The Secret Doctrine [Abridged] [Audio Cassette]

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (Author), Ellen Burstyn (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1997

First published in 1888, The Secret Doctrine is still recognized as an authentic sourcebook in the spiritual teachings of Theosophy. From her wide studies and travels, Madame Blavatsky wrote an in-depth study of Divine Wisdom, drawing on science, religion, and philosophy to probe the dual evolution of spirit and matter and the nature of the human being. 2 cassettes.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) was the cofounder of the Theosophical Society. A world-famous figure of mystery and controversy and a leading intellect behind the occult revival in the West, Blavatsky published The Secret Doctrine in 1888 as her magnum opus.

Michael Gomes is a historian, author, and the librarian at the New York Lodge of the Theosophical Society. He is one of today's most respected writers on esoteric movements, as well known to readers of occult and esoteric literature as to students and scholars of modern religion. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Audio Literature; Abridged edition (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574530674
• ISBN-13: 978-1574530674
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,613,653 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Doctrine is No Secret, October 6, 2009

By 

D. L. Lavoie "Theosophical Society" (Lowell, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret Doctrine: (Three Volumes in a Slipcase) (Paperback)

This is a wonderfully thought-provoking book, but it is VERY DIFFICULT TO READ. Having a master's degree in theological studies, it still took me 6 months to get through each book and I was really pushing. I do not wish to discourage potential readers, but only want to be realistic. If anyone is looking to understand the basic ideas in The Secret Doctrine I would strongly suggest Goodricke-Clark's work entitled Madame Blavatsky. A little easier to read it groups particular sections of Blavatky's writings by topic (that is one of the downfall's of The Secret Doctrine-the arrangement of random material throughout).
I would certainly agree that this work is Blavatsky's crowning achievement, but not because it is "original." Rather, it is the way Blavatsky takes various western esoteric concepts and syncretises them into one work that is most ingenious. She takes the prevalent ideas in western esotericism (root races, planetary evolution, and phalic/solar origin of religion- for anyone looking for a historical background on these subjects I would suggest The Theosophical Enlightenment by Joscelyn Godwin) and merges them with Asian religious practices and terminiology in an attempt to defend religion against the growing threat of materialism. What comes out is a lengthy, unorganzied treatise on western esoteric concepts that is brilliant as a redactionary work.

101 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars truly the first step to understanding the cocmos and man, January 19, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Doctrine: (Three Volumes in a Slipcase) (Paperback)

I have studied this book and author as well as theosphy and comparative religions, philosophy, science of mind for over 20 years and the truth contained in H.P.Blavatsky's writings as well as intuitive knowledge have caused me great joy and massive yearning for additional lifetimes of study...I highly reccomend this book for serious students of lifes mysteries and higher learning.

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Foundation of Western New Thought, October 2, 2008

By 

Rev. P. Sidney Parker "SidneyParker.com" (Phillipsburg, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Doctrine: (Three Volumes in a Slipcase) (Paperback)

First, this is not an easy book to read, but it's importance in the study of metaphysics makes it well worth the effort. I am a practicing metaphysican and have been a student of metaphysics, theosphy and comparative religions for over 20 years and am just beginning to realize the truth contained in this and others of H.P.Blavatsky's books.

This book is on my recommended list the serious student of metaphysics and esoteric knowledge. It has been an integral part of the foundation of the Western new age/new thought movements.