“Five Years of Theosophy” holds its place among the core texts of the early theosophical movement. It is composed of a series of articles drawn from the Theosophist, the primary theosophical periodical that was under the editorship of H.P. Blavatsky in its early days. It’s articles cover a wide array of topics, from the mystical to the scientific, addressing some of the core ideas of the theosophical philosophy and often revealing concepts treated only partially in other works.

Among its articles we find a most mystical tract “The Elixir of Life”, a wonderful article on “Contemplation” by Damodar Mavalankar, several articles on the nature of Chelaship and practical theosophy (some from the pen of H.P.B. herself), articles by T. Subba Row, including the notable “Brahmanism on the Sevenfold Principle in Man”, and dozens more from prominent theosophists. This work provides not only a vivid window into the life and thought of the early Theosophical Society, but brings insight into the heart of what it is to be a theosophist, to walk the path of chelaship, and hints at several of the deepest, most profound doctrines of the philosophy. It is a work highly recommended for all theosophists who wish to bring themselves into accord with the initial impulse of the movement.

The full text can be read online here: http://www.phx-ult-lodge.org/five-years.htm

Full Title and Contents

Five Years of Theosophy

MYSTICAL, PHILOSOPHICAL,
THEOSOPHICAL, HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC
ESSAYS

Selected from “The Theosophist”
1885

Contents