The Divine Plan (book) - Revision history

Alex Audziayuk: /* Online resources */ Deleted the link to the Drais webinars: the files themselves are not available any longer (old Adobe Connect)

2025-11-17T22:04:36Z

Online resources: Deleted the link to the Drais webinars: the files themselves are not available any longer (old Adobe Connect)

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	*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/barborkadivineplan.htm ''The Divine Plan'': Table of Contents] from The Blavatsky Study Center.		*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/barborkadivineplan.htm ''The Divine Plan'': Table of Contents] from The Blavatsky Study Center.
	*[https://www.theosophical.org/program/webinar-recordings/a-study-of-the-divine-plan A Study of ''The Divine Plan''] webinar by Rev. John H. Drais of Madre Grande Theosophical Monastery (''donation recommended'').

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category:Books\|The Divine Plan]]		[[Category:Books\|The Divine Plan]]

Alex Audziayuk: /* Online resources */ Dead link updated.

2025-11-17T21:52:17Z

Online resources: Dead link updated.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:52, 17 November 2025
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	*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/barborkadivineplan.htm ''The Divine Plan'': Table of Contents] from The Blavatsky Study Center.		*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/barborkadivineplan.htm ''The Divine Plan'': Table of Contents] from The Blavatsky Study Center.
	*[https://www.theosophical.org/~~programs~~/~~webinars/recorded~~-~~webinars~~/~~2986-~~a-study-of-the-divine-plan A Study of ''The Divine Plan''] webinar by Rev. John H. Drais of Madre Grande Theosophical Monastery (''donation recommended'').		*[https://www.theosophical.org/program/webinar-recordings/a-study-of-the-divine-plan A Study of ''The Divine Plan''] webinar by Rev. John H. Drais of Madre Grande Theosophical Monastery (''donation recommended'').

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category:Books\|The Divine Plan]]		[[Category:Books\|The Divine Plan]]

Donald Myers at 16:06, 19 August 2016

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	'''''The Divine Plan – Written in the Form of a Commentary on H. P. Blavatsky's'' Secret Doctrine'' – by [[Geoffrey A. Barborka]] –''''' ''Expressly for the Purpose of Those Who Wish to Read and Gain a Deeper Understanding of “[[The Secret Doctrine (book)\|The Secret Doctrine]]” – Presenting an Exposition of the Doctrines of the Esoteric Philosophy Analysing and Explaining All the Terms Used'' was completed in 1958, and published in 1961 by [[Theosophical Publishing House (Adyar)\|The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar]].		'''''The Divine Plan – Written in the Form of a Commentary on H. P. Blavatsky's'' Secret Doctrine'' – by [[Geoffrey A. Barborka]] –''''' ''Expressly for the Purpose of Those Who Wish to Read and Gain a Deeper Understanding of “[[The Secret Doctrine (book)\|The Secret Doctrine]]” – Presenting an Exposition of the Doctrines of the Esoteric Philosophy Analysing and Explaining All the Terms Used'' was completed in 1958, and published in 1961 by [[Theosophical Publishing House (Adyar)\|The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar]].

	''The Divine Plan'' presents an exposition of the esoteric doctrines of Cosmogenesis from Volume I of ''The Secret Doctrine'', analyzing and explaining all the terms used. It is a commentary especially helpful for those who are considering reading ''The Secret Doctrine'' by [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Madame Blavatsky]], or those who simply wish to read and gain a deeper understanding of its study.		''The Divine Plan'' presents an exposition of the esoteric doctrines of Cosmogenesis from Volume I of ''The Secret Doctrine'', analyzing and explaining all the terms used. It is a commentary especially helpful for those who are considering reading ''The Secret Doctrine'' by [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Madame Blavatsky]], or those who simply wish to read and gain a deeper understanding of its study. It stands as a classic of Theosophical literature in its own right.

