This peer-reviewed study represents a culmination of years of research into the history of the Theosophical Society. In this unique project which combines biographies with source analyses, Jeffrey D. Lavoie records a detailed history of the early Theosophical Society and examines its relationship with the modern Spiritualist movement between the years 1875-1891. Special attention has been paid to some of the neglected figures associated with these organizations including Arthur Lillie- the Gnostic-occultist and early critic of the Theosophical Society; the Davenport Brothers- the Spiritualist mediums who developed many of the standard elements which became associated with modern Spiritualism; Alfred Wallace- the prominent scientist, Spiritualist, and supposed member of the Theosophical Society and many others. This work will appeal to a wide array of readers including those interested in modern religious movements, Western Esotericism, South Asian history, and Victorian studies.

This is a new release of the original 1930 edition.

This book is for people who want to understand how the mind works, and how to change it. If we want to grow to our fullest human potential, Easwaran says, we have to train the mind. If we follow his eight-point program, we can begin to choose the way we think and become the kind of person we want to be. Drawing on the teachings of the Buddha, Easwaran's approach is universal and practical, putting our destiny in our own hands. And since it's hard to understand the hidden workings of the mind with the mind, Easwaran selects anecdotes to throw a spotlight on our thinking processes and to point the way to mastering them. For readers who have enjoyed Easwaran's Passage Meditation, Conquest of Mind gives another, intriguing perspective on his eight-point program.

Annie Besant, one of the most intellectual women of this age, publicly announced her failure to find truth in the current wave of scientific materialism. Having entered upon the royal highway of true Freethought, she now stands on a secure spot, wherein every collateral path lies in the sunlight of Truth in Nature, and where no personal preconception, no partisan fanaticism, is ever permitted to overshadow it. Our Deity is a universal, Absolute Principle manifesting in Humanity as in Nature, the Spirit in both being one and inseparable, hence the true Spiritual Brotherhood of Man. There is a darkness thrown over the heathen word “theosophy” through the fanciful etymology it has been given in dictionaries compiled by monotheistic lexicographers. Slander and malicious poppycock levelled against Theosophists. From the London “Globe,” the “Weekly Times and Echo,” the “Christian Commonwealth,” a spiritualistic “weekly,” the “Evening Express” of Liverpool Our sincerest condolences to the Chief of the Detective Department of the Government of India. The antipathy between the Russian and British Governments is fanned by the Conservative party. English books proscribed in Russia. Angels and ministers of grace, defend us! A poor boast dictated by wounded vanity. From the New York “Sunday Times.” Beware! He who makes of the Science of sciences a sinful pretext for worldly motives should tremble. The Theosophical Ideal is so high, that few will fully realize. For the true Theosophist is he who makes Theosophy a living power in his life. From a “Pall Mall” interview of Grant Allen. Great minds think alike! From the “Methodist Times” and their Madras ally, the “Christian College Magazine” Amuck! In the name of Christ! An old fugue in the orchestra of slander. False accusations lavished on innocent men and women when the life and reputation of such became a danger to those who envied or feared them. More from the firebrand of the American Free Methodist Church and civic ethics from a French vivisector. Madame Blavatsky appeals to the law. The Theosophical Society and its detractors. À tous les Membres to la Société Théosophique en France. To all the Members of the Theosophical Society in France. The allegations that Madame Blavatsky was a Russian spy were quietly dropped.

The nineteenth century witnessed a proliferation of alternative religious currents and practices, appropriating earlier traditions, entangling geographically distinct spiritual discourses, and crafting a repository of mindscapes eminently suitable to be accommodated by later generations of thinkers and practitioners. Penned by specialists in the field, this volume examines important themes and figures pertaining to this occult amalgam and its resonance into the twentieth century and beyond. Global guises of the occult, ranging from the Americas and Europe to India, are variously addressed, with special attention to the crucial role of mesmerism and the origins of modern yoga.