The Blavatsky Archives and the Blavatsky Study Center

(Book #2) Theosophy: Divine Wisdom from Long-Sealed Ancient Fountains. 
An introduction to Theosophy from the writings of H.P. Blavatsky, the Mahatmas, W.Q. Judge and others.

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(Book #3) The Esoteric She by William Quan Judge: Complete Book in PDF
This book is a compilation of articles by W.Q. Judge on H.P. Blavatsky’s life, work and teachings.

(Book #4) My Sister Helena Petrovna Blavatsky by Vera Petrovna de Zhelihovsky:
Complete Book in PDF
This book gives the reader an overview of Madame Blavatsky's life in the words of her sister.
Voluminous extracts are given of H.P.B.'s letters to her sister. An APPENDIX is added to this book
containing even more of H.P.B.'s letters to her family. See pp. 55-133: "Letters of H.P. Blavatsky
to Her Family in Russia" by Mrs. Vera Johnston (H.P.B.'s niece).

(Book #5) Madame Blavatsky: The Case for Her Defense Against the Hodgson-Coulomb Attack
by Walter A. Carrithers, Jr. : Complete Book in PDF
In this book Walter A. Carrithers, Jr. gives the most thorough and detailed analysis and rebuttal
available of the Hodgson Report against Mme. Blavatsky. Discoveries never before published are now
available in this volume. This is Mr. Carrithers' magnum opus. Click HERE for ordering information if
you want a physical copy of the book.

See sketch of Mr. Carrithers' life HERE. See also his other writings HERE.

(Book #6) A Casebook of Encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas: Complete Book in PDF
H.P. Blavatsky claimed personal contact with certain Adepts, Masters and Mahatmas living
in Tibet, Ladakh, India, Sri Lanka and elsewhere. During her lifetime and since her death,
there has been a great deal of controversy and skepticism concerning the existence of these
Mahatmas. Almost all of H.P.B.'s critics have doubted the actual existence or reality of her Masters.
Nevertheless, more than twenty five people testified to having seen and/or been in contact with
the Mahatmas during Madame Blavatsky's life time. In the pages of this book, the reader will find
the detailed accounts and testimonies of most of these witnesses in which they relate their sightings
encounters and meetings with H.P.B.'s Adept Teachers. Click HERE for ordering information if you want
a physical copy of the book.

(Book #7) The Mahatmas and Their Chelas in India: Complete Book in PDF
In the pages of this book, the reader will find the detailed accounts and testimonies by seven
Indian members of the early Theosophical Society who met H.P.B.'s Adept Teachers. Click HERE
for ordering information if you want a physical copy of the book.

(Book #8) Henry S. Olcott and the Mahatmas: Complete Book in PDF
Probably the most important witness who testified to personal meetings and encounters with H.P.B.'s
Adept Teachers was Henry Steel Olcott (1832-1907). Colonel Olcott was an American Theosophist,
journalist, editor, attorney, and co-founder/first president of The Theosophical Society (founded 1875).

(Book #9) Mrs. Holloway and the Mahatmas: Complete book in PDF.
In this book, Laura Carter Holloway (1848-1930) tells the story of her association with H.P. Blavatsky and
about her encounters and relationship with Madame Blavatsky’s Masters. This book includes numerous
published and unpublished letters written by the Mahatmas Koot Hoomi and Morya to Mrs. Holloway,
H.P. Blavatsky and Henry S. Olcott. Included are 60 pages of full color photographic reproductions of
letters from the Masters K.H. and M. Click HERE for ordering information if you want a physical copy of
the book.

See related item:

------->Letter from Damodar K. Mavalankar to Laura C. Holloway

(Book #10) Death and the Afterlife: Complete book in PDF
During the years 1881-1883 in their letters to A.P. Sinnett and A.O. Hume, Mahatmas Koot Hoomi
and Morya gave a detailed account of what happens when we die. This book extracts from these
letters the teachings setting forth what happens to a human being between death and rebirth.
You will read their letters on "Death and the Afterlife" in the order the letters were actually received.
Topics included: Dying and Soon After; the Death Struggle and Gestation State; the Second Death and
Devachan; Reincarnation and Karma; Suicides and Accidents; the Two Egos and Immortality; Psychism;
Communication with the Dead and Spiritualism; Mediumship versus Adeptship, etc. Click HERE for
ordering information if you want a physical copy of the book.

