* * * * * ABRIDGEMENTS OF DISCUSSIONS.—The discussions and study of every member of the Society and of each Branch should not be kept exclusively to themselves, except when they may relate to necessarily secret matter, but ought to be made known in some way to all other members. To that end, the N. Y. Branch has issued the first of a series of leaflets for private circulation, containing abstracts of these discussions. They contain the ideas of many different people upon the subjects of Karma, Reincarnation, and other doctrines of Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. All branches ought to contribute notes to this work, so that the leaflets may appeal to as many minds in the society as possible. If a central editor could be hit upon that would also be a good idea. * * * * * THE ARYAN THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK.—Regular meetings have been held each week, since our last issue, two during this month being open ones, at which addresses were delivered and discussions had. On the 8th ult., the subject was that of evolution as laid down in theosophical literature, and at one meeting, the lecture was illustrated by reference to a famous carved temple roof in India, the blackboard being used for rough outlines of the design. During the last month, the following books have been donated to the library of the Branch, by Bro. Edson D. Hammond: _Ancient Mysteries Described_ (Hone, 1823); _The Obelisk and Freemasonry_ (Weisse, 1880); _Psychological Review_ (London), _12 Nos. 1882; 2 of 1883_, when Review stopped. The library has now increased to over 125 vols. and has been considerably used by the members. * * * * * That subtle self is to be known by thought alone; for every thought of men is interwoven with the senses, and when thought is purified, then the self arises.—_Mundaka Upanishad._ OM. FOOTNOTES: [68] In the ancient Aztec civilization in Mexico, the Sacerdotal order was very numerous. At the head of the whole establishment were two high priests, elected from the order, solely for their qualifications, as shown by their previous conduct in a subordinate station. They were equal in dignity and inferior only to the sovereign, who rarely acted without their advice in weighty matters of private concern. (Sahagun _Hist. de Nueva España, lib. 2; lib. 3 cap. 9_—_Torq. Mon. Ind. lib. 8 cap. 20; lib. 9, cap. 3, 56_; cited by Prescott in _vol. 1, Conq. Mex. p. 66_).—[ED.] [69] King or Ruler. [70] A low caste man, _e. g._, a sweeper. Such a building can now be seen at Bijapur, India.—[ED.] [71] An obsessing astral shell. The Hindus consider them to be the reliquæ of deceased persons.—[ED.] [72] Nature spirit or elemental.—[ED.]