Volume 2, Issue 2 (6) 17th February 2019 Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 1

Theosophical Notes No. 6, Winter 2018-19

A home for commentaries & research on the Theosophical Movement

There is one thing that should be remembered in the midst of all difficulties, and it is this—“When the lesson is learned, the necessity ceases.”

Robert Crosbie, pupil of William Q Judge, ex-President of the Boston , founder of the United Lodge of Theosophists

Please circulate to friends and colleagues who may be interested Quarterly Newsletter from the ULT in London, UK and New York, USA. Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 2

Editor’s note The aim of these Notes is to give the timeless Perennial Wisdom just as it was when released from its centuries of obscuration, and to show it can help in all departments of life, viz. science, philosophy & religion, or rather psychology. In times of change and difficulty it is natural to seek principles in which we can have confidence; so what can reliably guide us to live wisely and intelligently? Is it to feel a duty to our suffering neighbour? To free ourselves of hypocrisy and injustice? Relieving others of it by example? Reasonable and tolerant debates? A free judiciary and press? Are these not the deep-running strands of social fabric that hold society together on which we ultimately depend? But the inner Path shows these many civil ‘goods’ are consequences of just a few virtues, the paramitas of “.” With them comes the willingness to bravely enter new spaces and deeper ideals, to actively fight for and cultivate balance, patience, and charity and begin a mental renewal. Page 17 looks at such principles, ones which Robert Crosbie applied in formulating an approach to that has wide appeal and is faithful to the esoteric tradition. The ULT exists today due to his clarity of thought and love of TRUTH, the higher reaches of which are a universal panacea which soon diminish—if not immediately bridge—life’s chasms and hurdles. HPB’s dialogue with Abbe Roca shows how she built such bridges, and in Le Lotus she published all reasonable articles whether coming from “deists or materialists” if they were well thought-out and sincere. It is a great unity based on TRUTH, one forgetful of too personal feelings. (p. 15 Notes Summer 2018) She said editors and readers ignoring this rule barred themselves from all ideas of truth and justice! “Monitus es”—we are warned so we listen. Good reading! The Editors [email protected] Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 3

Contents Editor’s note ...... 2 Contents ...... 3 The Newsletter ...... 3 Karma and “Acts of Omission and Commission” ...... 4 “Spiritual But Not Religious” ...... 9 Theosophical Prophecies: Ancient Flying Machines ...... 10 Consciousness without Mind on the of the Ah-hi ...... 12 Book Review: The Divine Plan by Geoffrey Barborka ...... 13 A Love for Clarity of Thought and Unity of Being ...... 17 A Thousand Years Ago by Charles Leland ...... 18 Climate Change and an old Prediction about Trees ...... 19 Feeling a Direction for the First Time ...... 20 Why Original Theosophy Matters to Researchers ...... 21 Correspondence on Prophecies (Autumn 2018 p 10) ...... 23 Medical Research on the Dangers of Mediumship ...... 26 The Voice of the Silence and Other Books in Arabic ...... 27

"Theosophy is for those who can think, or for those who can drive themselves to think, not mental sluggards!" H. P. Blavatsky

The Newsletter A free magazine for those who have an interest in Theosophy and wish to understand its beneficent and educational place in the contemporary world.

All material can be used freely under the ‘BY’ Creative Commons licence, which asks you to credit the source, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. The Theosophy Company is not responsible for the individual opinions expressed in the Newsletter. Back numbers are available on www.theosophy- ult.org.uk/news For a free subscription by post, email the Editors [email protected]

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Karma and “Acts of Omission and Commission”

KARMA is the law of action and reaction; cause and effect. The law of Karma adjusts every effect to its cause and restores the disturbed equilibrium in the physical world and broken harmony in the moral world. For each of our actions, at the level of thought, word and deed, we receive the consequences. All our actions, good or bad, are acts of commission. We are fairly familiar with this aspect of Karma. But there are also acts of omission. To “omit” means to “leave out,” or to “leave undone.” An act of omission is an action that is left undone, something which one ought to do. It may be one’s duty. Many a times we do not know the importance of performing tasks with care, which to us appear to be insignificant. Every little part in the machine is important for its smooth functioning, so also with human life. An incident in history shows that when a battle was lost, an inquiry was set up to find out the cause. The inquiry revealed that the battle was lost because the soldiers were discouraged, as the horse slipped, killing the General of the Army.1 And that because the horseshoe came off and that in turn was because the blacksmith had omitted to put in a nail. So, the saying goes that “the battle was lost for the want of a horseshoe nail.” A small act of omission brought disastrous result. No duty is insignificant, and at times we are unable to see instantly the effect of our efforts. Hence a Master of Wisdom writes “Ah! if your eyes were opened, you might see such a vista of potential blessings to yourselves and mankind lying in the germ of the present hour’s effort, as would fire with joy and zeal your souls!” So, let us watch for the small things in life. Let us not leave undone what should be done, nor do what should not be done; and more than anything, let us not do what is not necessary, for by doing the unnecessary we set in motion a new action which will not be harmonious. How often do we emphasize impersonality and forget H. P. Blavatsky’s injunction “to rather sin through exaggerated praise than through too little appreciation of one’s neighbour’s efforts.” (, p. 250)

1 Over the centuries several variations of the “For Want of a Nail” tale have arisen due to its ever-popular and living truths. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Want_of_a_Nail Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 5

Many a budding writer or speaker has been put off from making further effort by the stony silence of others after his efforts, whereas genuine sympathy and encouragement might have been the very things he needed. Omitting to resist evil, could well prove to be an act of omission. A few years back a group of militants entered a school in a certain country and mercilessly gunned down about 150 students and teachers. In an article that appeared in The Speaking Tree, Sunday Times of India, an Islamic teacher, pointed out that according to a verse in the Quran, the killing of an innocent human being is like killing the entire human kind. He observed that militancy has been going on in that country for many years, but people of that country remained indifferent to it because they thought that the militants were targeting others. But in such matters one cannot remain indifferent. According to a Hadith2 when God commanded his angels to demolish a town in which people were engaged in evil acts, the angels reported that there was a person in the town who worshipped God daily, and God’s command was to demolish the town along with that person, “as he did not try to stop his people from doing evil deeds.” Indifference means indirect involvement, which in God’s eyes is as bad as direct involvement. “Inaction in a deed of mercy becomes an action in a deadly sin,” teaches the Voice of the Silence. We are held responsible for our acts, both of commission and omission. When we omit doing a merciful action, it becomes a “sin” of omission. We are told here a very profound truth regarding what constitutes unwholesome karma. Under the law of Karma, a morally wrong action is regarded as a sin that will bring bad results. But we incur sin also when we abstain from performing a morally right action. An act of omission in moral matters or when it comes to helping another is as punishable as an act of commission. But can we say that whenever we commit a deed of omission, we commit an act of sin? It is not true that an act of omission always becomes a sinful act. Even while helping another we are advised to exercise discrimination, and use wisdom. H.P.B. says that it takes a very wise man to do good without causing incalculable harm. A wise man knows whom to remove and whom to keep in the mire and pain, which is the best teacher for

