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The Theosophical Movement 1875-1950

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Tables Of Contents

PREFACE TO 1951 EDITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V
PUBLISHERS PREFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VIII
CHAPTER I. THE PATH OF PROGRESS . . . . . . . . 1
Steps in achieving freedom of thought—the nineteenth 
century era—the impact of Darwinism—the function of
Spiritualism—the decline of religious faith—the perspective of the 
theosophical Founders—the higher evolution—the cyclic law 
of progress—great reformers—the discovery of Oriental 
philosophy—the Eastern heritage.
CHAPTER II. NINETEENTH CENTURY SPIRITUALISM . . 12 
Beginnings of Spiritualism—the London Dialectical Society 
and its Report—early pioneers in psychic research—the experiments 
of Prof. Crookes—the scientific “wall of belief ”—the appeal by 
Alfred Russel Wallace—atheists and materialism—Mesmer's 
mission—animal magnetism and hypnotism—psychic stirrings 
in America—evidence from Neoplatonism.
CHAPTER III. THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY AND ITS 
FOUNDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
H. P. Blavatsky's arrival in America—meeting of H.P.B. and Olcott—the
Eddy brothers—H.P.B. defends honest mediums—the“lamasery”—W.
Q. Judge joins the Movement—H.P.B.'s earliest articles—first hints of
theosophical purpose—the “Hiraf ” letter—Occultism: a “positive
science”—Magic and Spiritualism compared—the Spiritualists'
dilemma—H.P.B. instructs Olcott and Judge—Judge describes first
meeting with H.P.B.—H.P.B.'s “demonstrations”—the founding of the
Theosophical Society—Olcott andthe “occult”—T.S.organization.
CHAPTER IV. OBJECTS AND LITERATURE . . . . . 44
The Three Objects of the T.S.—the “Brotherhood plank”—the true 
Founders—H.P.B. declares aims of T.S.—the publication of Isis 
Unveiled—Adepts and their philosophy—the need for ancient 
religions—ten basic propositions. 
CHAPTER V. INDIA . . . . . . . . . . . 56 
Indian center established—spread of Theosophy in India—the 
problem of caste—Arya Samaj—The Theosophist launched—forces of
opposition—how the T. S. took hold in India—Sinnett's Occult 
World—the Adepts and modern science—intent of the Adept Fraternity—Hume's proposal discussed 
by Adepts—science devoid of philanthropy—inroads of 
materialism—a “soul-satisfying” philosophy offered—Esoteric 
Buddhism—the Indian National Congress.
CHAPTER VI. THEOSOPHISTS IN INDIA . . . . . 72 
Spirit of The Theosophist—what are the Theosophists?—the T.S. a 
“Republic of Conscience”—no concern with politics—attitude of
Missionaries—origin of Caves and Jungles of Hindostan—Theosophical 
activity in Ceylon—Damodar and Subba Row—the break with Arya 
Samaj—the “Kiddle incident”—the Coulombs—the Missionary 
Attack—H.P.B. demands trial—Olcott’s compromise—H.P.B.’s 
resignation as Corresponding Secretary—members weak in trial.
CHAPTER VII. THE LONDON SOCIETY FOR PSYCHICAL 
RESEARCH . . . . . . . . . . . 90
The Theosophist welcomes the new Society—investigation 
of theosophical phenomena begins—the first S.P.R. Report— 
Theosophy’s appeal to “Occult persons and methods”— 
H.P.B. declines to disclose occult laws—Mr. Hodgson’s 
Report—results of ex parte investigation—opposed motives of T.S. 
and S.P.R.—S.P.R. avoids challenge—involuntary mediumship vs. 
voluntary theosophical phenomena—basis for Committee’s 
conclusion—Judge discloses Coulomb plot— the handwriting 
“experts”— collision of theories between T.S. and S.P.R.—what was 
H.P.B.’s motive?
CHAPTER VIII. FAREWELL TO INDIA . . . . . . . . . 106
H.P.B. departs for Europe—India minus H.P.B.—an Adept’s 
view of Olcott—Olcott’s organizational fervor—why H.P.B. 
did not return—H.P.B. begins movement in the West— 
Indian culture and English prejudice—T.S. accomplishments.
