Preserved in the British Library, they were written between 1880 and 1884 to Alfred P. Sinnett, editor of a leading Anglo-Indian newspaper, The Pioneer. His correspondents were two Mahatmas whom H. P. Blavatsky has acknowledged as her teachers and the inspirers of her Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine. First published in 1923, this important volume is filled with sublime philosophical and ethical instruction, revealing not only far-reaching concepts of religious and scientific thought (since proven in large degree prophetic), but also practicality, warmth of heart, patience, and ripeness of humor. The letters, moreover, yield a clearer understanding of H. P. Blavatsky and of the Mahatmas' aim in fostering universal brotherhood.

    This inquiry into Gnosticism examines the character, history, and beliefs of a brave and vigorous spiritual quest that originated in the ancient Near East and continues into the present day.Lawrence Durrell writes, “This is a strange and original essay, more a work of literature than of scholarship, though its documentation is impeccable. It is as convincing a reconstruction of the way the Gnostics lived and thought as D.H. Lawrence’s intuitive recreation of the vanished Etruscans.”“A remarkable book for both knowledge and the understanding of Gnostic texts, so abstruse at first sight, and for the poetical interpretation of the Gnostic movement across history. Lacarriere is particularly well informed about the various currents and undercurrents of Gnosticism, and their perennial importance for the religious and the mystic mind.” — Marguerite YourcenarJacques Lacrarriere (1925-2005) was a French writer who studied philosophy and classic literature and was known for his work as a critic, journalist, and essayist. In 1991, he received le Grand Prix de l'Academie francaise (The Great Prize of the French Academy).

    Mishra, M.D., combines his definitive translation with an inspiring interpretation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Patanjali's ancient formulae for self-analysis make this text crucial to the proper understanding of the philosophy, psychology and practice of Yoga. An extensive Introduction provides a lucid and thorough examination of the Sankhya Yoga Philosophy from which the Yoga Sutras emerged. The accessibility of Dr. Mishra's translation of the Yoga Sutras has made this the favorite among beginning Yoga students, while experienced yogis and novices both appreciate the clarity of his commentaries on each sutra. Dr. Mishra's interpretation is unique in placing this ancient work in a modern context, examining Yoga psychology in the light of recent advances in psychiatry, psychology and parapsychology. Increasing its value as a reference, this edition features a new Appendix with the entire text of the Yoga Sutras in the original Sanskrit and in a transliterated form, with a revised, literal English translation by the author.

    Its composition extended for over seven hundred years, and here we offer the reader the first two works which were composed in South India between 100 B.C. and A.D. 100. These documents are not only indispensable to those who wish to undersand the mentality of the East, they still carry a potent spiritual message; and those who desire to diminish their personal worries by the disciplined contemplation of spiritual truths could make no better choice.

    Portions are preserved in the surviving sections of Origen's commentary on John, written about 50 years later, c. 230. Origen extensively quotes, then responds to Heracleon. For an extensive analysis of Heracleon's Commentary, see Pagels' The Johannine Gospel in Gnostic Exegesis: Heracleon's Commentary on John, her 1st book, based on her 1970 doctoral dissertation.AcknowledgmentsAbbreviationsIntroductionJn 1.1-4 in Gnostic ExegesisThe Johannine Prologue in Valentinian ExegesisJohn the Baptist in Valentinian ExegesisThe Temple in Valentinian ExegesisTwo Types of ConversionValentinian Anthropology: Generation & SeedSythesis: The Experiential Focus of Valentinian TheologyGlossary-Index of Technical Greek TermsIndex of Biblical Passages & Other ReferencesIndex of Persons & Subjects

    It explains the foundation of yoga practices — their philosophical, psychological, cosmological, ethical, and religious doctrines — and compares the essential features of Rājayoga with other yoga systems.The first of its two parts deals with yoga metaphysics, delineating the characteristics and functions of Prakrti and Purusa, the reality of the external world, and the process of evolution. The second part expounds yoga ethics and practice, with emphasis on yoga method, stages of samādhi, and related topics.Both beginners and experienced yoga practitioners will find this classic volume a useful and inspiring reference.