The Ancient Wisdom - An Outline of Theosophical Teachings

by Besant Annie

THE ANCIENT WISDOM AN OUTLINE OF THEOSOPHICAL TEACHINGS BY ANNIE BESANT - INTRODUCTION I Theosophy shown to be a coherent conception of the Universe and the origin and basis of all religions. All great religions have a common basis of ethical and philosophical ideas. This fact universally granted, how is it explained Two explanations given i The primitive nian theory by doctors of Comparative Mythology ii A Brotherhood of Spiritual Teachers in whose custody is the original teaching Universal tradition points to the latter view. The spiritual Verities of religion. China peopled by Turaliians and Mongolians, their traditions precede the Aryan race. The Classic of Purity, probably counected with the Toltec empire in Atlantis. The same teaching as to the Unmanifested and the Manifested as given in the Upanishads. BrAhmanism and Northern Buddhism agree, but Southern form differs. Reincarnation and Karnia fundamentals. The Supreme LOGOS threefold in both religious. In Hebrew scriptures duality apparent. teaches the doctrine of the logos. The Kabalah teaches the doctrine of many gods. Reincarnation taught in the Zohar, and traces of same belief in Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Egypt has its Trinity the Book of the Dead Zoroastrianism. The Orphic system. Points of contact between Pythagorean, Platonic and Neo-Platonicschools and Hindu and Buddhist thought show a common source. The threefold Logos as the Trinity in the Christian religion. The unity of moral teaching in all religions. The purpose of the Logos in the evolution of the Universe. CHAPTER I. THE PHYSICAL PGANE - 50 The Logos the source and end of the Universe by limiting Himself, He becomes the Manifested God. Spirit-matter evolvedthrough the energy of the Logos which ensouls every particle. The three great waves of evolution. The subdivisions of matter. The Theosophic meaning of plane. The geonietry of nature. The two main divisions of the physical body. The true Man dwells in various vehicles. The consciousness during sleep and death. CHAPTER IT. THE ASTRAL PLANE - - 73 The spirit-matter of this plane finer and more highly vitalized than that of the physical plane. It interpenetrates the physical plane. Astral CONTENTS ix PAGE objects are formed of astral matter, but the nature of astral vision causes the untrained seer to make many blunders. Astral forms change with great rapidity. Thought moulds the elemental essence, and the shapes vary with the character of the thought. Great responsibility attached to the thoughts of men. The reason of indefinable fear. The various inhabitants of the plane. The visitors of the plane-Masters, Initiates of various grades, pupils, untrained psychics, the disciple awaiting reincarnation. The astral body described, its changes and development in the body and during sleep. The Lower Quaternary functions on the astral and physical planes. CHAPTER 111. Klmaloka is that part of the astral plane which is inhabited by disembodied entities it represents the intermediate states and varies with the mental and moral conditions of the entity. The klmalokic condition is on each subdivision of the astral plane. The various kinds of astral matter which, during life intermingled, at death separate and become a series of concentric shells. Mans period in each subdivision depends on the density of the shell pertaining to it, his consciousness or unconsciousness on theamount he has worked in thematter. Cases of accident, suicide, or murder may vary with the character X CONTENTS PAGE of the person. The drawbacks of full consciousness in the lower kdmalokic divisions. The divisions and their conditions described. The real use of prayers for the dead and the help that can be given...

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Theosophy, Metaphysics, Classics, Self Help

506 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1897

Reviews

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

To really get a clear intellectual picture of the different levels and layers of higher dimensions such as the Astral, Mental and Casual planes. It a great attempt to understand these realities from a more scientific point of view or rather as an Esoteric Science. Besant explains that the different dimensions are comprised of different levels or frequencies, and each level of each layer is again split into further layers. If you have experiences on higher dimensions and would like to gain a greater understanding of the technicalities of how these dimensions work and how we exist within them this is a fantastic book to have a look at. It can be a very difficult read but as you go on you will begin to get used to the style of language being used so don't let it discourage you at first.

[Autumn Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't been this engulfed in a book in a long time. Never have I ever felt so comforted and stable in my purpose and existence here on earth while simultaneously being equally comforted by the idea of "death". If I could gift every soul a copy of this book I would.

[Esotericob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Besant's "Ancient Wisdom" is likely the best introduction one can have to Theosophy. She clarifies many of the more challenging concepts found in the Theosophical literature in an intuitive, pragmatic way. This book truly fulfills its promise as an "outline" of Theosophical teachings. It provides the reader a broad framework to hang more challenging, specialized ideas on.

The several planes of existence as described in Blavatsky's work will often appear to newcomers as arbitrary dogma, without any practical value. Like many others, I found myself wondering why I should place any stock in these ideas. It was particularly frustrating to encounter such seemingly arbitrary concepts in the context of Theosophy, which otherwise presents an intuitive synthesis of eastern and western wisdom traditions.

Thankfully, this book and several others written by Besant have set me straight. Many of those ideas which at first seemed arbitrary are in fact extremely useful in the context of meditation, mysticism, or whatever spiritual practice one is carrying out. Besant's work is severely under-recognized today, and I believe that Theosophy as a whole would have a better reputation if her work were more well-known. Helena Blavatsky was a genius, but she was a cantankerous person, with little sympathy for the uninitiated. Blavatsky never let the reader forget that she was throwing her pearls before swine. Besant, on the other hand, tried hard to make her ideas accessible to a wider audience, and wrote in a friendly, sympathetic tone.

Strongly recommended to anyone with a propensity for mysticism, sprituality, or the esoteric.

[Mike Lovato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great digestible intro to teosophy. Profoundly explains the different subtle bodies and dimensions such as the astral plane and sectors of existence after death etc. Its a handbook for occultism and theosophy , best beginner book for people interested in theosophy

[King'Samson David Samson Dawit · Rating 5 out of 5]

IPPE...

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my go to books when I want a refresh, Have owned this for many years now and read it many times.....wouldn't want to be without it.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the explanations provided by the author on the subject of the Bardos, Karma and reincarnation. The Theosophical Society have guided a countless number of people in their individual spirtual quest.

[Ravdeep Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for students of Metaphysics

[Ravdeep Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Might be a confusing for someone not well versed with the basics of theosophy and metaphysics

[Betsy]

Rad discovery in the American Academy of Rome library. 1897 edition.