Previously published in Hermes, 1975-1989. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents:
Volume I. God, nature and man -- Volume II. The golden thread -- Volume III. The pilgrimage of humanity.
Summary:
"The Gupta Vidya contains the Theosophical writings of Raghavan N. Iyer, published in Hermes from 1975 through 1989 and collected and revised by himself. This first volume provides an overview of the Gupta Vidya, the timeless teachings of Theosophy, focusing on the nature of deity and septenary composition of both Nature and the human beings. Beginning with an overview of Theosophy and its ageless wisdom, essays illuminate the self-existent nature of deity beyond all thought and conception, the creative logos behind and within the sevenfold manifestation of existence, the nature of consciousness and the highest principle, Atman. Then the whole of involution and evolution is set out in a cosmic context and with special reference to the human being as an immortal soul, the real Man in each individual, and its role in the evolutionary process. The last section of essays surveys the nature of consciousness and self-consciousness at their various levels of activity. The second volume of the Gupta Vidya elaborates the ageless teachings of the Wisdom-Religion as a mighty spiritual stream, sometimes hidden but alwasy present, behind the entire history of humanity and demostrates its relevance to humanity today and in the future. After tracing this life-giving knowledge as a golden thread through history, Iyer turns to classic sacred texts of Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity to show the transmission of the fundamental doctrines by diverse spiritual teachers in various religions, all concentrating on the power of self-transformation and consciously choosing a meaningful life within the context of the whole of humanity and the cosmos. His essays then elucidate the universal ideas of karma and reincarnation and their implications for immortality, consciousness, choice and self-determination. The final section shows how the universal perspective of Theosophy can be made practical in daily life through meditation, a deepened sense of self, throughtfulness and transcendence, and a profound sense of the ethical life which is co-extensive with the whole of existence. Following on a rich presentation of the timeless teachings of Theosophy, the third volume of the Gupta Vidya turns to human evolution and its pilgrimage from a past lost to history, its present situation, and the long future. Rather than a chronological history, the essays set out the elements of humanity's past that are relevant to the present and future within the context of karma and reincarnation, demonstrating that each individual is on a pilgrimage fundamental to the whole of existence. Chapters then focus on the possiblity of Enlightenment or full Self-realization as part of that whole and detail what is involved in such spiritual growth and self-transformation, including renunciation, attention, will, perception, and knowledge, integration, and true freedom. A section elaborates the renowned Yoga Sutras of Patanjali on meditation, and the final set of essays show how all such teachings can apply to one's life for spiritual growth. Throughout the three volumes, practical suggestions are offered to the aspiring reader who seeks to awaken ever deeper levels of conscious awareness of self and world in the service of universal welfare."--Jacket "Shri Raghavan Iyer was a profound and magnanimous teacher of Theosophia - the Wisdom-Religion. The luminous essays in this volume represent the efflorescence of a life-time dedicated to the great cause of the Theosophical Movement: universal brotherhood. They were written for Everyman and will continue to benefit the ready and receptive readers of every race, religion and civilization for centuries to come."--Amazon.ca description
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.