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The '''London Lodge''' was an influential lodge in the early years of the [[Theosophical Society]]. Founded on [[June 27]], 1878, under the name of '''British Theosophical Society''', it was the first official lodge to be chartered by the [[Parent Society]]. Its name was changed to that of "London Lodge" of the Theosophical Society on [[June 3]], 1883.
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The '''British Theosophical Society''' was the first official lodge of the [[Theosophical Society]]. It was founded on [[June 27]], 1878, in London. On [[June 3]], 1883, the name of the lodge was changed to '''London Lodge''' of the Theosophical Society.


== Founding ==
== British Theosophical Society ==


On [[December 11]], 1877, [[C. C. Massey]], [[William Stainton Moses|W. S. Moses]], [[John Storer Cobb|J. S. Cobb]], and [[Emily Kislingbury]] met in London to read [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s instructions concerning the formation of what eventually became the [[London Lodge]]. The first meeting was held on [[June 27]] at 38, Great Russell St., London. Mr. Cobb represented Col. Olcott; C. C. Massey was chosen President; and Miss Kislingbury, Secretary.
The British Theosophical Society was established in 1876, with [[C. C. Massey]] as its first President. The members of the British Society were accepted as "Corresponding Fellows" of the [[Parent Society]], but were not formally recognized as a Lodge until the summer of 1878, when [[John Storer Cobb]], the then Recording Secretary, journeyed to London for the purpose, under commission from the Parent Society.<ref>John Garrigues and others, ''The Theosophical Movement 1875-1950'' (The Cunningham Press, 1925), 18.</ref>


The [[Founders]] attend a meeting of the British Theosophical Society in London on [[January 5]], 1879, on their way to move to India.
On [[December 11]], 1877, [[Charles Carleton Massey]], [[John Storer Cobb|J. S. Cobb]], [[William Stainton Moses|W. S. Moses]], and [[Emily Kislingbury]] met in London to read [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s instructions concerning the formation of what eventually became the London Lodge.  


In August, 1882, [[C. C. Massey]] is elected as President, succeeding Dr. [[George Wyld]]. The Lodge was not doing very well and Mr. Massey felt that [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Anna Kingsford]] was the only one who could keep the group from dying.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 406.</ref>
The first official meeting was held on [[June 27]], 1878, at 38, Great Russell St., London. Present at the meeting were J. S. Cobb, C. C. Massey, E. Kislingbury, [[George Wyld|Dr. George Wyld]], [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. H. J. Billing]], and [[Charles Carter Blake|Dr. C. Carter Blake]]. Mr. Cobb represented Col. Olcott; Mr. Massey was chosen President; and Miss Kislingbury, Secretary.<ref>Alfred Percy Sinnett, ''The Early Days of Theosophy in Europe'' (London: Theosophical Publishing House Ltd, 1922), 11.</ref> The latter, noted:


On [[January 7]], 1883, there is an annual election of officers. Dr. [[Anna Bonus Kingsford]] (who was still in Paris) is elected President with [[Edward Maitland]] and Dr. Wyld as Vice-Presidents. [[William Tournay Brown|W. T. Brown]] was among its members.
<blockquote>In England, four out of five of the original group were members of the British National Association of Spiritualists, as well as the first two presidents, Mr. C. C. Massey and Dr. George Wyld. During the first year of its existence, the English Theosophical Society continued to be recruited almost entirely, if not solely, from the Spiritualist ranks.<ref>See [http://hpb.narod.ru/SpiritualismRelationTheosophyEK.html# Spiritualism In Its Relation to Theosophy] by Emily Kislingbury</ref></blockquote>
 
[[Founders#"The Founders"|The Founders]] attended a meeting of the British Theosophical Society in London on [[January 5]], 1879, on their way to India.
 
