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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.

This classic anthology offers ancient and modern perspectives on Job's question: 'If a man die, shall he live again?' Spanning over 5,000 years of world thought, the selections invite consideration of an idea that has found hospitality in the greatest minds of history.

Humanitarian, scholar, musician, and military officer, Conger was Leader of The Theosophical Society from 1945 1951. This biographical essay describes his education, military career, and theosophical activities, where we observe theosophical principles taken beyond the books and into daily life. Originally appearing in Theosophical History magazine, this monograph has been revised and enlarged. Those looking for insight into this period of theosophical history, or who enjoy exploring the life of a remarkable man, will find this well-documented booklet of interest.

Addressing the controversial question, Is the universe intelligently designed? this introductory booklet surveys critical problems in Darwinian theory and creationist theology: organic complexity and the origin of life; the relationship of consciousness and matter; who or what is God; design, disparity, and imperfection; and the origin and evolution of man. The discussion re-examines these issues in light of modern scientific research and basic theosophic concepts underlying the world's religious traditions suggesting there is a middle ground reconciling spiritual intuition and scientific knowledge.

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.

No other book is quite like this private collection of letters. Preserved in the British Library, they were written between 1880 and 1884 to Alfred P Sinnett, editor of a leading Anglo-Indian newspaper, The Pioneer. His correspondents were two Mahatmas whom H P Blavatsky has acknowledged as her teachers and the inspirers of her Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine. First published in 1923, this important volume is filled with sublime philosophical and ethical instruction, revealing not only far-reaching concepts of religious and scientific thought (since proven in large degree prophetic), but also practicality, warmth of heart, patience, and ripeness of humour. The letters, moreover, yield a clearer understanding of H P Blavatsky and of the Mahatmas' aim in fostering universal brotherhood.

Occultism (from the Latin occultus, meaning "hid") as presented here refers primarily to the esoteric theosophy concealed in religion and nature. In this series of articles, Blavatsky clarifies the "essential difference between theoretical and practical Occultism", and the gulf that separates harmful occult practices from the occult path of altruism. Also included is a timely three-part article on "The Esoteric Character of the Gospels" which casts revealing light on the mystery of Jesus -- as man and as Christ -- and also upon the succession of messianic ages.

The Dhammapada, long perpetuated through oral tradition, is a synthesis of the Buddha s ethical teachings. This English translation by noted Sinhalese pandit Harischandra Kaviratna, with the original Pali text (in roman script) on facing pages, was produced after comparison with Sanskrit, Burmese, and Chinese versions. A glossary of Pali philosophical terms with Sanskrit equivalents and English definitions is included. In a valuable introduction, Dr Kaviratna discusses the history of the Dhammapada and its place in the Buddhist canon together with its relation to the Vedas and Brahmanical literature.

In order to give a broader and more technical understanding of the philosophy underlying the Bhagavad-Gita, T Row, a distinguished Indian scholar, explores 'the nature of the cosmos, the nature of man, and the goal towards which all evolutionary progress is tending'. Presented from both a Brahmanical and theosophic viewpoint, Notes covers such topics as cosmic evolution, consciousness, the Logos, yoga, avataras, initiation, immortality, and the usage of many Sanskrit terms.