DOCSLIB.ORG

A Transformative Perspective on Theosophists Contribution to Education and Politics (1879-1930)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Transformative Perspective on Theosophists Contribution to Education and Politics (1879-1930) A transformative perspective on Theosophists contribution to education and politics (1879-1930) Per-Olof Fjällsby Idealizing India A transformative perspective on Theosophists contribution to education and politics (1879-1930) Per-Olof Fjällsby Idealizing India - A transformative perspective on Theosophists contribution to education and politics (1879-1930) Per-Olof Fjällsby ISBN 978-91-7063-683-7 Originally published as "Indien som utopi och verklighet: Om den teosofiska rörelsens bidrag till indisk utbildning och politik 1879-1930" in 2012. ISBN 978-91-7063-425-3 © The author Distribution: Karlstad University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden +46 54 700 10 00 Print: Universitetstryckeriet, Karlstad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reface and acknowledgement The idea to write about theosophy in India first came to me with the fascinating accounts of the former freethinker and theosophist Ms Annie Besant and Krishnamurti, writer, speaker and philosopher. During a visit to the Education Centre of the Krishnamurti Foundation in Varanasi, I chanced to listen to Pupul Jayakar, the legendary writer and celebrity in dialogue with schoolchildren speaking passionately about peaceful coexistence between India-Pakistan drawing examples from a recently held cricket match between the two countries. I was impressed with the learning environment and got a glimpse of theosophists’ early involvement in education; the history of Vasanta College for Women and Central Hindu College (a forerunner to the Banaras Hindu University. Being an educationalist myself with a background in teacher training, this was indeed a stimulating quest. As a historian I always felt that the transformative realm of education remains much neglected in the historical writings of the nation building. This book is a modest attempt to fill this gap as it highlights the history of theosophy in India with a special focus on educational institutions, which they tried to create so conscientiously. It also tries to explore the ambiguities and doubts that occasionally features led to political jostle around their time. During my many academic sojourns to Varanasi and other places in India spanning over three decades I made many friends and relished conversations and as well as serious discussions with them. To all of them I extend my sincere thanks for making me aware of the multifaceted realities of India. The long list of friends and colleagues whom I owe my debt include Professor Padmanabhan Krishna, currently in charge of the Krishnamurti Study Centre and Late Dr. Vijay Shivapuri and Dr. Depti Pande from Vasanta College Rajghat, Professor TK Biswas, Professor Rana PB Singh and Professors Anjoo and Priyankar Upadhyaya from Banaras Hindu University. Special thanks are due to Late Dr Om Prakash Sharma who was a constant source of knowledge of local cultures and religions during my field studies across India. I also need to direct my thanks to research and support staff of many institutions including National Archives of India and Nehru Memorial in Delhi, Adyar Library in Chenai, Bharat Kala Bhavan at Banaras Hindu University, Rajghat Education Centre and the Library at the Theosophical Society in Varanasi. I also received valuable input from my Swedish colleagues whom I would like to acknowledge: Professor Emeritus Karl Reinold Haellqvist who passed away less than a year after our collaboration started. He was a historian whose career was dedicated promoting the knowledge of South Asia. He gave me the confidence to carry on my research after reading my first manuscript. My mentor has been Professor Emeritus Sune Akerman who inspired me unceasingly with his vast knowledge and long experience. Finally, a special word of gratefulness to Professor Emeritus Tekeste Negash, formerly at University of Uppsala who wisely advised me not to be over ambitious and that I don’t have to include all aspects of the Theosophical Society in my research. I also wish to record my appreciation to Dr Adrian Velicu, who put a lot of efforts in translating this book from Swedish. Last but not least, I thank my family and specially my wife Inga-Lill who is the main reason why this book has been published. 1 Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................... 5 The Enquiry .................................................................................................... 7 Methodological Considerations ......................................................................... 9 The Theoretical Perspectives of the Thesis ........................................................ 10 Thought Style and Thought Collective ......................................................................................... 10 Other Theoretical Perspectives ...................................................................................................... 13 Sources and other Material .............................................................................. 15 Theosophical Literature ................................................................................................................ 17 Biographies .................................................................................................................................... 20 The Extra-theosophical State of Research .......................................................... 22 The Early Criticism ....................................................................................................................... 22 Occultism ....................................................................................................................................... 25 The Theosophical Society as a reform movement in India ........................................................... 27 The Theosophists in the historical surveys .................................................................................... 28 The Plan of this Study ..................................................................................... 