In early 1880 Dr. George Wyld was elected President until August, 1882, when he resigned from this position.<ref>George Wyld, ''Notes on my Life'' (London: Kegan, Paul, Trench, Trubner & Company, 1903), 74.</ref> He was succeeded by C. C. Massey. The Lodge, however, was not doing very well and Mr. Massey felt that [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Anna Kingsford]] was the only one who could keep the group from dying.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 406.</ref>
 
On [[January 7]], 1883, there was an annual election of officers. Dr. [[Anna Bonus Kingsford]] (who was still in Paris) was elected as  President with [[Edward Maitland]] and Dr. Wyld as Vice-Presidents. [[William Tournay Brown|W. T. Brown]] was one of the members.


== Change of name ==
== Change of name ==


On April, 1883, [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] moves back to London and joins the Lodge. On [[May 20]], 1883, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Anna Kingsford]] and [[Edward Maitland]] return to England, after a stay in Switzerland, to commence their duties in connection with the British Theosophical Society. Mrs. Kingsford suggests that the name be changed to "London Lodge of the Theosophical Society". On [[June 3]], at a meeting held at 1, Albert Mansions, Victoria St., London, S.W., the English Fellows decide, at Dr. Anna Kinsford's wish, seconded by Mr. Sinnett, to change the name of their Lodge.
On April, 1883, [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] moved back to London and joined the Lodge. On [[May 20]], 1883, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Anna Kingsford]] and [[Edward Maitland]] returned to England, after a stay in Switzerland, to commence their duties in connection with the British Theosophical Society. Mrs. Kingsford suggested that the name be changed to "London Lodge of the Theosophical Society". On [[June 3]], at a meeting held at 1, Albert Mansions, Victoria St., London, S.W., the English Fellows decided, at Dr. Anna Kingsford's wish, seconded by Mr. Sinnett, to change the name of their Lodge.


== Internal dissension ==
== Internal dissension ==


On [[October 21]], 1883, due to [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Kingsford]] being "unavoidably absent", [[Edward Maitland]] reads an address from her before the Lodge. Several members protested its language and passed a Resolution stating the fact. Internal dissension begins to come out into the open. Members were divided among those who wanted to follow Mr. Sinnett's techings of "Esoteric Buddhism" and those who preferred Mrs. Kingsford's "Christian Esotericism".
Although [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]]'s arrival gave renewed impetus to the activities of the London Lodge, it would also prove to be a source of difficulty.


In December (some sources say the 9th, some others the 16th), Mrs. Kingsford and Mr. Maitland release a Circular entitled ''A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of The Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge'' (privately printed by Bunny and Davis, Shrewsbury, England. 39 pp.) severely criticizing the teachings contained in Mr. Sinnett's book [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|''Esoteric Buddhism'']]. The Circular also stated the necessity of forming a distinct body or group within the general group of the Lodge.
On [[October 21]], 1883, due to [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Kingsford]] being "unavoidably absent", [[Edward Maitland]] read an address from her before the Lodge. Several members protested its language and passed a Resolution stating the fact. Internal dissension began to come out into the open.  


With the date for the election of new authorities approaching, [[Koot Hoomi|Mahatma K.H.]] sent telegrams to Mr. Sinnett and Mrs. Kingsford saying that the latter should remain as President of the Lodge. The reason for this was given by the Master in [[Mahatma Letter No. 120|one of his letters]], where he states that "whether the gifted President of the 'London Lodge' Theos. Soc. entertains feelings of reverence or disrespect toward the humble and unknown individuals at the head of the Tibetan Good Law", due to the fact that the London population was not familiar with Tibetan doctrines a Christian esoteric approach was better fitted "for the purpose we have all at heart, namely the dissemination of TRUTH through Esoteric doctrines, conveyed by whatever religious channel, and the effacement of crass materialism and blind prejudices and skepticism".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 409-410.</ref>
Members were divided among two distinct groups: one, the larger, led by Mr. Sinnett, was specially drawn to the Oriental and Tibetan teachings, as represented in his books, [[The Occult World (book)|''The Occult World'']] and [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|''Esoteric Buddhism'']]; the second, the smaller, led by Dr. Kingsford and Edward Maitland, was more attracted to a revival of mystical and [[Christianity#Esoteric Christianity|esoteric Christianity]], the [[Kabbalah]] and the teachings of the [[Hermeticism|Hermetic philosophy]].


