ISBN: 9781557001962
In this second volume readers will find a wealth of theosophical teachings, history, and guidance. Nearly half the book comprises articles from several magazines, as well as Judge's presentations at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he chaired the Theosophical Congress. The remaining sections include "Hidden Hints in The Secret Doctrine"; "Questions from The Vahan," The Theosophical Forum, and The Path; "Abridgement of Discussions"; and "Faces of Friends." What is striking about Judge's writing is his exceptional ability to condense a powerful line of thinking into simple language. If we may characterize the contents of Volume I as coming from the plane of "pure buddhi" or intuition as H. P. Blavatsky once remarked of Judge's Path magazine much of the material in this second volume, while covering a broad philosophic territory, brings the reader more closely in touch with the secular and practical side of Theosophy. Here we learn more about how people responded to the reintroduction and challenge of theosophic wisdom in modern times. The effects were both elevating and unsettling, and one of Judge's primary efforts was to try to help as many as possible establish surer footing on this newly rising continent of spiritual-scientific thought. One result of H. P. Blavatsky's groundbreaking works was a flood of questions sent to Judge on every conceivable topic: What happens to us after death? Can this be known? Do we have a soul? Can it be lost? What happens to suicides? Is it possible to receive in dreams answers to questions about right conduct? Should psychic powers be developed? Are celibacy and vegetarianism necessary to lead a spiritual life? What evidence is there for the existence of advanced humans or mahatmas? Why don t they make themselves better known? How does one enter the spiritual path and live the life in a practical way? How can one serve mankind? Judge's responses to these and scores of other questions and problems have timely relevance, providing helpful insight into similar issues arising in today s spiritual ferment.
William Quan Judge was born in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1851. His family emigrated in 1864 to New York where he specialized in corporate law (New York State Bar, 1872). A co-founder with H. P. Blavatsky and Henry S. Olcott of The Theosophical Society in 1875, he later became General Secretary of its American Section and Vice President of the international Society. In this capacity he organized and presided over the Theosophical Congress at the World’s Parliament of Religions held in Chicago during the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Writing and lecturing from coast to coast, he made theosophy known and respected throughout America. He died in New York City on March 21, 1896.
Books
Bhagavad-Gita combined with Essays on the Gita
Echoes of the Orient, Vol. 1: The Writings of William Quan Judge
Echoes of the Orient, Vol 2: The Writings of William Quan Judge
Echoes of the Orient, Vol. 3: The Writings of William Quan Judge