The Secret Doctrine of the Rosicrucians Paperback – March 26, 2021

This fairly short work on esoteric Rosicrucian metaphysics is the best such work that I know of -- via a rational, even empirical, approach to transcendental metaphysics of Gnosis, Spirit, Magic and Runes [Secrets] -- even if particular works have more specialty details on those related topics. The [most likely] actual author of this compact work is the same [most likely] actual author of "The KYBALION, Hermetic Philosophy" [William Walker Atkinson]. Kybalion is a good parallel work to Secret Doctrine -- especially in their esoteric principles. However the actual author came upon such deep, clear and sharp wisdom concerning a typically murky unending topic -- there is nothing quite as special as Secret Doctrine -- for those who are NOT too concerned about particular formal Rosicrucian lineages -- but ARE concerned about Universal Metaphysics to Individuation via Gnosis, Spirit, Magic and Runes -- to *grow* a *Rose of Eternity* out of their *Cross of Mortality* +++

Very highly recommended. Yes, there are some annoying typos in the Kindle edition, it is written in an old-fashioned style of English, and there is no doubt that the reader needs some elementary grasp of esoteric thought in order to get the most benefit from this book. But, for the determined student, these are a small complaints.There are many so-called "secrets" from this abstruse teaching that the author is not at liberty to share, which anyone even vaguely familiar with the constraints of this tradition would know. But, what he can impart he does so with as much clarity as is possible within the limitations of mundane, everyday vocabulary and grammar, which are not ideally suited to expressing the deeper subtleties of esoteric philosophy. That being said, the efforts of anyone, no matter how small, to genuinely find the foundations of spiritual truth in the Western tradition will, in the opinion of this reviewer, be well rewarded by persevering with a study this book. Atkinson is clearly "a person of knowledge", who, despite the limitations within which he has to work, has a very great deal to share with anyone who is just stepping on to "the path".

The other reviewer of the book states that this book is not valid because a former AMORC member dislikes it. Hopefully, those who read the top lines of publisher's review noticed the part about Rosicrucianism not having an official society. the AMORC used to come close, but this is not the case anymore.True Rosicrucianism is a philosophy, a state of mind, a way of living. It has nothing to do with who you are paying dues to, or if you are even paying dues. This book is an excellent introduction to a particular brand of Rosicrucian mysticism, and it shouldn't be left unread because it isn't endorsed by only one of three existing Rosicrucian fraternities.

A heavy read for some, but exactly what I was seeking (of course). Atkinson's writing style, though somewhat dry, makes it easier to grasp these concepts. Very informative.

There are secrets available for those that are willing to seek them out.

Very intense reading. I was amazed at the secrets finally unfolding. Thank you.

This is a curious book. I think the author does a very good job in the first chapters, when he talks about the ethernal Parabrahman (or unmanifested God) and the processes involved in the dawn of the manifestation (beginning of the manvantara), with a much interesting and clear description of the different aspects of the manifested God that act in the Creation. In my opinion, just this part of the book is sufficient reason for buying it. But, in the rest of the book, the author presents a very personal and, in my view, rather confused approach of what he understand of "cosmic planes" and "constitution of man". For instance, what he calls "cosmic planes" are not the different planes of the manifested Universe, according to different degrees of density of matter, but, instead, he talks about "mineral", "vegetal", "animal" and "human" planes. I think he is mixing different things and concepts, making things very difficult by the use of a rather confusing nomenclature. The same can be said about what he calls "constitution" or "principles" of man: he does not talk about man's different "bodies" but, instead, of a "mineral principle", a "vegetal principle", an "animal principle" and so on.He does present an interesting view, though, when he says that there is considerable overlap in the borders of the mineral, vegetal, animal and human kingdoms, stating that the borders between each of this "reigns" are not that sharp or clear as many other authors defend (especially the border between superior animals and the Man). It is good to read something like that, in oposition of the theosophic and other esoteric authors common position that underestimate animal intelligence (especially the clear personality/individuality that superior animals DO have - sorry, theosophists!) and superestimate the difference between humans and the superior animals. In the middle of the general confusion of terms and concepts that the author does in dealing with "planes" and "principles", this is a very positive point of this book. It was for me a good surprise to find this un-orthodox view there.In conclusion, I'd say that this is NOT a book for people who wants do learn, for the first time, the very basic principles of the esoteric view of the Cosmos, Life and Man, because of the lack of an standardized nomenclature (such as that adopted by later authors) and of a considerable amount of confusion between differnt terms and concepts. However, for the advanced student, it is a very valuable book because of the first chapters that describe the fundamental principles and manifestations of God, dealing with the creation of the Universe and the dawn of the manifestation. Just because of this, I'd recommend reading this book (just the first chapters!) - it poses a rather clarifying view of a quite complex subject, usually confused by many other authors of this field. But, for the rest of the text, I decidedly don't recommend it - unless if you are an advanced student with a sound basis of the area that will not get confused by the strange nomenclature and mix of different concepts that the author does.

Attempting to grow spiritually and as a human being I understand that this doctrine is the right path to grow and follow

Absolutely Fantastic book by Magus Incognito, one of the few books/mss that details the history, praxis and weltanschauung of the Rosae Croix (Rosicrucian) Fraternity and or Brotherhood.I personally would recommend this to all aspiring Rosicrucians both neophyte to immortal (adept)

they mentioned that the author is Atkinson, I bought two different kindle version. this one is better editted.I like the author Atkinson, who's another book is "The power of concentration".

This book has little to do with Rosicrucians or their secrets. It's a plagiarism of Blavatsky's Secrete Doctrine (so basically Theosophy which emerged centuries after Rosicrucianism) but written in Rosicrucian terms.

If you are a seeker in spiritual truth, this book is fantastic. I have now purchased other books by William walker atkinson, who also goes by the pseudonym yogi ramacharaka and many others. His way of writing is very easy to understand.

more fodder on the road to enlightenment