	== Reviews ==		== Reviews ==

	=== By Laura Gaunt (1961) ===		=== Laura Gaunt (1961) ===

	[[File:barborkadivineplan222.jpg\|right\|175px]]		[[File:barborkadivineplan222.jpg\|right\|175px]]
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	Surely, the author's purpose to aid students and lecturers has been amply fulfilled! There is no longer the slightest shadow of an excuse for rambling or vagueness on the Theosophical platform when everyone, no matter how pressed for time, has it within his power to be fully informed.<ref>Laura Gaunt, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' [by] Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The Canadian Theosophist'' 42.4 (September-October 1961), 86.</ref>		Surely, the author's purpose to aid students and lecturers has been amply fulfilled! There is no longer the slightest shadow of an excuse for rambling or vagueness on the Theosophical platform when everyone, no matter how pressed for time, has it within his power to be fully informed.<ref>Laura Gaunt, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' [by] Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The Canadian Theosophist'' 42.4 (September-October 1961), 86.</ref>

	=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===		=== [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===

	Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ariadne)</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through the maze of information to the heart of truth, this present book stands unexcelled in recent theosophical literature and constitutes a major contribution to the Movement.		Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ariadne)</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through the maze of information to the heart of truth, this present book stands unexcelled in recent theosophical literature and constitutes a major contribution to the Movement.

Donald Myers at 20:26, 25 March 2016

2016-03-25T20:26:18Z

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	Since the author asserts that the essential premise of the Esoteric Philosophy is the existence of a Plan, it is but a logical step to the assumption that this Plan "is a manifestation of Divine Law." The laws that emanate from the primal Law are "fundamental in scope . . . operative before the universe came into being . . . Since these laws continue to operate, regardless of the fact that a man, a planet, a sun, or even a universe may be in manifestation or non-manifestation, ''they are Divine Laws'', because they are beyond the reach of space or time. . ." Mr. Barborka's approach to ''The Secret Doctrine'' is by means of a delineation of these laws, from which certain doctrines, exemplifying the operation of the laws, inevitably follow. Quite clearly, the author's thesis is that H.P.B.'s volumes may best be approached by a consideration of various subjects, and that a page-by-page reading will only lead the student, and particularly the newcomer to the work, into a state of confusion and often misinterpretation.		Since the author asserts that the essential premise of the Esoteric Philosophy is the existence of a Plan, it is but a logical step to the assumption that this Plan "is a manifestation of Divine Law." The laws that emanate from the primal Law are "fundamental in scope . . . operative before the universe came into being . . . Since these laws continue to operate, regardless of the fact that a man, a planet, a sun, or even a universe may be in manifestation or non-manifestation, ''they are Divine Laws'', because they are beyond the reach of space or time. . ." Mr. Barborka's approach to ''The Secret Doctrine'' is by means of a delineation of these laws, from which certain doctrines, exemplifying the operation of the laws, inevitably follow. Quite clearly, the author's thesis is that H.P.B.'s volumes may best be approached by a consideration of various subjects, and that a page-by-page reading will only lead the student, and particularly the newcomer to the work, into a state of confusion and often misinterpretation.

