The Theosophical Society:
What is it all about?

• How long has it been in existence? 
• What is The Theosophical Society? 
• What is Theosophy? 
• What is the meaning of the emblem of the Society and its symbols?
• Where are its Australian centres located & how is it organised?
• What does the Society provide for its members?
• What is the Theosophical Order of Service?

The Theosophical Society was established in 1875 in New York city by seventeen founding members.  Its principal Founders were Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (of Russian birth), Colonel Henry Steel Olcott (an American) and William Quan Judge (also an American).  It was formed at a time when spiritualism and scientific materialism were very popular, to help point human beings towards the deeper significance of life beyond the observation of phenomena in the psychic and physical worlds.

In 1879, the Headquarters of the Society was transferred to India.  Since 1882 the International Headquarters has been located in Adyar, Chennai (formerly Madras) in the South of India.

Today branches of The Theosophical Society exist in about 60 countries throughout the world.  There are also centres of the Society in all Australian states.  (See the ‘Locations’ menu.)

WHAT IS THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY?

The Theosophical Society was formed, to use Madame Blavatsky’s words, to help “make it known that such a thing as Theosophy exists”. Theosophy is the spiritual heritage of all humanity which has been in existence from ancient times, and may be thought of as the essence of the great religions and philosophies of the world.  More information about Theosophy appears further on in this booklet.  The Theosophical Society may be characterised primarily as a spiritual/religious/philosophical Society.

Members of the Society are united by a common search and aspiration for Truth in their lives, not by a common belief. 

Ultimately, this kind of search is individual, serious and sacred, and the Society seeks to provide an environment in which it can take place.  This search may express itself in different ways, such as:

• increasing awareness of the interdependence of all life and emphasis on spiritual living
• open-minded exploration of the many ideas present in the Ageless Wisdom teachings known today as Theosophy
• selfless service to others,  and
• concern for the well-being of the many forms of life on this planet.
• human regeneration

The following passage provides an overview of The Theosophical Society and of a theosophical approach to existence:

A Theosophical World-View

THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, while reserving for each member full freedom to interpret those teachings known as Theosophy, is dedicated to preserving and realising the ageless wisdom, which embodies both a worldview and a vision of human self-transformation.

This tradition is founded upon certain fundamental propositions:

• The universe and all that exists within it are one inter-related and inter-dependent whole.
• Every existent being—from atom to galaxy—is rooted in the same universal, life-creating Reality.  This Reality is all pervasive, but it can never be summed up in its parts, since it transcends all its expressions.  It reveals itself in the purposeful, ordered, and meaningful processes of nature as well as in the deepest recesses of the mind and spirit.
• Recognition of the unique value of every living being expresses itself in reverence for life, compassion for all, sympathy with the need of all individuals to find truth for themselves, and respect for all religious traditions.  The ways in which these ideals become realities in individual life are both the privileged choice and the responsible act of every human being.
• Central to the concern of Theosophy is the desire to promote understanding and brotherhood among people of all races, nationalities, philosophies, and religions.  Therefore, all people, whatever their race, creed, sex, caste, or colour, are invited to participate equally in the life and work of the Society.  The Theosophical Society imposes no dogmas, but points toward the source of unity beyond all differences.  Devotion to truth, love for all living beings, and commitment to a life of active altruism are the marks of the true theosophist.

The Theosophical Society has only a few official statements of policy.  These include:

• The Three Objects
• A resolution on ‘Freedom of Thought’
• A resolution on ‘Freedom of the Society’

Members of the Society are united by their sympathy with the above Objects.  The Society provides an environment that allows for individual differences in approach, without distinctions.  Therefore the TS attracts a broad range of members from many cultures, religious backgrounds and with varied interests.  A phrase which was coined by a former International President, Dr George Arundale, describes this well: “together differently”.

The above resolution is extremely important and has helped shape the character of The Theosophical Society today.  It implies that there is no final authority in the study of Theosophy and that members are free to engage in theosophical study as they see fit, while allowing others to do likewise, always with a spirit of courtesy and consideration.

This resolution points to the fact that personal views expressed in meetings and journals are not official views of the Society.