34 Chapter 2 ...................................................................................... 37 The Theosophical Society – The Ideas and the Movement .................... 37 Theosophy – a reflection of nineteenth-century intellectual currents ..................... 38 H.P. Blavatsky and H.S. Olcott – the founders of theosophy ........................................................ 41 Texts and Teachings ....................................................................................... 46 Humankind and universal brotherhood ........................................................................................ 47 Races and nations .......................................................................................................................... 48 The occult way of knowledge ........................................................................................................ 52 The spiritual masters ...................................................................................................................... 53 The first contacts with India .......................................................................................................... 54 The Mahatma Scandal .................................................................................................................. 58 Blavatsky’s last years ...................................................................................................................... 61 Members, organization and movement ............................................................. 63 The development of the membership 1875-1930 .......................................................................... 63 Who became a member? ............................................................................................................... 67 The attempt to create the theosophical ideal society ..................................................................... 69 Ambivalence before modernity – a movement’s perspective ................................. 71 British movements critical of modernization ................................................................................. 73 Annie Besant – the English period ..................................................................... 78 The encounter with the Promised Land ........................................................................................ 88 How can Besant’s transition between different movements be explained? ................................... 90 Chapter Three ............................................................................... 93 Reform Movements and the Growth of Indian Nationalism ................. 93 The British influence – colonizing thought ......................................................... 93 A nationalist movement develops .................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Secret Doctrine Symposium
    The Secret Doctrine Symposium Compiled and Edited by David P. Bruce THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AMERICA P.O. Box 270, Wheaton, IL 60187-0270 www.theosophical.org © 2011 Introduction In creating this course, it was the compiler’s intention to feature some of the most com- pelling and insightful articles on The Secret Doctrine published in Theosophical journals over the past several decades. Admittedly, the process of selecting a limited few from the large number available is to some extent a subjective decision. One of the criteria used for making this selection was the desire to provide the reader with a colorful pastiche of commentary by respected students of Theosophy, in order to show the various avenues of approach to Mme. Blavatsky’s most famous work. The sequence of the articles in the Symposium was arranged, not chronologically, nor alphabetically by author, but thematically and with an eye to a sense of balance. While some of the articles are informational, there are also those that are inspirational, historical, and instructional. It is hoped that the Symposium will encourage, inspire, and motivate the student to begin a serious and sustained exploration of this most unusual and important Theosophical work. Questions have been added to each of the articles. When referring to a specific quote or passage within the article, the page number and paragraph are referenced. For instance, (1.5) indicates the fifth paragraph on page one; (4.2) indicates the second paragraph on page four. A page number followed by a zero, i.e ., (25.0) would indicate that something is being discussed in the paragraph carried over from the previous page, in this case, page 24.
    [Show full text]
  • Gandhi and Mani Bhavan
    73 Gandhi and Mani Bhavan Sandhya Mehta Volume 1 : Issue 07, November 2020 1 : Issue 07, November Volume Independent Researcher, Social Media Coordinator of Mani Bhavan, Mumbai, [email protected] Sambhāṣaṇ 74 Abstract: This narrative attempts to give a brief description of Gandhiji’s association with Mani Bhavan from 1917 to 1934. Mani Bhavan was the nerve centre in the city of Bombay (now Mumbai) for Gandhiji’s activities and movements. It was from here that Gandhiji launched the first nationwide satyagraha of Rowlett Act, started Khilafat and Non-operation movements. Today it stands as a memorial to Gandhiji’s life and teachings. _______ The most distinguished address in a quiet locality of Gamdevi in Mumbai is the historic building, Mani Bhavan - the house where Gandhiji stayed whenever he was in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934. Mani Bhavan belonged to Gandhiji’s friend Revashankar Jhaveri who was a jeweller by profession and elder brother of Dr Pranjivandas Mehta - Gandhiji’s friend from his student days in England. Gandhiji and Revashankarbhai shared the ideology of non-violence, truth and satyagraha and this was the bond of their empathetic friendship. Gandhiji respected Revashankarbhai as his elder brother as a result the latter was ever too happy to Volume 1 : Issue 07, November 2020 1 : Issue 07, November Volume host him at his house. I will be mentioning Mumbai as Bombay in my text as the city was then known. Sambhāṣaṇ Sambhāṣaṇ Volume 1 : Issue 07, November 2020 75 Mani Bhavan was converted into a Gandhi museum in 1955. Dr Rajendra Prasad, then The President of India did the honours of inaugurating the museum.
