In perhaps the most definitive work on esoteric wisdom ever written, HPB comprehensively surveys the origins of the cosmos and the prehistory of humanity, synthesizing religion and science within the context of the perennial philosophy. Originally published in 1888, The Secret Doctrine continues to be the principal source book for students of Theosophy, not as the final word on the subject, but as a stimulus to encourage the student to ponder its thoughts with a free and questing mind.
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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.
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.
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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,
By
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,
By jmcmeniman@Yahoo.com (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,
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.
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
The epoch-making work known as The Secret Doctrine is the magnum opus of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
anima mundi, heavenly man, des esprits, cosmic substance, esoteric doctrine, fourth race, primeval man, cosmic ideation, planetary spirits, supreme spirit, spiritual soul, primary creation, les hypothèses, divine voice, living fire, unknown deity, modern nebular theory, nervous ether, septenary chain, new manvantara, laya state, older wheels, fiery lives, lunar chain, concealed deity Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Isis Unveiled, Esoteric Buddhism, Fourth Round, Secret Doctrine, Book of the Dead, The Theosophist, Subba Row, Holy Ghost, Collected Writings, Roman Catholic, The Mahatma Letters, Occult Sciences, First Cause, Five Years of Theosophy, Divine Thought, Third Race, Universal Mind, Day of Brahma, Fifth Race, The Source of Measures, Universal Soul, Gerald Massey, Holy of Holies, Herbert Spencer, Codex Nazaraeus Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
The epoch-making work known as The Secret Doctrine is the magnum opus of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
anima mundi, heavenly man, des esprits, cosmic substance, esoteric doctrine, fourth race, primeval man, cosmic ideation, planetary spirits, supreme spirit, spiritual soul, primary creation, les hypothèses, divine voice, living fire, unknown deity, modern nebular theory, nervous ether, septenary chain, new manvantara, laya state, older wheels, fiery lives, lunar chain, concealed deity Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Isis Unveiled, Esoteric Buddhism, Fourth Round, Secret Doctrine, Book of the Dead, The Theosophist, Subba Row, Holy Ghost, Collected Writings, Roman Catholic, The Mahatma Letters, Occult Sciences, First Cause, Five Years of Theosophy, Divine Thought, Third Race, Universal Mind, Day of Brahma, Fifth Race, The Source of Measures, Universal Soul, Gerald Massey, Holy of Holies, Herbert Spencer, Codex Nazaraeus Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
100
books
cite this book:
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- Theosophical Path Magazine, July to December 1923 by Katherine Tingley on 48 pages
- Theosophical Path Magazine, July to December 1925 by Katherine Tingley on 44 pages
- Theosophical Path Magazine, July to December 1926 by Katherine Tingley on 32 pages
- Inner Radiance by F. Homer Curtiss on 24 pages
- Message of Aquaria the Significance and Mission of the Aquarian Age by Harriette Augusta Curtiss on 23 pages
See all 100 books citing this book
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