This statement affirms the independence and neutrality of The TS.  Before we proceed any further, it is useful to consider what the Society is not.  It is not a New Age organisation, although it is sometimes regarded as the ‘mother’ of the New Age movement.  It is not, for example, a yoga organisation, an organisation to promote any one spiritual teacher, nor an organisation to promote psychic development.  Also, it is not an activist organisation, nor a political organisation.

For those who are interested in activist pursuits and involvement in specific areas of community service, an allied organisation exists known as The Theosophical Order of Service (‘TOS’).  Many members of The Theosophical Society, as well as non members, choose to take part in its activities. 

The Theosophical Society therefore has its own unique purpose, independent of other organisations, and exists to help make known the existence of Theosophy..

WHAT IS THEOSOPHY?

It has already been mentioned that Theosophy is the essence of the great religions and philosophies of the world.  Its principles have been restated in different ways by seers and sages throughout human history.  They were present in teachings such as those of ancient India and China, the Egyptian Thoth or the Greek Hermes, the neo-Platonists, and Gnostics of the early Christian era.

The word Theosophy comes from the Greek ‘theosophia’ meaning ‘Divine Wisdom’. This Divine Wisdom has various aspects and is more than just a teaching. If you ask members of The Theosophical Society, ‘What is Theosophy?’, a variety of answers will be given.  Some will say that it is a world-view which gives meaning and purpose to life.  Others will say it is a spiritual philosophy which has been with us since time immemorial.  Still others will stress that it is a way of life, a path that leads to peace and understanding through selfless service.  Theosophy is all these and more.

Hence, Theosophy has been called by different names such as the Ancient or Ageless Wisdom, the Wisdom Religion, the Wisdom Tradition and the Perennial Philosophy.

The most important principle of Theosophy is its presentation of a holistic world-view which emphasises the unity and interconnectedness of all life, the basic oneness of all peoples and all species of life on earth.  Theosophical teachings point to a spark in each of us that is always part of the Divine Life or Source from which all arises, and affirm that all life is ultimately One.

Madame Blavatsky, who gave the world Theosophy in its modern form in the latter part of the nineteenth century, drew together teachings from sources which included Plato, Confucius, the Vedas, Gautama Buddha, Jesus, the Kabbala, philosophers, scientists and other contemporary thinkers of her day.  Her teachings weave a tapestry which depict the Cosmos as permeated with Spirit and Intelligence and divinely guided from within.

She portrayed human beings as both earthly and divine, with vast potential still to be unfolded throughout future cycles of evolution.  She also described the human being as sevenfold, with a capacity to develop increasingly higher expressions of emotion, concrete and abstract thought, intuitive insight, compassion, realisation of unity and Spiritual Will.  Furthermore, she described superphysical worlds or fields around and within us, from which intelligences and energies play upon us and all of Nature.

Theosophical teachings throughout history have explained life’s seeming inequalities as consequences of Karma, the Law of Balance and Harmony.  This Law, or reharmonising process, gives us feedback on our actions and provides learning experiences.  It expands our perspective to the possibility of many lifetimes through which we grow toward spiritual maturity.

But perhaps most importantly, a way of life is implicit in Theosophy.  It implies a regard for all life and actions based on an increasing realisation of our oneness with all others.  Theosophical teachings also imply a life which allows our greatest human qualities to unfold such as intuition, understanding, insight, love, compassion and creativity.  Anyone can begin to live a theosophical life at any time by seeking to live in harmony with all life, as the growing ecological awareness today demonstrates.

It was mentioned that Madame Blavatsky gave the world Theosophy in its modern form.  Just as Theosophy has been taught by many before her, since her death in 1891 others have sought to explore and interpret theosophical teachings in their own way.  Members of The Theosophical Society and members of the public attending lectures or seminars are encouraged to question, ponder and consider ideas put forward by various theosophical presenters.  Certain teachings will appeal more to some than to others.  The Theosophical Society does not claim to have conclusive answers to life’s deeper purpose, but does provide an environment for free enquiry and exploration.

A Balanced Approach:  It is sometimes said that we need to balance our lives with study, meditation and service.  Too much of any of these can create an imbalance. A truly theosophical way of life is one in which basic principles of the Wisdom tradition are studied in an open-minded way, absorbed in moments of quiet, and put into practice. 