    [Show full text]
  • Years of Fulfillment
    Years of Fulfillment Years of Fulfillment / Mary Lutyens / Krishnamurti Foundation Trust Ltd. / file download som.pdf 325 pages / Relying heavily on his letters, traces the religious leader's development from Theosophical Society child messiah to independent teacher and the unfolding of his teaching / The Years of Awakening / 1997 / ISBN:1570622884 / Krishnamurti / Mary Lutyens / Religion Years of Fulfillment pdf download One Thousand Moons / Krishnamurti at Eighty-Five / 123 pages / Photographs portraying the daily activities of the spiritual teacher, Jiddu Krishnamurti, are accompanied by a description of his life / Asit Chandmal / 1985 / Philosophy / UOM:39015011804864 download Brief account of the life of Jiddu Krishnamurti, 1895-1986, Indian philosopher / Shanta Rameshwar Rao / 116 pages / J. Krishnamurti / ISBN:8126019972 / Jan 1, 2005 296 pages / Millais and the Ruskins / Mary Lutyens, John Ruskin, Lady Euphemia Chalmers Gray Millais, Sir John Everett Millais / 1967 / Pre-Raphaelites / UCAL:B2831297 For nearly half a century the charismatic, strikingly handsome spiritual teacher J. Krishnamurti gathered an enormous following throughout Europe, India, Australia and North / 392 pages / Lives in the Shadow with J. Krishnamurti / Aug 31, 2011 / RADHA RAJAGOPAL SLOSS / ISBN:1462031315 / Biography & Autobiography ISBN:0140103430 / A Classic Biography Of One Of The Greatest Spiritual Teachers Of Our Times In 1909, When He Was Just Fourteen, Krishnamurti Was Proclaimed The World Teacher In Whom Maitreya / Philosophers / J. Krishnamurti
    [Show full text]
  • The Early Days of Theosophy in Europe by A.P
    The Early Days of Theosophy in Europe by A.P. Sinnett The Early Days of Theosphy in Europe by A.P. Sinnett Theosophical Publishing House Ltd, London, 1922 NOTE [Page 5] Mr. Sinnett's literary Executor in arranging for the publication this volume is prompted to add a few words of explanation. There is naturally some diffidence experienced in placing before the public a posthumous MSS of personal reminiscences dealing in various instances with people still living. It would, however, be impossible to use the editorial blue pencil without destroying the historical value of the MSS. Mr. Sinnett's position and associations with the Theosophical Society together with his standing as an author in the Theosophical movement alike demand that his last writing should be published, and it is left to each reader to form his own judgment as to the value of the book in the light of his own study of the questions involved. Page 1 The Early Days of Theosophy in Europe by A.P. Sinnett CHAPTER - 1 - NO record could truly be called a History of the Theosophical Society if it concerned itself merely with events taking shape on the physical plane of life. From the first such events have been the result of activities on a higher plane; of steps taken by the unseen Powers presiding over human evolution, whose existence was unknown in the outer world when their great undertaking — the Theosophical Movement — was originally set on foot. To those known in the outer world as the Founders of the Theosophical Society — Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott — the existence of these higher powers, The Brothers as they were called at first, was more or less imperfectly comprehended.
    [Show full text]
  • INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS 1885-1947 Year Place President
    INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS 1885-1947 Year Place President 1885 Bombay W.C. Bannerji 1886 Calcutta Dadabhai Naoroji 1887 Madras Syed Badruddin Tyabji 1888 Allahabad George Yule First English president 1889 Bombay Sir William 1890 Calcutta Sir Pherozeshah Mehta 1891 Nagupur P. Anandacharlu 1892 Allahabad W C Bannerji 1893 Lahore Dadabhai Naoroji 1894 Madras Alfred Webb 1895 Poona Surendranath Banerji 1896 Calcutta M Rahimtullah Sayani 1897 Amraoti C Sankaran Nair 1898 Madras Anandamohan Bose 1899 Lucknow Romesh Chandra Dutt 1900 Lahore N G Chandravarkar 1901 Calcutta E Dinsha Wacha 1902 Ahmedabad Surendranath Banerji 1903 Madras Lalmohan Ghosh 1904 Bombay Sir Henry Cotton 1905 Banaras G K Gokhale 1906 Calcutta Dadabhai Naoroji 1907 Surat Rashbehari Ghosh 1908 Madras Rashbehari Ghosh 1909 Lahore Madanmohan Malaviya 1910 Allahabad Sir William Wedderburn 1911 Calcutta Bishan Narayan Dhar 1912 Patna R N Mudhalkar 1913 Karachi Syed Mahomed Bahadur 1914 Madras Bhupendranath Bose 1915 Bombay Sir S P Sinha 1916 Lucknow A C Majumdar 1917 Calcutta Mrs. Annie Besant 1918 Bombay Syed Hassan Imam 1918 Delhi Madanmohan Malaviya 1919 Amritsar Motilal Nehru www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com| www.careerpower.in | www.careeradda.co.inPage 1 1920 Calcutta Lala Lajpat Rai 1920 Nagpur C Vijaya Raghavachariyar 1921 Ahmedabad Hakim Ajmal Khan 1922 Gaya C R Das 1923 Delhi Abul Kalam Azad 1923 Coconada Maulana Muhammad Ali 1924 Belgaon Mahatma Gandhi 1925 Cawnpore Mrs.Sarojini Naidu 1926 Guwahati Srinivas Ayanagar 1927 Madras M A Ansari 1928 Calcutta Motilal Nehru 1929 Lahore Jawaharlal Nehru 1930 No session J L Nehru continued 1931 Karachi Vallabhbhai Patel 1932 Delhi R D Amritlal 1933 Calcutta Mrs.
