Resources
Ways to enhance your study
School of the Wisdom
Adyar … November 2024
Transformative Power of The Secret Doctrine
Human Constitution
This Table presents an overview of the Human Constitution according to the teachings of H. P. Blavatsky. If you are not thoroughly familiar with it, it may be useful to print it out and keep it in your book to consult as you read the chapters.
Table can be found on p5 – Evolution of the Higher Conscious.
Print Table Human Constitution – PDF
Websites for Study
Click on the title for to be redirected to the site.
HPB’s Theosophical Glossary – definitions of the terms HPB used for her writings.
Theosophy Wiki – collaborative Theosophical encyclopedia
The Secret Doctrine (book) – Concepts in the SD – Three Fundamental Propositions – Stanzas of Dzyan
Theosophical Web Search – online search on theosophical websites
Archive.org – a free online digital website with uploads from the TS in America and Krotona Institute of Theosophy
Universal Theosophy – an online version of The Secret Doctrine.
Theosophical Classics – downloadable app to search all HPB’s book, and a few others, get the app from the TS in America.
You can also search topics the old fashioned way by using the hard copy of The Secret Doctrine Index.
PowerPoint Presentations
Click on the name of the presentation.
DAY 1
(Pablo) TPSD 1 – Introduction
(Michele) TPSD 1 – Creating Sacred Spaces
DAY 2
(Pablo) TPSD 2 – Yoga of Wisdom
(Michele) TPSD 2 – Recapitulation and Reinforcement
DAY 3
(Pablo) TPSD 3 – How to Study
(Michele) TPSD 3 – How to Study
DAY 4
(Pablo) TPSD 4 – Methods of Study
(Michele) TPSD 4 – Methods of Study
DAY 5
(Pablo) TPSD 5 – Four Basic Ideas
DAY 6
(Pablo) TPSD 6 – Cosmic Perspective
(Michele) TPSD 6- Four Basic Ideas
DAY 7
(Pablo) TPSD 7 – First Fundamental Proposition
(Michele) Evolution of the Higher Consciousness – Companion Guide
DAY 8
(Pablo) TPSD 8 – Second and Third Fundamental Propositions
(Michele) TPSD 8 – Meditative Inquiry & Fundamental Propositions
DAY 9
(Pablo) TPSD 9 – Stanzas of Dzyan
(Michele) TPSD 9 – First Stanza Meditation Day
DAY 10
(Pablo) TPSD 10 – Ethical Dimension
(Michele) TPSD 10 – Ethics
Book Recommendations
The Divine Plan by Geoffrey Barborka (1961) … is a presentation of the material in the SD, rearranging its main concepts into chapters dealing with topics.
The Secret Doctrine Commentaries by HPB (2010) … A transcription of the shorthand notes from the Blavatsky Lodge meetings held in London in 1889. This small group met with HPB to study in depth the recently published (1888) Secret Doctrine. This work is particularly valuable because it shows HPB directly answering questions, clarifying concepts, and providing insights for understanding the SD. A partial record of this material was originally published as “Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge.”
Living in Wisdom by Joy Mills (1994) … Is a collection of lectures, based on the author’s extensive experience teaching and studying. It is a more contemporary approach to studying the SD. Although she is a well-known theosophist with knowledge in many fields, her main focus was the SD and continuing Virginia Hanson’s work on the Mahatma Letters.
Selected Studies in the Secret Doctrine by Salomon Lancri (1977) … A short systematic and technical outline of the main tenets in HPB’s work. This is a useful guide for some clarification on the main topics of the SD.
Studies in “The Secret Doctrine” by BP Wadia … A collection of articles written in two theosophical journals in the 1920s (vol. 1) and 30s (vol. 2). The essays are not very technical and can give you some sense of the SD.
Theosophical Gleanings by Two Students … originally appeared as a series of articles in the theosophical journal “Lucifer” in 1890. It was written by “Two Students” – Annie Besant and Isabel Cooper-Oakley – and represents one of the earlier attempts to provide a systematic overview of some aspects of the SD.
Man, the Measure of All Things: by Sri Krishna Prem (1969) … Based on the Stanzas found in the first volume of The Secret Doctrine, the author traces the story of the emergence of human consciousness from its divine source. These are his accounts from his study and may veer from HPB’s teachings.
Approaching The Secret Doctrine by Pablo Sender (2022) … offers significantly more than a metaphysical exposition of the subject matter. Part I describes an approach to the SD that turns its study into a form of yoga, helping the student gain deeper insights into higher realities. Part II explores the main teachings of the first volume of the SD, Cosmogenesis, expounding upon them in a clear and systematic way. Diagrams and charts are provided throughout, and all non-English technical terms are translated, removing a common stumbling block encountered by students. Finally, Part III presents an innovative method to apply teachings on cosmic principles to the human mind and consciousness. It also includes a series of meditations and exercises designed to help the earnest student grow in self-knowledge and meet the experiences of daily life from the profound perspective put forth by Blavatsky’s remarkable text. BUY IT HERE or International purchase HERE.
