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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Theosophic Vision, October 15, 2002
Christopher Morley reminds booksellers that when we sell a person a book, we are not selling them a pile of glue, stitching and paper, rather, we are selling new life.
In this book by the Leader (1971 - 2006) of The Theosophical Society (Pasadena), we read in the chapter on Western Occultism "It is well to recall that in the ancient Greek Mysteries the stages of the initiatory process were variously enumerated, often broadly as three: katharsis, cleansing, purification of the soul; muesis, testing or trial of the candidate, to prove integrity of motive and firmness of will; and third, if successful, epopteia, revelation, i.e., `seeing' behind the veil of nature. Always the character had to be shaped in accordance with the noblest ideals; nothing was gained without sacrifice....... True occultism - which is altruism lived, combined with knowledge of the inner structure of man and the universe - demands of its followers complete purity of thought and of deed..... In the esoteric cycle of learning and discipline, the neophyte is enjoined first to absorb so far as he is able the ideal of self forgetfulness and love for all beings." Concerning this self transcendence, the author further states that if it is to be lasting, it will not be obtained by external means alone as "It occurs without formality, in the still recesses of one's inmost self. .... No exoteric training in self-transformation can match the inner transmutation of soul quality that takes place in the silence, the effects of which endure beyond death. They endure because they are registered in our spiritual nature."
Some years back, as a young bookseller in New Mexico I happened upon several volumes by an author unknown to me. I had enjoyed for some years previous dipping in and out of the grand masterpieces of H. P. Blavatsky's SECRET DOCTRINE and ISIS UNVEILED alongside other theosophical classics including some of the writings of William Q. Judge. Many readings were inspiring. The new author I came upon was G. de Purucker. After reading the selection it became obvious to me that there is indeed an ethical base structure at the core of certain theosophical literature, thought and application that can lead a "seeker" to a valid path in a somewhat confusing world.
In Grace Knoche's book a reader will encounter also this same inspired theosophy that will deliver no false leads. In this book one will find refreshing statements of theosophical thought, evolution, reincarnation, karma, death, the Christian message, the Buddhist Paramitas and much more. The chapters build on a foundation that the realities of the esoteric adventure can exist only through an ethical approach to the truth on the path we are all traveling. A path we are attempting to become. There is indeed new life here. A new life that includes the vision of a universal brotherhood that all thinking people seek.
I think that any free thinking student of life, from any bent, should make this book a part of their reading agenda.
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by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
by Nils A. Amneus
by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
![Isis Unveiled [Two Volume Set]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MVRZV81KL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS90_.jpg){kind=icon}
by Helena P. Blavatsky
