The Key to Theosophy

The Key to Theosophy is an 1889 book by Helena Blavatsky expounding the principles of theosophy in a readable question-and-answer manner. It covers Theosophy and the Theosophical Society Nature of the Human Being Life After Death Reincarnation Kama-Loka and Devachan the Human Mind Practical Theosophy and the Mahatmas. The book is an introduction to Theosophical mysticism and esoteric doctrine.Nonviolent activist Mohandas Gandhi spoke of it in his autobiography: This book stimulated in me the desire to read books on Hinduism and disabused me of the notion fostered by the missionaries that Hinduism was rife with superstition.Contents Preface Section 1: Theosophy and the Theosophical Society The Meaning of the NameThe Policy of the Theosophical SocietyThe Wisdom-Religion Esoteric in all AgesTheosophy is not BuddhismSection 2: Exoteric and Esoteric Theosophy What the Modern Theosophical Society is notTheosophists and Members of the T. S.The Difference between Theosophy and OccultismThe Difference between Theosophy and SpiritualismWhy is Theosophy accepted?Section 3: The Working System of the T. S. The Objects of the SocietyThe Common Origin of ManOur other ObjectsOn the Sacredness of the PledgeSection 4: The Relations of the Theosophical Society to Theosophy On Self-ImprovementThe Abstract and the ConcreteSection 5: The Fundamental Teachings of Theosophy On God and PrayerIs it Necessary to Pray?Prayer Kills Self-RelianceOn the Source of the Human SoulThe Buddhist Teachings on the aboveSection 6: Theosophical Teachings as to Nature and Man The Unity of All in AllEvolution and IllusionOn the Septenary Constitution of our PlanetThe Septenary Nature of ManThe Distinction between Soul and SpiritThe Greek TeachingsSection 7: On the Various Post-Mortem States The Physical and the Spiritual ManOur Eternal Reward and Punishment; and on NirvanaOn the Various Principles in ManSection 8: On Re-Incarnation or Re-Birth What is Memory according to Theosophical Teaching?Why do we not Remember our Past Lives?On Individuality and PersonalityOn the Reward and Punishment of the EgoSection 9: On the Kama-Loka and Devachan On the Fate of the Lower PrinciplesWhy Theosophists do not believe in the Return of Pure SpiritsA few Words about the SkandhasOn Post-mortem and Post-natal ConsciousnessWhat is really meant by AnnihilationDefinite Words for Definite ThingsSection 10: On the Nature of Our Thinking Principle The Mystery of the EgoThe Complex Nature of ManasThe Doctrine is Taught in St. John''s GospelSection 11: On the Mysteries of Re-Incarnation Periodical Re-birthsWhat is Karma?Who are Those who Know?The Difference between Faith and Knowledge; or Blind and Reasoned FaithHas God the Right to Forgive?Section 12: What Is Practical Theosophy? DutyThe Relations of the T. S. to Political ReformsOn Self-SacrificeOn CharityTheosophy for the MassesHow Members can Help the SocietyWhat a Theosophist ought not to doSection 13: On the Misconceptions about the Theosophical Society Theosophy and AsceticismTheosophy and MarriageTheosophy and EducationWhy then is there so much Prejudice against the T. S.?Is the Theosophical Society a Money-making Concern?The Working Staff of the T. S.Section 14: The Theosophical Mahatmas Are They Spirits of Light or Goblins Damn''d?The Abuse of Sacred Names and TermsConclusion: The Future of the Theosophical Society