Occultism is much more than the Indian rope trick, as Ernest Wood points out in this highly interesting account of the practice of the 'real occult' in India. Genuine Occultism, the author explains, seeks the pure, eternal life, beyond the restrictions of time and space. The real occult is that which is hidden from those who cannot rise in thought beyond attachment to 'limited states of consciousness'.

The average Hindu acknowledges that abnormal psychic powers may come to an aspirant who is in pursuit of the Truth. But he takes care that they do not lure him from this real ideal. For such a seeker 'occultism' is the science of life, or the science of the Self.

Ernest Wood makes a comprehensive presentation of the various types of yoga that, when rightly practised, will lead to spiritual illumination The book ends with a very useful chapter that gives practical guidance on meditation.