Miscellany
Click on the name of the video.
Branded – Movie Clip #2 (2012): this clip of the movie gives us a nice visual example of Thought-Forms how we give them energy and how that we collectively are influenced by them.
How Wolves Change Rivers: this video about the cascading effect wolves had when introduced back into the wild is a good visual for a few aspects along our spiritual path. One, how small consistent acts make a large difference when given time. Two, each one of the animal participants did just what was expected of them and nothing more. If we can do just our part and let others do theirs we can come individually come together to produce great change.
We invite you to explore the current and upcoming books and projects we’ve been working on. Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.
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Additional Resources to
Evolution of the Higher Consciousness
Main Diagram
This Table presents an overview of the Human Constitution according to the teachings of H. P. Blavatsky. If you are not thoroughly familiar with it, it may be useful to print it out and keep it in your book to consult as you read the chapters.
Print Table Human Constitution – PDF
All the Diagrams
This PowerPoint presents the diagrams found throughout the book, here they are easily accessible for further study and sharing with a group.
Our gratitude to Joe Hasiewicz for developing this visual aid.
Click here for PowerPoint Diagrams.
Just the Quotes
Here you will find all the quotes used in the book, listed chapter by chapter with only some opening commentary for context. We have put this together in hopes you will find inspiration in diving deeper in the scope of HPB’s writings and those of her Teachers, Mahatma K.H. and Morya.
Companion Guide
Below you will find supplemental material presented in a chapter by chapter format, to help you and your group in the study of Evolution of the Higher Consciousness.
Here in one PDF, we have put together of all the separated chapter guides and added an Appendix of supplemental reading. We hope that this is helpful for as an introduction and with the study of the book.
Click here to download the Companion Guide.
En español un Guía de Estudio.
Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments.
Happy study.
Michele and Pablo 🙂
Preface and Introduction
Below you will find supplemental material presented to help you and your group in the study of Evolution of the Higher Consciousness. We have started here with the “Preface and Introduction,” where we will explore the Aims of the Book, its Plan, and some helpful hints in the Study of Esoteric Philosophy.
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Video – Here we explain the rationale for Blavatsky’s frequently non-systematic style of writing and the basis for a meditative study of her teachings.
About Blavatsky’s Teachings by Pablo and Michele
2. Study Guide for the Preface and Introduction
3. Suggestion for further reading: Mme. Blavatsky on How to Study Theosophy; Knowledge Comes in Visions
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 1 – Theosophical View of Evolution
There exists in nature a triple evolutionary scheme—the formation of three separate schemes of evolution, which in our system is inextricably interwoven and interblended at every point. These are the Monadic (or spiritual), the Intellectual, and the Physical evolutions.
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Video – In this video, Pablo introduces us to HPB’s triple evolutionary scheme.
2. Study Guide for Chapter 1 – View on Evolution.
3. Suggestion for further reading: The Seven Principles of Man by Annie Besant; The Roots of Modern Theosophy by Pablo Sender; The Roots of Theosophy Diagram
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 2 – Atman: The Higher Self
As Blavatsky stated:
Ātman, the “higher self,” is neither your spirit nor mine, but like sunlight shines on all. It is the universally diffused “divine Principle,” and is inseparable from its one and absolute meta-spirit, as the sunbeam is inseparable from sunlight.
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Video – Here Pablo explains that, “The spirit [ātman], being universal, should not be regarded as a human Principle, in the normal sense of the phrase. In other words, it cannot be said to belong to that fragment of the whole, which we call a human being.”
Ātman by Pablo Sender
2. Study Guide for Chapter 2 – Atman: the Higher Self.
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 3 – The Monad
In Blavatsky’s words:
Understand me, ātman cannot be called infinite consciousness. It is the one absolute, which is conscious non-consciousness. It contains everything, the potentiality of all; therefore, it is nothing at all . . . It is “No Thing,” you understand? ††
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Video – HPB tells us, “The [word] monad is from Greek, [meaning] “One,” the unit, whatever it is…. Ātman in reality is not a unit, but the one universal Principle, and it is simply a ray … which uses buddhi as a vehicle…. Therefore, in reality it is buddhi which is the monad, the one unit.” (SD Commentaries, p. 566)
Video link … coming soon.
2. Study Guide for Chapter 3 – The Monad.
3. Suggestion for further reading: The Monad by CW Leadbeater
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 4 – Manas: The Ego
It is from manas that we get the awareness of being a distinct entity. From the higher manas, we have a pure sense of “I am I,” beyond the identification with a particular personality. From the lower manas, we get a selfish sense of being a separate personality. Instead of the simple and undefined feeling of “I am I,” we have “I am—John Smith.”
