The first edition of this book was published in 1885, and on its title page it was described as 'A treatise written for the personal use of those who are ignorant of the Eastern Wisdom and who desire to enter within its influence.' The book is said to be of very ancient origin, written in an archaic form of Sanskrit. In its present form it was given through Mabel Collins, a member of The Theosophical Society in England, who at one time collaborated with H. P. Blavatsky in the editorship of the magazine Lucifer.