Guidelines to the study of Theosophy
Guidelines to the study of the writings of Helena Blavatsky
The key elements of Theosophy can be browsed via the following link:
Theosophical Teachings - An Overview
The Theosophical Society in England has 8 study papers:
Theosophy - basic study papers
The following three introductory writings to Theosophy are recommended:
a) Theosophy - The Truth Revealed. An online introduction to Western occultism based on a booklet compiled by the Merseyside Lodge of The Theosophical Society in England, with introduction and editorial notes by G.A. Farthing
Theosophy - The Truth Revealed
b) Exploring the Great Beyond. An exploration of the field of the extraordinary as explained in the light of true occultism or Theosophy. Written by Geoffrey Farthing and originally published in 1978, this text remains the key source text for the study course 'Theosophy: The Way to Self-Discovery' run at the Theosophical Society in England HQ in London.
Exploring the Great Beyond
c) Deity, Cosmos & Man. A comprehensive two part introduction to Theosophy written by G.A. Farthing.
The writings of H. P. Blavatsky (HPB) form a large - if not the largest - body of esoteric writing originally scripted in English. The Collected Writings span 15 substantial volumes. The Secret Doctrine, Blavatsky's magnum opus is some 1300 pages.
For one unfamiliar with the writings of HPB it is advisable to read some of the recent introductory works to Theosophy (see left hand column).
The difficulties of extracting the essential framework of the theosophical system from the various writings was recognised by HPB herself who provided oral instruction, the essentials of which were recorded and are contained - with other information on the study of Theosophy - in the text Foundations of Esoteric Philosophy, compiled by Ianthe H. Hoskins.
Foundations of Esoteric Philosophy
Of HPB's writings, The Key to Theosophy which describes itself as being " A Clear Exposition, in the Form of Question and Answer, of the ethics, science, and philosophy for the Study of which The Theosophical Society has been Founded" provides a reasonably clear introduction to the basics. As with all of HPB's work, an online version is available.
The Key to Theosophy
Many Sanskrit and other terms are used in the writings - together with some inconsistent variations - making a good Glossary an essential. HPB herself produced a very useful Theosophical Glossary. Various other Glossaries have been produced over the years and a comprehensive collation, compiled by Scott J. Osterhage, is now available.
Collation of Theosophical Glossaries