	Eight laws emerge as basic to the Divine Plan and the doctrines subsumed under these laws present a pattern of the gradual unfold -ment of the metaphysical premises of the occult philosophy. The Three Fundamental Propositions, which H.P.B. asserted were basic to an understanding of the wisdom, are thus associated with the doctrines to which they directly relate. The "Law of Periodicity," derived from the Second Fundamental Proposition of The Secret Doctrine, is first considered, with its associated "Doctrine of Constant Renewal." We are at once supplied with the cornerstone for the structure upon which the entire Esoteric Philosophy is built. Closely related to this basic thesis is the "Law of Adjustment," given exposition here as the "Doctrine of Balance and Harmony." Understanding the "why" and "how" of things, as the first two doctrines present them, we move logically to a consideration of the "what" of nature, the "Doctrine of Hierarchies" giving evidence to the "Law of Essential Unity." A special phase of the study, closely associated with the preceding doctrine, is next developed under the title of "Doctrine of Essential Identity," exemplifying the "Law of Self-Unfoldment." The Third Fundamental Proposition is now given emphasis, with the "Doctrine of Continuous Change" deriving from the "Law of Motion." Consideration of the "Septenary Law" leads us to a study of the "Doctrine of the Spheres," the "Doctrine of the Races" and the "Doctrine of the Rounds." Two final laws, guides for that which will carry man into that stage where he is more than man, are comprised in ''The Secret Doctrine'', the "Law of Compassion" and the "Law of Coming into Being." A study of the first of these laws illustrates the "Doctrine of the Two Paths," while associated with the latter law, derived from the First Fundamental Proposition, whose implications are staggering to the imagination, is the "Doctrine of Universal Knowledge."		Eight laws emerge as basic to the Divine Plan and the doctrines subsumed under these laws present a pattern of the gradual unfold -ment of the metaphysical premises of the occult philosophy. The Three Fundamental Propositions, which H.P.B. asserted were basic to an understanding of the wisdom, are thus associated with the doctrines to which they directly relate. The "Law of Periodicity," derived from the Second Fundamental Proposition of ''The Secret Doctrine'', is first considered, with its associated "Doctrine of Constant Renewal." We are at once supplied with the cornerstone for the structure upon which the entire Esoteric Philosophy is built. Closely related to this basic thesis is the "Law of Adjustment," given exposition here as the "Doctrine of Balance and Harmony." Understanding the "why" and "how" of things, as the first two doctrines present them, we move logically to a consideration of the "what" of nature, the "Doctrine of Hierarchies" giving evidence to the "Law of Essential Unity." A special phase of the study, closely associated with the preceding doctrine, is next developed under the title of "Doctrine of Essential Identity," exemplifying the "Law of Self-Unfoldment." The Third Fundamental Proposition is now given emphasis, with the "Doctrine of Continuous Change" deriving from the "Law of Motion." Consideration of the "Septenary Law" leads us to a study of the "Doctrine of the Spheres," the "Doctrine of the Races" and the "Doctrine of the Rounds." Two final laws, guides for that which will carry man into that stage where he is more than man, are comprised in ''The Secret Doctrine'', the "Law of Compassion" and the "Law of Coming into Being." A study of the first of these laws illustrates the "Doctrine of the Two Paths," while associated with the latter law, derived from the First Fundamental Proposition, whose implications are staggering to the imagination, is the "Doctrine of Universal Knowledge."

	A mere recital of these vast themes which are here elucidated for our deeper study and meditation can never convey the majesty and sweep of the Divine Plan itself; it is only as we give ourselves wholeheartedly to the study, which is not to be approached with the mind alone but which demands the full focus of our nature, that we may come to the understanding of the Wisdom-Tradition, that the Secret Doctrine is revealed in that ultimate experience that makes of each of us the knower, as well as the lover, of Wisdom and therefore the per-ceiver of the truth of all things. Mr. Barborka suggests that a study of the doctrines associated with the great Laws whose operation is evidence of Plan may place us "en rapport with a great Continent of Thought, which represents the Wisdom of the ages — the heritage of the human race." To place our feet upon that Continent, however, is, figuratively speaking, a step each alone must take, but this is the supreme adventure upon which we may embark. Just so The Divine Plan is a guidebook for our explorations in The Secret Doctrine, leading the student to those volumes that he may himself discover the never-ending fascination of ail that they contain; it is not a substitute for, nor does the author ever indicate as much, those priceless volumes which stand pre-eminent in theosophical literature and indeed may be said to stand unparalleled in their implications for the course of western thought.		A mere recital of these vast themes which are here elucidated for our deeper study and meditation can never convey the majesty and sweep of the Divine Plan itself; it is only as we give ourselves wholeheartedly to the study, which is not to be approached with the mind alone but which demands the full focus of our nature, that we may come to the understanding of the Wisdom-Tradition, that the ''Secret Doctrine'' is revealed in that ultimate experience that makes of each of us the ''knower'', as well as the lover, of Wisdom and therefore the per-ceiver of the truth of all things. Mr. Barborka suggests that a study of the doctrines associated with the great Laws whose operation is evidence of Plan may place us "''en rapport'' with a great Continent of Thought, which represents the Wisdom of the ages — the heritage of the human race." To place our feet upon that Continent, however, is, figuratively speaking, a step each alone must take, but this is the supreme adventure upon which we may embark. Just so ''The Divine Plan'' is a guidebook for our explorations in ''The Secret Doctrine'', leading the student to those volumes that he may himself discover the never-ending fascination of ail that they contain; it is not a substitute for, nor does the author ever indicate as much, those priceless volumes which stand pre-eminent in theosophical literature and indeed may be said to stand unparalleled in their implications for the course of western thought.

