The Blavatsky Trust

Study Materials

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Guidelines to the study of
Theosophy

H.P. Blavatsky commented that in revealing Ancient Wisdom she lifted no more than 'one corner of the veil'. Nonetheless, Theosophy presents the most comprehensive basis for Wisdom that is available to us. In no one religion can we find such a set of consistent doctrines and teachings setting out the wisdom of the ages - concerning Cycles, Karma, Reincarnation, Cosmology, the Human and Cosmic Constitution and the Path of Spiritualisation. The depth and breadth of such teachings is inevitably vast, requiring a response beyond that of unaided intellect. Study and Reflection are called for.

8 introductory study papers issued by The Theosophical Society in England:

study paper 1 download pdf 1
study paper 2 download pdf 2
study paper 3 download pdf 3
study paper 4 download pdf 4
study paper 5 download pdf 5
study paper 6 download pdf 6
study paper 7 download pdf 7
study paper 8 download pdf 8

OR the key elements of Theosophy can be browsed via the following links:
Theosophical Teachings - An Overview

What Theosophy Is -- What Theosophy is Not:
Theosophy The Wisdom Religion

The following three introductory writings to Theosophy are recommended:

a) Theosophy - The Truth Revealed. An online introduction to Western occultism based on a booklet compiled by the Merseyside Lodge of The Theosophical Society in England, with introduction and editorial notes by G.A. Farthing
Theosophy - The Truth Revealed

b) Exploring the Great Beyond. An exploration of the field of the extraordinary as explained in the light of true occultism or Theosophy. Written by Geoffrey Farthing and originally published in 1978, this text remains the key source text for the study course 'Theosophy: The Way to Self-Discovery' run at the Theosophical Society in England HQ in London.
Exploring the Great Beyond

c) Deity, Cosmos & Man. A comprehensive two part introduction to Theosophy written by G.A. Farthing.
Deity, Cosmos & Man

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see also Introductory Books

see also Intermediate Books

see also Advanced Books

Guidelines to the study of
the writings of Helena Blavatsky

The writings of H. P. Blavatsky (HPB) form a large - if not the largest - body of esoteric writing originally scripted in English. The Collected Writings span 15 substantial volumes including The Secret Doctrine, Blavatsky's magnum opus of some 1300 pages.

For one unfamiliar with the writings of HPB it is advisable to read some of the recent introductory works to Theosophy (see left hand column).

The difficulties of extracting the essential framework of the theosophical system from the various writings was recognised by HPB herself who provided oral instruction, the essentials of which were recorded and are contained - with other information on the study of Theosophy - in the text Foundations of Esoteric Philosophy, compiled by Ianthe H. Hoskins.
Foundations of Esoteric Philosophy

Of HPB's writings, The Key to Theosophy which describes itself as being " A Clear Exposition, in the Form of Question and Answer, of the ethics, science, and philosophy for the Study of which The Theosophical Society has been Founded" provides a reasonably clear introduction to the basics. As with all of HPB's work, an online version is available.
The Key to Theosophy

Many Sanskrit and other terms are used in the writings - together with some inconsistent variations - making a good Glossary an essential. HPB herself produced a very useful Theosophical Glossary. Various other Glossaries have been produced over the years and a comprehensive collation, compiled by Scott J. Osterhage, is now available.
Collation of Theosophical Glossarie
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H.P. Blavatsky's extensive writings can be found at:
Theosophical Society online literature