Theosophy Books - theosophical inspiration

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Links to book reviews of theosophical books and a selection of the most famous and inspirational books in the theosophical movement. Books by Annie Besant, W.Q. Judge, C.W. Leadbeater, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Rudolf Steiner, H.P. Blavatsky and more.

The best Blavatsky Books 

Man The Measure Of All Things: Commentary on The Secret Doctrine 

Sri Madhava Ashish and Sri Krishna Prem

Light on the Path 

Mabel Collins

Meditative classic. Together with The Voice of the Silence and At The Feet of The Master this book is read, studied and meditated upon by theosophists world wide. Some people feel this book is the most fit for modern eyes because it is phrased as advice, not as a path one has to follow.

The essay on karma that's included is also a classic.

Light on the Path and Karma (New Edition)

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At The Feet of The Master 

Alcyone - said to be written by J. Krishnamurti

The third classic book for your bedside table (like The Voice of the Silence and Light on the Path). This one was written for or by a young boy stepping on the spiritual path. The result is a book written in simple words with clear advice.

The authorship is controversial. The teachings certainly don't fit those of the adult Jiddu Krishnamurti in either style or content. But ever since it's publication this book has been very popular with theosophists - because it is simple, yet practical and deep.

At the Feet of the Master

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The Key to Theosophy 

H.P. Blavatsky

A reviewer on Amazon put it very well:

"This book is an excellent introduction to the views of Theosophy, which in many respects is not a religion or a philosophy; it is a helpful guide to distinguish and compare theosophy both to the world religions as they are practised and the "secret wisdom" that is also found in all world religions. As another reviewer remarked, the Glossary is a very helpful set of definitions for learning further about the theosophical perspective."

The Key to Theosophy

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Karmic Visions 

H. P. Blavatsky and W. Q. Judge on karma

One of the themes that the Theosophical Society helped popularize was the doctrine of Karma.

In this book W.Q. Judge and his teacher H.P. Blavatsky share their visions of how karma works out across lives. These stories are meant to inspire and instruct, but they are also thrilling reading.

Karmic Visions

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Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing 

Stephen A Hoeller

From a reviewer on Amazon:

"This is a great modern introduction to Gnosticism. It covers Gnostic creation myth, rituals, teachers, Sophia (divine feminine wisdom), the Gnostic Jesus, Mandaens Manichaens Cathars, modern Gnostics and more. This is a basic overview for beginners, not for the advanced. If you know nothing of gnosticism, and are looking for a general overview, this is it. It is written very simply and clear. It also lists a good list of books for further study. Also includes a short dictionary of Gnostic terms. Details teachings and myths. There is no better introduction than this."

Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing

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Theosophy - Rudolf Steiner 

An Introduction to the Spiritual Processes in Human Life and in the Cosmos

Theosophy : An Introduction to the Spiritual Processes in Human Life and in the Cosmos

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Theosophy: A Modern Expression of the Wisdom of the Ages 

Robert Ellwood

A much more recent introduction into theosophy by one of the current theosophical teachers: Robert Ellwood.

Theosophy: A Modern Expression of the Wisdom of the Ages

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Helena Blavatsky, Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke 

Western Esoteric Masters Series

An excellent introduction into the life and work of H.P. Blavatsky by prof. Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke.

Helena Blavatsky (Western Esoteric Masters)

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I.K. Taimni on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 

The Secret Teachings of All Ages 

Manly P. Hall

Manly P. Hall was one of those who popularized theosophy in the 20th century. His work is still read inside and outside the TS - the many versions of this book available on Amazon are testimony to this.

The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Reader's Edition)

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Esoteric Christianity 

Annie Besant

A still relevant interpretation of Christianity from an esoteric perspective. Much of what was written on the subject later was inspired by this work by Annie Besant. So why not go straight to the source?

Esoteric Christianity

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The Gospel of John in the Light of Indian Mysticism 

Ravi Ravindra

The title speaks for itself - an excellent exploration of the Gospel of John from the perspective of universal mysticism. Ravi Ravindra too was a disciple of Jiddu Krishnamurti.

The Gospel of John in the Light of Indian Mysticism

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The Heart of the Qur'an 

An Introduction to Islamic Spirituality

Translation of selected Quranic passages that illustrate the spirituality of Islam.