Not a Religion, Not a Dogma, Not a Sect: Theosophy is not a religion, although many of its concepts and ideas are found in all the major world religions.  It has been said that in one sense Theosophy is religion itself, or the essence of true religion, as has already been mentioned.  The  theosophical teachings do not encourage dogmatism nor sectarianism as they are based on universal principles.

Shallows and Depths: The basics of Theosophy are reasonable and easy to grasp, but there are also depths that can challenge and can provide a lifetime of study for those inclined to seriously pursue these teachings.  It is suggested that the spiritual Path, towards which Theosophy points the way, can help us reach heights beyond ordinary human conception as it leads to the unfolding of our higher spiritual potential.  Theosophy offers a philosophy which allows us to grow without limits while living effectively in our day to day circumstances.

What subjects are studied at meetings of the theosophical society?

A considerable range of subjects is presented at meetings of The Theosophical Society.  Topics include various aspects of theosophical teachings such as ethical living, modern science and Theosophy, reincarnation, karma, teachings from various religious and philosophical traditions, meditation and practical aspects of spiritual living, to name a few.

Although speakers from outside groups may be invited to give presentations at TS centres on various topics, it is important to remember that The Theosophical Society is independent, as already mentioned.

The emblem of the Theosophical Society is composed of a number of symbols, all of which have been used from ancient times to express profound spiritual and philosophical concepts about humanity and the universe.  They may be found in a variety of forms in the great religions of the world and their universality is further shown by their appearance in widely separated cultures.

Each symbol, studied separately, results in a richness of understanding, but none of them can be interpreted with a narrow precision.  Taken together as in the Society’s emblem they represent a unity of meaning, suggesting a vast evolutionary scheme embracing the whole of nature, physical and spiritual.  Study and contemplation of the emblem as well as its several component symbols will lead the serious student to an awareness of some of the deepest mysteries of existence.  A few brief suggestions may be helpful to the enquirer looking at the emblem for the first time.

The serpent is the timeless symbol of the highest spiritual Wisdom.  Swallowing its tail, it is a symbol of regeneration.  It is the self­born, the circle of infinite wisdom, life and immortality. The circle itself is an ancient symbol of eternity and represents the Absolute, the unmanifested universe containing the potentials of all form.

The interlaced triangles, one (lighter) pointing upwards and the other (darker) pointing downwards, symbolise the descent of spirit into matter and its reemergence from the confining limits of form.  They also suggest the constant conflict between the light and dark forces in nature as well as the inseparable unity of spirit and matter.  When depicted within the circle of the serpent, the figure represents the universe and the manifestation of Deity in time and space.  The three lines and three angles of each of the two triangles may remind us of the triple aspects of spirit: existence, consciousness and bliss, and the three aspects of matter: mobility, resistance and rhythm.

In the centre of the emblem is the ankh or Crux Ansata, an ancient Egyptian symbol of resurrection.  It is composed of the Tau or T­shaped cross surmounted by a small circle and is often seen in Egyptian statuary and in wall and tomb paintings where it is depicted as being held in the hand. The Tau symbolises matter or the world of form; the small circle above it represents spirit or life.  With the circle marking the position of the head, it represents the mystic cube unfolded to form the Latin cross, symbol of spirit descended into matter and crucified thereon, but risen from death and resting triumphant on the arms of the conquered slayer.  So it may be said that the figure of the interlaced triangles enclosing the ankh represents the human triumphant and the divine triumphant in the human.  As the cross of life, the ankh then becomes a symbol of resurrection and immortality.

The swastika is a very ancient symbol.  Placed in the emblem at the head of the serpent, it is one of the numerous forms in which the symbol of the cross is found.  It is the fiery cross, with arms of whirling flame revolving clockwise to represent the tremendous energies of nature incessantly creating and dissolving the forms through which the evolutionary process takes place.  In ancient religions which recognise three aspects of Deity, the swastika is associated with the Third Person of the Trinity, who is at once the Creator and the Destroyer: Shiva in Hinduism and the Holy Ghost in Christianity.  Applied to humanity, the figure may show the human as the link between heaven and earth, one “hand” pointing toward heaven or spirit and the other toward earth or matter.