	A unique feature of The Divine Plan is the unusual clarity with which all Sanskrit terms are explained in detail, not in a separate glos-		A unique feature of ''The Divine Plan'' is the unusual clarity with which all Sanskrit terms are explained in detail, not in a separate glos-
	sary, but at the time each term is met with in the text itself. The importance of the term and the value of the use of Sanskrit as a ~~precis~~ language is emphasized. Unique also is the in-dex, which serves the dual purpose of a general index to the book and a complete listing of all Sanskrit words and their verbal roots. In a preliminary chapter on "The Significance of Sanskrit Terms," aids in the pronunciation of these terms are given and a strong case is made for the necessity of mastering the meaning of the terms. These several features make Mr. ~~Bat-borka~~'s work invaluable to the student and the class leader, as well as to the general reader wishing to obtain a glimpse of what is contained within The Secret Doctrine.		sary, but at the time each term is met with in the text itself. The importance of the term and the value of the use of Sanskrit as a precise language is emphasized. Unique also is the in-dex, which serves the dual purpose of a general index to the book and a complete listing of all Sanskrit words and their verbal roots. In a preliminary chapter on "The Significance of Sanskrit Terms," aids in the pronunciation of these terms are given and a strong case is made for the necessity of mastering the meaning of the terms. These several features make Mr. Barborka's work invaluable to the student and the class leader, as well as to the general reader wishing to obtain a glimpse of what is contained within ''The Secret Doctrine''.

	A commentary, and the author has advisedly denominated his work just that, can only point a finger in a certain direction. Even the original source, upon which a commentary is based, can only inspire to a mode of walking, which is to say a way of life. It is action upon the wisdom gained that makes of our lives the living witness of the truth within; to borrow a phrase popularized by the Friends, it is the Spirit within, the Atman, that must "speak to our condition" and then only may we "speak to the condition" of the world about us. Referring to the immortal Wisdom which The Secret Doctrine transmits to the earnest seeker, Mr. Barborka has written: "May it help you as it has helped those who have contacted it and passed it on in their turn, so that your vision may be grander, your understanding more profound, in order that your life may be nobler, ever coming into closer harmony with the Divine Plan." His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>		A commentary, and the author has advisedly denominated his work just that, can only point a finger in a certain direction. Even the original source, upon which a commentary is based, can only inspire to a mode of walking, which is to say a way of life. It is action upon the wisdom gained that makes of our lives the living witness of the truth within; to borrow a phrase popularized by the Friends, it is the Spirit within, the Atman, that must "speak to our condition" and then only may we "speak to the condition" of the world about us. Referring to the immortal Wisdom which ''The Secret Doctrine'' transmits to the earnest seeker, Mr. Barborka has written: "May it help you as it has helped those who have contacted it and passed it on in their turn, so that your vision may be grander, your understanding more profound, in order that your life may be nobler, ever coming into closer harmony with the Divine Plan." His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>

	==Online resources==		==Online resources==

Donald Myers at 20:21, 25 March 2016

2016-03-25T20:21:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 25 March 2016
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	Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ariadne)</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through the maze of information to the heart of truth, this present book stands unexcelled in recent theosophical literature and constitutes a major contribution to the Movement.		Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ariadne)</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through the maze of information to the heart of truth, this present book stands unexcelled in recent theosophical literature and constitutes a major contribution to the Movement.

	Commenting on the title of ~~the~~ book,...		Commenting on the title of his book, Mr. Barborka states in the ''Preface'': "This work is entitled ''The Divine Plan'' for the reason that the writer holds that ''The Secret Doctrine'' testifies to the existence of a Divine Plan. He has sought to convey the knowledge of it to you, the reader. It is only fair to state, however, that the full and complete exposition of ''The Secret Doctrine'' is only attainable by means of the 'seven keys' to its understanding. Since the seven keys were not provided in the volumes, the writer submits that he has attempted to present a guidebook towards their understanding, expressly for those who wish to read and study these ancient teachings."