See also these related materials:

------->The After Death Glossary
Extracted from the above "Death and the Afterlife" book.
------->The Psyche (Soul or Personality) and Its Stages of Develpment After Death

------->"When We Die" by Geoffrey Farthing
------->"Is There A Life After Death?": A Bibliography of 49 "Cream of the Crop" Titles.
------->Parapsychology, Spiritualism, Life After Death & Reincarnation: Suggested Reading.

(Book #11) THE WRITING OF THE SECRET DOCTRINE: A Chronology---Complete book in PDF
In the pages of this book, you will read about how Madame Blavatsky actually wrote the three volumes
of her greatest work. Dozens of primary sources have been quoted in order to present the fascinating
story of the writing of "The Secret Doctrine." Click HERE for ordering information if you want a physical
copy of the book.

(Book #12) The Secret Doctrine Wurzburg Manuscript by H. P. Blavatsky.---Complete book in PDF
The Wurzburg manuscript is a partial copy of H. P. Blavatsky's early manuscript of "The Secret Doctrine,"
written in 1885 and 1886. It is here published for the first time. It includes unrevised translations of the
stanzas from the Book of Dzyan, and H.P.B.'s unrevised commentaries on them. This unique volume
also includes H.P.B. material that was later published in the 1897 Volume 3 of "The Secret Doctrine."
Click HERE for ordering information if you want a physical copy of the book.

See also:-------> The Myth of the "Missing" Third Volume of THE SECRET DOCTRINE

(Book #13) The Secret Doctrine Dialogues: The 1889 Unpublished Manuscript by H. P. Blavatsky:
Complete Book in PDF. 
"The Secret Doctrine" was published in the Fall of 1888. Questions about the book and its subject matter,
particularly on Cosmogenesis, were the topic of discussion at the weekly meetings of the Blavatsky Lodge,
held January through June 1889 at HPB’s home in London. HPB wrote to her sister Vera about these meetings:
"...we hold a reception...every Thursday...with all its scientific questions [for me to answer], with shorthand
writers at my back." The transcriptions of these meetings have finally been published in "The Secret Doctrine
Dialogues." Click HERE for ordering information if you want a physical copy of the book.

Ses also these related materials:

------->Original Announcement in 2002 concerning "Missing Material by H.P. Blavatsky Discovered."
------->How the Missing SECRET DOCTRINE DIALOGUES were discovered. 
------->Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge: How It Was Written, Part One.
by Daniel H. Caldwell and Doss McDavid
------->Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge: How It Was Written, Part Two.
by Daniel H. Caldwell and Doss McDavid

(Book #14) The Esoteric Papers of Madame Blavatsky: Complete book in PDF
This book provides photographic facsimiles of many of the original esoteric papers issued by Madame Blavatsky.
Some of the documents reproduced in this volume have never been reprinted since first issued. In fact, this
volume is the most comprehensive collection of H.P.B.'s esoteric papers now available. The material in the main
section of this work (pp. 1-335) has been arranged more of less in chronological order. Additional material will
be found in the four appendixes (pp. 337-673). Also many extracts are included from various published and
unpublished letters of H.P.B. in which she mentions her work in the esoteric school. Click HERE for ordering
information if you want a physical copy of the book..

(Book #15) H.P.B.'s Esoteric Instructions #1, #2, and #3: The April 1891 Edition---
Complete book in PDF
Corrected, Edited and Approved by H.P. Blavatsky. 122 pages. Click HERE for ordering info if you want
a physical copy of the book.

See also these related materials:

------->An "Esoteric Section" Note from H.P. Blavatsky to W.Q. Judge
------->Two E.S. documents concerning the 1891 revision of E.S. Instructions #1, #2 and #3.

