THE WORK OF H.P. BLAVATSKY

For a chronology of the work of H.P. Blavatsky see the website of The Blavatsky Archive go to page

H.P. Blavatsky's first major work, examining religion and science in the light of Western and Oriental ancient wisdom and occult or spiritualistic phenomena, was Isis Unveiled, (1877 - 2 years after the founding of The Theosophical Society). The underlying theme of the diverse topics covered 'is the existence of an ancient wisdom-religion, an ageless occult guide to the cosmos, nature and human life' [1] Blavatsky, according to Prof. Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, posits mankind's involution from "higher and more spritual natures" and an 'evolution' in which "the human race must be finally physically spiritualised" [2]. To this extent, Isis Unveiled is a precursor to the emphasis soon placed on 'brotherhood' by the newly formed Theosophical Society and enshined into it's first object.

Isis Unveiled, however, did not concern itself with Theosophical concepts, and A.P. Sinnett's more 1883 publication Esoteric Buddhism online is generally acknowledged as the first exposition of Theosophy in modern times. H. P. Blavatsky's later major work The Secret Doctrine (1888) enlarged on these teachings and corrected some errors of understanding or interpretation given in Sinnett's work [3].

Of particular note are The Key to Theosophy (1889) which is a clear explanation of Theosophy in Q & A form, and the more mystical or esoteric The Voice of the Silence (1889).

[1] ^ Helena Blavatsky, Western Esoteric Masters Series, 2004, Prof. Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, p9
[2] ^ Goodrick-Clarke, p10
[3] ^ See The Secret Doctrine Vol I, pp. 152-162

online text with page numbering (United Lodge of Theosophists, Phoenix, Arizona)

THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY
Originally published 1889

numerous editions about 250 pages; "Dedicated by H.P.B. to all her pupils that they may Learn and Teach in their turn".

This book covers the main aspects of the teaching as they affect mankind. She discusses among others the Wisdom-Religion, Occultism, Spiritualism, God and Prayer, the septenary Nature of Man, the After-death states, Reincarnation, the Complex Nature of Mind, Karma, etc. etc.; all this by way of question and answer ... "of the ETHICS, SCIENCE, AND PHILOSOPHY for the Study of which The Theosophical Society has been Founded".

online text (Theosophical University Press Online Edition)

online text, 1889 edition (United Lodge of Theosophists, Phoenix, Arizona)

VOICE OF THE SILENCE
Originally published 1889

Chosen fragments from the "Book of the Golden Precepts." translated and annotaded by H.P. Blavatsky. Devotional classic of Theosophy.

Although small in volume, it is massive in content. It is in three Fragments: the first entitled The Voice of Silence, of 100 verses; the second, The Two Paths, of 95 verses; the third, The Seven Portals, of 120 verses. This is a work intended for the aspirant after true, or self, knowledge, aiming to play a significant part in helping mankind along its arduous evolutionary path to ultimate self-redemption and liberation.

online text (Theosophical University Press Online Edition)

see A Companion to The Voice of the Silence on this website

online text 1888 edition (United Lodge of Theosophists, Phoenix, Arizona)

THE SECRET DOCTRINE - THE SYNTHESIS OF SCIENCE, RELIGION, AND PHILOSOPHY (2 VOLUMES)
1888

subtitled: The Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy; two volumes of some 1500 pages altogether.

A massive work of great erudition; some 1100 other works being referred to in the text. This is Blavatsky’s masterwork on theosophy, covering cosmic, planetary, and human evolution, as well as science, religion, and mythology. Based on the Stanzas of Dzyan, it outlines the vast scheme of knowledge of the nature and function of Cosmos available to mankind in the extensive world literature on the subject and adds some items of great significance, not previously given out. In spite of the work's extent and depth, H.P.B. says that in it only "a corner of the veil" and in the preface says, "The aim of this work may thus be stated: to show that Nature is not 'a fortuitous concurrence of atoms' and to assign to man his rightful place in the scheme of the Universe, etc. etc., and that it, The Secret Doctrine, is as much as 20th century man can apprehend."

Volume 1: Cosmogenesis

Volume 2: Anthropogenesis

Proem

THE SECRET DOCTRINE 'VOLUME 3'

further info on volume 3 see Blavatsky Study Centre

INDEX to THE SECRET DOCTRINE

Prepared by John P. Van Mater

online text (Theosophical University Press Online Edition)

AN INVITATION TO THE SECRET DOCTRINE
1997

To those who would like to explore the essence of The Secret Doctrine, or who have had difficulty penetrating its two large volumes, An Invitation to The Secret Doctrine should prove welcome. Based on Blavatsky's study suggestions given to her personal students, it is a succinct and appealing statement of the SD's principal teachings in her own words. Included are the Bowen notes of HPB's comments, relevant pages from The Secret Doctrine, photographs of HPB's manuscript, a historical account of "The Writing of The Secret Doctrine" by Kirby Van Mater, and a glossary of terms.