Above the emblem, in Sanskrit characters, is the sacred word Aum or Om, which in the Hindu tradition is a word of profound significance and evokes deep reverence.  It may be said to stand for the creative Word or Logos, the unutterable Reality which is the source of all existence.  We are reminded of the statement: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

MOTTO: "THERE IS NO RELIGION HIGHER THAN TRUTH"

Around the emblem appears the MOTTO of the Theosophical Society.  Truth is the quest of every theosophist, whatever his or her faith if any, and every great religion reflects in some measure the light of the one eternal and spiritual wisdom.  Each points a way toward the realisation of Truth.

HOW IS THE WORLD-WIDE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ORGANISED?

As mentioned previously The International Headquarters of The Theosophical Society is located in Adyar, Chennai, India.  The International President is based there.

The governing body of the international Society is called the General Council which normally meets once a year, at the time of the Annual International Convention which is held in Adyar.

There are a number of ways in which the International Society is organised:

National Societies and Sections

Seven or more members may form a Lodge (sometimes called a Branch) with the agreement of the International President. Seven or more chartered Lodges/Branches in areas which are territorially adjacent can apply to form what is known as a Section. National Societies can be formed by the International President upon the application of seven or more chartered Lodges/Branches, consisting of at least seventy members of The Theosophical Society in good standing. 

The Theosophical Society in Australia is both a National Society and a Section.

Every Section elects a leader, usually called a General Secretary.  In the Australian Section the holder of this office is called the National President.

Federations

Several international Federations have been formed which are important umbrella bodies that strengthen the bonds between the theosophical centres in their regions and help further the work of The TS.  These Federations do not encompass the whole of our world-wide Society but do include many Sections.  They exist in Europe, America, the Indo-Pacific region and Africa.  The Australian Section is part of the Indo-Pacific Federation, which has meetings every three years in different countries in our region.

An International Directory appears monthly in the international theosophical journal, The Theosophist, listing all Sections, Regional Associations, Presidential Agencies and Federations.

Administration of The Theosophical Society in Australia

The Australian Section includes Lodges, Branches and various formal and informal Groups.  Most members belong to such centres but there are also “National Members” who are attached directly to the National Headquarters, which is presently located in Sydney.

The governing body of The Theosophical Society in Australia is called the National Council.  The National Council consists of the National President, the National Secretary, the National Treasurer and one elected State Representative from each of the five Electoral States within the Australian Section.  The National President is elected by the Australian members for a three year term of office and may be elected for up to three consecutive terms.

The State Representatives elected in each State represent the Lodges (Branches), Groups and Members in that State in all meetings and affairs of the National Council.  They also liaise with all Lodges (Branches), Groups and National Members in their Electoral State and represent their views to the National Council and to the National Society Officers, as appropriate.  As well, they receive and deal with representations from individual Members within their Electoral State, and refer the representations where requested or deemed necessary.

The Section also has an Executive Committee which carries out the ongoing  administrative and business work of the National Society.  The Executive Committee consists of the National President, the National Treasurer, the National Secretary and five members appointed annually by the National Council. The Committee normally meets each month.

The Australian Section holds its annual Convention Business Meeting in January each year during the national Convention.  Approval of reports, results of ballots, Motions to change the Rules, financial and other matters are dealt with.  The meeting also provides an opportunity for members to present points of view on various matters and raise any issues of concern.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

If your application to become a member of a Lodge or Branch in Australia or a National Member is accepted, you automatically become a  member of The Theosophical Society in Australia as well as the International Society.

If you choose to join the T.S. you will not be asked to accept any particular teachings or to surrender any of your existing beliefs.  This is in keeping with the Society’s policy on Freedom of Thought which appeared previously in this booklet.

It needs to be said that The Theosophical Society does not actively promote membership, but does welcome as members all who are in sympathy with its Three Objects (listed previously).

Activities and Publications available to members of the Theosophical Society

Members meetings, talks, discussions, seminars and workshops are held in many centres. There are also study groups and other specialised activities.

Many centres in Australia and throughout the world have libraries and bookshops.  Lodge/Branch members normally have library membership included in their membership fees and may be eligible for a discount at their local TS bookshop. 