(Book #16) The Inner Group Teachings by H.P. Blavatsky in PDF
Here is an accurate and complete transcription of the original oral teachings given by H.P.B. to her
Inner Group students in London from Aug. 1890 through April 1891. This document is NOT available
in the "Collected Writings" Series of HPB's writings. Includes a new introduction telling how this rare
document was found.

See also these related materials:

------->Madame Blavatsky's Original Notes for an Inner Group Meeting
by Daniel H. Caldwell and Doss McDavid
------->The Sidney Coryn Typescript and HPB's Inner Group
In an 1897 letter to a correspondent, Alice Cleather wrote that members of HPB's Inner Group
had been given extracts from various unpublished letters of HPB and the Mahatmas.

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Be sure to scroll down to the very bottom
of this webpage to see all resources listed!

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TWO RECOMMENDED BOOKS ON THEOSOPHY

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An Introduction to Esoteric Principles by Doss McDavid.
A good introduction to the basic teachings of Theosophy as found in the writings of H.P. Blavatsky and the Mahatmas.

Under the direction of her teachers, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HPB) introduced the world to a set of esoteric teachings that had previously been hidden from the public. The origin of the universe, the seven-fold structure of the human constitution, the nature of life after death, the process of evolution, and the path to spiritual enlightenment were explained as part of a system of thought that came to be known as “theosophy”. Unfortunately, Blavatsky’s voluminous writings are not easy to read and many readers find it difficult to tell the forest from the trees. This book is a study guide for students seeking a map of the major features of the theosophical landscape as it was laid out in the early days of the Theosophical Society.

BUY A COPY
READ PDF 

See also the following writings and talks by Doss McDavid:

The Human Principles in Early Theosophical Literature. 
Evolution and The Secret Doctrine. 
An Audio Talk on the Secrets of The Secret Doctrine . 
A Video Talk on HPB and the War of the Worldviews. 
A Secret Language used in Druze Communications. 
A Prophecy in The Secret Doctrine. 
Reading the BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE.  (First published in Supplement to BRAHMAVIDYA: The Adyar Library Bulletin, 2013)

See also:

Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge: How It Was Written, Part One
by Doss McDavid and Daniel H. Caldwell
Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge: How It Was Written, Part Two
by Doss McDavid and Daniel H. Caldwell
Madame Blavatsky's Original Notes for an Inner Group Meeting
by Doss McDavid and Daniel H. Caldwell
HPB on the Gospel According to John 
by Doss McDavid, Daniel H. Caldwell and Spencer M. Conlin

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Evolution of the Higher Consciousness: An In-depth Study into H. P. Blavatsky's Teachings.
In this book Pablo Sender explores the writings of Mme. Blavatsky, tracing her teachings on the evolution of the higher consciousness throughout her voluminous writings. The book not only explores the philosophy but also has four chapters devoted to the application of these teaching.

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H.P. BLAVATSKY'S ADEPT TEACHERS

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The Painting of the Portraits of Masters Morya and Koot Hoomi

Master Serapis
Colonel Henry S. Olcott wrote about the Master known as Serapis: "One of the greatest of them, the Master of the two
Masters [Koot Hoomi and Morya] about whom the public has heard...wrote me on June 22, 1875: 'The time is come to let
you know who I am. I am not a disembodied spirit, Brother, I am a living man; gifted with such powers by our Lodge
as are in store for yourself some day. I cannot be with you otherwise than in spirit, for thousands of miles separate us
at present.'" (Old Diary Leaves, First Series, p. 237.)

Where Was the "Ravine in Tibet"?
In 1881, Colonel Olcott wrote of the Masters: "I have also personally known . . . [Master Koot Hoomi] since
1875. He is of quite a different, a gentler, type, yet the bosom friend of the other [Master Morya]. They live near each
other with a small Buddhist Temple about midway between their houses. In New York, I had . . . a colored sketch on
China silk of the landscape near . . . [Koot Hoomi]'s and my Chohan's [Morya's] residences with a glimpse of the latter’s
house and of part of the little temple."

