Press Release “The Voice of the Silence”

A photographic facsimile of the seminal 1889 Buddhist text to be re-published in London UK on 8th May 2017.

(for immediate release)

A new edition of a classic text on spiritual instruction On 8th May Company of London, in association with Theosophy Company of New York, will be re-publishing a photographic facsimile and physical copy of the seminal Buddhist-derived text The Voice of the Silence. Written in 1889 by H.P. Blavatsky, the ‘translator’ and principal founder of the modern Theosophical Movement, the book is of historic interest and became one of the most important to come out of the 1875 Theosophical Movement.

It is a translation from The Book of the Golden Precepts, a very old esoteric scripture, parts of which predate Gautama Buddha. It consists of three short but inspirational treatises that are highly valued by many Theosophists and spiritual searchers.

This edition will be an exact copy of a first edition held by the United Lodge of Theosophists in London, including her signature and a dedication to a well-known Theosophist.

Endorsements from the Panchen and Dalai Lamas The book’s legitimacy as an important Buddhist text was affirmed by the Ninth Panchen Lama1 of Tibet (1883 – 1937) and the present Fourteenth Dalai Lama. In his foreword to a 1927 ‘Peking edition’, B. T. Chang, secretary to the Panchen Lama, said

"Madame Blavatsky had a profound knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, and the doctrines she promulgated were those of many great teachers."

The Panchen Lama officially endorsed the book in 1927, pointing out that it comprises a part of the teachings of the Eastern Esoteric School. He also called it

"the only true exposition in English of the Heart Doctrine of the and its noble ideal of self-sacrifice for humanity."

In 1989 the current Dalai Lama wrote about the centenary edition:

"I am therefore happy to have this long association with the Theosophists... I believe that this book has strongly influenced many sincere seekers and aspirants to the wisdom and compassion of the Bodhisattva Path…. I hope that it will benefit many more."

1 The current Panchen Lama (also called the Tashi or Teschu Lama) Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, has not been seen in public since 1995. The alternative Panchen Lama chosen by the Chinese is not accepted by many Buddhists. Why a photographic facsimile? The Voice of the Silence has been in print continually since its first publication 128 years ago and many versions have been issued, however no photographic facsimile of the first edition is available.

It is published as a companion edition in order to put a replica of the first one - free from alterations or additions - into the hands of students and scholars. It will be of benefit for them to have copies available at reasonable price as accurately reproduced texts are an important factor when studying esoteric works.

The book’s format The facsimile is as good and as accurate a reproduction as could be done within the limited cost and time. The price has been kept low through the generosity of associates who have contributed to the project. It includes two bookmarks to easily locate the glossary at the rear.

The book is well printed on high quality, heavy weight paper with a traditional hard-wearing buckram cloth binding on 2 mm board.

signed dedication two bookmarks

The 2017 edition contains a reproduction of the author’s signature, dated the month of its publication. The dedication is to the well-known early Theosophist, Claude Falls Wright, the author of Modern Theosophy. Photographs and publisher’s notes are at http://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk/1889-voice-of-the-silence-press-release-and-pictures

Physical details for Distributors It is printed on a high quality 150gsm cream paper, the hardback cover is bound in blue buckram cloth with gold foil printing to match the original. 112 pages. 215 gms. H x L x W: 162 x 125 x 16 mm.

The Publishers Theosophy Company, the publishers for The United Lodge of Theosophists (ULT), have a longstanding practice of 100 years of printing original Theosophical texts. It is hoped this edition will be useful to those who value the metaphysics and practical wisdom of this seminal work. Review copies are available on request.

Website Link to the book review page on the new 2017 edition http://www.theosophy- ult.org.uk/book-review/1889-the-voice-of-the-silence plus photographs and publisher’s notes.

Social media https://www.facebook.com/ultlondon

Publication details The publication is on Monday 8th May 2017 and books are now available off the shelf from stock. Distribution will be by on-line retailers and the ULT in London. The ISBN no. is 978-0-9957358-0-4 and the price is £6.50 + P&P.

About Theosophy and the ULT’s purpose The motto of the is “THERE IS NO RELIGION HIGHER THAN TRUTH” and H.P. Blavatsky, its principal founder, wrote in 1889: “The chief aim is to reconcile all religions, sects and nations under a common system of ethics, based on eternal verities.” The ULT and its publisher the Theosophy Company, keep the original writings in print to further the three objects of the Theosophical Movement. These objects are recognised for the value they provide in understanding and working in today’s world by a) the promotion of universal brotherhood among all men and nations, b) the study of the world’s philosophies and religions, and c) the importance of understanding man’s latent potentiality and the hidden powers in Nature.

Contact details Theosophy Company Limited, 62 Queen’s Gardens, London, W2 3AH, United Kingdom. Tel +44 20 7723 0688; email [email protected]

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