Theosophical Society
| Formation | 1875 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, William Quan Judge |
| Type | Esoteric organization |
| Headquarters | Adyar, Chennai, India |
The Theosophical Society is an esoteric organization founded in 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge. The society's primary objective is to promote the study of Theosophy, a spiritual philosophy that seeks to explore the mysteries of the universe and the divine.
History[edit | edit source]
The Theosophical Society was established in New York City on November 17, 1875. The founders aimed to create a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color. The society's early work involved the study of Eastern religions, Western esotericism, and occultism.
In 1879, Blavatsky and Olcott moved to India, where they established the society's headquarters in Adyar, Chennai. This move marked a significant shift in the society's focus towards Eastern spiritual traditions.
Objectives[edit | edit source]
The Theosophical Society has three declared objectives:
- To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color.
- To encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science.
- To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity.
Key Figures[edit | edit source]
- Helena Petrovna Blavatsky: A Russian occultist and author, Blavatsky is considered the principal founder of the Theosophical Society. She authored several influential works, including Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine.
- Henry Steel Olcott: An American military officer and co-founder of the society, Olcott played a crucial role in establishing the society's presence in India.
- William Quan Judge: An Irish-American esotericist and co-founder, Judge was instrumental in the society's early development in the United States.
Branches and Influence[edit | edit source]
The Theosophical Society has several branches and offshoots, including the Theosophical Society (Pasadena), the Theosophical Society (Point Loma), and the United Lodge of Theosophists. The society has influenced various spiritual movements and notable figures, including Annie Besant, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Rudolf Steiner.
Related Concepts[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
- Henry Steel Olcott
- William Quan Judge
- Annie Besant
- Jiddu Krishnamurti
- Rudolf Steiner
- Theosophical Society (Pasadena)
- Theosophical Society (Point Loma)
- United Lodge of Theosophists
Categories[edit | edit source]
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