REVIEW S.

ECHOES FROM THE GNOSIS. VOL. X."

We have received the 10th Volume of Mr. Mead's Echocs from the Gnosis, dealing with the ancient Gnostic poem, which he entitles "The Hymn of the Robe of Glory." He tells us that it has been known by other names--such as "The Hymn of the Soul" and "The Song of Deliverance". But in the absence by loss of its primary title, Mr. Mead considers that "The Hymn of the Robe of Glory," best describes the scope of the poem.

It was written originally in old Syriac, a copy of which is in manuscript in the British Museum, bearing the date A.D. 936. There is besides a version in Greek, which has been lately discovered at Rome; and also a summary by an Archbishop of Thessalonica prior to the XIth century. By some strange chance, it was introduced into a Syriac translation from the Greek of The Acts of Judas Thomas, the Apostle, and is supposed to have been a hymn sung by him, when he was imprisoned in the "country of the Indians." Although it cannot be asserted positively, yet there seems little doubt that the poem was from the pen of Bardasanes or Bardaisan, "the last of the Gnostics," who lived between A. D. 155 and 233-the author of 150 Psalms and Hymns "On the model of the Psalm-collection of the second temple, "

The Poem, in many parts, bears a striking resemblance to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and again it presents an exposition of the Parable of the "Merchantman seeking goodly pearls" and finding at last the "One pearl of great price."

The key-note of the whole poem is the search for and finding of the pearl-" the light-spark," the ray of the Logos, the Christ-nature in man, hidden in the body-of which Egypt, where the pearl was found, is the type. Incorporated with the key-note, and forming its harmonious surrounding, is the description of the "Ineffable Vesture," with which the pearl seeker and finder was clothed; a vesture, twofold in its nature, spoken of as the Robe of Glory and the Purple Mantle-signifying the Heavenly Dwelling of

the Initiated Man.

Another remarkable point is the duality of the Father's Son :

* By G. R. S. Mead. Theosophical Publishing Society, 161, New Bond Street, London, W.

the Son who remained-the Supernal Man, and the Son who went forth the Christ, who won the pearl "yet are they both one.

The fourth point, is the "Letter" which was given to the pearl seeker, sealed by the Father," so that it shall not be torn to pieces in descending through the regions or planes." The mystical interpretation of the letter seems to be the "plan woven out of the permanencies of a man's previous incarnations, passing down through all the planes, till it reaches the natural body on the physical plane."

It is impossible in the small space available to enter into all the symbolic meanings of this wonderful spiritual poem, as set forth in this remarkable book. The volume is divided into four parts: the preamble, the poem itself, comments, and notes, the latter dissecting the poem, almost line by line. It is a masterly exposition, and will well repay the study of the earnest student, who is not afraid to dig deeply into its mystical teaching.

UNE AME DE FEMME. *

M. O. M-S.

A Woman's Soul is a theosophical novel in which the author shows what high ideals ought to guide all artists in their daily life, in order that their works may really act as "the leaven that leaveneth the whole lump." It has been objected, and perhaps correctly, that this novel is not of the kind that people will rush to buy, because it is so full of teachings which the general public cannot understand or appreciate. But though an author wishes to have as great a circulation as possible for his works, he must not cater to the taste of a perverted public, but rather lead his readers on so that they will appreciate his high ideals, as is well portrayed in the work under review. It would take too much space to quote all the beautiful thoughts expressed mostly by the heroine of the book; suffice it to mention the following: "Whatever you may do, put your whole soul into it; do not allow your thought to wander wherever it likes, be its absolute master. If you create a work of art, give it all your attention; do the same if you are adding up figures or writing labels; force your thought to fix itself entirely on your work; never do one thing while thinking of another; there are no details in the life of the wise man; every moment of our day has its importance."

* By M. Reepmaker, Paris,

C. K.

A BRAINY DIET FOR THE HEALTHY.*

The above treatise on the diet question will be welcome to those who seek confirmation for their preference of a mixed diet.

The different kinds of foodstuffs are discussed and cooking recipes given, the net result being that meat, fish and dairy produce take the first place, in the opinion of the author, as brain-producing food. Vegetables prevent the formation of an excess of uric acid; fruit is admitted to be an excellent food for the healthy, but should be taken moderately, as many diseases can be traced to an inordinate use, and because it decreases the appetite for meat and vegetables. Vegetarians are warned that they may die of brain-starvation, that the indigestible cereals, pulses and nuts are detrimental to brain-workers and cause a prematurely aged appearance, ill-health and often premature death!

Much may of course be said for a mixed diet from a purely physical point of view, but the arguments brought forward will hardly convert vegetarians, especially those who take the higher aspects of the food question into consideration.

SHRIMAT BHAGAVAD GITA. †

A. SCH.

The book is very neatly got up and is available for four annas. It is printed in the Devanagari type and is intended for those who want the sacred song for Pārāyanam'. The publisher has done a useful service to the Samskṛt-reading public by printing this sacred book in such a handy shape and in bold characters.