	~~Commenting on~~ the ~~title~~ of ~~his book, Mr. Barborka states in~~ the ~~Preface: "This work~~ is ~~entitled The Divine Plan for the reason that the writer holds that The Secret Doctrine testifies to~~ the existence of a ~~Divine~~ Plan~~. He has sought~~ to ~~convey~~ the ~~knowledge~~ of it to ~~you~~, the ~~reader. It is only fair to state~~, ~~however~~, ~~that~~ the ~~full and complete exposition~~ of The Secret Doctrine is ~~only attainable~~ by means of the '~~seven keys~~' ~~to its understanding. Since the seven keys were not provided in the~~ volumes, ~~the writer submits~~ that ~~he has attempted to present~~ a ~~guidebook towards their understanding~~, ~~expressly for those who wish~~ to ~~read~~ and ~~study these ancient teachings~~."		Since the author asserts that the essential premise of the Esoteric Philosophy is the existence of a Plan, it is but a logical step to the assumption that this Plan "is a manifestation of Divine Law." The laws that emanate from the primal Law are "fundamental in scope . . . operative before the universe came into being . . . Since these laws continue to operate, regardless of the fact that a man, a planet, a sun, or even a universe may be in manifestation or non-manifestation, ''they are Divine Laws'', because they are beyond the reach of space or time. . ." Mr. Barborka's approach to ''The Secret Doctrine'' is by means of a delineation of these laws, from which certain doctrines, exemplifying the operation of the laws, inevitably follow. Quite clearly, the author's thesis is that H.P.B.'s volumes may best be approached by a consideration of various subjects, and that a page-by-page reading will only lead the student, and particularly the newcomer to the work, into a state of confusion and often misinterpretation.

	Since the author asserts that the essential premise of the Esoteric Philosophy is the existence of a Plan, it is but a logical step to the assumption that this Plan "is a manifestation of Divine Law." The laws that emanate from the primal Law are "fundamental in scope . . . operative before the universe came into being . . . Since these laws continue to operate, regardless of the fact that a man, a planet, a sun, or even a universe may be in manifestation or non-manifestation, tbey are Divine Laws, because they are beyond the reach of space or time. . ." Mr. Barborka's approach to The Secret Doctrine is by means of a delineation of these laws, from which certain doctrines, exemplifying the operation of the laws, inevitably follow. Quite clearly, the author's thesis is that H.P.B.'s volumes may best be approached by a consideration of various subjects, and that a page-by-page reading will only lead the student, and particularly the newcomer to the work, into a state of confusion and often misinterpretation.		Eight laws emerge as basic to the Divine Plan and the doctrines subsumed under these laws present a pattern of the gradual unfold -ment of the metaphysical premises of the occult philosophy. The Three Fundamental Propositions, which H.P.B. asserted were basic to an understanding of the wisdom, are thus associated with the doctrines to which they directly relate. The "Law of Periodicity," derived from the Second Fundamental Proposition of The Secret Doctrine, is first considered, with its associated "Doctrine of Constant Renewal." We are at once supplied with the cornerstone for the structure upon which the entire Esoteric Philosophy is built. Closely related to this basic thesis is the "Law of Adjustment," given exposition here as the "Doctrine of Balance and Harmony." Understanding the "why" and "how" of things, as the first two doctrines present them, we move logically to a consideration of the "what" of nature, the "Doctrine of Hierarchies" giving evidence to the "Law of Essential Unity." A special phase of the study, closely associated with the preceding doctrine, is next developed under the title of "Doctrine of Essential Identity," exemplifying the "Law of Self-Unfoldment." The Third Fundamental Proposition is now given emphasis, with the "Doctrine of Continuous Change" deriving from the "Law of Motion." Consideration of the "Septenary Law" leads us to a study of the "Doctrine of the Spheres," the "Doctrine of the Races" and the "Doctrine of the Rounds." Two final laws, guides for that which will carry man into that stage where he is more than man, are comprised in ''The Secret Doctrine'', the "Law of Compassion" and the "Law of Coming into Being." A study of the first of these laws illustrates the "Doctrine of the Two Paths," while associated with the latter law, derived from the First Fundamental Proposition, whose implications are staggering to the imagination, is the "Doctrine of Universal Knowledge."

