A SHORT HISTORY OF

THE THEOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY

COMPILED DY
JOSEPHINE RANSOM

With a Preface by
G.S.~e

THE THEOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE

Adyar, Madras 600 020, India
Wheaton , Ill. USA • London , England
BOOKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR

Madame Blavatsky as Occ ultist

Studies in The Seeret Doctrine
The Occult Teachings of
the Christ

Indian Tales of Love a nd Beauty

etc.
© The TheosophlcllJ
PuhUshlng Ho use . AdYllr. 1938

Rrst Edition 1938

First Rllprin t 1989

ISBN 81 ·7059· 122·8

Prlnilld III Ihll VIIS/lnlll PrllSS

Thll Thoosoph!cIlJ Society
AdYIIT. Mlldrll5 600 020. Indill
 THE GOLDEN STAIRS

A cl ean life, an open mind , a pure heart, an eager

intellect, an unveiled spiritual perception, a brotherliness
ror one's co-disciple, a readiness to give and receive
ndvice and instruction, a Joyal sense of riuty to the
Tencher , a will ing obedience to the behests of TRUTH,
o nce we have placed our confidence in, and believe that
Teacher t9 be in possession of it ; a couragebus endu -
rance of personal injustice , a brave declaration of prin-
oiples, a valiant defence of those who are unjustly attacked,
and a const ant. eye to the ideal of human progression and
perfection which the secret science depicts- these are
the golden stairs up the steps of wh ich the learner may
cli mb to the Temple of Divine Wisdom.
 Dedicated
to all
Theosophists
 PREFACE

T HE Theosophical Society has reason to be grateful

to Mrs. R a nsom lor this short history of its growth
from 1875 to 1937. Both Colonel O lcott's Old Diary
Leaves a nd Mr. Jin arajaclasa's Golden B ook 0/ Th e
T heosophical Sodely are histories. but n either a re they
short histories, nor was there at th e di sposal of their
w riters a considera ble a mount of importa nt ma teria l
which has on ly recently b een discovered in The
Society's Archi ves.
In a ny case, it is highly d esira ble that fr om time
to time his tories o f The Society shall b e w ritten ,
partl y to bring existing histories up to d ate, but also
to be the m edium for tha t new light on the w ork of
T he Society w hich from time to tim e will show m ore
clearly the rea l, a nd sometim es the in ner, trend of it s
activi ties.
It sta nds to reason that this short History w ill by
no means sa tisfy everybod y : This s hould have been
given m ore prom inence; that should have been
.·c1ega ted to obscurit y ; s uch and s uch a n eve nt has ,
in the critic's view , been e ntirely misconstrued . No
two people w ill see th e history of T he Society alike,
ond this fact is o ne of the reasons for the value of
mo ny histories. so tha t ma ny a ngles of vision from
which The Society's life is viewed may b e set forth.
 Vllt

And I need hardly say, I hope, that The Theosophi-

cal Society as such has no official responsibility for
any statement made in this History's pages. This
History is not an oHicial history, and I venture to
think that either we shall never have an official his-
tory, or that if ever we have one it will be written
under the mellowing influences of long distances of
time after the events described have taken place.
But I feel bound to say with all emphasis that
Mrs. Ransom, as a very impersonal student of Theo-
sophy and The Theosophical Society, has been
scrupulous to state facts and only facts. and has
chapter and verse lor every line and page. The
lact that the History has been designed to be short
has made its writing much more difficult, for it is as
difficult to a void making a bare statement too bare
as it is to avoid making a full statement too full. She
has. however. been careful to omit nothing that has
seemed to be essential to clarity and justice. and
from my own perusal of every page of the manuscript
I think she has been most successful in conveying to
us the bare truth as to The Society's growth without
allowing to appear any of those frills of interpreta-
tion which too often conceal, or at least distort, the
truth itself.
It may some day be possible to embark upon
the expense of a large history of The Theosophical
Society, In the mean time, since such expense
would be prohibitive and the wisdom of such a
publication at present doubtful, I am sure this short
account of The Society's liCe up to 1937 will supply a
 IX

longfelt want, for every active member of The

Society should find constant use for a careful and
entirely unbiassed history both for his own enlighten~
ment and to help to relute the many misconceptions
so prevalent in the outer world.
As there is likely to be a considerable demand for
this book ~ Mrs. Ransom (care of The Theosophical
Publishing House. Adyar, Madras) will be glad to
receive as soon as possible any corrections of fact
which readers may be able to oHer 01l t of their special
facilities for information. These will, as verified, be
embodied in subsequent editions.