Master Koot Hoomi on Meditation
This document is preserved among the papers of Alice Leighton Cleather at The H.P.B. Library in Canada.
In 1897, Mrs, Cleather wrote to a correspondent that she had been a member of the Inner Group.
She also said I.G. members were given extracts from various letters of the Masters and HPB. This letter
on meditation may be one of the extracts given to Inner Group members.

Master K.H.'s Notes to Mme. Blavatsky on Some of A.P. Sinnett's Letters
These unpublished letters from A.P. Sinnett to the Master Koot Hoomi form a special category
because the Master directed Mme. Blavatsky to keep them. On Sinnett's letters, the Master added notes to H.P.B.

Esoteric Buddhism: A Summary of the Theosophical Teachings as found in "The Mahatma Letters
to A.P. Sinnett". by A.P. Sinnett.
This Theosophical classic was the first simple exposition of Theosophy in modern times.  

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H.P. BLAVATSKY'S LIFE & WRITINGS:
RECOMMENDED BOOKS & ONLINE ITEMS

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H.P. Blavatsky, the Mahatmas & Theosophy: A 28-Page Core Library of Suggested Reading
H.P. Blavatsky, the Mahatmas and Theosophy 20 Highly Recommended Titles

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The Esoteric World of Madame Blavatsky by Daniel Caldwell.
When Daylight Comes by Howard Murphet.
Madame Blavatsky by G. Baseden Butt.
H.P.B.: The Extraordinary Life and Influence of Helena Blavatsky by Sylvia Cranston.
The Real H.P. Blavatsky by William Kingsland.

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H.P. Blavatsky's Writings Online<<-------Recommended!!

The Theosophist and Lucifer
Photographic facsimile reprints of H.P. Blavatsky's 2 Theosophical magazines are available.

Forty-Three Original Pages from "The Secret Doctrine" Manuscript.
These original pages in HPB's handwriting are preserved in the Archives of The Theosophical Society,
International Headquarters, Pasadena, California. These appear to be the only pages from HPB's
manuscript that have survived the ravages of time.

The Prospectus of THE SECRET DOCTRINE with Table of Contents
Prospectus dated July 7, 1888. From the private collection of Michael Conlin.

The Earliest Known Version of the Three Fundamental Propositions of "The Secret Doctrine."
The original is preserved in the Archives of The Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai, India.

The Title Page of "The Voice of the Silence" in HPB's handwriting
The original is preserved in the Archives of The Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai, India.

A Page from "The Voice of the Silence" in HPB's handwriting
The original is preserved in the Archives of The Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai, India.

HPB on the Gospel According to John
A recently discovered manuscript.

A Manuscript Page in H.P. Blavatsky's Handwriting
from page 87 of Manly Palmer's Hall's book titled THE PHOENIX.

Seven Manuscript Pages in Madame Blavatsky's Handwriting
These original pages are preserved in the "Helen I. Dennis Collection on the Theosophical Society,"
located in the Special Collections Research Center at the University of Chicago Library.

An Open Letter to All the Fellows of the American Section of The Theosophical Society.
This rare pamphlet was reprinted in H.P.B.'s Collected Writtings, Vol. 11, pp. 551-560
without H.P.B.'s correction. See W.Q. Judge's notice about the correction.

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LETTERS OF H.P. BLAVATSKY

The Letters of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky: 1862 - 1882
Two Volumes. Compiled and Edited by John Cooper. A major contribution to research on Blavatsky.

The Letters of H. P. Blavatsky: Volume 1 1861-1879.
This unique volume contains all known letters H.P.B. wrote between 1860 and January 1879. Edited by
Dr. John Algeo.

The Letters of H. P. Blavatsky: Volume 2 1879-1883.
This unique volume contains all known letters H.P.B. wrote between February 1879 and December 1883. Edited by
John Knebel.

