by David Reigle
An extensive archive of Sanskrit texts has been assembled over the past thirty-five years in connection with research on the question of the existence of a once universal but now hidden wisdom tradition. In particular, these Sanskrit texts were gathered to one day annotate the so far unknown "Book of Dzyan," a generic title meaning Book of Wisdom (Jnana), used by H. P. Blavatsky for the source of the stanzas translated in her 1888 book, The Secret Doctrine. This ongoing research indicates the likelihood that such a book exists, and therefore that at some point it will become available.
There was always the intention to eventually make these Sanskrit texts widely accessible, and this has now become possible on the web. This archive of the Eastern Tradition Research Institute includes almost all known printed Sanskrit Buddhist texts, many Sanskrit editions of the primary Hindu texts, and the major Sanskrit and Prakrit Jaina texts. The Sanskrit Buddhist texts will be posted first, as being more in demand, since they are harder to find than the Hindu texts.
These are digital image scans of the original editions. They show the text exactly as it was printed, without the inevitable introduction of typographical errors when these texts are input to make electronically searchable files. They also make it possible to find specific references to specific page numbers in specific editions. Most importantly, they make available a full library of Sanskrit texts, many of which are rare and hard to find. As we continue the search for the Book of Dzyan, it is our hope that others will find these online Sanskrit texts to be useful in their own study or research.
What an amazing benefit this project will be to Theosophy, in general. It has been stated before that the Blavatsky presentation was remiss in some ways and in some areas as regards terms, and terms for concepts, as there was not available a means to provide the original Sanskrit understanding.
Compliments on bringing this forward in a time when it is needed most, and when the brotherhood of Theosophists and esoteric initiates is once again rich in scholars and academic authorities, those who can put to good use these translations ̶ propitious at this time too for they can be introduced in and through the modern venues that have ensued over the years ̶ this site, its resource of experts and its programs especially.
Truly a monumental endeavor, and apparently, a success in progress that will keep on shining an ever-brighter light on Theosophy that has heretofore been dim. What an amazing team it must have taken to take the weight of the world off the Atlas of Theosophy. Congratulations.