However, due to the ill feelings between the two factions, the [[Maha Chohan]] advises to postpone the election until [[April 7]], 1884, when Col. Olcott would visit the Lodge.
In December (some sources say the 9th, some others the 16th), Dr. Kingsford and Mr. Maitland released a circular entitled ''A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of The Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge'' (privately printed by Bunny and Davis, Shrewsbury, England. 39 pp.) severely criticizing the teachings contained in Mr. Sinnett's book [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|''Esoteric Buddhism'']]. The Circular also stated the necessity of forming a distinct body or group within the general group of the Lodge. [[T. Subba Row]] wrote a rebuttal &ndash; his [https://universaltheosophy.com/tsr/observations-letter-esoteric-buddhism/ "Observations"] on the circular, pointing out misunderstandings in the Kingsford-Maitland document about the nature of the [[Brotherhood of Adepts]] and Sinnett's books.


A compromise candidate, [[G. B. Finch|Mr. Finch]], was elected as President, Mr. Sinnett Vice-President and Secretary, and Miss [[Francesca Arundale]] as Treasurer. The Kingsford-Maitland group were not happy, and applied for a charter to form a separate Branch, the "[[Hermetic Theosophical Society]]". Eventually, the formation of a new Society was suggested to Mrs. Kingsford, and this gave birth to the [[Hermetic Society]].
With the date for the election of new authorities approaching, [[Koot Hoomi|Mahatma K.H.]] sent telegrams to Mr. Sinnett and Mrs. Kingsford saying that the latter should remain as President of the Lodge. The reason for this was given by the Master in [[Mahatma Letter No. 120|one of his letters]], where he stated that "whether the gifted President of the 'London Lodge' Theos. Soc. entertains feelings of reverence or disrespect toward the humble and unknown individuals at the head of the Tibetan Good Law", due to the fact that the London population was not familiar with Tibetan doctrines, a Christian esoteric approach was better fitted "for the purpose we have all at heart, namely the dissemination of TRUTH through Esoteric doctrines, conveyed by whatever religious channel, and the effacement of crass materialism and blind prejudices and skepticism".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 409-410.</ref>


== Master M. appears ==
However, due to the ill feelings between the two factions, the [[Maha Chohan]] advises to postpone the election until April, 1884, when [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]] would visit the Lodge.
 
Col. Olcott arrived to London accompanied by [[Mohini Mohun Chatterji]], who was at the time his private secretary, and arranged with the Kingsford-Maitland group to issue a charter to form a separate Branch, the "[[Hermetic Lodge]]" of the Theosophical Society.<ref>Henry Steel Olcott, ''Old Diary Leaves'' Third Series (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 97.</ref>
 
On [[April 7]], 1884, [[G. B. Finch|Mr. Finch]], was elected as President of the London Lodge, Mr. Sinnett Vice-President and Secretary, and Miss [[Francesca Arundale]] as Treasurer.
 
Dr. Kingsford and E. Maitland resigned from the London Lodge on [[December 24]], 1884, after having founded the [[Hermetic Society]].
 
Mr. Sinnett was elected President of the Lodge in January 1885.
 
=== Master M. appears ===


On [[April 7]], 1884, when [[Henry Steel Olcott|Colonel Olcott]] was giving an opening speech at [[G. B. Finch|Mr. Finch]]’s rooms, the astral form of [[Morya|Mahatma M.]] appeared for a few seconds. It was seen by [[Mohini Mohun Chatterji|Mr. Mohini]], [[Mary Gebhard]] and [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Madame Blavatsky]] and Col. Olcott.<ref>[http://www.blavatskyarchives.com/mastersencounterswith.htm# A Casebook of Encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas] Case 43, compiled and edited by Daniel H. Caldwell</ref>
On [[April 7]], 1884, when [[Henry Steel Olcott|Colonel Olcott]] was giving an opening speech at [[G. B. Finch|Mr. Finch]]’s rooms, the astral form of [[Morya|Mahatma M.]] appeared for a few seconds. It was seen by [[Mohini Mohun Chatterji|Mr. Mohini]], [[Mary Gebhard]] and [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Madame Blavatsky]] and Col. Olcott.<ref>[http://www.blavatskyarchives.com/mastersencounterswith.htm# A Casebook of Encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas] Case 43, compiled and edited by Daniel H. Caldwell</ref>