Letter of H.P. Blavatsky to an Unknown Correspondent (dated Jan. 31,1882)
Courtesy, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, BYU Library, Brigham Young University.
The BYU library has only a photocopy of this letter; the whereabouts of the original letter is unknown.
In this letter, H.P.B. writes about Master K.H. ending his three month retreat. H.P.B. tells her correspondent:
"Koot Hoomi awoke from his Samadhi on December 24th [1881]. On the 1st of January [1882], he communicated with us....."

H.P. Blavatsky's Letter to Countess Constance Wachtmeister (dated Jan. 24,1886)
A Historical Note about this letter plus a transcription can be found at:
"HPB to Countess Wachtmeister on the Mahatma Letters"

Letters of H.P. Blavatsky to J. Ralston Skinner, J.D. Buck, and Related Items.
These letters are preserved in the James Ralston Skinner Papers located in the
Harvard Divinity School Library, Harvard University.

Blavatsky to Skinner, December 25, 1886 (MISSING). Read more about this missing letter.
Blavatsky to Skinner, February 17, 1887.
Blavatsky to "my dear and kind brother,"March 3, 1887.
Blavatsky to Skinner, April 5, 1887.
Blavatsky to Jirah Dewey Buck, May 7, 1887.
Blavatsky to Skinner, May 27, 1887.
Blavatsky to unidentified, n.d.
Flier for French theosophical journal, Le Lotus, April 1887 with notations by H.P. Blavatsky..
Photograph of Madame Blavatsky given to Skinner May 1887
H.P.B's Inscription to Skinner on Back of Her Photo
Bertram Keightley to Skinner, April 17, [1887].
Countess Constance Wachtmeister to Skinner, May 14, 1887.

See also other Blavatsky Letters Online

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MORE VALUABLE DOCUMENTS ABOUT MADAME BLAVATSKY

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173 Blavatsky/Theosophy Books & Pamphlets in PDF
Listed in chronological order by date of publication. If books are NOT listed in chronological order, click on "NAME" in the
upper left hand corner of the page. First book in chronological list is dated 1875. There are 9 pages of PDF books; PDFs
can be downloaded. Most of these books are also available by author's last name on our Blavatsky Library page.

H.P. Blavatsky: Historical Index by Boris de Zirkoff
This file of index cards contains a treasure trove of information and shows the depth and magnitude of
Mr. de Zirkoff's research on H.P. Blavatsky. Blavatsky students and scholars will find valuable information in this source.

Countess Wachtmeister's Six Occult Notebooks
“During her time with H.P.B., Constance Wachtmeister kept a series of Notebooks into which
she copied articles and letters by H.P.B., notes of conversations and general items of Theosophical interest.”
These notebooks are now published for the first time in their entirety.

Minutes of the Blavatsky Lodge --- May 1887-June 1891
111 pages of minutes. Some entries include information, etc., about Madame Blavatsky.

W.Q. Judge's NOTICE concerning H.P.B.'s New Book of Rules.
H.P.B.'s new 1890 Book of Rules can be viewed HERE.

List of Blavatsky Items John Watkins Had In His Possession

[The Circumstances Under Which I Have Been Led To Pay Attention To Occultism] by A.P. Sinnett.
A rare pamphlet issued in early 1881 before Sinnett wrote his book titled THE OCCULT WORLD. See also Sinnett's books

SECRET DOCTRINE CLASS HELD AT 19 AVENUE ROAD IN THE AUTUMN OF 1890

Mme. Blavatsky In Cambridge, England, August 1884

H.P.B.'s Diagram of Meditation
Here is the original of H.P.B.'s Diagram of Meditation that E.T. Sturdy sent to Christmas Humphreys in 1942.
See Sturdy's August 14, 1942 letter to Humphreys. In a letter dated Sept. 26, 1942, Humphreys writes Bertram Keightley:
"Mr. Sturdy has left me his Theosophical library in his will, and gave me a photo of H.P.B. together with a system of meditation
which she dictated to him." For more information, see HPB's Diagram of Meditation and E.T. Sturdy

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Be sure to scroll down to the very bottom
of this webpage to see all resources listed!

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THEOSOPHICAL ARTICLES & COMPILATIONS
by Daniel H. Caldwell

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HPB Speaks.

