An esoteric new religious movement blending Eastern and Western spiritual traditions to explore the divine wisdom underlying all religions.
Founded in New York City in 1875, the Theosophical Society has played a significant role in shaping modern spiritual and philosophical thought. This international organization, dedicated to promoting spiritual and philosophical exploration, was co-founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge. The Society’s creation was influenced by various philosophies and religions, including Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, as well as Western esoteric traditions.
Helena Blavatsky, often referred to as Madame Blavatsky or HPB, was the primary driving force behind the Theosophical Society’s formation and early development. Born in Ukraine in 1831, Blavatsky claimed to have traveled extensively throughout Asia and other parts of the world, studying with spiritual masters and gaining esoteric knowledge. As the first Russian woman to be naturalized as an American citizen, her extensive travels and mystical experiences greatly influenced the Society’s teachings. Blavatsky’s seminal works, “Isis Unveiled” (1877) and “The Secret Doctrine” (1888), laid the foundation for modern Theosophy and continue to be influential in esoteric circles.
Henry Steel Olcott, the Society’s first president, was an American military officer and lawyer who contributed significantly to spreading Theosophy’s teachings and establishing the Society as an international organization. Olcott played a crucial role in promoting Theosophy worldwide and establishing branches in various countries. His efforts in promoting Buddhist revival in Sri Lanka even earned him the status of a national hero in that country.
The Theosophical Society’s primary aims were to form a universal brotherhood of humanity, encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science, and investigate unexplained natural laws and the latent powers in humanity. Theosophy, which means “divine wisdom,” is not considered a religion by its founders, but rather a system encapsulating the essential truths underlying various religions, philosophies, and sciences.
At the core of Theosophical beliefs is the concept of the Ageless Wisdom tradition, which posits that the universe and everything within it are interconnected and interdependent. Theosophists believe in direct contact with a deeper spiritual reality through intuition, meditation, and revelation. They emphasize monism, the idea that reality is constituted of one principle or substance, such as mind or spirit. The Society teaches that every being, from the smallest atom to the largest galaxy, is part of a universal, life-creating reality.
Theosophical teachings also emphasize the idea of spiritual evolution, proposing that all beings are on a journey of spiritual growth and development across multiple lifetimes. This concept of reincarnation is central to Theosophical thought, with the belief that individuals progress through various stages of spiritual development over many incarnations. Theosophists practice reverence for life, compassion for all beings, and respect for individual quests for truth.
In 1879, Blavatsky and Olcott moved the Society’s headquarters to India, reflecting the organization’s growing interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality. The international headquarters were established in Adyar, a suburb of Madras (now Chennai), India, in 1882, where it remains to this day. This move significantly influenced the spread of Theosophy in Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka.
Throughout its history, the Theosophical Society has faced both praise and criticism. Supporters have lauded its efforts to bridge Eastern and Western spiritual traditions and its promotion of religious tolerance and universal brotherhood. Critics, however, have questioned the authenticity of Blavatsky’s claims and the validity of some Theosophical teachings.
The Society experienced significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting many prominent intellectuals and artists. Notable members and supporters included the inventor Thomas Edison, the poet W.B. Yeats, and the painter Wassily Kandinsky. The organization’s influence extended to various fields, including art, literature, and social reform movements.
After Blavatsky’s death in 1891, the Society underwent significant changes. Annie Besant, a British social reformer and women’s rights activist, became a prominent figure in the Theosophical movement. Besant served as the president of the Theosophical Society Adyar from 1907 to 1933. Under her leadership, the Society continued to grow and expand its influence.
In 1895, a major schism occurred within the Theosophical Society, leading to the formation of a separate organization in America under the leadership of William Quan Judge. This split resulted in two main branches of the society: the Theosophical Society Adyar, headquartered in India, and the Theosophical Society in America, based in Pasadena, California. The latter was legally renamed in 1934 and now has its administrative center in Wheaton, Illinois.
One of the most controversial episodes in the Society’s history was the promotion of Jiddu Krishnamurti as the vehicle for the coming “World Teacher” or Maitreya. Krishnamurti was groomed for this role from a young age, but in 1929, he dissolved the organization created to support his mission and distanced himself from the Theosophical Society.
Despite these challenges, the Theosophical Society has had a significant impact on the development of modern spiritual and philosophical movements. It has influenced figures like Rudolf Steiner, who founded the Anthroposophical Society, and organizations such as the Rosicrucian Fellowship and the I AM Movement. The Society’s promotion of Eastern spiritual practices, such as yoga and meditation, and its emphasis on universal brotherhood have left a lasting impact on contemporary spiritual and philosophical thought.
The Theosophical Society continues to encourage open-minded inquiry into world religions, philosophy, science, and the arts. It aims to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and explore spiritual self-transformation. The Society maintains local groups across various countries, where members meet to discuss and practice Theosophical teachings.
Today, the Society organizes lectures, workshops, and provides online resources on spirituality. It also publishes a quarterly magazine, “Quest: Journal of the Theosophical Society in America.” The organization continues to promote the study of ancient wisdom traditions and esoteric knowledge, including the concept of the “Masters” or “Mahatmas,” believed to be highly evolved spiritual beings who guide humanity’s spiritual progress.
The Theosophical Society’s legacy extends beyond its direct teachings and organizational structure. Its emphasis on the fundamental unity of all existence, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the importance of spiritual evolution has influenced numerous New Age and alternative spiritual movements. The Society’s early promotion of Eastern philosophies and practices in the West played a significant role in the growing interest in yoga, meditation, and Eastern spirituality that continues to this day.
Furthermore, the Theosophical Society’s commitment to comparative religion and philosophy has contributed to greater interfaith dialogue and understanding. By emphasizing the common threads running through various spiritual traditions, the Society has helped foster a more inclusive and syncretic approach to spirituality that resonates with many modern seekers.
image via Indralaya
