Theosophical Society

Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott formed the Theosophical Society in New York in 1875. It wasn’t until 1879 that this philosophy became entrenched in Indian culture and values. It was formed in the Madras Presidency, which had later shifted its headquarters to Madras at Adyar. Annie Besant popularized the movement in India. 

About Theosophy

Theosophy is the knowledge that underpins all faiths when they are purged of superstitions and accretions. It provides a philosophy that makes existence understandable and explains that law and compassion guide the cosmos. Its teachings facilitate the disclosure of the human being’s underlying spiritual essence, without relying on outward events. The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 to propagate theosophy. 

The name “Theosophy” comes from the Greek word “theosophia,” which means “God’s wisdom.” It refers to esoteric philosophical systems concerned with or seeking direct understanding of, assumed mysteries of existence and nature, notably the essence of god. Its core is found in its reference to secret information or wisdom that provides illumination and redemption to the person. The theosophist tries to comprehend the cosmos’ secrets as well as the links that link the universe, mankind, and the divine. Theosophy seeks to discover the origins of god, mankind, and the planet. Theosophists attempt to discover a cohesive account of the goal and genesis of the cosmos via examination of these themes.

Theosophical Society In India: Roles And Characteristics

Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott formed the Theosophical Society in New York in 1875. It wasn’t until 1879 that this philosophy became entrenched in Indian society and culture.It had shifted the headquarters later to madras at Adyar. Annie Besant popularized the movement in India.

Theosophy Was Founded On Three Tenets: 

•   Brotherhood throughout the world.
•   Parallel religion and philosophy are studied.
•   Investigations into natural laws in order to comprehend the mysterious mystic laws

 Theosophical Society and Theosophist Roles

All religions were honored by the Theosophists. They were against transformations and believed in soul transmigration and occult mysticism. The Theosophical Society had been an important component in the renaissance of Hinduism in India, which also resulted in a degree of social cohesion. To Annie Besant, “India has no future without Hinduism.” Hinduism is the ground into which India’s roots are planted, and if she is ripped out of it, she would wither as invincible as a tree ripped out of its spot. 

Eradication Of Caste And Untouchability

Theosophists also advocated for the eradication of caste and untouchability, as well as the ideology of assimilation. They truly sought to increase societal acceptance and inclusion of excluded groups. They attempted to improve the lives of the socially isolated by promoting them to enroll in mainstream schooling. In this aim, Annie Besant established various educational associations and advocated for the development of modern education.

Annie Besant’s contribution 

In 1889, Annie Besant joined the Theosophical Society. She was a fervent believer in the Vedas and Upanishads’ teachings. She found the Indian ground to be both freeing and illuminating, so she adopted the nation and declared it her forever place. She was a protestor against the common injustices of the then-Indian society, such as child marriage and the unacceptability of widow remarriage, and she founded the Banaras Central School in her effort to bring knowledge to every doorstep.The current Banaras Hindu University grew out of this nucleus. In South India, a surge of her initiatives resulted in the establishment of several schools and institutions. 

She was also well-known for her powerful writing. Education, philosophy, and economics were among the primary concerns on which she focused and worked via the Theosophical Society. She also founded the Self Government League in 1916, comparable to the Irish Union Movement, in order to propagate the idea of the Society for which she fought tirelessly; she also produced two publications, “The New India” and “Common Weal.” The Theosophical Movement was more popular among intellectuals than the general public, and it made its own impact in the 19th century. It became associated with the Hindu renaissance. 

Theosophical Society Characteristics 

• Through thought, prayer, revelation, and other means, a particular link between a person’s soul and God can be developed.
• The Society acknowledged Hindu ideas in reincarnation and Karma and took inspiration from the theory of the Upanishads, Samkhya, Pranayama, and Veda School of Thought.
• It advocated for worldwide brotherhood without regard to race, faith, gender, caste, or color.
• Society aspired to enquire into the mysterious laws of nature as well as the abilities dormant in man.
• The movement sought to achieve Hindu spiritual understanding through Western enlightenment.
• The movement resurrected and enhanced Hinduism’s old teachings and philosophies.
• Aryan culture and religion should be studied and preached.
• The Scriptures revealed the absolute truth of the cosmos and existence.
• It was global enough to accept all religions and types of devotion.
• Aside from intellectual and spiritual debate, the Society’s literary and research endeavors made a significant contribution to the Hindu awakening.
• Hindu scriptures have been printed and translated.
• The society promoted changes and devised educational programs to implement them.

Conclusion

We have understood Theosophical Society  and other topics in the study material of Theosophical Society. 

According to theosophical authors, there is a higher spiritual reality and that direct communication with that reality can be made by intuition, meditation, revelation, or some other condition that transcends normal human awareness. Theosophists place an emphasis on esoteric teachings as well.