	Eight laws emerge as basic to the Divine Plan and the doctrines subsumed under these laws present a pattern of the gradual unfold -ment of the metaphysical premises of the occult philosophy. The Three Fundamental Propositions, which H.P.B. asserted were basic to an understanding of the wisdom, are thus associated with the doctrines to which they directly relate. The "Law of Periodicity," derived from the Second Fundamental Proposition of The Secret Doctrine, is first considered, with its associated "Doctrine of Constant Renewal." We are at once supplied with the cornerstone for the structure upon which the entire Esoteric Philosophy is built. Closely related to this basic thesis is the "Law of Adjustment," given exposition here as the "Doctrine of Balance and Harmony." Understanding the "why" and "how" of things, as the first two doctrines present them, we move logically to a consideration of the "what" of nature, the "Doctrine of Hierarchies" giving evidence to the "Law of Essential Unity." A special phase of the study, closely associated with the preceding doctrine, is next developed under the title of "Doctrine of Essential Identity," exemplifying the "Law of Self-Unfoldment." The Third Fundamental Proposition is now given emphasis, with the "Doctrine of Continuous Change" deriving from the "Law of Motion." Consideration of the "Septenary Law" leads us to a study of the "Doctrine of the Spheres," the "Doctrine of the Races" and the "Doctrine of the Rounds." Two final laws, guides for that which will carry man into that stage where he is more than man, are comprised in The Secret Doctrine, the "Law of Compassion" and the "Law of Coming into Being." A study of the first
	of these laws illustrates the "Doctrine of the Two Paths," while associated with the latter law, derived from the First Fundamental Proposition, whose implications are staggering to the imagination, is the "Doctrine of Universal Knowledge."

	A mere recital of these vast themes which are here elucidated for our deeper study and meditation can never convey the majesty and sweep of the Divine Plan itself; it is only as we give ourselves wholeheartedly to the study, which is not to be approached with the mind alone but which demands the full focus of our nature, that we may come to the understanding of the Wisdom-Tradition, that the Secret Doctrine is revealed in that ultimate experience that makes of each of us the knower, as well as the lover, of Wisdom and therefore the per-ceiver of the truth of all things. Mr. Barborka suggests that a study of the doctrines associated with the great Laws whose operation is evidence of Plan may place us "en rapport with a great Continent of Thought, which represents the Wisdom of the ages — the heritage of the human race." To place our feet upon that Continent, however, is, figuratively speaking, a step each alone must take, but this is the supreme adventure upon which we may embark. Just so The Divine Plan is a guidebook for our explorations in The Secret Doctrine, leading the student to those volumes that he may himself discover the never-ending fascination of ail that they contain; it is not a substitute for, nor does the author ever indicate as much, those priceless volumes which stand pre-eminent in theosophical literature and indeed may be said to stand unparalleled in their implications for the course of western thought.		A mere recital of these vast themes which are here elucidated for our deeper study and meditation can never convey the majesty and sweep of the Divine Plan itself; it is only as we give ourselves wholeheartedly to the study, which is not to be approached with the mind alone but which demands the full focus of our nature, that we may come to the understanding of the Wisdom-Tradition, that the Secret Doctrine is revealed in that ultimate experience that makes of each of us the knower, as well as the lover, of Wisdom and therefore the per-ceiver of the truth of all things. Mr. Barborka suggests that a study of the doctrines associated with the great Laws whose operation is evidence of Plan may place us "en rapport with a great Continent of Thought, which represents the Wisdom of the ages — the heritage of the human race." To place our feet upon that Continent, however, is, figuratively speaking, a step each alone must take, but this is the supreme adventure upon which we may embark. Just so The Divine Plan is a guidebook for our explorations in The Secret Doctrine, leading the student to those volumes that he may himself discover the never-ending fascination of ail that they contain; it is not a substitute for, nor does the author ever indicate as much, those priceless volumes which stand pre-eminent in theosophical literature and indeed may be said to stand unparalleled in their implications for the course of western thought.

Donald Myers at 18:47, 25 March 2016

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	Commenting on the title of the book,...		Commenting on the title of the book,...

	~~Since~~ the ~~author asserts~~ that the ~~essential premise of Esoteric Philosophy is~~ the existence of a Plan,...		Commenting on the title of his book, Mr. Barborka states in the Preface: "This work is entitled The Divine Plan for the reason that the writer holds that The Secret Doctrine testifies to the existence of a Divine Plan. He has sought to convey the knowledge of it to you, the reader. It is only fair to state, however, that the full and complete exposition of The Secret Doctrine is only attainable by means of the 'seven keys' to its understanding. Since the seven keys were not provided in the volumes, the writer submits that he has attempted to present a guidebook towards their understanding, expressly for those who wish to read and study these ancient teachings."

