The Theosophical Forum – September 1937

THE ESOTERIC TRADITION — B. Finkernagel

Since the passing of H. P. Blavatsky, the great Founder of the Modern Theosophical Movement, literature labeled "Theosophical" has increased enormously, ranging from the grotesque and the fanciful, to the psychic and the weird, as well as the positively dangerous, leaving but a comparatively small minority of books which may be rightly regarded as useful contributions, and of distinct merit and help in the study of Theosophy. We need not, therefore, wonder that many an earnest inquirer stands bewildered and despairs of ever finding the Truth. It is thus always a timely caution, when the inquirer is directed to confine himself only to those Theosophical books which set forth the pure and original Message of the Masters of Wisdom, as was proclaimed by their chosen and specially trained Messenger — Madame H. P. Blavatsky, and her faithful and lifelong co-worker, friend, and pupil, Mr. W. Q. Judge. It is only when the fundamental principles of this original Message are clearly perceived, rightly understood and assimilated, that the student will find himself in a position to discriminate between the spurious and the true. This welter of confusion demands that the truthseeker should at first confine himself to such books as The Key to Theosophy by H. P. B., The Ocean of Theosophy and Echoes from the Orient by W. Q. Judge, The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett, and a few others, before he ventures farther afield, for only then will he be in a position to discriminate between the false and the true. The writer himself suffered severely, many years ago, from this very danger against which he is warning others in their search for Truth.

There are, of course, as already admitted, quite a number of books that have been written by intuitive and well-informed students and humble servants of the Masters and their cause, which have proved of value in the study of Theosophy. Among these there is a book which in the writer's opinion stands out beyond all the others. This particular book is only a quite recent publication, entitled The Esoteric Tradition, of which Dr. G. de Purucker is the author. The present writer, who has been a student of Theosophy for nearly forty years, knows of no other book better able to lead the earnest inquirer or student to a correct and comprehensive grasp of technical Blavatskyan Theosophy, as well as to inspire the heart and mind with the Fire of the Divine Spirit. He considers this book to be the most important publication of its kind that has appeared since The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett in 1923. He considers it the clearest, the most explanatory, and most comprehensive, exposition of Theosophy, as found in The Secret Doctrine, Madame Blavatsky's monumental work, and therefore the very best book for anyone to study if he wishes to attain a true concept of technical Theosophy. In order to realize the truth of these statements, it is only necessary to take up the study of this book in earnest. Such study will more than convince the individual, and fully justify the statements made.

This article is not a mercenary attempt, either to sell the book or to advertise its author; it is but a cry across the seas, from far Australia, and from one student to another. It comes from one who is receiving daily help and inspiration, enlightenment and strength, from the study of this book, and who in turn is desirous that others should profit and partake of the rich blessings and understanding that may be theirs, if they will only come to this Fountain of Wisdom — and drink.



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