Initiates of Theosophical Masters

by K. Paul Johnson

The author examines the careers of the most distinguished disciples of the Theosophical Masters. He begins by examining the concept of initiation promoted by the Theosophical movement's founders. Each section investigates a separate category of initiates, focusing consecutively on Hindus, Muslims, Bahais, Buddhists, and the Western female occultists. More than just a study of Theosophy, this book explores many related developments in political and religious history. Among the figures it illumines in new ways are Anagarika Dharmapala, Alexandra David-Neel, George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff, and Isabelle Eberhardt. Its approach brings needed objectivity and balance to a topic too long mythologized by cultists and ignored by scholars.

Genres: Theosophy, History

255 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[Amanda]

It's time to liberate space from my bookshelves and let some books go. I'm starting with the Theosophy ones, and picked up this book which I had quickly grabbed at a used bookstore in Ottawa (Black Squirrel) ages ago. I have realised it was about the history of Theosophy and was pleasantly surprised!

This is book follows a previous one, which I kind of wish I had. I would probably have understood it better. 

That said, this one had a prologue that I found was SUPER in the way it simply  summarized the story of the Theosophical Society, the areas of interest, politics, the impact, politely pointing out the "crazy", and dropping the names to help me understand the web of influence on Western Occultism & Esotericism. Seriously I might photocopy the prologue.

I might only flash through the rest of this book to read about certain big names, but then again, it's only about 200 pages. 

This is a pleasant surprise, because I did anticipate burning most of my Theosophy books when done reading. I just can't imagine someone wanting them, but I'll promise I'll ask around first ;-)