William Quan Judge – författare

In the early 1890s Judge recognised the need for a book on theosophy that could be readily understood by all. The Ocean provides a concise yet comprehensive survey of the basic tenets of theosophy. Written with the beginner in mind, it clarifies such topics as the sevenfold nature of man, reincarnation and karma, dangers of psychic practices and the pitfalls of pseudo-occultism, earth s sevenfold being, cosmic and terrestrial cycles, afterdeath states, the existence of highly advanced human beings, and many more. Here is knowledge based upon evidence and experience, written with brevity and depth.

Cumulative Index to Volumes I-III of "Echoes of the Orient: The Writings of William Quan Judge".

In this second volume readers will find a wealth of theosophical teachings, history, and guidance. Nearly half the book comprises articles from several magazines, as well as Judge's presentations at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he chaired the Theosophical Congress. The remaining sections include Hidden Hints in The Secret Doctrine; Questions from The Vahan, The Theosophical Forum, and The Path; Abridgement of Discussions; and Faces of Friends. What is striking about Judge's writing is his exceptional ability to condense a powerful line of thinking into simple language. If we may characterise the contents of Volume I as coming from the plane of "pure buddhi" or intuition as H P Blavatsky once remarked of Judge's Path magazine much of the material in this second volume, while covering a broad philosophic territory, brings the reader more closely in touch with the secular and practical side of Theosophy. Here we learn more about how people responded to the reintroduction and challenge of theosophic wisdom in modern times. The effects were both elevating and unsettling, and one of Judge's primary efforts was to try to help as many as possible establish surer footing on this newly rising continent of spiritual-scientific thought. One result of H P Blavatsky's ground-breaking works was a flood of questions sent to Judge on every conceivable topic: What happens to us after death? Can this be known? Do we have a soul? Can it be lost? What happens to suicides? Is it possible to receive in dreams answers to questions about right conduct? Should psychic powers be developed? Are celibacy and vegetarianism necessary to lead a spiritual life? What evidence is there for the existence of advanced humans or mahatmas? Why don't they make themselves better known? How does one enter the spiritual path and live the life in a practical way? How can one serve mankind? Judge's responses to these and scores of other questions and problems have timely relevance, providing helpful insight into similar issues arising in today's spiritual ferment.

This volume is divided into five sections, the first a series of articles introducing theosophical concepts which Judge wrote for "Kate Field's Washington" under the title "Echoes from the Orient". Sections 2-4 contain tracts and pamphlets issued by Judge including his highly-esteemed "Epitome of Theosophy" as well as articles in newspapers and journals other than those in the first two volumes, and miscellanea (extracts, undated articles, etc.). The fifth and largest section, comprising nearly half the volume, is devoted to "Suggestions and Aids" issued to students of the Eastern School of Theosophy, founded by H P B with Judge's assistance in 1888. These papers deal with matters more directly pertinent to theosophists, as well as with the core purposes of the Theosophical Society and its founders, the Mahatmas. Whatever the subject, Judge's writing is invariably down to earth, cutting right through rigid thinking and the nonsense of pseudo-occultism. It is refreshing to read clear, simply-worded sentences free of the misty sweetness and light or clever but vague language that characterises much new-age literature today. As straightforward as Judge is, his perspective is clearly rooted in a larger philosophic background, oriented towards universal brotherhood, innate human dignity, and the inestimable worth of altruistic motive and service. Never condescending, but always the Esotericist, a student/teacher with whom we can easily relate, Judge transmits the perennial wisdom in a way that encourages us to broaden our views and thus to see in everyone and everything vibrant expressions of the divine force permeating the universe.