Annual Conventions for members are a highlight of the Australian TS calendar, held during January in a different State each year.  They usually take place in a university college in a relaxed atmosphere.  Conventions provide an opportunity for members to spend time together, allowing an exchange of ideas.   Talks, workshops, cultural and other programmes  are provided. A convention for TS members is also held each year at the International Headquarters in India and a World Congress for members is held in a different country every seven years.

The TS has a national Education and Retreat Centre at Springbrook in southern Queensland, less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.  In comfortable accommodation units, members enjoy various schools of Theosophy, seminars, retreats and other sessions in a secluded and serene mountain setting.  Events are also held at another national centre located in New South Wales, at Canyonleigh, two hours drive south-west of Sydney.

For people in the Perth region, events are held by the Perth Branch at its live-in Mt. Helena Retreat Centre in the Hills district just East of Perth.

Members automatically receive the quarterly national journal Theosophy in Australia.  Most Branches also have regular newsletters.  For the first twenty-two months new members receive a monthly letter from the National Presidentexplaining various facets of Theosophy and giving further information about the Society.

Members receive a bi-annual letter from the National President.  National Members receive, in addition, an annual letter from the National President.

At present all members receive two study papers each year.

At the Australian Headquarters members have access to The Campbell Theosophical Research Library.

Subscriptions are available to the international magazine The Theosophist and other journals.  Information on these may be obtained from the National Headquarters.

International contacts are important.  Each year there is at least one visiting lecturer from overseas, bringing fresh ideas and stimulus.  If you travel overseas you will be made welcome wherever the Society exists.

Membership of The Theosophical Society can therefore provide access tovarious events, publications and facilities.

If you are undecided about becoming a member of the Society, it is suggested that you join a theosophical library if there is one nearby, attend a few meetings and get to know some of the members.  Some Lodges/Branches require two sponsors for membership applications.  Membership fees vary depending on the Branch you wish to join.  There is also an initial joining fee of $5. 

In country areas where there is no local Branch it is possible to join as a National Member, with postal access to the video library and other services at the Australian Headquarters. 

An application form for membership may be obtained from your local centre or from the Australian TS headquarters.(See the inside back cover.)

Many people appreciate the value of joining a Society in which freedom of thought and individual search for Truth are encouraged. Although unable to be active, some people maintain their membership as an affirmation of, or personal commitment to, the ideals and objects of the Society.

THE THEOSOPHICAL ORDER OF SERVICE
- for those who are interested in practical community activities

It was mentioned before that The Theosophical Society does not involve itself in political or activist pursuits.  The Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) was therefore founded by a former International President of the Society, Dr Annie Besant, in 1908.  The TOS provides an opportunity for members and non-members to participate in activities which promote the first object of The Theosophical Society: ‘to form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour’. Defining itself as ‘a union of all who love in the service of all who suffer’, the TOS offers a framework in which the individual may demonstrate practical and humanitarian action in a theosophical spirit, and acts as a forum whereby members may air their views on affairs of public interest.

The TOS is active in various countries throughout the world and in many of the Lodges/Branches of the Theosophical Society in Australia, but is independent of the Society.  It includes seven streams of service: information service, social service, citizenship, world peace, animal welfare, healing and the arts.

For more information, please contact the National Headquarters of The Theosophical Society in Australia.

Life: Your Great Adventure - Eunice and Felix Layton

The Key to Theosophy - H.P. Blavatsky

Theosophy—A Modern Expression of the Wisdom of the Ages - Robert Ellwood

Ancient Wisdom: Modern Insight - Shirley Nicholson

For further information about our Australian centres, bookshops, libraries, programmes, correspondence course or any other questions, please contact:

National Headquarters
The Theosophical Society in Australia
4^th Floor, 484 Kent Street,
SYDNEY  NSW  2000

Tel: 02 9264 7056      Fax: 02 9264 5857

email: tshq@austheos.org.au

Or see other pages of this web site.

The text of this web page is also available as an “Enquirers’ Booklet” available from TS centres.

If you are interested in joining The Theosophical Society:

Please contact the Secretary of your nearest TS centre, or contact the Australian Headquarters at theaddress above. Details of all Australian centres are on the Locations page. If you are interested in joining as a National Member, please contact the Membership Secretary at the National Headquarters.