The Key to Theosophy

H. P. Blavatsky

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

Originally published 1889. Theosophical University Press electronic version ISBN 1-55700-046-8 (print version also available). For ease of searching, no diacritical marks appear in this electronic version of the text.


     Dedicated by "H. P. B." To all her Pupils that They may Learn and Teach in their turn.

Contents

Preface

Section 1: Theosophy and the Theosophical Society

Section 2: Exoteric and Esoteric Theosophy

Section 3: The Working System of the T. S.

Section 4: The Relations of the Theosophical Society to Theosophy

Section 5: The Fundamental Teachings of Theosophy

Section 6: Theosophical Teachings as to Nature and Man

Section 7: On the Various Post-Mortem States

Section 8: On Re-Incarnation or Re-Birth

Section 9: On the Kama-Loka and Devachan

Section 10: On the Nature of Our Thinking Principle

Section 11: On the Mysteries of Re-Incarnation

Section 12: What Is Practical Theosophy?

Section 13: On the Misconceptions about the Theosophical Society

Section 14: The "Theosophical Mahatmas"

Conclusion: The Future of the Theosophical Society

Glossary


Preface

The purpose of this book is exactly expressed in its title, "THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY," and needs but few words of explanation. It is not a complete or exhaustive text-book of Theosophy, but only a key to unlock the door that leads to the deeper study. It traces the broad outlines of the Wisdom Religion, and explains its fundamental principles; meeting, at the same time, the various objections raised by the average Western enquirer, and endeavouring to present unfamiliar concepts in a form as simple and in language as clear as possible. That it should succeed in making Theosophy intelligible without mental effort on the part of the reader, would be too much to expect; but it is hoped that the obscurity still left is of the thought not of the language, is due to depth not to confusion. To the mentally lazy or obtuse, Theosophy must remain a riddle; for in the world mental as in the world spiritual each man must progress by his own efforts. The writer cannot do the reader's thinking for him, nor would the latter be any the better off if such vicarious thought were possible. The need for such an exposition as the present has long been felt among those interested in the Theosophical Society and its work, and it is hoped that it will supply information, as free as possible from technicalities, to many whose attention has been awakened, but who, as yet, are merely puzzled and not convinced.

Some care has been taken in disentangling some part of what is true from what is false in Spiritualistic teachings as to the post-mortem life, and to showing the true nature of Spiritualistic phenomena. Previous explanations of a similar kind have drawn much wrath upon the writer's devoted head; the Spiritualists, like too many others, preferring to believe what is pleasant rather than what is true, and becoming very angry with anyone who destroys an agreeable delusion. For the past year Theosophy has been the target for every poisoned arrow of Spiritualism, as though the possessors of a half truth felt more antagonism to the possessors of the whole truth than those who had no share to boast of.

Very hearty thanks are due from the author to many Theosophists who have sent suggestions and questions, or have otherwise contributed help during the writing of this book. The work will be the more useful for their aid, and that will be their best reward. — H. P. B.



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