2 Ḥadīth (Traditions) are taken as the records of the prophet Muhammad; as a source of religious law and moral guidance it ranks second only to Qur'an, the word of Allah. Hadith, Wikipedia Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 6 that particular person. Thus, for instance, at a simple level, we may omit extending further help to a person, when we can see that it may make him a parasite or dependent on us. Likewise, we may omit to help because we do not have the necessary skill or knowledge, and may turn, for instance, a simple fracture into a compound fracture. H.P.B. has said, “When in doubt, abstain.” Thus, a “sin of omission” seems to refer to cases where we know we can help and yet, out of laziness or selfishness or still worse, indifference, abstain or omit helping the person. Then it is equivalent to committing a sin. “He who turns a deaf ear to the cry of human misery; He who hears an innocent person slandered…and does not undertake his defence as he would undertake his own, is no Theosophist,” says a Master of Wisdom. “Inaction based on selfish fear can bear but evil fruit,” says the Voice of the Silence. In India, especially, sometimes we find that a good religious person who wants to become free from the chain of births and deaths, is afraid to help people because he believes that in giving or receiving help from another, he creates a karmic bondage, which will force him to take birth again. He is afraid that he might act out of personal desire or out of emotions which would prove binding and may obstruct his progress. So, the Voice of the Silence says, “To perish doomed is he, who out of fear of Mara, refrains from helping man, lest he should act for self.” In being kind to another person he feels that maybe he is being tempted by Mara, i.e., his emotional nature. Mara is personified temptation through man’s vices. To him, his feeling of kindness seems to exercise fascination and lead him away from the right path. Thus, in the olden days when untouchability was prevalent, if a person of higher caste saw a Harijan (low-caste) child crying on the roadside, he would be moved to pick up the child and find his mother, but he may feel that this kindness arising in him is itself a temptation which is making him do a thing which is not sanctioned by social laws. Thus a man who refuses to enter into kindly relationship with others is compared to a pilgrim who has come across a river after walking through the hot places, but is afraid of plunging and putting his whole body into the water for the fear of being swept away. Such a person is in the danger of dying of heat. Similarly, one who keeps calculating, “which way I would not be bound by karma,” finds that such calculation does not work. Every act of service or kindness is not necessarily beneficial, and when performed without due deliberation can lead to dangerous consequences. “Because—” For the Children Who Ask Why, gives an example of a child, Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 7 named Chester, whose mother will not give him money to buy candies and ice creams. His friend, Milton, feeling sorry, takes out money from his piggy bank and gives it to Chester to buy candy and ice cream. The result: Chester falls ill. Milton’s sister resists the temptation to tell her brother that mothers always know what is best for their children, and so he should not give money to Chester to buy candies. Partly because she is afraid that by telling her brother not to give money to Chester she might spoil her brother’s pleasure, and partly because she feels that her brother would not stop, even if she told him. The children’s aunt then points out that all of them had failed to “act for and as the Self.” In trying to make Chester happy, Milton overlooked the consequences of his action. The girl, who omitted to stop her brother, was told by her aunt that if she had tried to do what she really knew was the right thing, then even if she was unable to stop her brother, her part in the disaster would have stopped right there. “When we do all we can to prevent some wrong thing, that is all we can do, for no one can really keep another from doing what he wants to do.” It is always the duty of those who know more to help those who know less. But too many people omit saying or doing what they know to be right, because they are afraid of offending others, and also afraid of being disliked by others. The ancient books say that the “sin of omission” is the worst of all sins. When people actively do something wrong they become aware of it by the results that follow. It is comparatively difficult to become aware of the sins of omission, because the law of Karma brings their results silently and secretly. Even in an act of omission, just like the act of commission, the law of karma will take into account the motive for action, the degree of development and knowledge of the person, and the load of his past karma, while it metes out punishment. Generally we all have a strong herd-instinct and are only too ready to conform. We prefer to go with the flow and are afraid to swim against the current. But it is our duty to raise our voice against every iniquitous law and social evil, even at the risk of being isolated, ostracized and persecuted. Those who fought against social evils such as slavery, child-marriages, cruelty to women, etc., possessed moral courage and braved every opposition. The key lies in forming public opinion in the right direction, by writing articles. Every unwholesome action must be nipped in the bud. If we omit to put on the “break” it goes unchecked. When all children are making fun of a new teacher, one or two children choosing to abstain may prove to be of Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 8 great help in building that teacher’s confidence. A housewife, who is a victim of domestic violence, must speak up. If she omits to take steps then she also becomes a sharer in the unwholesome action. Likewise, prejudices grow if we allow them to go unchecked. “To many of our prejudices are like pyramids upside down. They rest on tiny, trivial incidents, but they spread upward and outward until they fill our minds,” writes William Martin. The same applies to rumours and gossip. Unfortunately, remarks H.P.B., human nature is so constituted that any good said of a person is immediately forgotten and never repeated, but one has only to utter a calumny, or start a story, then it is readily accepted, especially if it happens to be connected with some unpopular character. (The Key to Theosophy, p. 275) It is true that tolerance is one of the highest virtues. But if it is a pseudo- tolerance, it can be harmful in the long run. There is a story in which a little boy stole a pencil. His mother did not reprimand him because she loved him too much. When he grew up, the boy went on to become a thief and a murderer. Finally, when he was being taken to the gallows, he met his mother. He told her that had she admonished him when he first stole a pencil, perhaps he would not have become a murderer. Pseudo-tolerance may well be regarded as an act of omission. It is the duty of the discerning wise to blame what is blameworthy and admonish. The fearless and bold stand of Theosophy “to speak the truth alike without malice or prejudice” enshrines this principle, which arises out of a deep sense of duty to and compassion for humanity. If we come across a falsehood, we must have moral courage to speak up, gently but firmly. To those who dilute Theosophy or sacrifice truth for the fear of hurting the feelings of others because they have false idea of brotherhood, Mr. Crosbie writes: This [brotherhood] does not mean indiscriminate acceptance of everything and everyone… Is it not the bounden duty of those who know, to hold aloft the White Standard of Truth? It must be so, else how could an enquiring one perceive it? Theosophy has to be held aloft in such a way as to confront errors of every kind, with their handmaidens of cant and hypocrisy. (The Friendly Philosopher, p. 12)

from The Theosophical Movement , February 2019, page 3 “Acts of Omission and Commission” Monthly magazine subscriptions £10 a year by airmail Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 9

“Spiritual But Not Religious” A survey in 2017 compared the change in spirituality over 5 years. It found Americans who consider themselves spiritual but not religious are a fast growing group. Declining at a higher rate were those who identify their spirituality with their religious practices.