CHAPTER IX. THEOSOPHY IN AMERICA . . . . . . . . 116
Ea rl y d a y s o f T. S. wo r k i n Ame ri c a—Ju d g e ’s time 
of pr e pa r a tion—Ju d g e v isits H.P.B. in Pa ris—Ju d g e 
witnesses Coulomb conspiracy—membership increases in 
Ame ri c a—e st a b l is hme n t o f Th e Pa t h—Pa t h k e y n o t e : 
brothe rhood—Judg e ’s g enius for appli c a tion—Judg e ’s 
helpers—Letters That Have Helped Me—H.P.B.’s five messages 
to Americans.
CHAPTERX. LUCIFERAND THE SECRETDOCTRINE . . . . . . 127
H.P.B. in London—the Blavatsky Lodge—H.P.B. and Lucifer—the 
function of Lucifer—Incidents in the Life of Madame Blavatsky published by 
Sinnett—The Secret Doctrine appears—H.P.B. the transmitter—H.P.B. 
and The Secret Doctrine—the three sections of the T.S.—ordeals of chelaship—formation of Esoteric Section—Judge’s articles on 
occultism—occult status of H.P.B. and Judge—Olcott’s opposition to 
the E.S.
CHAPTER XI . THE COUES-COLLINS CHARGES. . . . . . 143
Ambitions of Prof. Coues—claims of Mabel Collins—the disputed 
inspiration of Light on the Path—Mabel Collins’ “gifts”—the New York 
Sun prints Coues’ attack—H.P.B. sues for libel—preliminary 
victory—death of H.P.B.—the Sun’s retraction—Judge on “The 
Esoteric She.”
CHAPTER XII . H.P.B.’S DEATH AND AFTER . . . . . . 156
 Mrs. Besant joins the T.S.—London and European branches protest 
“orders” from Adyar—H.P.B. avoids autocracy— the passing of
H.P.B.— Judge and the E.S. problem—first worldwide Convention 
held—“autonomy” of the London Lodge—activities after 
Convention—Annie Besant’s reputation—Olcott’s position—Mrs. 
Besant’s proclamation on H.P.B.—Mrs. Besant claims messages from 
Masters—H.P.B. the Messenger—Col. Olcott on “idolatry”—Judge 
speaks for impersonality—the famous Path message—“Jasper 
Niemand”—Judge strikes at dogmatism.
CHAPTER XIII. THE SOCIETY VERSUS THE MOVEMENT 172
 Adepts’ view of H.P.B.—H.P.B.’s support of Olcott—the 
Subba Row controversy—Richard Harte and the Theosophist—
the T.S.: a new Rome?—H.P.B.’s “interference”—Harte’s attitude 
toward the E.S.—Judge takes issue with Harte—the real “Centre”: 
H.P.B.—H.P.B. loyal to CAUSE, not place—theosophical societies 
autonomous—H.P.B. appeals to colleagues.
CHAPTER XIV. COL. OLCOTT, ANNIE BESANT, AND W. Q. JUDGE 190 
Charges against Olcott—Olcott resigns Presidency—Judge voted 
Olcott’s successor—Mrs. Besant violates E.S. neutrality—E.S. and T.S. 
distinct entities—progress of American Section—Judge’s declarations 
in Path—Sinnett’s quarrel with the S.D.—Sinnett asserts “independent” 
occult teaching—H.P.B. the only agency for Masters’ letters—Olcott on 
H.P.B.'s “defects”—Old Diary Leaves—Judge’s counsel on Masters—the 
T.S. and the World’s Parliament of Religions—Chakravarti and Mrs. 
Besant—Annie Besant prefers charges against Judge—Olcott’s 
ultimatum to Judge.

CHAPTER XV. THE CASE AGAINST WILLIAM Q. JUDGE 206
Judge denies charges—no basis for having investigating 
committee—how to judge Mahatma Letters—protest by Keightley 
and Mead—can the T.S. decide on “Messages” ?—American 
Convention of 1894—T.S. cannot fix a dogma—resolutions 
upholding Judge—Council proceedings in London—Judge acted 
not as Vice-President—judicial enquiry begins—Olcott switches 
the issue—Olcott admits impropriety of “charges”— Olcott 
revokes Judge's suspension—Committee decision: Judge case 
not within its jurisdiction—Judge's silence.