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Study Guide for Chapter 4 – Manas: The Ego.
2. Suggestion for further reading: The Seven Principles of Man by Annie Besant (Principle V, pp. 11-26)
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 5 – Kāma: The Animal Soul
As we have seen, in order to gather experience on the physical plane, the higher ego emanates a manasic ray to animate the body. As a consequence, its expression becomes greatly limited. In this “descent,” however, there is something else that happens – the Ray becomes entangled with the kāmic Principle, forming what is known in Theosophical literature as “kāma-manas“.
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Study Guide for Chapter 5 – Kāma: The Animal Soul.
2. Suggestion for further reading: The Seven Principles of Man by Annie Besant (Principle IV, “The Desire Body”)
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 6 – Communication with the Higher
The presence of the antahkarana helps the personality by providing a means for spiritual influence from the higher nature. The communication, however, goes both ways. The antahkarana is not only the source of “all good and noble aspirations” expressing through the lower nature, but is also the bridge to transfer any valuable personal experience to the higher ego.
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Study Guide for Chapter 6 – Communication with the Higher.
2. Suggestion for further reading: Antahkarana at Theosopedia
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 7 – Evolution of the Higher Ego
The Egos, who as divine beings, in order to become one with the whole, need to purify themselves. For this, they must experience the differentiated universe on two levels—as a spiritual Individuality and as a physical personality.
“Manas is immortal, because after every new incarnation it adds to ātma–buddhi something of itself, and thus assimilating itself to the monad, shares its immortality.” (SDv. 1, pp. 243-44)
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Study Guide for Chapter 7 – Evolution of the Higher Ego.
2. Suggestion for further reading: The Causal Body and the Ego by A.E. Powell (chapter 18, “Development and Faculties of the Causal Body”) and Self-Culture by I.K. Taimni (chapter 11, “Development of the Higher Mind”)
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 8 – The State of Manas Taijasa
Blavatsky explains that during life there can be partial union or “commingling” of the fifth [manasic] and sixth [buddhic] Principles. This state is called manas taijasa. The evolution of the spiritual ego is greatly hastened by the aspirant’s efforts to stimulate this state not only in meditation but also in his or her daily life.
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Study Guide for Chapter 8 – The State of Manas Taijasa.
2. Suggestion for further reading: Taijasa Awareness Meditation by Pablo Sender
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 9 – States of Consciousness
In The Voice of the Silence, Blavatsky stated the following: “The three states of consciousness … are jāgrat, the waking; svapna, the dreaming; and suṣupti, the deep sleeping state. These three yogi conditions, lead to the fourth, or … the turīya, that beyond the dreamless state, the one above all, a state of high spiritual consciousness.” (VOS, frag. 1, p. 75)
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Study Guide for Chapter 9 – States of Consciousness.
2. Suggestion for further reading: Occultism in Southern India by T. Subba Row
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 10 – The “Thought-Producer”
For these last two chapters, we will continue to explore some meditative techniques that can help us cultivate the state of manas taijasa. “He who would hear the voice … and comprehend it, he has to learn the nature of dhāraṇā [deep concentration].” (VOS, frag. 1, p. 105)
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Study Guide for Chapter 10 – The Thought Producer.
2. Suggestion for further reading: Some Interesting Aspects on Meditation by I. K. Taimni
We will continue to develop material for the other chapters of the book. Please check back on the website regularly. Notifications will also be on our Facebook page. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com.
Chapter 11 – The Sense of Space
In this last chapter, we will explore part of the Mme. Blavatsky’s Diagram of Meditation as our source for meditation, which begins by prescribing the cultivation of an awareness of being in all space and time.
“First conceive of UNITY by expansion in space and infinite in time (either with or without self-identification). . . .
Note: The conception [to be formed is] “I am all space and time.” Beyond that . . . (it cannot be said). . . .
Then the normal state of our consciousness should be molded by perpetual presence in imagination in all space and time.”
Click on the underlined links to view and download these resources.
1. Study Guide for Chapter 11 – The Sense of Space.
2. Suggestion for further reading: Madam Blavatsky’s Diagram of Meditation
3. Talks by Pablo and Michele, on the Diagram of Meditation:
Beyond the Centralization of Consciousness
Equanimity … coming soon!
Stepping Above Limitations … coming soon!
This is the last chapter, we thank you for your patience as we have developed these Companion Guides for an introduction and as a complement to the study of the book. We hope they have been helpful. Please feel free to contact us with any questions and comments: info@fohatproductions.com. Follow us on Facebook page.
We invite you to explore the current and upcoming books and projects we’ve been working on. Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.
Support our work