    [Show full text]
  • “History of Education Society Bulletin” (1985)
    History of Education Society Bulletin (1985) Vol. 36 pp 52 -54 MONTESSORI WAS A THEOSOPHIST Carolie Wilson Dept. of Education, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia In October 1947 Time magazine reported that world famous education- ist Dr. Maria Montessori, though 'almost forgotten', was none the less very much alive in India where she was continuing to give lectures in the grounds of the Theosophical Society's magnificent estate at Adyar on the outskirts of Madras. 1 Accompanied by her son Mario, Montessori had gone to India at the invitation of Theosophical Society President, George Arundale, in No- vember 1939 and had been interned there as an 'enemy alien' when Italy en- tered the Second World War in June 1940. The Dottoressa was permitted however, to remain at Adyar to continue her teacher training courses and later to move to a more congenial climate in the hills at Kodaikanal. 2 At the end of the War she made a short visit to Europe but returned to India to undertake the first teacher training course at the new Arundale Montessori Training Centre.3 The Centre was established as a memorial to former Theosophi- cal Society President, Dr. Annie Besant, whose centenary was being celebrat- ed at Adyar in October 1947.4 In view, no doubt, of her continued residence at Adyar and the gener- ous support the Theosophical Society extended to Montessori and Mario during the War years, the Dottoressa was asked on one occasion under the shade of the famous giant banyan tree at Adyar, whether she had in fact become a Theosophist.
    [Show full text]
  • Rrb Ntpc Top 100 Indian National Movement Questions
    RRB NTPC TOP 100 INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT QUESTIONS RRB NTPC TOP 100 INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT QUESTIONS Stay Connected With SPNotifier EBooks for Bank Exams, SSC & Railways 2020 General Awareness EBooks Computer Awareness EBooks Monthly Current Affairs Capsules RRB NTPC TOP 100 INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT QUESTIONS Click Here to Download the E Books for Several Exams Click here to check the topics related RRB NTPC RRB NTPC Roles and Responsibilities RRB NTPC ID Verification RRB NTPC Instructions RRB NTPC Exam Duration RRB NTPC EXSM PWD Instructions RRB NTPC Forms RRB NTPC FAQ Test Day RRB NTPC TOP 100 INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT QUESTIONS 1. The Hindu Widows Remarriage act was Explanation: Annie Besant was the first woman enacted in which of the following year? President of Indian National Congress. She presided over the 1917 Calcutta session of the A. 1865 Indian National Congress. B. 1867 C. 1856 4. In which of the following movement, all the D. 1869 top leaders of the Congress were arrested by Answer: C the British Government? Explanation: The Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act A. Quit India Movement was enacted on 26 July 1856 that legalised the B. Khilafat Movement remarriage of Hindu widows in all jurisdictions of C. Civil Disobedience Movement D. Home Rule Agitation India under East India Company rule. Answer: A 2. Which movement was supported by both, The Indian National Army as well as The Royal Explanation: On 8 August 1942 at the All-India Indian Navy? Congress Committee session in Bombay, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi launched the A. Khilafat movement 'Quit India' movement. The next day, Gandhi, B.
