taijasi
Gnōthi seauton
Since the subject of Theosophy and the Theosophical Society has come up on several posts at CR, and since I’m sure some people have never even heard of Theosophy, I thought it would be helpful to provide one person’s POV on the purpose for modern-day Theosophy and for the original founding of the Theosophical Society some 130 years ago.
The history of the Theosophical Society dates back to the 1860s and earlier. A movement known as Spiritualism (see Wikipedia) had risen to popularity in the 1840s in Western Europe, the UK, and in America, coming forth as a response to the staunch materialism resulting from the Scientific Revolution. The Purpose of Spiritualism, as an inspired religious movement, was twofold. First, there was a need to demonstrate that the scientific method, though a valuable contribution to western society and epistemology, was not the only method whereby we may come to accurate and certain knowledge of ourselves & of the world around us. Second, through the very demonstration of Spiritualist techniques, a definite body of knowledge began to accumulate, specifically concerning the world of life after death … which further emphasized the fact that materialistic science was not adequate as a substitute for other means of legitimate inquiry.
Some might say that Spiritualism has been only partially successful, but I would disagree, noting that the prevalence of Spiritualistic ideas is now well established. Nearly everyone will recognize the word `séance!' The idea of the afterlife and of interaction with the dead has been featured in literally hundreds of Hollywood movies in recent years, and many bookstores feature entire sections on the life after death. The careers of many successful mediums (such as John Edward and James Van Praagh), and also of many legitimate scientists (eg, Gary Schwartz and J. B. Rhine) would not have been possible if not for Spiritualism!
Keep in mind that by the mid 1850s, Spiritualism had become extremely popular in America and the UK! After church and teatime on Sundays, it was as common as backgammon to gather for a séance or "table turning." And it was into this climate of a thinking and curious public – eager for a rational & practical presentation of Spiritual Truths - that the Elder Brothers sent forth Their Messengers, H.P. Blavatsky, Henry Steele Olcott, and William Quan Judge. Through these spiritual Servers the Masters precipitated the first set of Teachings which would form the cornerstone for all that we now call “New Age" ideas. In actuality, these disciples were also laying the foundation for a New World Religion, upon which later Messengers such as Alice Bailey and Helena Roerich would actually begin to erect the Temple!
H.P. Blavatsky, a Ukrainian by birth, had an eventful and adventurous youth & childhood. Those interested should read her biography. Many biographies exist, both favorable and unbiased, but I strongly advise against those who only slander and distort the truth. The Elder Brothers (or Masters) who chose HPB as their Messenger did so with a full awareness of her shortcomings, yet they chose the most qualified and capable disciple available at the time. To suggest that they failed in selecting wisely would not be unlike suggesting that John the Baptist failed in Announcing the Coming of the Christ. Both Forerunners knew their own role & place, and both were the humble servants of God’s Plan. Certainly neither was perfect – nor did they claim to be!
We can learn from www.blavatksy.net that HPB answered Her Master’s Call to Service after first meeting Him in Hyde Park, London in 1851 at age 20. She attempted to enter Tibet in 1853 and failed, but in 1856-57 she finally gained entrance, via Kashmir, and Ladakh. While there, she met and learned from her own Master, several additional Masters, and a young Arhat who would soon become the Master Djwhal Khul. It was Master DK (The `Tibetan’) who would later dictate much of The Secret Doctrine to HPB, and who also dicated Teachings through Alice Bailey in the 20th Century.
By 1860 Blavatsky had finally learned to harness her psychic and spiritual powers (Sanskrit `siddhis’), although this endeavor brought her severe physical and psychic crises. We know that HPB was wounded at the battle of Mentana (Italy), November 3, 1867, fighting valiantly under Garibaldi’s forces as a soldier … which says something to me of her courage, as well as her honor. In 1868 HPB visited Tibet and India a second time and received additional training from her Master (Morya). Acting on instructions from the latter, HPB sailed for New York, arriving July 7, 1873. She met H.S. Olcott in Chittendon, Vermont in late 1874, while investigating Spiritualistic phenomena. And finally, on Sept. 8, 1875, HPB, HSO, and William Quan Judge (a New York lawyer) founded the Theosophical Society in NY, NY.
Again & again it has been made clear that HPB and her compatriots founded the Theosophical Society of their own accord, and that they also bore the karmic results – both positive & negative – for this action! If we think carefully, a little simple logic & common sense will show that this was entirely necessary, just as fully as it is necessary now for us to continue to build the Temple of the New World Religion upon the foundation that they helped to establish … if indeed we are ever to see the Advent (sic) of the Christ and His Church in the 21st Century.