• 27% regard themselves this way, up from 19% in 2012. 8% increase • 48% think of themselves as both religious and spiritual; 11% decrease it was 59%. • 18% consider themselves neither religious nor spiritual, 2% increase slightly up from 16%.

Is this an early indication of the future for spirituality, free of human hierarchies? H. P. Blavatsky predicted: “A few centuries more, and there will linger no sectarian beliefs in either of the great religions of humanity. Brahmanism and Buddhism, Christianity and Mahometanism will all disappear before the mighty rush of facts.” 1:613 See the following article on p 10 for the series “Theosophical Predictions.” Source: www.theoscience.org quoting Pew Research, Sept. 6, 2017 http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/09/06/more-americans-now-say-theyre-spiritual-but-not-religious/

Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland.

A pedestrian viewing bridge connecting these three great rock formations formed by water erosion a million years ago. [with thanks to Julius Silver] Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 10

Theosophical Prophecies: Ancient Flying Machines

[A series on predictions made by H. P. Blavatsky and W. Q. Judge, this one takes extracts from “Where the Rishis Were” by William Q. Judge, originally in the Path, January 1891 which describes early aircraft and other inventions unknown in 19th century but soon to come.]

“The Rishis were the sacred Bards, the Saints, the great Adepts known to the Hindus, who gave great spiritual impulses in the Past and are said to sometimes reincarnate, and who at one time lived on the earth among men.” The great ship steamed slowly into the port of a small island, and before the anchor fell the whole scene seemed to change and the dazzling light of the past blotted out the dark pictures of modern civilization. Instead of an English ship I was standing on an ancient vehicle propelled by force unknown today… the whole majesty of forgotten years rolled in from the Ocean. Now softly sings the water as it rolls against the shore, with the sun but one hour old shining upon its surface. But, far off, what is that spot coming nearer from the West, followed by another and another until over the horizon rise hundreds [of aircraft], and now some are so near that they are plainly seen? The same strange vehicles as that I saw at first. Like birds they fly through the air. They come slowly now, and some have been brought still on the land. They light on the earth with a softness that seems nearly human, with a skill that is marvelous, without any shock or rebound. I felt that the past and the present were but one, and knew what I should see, yet could not remember it but with a vagueness that blotted out all the details. We entered the swift intelligently-moving vehicle, and then it rose up on the air’s wide-spreading arms and flew again fast to the West, where the water was still softly singing to the beams of the sun… still as onward we flew to the Occident (the West), many more birds made by man like that we were in flew by us as if in haste for… the Orient. Flying too high at first we heard no sound from the sea, but soon a damp vapor blew in my face from the salt deep… “Look below and around and before you!” Down there were the roar and rush of mad billows that reached toward the sky, vast hollows that sucked in a world. Black clouds shut out the great sun, and I saw that the crust of the earth was drawn in to her own subterranean depths. [the Atlantean continent in its last throes of dissolution.]

“A cycle has ended. The great bars [dams?] that kept back the sea have been broken down by their weight. From these we have come and are coming.” … I saw that a great Island was perishing. What was left of the shore still crumbled, still entered the mouth of the sea. And there were cars of the air just the same as that I was in, only dark and unshining, vainly trying to rise with their captains; rising slowly, then falling, and then swallowed up. [the dark cars were aircraft piloted by those who had wrought their fall.] Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 11

But here we have rushed further in where the water has not overflowed, and now we see that few are the bright cars of air that are waiting about while their captains are entering and spoiling the mighty cars of the men whose clothing is red and whose bodies, so huge and amazing, are sleeping as if from the fumes of a drug. The sun-colored captains enter their light air-cars and rise with a sweep that soon leaves the sleepers, now waking, behind them… But one has escaped of all the red giants, and slowly but surely his car sailed up, up, as if to elude the sun-colored men who were spoilers…. Back eastward once more through the salt spray and the mist until soon the bright light shone again and the Island rose over the sea with the soft-singing water murmuring back to the sun. We alighted, and then, as I turned, the whole fleet of swift sailing cars disappeared, and out in the sky flashed a bright streak of sun- colored light that formed into letters which read:

“This is where the Rishis were before the chalk cliffs of Albion [Britain] rose out of the wave. They were but are not.” …past was the glory and naught for the future was left but a destiny.

[This vision tallies with an Esoteric Commentary about the destruction of Atlantis in 2:427-428 which Judge would have known of. There it quotes “the late Brahmâchari Bawa, a Yogi of great renown and holiness” on the Ashtar Vidya and other sciences which were compiled in the languages of their times, but whose “Sanskrit originals were lost at the time of the partial deluge of our country.” See Theosophist June 1880, "Some Things the Aryans Knew."]

The series will be continued. If you have suggestions of any Theosophical predictions – fulfilled or unfulfilled – please send them.

Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 12

Consciousness without Mind on the Plane of the Ah-hi

3 Q. Manas is mind, and the Ah-hi, it is said, can no more have any individual Mind, or that which we call mind, on this plane than Buddhi can. [Buddhi is the conduit for the highest consciousness, Atman.] Can there be Consciousness without Mind? A. Not on this plane of matter. But why not on some other and higher plane? Once we postulate a Universal Mind, both the brain, the mind's vehicle, and Consciousness, its faculty, must be quite different on a higher plane from what they are here. They are nearer to the Absolute ALL, and must therefore be represented by a substance infinitely more homogeneous; something sui generis, and entirely beyond the reach of our intellectual perceptions. Let us call or imagine it an incipient and incognizable [initial and unknown] state of primeval differentiation. On that higher plane, as it seems to me, Mahat—the great Manvantaric Principle of Intelligence—acts as a Brain, through which the Universal and Eternal Mind radiates the Ah-hi, representing the resultant Consciousness or ideation. As the shadow of this primordial triangle falls lower and lower through the descending planes, it becomes with every stage more material. Q. It becomes the plane on which Consciousness perceives objective manifestations? A. Yes. But here we come face to face with the great problem of Consciousness, and shall have to fight Materialism. For what is Consciousness? According to modern Science it is a faculty of the Mind like volition. We say so too; but add that while Consciousness is not a thing per se, Mind is distinctly—in its Manvantaric functions at least—an Entity. Such is the opinion of all the Eastern Idealists.

