Adyar Library and Research Centre

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Col. Olcott with scholars in Adyar Library

The Adyar Library and Research Centre is a private research library at the headquarters of the Theosophical Society based in Adyar, Chennai, India. It was founded in 1886 by Henry Steel Olcott to provide members by providing the means of studying "all of the world's choicest systems of thought."[1] According to its website,

The Adyar Library and Research Centre was founded in 1886 by Colonel Olcott with a small but valuable collection of the Founders' books. Originally situated in the Headquarters building, it was shifted in 1968 to a more spacious one, better suited to its growing needs. It has always been one of the important aspects of the work at Adyar, both for members and for the public; moreover, today it is one of the well known oriental libraries in the world, dedicated to research and publication in the field of eastern civilization, philosophy and religion.[2]

Founding

The original library was dedicated on December 28, 1886 by Colonel Olcott, based on a collection of volumes belonging to him and Madame Blavatsky. He expressed "perfect confidence in the future of the Library they were about to found: the ramifications of the Society were so wide, and the Asiatic members had such easy access to old books and manuscripts, that in time our collection must become large and unique. It would be a labor of love with the members as well as one of pride."[3] When the Library opened, it had already accumulated several thousand volumes and 3,000 manuscripts. "By the end of 1887, the number had increased to 12,000 volumes and 3,700 Manuscripts."[4]

History

Over the years, the library has drawn workers from many nations. For example, in 1956, three Americans, all formerly members of the Theosophical Society in America headquarters staff, were working in the Library. Ann Kerr was serving as Director [pro tem], Mrs. Mary Patterson was Librarian, and Mr. Voyle Stewart was an office assistant.[5]

N. Sri Ram unveiling cornerstone of new library

New building in 1967

Originally the Library was housed in an addition to the Headquarters Building, but gradually it filled up the whole ground floor except the Great Hall. When the building became inadequate to house the expanding collections and the work of scholars, a new structure was designed. Its construction was supervised by George Linton. On the 81st anniversary of the library's establishment, December 28, 1967, President Sri Ram dedicated the new building.[6] By the end of 1968, the library was well established in its new facility. That year Mr. V. Ramanatha Iyer, replaced Mrs. Seetha Neelakanthan, who went to work at the Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library in the United States.[7]

Centennial celebration in 1986

On December 28, 1986, the library celebrated its centenary. A speech was given by Shri R. Venkataraman, Vice-President of India. He said, in part:

The Theosophical Society is unquestionably a seat of learning where information matures into knowledge and knowledge ripens into wisdom. Here the teachings and beliefs of various faiths have blended their basic principles to create an altogether unique confluence.[8]

Collections

According to the library website,

It contains over 250,000 printed volumes and around 20,000 palm-leaf manuscripts from India, Sri Lanka, China, and other places, a few of which are kept on display for visitors. The printed books include rare indological publications in several languages and a fine collection of works on different religions, philosophies and cultures.[9]

Translations and publications

From its earliest days, the Library has welcomed scholarly Pandits who have translated palm-leaf documents and other manuscripts into English from Sanskrit, Pāli, and other languages of South Asia. These translations have been published regularly over the years.

Additional resources

Notes

  1. ↑ Shri R. Venkataraman, "A TOrch of the Spirit" The American Theosophist 75.2 (February, 1987), 32.
  2. ↑ "Adyar Library and Research Centre" at Theosophical Society website
  3. ↑ "The Adyar Library," The American Theosophist 44.10 (September, 1956), 186. This article quoted an unnamed report from the convention of 1886.
  4. ↑ "The Adyar Library," The American Theosophist 44.10 (September, 1956), 186.
  5. ↑ "The Adyar Library," The American Theosophist 44.10 (September, 1956), 186.
  6. ↑ "New Adyar Library Dedicated," The American Theosophist 56.2 (February 1968), 41.
  7. ↑ N. Sri Ram, "Presidential Address," The Report of the Theosophical Society, 1968 (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing Company, 1969), 8-9.
  8. ↑ Shri R. Venkataraman, "A Torch of the Spirit" The American Theosophist 75.2 (February, 1987), 32.
  9. ↑ "Adyar Library and Research Centre" at Theosophical Society website
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