Lessons in Theosophy


Lesson 22, Suggested Readings
and General Reading


-- General Organization of This Page --


      This page contains a list of recommended reading, general textbooks, devotional books, links to books in subject areas, periodicals, etc. We will begin with a list of recommended reading.

-- The Classics in Theosophical Literature --


      Thousands of books have been written about Theosophy, and a handfull of these books are considered the classics of Theosophy. A partial list of the mainstays of Theosophical literature are presented here.

      Perhaps the best-known book in Theosophical literature is H. B. Blavatsky's greatest work, The Secret Doctrine. Much of Theosophy is based on the information in the Secret Doctrine. However, for anyone considering reading the Secret Doctrine, the warning is given that it is a very difficult book to read:
      ‘I myself think that the greatest book of all, Madame Blavatsky’s Secret Doctrine, should be left until all these others have been thoroughly assimilated, for the man who comes to it thus thoroughly prepared will gain from it far more than is otherwise possible. I know that many students prefer to take it at an earlier stage, but it seems to me more an encyclopedia or book of reference.’ (Charles Leadbeater, The Inner Life, page 450).
      A Recommended Reading List will now be provided. However, before that is done, a distinction needs to be made between textbooks and devotional books.


-- Textbooks vs. Devotional Books --


      Theosphical books can be put into two groups, textbooks and devotional books. A Recommended Reading List will be provided for both groups. The reader is advised to read books in both lists, rather than concentrate on one list.


-- Textbooks --


      An introductory textbook of Theosophy, The First Principles of Theosophy was originally a set of posters used in giving lectures about Theosophy to audiences. The posters were put into a book, along with explanations.

-- Devotional Books --


      Theosophy, and Theosophical literature exist for two reasons. The first reason is to explain the Theosophical view of the universe, especially the origin of the universe. The second reason is to show that our purpose in life is to enter upon a spiritual Path, and explain how to speed up the entry to the Path. Unfortuantely, beginning students often spend more time studying theory, and less time studying how to change their lifestyle for entry to the Path. It is hoped, then, that the reader will take time to read Theosphical books of a devotional nature, which will increase their motivation to quicken their entry onto the Path.
      At the Feet of the Master, written by J. Krishnamurti (under the penname Alcyone), is perhaps the best-known devotional book in Theosophical literature. In this book, the young Krishnamurti records discussions he had with his Master, on what a person needs to do to enter the Path to spiritual advancement. The lessons were taught to Alcyone on the Astral Plane, while he was asleep, studying with his Master each night. In the morning, he would wake up and record these discussions, and the book was eventually published. This book is still one of the best-sellers in Theosophy.

-- Textbooks (Continued) --



-- Links in Subject Areas --


This web page has several sets of links, organized by subject area:

-- Other General Textbooks on Theosophy --


      There are many other general textbooks on Theosophy that are available, but the sheer number of pages, and the size of the task of reading them precludes from putting them on a "recommended list." Here is a partial listing of these books, in their own category:

(See also the Australian Website’s List of Authors).

-- Glossaries, etc. --




-- Keyword Search Functions --




-- Online Theosophical Periodicals --




-- For Children --



-- Norse Mythology --



-- Meditation --



-- Criticism of Neo-Theosophy --



-- Future Additions to the Recommended Book List --


      More books will be added to the list in the future, as time permits, for the arduous task of reviewing the large number of books available.


-- Got Additions to Suggest? --


      Click here if you have an online book, website, etc., that you would like to suggest be added.







Next: Lesson 23, Theosophy Online



   

 
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