Q. It is, however, the fashion nowadays to speak slightingly of the idea that the mind is an entity. A. Nevertheless, mind is a term perfectly synonymous with Soul. Those who deny the existence of the latter (Soul) will of course contend that there is no such thing as consciousness apart from brain, and at death consciousness ceases. Occultists, on the contrary, affirm that consciousness exists after death, and that then only the real consciousness and freedom of the Ego commences…. Q. Perhaps the former view arises from limiting the meaning of the term "consciousness" to the faculty of perception (the senses)? A. If so, occultism is entirely opposed to such a view.

Transactions of the p 27 – 28, emphasis added. Selection sent from London, Canada.

3 The Ah-hi are the primordial , or Logoi, entities emanated from the first Logos. Being on the highest plane they collectively reflect the universal mind “at the first flutter of Manvantara,” ie coming into being only after the Universal Mind first radiates. (Trans 18-19) Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 13

Book Review: The Divine Plan by Geoffrey Barborka

A popular book, but is it reliable? Geoffrey A. Barborka’s book The Divine Plan, published in 1961, is generally held in high esteem amongst Theosophists and is widely considered to be a useful, accurate, and reliably informative explanation and overview of just about all the teachings and concepts contained in ’s masterwork the Secret Doctrine. Indeed, its title page announces that it is “Expressly for the purpose of those who wish to read and gain a deeper understanding of the Secret Doctrine.” There are Theosophists of all branches or streams of the Movement who read and recommend The Divine Plan, although Barborka enthusiasts are generally much less in number amongst associates of the United Lodge of Theosophists. In fact, the book is not made use of in ULT meetings and, from what we are aware, is not generally included in ULT Lodge libraries. There are in fact some rather good reasons for this; let us examine some of them: 1. The Divine Plan quotes at length from The Mahatma Letters whereas the Mahatmas Themselves were strongly opposed to Their letters ever being published in book form, in the way that they finally were after A. P. Sinnett’s death. We point this out because in the summer of 1884, when Sinnett himself was considering publishing as a book compilation all the letters he had received from the Masters, he received a letter with this clear and unmistakable warning from the Master K.H., which to, Sinnett’s credit, he respected honestly and fairly: When our first correspondence began, there was no idea then of any publications being issued on the basis of the replies you might receive. You went on putting questions at random, and the answers being given at different times to disjointed queries, and so to say, under a semi-protest, were necessarily imperfect, often from different standpoints. . . . the Secret Doctrine will explain many things, set to right more than one perplexed student. Therefore, to put before the world all the crude and complicated materials in your possession in the shape of old letters, in which, I confess, much was purposely made obscure, would only be making confusion worst confounded. Instead of doing any good thereby to yourself and others it would only place you in a still more difficult position, bring criticism upon the heads of the “Masters” and thus have a retarding influence on human progress and the T.S. Hence I protest most strongly against your new idea. Leave to the Secret Doctrine the task of avenging you. My letters must not be published, in the manner you suggest... The letters, in short, were not written for publication Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 14

or public comment upon them, but for private use, and neither M. nor I will ever give our consent to see them thus handled. Ironically, it was only by turning to the book The Mahatma Letters that Theosophists discovered that the Masters never wished such a book as The Mahatma Letters to be published! Their original compiler and publisher, A. Trevor Barker, obviously chose to disregard the words of warning such as the above, which he found in those letters, as have many others ever since, Geoffrey Barborka included. The ULT approach has always been to endeavour to respect as fully as possible the will of the Masters,4 so it is not surprising to see, for example, Theosophy Magazine from the Parent Lodge in describing (February 1935) The Mahatma Letters as an “unlawful publication.” At first glance it may sound extreme but re-read the Master’s own words, carefully and closely, and it can be seen that it merely reflects Their own position about it. 2. Although it is only fair to acknowledge that some of The Divine Plan is very good indeed and cannot be faulted, it is really ruined and rendered of little value to the serious student of original Theosophy by the fact that it mixes in numerous concepts and ideas from G. de Purucker (international Leader of “The Theosophical Society – Point Loma” from 1929-1942). These ideas were not only never taught by HPB but there is no basis for them in the Secret Doctrine or any of her other writings. Most surprisingly, Barborka doesn’t even provide any HPB quotes or references to support these Puruckerian assertions. That he couldn’t was simply because there 5 aren’t any, but the most dishonest and disappointing part is that he nevertheless presents those assertions as if they are what the Secret Doctrine teaches. And further

4 The factor in all this is an attitude, a love for truth and a respect for those who have given Theosophy. That there is a Brotherhood of great Souls, actual living men and women who have reached the highest stages attainable in human evolution is attested to by HPB and the evidence of books like the Secret Doctrine. She knew her Masters well, lived with them in Tibet and India and describes them from personal knowledge as “men who have developed and perfected their physical, mental, psychic, and spiritual organisations to the utmost possible degree.” (The Secret Doctrine 1:272) Others have often claimed this acquaintance, but few offer any convincing proofs or scholarship to substantiate their claims. 5 The article in the Autumn 2017 Newsletter History of the Movement, No. 1: The Pasadena & Point Loma Societies lists four of the greatest divergences of the ideas of G. de Purucker who is accepted and promulgated today by both the Point Loma and Pasadena Theosophical Societies. The first of these was that “the Absolute was once a man who grew and evolved his way upwards to becoming the Absolute, albeit just one of many, since there are a plethora of Absolutes.” Not a few students see this as a return to something resembling the anthropo- morphism Theosophy was intended to relieve humanity of, whether in gross – or in this case – more subtle forms. To a philosophical mind the idea of multiple “Absolutes” that were once human (albeit now impersonal) sounds implausible, but if they want to accept it why shouldn’t they? But to call it Theosophy is quite wrong! [See Autumn 2017 Newsletter p 20: https://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Theosophical-Notes-2-Winter-2017-18.pdf] Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 15 implicating him, he never once mentions or refers to G. de Purucker in the whole book, despite the fact that he was obviously his main inspiration for it. What sort of scholarship is this? Not the Blavatskian sort! Her arguments are not only honest and well-balanced but invariably supported by references.