What Madame Blavatsky Accomplished in Just 4 Years!

Master Serapis

Where Was the "Ravine in Tibet"?

Was Koot Hoomi a Sikh?
See a reproduction of Koot Hoomi's portrait at this link.. 

Some Notes on the Chronological Edition of The Mahatma Letters

Who is "Suby Ram" in The Mahatma Letters?

Mary Unveiled: A.P. Sinnett and Maude Boyle-Travers

H.P.B.'s THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY: Important Information on the origin of this HPB book.

Kriyashakti: Conscious and Unconscious: The Psychology of the Visionary Experience.

Some Questions Concerning Reincarnation and the Fate of Victims of Accidents & Violence.

Review of J. O. Fuller's Biography on H.P. Blavatsky: PART ONE

Review of J.O. Fuller's Biography on H.P. Blavatsky: PART TWO

Does Theosophy Have Core Doctrines?

K. Paul Johnson's House of Cards?: A Critical Examination of Johnson's Thesis on the Theosophical Masters Morya and Koot Hoomi

The Olcott Portfolio: Col. H.S. Olcott's Testimony to the Existence of the Mahatmas

Review of Geoffrey A. Barborka's book THE PEOPLING OF THE EARTH.

Madame Blavatsky's Original Notes for an Inner Group Meeting
by Daniel H. Caldwell and Doss McDavid

Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge: How It Was Written, Part One
by Daniel H. Caldwell and Doss McDavid

Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge: How It Was Written, Part Two
by Daniel H. Caldwell and Doss McDavid

HPB on the Gospel According to John 
by Daniel H. Caldwell, Doss McDavid and Spencer M. Conlin

SEE MORE ARTICLES by Daniel H. Caldwell 

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MORE RECOMMENDED ITEMS ON H.P. Blavatsky

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H. P. Blavatsky’s Theosophy in Context by Tim Rudbøg
"H. P. Blavatsky’s (1831-1891) Theosophy has been defined as central to the history of modern Western spirituality
and esotericism, yet to this date no major study has mapped and analysed the major themes of Blavatsky’s writings,
how Blavatsky used the concept ‘Theosophy’ or to what extent she was engaged with the intellectual contexts of her
time. Thus the purpose of this thesis is to fill this gap."

Theosophy and the Theosophical Societies by James A. Santucci
A good overview of the Theosophical Movement.

Madame Blavatsky Unveiled? by Leslie Price
"Madame Blavatsky may have been officially unveiled by the 1885 [Richard Hodgson---Society for Psychical Research] report,
just as Jesus of Nazareth, another 'impostor' was decisively dealt with by physical crucifixion. But Hodgson himself acknowledged
she was a 'rare psychological study', and it is my view...that there was much more to her than he and his colleagues supposed,
and that she is worthy of further study by psychical researchers." Leslie Price

"Categories of Mystical Experience in The Voice of the Silence" by Erica Letzerich
"The Voice of the Silence (1889), compiled by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, is widely regarded as one of her most influential
works, yet it has been relatively overlooked in academia. This dissertation seeks to fill this gap by identifying, classifying,
and establishing the categories of mystical experience found in this book. Additionally, it aims to compare and contrast these
categories with the four marks of religious experience established by [William] James to determine if any new categories emerge."

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FRANZ HARTMANN ON MME. BLAVATSKY & THE MAHATMAS

Report of Observations Made during a Nine Months Stay at the
Head-quarters of the Theosophical Society at Adyar. (Madras), India
by Dr. Franz Hartmann

Memorable Recollections from the Life of the Author of the “Lotusblüten.”
by Dr. Franz Hartmann
Translated from the German by Robert Hutwohl
215 pages of valuable material!!

From My Life
by Dr. Franz Hartmann
Translated from the German by Robert Hutwohl

A Double Personality. Cagliostro and H. P. Blavatsky.
by Dr. Franz Hartmann
Translated from the German by Robert Hutwohl

H. P. Blavatsky
by Dr. Franz Hartmann
Translated from the German by Robert Hutwohl

Memories of H. P. Blavatsky
by Dr. Franz Hartmann
Translated from the German by Robert Hutwohl

Click here for more Hartmann articles.

