The Secret Doctrine

Blavatsky’s masterwork on theosophy, covering cosmic, planetary, and human evolution, as well as science, religion, and mythology. Based on the Stanzas of Dzyan, with corroborating testimony from hundreds of sources. Originally published 1888, the first part of the book explained the origin and evolution of the universe itself, in terms derived from the Hindu concept of cyclical development. Blavatsky attempted to demonstrate that the discoveries of "materialist" science had been anticipated in the writings of ancient sages, and that materialism would be proven wrong.

The Secret Doctrine, the Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy, a book originally published as two volumes in 1888, is Helena P. Blavatsky's magnum opus. The first volume is named Cosmogenesis, the second Anthropogenesis. It was an influential example of the revival of interest in esoteric and occult ideas in the modern age, in particular because of its claim to reconcile ancient Eastern wisdom with modern science.

This volume completes the papers left to Annie Besant by H.P. Blavatsky with the exception of a few scattered articles. Annie had the difficult task of publishing hundreds of notes as this third volume, and while only making grammatical corrections and filling in some gaps, she did her best to leave these as written. Included are many papers on the origin and danger of magic, the occult, secret mysteries, initiations, symbolism, historical figures and organizations, various religions, and scientific principles.