3. In The Divine Plan, Barborka has no hesitation about quoting liberally from HPB’s private Esoteric Instructions, teachings which were only ever intended for seriously pledged members of the Esoteric Section – who had bound themselves by oath to abide by all the necessary rules of secrecy – and not for anyone else. While it is true that these have been in public print since ’s infamous “Third Volume” and that they have been used in the teachings and writings of numerous individuals ever since, Purucker included, it is nevertheless equally true that no decent, legitimate, or authentic authorisation to make them public and available has ever yet been given. They have only been made public and available through the breaking of laws, principles, and what should have been, sacred bonds of trust. This matter may perhaps be described as one of “occult ethics.” Without going into great detail, it may suffice for now to briefly explain that Purucker assumed his role upon the death of , his predecessor, and who claimed to be the chosen “Occult Successor” of William Judge and, in turn, H. P. Blavatsky. That this claim rests on no firm foundations was demonstrated clearly in the ULT book The Theosophical Movement 1875-1950 pages 266-282. Nevertheless, Purucker maintained: “I am the intermediary or mediator between the Great Lodge of the Masters of Compassion and Wisdom and the general membership of the T.S.... being the channel through which the Lodge-forces pour: so also am I therefore the Teacher, and will hand on what I may and can to those who prove themselves fit and ready to receive. Consequently, it will be my duty as soon as time and strength permit me to do so, to issue new teachings of a far deeper and more esoteric kind than those which were issued even by H.P.B. or by W.Q.J., or by our beloved, Katherine Tingley. This I can do for the simple reason that these, my three great Predecessors, never had the opportunity to do what Karman now impels and compels me to do: to besiege the Portals of Destiny and to open a way into the Mysteries, because the members through the life-work of our beloved K.T., are now ready to hear and therefore to receive what I can give them – an opportunity of incalculably splendid promise which neither H.P.B. nor W.Q.J. nor even K.T. had.” His grandiose claims were many, as were the alterations and unwarranted additions which he wrought upon HPB’s teachings. Amongst his devoted students and followers was Geoffrey Barborka. Although he apparently had no qualms about accepting Purucker as “the channel through which the Lodge-forces pour,” he could not accept the same claim made by the latter’s own successor, Colonel Arthur L. Conger, and thus parted company with the Point Loma Society and thereafter worked primarily with and in “The Theosophical Society – Adyar,” whose Theosophical Publishing House published his subsequent books, including Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 16 the one now under discussion. Boris de Zirkoff, the famed compiler and editor of the “H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings” series, followed much the same course and shared the same admiration and devotion towards Purucker and his teachings. But it would be wrong to make such assertions as the third point above without demonstrating it sufficiently. This we intend to do over the next couple of issues. Whilst some might view this as being unnecessarily critical we say that on the contrary it is a useful and interesting lesson in the importance of each one of us going directly to the source and studying the Secret Doctrine for ourselves instead of trusting other people to accurately “interpret” or summarise it for us. Those who don’t do that are unfortunately bound to be misled by Geoffrey Barborka and may repeat the teachings in The Divine Plan to others, thus spreading the confusion and erroneous concepts even further. We are aware from personal experience that this happens in some ULT Lodges. Is it not therefore a matter worth discussing and exploring so we don’t pass on what is untenable? No judgment is passed upon Geoffrey Barborka, whose intentions were undoubtedly good, yet honest and open examination, exploration, and comparison was the ULT’s “way” from its beginnings. And by examining in the next issues the five main points of confusion which we find in The Divine Plan we may also learn quite a bit about what The Secret Doctrine – which has many times over earned our confidence – has to say on these subjects. Questions and comments are always welcome and invited on the points raised in this or other articles.

Suspension Bridge on the Border of Hida & Etchū Provinces, Japan. Katsushika Hokusai, c. 1834. by kind permission of https://collections.artsmia.org/art/9610 (Minneapolis Institute of Art) Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 17

A Love for Clarity of Thought and Unity of Being

To merge our intellectual ‘Love of Clarity’ with the ‘Love of Unity of Being’ (of the Great All of the Heart) is to bring Buddhi alive in Manas; the Alchemical wedding. This, the finest of balances, is a great goal; it is achieved when we start to love both:

1. Clarity (the realisation of true principles, leading to Wisdom and insight) …the motto of Theosophists is: “There is no religion higher than Truth”, and all philosophies must be able to stand the most rigid and critical examination in its light, or they are valueless. 6th Jan Truth always explains. When we have the explanation, we have the truth. 4th Feb (Is it not a duty)… to hold aloft the White Standard of Truth? It must be so, else how could an enquiring one perceive it? Theosophy has to be held out in such a way as to confront errors of every kind, with their handmaidens of cant and hypocrisy. Theosophy is TRUTH and as such can have no alliance with any form of error. 8th Mar (It is for Esoteric students to)… unmask error and hypocrisy, to face life with truth, not as personal criticisms but as facts against mis-statements.... The custodians of the Truth voice it in the face of lie, ignorance and error, and take every opportunity possible to correct erroneous impressions. Theosophy is in the world for that purpose. 25th Apr Theosophy is for those who want it; it cannot be given to any others. 22nd July We know that such an effort as ours is needed, and we know that what we present is eternal Truth itself, the effects of which will go on for ever. 5th Sept

2. Unity (a basis that transcends small feelings of “I”; not an impossible dream.) Personal results should not be looked for. We should do things because they are the right thing to do and not because they will be of benefit to us. 3rd Jan

When the one who desires to learn is not in a critical attitude, when he has sensed in one way or another that Truth lies in a certain direction and gives all his attention to it without quarrelling with terms or the ideas put forward, his is the attitude of the student. 20th Jan Each has to make his own verification of the truth, but the fact remains that there is truth, and it has always existed. It has come to us from Beings higher than we, because once They turned Their faces in the right direction and pursued the course pointed out to Them as leading to divine perfection. 11th July The character of cheerful Stoicism shines in these quotations and epitomises ‘justice to truth, balance and a gentle compassion.’ A Book of Quotations from Robert Crosbie for Daily Reading Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 18

A Thousand Years Ago by Charles Leland

Thou and I in spirit land, All things die, but love lives on, One thousand years ago, Now as long ago.

Watched the waves beat on the strand, Thou and I in shadow land, Ceaseless ebb and flow, Four hundred yearn ago, Vowed, to love and ever love, Saw strange flowers bloom on the One thousand years ago. strand, Thou and I in greenwood shade, Heard strange breezes blow. Nine hundred years ago, In the ideal, love is real, Heard the wild dove in the glade This alone I know.

Murmuring soft and low, Thou and I in Italy, Vowed to love for evermore, Three hundred years ago, Nine hundred years ago. Lived in faith and died for God, Thou and I in yonder star, Felt the faggots8 glow, Eight hundred years ago, Ever new and ever true, Saw strange forms of light afar Three hundred years ago.