== Separation and rejoining ==
== Inner Group ==
 
The opposition to the Tibetan teachings coming from the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] that the Kingsford-Maitland party held prompted [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] to write to [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] proposing the formation of an "Inner Group" of the London Lodge. There, these teachings could be studied by those willing to do it without causing frictions in the Lodge. In December 1883, the Master answered:
 
<blockquote>The more I think of it, the more reasonable appears to me your plan of a Society within the London Society. Try, for something may come out of it.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 117 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 404.</ref></blockquote>
 
Early in January 1884, the London Lodge '''[[Mahatma Letter No. 120|received a letter]]''' from [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] proposing the formation of an Inner Group:
 
<blockquote>It seems necessary for a proper study and correct understanding of our Philosophy and the benefit of those whose inclination leads them to seek esoteric knowledge from the Northern [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] Source; and in order that such teaching should not be even virtually imposed or offered to those [[Theosophist]]s who may differ from our views, that an exclusive group composed of those members who desire to follow absolutely the teachings of the School to which we, of the [[Brotherhood_of_Adepts#The_Tibetan_Brotherhood|Tibetan Brotherhood]], belong, should be formed under Mr. Sinnett's direction and within the "London Lodge T.S." Such is, in fact, the desire of the [[Maha Chohan]].<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 411.</ref></blockquote>
 
He also said that due to the criticism that the teachings embodied in Mr. Sinnett's book [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|Esoteric Buddhism]] had received, whatever was given to the inner group should be kept secret among its members:
 
<blockquote>Our last year's experience amply shows the danger of so recklessly submitting our sacred doctrines to the unprepared world. We expect, therefore, and are resolved to urge, if necessary more caution than ever from our followers in the exposition of our secret teachings. Consequently many of the latter which Mr. Sinnett and his fellow-students may from time to time receive from us, will have to be kept entirely secret from the world — if they would have us give them our help in that direction.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 411.</ref></blockquote>
 
In late July or early August, 1884, following the resignation of [[C. C. Massey]] who was suspicious of the existence of the [[Mahatmas]], a petition was drafted to form the Inner Group.<ref>See [http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v6/y1884_042.htm# Petition to the Masters for the Formation of an "Inner Group of the London Lodge"] at KatinkaHesselink.net</ref> Both [[Morya|Master Morya]] and [[Koot Hoomi|Master Koot Hoomi]] added notations to this document, so it has been published in [[Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom (book)|''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, First Series'']] as '''[[Mahatma Letter to London Lodge - LMW 1 No. 5|Letter 5]]'''.
 
Below are the names of the members that signed it:
 
Mary Anne Arundale, [[Francesca Arundale]], [[A. J. Cooper-Oakley|Alfred J. Cooper-Oakley]], [[Isabelle Cooper-Oakley|H. Isabel Cooper-Oakley]], [[Archibald Keightley]], [[Bertram Keightley]], [[Isabelle de Steiger]], Laura E. Falkiner, Edmond W. Wade, John Varley, Isabella Varley, Toni Schmiechen, [[Hermann Schmiechen]], Mary C. D. Hamilton, [[G. B. Finch|Gerard B. Finch]], Louisa S. Cook, [[Mabel Collins]] (Mrs. Keningale Cook), Catherine Galindo, [[Patience Sinnett]], R. Palmer Thomas, [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], and Jane Wade.
 
This preceded by four years the [[Esoteric Section]] and the later '''[[Esoteric_Section#Inner_Group|Inner Group]]''' of [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]].
 