Truly, much has occurred since 1875, and the building of the Temple to which I refer is a worldwide, cooperative Human endeavor – and by no means the objective of Theosophists or esotericists alone, any more so than it is to be done exclusively by Christians, Muslims, or any other grouping of individuals. Yet sadly, there are those of every religious and philosophical mindset (many Theosophists included) who have come to mistake their own contributions as of inherently unique value & merit, and thus equally mistakenly they attempt to extend some claim upon the very Person and Mission of Him for Whom All the World Awaits.
But worst of all, and of greatest consequence to the otherwise swift Reappearance of Christ and His Masters, is the mistaken notion that Christ will act magically & despite our best efforts, rather than because and in concert with them. No group of Servers is more saddened by this unfortunate attitude than the Christ Himself and His Elect, since it is only within Their Power to answer the Voiced Invocation of a Cooperative & Receptive Humanity … and not to force Themselves upon us ahead of schedule, or against the collective Human karma that has held Them off so effectively & for so long.
Knowing full well the nature and the importance of the Work they were attempting, as well as the challenges they would likely face, Blavatsky & the early Theosophists pressed forward. As I say, the Theosophical Society was founded by Blavatsky, Olcott and Judge, and most certainly they accepted responsibility for its karma (and herein lies the greater measure of the true Service they rendered, still largely unappreciated!) … and yet, she founded it at the direct Instruction of the Masters Themselves.
Understandably, this distinction has caused much confusion, both among Theosophists and among those who have attempted to investigate the history of the Society objectively – as well as among those who have chosen to slander HPB and falsely accuse her. Yes, some people have nothing better to do than lash out in such manner, but they unknowingly humiliate themselves in light of their own spiritual principles, or in light of the true dignity of spirit that would otherwise flourish within them!
HPB’s life, and those of many a true Theosophist, have been nothing but exemplary instances of the struggles which we all must face (as disciples) if we are brave enough to seek to embody these principles (or their corollaries) within ourselves. And what are these Principles? They can best be understood in light of the Three Objects of the Theosophical Society itself:
Object Two is one that I hope every member and veteran poster at CR understands well enough to warrant no explanation. Did you realize that CR is thoroughly Theosophical in fulfilling this 2nd Object, and admirably so?
Discussions at CR also help to embody the Third Object, while such Movements as Spiritualism have done quite the same. Theosophy has taken this several steps farther, through the provision of New Teachings from the Masters of the Wisdom (the Great Ones, or Elder Brothers, called Mahatmas, or `Great Souls,' in the early days of the TS). Some of the Masters’ Teachings do draw heavily on Sanskrit terminology and on an Eastern worldview, because at the time there was very little in the American public consciousness that resonated with the ideas that needed seeding! Other than a growing interest in Spiritualism, and the life after death, the Masters were dealing largely with unplowed soil … and thus HPB had the added responsibility of "tilling" this soil of the popular consciousness so that the seeds of Wisdom could be sown.
My own analysis is that the Theosophical Society was/is literally an incarnation of the Love Aspect of God, inasmuch as a Human organization could so embody these energies in 1875, with the important caveat that the Wisdom aspect (of Love-Wisdom) might be said to predominate (in most members). And my belief is that the Masters knew and intended this … yet it also meant that They took upon Themselves the additional responsibility of accepting a limited number of (qualified) disciples from amidst the ranks of those whom HPB gathered into her fold. In a very real sense, she assisted in recruiting some of the very disciples who would later make extraordinary and significant contributions of their own … both to Theosophical heritage, and more importantly, to Humanity itself.
So again, to reiterate, the Theosophical Society was founded primarily to help advance and embody the Spirit of Brotherhood among Humanity, and to help form the Groundwork for the Coming Reappearance of the Christ. In this role it was by no means unique, although some of the avant-garde members, or elder souls, among Humanity were certainly “gathered in” at the time – and since – under this great energetic Spiritual impulse.
The objective of comparative study of religion, philosophy & science ensured that the heart of Theosophical endeavor would be an attempt to LIFT the focus of human consciousness away from and out of the astral-emotional plane, wherein glamour & distortion tend to condition the presentation of spiritual Truths as found within the many (exoteric) world religions. By no means did this mean that Theosophists would be free of this glamour per se, nor have they been. Alice Bailey's writings point out that the various branches & divisions of the original Theosophical Society are not free of the same petty squabbling and territorial nonsense that dominates organized religion. Certainly this is unfortunate, and diminishes the contribution that might otherwise be made, but such are often the shortcomings of the would-be followers ...
Lastly, we should not forget the valuable contributions made by Theosophists and by the TS itself over the years along the lines of psychic research. The writings of Geoffrey Hodson alone are enough to prove the Society along these lines, but those of Dora Kunz, Charles Leadbeater, Annie Besant, and George Arundale also warrant special recognition. Our understanding of our psychic and higher spiritual abilities - certain knowledge for some, a hopeful & curious prospect for others - would not be what it is, where it not for their endeavors.