Adyar, 1938
 CONTENTS
PAGE
PREfACE VII
Introductory 1
Spiritualism 7
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky 27
Henry Steel Olcott 35
The Masters 42
1874-75 : Preparation 57
1875-79: The Theosophical Society 76
Appendix I. The Other Founders 110
II. The Theosophical Society and The
Arya Samaj , 15
1879-82 In India 123
The Subba Row Medal 189
1884 The Founders visit Europe 191
The Indian National Congress 207
1884-5 The Coulomb Conspiracy 209
1885-7 Expansion in East and West 217
The Key to Theosophy 263
1888-91 H P. B.'8 Last Years 265
1892.95 Stormy Years 266
1896-1900 Peaceful Growth 316
1901 -05 The New Century Opens with Promise 340
1906-07 Problems of Morality 355
1908-12 Under Mrs. Besant's Leadership 375
1913-18 Theosophy applied 401
1919.24 Problems of Neutrality 430
1925 The Fiftieth Year 467
1926-30 New Aspects of Brotherhood 473
1931-33 Pause 479
 xu

PACE
1934-37 Under Dr. A rundalc', Leadenhip 5 14
Conclusion 543
Objects and Rules of The Theosophical
Society 545
National Socitics 554
Activities undertaken or promoted by
Members 554
Bibliography, etc., 559
Index 565
 INTRODUCTORY

THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY is a World.Movement

of ever-expanding influence and power. Lke all truly great
movements its sources are not to be sought in mundane regions
and activities, but in the heights of superhuman spiritual
realities, whence emerge those forces which direct evolutionary
destiny. Since this is so, it is necessary to approach a history
of The Theosophical Society with a brief summary of its
inner ongins.
It has been consistently affirmed by a ll who have
exercised the highest authority in The Society that these
origins are to be found in a group of Superhuman Men.
T eacheTs, Masters, A depts. Whose universal knowledge of
evolution and its Jaws constitutes them the wise Initiators
and Guides of all movements designed to influe nce profound.
Iy the growth of the world. and Whose directions The Thea·
sophical Society has. through its leaders. with considerable
success striven to fo llow.
One chapter, however brief, must be devoted to an
attempt to summarise from accessible information the nature
and work of these Superhuman Men. This information re·
mains somewhat meagre. though more is now available
publicly than was ever before di5closed. The purpose, it is
declared, of Those among Them interested in promoting The
Theosophical Society W8i!l :

1. " to assist in sbowing to men that such a

thing as Theosophy exists, and t o help them to ascend
towards it by studying and asSimilating its eternal verities."
This department of the work of The Society was entrusted
2 A SHORT HISTORY OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIEn'

to Madam Helena Pehovna Blavatsky (H. P. B.) because of

her rare and precious gifts.
2. To promote "a genuine practical Brotherhood of
Humanity, where all will become co-workers with Nature
II Ii real Universal Fraternity." I In this departmem
Colonel Henry Steel Olcott proved eminently practical
and effective.
A chapter must be devoted to the lives of each of the
"Co-Founders" of The Society, as, without some acquaint-
ance with their powerful personalities, it would not be easy
to understand the development of the Theosophical Move·
ment while they remained responsible for it, under the
Masters' guidance.
At the time The Society was formed" Modem Spiritual.
ism" was attracting serious and world~wide attention. Both
Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott were for some years
deeply concerned with this movement; the former purpose-
fully defended and explained true Spiritualism, and exposed
its abuses; the latter investigated its phenomena. Many
noted Spiritualists throughout the world became members of
The Society and assisted its growth, Some indication must
therefore be given of the position and influence of Spiritual·
ism at that period.
The Theosophical Society has passed through several
well-marked and profoundly important phases. They are:

1. From its Inception in 1875 to 1884

During this time H. P. B. and Col. Olcott are together
laying distinctive and enduring foundations. Isis UnIJdled is
published, challenging scientific" materialism .. and religious
dogmatism. The Headquarters, and all Executive powers.
are transferred from America to India. where H. P. B. and
Col. Olcott finally establish themselves in the first Occult
Centre at Adyar, Madras. Both in India and Ceylon
they stimulate the various religions into renewed activity,
I Mahatma ullu., pp. 23.4.
 INTRODUCTORY

Buddhism particularly. H. P. B. continues to excite keen

wor ld ~wide interest by her constant and striking phenomena.
Mr. A. P. Sinnett is given instruction by actual correspondence
with various Masters, which he ably embodies in several
books. The Theo50phi31 is started (and is still pursuing its
IlUccessful career). The Society commences that expansion
th rClug hout the world which continues, despite periodic dis-
Illrbnnces within and attacks from without. The note of
Urolh erhood begins to sound forth insistently.