In wildest beauty glow. Thou and I on Southern seas, All things change, but love endures Two hundred years ago, Now as long ago. Felt the perfumed even-breeze, Thou and I in Norman halls, Spoke in Spanish by the trees, Seven hundred years ago, Had no care or woe. Heard the warden on the walls Life went dreamily in song, Loud his trumpets blow, Two hundred years ago. 6 "Ton amors sera tojors," Thou and I 'mid Northern snow, Seven hundred yearn7 ago. One hundred years ago, Thou and I in Germany, Led an iron silent life Six hundred years ago. And were glad to flow Then I bound the red cross on, Onward into changing death, "True love, I must go, One hundred years ago.

But we part to meet again Thou and I but yesterday In the endless flow." Met in fashion's show. Thou and I in Syrian plains, Love, did you remember me, Five hundred years ago, Love of long ago? Felt the wild fire in our veins Yes: we kept the fond oath sworn To a fever glow. One thousand years ago. The Music-Lesson of Confucius and Other Poems by Charles Godfrey Leland (1824-1903), Boston 1872. 6 Possibly old French; “Your love will always be.” That ‘immortal love’ endures is found in all societies. 7 Yearn; a play on ‘years’ while alluding to a soul’s yearning. 8 In old English, a bundle of sticks bound together to light a fire. This refers to the shameful practice of burning heretics etc. at the stake. Note heretics are lit. ‘those who choose,’ from Greek hairesis ‘choice’. Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 19

Climate Change and an old Prediction about Trees We give here extracts from an Aquarian Theosophist article and invite its reading since it provides well- researched original Theosophical writings on environmental degradation and its effect on climate change.

In 1879 H. P. Blavatsky wrote in an untitled article in : “While every patriot Hindu bewails the decadence of his country, few realize the real cause. It is neither in foreign rule, excessive taxation, nor crude and exhaustive husbandry, so much as in the destruction of its forests. The stripping of the hills and drainage-slopes of their vegetation is a positive crime against the nation, and will decimate the population more effectually than could the sword of any foreign conqueror…. In spite of the opposition of ignorant and selfish obstructionists, nation after nation has taken the first steps towards restoring the woods and jungles which had been ruthlessly extirpated, before meteorology and chemistry became developed, and political economy was raised to the dignity of a science.” from The Theosophist, Nov 1879, p. 42 HPB further gave a direct connection between the trees and the climate: “We need only glance at the pages of History to see that the ruin and ultimate extinction of national power follow the extirpation (eradication) of forests as surely as night follows day. Nature has provided the means for human development; and her laws can never be violated without disaster.” from The Aquarian Theosophist, Aug 2016, p. 3 Here it is shown our climates greatly depend on the woods and forests, which in turn rely on ordinary people being mindful of the chain of causes and effects arising from their actions. In this sense the world’s forests are the property of all humanity, since our growth rests on their growth and wellbeing. Our approach is to actively seek philosophical (noumenal) union but leave ‘causes’ – good or bad – (which are simply the ‘phenomena’ of right or wrong thinking) to work themselves out. With regard to climate change, but not man-made CO2 levels, the Secret Doctrine 2:446 states “Climates will, and have already begun, to change (with) each tropical year…” The issue is thus to promote the right perceptions which will protect the Earth and its creatures, and leave the climate to itself, without trying to fix it with technology. Theosophy teaches that if we work with Nature then we can accept as just and fair all that comes under cyclic law. Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 20

Feeling a Direction for the First Time

In a centre for activities, a participant in a ULT study class said after reading the Declaration of ULT and the first few pages of The Ocean of Theosophy: “This is the first time in my life that I feel a sense of direction.” Theosophy has a simple but compelling power, as it is not a belief or invented dogma but “a knowledge of the laws which govern the evolution of the physical, astral, psychical and intellectual constituents of nature and of man” as William Q Judge said in the Ocean.9 That there are laws governing the Universe gives us hope that we can know and come to really understand what life it. Laws such as those action and reaction, and cycles puts us in the driver’s seat of our own becoming, and Theosophy gives us dignity by speaking of the soul’s higher consciousness: “…all nature is sentient, the vast array of objects and men are not mere collections of atoms fortuitously thrown together… but down to the smallest atom all is soul and spirit ever evolving under the rule of law which is inherent in the whole. “… the Theosophist adds that such intelligences were once human and came like all of us from other and previous worlds, where as varied experience had been gained as is possible on this one.” The Ocean, 2 So how did this give a sense of direction to the newcomer? She realized that seeking out forms of new age therapy was not going to change anything. Not knowing universal laws creates lives of disharmony, illness and a dependence on others for lifetimes. Whereas by understanding the laws of nature and man we can evolve better forms in our lives ahead. With the desire to help and teach others, those forms of the future will reflect that direction and purpose. She said “I don’t have to spend all my time looking for new age healers, I can help those around me and understand the harmony of the laws exemplified in Theosophy and create better forms myself. Now I see Karma as not something to get away from, but truly a friend and teacher that I can follow and learn from.” All can be a part of the work of Theosophy regardless of their condition, and the work of William Q. Judge and Robert Crosbie gives the Teachings in a form in which we all can participate at our natural level. from a correspondent, the ULT London, Canada.

9 The Theosophy Co. 1987 edition of the 1893 original, page 1. Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 21

Why Original Theosophy Matters to Researchers

Many researchers have recently commented on the value of pure and simple teachings, and their comments may be helpful to Lodges and Study Groups when planning their meeting topics and study agendas. We share some here. One student said that after he had been researching theosophy for a few months he came across the ULT and other original theosophy websites, and that while he has a local theosophical group in the UK a lot of their events were non-theosophical in nature, and that it was “original theosophy and Blavatsky's unaltered teachings that I have been seeking.” What he read and understood from HPB’s writings “seems to strangely resonate with me and I have felt attraction to her teachings.” Even when not looking for HPB everything he read “always comes back to her so I thought it was best to allow myself to pursue it properly. Without even beginning to read HPB's works the one quote "there is no religion higher than the truth" was enough to convince me that the theosophy of HPB was the right path for me... everything I have read so far in regards to Theosophy is exactly what I've been searching a long time for, I'm so glad...”

~ o 0 o ~

A lady from Europe wrote that although new to it she was “deeply interested in learning pure, original Theosophy.” She has the feeling that all of the Theosophical Societies which were located near her were sharing perspectives that she did not want to learn from, “and this is why I am so interested in, and so grateful for, your beautiful work.”

