Clara Codd
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Clara Codd was an English Theosophist known for her work as a feminist, lecturer, teacher, and writer. She served as General Secretary of both the Australian and South African Sections of the Theosophical Society based in Adyar, Chennai, India. During a Theosophical career of nearly 70 years, she traveled to six continents.
Early life and education
Miss Codd was born October 10, 1876 at Barnstaple, Devon, England.[1] She was the oldest of ten daughters. Even as a child, she questioned the meaning of life and felt moved into a search for "something."
Feminist activities
As a young woman, a strong sense for freedom and justice moved her to work for the enfranchisement of women. Despite a natural shyness, she spoke passionately for women’s rights from street platforms and in crowded halls, enduring heckling, physical abuse, and imprisonment.
Theosophical lecturer
She joined the Theosophical Society at age 27. In her autobiography, So Rich a Life, Clara states, "I had come home at last after long wandering. I had found the beginning of the way." Three years later Clara was appointed the first national lecturer for the English Section.
Years in South Africa
From February 2, 1938 to May 21, 1946, Miss Codd lived in the Union of South Africa, and became a citizen of that country. She served as National President (General Secretary) of the Section, and received a small pension after her term there.[2] In January of 1945, her term ended, she wrote to Sidney Cook at the Theosophical Society in America:
Mr. Kruisheer is a splendid G.S. He is such a good organiser. I shall never be a Gen. Sec. agoin. I do not think that that is the best thing I can do. I am not an administrator. I just fill in a gap. For some time now I have had a pet idea. Tell me if you think it is feasible. I would like to go round the world once more before I pass over and say goodbye to all the dear people I love so well. This Xmas I have heard again from so many in the U.S.A...Could you have me for lecturing for a year? You need not give me any salary as now I am the proud possessor of a pension. And then I could go on to N.Z. and Australia and finally settle somewhere.
I would like to spend my last days in inspiring and teaching the Masters young workers somewhere.[3]
Years in Australia
Later years
Writings
Recordings of lectures
- Arcane Schools of Past and Future by Clara Codd
- Life on the Other Side of Death by Clara Codd
- Wings of the Soul by Clara Codd
Online resources
Articles
- Clara Codd: A Personal Recollection by John Algeo
- A Tribute to Clara Codd by Leatrice Kreeger
Additional resources
Titles by Clara Codd available at Quest Books
Notes
- ↑ Application to Extend Time of Temporary Stay. US Immigration and Naturalization Service. December 23, 1946. James S. Perkins Papers. Records Series 08.06. Theosophical Society in America Archives.
- ↑ Application to Extend Time of Temporary Stay. US Immigration and Naturalization Service. December 23, 1946. James S. Perkins Papers. Records Series 08.06. Theosophical Society in America Archives.
- ↑ Letter from Clara Codd to Sidney Cook. January 22, 1945. Sidney A. Cook Papers. Records Series 08.05. Theosophical Society in America Archives.