	~~Eight~~ laws ~~emerge~~...		Since the author asserts that the essential premise of the Esoteric Philosophy is the existence of a Plan, it is but a logical step to the assumption that this Plan "is a manifestation of Divine Law." The laws that emanate from the primal Law are "fundamental in scope . . . operative before the universe came into being . . . Since these laws continue to operate, regardless of the fact that a man, a planet, a sun, or even a universe may be in manifestation or non-manifestation, tbey are Divine Laws, because they are beyond the reach of space or time. . ." Mr. Barborka's approach to The Secret Doctrine is by means of a delineation of these laws, from which certain doctrines, exemplifying the operation of the laws, inevitably follow. Quite clearly, the author's thesis is that H.P.B.'s volumes may best be approached by a consideration of various subjects, and that a page-by-page reading will only lead the student, and particularly the newcomer to the work, into a state of confusion and often misinterpretation.

	~~A mere recital~~ of ~~these vast themes~~ which are here ~~elucidated for our deeper~~ study and ~~meditation can never convey~~ the ~~majesty and sweep~~ of the ~~Divine Plan itself;~~...		Eight laws emerge as basic to the Divine Plan and the doctrines subsumed under these laws present a pattern of the gradual unfold -ment of the metaphysical premises of the occult philosophy. The Three Fundamental Propositions, which H.P.B. asserted were basic to an understanding of the wisdom, are thus associated with the doctrines to which they directly relate. The "Law of Periodicity," derived from the Second Fundamental Proposition of The Secret Doctrine, is first considered, with its associated "Doctrine of Constant Renewal." We are at once supplied with the cornerstone for the structure upon which the entire Esoteric Philosophy is built. Closely related to this basic thesis is the "Law of Adjustment," given exposition here as the "Doctrine of Balance and Harmony." Understanding the "why" and "how" of things, as the first two doctrines present them, we move logically to a consideration of the "what" of nature, the "Doctrine of Hierarchies" giving evidence to the "Law of Essential Unity." A special phase of the study, closely associated with the preceding doctrine, is next developed under the title of "Doctrine of Essential Identity," exemplifying the "Law of Self-Unfoldment." The Third Fundamental Proposition is now given emphasis, with the "Doctrine of Continuous Change" deriving from the "Law of Motion." Consideration of the "Septenary Law" leads us to a study of the "Doctrine of the Spheres," the "Doctrine of the Races" and the "Doctrine of the Rounds." Two final laws, guides for that which will carry man into that stage where he is more than man, are comprised in The Secret Doctrine, the "Law of Compassion" and the "Law of Coming into Being." A study of the first
			of these laws illustrates the "Doctrine of the Two Paths," while associated with the latter law, derived from the First Fundamental Proposition, whose implications are staggering to the imagination, is the "Doctrine of Universal Knowledge."

	A ~~unique feature~~ of ~~''The~~ Divine Plan'' is the ~~unusual clarity~~ with which all ~~Sanskrit terms are explained in detail~~,...		A mere recital of these vast themes which are here elucidated for our deeper study and meditation can never convey the majesty and sweep of the Divine Plan itself; it is only as we give ourselves wholeheartedly to the study, which is not to be approached with the mind alone but which demands the full focus of our nature, that we may come to the understanding of the Wisdom-Tradition, that the Secret Doctrine is revealed in that ultimate experience that makes of each of us the knower, as well as the lover, of Wisdom and therefore the per-ceiver of the truth of all things. Mr. Barborka suggests that a study of the doctrines associated with the great Laws whose operation is evidence of Plan may place us "en rapport with a great Continent of Thought, which represents the Wisdom of the ages — the heritage of the human race." To place our feet upon that Continent, however, is, figuratively speaking, a step each alone must take, but this is the supreme adventure upon which we may embark. Just so The Divine Plan is a guidebook for our explorations in The Secret Doctrine, leading the student to those volumes that he may himself discover the never-ending fascination of ail that they contain; it is not a substitute for, nor does the author ever indicate as much, those priceless volumes which stand pre-eminent in theosophical literature and indeed may be said to stand unparalleled in their implications for the course of western thought.

