Customer Reviews

The Astral World: Its Scenes, Dwellers, and Phenomena (Occult Manuals)

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Possibly the best book on the astral world available. It belongs to my very favourite books as it is written in a very nice scientific way. The author,an authentic indian occultist, is very objective and knowledgable when it comes to the astral worlds. In his wonderful book he describes briefly the seven planes, the astral regions, some lower sub-planes, he talks about the diembodied souls and the astral thoughtforms. Moreover he illustrates the life of the astral inhabitants in the higher planes of existence and gives an account of the "astral light". This book is exact and to the point about all astral matters. It has an almost enchanting effect on the reader.. and its a great pity that its relatively small.

Note that Swami Panchadasi does not give any astral travel techniques in this book. Possibly a wise decision, as he considers a teacher (and not a book) necessary when it comes to astral traveling in unknown planes of existence.

I want to say it again, this book is tiny (just incase you haven't read the dimensions yet), but a fascinating read. This book is written a little cryptically as it seems was the fasion back in the twentys, and for the obvious time differance it is also written the formal english of the time. So because of my other research on the subject some of the first few chapters seemed to be miss leading to some degree on how it talks in definites, though if you read this small book in its entirety (which is quite easy to do, and to enjoy it while you do so) you will walk away understanding the Astral with a good amount of detail. There is hordes and hordes of information that this book doesn't cover... this book covers very well just what actually makes up the "dimensions" of the Astral that is a small overview of only the astral realm (first realm is "physical", second the realm of force, the third realm is astral, forth mental... and it doesn't really even talk much of the other three realms of light or higher realms, except that it covers the fact they they exist) This book doesn't go into detail of what type of beings are on the differant realms except in so much as what stage of being that a human would be at and what the human would likely experience to some degree when his nature time comes to experience a certain area of the Astral.
The book was excellent for what it was and I bought it used, I would recommend it for those who are serious in study and want another way to look at the universe, I wouldn't buy it if you are just looking to astral travel and want a road map and instructions.

I read this book first in about 1976 and have not found a similar book as complete in it's descriptions and fascinating in it exlpanation of the phenomena beyond our five ordinary senses. Hopefully more recent editions contain some information about Swami Panchadasi. My copy printed in India does not even have a publication date! So glad to see this rare book available again!

good introduction for student inquiry on eastern thought. Written in a way of the reader journeying with the author into this dimension. Gave me much too think about and consider.

I have read every single Panchadasi book in hopes that he would finally give some exercises.

It is pathetic that this author makes claims in every book that he is going to teach the "devout reader" and "committed student" all the secrets to being psychic and engaging the astral world, but never does.

He NEVER GIVES ANY EXERCISES OR INSTRUCTIONS AT ALL!!!

Reread that sentence.

This book is all description and theory from his perspective, and in many ways he is quite off the mark with his beliefs in comparison to what the occult community in general has accumulated by now.

I honestly cannot think of any reason to read this book, unless you want to read old news and learn about old progress.

Also, be careful. Much of his work is laden with obscure morals that threaten you against using your "powers" for good or evil- that using your powers for anything not deemed as "appropriate" by him will make them "disappear". It's utter nonsense.

Skip this book.