[[Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa|C. Jinarājadāsa]] wrote of his experience:
<blockquote>
In 1894 I was admitted into the Inner group of the London Lodge as a [[chela]] of the Master, and was present at the intimate and informal gatherings of the Group which were held on most Sunday mornings in Mr. Sinnett's library for discussion."<ref>C. Jinarājadāsa, ''The "K. H." Letters to C. W. Leadbeater'' (Adyar, Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1941), 74.</ref>
</blockquote>
 
== Eleusinian Society ==
 
After [[Annie Besant]] became international President of the [[Theosophical Society (Adyar)]] she invited [[Charles Webster Leadbeater|C. W. Leadbeater]] to rejoin the Society. Members of the London Lodge, instigated by [[Maude Travers|"Mary"]], voted unanimously in favor of withdrawing from the Theosphical Society. In February 1909, the lodge changed its name to the Eleusinian Society, which lasted for only a couple of years.
 
In 1911 [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] felt he should not stay away for the Theosophical Movement he helped to form in the Western world. He discussed the matter with Annie Besant during her visit to London and in the Spring of that year the lodge became again part of the TS, changing its name back to London Lodge. Mr. Sinnett was restored to his original office of vice-President. "Mary" resigned from the Theosophical Society.<ref>Alfred Percy Sinnett, ''Autobiography of Alfred Percy Sinnett'' (London: Theosophical History Center, 1986), 48-49.</ref>
 
== Additional resources ==
 
=== Mahatma Letters ===
 
Mahatma Letters that have significant information about the [[London Lodge]] include:
 
* [[Mahatma Letter of Ward to/from KH - 1883-12-14]] &ndash; [[Samuel Ward]] discusses leadership options for the lodge.
* [[Mahatma Letter of Finch to Sinnett - 1883-12-21]] &ndash; [[G. B. Finch]] discusses leadership options for the lodge.


In February 1909, the lodge separated for a short time from the TS, and changed its name to the [[Eleusinian Society]] during this time. In spring 1911, the lodge became again part of the TS, and changed its name back to London Lodge.
* [[Mahatma Letter No. 117]] in [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition. It corresponds to Letter No. 93 in Barker numbering.
* [[Mahatma Letter No. 120]] in [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], 4th chronological edition. It corresponds to Letter No. 85 in Barker numbering.
* [[Mahatma Letter to London Lodge - LMW_1_No._5]] &ndash; letter by lodge members and response by K.H. concerning formation of an Inner Group.


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
<references/>
<references/>


[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Theosophical lodges and branches]]
[[Category:TS Adyar]]

Latest revision as of 17:00, 14 April 2022

The London Lodge was an influential lodge in the early years of the Theosophical Society. Founded on June 27, 1878, under the name of British Theosophical Society, it was the first official lodge to be chartered by the Parent Society. Its name was changed to that of "London Lodge" of the Theosophical Society on June 3, 1883.

British Theosophical Society

The British Theosophical Society was established in 1876, with C. C. Massey as its first President. The members of the British Society were accepted as "Corresponding Fellows" of the Parent Society, but were not formally recognized as a Lodge until the summer of 1878, when John Storer Cobb, the then Recording Secretary, journeyed to London for the purpose, under commission from the Parent Society.[1]

On December 11, 1877, Charles Carleton Massey, J. S. Cobb, W. S. Moses, and Emily Kislingbury met in London to read Col. Olcott's instructions concerning the formation of what eventually became the London Lodge.

The first official meeting was held on June 27, 1878, at 38, Great Russell St., London. Present at the meeting were J. S. Cobb, C. C. Massey, E. Kislingbury, Dr. George Wyld, Dr. H. J. Billing, and Dr. C. Carter Blake. Mr. Cobb represented Col. Olcott; Mr. Massey was chosen President; and Miss Kislingbury, Secretary.[2] The latter, noted:

In England, four out of five of the original group were members of the British National Association of Spiritualists, as well as the first two presidents, Mr. C. C. Massey and Dr. George Wyld. During the first year of its existence, the English Theosophical Society continued to be recruited almost entirely, if not solely, from the Spiritualist ranks.[3]

The Founders attended a meeting of the British Theosophical Society in London on January 5, 1879, on their way to India.