The Masters and The Path 

C.W. Leadbeater

Another theosophical classic which has inspired millions: directly or indirectly.

The Masters and The Path

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The Chakras - C.W. Leadbeater 

Including an Updated List of Chakra Balancing Colors, Gemstones, Fragrances and Foods

The classic book by C.W. Leadbeater - updated with information by Dr. Jane Maati Smith on colors, gems, fragrances and foods to help you balance your chakras.

The Chakras: Including An Updated List Of Chakra Balancing Colors, Gemstones, Fragrances And Foods

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Thought-Forms 

Annie Wood Besant, C. W. Leadbeater

Another esoteric classic: on the power of thought on others and ourselves. Based on clairvoyant observations by C.W. Leadbeater.

Thought-Forms

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The Power of Thought 

A Twenty-First Century Adaptation of Annie Besant's Classic Work Thought Power

John Algeo brings Besant's classic work to you in current day language and relates it to our world of today.

Freedom from the Known, Jiddu Krishnamurti 

J. Krishnamurti classic

Jiddu Krishnamurti is perhaps the most controversial teacher in theosophical history - but the controversial ones are usually the best (look at Blavatsky).

I could have picked any book out of 50 or so to represent his work here. Freedom from the Known does express the main theme of Krishnamurti's teachings: that our conditionings impact our lives way more than we can be conscious of. And that this should stop.

Freedom from the Known

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The Book of Life: Daily Meditations with Krishnamurti 

J. Krishnamurti

If Krishnamurti the teacher doesn't appeal to you - Krishnamurti the poetic mystic might.

In this book he shares his personal impressions of life. His style here is less confrontational and more meditative than in his published lectures (on which most books by him are based).

The Book of Life: Daily Meditations with Krishnamurti

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Human Regeneration 

Radha Burnier in conversation with her audience about the central spiritual work of each person: to regenerate themselves.

Her fascination and life long study of Jiddu Krishnamurti shines through very deeply in this book.

Radha Burnier is the current president of the Theosophical Society (headquarters in Adyar, India)

The Theosophical Enlightenment 

Joscelyn Godwin

This is a scholarly exploration of theosophy in the 19th century. It's a classic among scholars and university professors interested in New Age and the esoteric traditions that preceded it. I've read it - I will refer back to it often - and it's an amazing work of scholarship and historical research.

The Theosophical Enlightenment (Suny Series in Western Esoteric Traditions)

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The Feminine Face of Buddhism 

Features historical and current women in three traditions within Buddhism: Theravaden, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism.

The Feminine Face of Buddhism

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Creative Evolution by Amit Goswami PhD 

Author of 'The Self-Aware Universe'

Reader recommendations 

The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles, and Belief by Gregg Braden

The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles, and Belief by Gregg Braden

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Esoteric Anatomy: The Body as Consciousness by Bruce Burger

Esoteric Anatomy: The Body as Consciousness by Bruce Burger

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Influential theosophical authors 

Though some of these did not want to be associated with the word 'theosophy' their work is imbibed with theosophical ideas and ideals.

 

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More you might like 

More about theosophy 

Theosophy: modern articles, history and archives
Theosophy resources: archives, articles and history.
Theosophical Movement FAQ
Are all theosophists atheists? and similar: How can I find a theosophical group/organization in my own neighborhood? Why are there three theosophical organizations and which one should I go to?
Theosophical Society
On this page you will find articles on what members of the Theosophical Movement feel the Theosophical Society should be.
Jiddu Krishnamurti and Theosophy
For a long time I've shared the position of Radha Burnier and many prominent theosophists here in The Netherlands that Krishnamurti's teachings deepen theosophy and help compensate for some of the short-comings of the theosophical doctrines...
Introduction in Theosophy
This page is a guide to the Modern Theosophy-site, for those new to the Theosophical Movement. You will find introductory articles in theosophical thinking, on the Theosophical Society and links to pages on this site which are good to start with. Like the whole website, this page is organized by subject.
What is Theosophy? Pablo D. Sender
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in the theosophical milieu and, since the word theosophy remains without an official definition, it will always be a matter to ponder over.

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