of Indian Philosophy " (Berlin, 1907) which, says the reviewer (David Morrison), show that the professor though he has necessarily improv. ed as an exponent of Indian philosophy, has not really progressed in his appreciation of European." This statement is truly pathetic for one who would try to find out how far Mind and the other philosophical journals have progressed in their appreciation of Indian philosophy (the very mentioning of which is in them something almost unheard of). There is, in fine, a notice on an article of the German journal "Archiv für Systematische Philosophie" which cannot fail evoking interest. The leading idea of Oscar Ljungströms "Plan of a new Philosophy" is that "the glimmering consciousness of new creative impulses and the beginnings of a higher faculty of knowledge point to the creation of a kingdom higher than the human."

DR. F. OTTO Schråder.

[The paper on Anattā and Re-incarnation referred to last month (p. 85) will appear not in the Buddhist but in the Ceylon National Review.-F.O.S.]

As for us who are hearers of the Gnosis, of Theosophy, wherever it is to be found, it would be unwise to reject any experience of those who have gone before upon the way. Whether we call it the Gnosis of the Mind with the followers of Thrice-greatest Hermes, or the Gnosis of the Truth as Marcus does, or by many another name given it by the Gnostics of that day, it matters little; the great fact is that there is Gnosis, and that men have touched her sacred robe and been healed of the vices of their souls; and the mother-vice of the soul is ignorance, as Hermes says. But this ignorance is not ignorance of the arts and sciences and the rest, but ignorance of God; it is a true a-theism, the root-superstition of the human mind and heart-the illusion that prevents a man realising the oneness of his true self with the Divine.— The Gnosis of the Mind, by G. R. S. Mead.

REVIEW S.

TRISTAN AND ISOLDE.*

AN INTERPRETATION.

To read theosophically the grand works of art, whether in print or color, in prose or poetry, is a beneficial study, and therefore we welcome this pamphlet interpreting one of great Wagner's masterpieces. To the materialist Wagner, Goethe and others of this stamp are only poets of high imagination; to the theosophist they speak in no uncertain terms of deep truths about man and nature. The pamphlet under review clearly shows how with theosophical knowledge one can appreciate Wagner better. The interpretation is not far-fetched. The symbols for which the different characters are made to stand fall in smoothly, without clashing with the whole. In this drama Wagner "treats in great detail of the Ego and its history." "In his previous dramas, which all deal with various soul-stages, he operates rather' on the whole,' telling us by events and scenes rather than by so many words of these soul-stages and the experiences therein." Tristan and Isolde represent Manas and Buddhi in man and the different phases of their individual and collective growth are of practical utility. The pamphlet helps in this study and we recommend it to all theosophical students.

B. P. W.

MYSTICISM. †

This little booklet contains an excellent treatise on "Mysticism and the "Quest" illuminating a dfficult subject in masterly fashion. The Mystic is defined as one who claims the right to live by the light God has given him." "A full mystical life has no room for impractical dreaming, nor would it be possible for the man, who had lighted the mystic candle of the Lord, to leave every earthly love and every earthly duty for the sake of his own soul." Due place is given to the importance of reason, "the balancing faculty, the power of judgment betwixt essentials and non-essentials," for until " reason and faith have kissed each other," God cannot be "known of the heart."

* By Carl Reinheimer, Theosophical Publishing Society, 161, New Bond Street, London, W.

† By Mary Pope, Theosophical Publishing Society, 161, New Bond Street, London, W.

Illustrations from the lives of various mystics, the question of authority, the difference between the mystic and the saint, between meditation and contemplation, the three stages of ascent: 1st, the Purgative Stage, 2nd, the Illuminative, 3rd, the Unitive, etc., make up a most instructive pamphlet, fascinating from beginning to end.

A. SCH.

Very nicely printed and got out is the souvenir of the twenty-second Annual Convention of our American Section held during the month of September last. It is in honor of our late President-Founder and consists of Mrs. Besant's address at the cremation of his body and a very admirable article from the able pen of Mr. C. W. Leadbeater entitled "Faithful unto Death" which gives a glimpse of Colonel Olcott's past. Mr. Leadbeater also says: "He was unconscious for a while after death, but is now fully awake and active. As I was always deeply attached to him, his Master told me to act as a kind of guide to him when necessary, and explain to him whatever he wished. He had always been keenly interested in the powers and possibilities of the astral plane, and as soon as he could see it clearly he was full of eager and insatiable desire to know how everything is done, to understand the rationale of it, and to learn to do it all himself. He has an unusually strong will in certain directions, and that made many of the experiments easy to him even when they were quite new. He is most at home in work which involves the use of power in some way-to fight, to cure, to defend. He is full of big schemes for the future, and is just as enthusiastic as ever about the Society which he loves." Mr. Unger deserves the thanks of the American Section for his fine gift.