    [Show full text]
  • Dadabhai Naoroji: a Reformer of the British Empire Between Bombay and Westminster
    Imperial Portaits Dadabhai Naoroji: A reformer of the British empire between Bombay and Westminster Teresa SEGURA-GARCIA ABSTRACT From the closing decades of the nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, Dadabhai Naoroji (1825‒1917) was India’s foremost intellectual celebrity — by the end of his career, he was known as ‘the Grand Old Man of India’. He spent most his life moving between western India and England in various capacities — as social reformer, academic, businessman, and politician. His life’s work was the redress of the inequalities of imperialism through political activism in London, at the heart of the British empire, where colonial policy was formulated. This project brought him to Westminster, where he became Britain’s first Indian member of parliament (MP). As a Liberal Party MP, he represented the constituency of Central Finsbury, London, from 1892 to 1895. Above all, he used the political structures, concepts, and language of the British empire to reshape it from within and, in this way, improve India’s political destiny. Dadabhai Naoroji, 1889. Naoroji wears a phenta, the distinctive conical hat of the Parsis. While he initially wore it in London, he largely abandoned it after 1886. This sartorial change was linked to his first attempt to reach Westminster, as one of his British collaborators advised him to switch to European hats. He ignored this advice: he mostly opted for an uncovered head, thus rejecting the colonial binary of the rulers versus the ruled. Source : National Portrait Gallery. Debate on the Indian Council Cotton Duties. by Sydney Prior Hall, published in The Graphic, 2 March 1895.
    [Show full text]
  • Why I Became a Hindu
    Why I became a Hindu Parama Karuna Devi published by Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Copyright © 2018 Parama Karuna Devi All rights reserved Title ID: 8916295 ISBN-13: 978-1724611147 ISBN-10: 1724611143 published by: Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Website: www.jagannathavallabha.com Anyone wishing to submit questions, observations, objections or further information, useful in improving the contents of this book, is welcome to contact the author: E-mail: [email protected] phone: +91 (India) 94373 00906 Please note: direct contact data such as email and phone numbers may change due to events of force majeure, so please keep an eye on the updated information on the website. Table of contents Preface 7 My work 9 My experience 12 Why Hinduism is better 18 Fundamental teachings of Hinduism 21 A definition of Hinduism 29 The problem of castes 31 The importance of Bhakti 34 The need for a Guru 39 Can someone become a Hindu? 43 Historical examples 45 Hinduism in the world 52 Conversions in modern times 56 Individuals who embraced Hindu beliefs 61 Hindu revival 68 Dayananda Saraswati and Arya Samaj 73 Shraddhananda Swami 75 Sarla Bedi 75 Pandurang Shastri Athavale 75 Chattampi Swamikal 76 Narayana Guru 77 Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru 78 Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha 79 Ramakrishna Paramahamsa 79 Sarada Devi 80 Golap Ma 81 Rama Tirtha Swami 81 Niranjanananda Swami 81 Vireshwarananda Swami 82 Rudrananda Swami 82 Swahananda Swami 82 Narayanananda Swami 83 Vivekananda Swami and Ramakrishna Math 83 Sister Nivedita
    [Show full text]
  • Estimates Committee (1965-66)
    E.C. No. 461 ESTIMATES COMMITTEE (1965-66) HUNDREDTH REPORT (THIRD LOK SABHA) MINISTRY OF EDUCATION BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI April, 1966IChmtra, 2888 (Saka) Price: Rs. 190 LIST OF AUTHORISED AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF LOK SABH' SECRETARIAT PUBLICATIONS SI. Name of Agent SI. Name of Agent Agcju No. No. No. ANDHRA PRADESH 13. Deccan Book Stall, 65 Ferguson College Road, Andhra University General Poona-4. Cooperative Stores Ltd., • Waltair (Visakhapatnam). RAJASTHAN 2. G.R. Lakshmipathy Chetty 94 and Sons, General 14. Information Centre, Go- 38 Merchants and News vernment of Rajasthan, Agents, Newpet, Chan- Tripolia, Jaipur City. dragiri. Chitlittoor District. UTTAR PRADESH ASSAM 3 Western Book Depot, 15. Swastik Industrial Works, Pan Bazar, Gauhati. 59, Holi Street, Meerut City. BIHAR 16. Law Book Company Sardar Patel Marg, 4. Amar Kitab Ghar, Post 37 Allahabad-1. Box 78, Diagonal Road, Jamshedpur. WEST BENGAL GUJARAT 5. Vijay Stores, Station Road, 35 17. Gramhaloka, 5/1, Ambica lo Anand. Mookherjee Road, Bel- gharia, 24 Parganas. 6. The New Order Book 63 Company, Ellis Bridge, 18. W. Newman & Company 44 Ahmedabad-6. Ltd., 3, Old Court House Street, Calcutta. MADHYA PRADESH 7. Modern Book House, Shiv 19. Firma K. L. Mukhopadhyay, 13 6/iA, Banchharam Akrur Vilas Palace, Indore City. Lane, Calcutta-12. DELHI MAHARASHTRA 20. Jain Book Agency, Con­ M/s. Sunderdas Gianchand, 6 naught Place, New Delhi. 601, Girgaum | Road, Near I Princess Street, 21. Sat Narain & Sons, 3141, Bombay-2. Mohd. Ali Bazar, Mori Gate, Delhi. 9. The International Book 22 House (Private) Limited, 22. A^ma Ram Sc Sons, Kash- 9, Ash Lane, Mahatma mere Gate, Delhi-6.