In early 1880 Dr. George Wyld was elected President until August, 1882, when he resigned from this position.[4] He was succeeded by C. C. Massey. The Lodge, however, was not doing very well and Mr. Massey felt that Dr. Anna Kingsford was the only one who could keep the group from dying.[5]

On January 7, 1883, there was an annual election of officers. Dr. Anna Bonus Kingsford (who was still in Paris) was elected as President with Edward Maitland and Dr. Wyld as Vice-Presidents. W. T. Brown was one of the members.

Change of name

On April, 1883, Mr. Sinnett moved back to London and joined the Lodge. On May 20, 1883, Dr. Anna Kingsford and Edward Maitland returned to England, after a stay in Switzerland, to commence their duties in connection with the British Theosophical Society. Mrs. Kingsford suggested that the name be changed to "London Lodge of the Theosophical Society". On June 3, at a meeting held at 1, Albert Mansions, Victoria St., London, S.W., the English Fellows decided, at Dr. Anna Kingsford's wish, seconded by Mr. Sinnett, to change the name of their Lodge.

Internal dissension

Although A. P. Sinnett's arrival gave renewed impetus to the activities of the London Lodge, it would also prove to be a source of difficulty.

On October 21, 1883, due to Dr. Kingsford being "unavoidably absent", Edward Maitland read an address from her before the Lodge. Several members protested its language and passed a Resolution stating the fact. Internal dissension began to come out into the open.

Members were divided among two distinct groups: one, the larger, led by Mr. Sinnett, was specially drawn to the Oriental and Tibetan teachings, as represented in his books, The Occult World and Esoteric Buddhism; the second, the smaller, led by Dr. Kingsford and Edward Maitland, was more attracted to a revival of mystical and esoteric Christianity, the Kabbalah and the teachings of the Hermetic philosophy.

In December (some sources say the 9th, some others the 16th), Dr. Kingsford and Mr. Maitland released a circular entitled A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of The Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge (privately printed by Bunny and Davis, Shrewsbury, England. 39 pp.) severely criticizing the teachings contained in Mr. Sinnett's book Esoteric Buddhism. The Circular also stated the necessity of forming a distinct body or group within the general group of the Lodge. T. Subba Row wrote a rebuttal – his "Observations" on the circular, pointing out misunderstandings in the Kingsford-Maitland document about the nature of the Brotherhood of Adepts and Sinnett's books.

With the date for the election of new authorities approaching, Mahatma K.H. sent telegrams to Mr. Sinnett and Mrs. Kingsford saying that the latter should remain as President of the Lodge. The reason for this was given by the Master in one of his letters, where he stated that "whether the gifted President of the 'London Lodge' Theos. Soc. entertains feelings of reverence or disrespect toward the humble and unknown individuals at the head of the Tibetan Good Law", due to the fact that the London population was not familiar with Tibetan doctrines, a Christian esoteric approach was better fitted "for the purpose we have all at heart, namely the dissemination of TRUTH through Esoteric doctrines, conveyed by whatever religious channel, and the effacement of crass materialism and blind prejudices and skepticism".[6]

However, due to the ill feelings between the two factions, the Maha Chohan advises to postpone the election until April, 1884, when Col. Olcott would visit the Lodge.

Col. Olcott arrived to London accompanied by Mohini Mohun Chatterji, who was at the time his private secretary, and arranged with the Kingsford-Maitland group to issue a charter to form a separate Branch, the "Hermetic Lodge" of the Theosophical Society.[7]

On April 7, 1884, Mr. Finch, was elected as President of the London Lodge, Mr. Sinnett Vice-President and Secretary, and Miss Francesca Arundale as Treasurer.

