Invalidating its sometimes sinister connotation, C.W. Leadbeater defines occultism as "the study of the hidden laws of nature," thereby revealing its role-here intertwined with vegetarianism-in the pursuit of spiritual truth and wholeness. In this pamphlet, first published in 1913, Leadbeater, always keeping in mind the practical issues that arise and consistently providing scientific support, provides a thorough review of vegetarianism and the many ways it benefits the body and spirit through nutrition, purity, and harmony with nature.
Author
Charles Webster Leadbeater (/ˈlɛdˌbɛtər/; 16 February 1854 – 1 March 1934) was an influential member of the Theosophical Society, author on occult subjects and co-initiator with J. I. Wedgwood of the Liberal Catholic Church. Originally a priest of the Church of England, his interest in spiritualism caused him to end his affiliation with Anglicanism in favour of the Theosophical Society, where he became an associate of Annie Besant. He became a high-ranking officer of the society, but resigned in 1906 amid a scandal. Accusations of his detractors were never proven and, with Besant's assistance, he was readmitted a few years later. Leadbeater went on to write over 69 books and pamphlets that examined in detail the hidden side of life as well as maintain regular speaking engagements. His efforts on behalf of the society assured his status as one of its leading members until his death in 1934.
