Esoteric Section

History

The first attempt related to the formation of an Esoteric Section happened in early 1884, in London. A debate was going on in the London Lodge as to whom should be its President. On one hand was Mr. Sinnett, who wanted to promote the Esoteric Philosophy of the Masters. On the other hand was Anna Kingsford, interested in Esoteric Christianity, a subject with which the London Society of the nineteenth century was more familiar. The Masters thought that Mrs. Kingsford would be a more suitable President in London, and proposed that the Arhat Esoteric Doctrine be studied in an inner group of the London Lodge formed by those interested in the subject.

Formation

The Esoteric Section of the Theosophical Society was officially formed on October 9, 1888, when Col. Olcott, then on a visit in London, issued an order in Council declaring it formed with Mme. Blavatsky as its responsible head. The circular stated:

The Esoteric Section of the Theosophical Society.

I. To promote the esoteric interests of the Theosophical Society by the deeper study of esoteric philosophy, there is hereby organised a body, to be known as the ‘Esoteric Section of the Theosophical Society.’

II. The constitution and sole direction of the same is vested in Madame H. P. Blavatsky, as its head; she is solely responsible to the members for results; and the section has no official or corporate connection with the Exoteric Society, save in the person of the President-Founder.

Persons wishing to join the Section, and willing to abide by its rules, should communicate directly with Madame H. P. Blavatsky, 17 Lansdowne Road, Holland Park, London, W.

(Sd.) H. S. OLCOTT,
President in Council.

Attest:

H. P. BLAVATSKY,

Corresponding Secretary.

Inner Group

In July, 1890, HPB and her staff moved from Lansdowne Road into Annie Besant’s house in 19 Avenue Road. In August she formed the Inner Group of the Esoteric Section, which consisted of twelve members, six men and six women. They were Countess Constance Wachtmeister, Mrs. Isabelle Cooper-Oakley, Miss Emily Kislingbury, Miss Laura M. Cooper, Mrs. Annie Besant, Mrs. Alice L. Cleather, Dr. Archibald Keightley, Mr. Herbert Coryn, Mr. Claude Falls Wright, Mr. G. R. S. Mead, Mr. E. T. Sturdy, and Mr. Walter Old. There were also two "outsiders" that had been specially invited, namely, Rai B. K. Laheri and Dr. William W. Wescott, who were later joined by W. Q. Judge.

The group held its meetings weekly, in a room which had been specially built for it, leading out of HPB’s bedroom. Into it no one but herself and the members of the group ever entered. Each member had their our own place and chair; and during the instructions HPB sat with her six men pupils on her right and the six women on her left-hand side, in semi-circular formation.

See also

• Esoteric School of Theosophy