Rating: 
Summary: The Secret Doctrine is much more than a book...
Review: This is much more than just a book. It's part of the flame few of us carry every generation. This book is for special people, who can really understand it. The Theosophycal society had a very short life, and mainly because they didn't understand the words of their Master. And the ones that failed to understand were not the newcomers, but the most experienced theosophysts. Without someone to guide you, this book can be dangerous, the secrets of the unkown are not a game, remember that... it's your choice, but are you prepared to know the truth? Most likely you're not, and if you are not, be aware, it may seem like you are... This book is not for everyone... Someone who cares for you
Rating:
Summary: "There is no religion higher than Truth."
Review: This is one of the few books that humble me when I contemplate it. Rather, Madam Blavatsky's knowlege and intellect humbles me. Take just about any "newly rediscovered" esoteric topic of any worth and you will most probably find it explained in considerable detail in either this work or _Isis Unveiled_. I am dismayed that so few people, or biliographies, give credit to Madam Blavatsky, or to the Theosophical Society that she founded. I guess we are just too "quaint" and "old-fashion" for the "New Age."
There is just too much encyclopedic knowlege here to simply read through from scratch. You need to work up to it. Try a introductory text like _Ocean of Theosophy_ by William Q. Judge. However, do not be afraid to pick up either volume and simply "browse." I still do this after all these years- and I am still surprised and amazed at what I find.
One further thing, there has been a considerable amount of character assassination against Madam Blavatsky in the last few years. The authors that have penned these attacks have no understanding of the matters that they address. First of all, no one was a stronger critic of seances than Madam Blavatsky. Secondly, the Society has always held that one should never charge money for spiritual matters. As for the ad hominem attacks that she was grossly obese, well, this is the lowest form of slander and doesn't deserve comment. Simply take a look at any of the surviving photographs to see the truth.
Concerning attacks on Theosophical concepts such as the "seven races" and "seven globes", just keep in mind that the perenial philosophy holds that the highest part of what makes up a person pre-exists on a higher plane- and will return there after we cross over. Just remember the old gnostic concept of "seven heavens." Literalism is a mistake in theosophy, just as it has proven in fundamentalist Christianity.
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