Introduction to the Secret Doctrine by Blavatsky
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Madame Blavatsky's Magnum Opus introduced
The main object of this page is, instead, to introduce to you two books that will help you get a grip on this book. Both written to help the student find the essence before getting lost in a sea of details.
Shown here: An Invitation to the Secret Doctrine
Introducing Blavatsky's Secret Doctrine
Inspiring ideas from 'The Secret Doctrine'
Consciousness is graded
There are several levels of consciousness. Mind is more...1 point
Evolution of consciousness
Human consciousness is part of the general cycle o more...0 points
Soul of individual is one with the Soul of the Universe
In the words of Advaita Vedanta: Atman is Brahman0 points
What we see is illusion
The universe is fundamentally different from the w more...0 points
People are different - and that's OK
People should be judged on their spiritual worth, more...0 points
[An abridgement of] The Secret Doctrine
Abridged and annotated by Michael Gomes
I do think what he created is one of the best introductions to The Secret Doctrine one could wish. He starts it out with a historical introduction that's factual yet easy reading. Throughout you'll find notes and references that bring this work into the 21st century. After all, the study of religion has come a long way since the 19th century when Blavatsky wrote The Secret Doctrine.
There is, as one would expect of a scholar like Michael Gomes, a good index. Also, he checked the whole text against the oldest versions of Blavatsky's original text, so none of the spelling mistakes of the first edition had a chance of staying in. Those familiar with previous editions will have to deal with the disappearance of anupapadaka (now anupadaka) and the appearance of consistent diacritical marks.
Michael Gomes split the text up in three sections. The first is cosmic evolution: Blavatsky's 'Stanza's of Dzyan' and some of her comments on them. The second is human evolution. Again the stanzas and some of what she had to say about them. The third section is gathered from both volumes and is called 'the mystery language of the initiates'. It deals with symbology and cosmic symbols.
What's left out is all the stuff relating to 19th century science. After all, nobody buys the Secret Doctrine to be informed about the history of science...
The Secret Doctrine
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An invitation to the Secret Doctrine.
I would still recommend this text to people trying to find their way in The Secret Doctrine, but only if they do not have a local Secret Doctrine Studygroup to go to. If they do, Michael Gomes' version is probably a better basis for study.
An Invitation to the Secret Doctrine
Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 02/13/2012)
More about The Secret Doctrine
- The Secret Doctrine as a Contribution to World Thought, Sri Madhava Ashish
- The world's many religious teachings are human attempts to express mankind's half defined ideas about himself and the world he lives in. As we become richer in our wealth of concepts and more knowledgeable about our environment, we find it necessary from time to time to reformulate our religious ideas. H.P. Blavatsky's contribution to world thought was such a reformulation.
- Reminiscences of H.P. Blavatsky and the Secret Doctrine - Theosophical History
- In giving an account of the manner in which Helena Petrovna Blavatsky wrote The Secret Doctrine, while yet the circumstances are fresh in my memory, with memoranda and letters still available for reference, I shall not shrink from dwelling at some length on my own relations with my dear friend and teacher; and on many attendant circumstances which, while not directly connected with the actual writing of the book [The Secret Doctrine], will contribute, I feel sure, to an intelligent comprehension of both the author and her work.
- The Secret Doctrine as Spiritual Practice - Modern Theosophy
- Pablo Sender on awakening spiritual perception through study of Blavatsky's master piece: 'The Secret Doctrine.'
- Mistaken notions on the secret doctrine
- My chief and only object was to bring into prominence that the basic and fundamental principles of every exoteric religion and philosophy, old or new, were from first to last but echoes of the primeval "Wisdom Religion."
- Meditating on The Secret Doctrine
- Pablo Sender on meditation on Blavatsky's master piece: 'The Secret Doctrine.'
The best books by and about H.P. Blavatsky
More theosophy
So, are you interested? Have you read any of these introductions?
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Reply
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susannaduffy
Oct 21, 2009 @ 6:25 pm | delete
- I had forgotten all about Madame Blavatsky. Heavens, it seems such a long time ago to my undergraduate days. You've intrigued me now, and I'm going to have a read of her work again
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