The Bihar Theosophical Federation has published a Theosophical Catechism, part first, by Ramasray Prasad to be sold for one anna, postage extra. It treats of " Theosophy and the Theosophical Society."

Mme. Helena Pissareva has translated into Russian H.P.B.'s Voice of the Silence. The book is well-printed and beautifully got out with an English note from the Translator which speaks in praise of our revered H.P.B. At length in her fatherland is H.P.B. getting faithful followers and servants of her Society.

MAGAZINES.

The Theosophic Messenger, September, concludes the "Scientific Basis of Vegetarianism," by Dr. Hall. A short contribution discusses" Is there an orthodox Theosophy ?" and from it we extract : " Brotherhood is the one and only amarynthine bond of union in this life. Brotherhood does not know personal gratification; it does not indulge in vituperation; it is not ambitious; it is a stranger to self-aggrandisement. Its watchword is simplicity. It teaches self-abnegation and disinterested service, especially toward those who oppose, or who, we think, oppose us." A number of short interesting articles are contributed, all nice and useful. The query department contains some excellent answers by Mr. C. W. Leadbeater, especially one in which a clear exposition on Karma in relation to death by accidents is given. The answer is too lengthy to be reproduced here. The Messenger is growing in the power of service and those who look after it deserve thanks and encouragement.

Theosophy in India, September, reprints the first part of a very fine lecture of the late Colonel Olcott on the " T.S. and its aims" given in Bombay in 1879. Gangānāth Jha writes on "Universal Brotherhood justified at the bar of philosophy," Seeker on "The Rationale of the Aşrams." Correspondence and business notes make up the number.

In October number Colonel Olcott's lecture is continued; Seeker's article is concluded; and among other things there is a short contribution entitled "Necessity for Morality."

The Vahan, September, has business notes and a couple of interesting questions and answers.

Theosophy in Australasia, September, as usual commences with interesting "Outlook" and is followed by "The Besant Lectures," "The Voices of Joan of Arc," "The Earth as an Entity," "Christianity in India," by Mr. John, and "Jesus, the Man." Questions and answers and business notes bring a readable number to a close.

Theosophy in New Zealand, September, contains various notes of interest besides "Mrs. Besants Visit," "The Law of Karma in operation as revealed by Astrology," etc.

The South African Bulletin, September, contains usual editorial notes which speak of new Lodges formed and Mr. Nelson's article on the "Unmanifest made Manifest " is continued, followed by notes and

news.

The C. H. C. Magazine, October, has interesting paragraphs from our President's pen in the opening pages. The number also contains

"The Pushkaram Festival at Rajahmundry," concluding portion of "Kumar Jagat Sinha," "Dewan Bahadur S. Shrinivasa Raghava Aiyengar, c.I.E.," "The Great Car of Jagannath," by Psy. Che., " Happiness,' the fifth instalment of Indian Geographical Series speaking of Trinomali, "Agriculture in South Travancore," "Krishna Kumari," by Josephine Ransom-a fine piece-"Shri Balaji," "Stray Thoughts on Svadeshism," and "Advice of a noble father to his illustrions son"-Shahji to the great Shivaji. Correspondence and notes make up an excellent number full of readable matter. Their Excellencies the Viceroy and Lady Minto will visit the College in the first week of December.

Sons of India. This is a new monthly to be issued on the 17th every time. Mr. G. S. Arundale, the indefatigable worker in the cause of Indian education, who is the Vice-Principal of the C.H.C. at Benares, takes charge of the editor's work. It is the organ of the newly formed Order of the Sons and Daughters of India. Our President explains the reason of this new movement under "Ourselves." The constitution of the "Sons of India" is treated by the editor which says that the head of the order is a chief supported by a Supreme Council which is assisted by Consistories, Chapters and Lodges with Wardems as head. The Order consists of pledged and unpledged members. The motto of the order is "I serve" and its color golden yellow. The monthly will cost only annas 8 for nonmembers and annas 4 for those belonging to the Order. We wish the new Order all success. May it do the noble work expected of it and fulfill its great mission.

The American Theosophist, September, contains "The Hidden Side of Life," by Mr. C. W. Leadbeater, "The Moral Aspect of Vegetarianism," "Consciousness," and "The Occultism of the Shakespeare Plays," by the editor. "Hints to young students" is continued.

The Message of Theosophy, September, has contributions on "Perseverance," "Theosophy and its teachings," "Jupiter," Claims of Christianity" and "Gnosis of the Buddha."

The Lotus Journal, September, has a very nice piece from the able pen of Bro. C. W. Leadbeater entitled "Follow the King" in which he discourses on the value of patriotism and gives a fine description of the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the late Queen Victoria as observed by the gifted seer with a higher sight and it forms an instructive study. Mrs. Besant's "Religion and Psychology" is concluded and Miss Mallet coutinues her "Outlines of Theosophy."

The Adyar Bulletin, October, has as usual Headquarters Notes by the President. She also contributes the first instalment of "The Search