She said she discovered the original teachings by a lucky accident after being “randomly drawn to an article… where I read for the first time about the existence of an original Theosophy having been ulteriorly altered.” In few places is there to be had a better description of a student’s inner Guide and Experiencer showing them the Path. Having previously taken several Theosophy courses she “somehow, intuitively felt that Theosophy "Was The Answer" to my deepest questions – but, to my surprise, I couldn't Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 22 make sense of the specific teachings that I was presented with (which were mainly based on 's work), and I felt very confused.” When reading about the history of the Movement and the Theosophical Mahatmas she could “finally make sense of the strong attraction that I had always felt towards the Secret Doctrine.” [Similar comments have been made for many years, such as this one after reading about the original teachings in one of the early Theosophical Discussion Groups online 20 years ago: “There is now SO MUCH esoteric material in books through out the world, that it takes experience in it to recognise the Gems in the chaff.” ] After reading the Ocean of Theosophy the value of sticking to original Theosophy made total sense to her, as she says both on ‘an intuitive and on an intellectual level.’ Emotionally she had felt quite challenged by the thought of stepping out of the crowd and approaching the Secret Doctrine on her very own, but curiously enough, the very day that she decided to do so she found the ULT.

Interior of “Medersa Ben Youssef” in Marrakesh, the symbol of an enlightened Islamic college. Watercolour by Richard Hoare. Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 23

Correspondence on Prophecies (Autumn 2018 p 10)

No 1. Eds: The last Newsletter (Autumn 2018 page 10) quoted the Secret Doctrine: “Primordial electricity separates pregenetic matter into atoms (the source of all life and consciousness). Fohat hisses as he glides… in zigzags.” SD 1:76 Cox and Forshaw write how the Higgs Boson or “God particle” gives matter its mass and this is what makes the now heavy particles trace what they also refer to as a zigzag pattern. Speaking Theosophically, Fohat does just the same, its role being to communicate the intelligence of the Laws of Nature to matter.

Correspondent A: A very important event in physics was the explanation Einstein gave in the 1920s for the photoelectric effect. This opened the way 2 to quantum mechanics and the famous E=mc – a major breakthrough in physics for which he got the Nobel prize of Physics. He did not discover the effect itself, but he explained it: that one electron extracted from the deep layers of the atom was – from an energetic point of view – equivalent to a photon. The extraction process was however discontinuous, ie in quanta or steps, and corresponded to the energy of a photon. It was the door leading to quantum mechanics and the dual character of light, being either waves or particles.

No. 1 Eds: The wave and particle theory of light shows it is dual but also self- conscious! It is a deep subject to contemplate on. Few long-time students of esotericism really begin to understand it, nor even 100 years of effort by some of the brightest scientists; it still puzzles all. Theosophically, can we say it is one of two states of matter that the monadic essence consciously chooses between? We say 'consciously' since the act of observation seems able to influence which it becomes. Einstein and others were foxed, calling it a spooky action. But what is this particle entanglement but unity? So it is a nice puzzle as HPB would say, for the most able ‘dumbskulls’ to think on. She also used other words like ‘flapdoodles’ and ‘sluggards’!

No 2. Correspondent B: thanks for the good Newsletter again. Please let me add something important in regard to the section "Theosophical Prophecies." Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 24

In 1896 Kristian Birkeland formulated a theory about a plasma-filled universe populated with systems of nebula (galaxies) and this was the founding of Plasma Astrophysics and Cosmology [http://www.plasmacosmology.net/history.html and http://www.plasmacosmology.net/history.html]. In Theosophy we had this idea before, at least with the Secret Doctrine, that there is an electrical-electromagnetic Universe. If you deal with this stuff – see for example the links10 – and get into it and understand it, you may learn: 1. It is contrary to today’s usual scientific view and it can explain almost everything in a very impressive and simple way. Einstein’s relativistic view with all that nonsense (sorry but it's a fact and HPB herself proves it), because she said a four dimensional space is a false idea, and Einstein needed at least 4 dimensions, and now modern cosmology is pushing the limit beyond 12(!) dimensions that explain nothing. [But can we not be grateful to Einstein for Relativity’s great contributions to the Standard Model which could not have existed without it, which is a wonderfully accurate piece of predictive science, claimed to accurately forecast to one part in a billion. He also was one of a few, like David Bohm whom he called his intellectual successor, who, in those sunny days, took a holistic approach that included philosophy and ethics, now more common. Eds.] 2. The electromagnetic Universe backs and supports Theosophy, because both views are based on electromagnetism. Common Cosmology is still based on gravity and the neutral state [of the electrical fields in space? Eds.]. 3. HPB predicted in Secret Doctrine that the ideas of Mr. Crookes’ "Radiant Matter" [https://theosophy.wiki/en/Radiant_Matter] will in the future overturn and upset the whole natural science and physics completely. So the Radiant Matter of Crookes was that, what we call today Plasma, see the hint on the northern lights by HPB that is in fact Plasma,11 as we know today. And if you know both systems, which I do in an adequate manner,12 you realize, that Blavatsky is correct here, and that it is only a question of time, when Plasma Cosmology replace gravitational/relativistic Cosmology in science.

10 See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_cosmology & http://www.soehne-des-feuers.de/node/235 11 Atoms are called "Vibrations" in Occultism, invisible but to “the spiritual seer whose inner Eye is opened” and who can see through the veil of matter to its behaviour. These true ‘Seers,’ those who can see interstellar motion and evolution clairvoyantly, say “At times, the intensity of their (atomic) motion produces flashes like the Northern lights during the Aurora Borealis.” (this is the foretelling of electromagnetism, from Secret Doctrine 1:634; see also fn 15 below.) 12 We appreciate the confidence of our well-read correspondent and seem unable to contradict him, only passing on that the Esotericists say “Thus Have I Heard,” not “I know.” [Voice 27] Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 25

There is no reconciliation between both and as today science is dogmatic, consisting of theories many times disproved,13 and so it will / has to fade away. So, if this "Big Bang"14 becomes public – today it is going on behind the scenes more and more, and there is NO doubt about that for all who know Plasma Cosmology well – that this will happen sometime. Then Theosophy will have three very, very big pros: Science (Plasma Cosmology) will prove 1. Theosophy [the occult theories of natural and ethical law] and 2. Blavatsky! [to vindicate her reputation as a reliable, honest broker.] 3. Blavatsky proves once again Theosophy, with this most epic prediction! So you might think now, OK, OK, but even if it will be, it isn’t yet, and you're correct; but at least from my point of view the list of the Autumn 2018 article lacked the point that 1896 is also known as the founding of modern Plasma Astrophysics and Plasma Cosmology through Kristian Birkeland.15 [https://www.plasma-universe.com/Plasma_cosmology] Although I don't agree with everything, ULT is still the Theosophical Organisation that I feel most linked (to the Teachings). Thanks and all the best, S. [Thank you. Blessings on your house! Eds.]

