The Theosophical Society is an organization associated with Theosophy, a new religious movement that emerged in the late 19th century. The society was established in New York City in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky, a Russian mystic, and Henry Steel Olcott, who became its first president. Theosophy draws from various sources, including older European philosophies like Neoplatonism and occultism, as well as elements from Asian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
The society’s main objectives are to form a universal brotherhood of humanity without any distinctions, promote the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science, and investigate the unexplained laws of nature and latent powers within humans. Over time, the organization experienced splits and realignments, leading to several successor groups. The most prominent of these is the Theosophical Society Adyar, headquartered in Chennai, India.
History
The Theosophical Society, founded on November 17, 1875, in New York City, aimed to promote Brotherhood and serve humanity. Notable founders included Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, William Quan Judge, and 16 others. Initially focused on Occultism and the Cabala, the society later shifted its emphasis to Eastern religions, establishing its International Headquarters in Adyar, India.
By 1905, the society formalized its objectives, which included fostering universal brotherhood, promoting the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science, and investigating unexplained natural laws and latent human powers. Membership required no specific beliefs or creeds but necessitated alignment with the universal brotherhood ideal.
After Blavatsky’s death in 1891, internal conflicts led to a split, forming the Theosophical Society Adyar (led by Olcott and Annie Besant) and the Theosophical Society Pasadena (associated with Judge). The Adyar group, headquartered in India, is the most widespread international branch today.
The society also associated itself with the concept of a “World Teacher,” originally linked to Jiddu Krishnamurti, who later distanced himself from this role in 1929 and left the organization, continuing his spiritual teachings independently.
Structure and Organization
The Theosophical Society was organized as a non-sectarian entity, emphasizing its unsectarian nature. The Constitution and Rules of the Society stated that it was “absolutely unsectarian,” and no specific belief, faith, or creed was required for membership. However, members were expected to be in sympathy with the effort to create a universal brotherhood of humanity. The Society’s objectives were:
- To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color.
- To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science.
- To investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man.
The Society was clear in its stance against involving itself in political disputes, and no member or council of the Society was allowed to promulgate or maintain any doctrine as being that advanced or advocated by the Society. After the death of Helena Blavatsky, the Society experienced internal conflicts and splits, leading to the formation of different factions. The most prominent of these is the Theosophical Society Adyar, headquartered in Chennai, India.
Functions and Operations
The Theosophical Society, since its inception, has been dedicated to the spiritual upliftment of humanity and the exploration of universal truths. Its functions and operations are rooted in its foundational objectives and principles.
- Promotion of Universal Brotherhood: One of the primary functions of the Society is to promote the idea of a universal brotherhood, transcending race, creed, sex, caste, or color. This is achieved through various interfaith dialogues, seminars, and community outreach programs.
- Study of Comparative Religion, Philosophy, and Science: The Society encourages the comparative study of different religions, philosophies, and sciences. It operates libraries, publishes books and journals, and conducts lectures and study groups to disseminate knowledge and foster understanding among diverse cultures and beliefs.
- Investigation of Unexplained Natural Laws: The Society delves into the mysteries of nature and the latent powers within humans. This involves research into esoteric traditions, meditation practices, and psychic phenomena.
- Educational Initiatives: The Society runs schools and educational institutions in various parts of the world, emphasizing holistic education that nurtures both the intellect and the spirit.
- Preservation of Ancient Wisdom: The Society is dedicated to preserving and disseminating ancient wisdom traditions, especially those of the East. This includes the translation and publication of ancient texts and scriptures.
- Community Service: Many branches of the Society are involved in charitable activities, including healthcare, relief work, and environmental conservation.
- Global Networking: The Society, with its branches worldwide, facilitates a global network of members and lodges. This network aids in the sharing of ideas, resources, and collaborative projects.
Controversy
The Theosophical Society, while pioneering in its spiritual and esoteric teachings, has not been without its share of controversies:
- Leadership Struggles and Schisms: After the death of Helena Blavatsky in 1891, the Society witnessed internal power struggles. William Quan Judge was accused by Henry Steel Olcott and Annie Besant of forging letters from the Mahatmas. This led Judge to sever ties with Olcott and Besant in 1895, taking a significant portion of the Society’s American Section with him. This resulted in the formation of multiple factions, the most prominent being the Theosophical Society Adyar (Olcott-Besant) and the Theosophical Society Pasadena (Judge).
- The “World Teacher” Controversy: Blavatsky had declared that the Society was established to prepare humanity for the reception of a World Teacher. Charles Webster Leadbeater, a prominent Theosophist, identified Jiddu Krishnamurti as the “vehicle” for this World Teacher. However, by 1929, Krishnamurti rejected this role, dissolved the Order of the Star (created for his mission), and eventually distanced himself from the Society.
- The Hidden Masters: Central to the Society’s teachings was the doctrine of The Intelligent Evolution of All Existence, overseen by a hidden spiritual hierarchy known as the Masters of the Ancient Wisdom. Blavatsky claimed the Society was part of many attempts by this hidden Hierarchy to guide humanity. This concept of hidden masters and their influence was a point of contention and skepticism.
Impact on Ufology
The Theosophical Society, with its esoteric and spiritual teachings, has indirectly influenced the field of Ufology, particularly in the way it presented the idea of “Hidden Masters” or advanced spiritual beings. These beings, as described by the Society, are part of a hidden spiritual hierarchy that oversees the evolution of humanity and the cosmos. Helena Blavatsky, one of the founders of the Society, introduced the concept that these Masters of the Ancient Wisdom, residing in remote areas of the world, were guiding humanity’s spiritual development.
This idea of hidden or ascended masters, combined with the Society’s interest in ancient civilizations and lost continents like Lemuria and Atlantis, laid a foundation for later esoteric and alternative theories. Some of these theories evolved into beliefs about extraterrestrial beings or ancient astronauts who visited or influenced ancient civilizations. The notion that advanced beings, whether spiritual or extraterrestrial, have been guiding humanity’s evolution became a recurring theme in Ufology.
Furthermore, the Theosophical Society’s emphasis on universal brotherhood, spiritual evolution, and the blending of Eastern and Western philosophies provided a framework for understanding potential extraterrestrial contact. The idea that humanity is not alone in the universe and is part of a larger cosmic family aligns with some of the narratives in Ufology.
Conclusion
The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875 in New York City by Helena Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and others, is an esoteric spiritual organization that seeks to blend Eastern and Western philosophies. With its core principles of promoting universal brotherhood, studying comparative religion, and investigating the unexplained laws of nature, the Society has influenced various spiritual and esoteric movements globally. While it has faced controversies and splits over the years, its impact on modern spirituality, the blending of Eastern and Western thought, and its introduction of concepts like “Hidden Masters” remains significant. The Society continues to operate today, emphasizing spiritual evolution, unity, and the exploration of metaphysical truths.