2 . From 1885 to 1891

In Madras the attack upon H. P . B., in which Christian
Missionaries engage. is launched. The Society for Psychical
Ileaearch. recently formed, takes upon itself to appoint an
"1experienced investigator to examine the issues raised by the
/I!tnck. Statements are published, no defence is permitted,
nnd the self-appointed judges declare H . P . B. a n impostor,
lind he r previous phenomena, of which they knew nothing,
to be fraudulent. H. P. B. leaves India to reside in Europe,
t hen in London. She immerses herself in writing the famous
c pil,om e of Theosophy, The Secret Doctrine, and other most
vn luo.ble books, in starting and editing the magazine Lucifer.
/llid in teaching the essentials of Theosophy. She establishes
I he ustern or Esoteric School of Theosophy to train in
pmctica l occultism those prepared to make the necessary
(' Ho rt in self-discipline and trushvorthiness. Men and women
(II nole gather round her. The Theosophical Society is now
fj: rell liy ex panded. The Adyar Library is opened. Col. Olcott
d evelops his notable efforts to draw all the Buddhist sects
In se~e ral countries into a great unity_ H. P. B. passes.

3. 1892 to 1907
W. Q. Judge, one of the original members who had done
much ~x cellent work for The Society in the U. S. of America,
IlW-mpts to secure the Prcsidentship. He fails_ H e secedes,
toa:cther with a large majority of the Lodges in the United
4 A SHORT HISTORY OF THE'. THEOSOPHICAL SOCIE'.TY

States. Mrs. Annie Sesant rises to prominence. and COIl'l-

mences h er magnificent services to India along religious .
educational, social. and later political lines. H induism is
greatly stimulated. She becomes sale head of the Esoteric
School. She travels very widely in the interests of The
Society. as does Col. Olcott. Dissensions a rise over a line
of action taken by Mr. C. W. Lead beater and cause much
perturbation. Col. Olcott passes.

4 . 1907 to 1933
Mrs. Annie Sesant is elected President. A period of
rapid expansion begins. and the publication of much
momentous literature: which is still in universal d emand .
1. Krishnamurti is introduced to the world as a probable
vehicle of the expected World Teacher. The Society is
a dynamic force fl owing in many directions. fertilising the
fi elds of Religion. Education. Freemasonry (admitting women)
and Social SelVice. A second Occult Centre is established
;).t Sydney, A ustralia, with Bishop C. W . Leadbeater in
charge. A third Centre is established in Huize n, Holland,
with Bishop 1. I. \Ved gwood in charge. Christianity receives
special atte ntion in these two Centres. J. Krishnamurti
announces his views and decides not to be connected
with any organisation. These views cause disturbance.
Dr. Besant passes.

5 . 1933 to 1937
In 1934 Dr. George Sydney A rundale is ejected
P resident, and, inspired by his emphasis upon .. Straight
Theosophy" and consolidation, TIle Society enters upon
a n ew phase. Bishop C. W. Lendbeater. noted occultist
and rare clairvoyant, passes. Mr. C. Jinarajadasa takes his
place as head of the Esoteric School and of the Sydney
Centre. Dr. Arundale's keen interest in Youth enlists
its services, which are directed by Shrimati Rukmini
Devi, wife of Dr. Arundale, in the World Federation of
 INTRODUCTORY 5
Young Theosophists. She becomes head of the H uizen
Centre.
These are some of the main trends in a fas cinating
1I1ory, whereinto are woven the activities of man's many-
sided nature. It is a story of great Ideals and of the people
who courageously work out these Ideals- so well expressed
in the now familiar and distinctive Three Objects:
1. To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood
of Humanity without distinction of race, creed.
sex , caste or colour.
2. To encourage the study of Comparative Religion,
Philosophy and S c ience .
3. To investigate u nex plained laws of Nature and
the pow ers latent in man .
Through the devoted services of its members. The
Society holds an unchallenged position to-day as a tried and
experienced pioneer in the promotion of the progre·ss . of
humanity towards its goal of Universal Brotherhood; the
realisation of the Unity of the Eternal Self in all things; and
the unfolding of the divine qualities in human nature.
That everyone w ill agree with my rendering of the
history of The Theosophical Society can scarcely be expect-
ed. but I have endeavoured to be fai r and impartial- and
this is not a lways easy. I would recommend the reader
of this history not to be too concerned with success and
failure as they come and go. but to watch the steady
fulfilment of a purpose no matter what the obstacles. That
purpoSE; burns. an unquenchable beacon. along the pathway
of The Society. It is unquenchable because its flame is fed
from sources which we do not supply, and which none may
extinguish save Those who in Their wisdom lit it so long ago.
I m ust put on record my appreciation of the encourage-
ment given me in this congenial task by the President.
Dr. C. S. A rundale. at whose·request it has been undertaken.
He has gen erously put at my disposal the archives and
6 A SHORT H!STORY OF THE THEOSOPH!CAL SOCIETY

records of The Society. Mr. C. Jinarajadasa has also given

me access to other n ecessary and valuable information. To
Mrs. N. Langdon Thomas my thanks are specially due. for .
without her assistance in examining the large mass of avail-
able material, and in doing all the typing. I could not have-
completed this History in the time allotted.
J. R.
Adyar, 1938