Stars and Stones on the Path: A Practical Manual for Aspirants to Theosophy

Compiled and edited by Dr C.A. Bartzokas, MD · Integrative Theosophical Studies, Series 5 — Living the Life · 54 pages

Where the other volumes are metaphysical, this one is practical, and it says so on its title page: a manual for aspirants to Theosophy. First published in 2002, it belongs to the strand of the series called Living the Life, and its concern throughout is conduct rather than doctrine — what is actually required of someone who intends to put the teaching into practice, and what will get in their way. The stars of the title are the qualities to be cultivated; the stones are the obstacles.

Seven sections carry the argument. Loyalty and devotion to Truth make up the right attitude. Charity and mercy, harmlessness and humbleness, kindness and gentleness define the right approach. A third section sets out the prerequisites for study and self-knowledge, and a fourth describes right conduct as co-operation with Nature, diligent study, fortitude and perseverance in the face of adversity, and above all unconditional love for humanity and for all that lives. The fifth section is given to the stones themselves. The sixth treats chelas, disciples, shravakas and upasans as united in thought and deed, and the seventh closes on the recognition that when you see the light, that light is from you and it is you. The volume also reproduces the Esoteric Section Preliminary Memorandum and sets two historical lists of prerequisites for chelas side by side for comparison.

Read the full text (PDF, 3.8 MB, 54 pages)