    [Show full text]
  • The Theosophical Seal by Arthur M. Coon the Theosophical Seal a Study for the Student and Non-Student
    The Theosophical Seal by Arthur M. Coon The Theosophical Seal A Study for the Student and Non-Student by Arthur M. Coon This book is dedicated to all searchers for wisdom Published in the 1800's Page 1 The Theosophical Seal by Arthur M. Coon INTRODUCTION PREFACE BOOK -1- A DIVINE LANGUAGE ALPHA AND OMEGA UNITY BECOMES DUALITY THREE: THE SACRED NUMBER THE SQUARE AND THE NUMBER FOUR THE CROSS BOOK 2-THE TAU THE PHILOSOPHIC CROSS THE MYSTIC CROSS VICTORY THE PATH BOOK -3- THE SWASTIKA ANTIQUITY THE WHIRLING CROSS CREATIVE FIRE BOOK -4- THE SERPENT MYTH AND SACRED SCRIPTURE SYMBOL OF EVIL SATAN, LUCIFER AND THE DEVIL SYMBOL OF THE DIVINE HEALER SYMBOL OF WISDOM THE SERPENT SWALLOWING ITS TAIL BOOK 5 - THE INTERLACED TRIANGLES THE PATTERN THE NUMBER THREE THE MYSTERY OF THE TRIANGLE THE HINDU TRIMURTI Page 2 The Theosophical Seal by Arthur M. Coon THE THREEFOLD UNIVERSE THE HOLY TRINITY THE WORK OF THE TRINITY THE DIVINE IMAGE " AS ABOVE, SO BELOW " KING SOLOMON'S SEAL SIXES AND SEVENS BOOK 6 - THE SACRED WORD THE SACRED WORD ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Page 3 The Theosophical Seal by Arthur M. Coon INTRODUCTION I am happy to introduce this present volume, the contents of which originally appeared as a series of articles in The American Theosophist magazine. Mr. Arthur Coon's careful analysis of the Theosophical Seal is highly recommend to the many readers who will find here a rich store of information concerning the meaning of the various components of the seal Symbology is one of the ancient keys unlocking the mysteries of man and Nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Vol142no04 Jan2021
    Text of Resolutions passed by the General Council of the Theosophical Society Freedom of Thought As the Theosophical Society has spread far and wide over the world, and as members of all religions have become members of it without surrendering the special dogmas, teachings and beliefs of their re- spective faiths, it is thought desirable to emphasize the fact that there is no doctrine, no opinion, by whomsoever taught or held, that is in any way binding on any member of the Society, none which any member is not free to accept or reject. Approval of its three Objects is the sole condition of membership. No teacher, or writer, from H. P. Blavatsky onwards, has any authority to impose his or her teachings or opinions on members. Every member has an equal right to follow any school of thought, but has no right to force the choice on any other. Neither a candidate for any office nor any voter can be rendered ineligible to stand or to vote, because of any opinion held, or because of membership in any school of thought. Opinions or beliefs neither bestow privileges nor inflict penalties. The Members of the General Council earnestly request every member of the Theosophical Society to maintain, defend and act upon these fundamental principles of the Society, and also fearlessly to exercise the right of liberty of thought and of expression thereof, within the limits of courtesy and consideration for others. Freedom of the Society The Theosophical Society, while cooperating with all other bodies whose aims and activities make such cooperation possible, is and must remain an organization entirely independent of them, not committed to any objects save its own, and intent on developing its own work on the broadest and most inclusive lines, so as to move towards its own goal as indicated in and by the pursuit of those objects and that Divine Wisdom which in the abstract is implicit in the title ‘The Theosophical Society’.
    [Show full text]