The Blavatsky Trust
Modern Theosophy Origins and Intentions
THE ORIGINS OF MODERN THEOSOPHICAL LITERATURE AND THE INTENTIONS BEHIND THE FOUNDING OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
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G.A. Farthing
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS BY H.P. BLAVATSKY
1. ISIS UNVEILED : 1877; J.W.Bouton, New York; subtitle: A Master-Key to the Mysteries of Ancient and Modern Science and Theology; a large work in two volumes of over 600 pages each.
Truly a great work, 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 While some of this is out of date, much in the book is of an enduring nature.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. It is in a number of editions, by various publishers, but the text is the same in them all.
2. THE SECRET DOCTRINE : 1888; The Theosophical Publishing Company, London; subtitle: 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. 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" was lifted. In her preface H.P.B. 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.
3. THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY : 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.
4. THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE : 1889; numerous editions; about 250 pages; subtitle: Chosen Fragments from the "Book of the Golden Precepts" - for the Daily Use of Lanoos [Disciples]; it is "dedicated to the Few".
A book small in volume but 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.
5. 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.
6. H.P.B's INSTRUCTIONS TO HER INNER GROUP
Reproduced in Collected Writings Vol XII and elsewhere.
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OTHER BOOKS CONSISTENT WITH H.P.BLAVATSKY'S WRITINGS
1. THE MAHATMA LETTERS TO A.P.SINNETT : 1923; first published by Rider & Co., London; 500 pages.
This is a volume of letters received from H.P.B.'s two initiate Teachers, in answer to questions put to them mostly by A.P. Sinnett with some by A.O. Hume. The letters contain much metaphysical and philosophical teaching in the occult tradition, among material relating to the early days of the Theosophical Society and the people in or associated with it. Many aspects of the teaching, among them those relating to the after-death states, are unique, having been kept secret up to that time. This is a book essential to any serious student of modern Occultism. It is the source of the main principles of the subject given and elaborated in H.P.B.'s writings.
2. TRANSACTIONS OF THE BLAVATSKY LODGE : Theosophical University Press, Covine, California.
A collection of notes, in question and answer form, taken at a series of meetings of the Lodge in the first six months of 1889, when H.P.B. was present.
3. FOUNDATIONS OF ESOTERIC PHILOSOPHY : from the writings of H.P. Blavatsky; compiled by I.H. Hoskins; The Theosophical Publishing House, London; 66 pages including a glossary and as an appendix THE SECRET DOCTRINE AND ITS STUDY.
This booklet is a compilation from The Secret Doctrine and Isis Unveiled, of excerpts which summarize the principal aspects of the great teaching.
4. MADAME BLAVATSKY ON HOW TO STUDY THEOSOPHY : The Theosophical Publishing House; 15 pages.
This is a booklet, often referred to as the 'Bowen Notes', containing material written down by Robert Bowen from talks which Madame Blavatsky gave to those near her during the close of her life. The content is in the form of important hints to students.
5. DEITY, COSMOS AND MAN : G.A. Farthing
A summary of the teachings in the classical literature with many references,
glossary and index.
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As an aid to getting a feeling for the subject and obtaining a perspective view of H.P.B. in the setting of contemporary life, of her character and of the enormous and distressing difficulties she encountered but largely overcame, readers are recommended to read one or two of the reliable biographies :
BOOKS BY HER CONTEMPORARIES
My Guest - H.P. Blavatsky : Francesca Arundale
Reminiscences of H.P. Blavatsky : Bertram Keightley
Incidents in the Life of Madame Blavatsky : A.P. Sinnett
Reminiscences of H.P. Blavatsky and the Secret Doctrine :
Countess Wachtmeister
BOOKS BY LATER BIOGRAPHERS
The Extraordinary Life and Influence of Helena Blavatsky
[comprehensive and definitive] : Sylvia Cranston
Blavatsky and Her Teachers : Jean Overton Fuller
When Daylight Comes : Howard Murphet
Personal Memoirs of H.P. Blavatsky : Mary K. Neff
The Blavatsky Trust 2003
reproduced from 'A Trilogy' by G.A Farthing