CHAPTER XVI. AFTERMATH OF THE JUDGE CASE . . 228
London Convention of European section—”Jury of Honor”
proposed—Mrs. Besant’s charges against Judge—Mrs. Besant discusses
transmission of Messages—why Mrs. Besant changed—Judge repeats
denial of “charges”—H.P.B.on “precipitation”—Judge case
“settled”—Mrs. Besant consults with W. R. Old in India—Westminster
Gazette attack—calumnies against Judge spread broadcast—Judge’s
circular of Nov. 3, 1894—Chakravarti'sinfluence on Mrs. Besant—Judge
deposes Annie Besant—Mrs. Besant’s counter-circular—the “Judge
case” again—Mrs. Besant publishes “charges”and “testimony”—H.P.B.
quotedonAnnieBesant.
CHAPTER XVII. THE T. S IN AMERICA. . . . . 250
American Convention of 1895 forms Theosophical Society in 
America—Judge the Life President of T.S.A.—Judge’s letter to 
European Convention defines Theosophical Movement—the Prayag 
Letter—Besant and Olcott deny Prayag Letter—Sinnett’s private 
suspicions of H.P.B.—causes of animus toward Judge—Leadbeater’s 
removal—J. D. Buck’s testimony for Judge.
CHAPTER XVIII. THE DEATH OF WILLIAM Q. JUDGE . . . . 264
Judge’s associates allege a “successor”—the “occult successor” 
heralded—Convention of 1896—“Promise” identified as Mrs. 
Tingley—Theosophical World Crusade—Point Loma headquarters 
established—Hargrove repudiates Mrs. Tingley—1898 Convention and 
splits in T.S.A.—Fussell contradicts himself—Dr. de Purucker claims 
“succession”—gesture of “fraternization’‘—“succession” of Col. 
Conger—publicizing of esoteric teaching.
CHAPTER XIX. AFTERMATH IN AMERICA . . . . . . 279
E. T. Harg rove’s theosophical g roup—the “Temple of 
the People”—E. A. Neresheimer’s affidavit—J. H. Fussell a faith

ful witness—Mr. Ryan’s case for “successorship”—H.P.B.'s own 
statement on apostolic succession—Judge’s “orderly succession’‘—the 
so-called “occult diary’‘—Mrs. Cleather’s disclosures—psychic origin 
of Tingley succession—new “explanations” of succession.
CHAPTER XX. THE ADYAR SOCIETY . . . . . . 290
Leadbeater case—Olcott’s death—Mrs. Besant invites Leadbeater to 
return—Mrs. Besant creates orders, organizations, and “Liberal 
Catholic Church”—the “Star” Congress of 1925—“Arhats,” “WorldMother,” and “Messiah”—Krishnamurti’s defection—the passing of
Mrs. Besant and Leadbeater—Mr. Arundale recommends the 
S.D.—Jinarajadasa and “God”—Letter of warning to Mrs. 
Besant—Mrs. Besant and Olcott admit privately wrong done Judge.
CHAPTER XXI. CONTINUING CURRENTS . . . . . 301
The prolific year 1898—Theosophical Society of New York—the 
Word—Dr. Wilder—Mrs. Langford—Dr. Dower’s “Temple of the 
People”—Francia LaDue: “Blue Star”—Alice Cleather—writings by 
students on H.P.B.—Steiner’s Anthroposophy—G.R.S. Mead’s Quest 
Society—Max Heindel—split-off branches of T.S.—Manly P. 
Hall—the Ballards and the “I Am” movement—AMORC—Lemurian 
Fellowship—“swamis” and “yogis”—Æ faithful to Judge—other 
phases of Theosophic influence—“Yog a” and Western 
psycholog y—Gerald Heard—Judge’s warning on Hindu 
“teachers’‘—Theosophical Movement a tidal phenomenon—the 
genuine successorship—H. P. Blavatsky still “alive”—stand of the 
Canadian Theosophist—impartiality of the Peace Lodge (Eirenicon) —the 
platform of U.L.T.—the contribution of Robert Crosbie. 
CHAPTER XXII. PRESENT AND FUTURE . . . . . . 319
The outlook in 1950—H.P.B. predicts psychic cycle—psychic 
vulnerability increasing—psychic factors in politics—H. P. Blavatsky’s 
purpose—effect of Theosophical Movement on world 
history—return to Nature and Community movements—influence of
Gandhi—war-resistance—evidence of new growth—developments 
in psychiatry and psychology—progressive and adult education—the 
real Theosophical Movement.
NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . 345