	A commentary,...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>		A unique feature of The Divine Plan is the unusual clarity with which all Sanskrit terms are explained in detail, not in a separate glos-
			sary, but at the time each term is met with in the text itself. The importance of the term and the value of the use of Sanskrit as a precis language is emphasized. Unique also is the in-dex, which serves the dual purpose of a general index to the book and a complete listing of all Sanskrit words and their verbal roots. In a preliminary chapter on "The Significance of Sanskrit Terms," aids in the pronunciation of these terms are given and a strong case is made for the necessity of mastering the meaning of the terms. These several features make Mr. Bat-borka's work invaluable to the student and the class leader, as well as to the general reader wishing to obtain a glimpse of what is contained within The Secret Doctrine.

			A commentary, and the author has advisedly denominated his work just that, can only point a finger in a certain direction. Even the original source, upon which a commentary is based, can only inspire to a mode of walking, which is to say a way of life. It is action upon the wisdom gained that makes of our lives the living witness of the truth within; to borrow a phrase popularized by the Friends, it is the Spirit within, the Atman, that must "speak to our condition" and then only may we "speak to the condition" of the world about us. Referring to the immortal Wisdom which The Secret Doctrine transmits to the earnest seeker, Mr. Barborka has written: "May it help you as it has helped those who have contacted it and passed it on in their turn, so that your vision may be grander, your understanding more profound, in order that your life may be nobler, ever coming into closer harmony with the Divine Plan." His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>

	==Online resources==		==Online resources==

Donald Myers: /* By Joy Mills (1962) */

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By Joy Mills (1962)

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	=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===		=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===

	Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ariadne)</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through		Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ariadne)</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through the maze of information to the heart of truth, this present book stands unexcelled in recent theosophical literature and constitutes a major contribution to the Movement.

	...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>		Commenting on the title of the book,...

			Since the author asserts that the essential premise of Esoteric Philosophy is the existence of a Plan,...

			Eight laws emerge...

			A mere recital of these vast themes which are here elucidated for our deeper study and meditation can never convey the majesty and sweep of the Divine Plan itself;...

			A unique feature of ''The Divine Plan'' is the unusual clarity with which all Sanskrit terms are explained in detail,...

			A commentary,...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>

	==Online resources==		==Online resources==

Donald Myers: /* By Joy Mills (1962) */

2016-03-14T19:05:41Z

By Joy Mills (1962)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:05, 14 March 2016
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	=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===		=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===

	Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through		Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ariadne)</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through

	...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>		...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>

Donald Myers: /* By Joy Mills (1962) */

2016-03-14T19:04:38Z

By Joy Mills (1962)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:04, 14 March 2016
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	=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===		=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===

	Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> </ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through		Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> Ariadne : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth</ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through

	...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>		...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>

Donald Myers: /* By Joy Mills (1962) */

2016-03-14T19:02:05Z

By Joy Mills (1962)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:02, 14 March 2016
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	=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===		=== By [[Joy Mills]] (1962) ===

	Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all ~~thet~~ The Secret Doctrine contains.		Students of ''The Secret Doctrine'' have long wished for a definitive guidebook which would chart a patterned course through those amazing volumes, delineating clearly the geographical features of that vast continent of thought comprising the esoteric philosophy that H.P.B. explored. Such a guidebook is now at hand, and surely every lover of''The Secret Doctrine'' must rejoice in this commentary by so able and devoted a student as Geoffrey A. Barborka. The idea for such a text, the author tells us, was born as a result of a symposium on "Methods of Approach to the Study of ''The Secret Doctrine'', held during a Convention of the American Section. The title of the symposium is itself relevant to the present work, for Mr. Barborka's volume represents in the truest sense a "method of approach," and it is designed neither as a digest of H.P.B.'s stupendous work nor as a comprehensive survey of all that ''The Secret Doctrine'' contains. As a ready source of reference for the lecturer seeking pertinent passages on major concepts of the philosophy, as a guide-book for the student or class leader who is desirous of ordering his knowledge of the great occult principles of the original text, as an exposition of the fundamental principles of the wisdom for the newcomer to ''The Secret Doctrine'' who is searching for the Ariadne<ref> </ref> thread of meaning that will lead him through

	...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>		...His work, the fruition of a lifetime of study of H.P.B.'s writings, is a significant signpost on the road to the Wisdom, illuminating as it does the marvellous order which ''The Secret Doctrine'' portrays.<ref>Joy Mills, "Book Reviews: ''The Divine Plan'' by Geoffrey A. Barborka," ''The American Theosophist'' 50.1 (January 1962), 19.</ref>