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The Mahatma Letters To A. P. Sinnett-1924

By A. T. Barker

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Compilers Preface

It will be seen, if reference is made to the "Contents" that the letters have been arranged in 7 Sections and an Appendix. The former
contain nothing but Mahatma letters, while in the latter some letters have been added from three pupils of The Mahatmas M. and
K. H. --: H. P. Blavatsky, T. Subba Row, and Damodar K. Mavalankar, not only for their intrinsic merit, but because they help to
make clear questions arising in the main part of the book which would otherwise be left obscure.

 

The seven Sections suggest themselves as more or less natural divisions, but it should be remembered that as letters in one section often
contain matter which also relates to the other Sections, considerable overlapping is unavoidable. However, an attempt has been made
and that is the best that can be said.

 

The contents of each Section are arranged where possible chronologically, in the order of their receipt. The reader must bear in mind that with only one or two exceptions none of the letters were dated by the writers thereof. On many of them, however, the dates and places of receipt have been noted in Mr. Sinnett's handwriting, and these appear in small type immediately under the Letter Numbers. 

It should be understood clearly that unless otherwise stated: 1. Each letter has been transcribed direct from the original. 2. Every letter was written to A. P. Sinnett. 3. Allfootnotes are copies of notes which appear in and belong to the letters themselves, unless signed (Ed.) in which case they have been added by the compiler.

Throughout this volume there are a great many words used which belong to Buddhist, Hindu, and Theosophical terminology. Those who are unfamiliar with such terms are referred to the excellent glossary in H. P. Blavatsky's "Key to Theosophy" and also to "The Theosophical Glossary," a separate publication by the same author. The reader is asked to believe that the greatest care has been taken in the work of transcription; the whole MS. has been checked word for word with the originals, and everything possible done to prevent errors. It is however probably too much to expect that the printed book will contain no mistakes, they are almost inevitable. In case any doubt should arise in the reader's mind as to whether any particular passage has been correctly copied from the original, the compiler wishes to intimate, that he will be happy to deal with any correspondence on the subject addressed to him care of the Publishers.

 

In conclusion the compiler's thanks are due and most gratefully acknowledged to those who by their assistance have made his task possible of accomplishment. -- A. T. B.