Dr. Santucci gives a talk about his research and findings on H.P. Blavatsky's December 25, 1886 letter to J. Ralston Skinner. This letter with a detailed introduction will be published in a double issue of THEOSOPHICAL HISTORY in Summer 2025.

"Following the publication (in THEOSOPHICAL HISTORY Vol. XVIII/1-2) of H. P. Blavatsky's thirty-six page letter to James Ralston Skinner, dated February 17, 1887, it came to my attention that another letter, known only to a small number of researchers and apparently at one time located in the Andover-Harvard Divinity Library's collection of the J. Ralston Skinner Papers (bMS 516), predated the February letter by two months....

In reviewing the provenance of the letter, it gradually became clear...that an earlier letter composed by Blavatsky and addressed to Skinner, dated December 25, 1886 and originating from Ostend, may have been part of the collection. If it were included in the Skinner Papers, it inexplicably disappeared from the Library without any evidence that it ever existed...." Dr. James A. Santucci, editor of THEOSOPHICAL HISTORY.

"Anita Atkins (1915-2000) has made a great contribution to a better public understanding of Madame Blavatsky by writing the biography HPB: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND INFLUENCE OF HELENA BLAVATSKY. This biography was first published in 1993 under Anita's pen name Sylvia Cranston.

I first corresponded with Anita around 1975. By the early 1980s I no longer wrote letters to her but had started calling her on a fairly regular basis at her New York residence. I found this was the easier way to communicate with her. In fact, on the phone we could go over in much greater detail all sorts of matters regarding our mutual HPB research. I would send her material; she would send me material.

It was in late 1982 or early 1983 that Anita told me over the phone about the discovery of the HPB letters to Skinner at Harvard. She said she would send me copies of her typescripts of these letters. Anita had personally gone to Harvard to see the originals of these letters.

I clearly remember the day I received that large manilla envelope from Anita with the typescripts. I ripped the envelope open and read all these letters. Of course, the first letter I read was HPB's Christmas letter of 1886. At the top of the first page of this typed copy of the Christmas 1886 letter, a prefatory note by Anita reads: "Original in Andover-Harvard Theological Library Cambridge Massachusetts". Many years later, I also acquired a photocopy of this original letter in H.P.B.'s own handwriting that was found among the papers of the late John Cooper in the Natonal Library of Australia.

In 2016, upon learning that the original Dec. 25, 1886 letter at Harvard had somehow gone missing, I sent both Anita's typescript and the photocopy of the original to Dr. Santucci for publication in THEOSOPHICAL HISTORY." Daniel H. Caldwell, founder and organizer of THE BLAVATSKY STUDY CENTER/BLAVATSKY ARCHIVES.

For more, see Sylvia Cranston: An Eyewitness.

"J. Ralston Skinner, author of THE SOURCE OF MEASURES, corresponded with HPB during the writing of THE SECRET DOCTRINE. One of the topics addressed in their correspondence was the 'numerical cipher of the ancients,' which Skinner had, in part, discovered. Writing to Skinner, HPB complimented his discoveries and told him that he would have never been successful in the work he had accomplished without the unseen guidance and help of the Masters. She did, however, take issue with Skinner's ideas about the preeminence of the Hebrew language and insisted that the inhabitants of India had a fully developed numerical system for sacerdotal purposes thousands of years before the development of Hebrew....[HPB's] letter to J.R. Skinner, [is] dated December 25, 1886. Original in the Andover Theological Library, Harvard University...." William Doss McDavid, "Gematria, Senzar and the Book of Dzyan," THE QUEST magazine, September, 1998, pp. 7, 12.

For more on the "numerical cipher of the ancients" and gematria as related to the Book of Dzyan, see Doss McDavid's Reading the BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE.  (First published in Supplement to BRAHMAVIDYA: The Adyar Library Bulletin, 2013)