Occult Science in India: and Among the Ancients

"Occult Science in India" by Louis Jacolliot, a French lawyer and prolific author, is a fascinating exploration of the roots of Western esoteric traditions in the East, written during the 1860s. In this era, when accurate insights into Hinduism were just emerging in the West, Jacolliot embarked on a captivating journey to uncover the ancient wisdom that influenced many Western mystical beliefs. The book's highlight is a riveting travelogue detailing Jacolliot's encounters in India, where he meets a fakir demonstrating astonishing yogic powers, or siddhis, offering a rare glimpse into the profound spiritual practices of the East. Jacolliot delves deep into the relationship between the Kabbalah and Eastern mysticism, arguing that many Western esoteric traditions, including Egyptian, Jewish, and Christian, have their origins in Indian spirituality. As a diffusionist, he presents a compelling case for the eastward flow of spiritual knowledge. Serving as a judge in India and Tahiti, Jacolliot's unique experiences enrich his narrative, making "Occult Science in India" an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, and the historical roots of occult practices.