisdom (Study Guide)
By Edward C. Abdill.
24 Pages | Copyright 1996 by The Theosophical Society in America | A4 Study Course | Quest Books, U.S.A. | No ISBN.
A Study Course to accompany the five-part video series Foundations of the Ageless Wisdom.
CONTENTS
- Suggested Uses of this Study Guide
- Getting started
- Symbols used in this Study Guide
- The Ultimate Real
- Meaningful Motion
- Sevenfold Human Nature
- Progressive Evolution
- The Path and the Spiritual Life
- Suggestions for future Study
- Texts:
- 1. Course Objectives and Outline
- 2. First fundamental Proposition (abridged)
- 3. Yoga of Knowledge (Jñana Yoga)
- 4. Second Fundamental Proposition (abridged)
- 5. From the Tao Te Ching
- 6. An optical Illusion
- 7. An optical Illusion Aid
- 8. Sevenfold Human Nature
- 9. Third fundamental Proposition (abridged).
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