13 We may agree but “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” as the axiom goes, and HPB advises how hard it is to debate with a materialist because metaphysical proofs first require an acceptance of metaphysical propositions, often ruled out a priori by the skeptical. A way out is suggested in the way that the article “The Tidal Wave” starts, quoting Longfellow: The tidal wave of deeper souls, Into our inmost being rolls, And lifts us unawares, Out of all meaner cares. (emphasis added) This is Hegel’s solution to the duality of conflict. His proposition is to lift or rise above the Mayavic plane of effects, going to the consciousness of causes. The article gives the analysis: “…the psychic and spiritual change now taking place in the realm of the human Soul… has awakened the Spirit in man, so long hidden out of public sight… A death struggle between and Materialism is no longer at hand, but is already raging… brave and prolific authors and writers have arisen of late to defend the rights of Spirit to reign over matter. Many are the honest, aspiring Souls now raising themselves like a dead wall against the torrent of the muddy waters of Materialism.… (the human Spirit) is now awakening in the foremost representatives of thought and learning; it speaks in the lowest as in the highest, and stimulates them all to action.” 14 We may be ready now for a proverbial explosion or Big Bang in how we understand cosmology using EU principles, but the real ethical question is “What will we do with it?” 15 Yes, on the electromagnetic influences “Fohat …places his four fiery (electro-positive) Sons in… the Equator, the Ecliptic, and the two parallels of declination, or the tropics—to preside over the climates of which are placed the Four mystical Entities.” Thus the whole system of the earth’s operation is – in mystic phraseology – Fohatic, or electric. The Secret Doctrine 1:204 Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 26

Medical Research on the Dangers of Mediumship “Don't undertake, associate with or encourage mediumistic experiences. It will only kill you.” This assertion is a paraphrase of the Theosophical teaching that developing, encouraging or associating with states of mediumistic consciousness only leads to ill-health, and ultimately – premature physical death. This warning from the wisdom religion has been relayed anecdotally down through the years by various authorities – yet objective evidence for such a warning has been rare. Now a research paper partly reproduced below by the "Windbridge Research Center" amply backs up what Theosophy has long attested. The new fact sheet "Disease Burden in Mediums" reviews why we first started studying this aspect of mediumship, the findings from our "HemPhys" study, and the results from a health survey of 125 mediums and 222 non-mediums of similar ages, genders, and races: More mediums than non-mediums reported: • water retention or edema (19.2% vs. 5.0%) [Editors: this is x3.8 worse! • food intolerances (28.0% vs. 9.9%) 2.8 • sleep disturbances (40.8% vs. 14.9%) 2.7 • headaches/migraines (26.4% vs. 11.3%) 2.3 • bruising easily (20.0% vs. 9.0%) 2.2 • asthma (20.0% vs. 9.0%) 2.2] We believe that in at least some cases, adverse childhood experiences might result in both an increased capacity for mediumistic perceptions as well as an increased risk of developing physical disease and will be pursuing this line of research in future publications and fact sheets. from M, a “Original Theosophy” group correspondent in, Ireland.

PDF at http://www.windbridge.org/factsheets/WRC_disease.pdf

[Editors: A good use of physical science would be to demonstrate what occultism has long confirmed. This approach could help unify the occult and physical sciences and limit materialistic science’s malign effects on social life (robbing it of its simple graces). But only if there is a willingness to accept the hidden side of nature surrounding us all, which is the unacknowledged “elephant in the room.” Many instinctively feel there is more to come from good science. Can not these studies be expanded into others areas and create bridges across which knowledge can pass? ] Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 27

The Voice of the Silence and Other Books in Arabic

The Voice of the Silence (2019) صوت الصمت This translation of H. P. Blavatsky’s most valued and important esoteric Buddhist work is now available in Arabic in the PDF format, follow the link below.

The Ocean of Theosophy (2018) محيط الثيوصوفيا Copies of the newly printed Ocean of Theosophy in Arabic will be presented at exhibitions in Iraq, Tunisia, Abu Dhabi (Arab Emirates), the Lebanon, and Syria. These and the free PDF copies have been made available from assistance given by French individual students and the Diane C. Myers Bequest Fund, our sincere gratitude to them and this warm hearted lady.

Other books and articles These original articles & books have been translated into Arabic and are available freely in PDF. If there is a demand these may also be printed in hard copy:

Mahatmas and Chelas المهاتما والمريدين H. P. Blavatsky The Ten Points of Isis Unveiled النقاط العشرة إليزيس H. P. Blavatsky General Teachings on Dreams تعاليم عامة عن األحالم H. P. Blavatsky (from Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge) Three Fundamental Propositions المبادئ األساسية الثالثة للعقيدة السرية H. P. Blavatsky Echoes from the Orient أصداء من الشرق William Q. Judge Epitome of Theosophy موجز الثيوصوفيا William Q. Judge Human Races & Cosmic Cycles األجناس البشرية والدورات الكونية William Q. Judge Reincarnation and Memory التقمص والذاكرة William Q. Judge . Three Planes of Human Life المستويات-الثالثة-من-حياة-اإلنسان William Q. Judge (on Dreams & Consciousness)

https://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk/articles-books-in-arabic/ Winter 2018-19 Newsletter 17th February 2019 28

Aqueducts, No. 1 : Transporting water over water

Pont du Gard, near Nîmes, Occitanie, southern France. 50 AD, a UNESCO World Heritage Site photo kind curtesy of getyourguide.co.uk

The Pont du Gard aqueduct was built by Roman engineers working with the local population for 7 years. At over 150 feet high it is the tallest aqueduct the Romans built. It ran over a 50 km route, its top course being covered to prevent evaporation.

Suppling water to the homes, gardens and fountains of the City of Nîmes at the rate of up to 35,000 tonnes per day, it used the sciences of hydraulics and mechanics for the common good. Its flow compares favourably in capacity to a small river!

Its curved arches, simple and elegant, standing after 20 centuries and enduring long periods of neglect, testify to long lost arts.

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The symbol on the front page is combined from two, one used by William Q. Judge’s Path of the 1890s and Theosophy, a magazine started in 1912 by his pupil and friend Robert Crosbie, the founder of the United Lodge of Theosophists.

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Published by The Theosophy Company Robert Crosbie House, 62 Queen’s Gardens, London, W2 3AH, UK http://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk/news