As a former member of the Theosophical Society ... I would be happy to answer any questions that people have, or to dialogue along these lines.
Regards,
Taijasi
The history of the Theosophical Society dates back to the 1860s and earlier. A movement known as Spiritualism (see Wikipedia) had risen to popularity in the 1840s in Western Europe, the UK, and in America, coming forth as a response to the staunch materialism resulting from the Scientific Revolution. The Purpose of Spiritualism, as an inspired religious movement, was twofold. First, there was a need to demonstrate that the scientific method, though a valuable contribution to western society and epistemology, was not the only method whereby we may come to accurate and certain knowledge of ourselves & of the world around us. Second, through the very demonstration of Spiritualist techniques, a definite body of knowledge began to accumulate, specifically concerning the world of life after death … which further emphasized the fact that materialistic science was not adequate as a substitute for other means of legitimate inquiry.
Some might say that Spiritualism has been only partially successful, but I would disagree, noting that the prevalence of Spiritualistic ideas is now well established. Nearly everyone will recognize the word `séance!' The idea of the afterlife and of interaction with the dead has been featured in literally hundreds of Hollywood movies in recent years, and many bookstores feature entire sections on the life after death. The careers of many successful mediums (such as John Edward and James Van Praagh), and also of many legitimate scientists (eg, Gary Schwartz and J. B. Rhine) would not have been possible if not for Spiritualism!
Keep in mind that by the mid 1850s, Spiritualism had become extremely popular in America and the UK! After church and teatime on Sundays, it was as common as backgammon to gather for a séance or "table turning." And it was into this climate of a thinking and curious public – eager for a rational & practical presentation of Spiritual Truths - that the Elder Brothers sent forth Their Messengers, H.P. Blavatsky, Henry Steele Olcott, and William Quan Judge. Through these spiritual Servers the Masters precipitated the first set of Teachings which would form the cornerstone for all that we now call “New Age" ideas. In actuality, these disciples were also laying the foundation for a New World Religion, upon which later Messengers such as Alice Bailey and Helena Roerich would actually begin to erect the Temple!
H.P. Blavatsky, a Ukrainian by birth, had an eventful and adventurous youth & childhood. Those interested should read her biography. Many biographies exist, both favorable and unbiased, but I strongly advise against those who only slander and distort the truth. The Elder Brothers (or Masters) who chose HPB as their Messenger did so with a full awareness of her shortcomings, yet they chose the most qualified and capable disciple available at the time. To suggest that they failed in selecting wisely would not be unlike suggesting that John the Baptist failed in Announcing the Coming of the Christ. Both Forerunners knew their own role & place, and both were the humble servants of God’s Plan. Certainly neither was perfect – nor did they claim to be!
We can learn from www.blavatksy.net that HPB answered Her Master’s Call to Service after first meeting Him in Hyde Park, London in 1851 at age 20. She attempted to enter Tibet in 1853 and failed, but in 1856-57 she finally gained entrance, via Kashmir, and Ladakh. While there, she met and learned from her own Master, several additional Masters, and a young Arhat who would soon become the Master Djwhal Khul. It was Master DK (The `Tibetan’) who would later dictate much of The Secret Doctrine to HPB, and who also dicated Teachings through Alice Bailey in the 20th Century.
By 1860 Blavatsky had finally learned to harness her psychic and spiritual powers (Sanskrit `siddhis’), although this endeavor brought her severe physical and psychic crises. We know that HPB was wounded at the battle of Mentana (Italy), November 3, 1867, fighting valiantly under Garibaldi’s forces as a soldier … which says something to me of her courage, as well as her honor. In 1868 HPB visited Tibet and India a second time and received additional training from her Master (Morya). Acting on instructions from the latter, HPB sailed for New York, arriving July 7, 1873. She met H.S. Olcott in Chittendon, Vermont in late 1874, while investigating Spiritualistic phenomena. And finally, on Sept. 8, 1875, HPB, HSO, and William Quan Judge (a New York lawyer) founded the Theosophical Society in NY, NY.
Again & again it has been made clear that HPB and her compatriots founded the Theosophical Society of their own accord, and that they also bore the karmic results – both positive & negative – for this action! If we think carefully, a little simple logic & common sense will show that this was entirely necessary, just as fully as it is necessary now for us to continue to build the Temple of the New World Religion upon the foundation that they helped to establish … if indeed we are ever to see the Advent (sic) of the Christ and His Church in the 21st Century.
Truly, much has occurred since 1875, and the building of the Temple to which I refer is a worldwide, cooperative Human endeavor – and by no means the objective of Theosophists or esotericists alone, any more so than it is to be done exclusively by Christians, Muslims, or any other grouping of individuals. Yet sadly, there are those of every religious and philosophical mindset (many Theosophists included) who have come to mistake their own contributions as of inherently unique value & merit, and thus equally mistakenly they attempt to extend some claim upon the very Person and Mission of Him for Whom All the World Awaits.
