Hi all,
my studies have led me to this book, The Secret Teachings Of All Ages, by Manly P. Hall. Although not listed as a Theosphy book as such, Hall was a member of the Theosophical Society, as well as an active member of the Freemasons, and the mentions that HPB gets in this book are given respectfully and accurately. In this work, Hall writes about the occult aspects of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hermetic Occultism and those of many other world religions, cross-referencing them in much the same way as HPB did in The Secret Doctrine. I am in the very early stages of reading this work at present, so a more comprehensive review will follow for those who are interested.

Seeker,

Let us know how it goes. Let us know which of those ideas do and do not fit into your belief system. (Let us know which of those ideas are and are not Theosophical ideas.)

Yes Manly Hall was a theosophist; whether a member or not, or any TS. I heard him talk a time or two. He was of huge girth in his later years, with a noble visiage. He would hold forth from a big chair on stage, never using notes and teach from experience and study.

It is not well known that after the blitz of London destroyed the plates for the four volumes of the Complete Works of Blavatsky, Manly Hall was the sponsor/publisher of the new volume five of the new series, edited by Boris de Zirkoff, and now titled the Collected Writings of Blavatsky.

Thank you Seeker. I will be adding your suggested reading to my list. I find the subject both interesting and important. I am a person who likes to connect the dots, cross the "T's" and such, so Mr Hall's take on the theosophical similarities in world religions will go a long way to underscore, validate and provide further reference for HPB's clasical "Secret Doctrine."

Mr. Steel, first TS president has pointed out in "Old Diary Leaves" that Mme. Blavatsky would take a little from here, a little from there and would piece them together without corrolation to date and period for reference in her own works. Mr. Halls content might prove particulary supportive if we can indeed relate the information to specific periods, cultures and ages.

Once again we see the Freemasons cropping up as a background for our founding Theosophists. It surprises me sometimes that our current followers don't take up that interest, but go straight to Buddhism. Clearly Freemasonry thinking was part and parcel to the mental makeup of all those who would be leaders of our great society.

You mention Hermetic Occultism. I have been running across that many times in my own studies. I have a mental note to follow through on my promise to myself to understand that ancient schoold of thought that seems to have influenced so very many others to follow, or to at least, to follow along the same path.

Please let us know if anything significant is uncovered in your initial reading. I am starting to read authors I had no particular interest in early on, and I am finding many holes in my perceptions and understanding are being filled.

Blessings,

Christian

Great tale, Nicholas. It certainly adds more meaning to his contributions and I will be sure to read Hall's book, as recommended by Seeker.

I have listened to De Zirkoff's many lectures and find him both entertaining and knowledgeable, and a speaker who offers his audience new or expanded views on classical Theosophical teachings.

Christian