Includes 'The Bowen Notes' (which are also available on this website here)

Secret Doctrine Commentary: Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge of the Theosophical Society
1923

Discussions on the Stanzas of the First Volume of The Secret Doctrine

see also the

THE SECRET DOCTRINE COMMENTARIES
The Unpublished 1889 Instructions
2010

The Secret Doctrine Commentaries contains the never before published transcription of the shorthand notes of these Blavatsky Lodge meetings. further information

online text with page numbering (United Lodge of Theosophists, Phoenix, Arizona)

ISIS UNVEILED
1877

First published: J.W.Bouton, New York; subtitled: A Master-Key to the Mysteries of Ancient and Modern Science and Theology; a large work in two volumes of over 600 pages each. It is now in a number of editions, by various publishers, but the text is common to all. Isis is Blavatsky's first major work on Theosophy, examining religion and science in the light of Western and Oriental ancient wisdom and occult and spiritualistic phenomena.

Truly a great work; A Master-Key to the Mysteries of Ancient and Modern Science and Theology, a mine of information, some of it very little known, and a mass of enlightened comment on the science and theology of the day. While some material is now dated, much is of an enduring nature. This book, while being regarded by some as iconoclastic, is liberating. It helps us to free ourselves from our prejudices and preconceptions.

online text (Theosophical University Press Online Edition)

H. P. Blavatsky to the American Conventions 1888-1891 With a "Historical Perspective"
1979

by Kirby Van Mater

online text (Theosophical University Press Online Edition)

STUDIES IN OCCULTISM

A Collection of Articles from Lucifer, H. P. Blavatsky's magazine, between 1887-1891

THE LETTERS OF H. P. BLAVATSKY to A. P. SINNETT
First published in 1925

and other miscellaneous letters

Transcribed, compiled, and with an introduction by A. T. BARKER

THE COLLECTED WRITINGS : edited by Boris de Zirkoff; 14 volumes.

A collection of H.P.B.'s numerous writings by way of articles, published letters, stories and so on, written during the period 1875 to 1891, arranged chronologically. These writings contain much teaching which supplements (and is entirely consistent with) what is contained in her books.

Some of the material gives an insight into how the teachings could affect the lot of humanity in the circumstances of earth life, having regard to its traditions, institutions, ignorances, superstitions and so on. They are particularly illuminating on such subjects as spiritualism, the Christian religion, and Occultism generally. Always H.P.B. has an eye to essentials, to objective facts, which she sees clearly against the background of her encyclopaedic knowledge. In these works is to be found much wisdom and inspiration.

Collected Writings Volume 1
1874-1878
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

An outline of her life prior to her public work
Early writings

Collected Writings Volume 2
1879-1880
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Further early writings.

Collected Writings Volume 3
1881-1882
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 4
1882-1883
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 5
1893
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 6
1883-1884-1885
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 7
1886-1887
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 8
1887
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

online text (Katinka Hesselink)

Collected Writings Volume 9
1888
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 10
1888-1889
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 11
1889
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 12
1889-1890
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 13
1890-1891
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

online text (Katinka Hesselink)

Collected Writings Volume 14
misc. dates
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

Collected Writings Volume 15
index
Compiled by Boris de Zirkoff

FIVE YEARS OF THEOSOPHY
1894

Essays selected from “The Theosophist”

A MODERN PANARION : A COLLECTION OF FUGITIVE FRAGMENTS
1895

A compilation volume. For further information see The Blavatsky Study Centre

Five Messages From H. P. Blavatsky to the American Theosophists in Convention Assembled: 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891

H. P. Blavatsky wrote these stirring messages to several conventions of the Theosophical Society in the United States. They are valuable statements about the purposes of the Theosophical Movement and provide insights into the real value of practical theosophy.

link to online edition (ULT)

Nightmare Tales
compilation from 1876-1891

By H. P. Blavatsky

Raja Yoga Or Occultism

selected articles of HPB

reprint and facsimile editions available

GEMS FROM THE EAST A Birthday Book of Precepts and Axioms

Compiled by H.P.B.

The Theosophist

A Monthly Journal Devoted to Oriental Philosophy, Art, Literature and Occultism: Embracing Mesmerism, Spiritualism, and Other Secret Sciences

Conducted by H. P. Blavatsky Volume 1: October 1879 - September 1880