But worst of all, and of greatest consequence to the otherwise swift Reappearance of Christ and His Masters, is the mistaken notion that Christ will act magically & despite our best efforts, rather than because and in concert with them. No group of Servers is more saddened by this unfortunate attitude than the Christ Himself and His Elect, since it is only within Their Power to answer the Voiced Invocation of a Cooperative & Receptive Humanity … and not to force Themselves upon us ahead of schedule, or against the collective Human karma that has held Them off so effectively & for so long.
Knowing full well the nature and the importance of the Work they were attempting, as well as the challenges they would likely face, Blavatsky & the early Theosophists pressed forward. As I say, the Theosophical Society was founded by Blavatsky, Olcott and Judge, and most certainly they accepted responsibility for its karma (and herein lies the greater measure of the true Service they rendered, still largely unappreciated!) … and yet, she founded it at the direct Instruction of the Masters Themselves.
Understandably, this distinction has caused much confusion, both among Theosophists and among those who have attempted to investigate the history of the Society objectively – as well as among those who have chosen to slander HPB and falsely accuse her. Yes, some people have nothing better to do than lash out in such manner, but they unknowingly humiliate themselves in light of their own spiritual principles, or in light of the true dignity of spirit that would otherwise flourish within them!
HPB’s life, and those of many a true Theosophist, have been nothing but exemplary instances of the struggles which we all must face (as disciples) if we are brave enough to seek to embody these principles (or their corollaries) within ourselves. And what are these Principles? They can best be understood in light of the Three Objects of the Theosophical Society itself:
- To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color.
- To encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science.
- To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity.
Object Two is one that I hope every member and veteran poster at CR understands well enough to warrant no explanation. Did you realize that CR is thoroughly Theosophical in fulfilling this 2nd Object, and admirably so?
Discussions at CR also help to embody the Third Object, while such Movements as Spiritualism have done quite the same. Theosophy has taken this several steps farther, through the provision of New Teachings from the Masters of the Wisdom (the Great Ones, or Elder Brothers, called Mahatmas, or `Great Souls,' in the early days of the TS). Some of the Masters’ Teachings do draw heavily on Sanskrit terminology and on an Eastern worldview, because at the time there was very little in the American public consciousness that resonated with the ideas that needed seeding! Other than a growing interest in Spiritualism, and the life after death, the Masters were dealing largely with unplowed soil … and thus HPB had the added responsibility of "tilling" this soil of the popular consciousness so that the seeds of Wisdom could be sown.
My own analysis is that the Theosophical Society was/is literally an incarnation of the Love Aspect of God, inasmuch as a Human organization could so embody these energies in 1875, with the important caveat that the Wisdom aspect (of Love-Wisdom) might be said to predominate (in most members). And my belief is that the Masters knew and intended this … yet it also meant that They took upon Themselves the additional responsibility of accepting a limited number of (qualified) disciples from amidst the ranks of those whom HPB gathered into her fold. In a very real sense, she assisted in recruiting some of the very disciples who would later make extraordinary and significant contributions of their own … both to Theosophical heritage, and more importantly, to Humanity itself.
So again, to reiterate, the Theosophical Society was founded primarily to help advance and embody the Spirit of Brotherhood among Humanity, and to help form the Groundwork for the Coming Reappearance of the Christ. In this role it was by no means unique, although some of the avant-garde members, or elder souls, among Humanity were certainly “gathered in” at the time – and since – under this great energetic Spiritual impulse.
The objective of comparative study of religion, philosophy & science ensured that the heart of Theosophical endeavor would be an attempt to LIFT the focus of human consciousness away from and out of the astral-emotional plane, wherein glamour & distortion tend to condition the presentation of spiritual Truths as found within the many (exoteric) world religions. By no means did this mean that Theosophists would be free of this glamour per se, nor have they been. Alice Bailey's writings point out that the various branches & divisions of the original Theosophical Society are not free of the same petty squabbling and territorial nonsense that dominates organized religion. Certainly this is unfortunate, and diminishes the contribution that might otherwise be made, but such are often the shortcomings of the would-be followers ...
Lastly, we should not forget the valuable contributions made by Theosophists and by the TS itself over the years along the lines of psychic research. The writings of Geoffrey Hodson alone are enough to prove the Society along these lines, but those of Dora Kunz, Charles Leadbeater, Annie Besant, and George Arundale also warrant special recognition. Our understanding of our psychic and higher spiritual abilities - certain knowledge for some, a hopeful & curious prospect for others - would not be what it is, where it not for their endeavors.
As a former member of the Theosophical Society ... I would be happy to answer any questions that people have, or to dialogue along these lines.
Regards,
Taijasi