SONS OF THE SUN. ‡

A. K. S.

The book must appeal to many readers, for there is a wealth of thought in the poems, as well as charm of style and originality. It is gratifying to note that popular American writers, with firm convictions of their own, are giving out such thought, instilling into their readers the desire to understand the true meaning of life, teaching them that there is a much deeper significance in the seeming than they have generally understood, if they would only search for it.

* By Sophie Leppel, L. N. Fowler & Co., London,

M. B. R.

† Printed by Mr. T. K. Balasubramhanya Aiyer, B.A., of the Shri Vani Vilas Press, Srirangam.

By Martha Virginia Burton, Chicago,

MODERNE GESUNDHEITSBAUTEN.*

Modern Health-Institutions gives an outline of theosophic doctrines, showing how they apply in architecture to the construction of our houses, their inner arrangement, furnishing and ornamentation, all of which should be in harmony with and symbolise the seven principles in man, so as to be conducive to our highest physical, moral and spiritual well-being and development. Readers find a description of such a building erected in Herisau (Switzerland) and the booklet closes with an appeal on behalf of the "Society for the erection of Institutions for public welfare "whose Secretary is Carl Beck in Ebingen (Württemberg) Jägerstrasse 199.

A. SCH.

The article on "The Æther of Space" by Mrs. Besant and Mr. Leadbeater in the June Theosophist is translated into Italian.

Gurudershena is a Gujrāti booklet interesting and well-written. The writer seems to have studied our literature. Those treading the path of Devotion will find a few nice reflexions to think over.

We have received from Germany a pamphlet issued as two lectures by Annie Besant. They are translations from some Dutch reports, and contain some serious errors. No translations even of written books should be issued without the consent of the author being asked, and translations of translations of speeches, which have not even been seen by the speaker, are very undesirable, since they may, as in this case, put into the speaker's mouth errors for which he is not responsible, and which he can rarely contradict.

MAGAZINES.

The Theosophical Review, September, contains the second instalment of Mr. Mead's "Stray Notes on the Christ- Mystery," "The Revelations of B. Angela of Foligno," by Dr. Wells, "The Supremacy of the Will," "The Contemplative," by Michael Wood, "Goethe's Outlook on Life ""The True Basis of Education," etc.

The Theosophic Messenger, August, contains a nice contribution on "Abul Fazl," by C. Jinarājaḍāsa. Mr. Warrington writes on "Personal Purity." "The Pose of Martyrdom" is a readable piece. "The Scientific Basis of Vegetarianism," by Prof. Winfield S. Hall, Ph. D., M. D., of North-Western University Medical School, Mercy

By Baumeister H. Grunwald, Leipzig.

and Western Hospital, Chicago, who is a lecturer on dietetics, is a very useful contribution. The Query Department in charge of Mr. C. W. Leadbeater is as usual instructive; the answers are worth serious reading." Letter from Adyar " is copied from the Adyar Bulletin.

Theosophy in Australasia, August, contains "The Besant Lectures," "The Voices' of Joan of Arc," " A. B.-Impressions-and a Result," "The Pathway of the Active Life," by Mr. John, etc.

66

Theosophy in New Zealand, August, has " A Buddhist Story " copied from Texts from the Buddhist Canon, Questions and Answers" and other usual Notes.

Revue Théosophique, August, contains a translation of Mrs. Besant's "The Place of Masters in Religions," "Conscience," by Dr. Pascal, etc.

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The South African Bulletin, August, with "Editorial Notes" and "News and Activities" has an article by Mr. C. E. Nelson on The Unmanifest made Manifest."

The C. H. C. Magazine, September, concludes "Some Aspects of Political Evolution," by Mr. Corley. Mrs. Besant's article on "Nationalism v. Provincialism is very instructive. Other small contributions make up a very good number.

The Lotus Journal, August, has the concluding portion of Mrs. Besant's lecture on "Religion and Psychology." Miss Mallet writes on "Beethoven." It is an interesting number.

American Theosophist, August, continues to be interesting. The number contains "Karma and Fatalism," "Mediumship and Clairvoyance," ," "The Gospel of Joy," "Clairvoyance and Clairaudience,” by Hilda Hodgson-Smith, "Brotherhood through Language by A. P. Warrington, the fifth instalment of "Hints to Young Students," Vegetarianism," etc.

Among our foreign magazines we have also received: The Cuban Revista Teosófica, June-July; German Neue Lotus Blüten of Dr. Hartmann, Finnish Tietäjä, including, along with various translations, "The Miracle of the Cross," by V. H. V.; Scandinavian Teosofisk Tidskrift for July-August; the East Indies De GuldenKeten; Italian Ultra; Spanish Sophia; the South American La Verdad; all for August; The Modern Astrology, containing "The Signs of the Zodiac analysed" and other interesting matter, The Modern Review with a beautiful colored picture of Rāja Rammohun Roy and very readable matter printed neatly and well. Also, The Vedic Magazine, The Dawn, The Brahmavadin and The Mysore Review, for July; The Oriental Mystic Myna, The Prabuddha Bharata, Notes and Queries,