Dr. Kingsford and E. Maitland resigned from the London Lodge on December 24, 1884, after having founded the Hermetic Society.

Mr. Sinnett was elected President of the Lodge in January 1885.

Master M. appears

On April 7, 1884, when Colonel Olcott was giving an opening speech at Mr. Finch’s rooms, the astral form of Mahatma M. appeared for a few seconds. It was seen by Mr. Mohini, Mary Gebhard and Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott.[8]

Inner Group

The opposition to the Tibetan teachings coming from the Masters that the Kingsford-Maitland party held prompted Mr. Sinnett to write to Master K.H. proposing the formation of an "Inner Group" of the London Lodge. There, these teachings could be studied by those willing to do it without causing frictions in the Lodge. In December 1883, the Master answered:

The more I think of it, the more reasonable appears to me your plan of a Society within the London Society. Try, for something may come out of it.[9]

Early in January 1884, the London Lodge received a letter from Master K.H. proposing the formation of an Inner Group:

It seems necessary for a proper study and correct understanding of our Philosophy and the benefit of those whose inclination leads them to seek esoteric knowledge from the Northern Buddhist Source; and in order that such teaching should not be even virtually imposed or offered to those Theosophists who may differ from our views, that an exclusive group composed of those members who desire to follow absolutely the teachings of the School to which we, of the Tibetan Brotherhood, belong, should be formed under Mr. Sinnett's direction and within the "London Lodge T.S." Such is, in fact, the desire of the Maha Chohan.[10]

He also said that due to the criticism that the teachings embodied in Mr. Sinnett's book Esoteric Buddhism had received, whatever was given to the inner group should be kept secret among its members:

Our last year's experience amply shows the danger of so recklessly submitting our sacred doctrines to the unprepared world. We expect, therefore, and are resolved to urge, if necessary more caution than ever from our followers in the exposition of our secret teachings. Consequently many of the latter which Mr. Sinnett and his fellow-students may from time to time receive from us, will have to be kept entirely secret from the world — if they would have us give them our help in that direction.[11]

In late July or early August, 1884, following the resignation of C. C. Massey who was suspicious of the existence of the Mahatmas, a petition was drafted to form the Inner Group.[12] Both Master Morya and Master Koot Hoomi added notations to this document, so it has been published in Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, First Series as Letter 5.

Below are the names of the members that signed it:

Mary Anne Arundale, Francesca Arundale, Alfred J. Cooper-Oakley, H. Isabel Cooper-Oakley, Archibald Keightley, Bertram Keightley, Isabelle de Steiger, Laura E. Falkiner, Edmond W. Wade, John Varley, Isabella Varley, Toni Schmiechen, Hermann Schmiechen, Mary C. D. Hamilton, Gerard B. Finch, Louisa S. Cook, Mabel Collins (Mrs. Keningale Cook), Catherine Galindo, Patience Sinnett, R. Palmer Thomas, A. P. Sinnett, and Jane Wade.

This preceded by four years the Esoteric Section and the later Inner Group of H. P. Blavatsky.

C. Jinarājadāsa wrote of his experience:

In 1894 I was admitted into the Inner group of the London Lodge as a chela of the Master, and was present at the intimate and informal gatherings of the Group which were held on most Sunday mornings in Mr. Sinnett's library for discussion."[13]

Eleusinian Society

After Annie Besant became international President of the Theosophical Society (Adyar) she invited C. W. Leadbeater to rejoin the Society. Members of the London Lodge, instigated by "Mary", voted unanimously in favor of withdrawing from the Theosphical Society. In February 1909, the lodge changed its name to the Eleusinian Society, which lasted for only a couple of years.

In 1911 Mr. Sinnett felt he should not stay away for the Theosophical Movement he helped to form in the Western world. He discussed the matter with Annie Besant during her visit to London and in the Spring of that year the lodge became again part of the TS, changing its name back to London Lodge. Mr. Sinnett was restored to his original office of vice-President. "Mary" resigned from the Theosophical Society.[14]

Additional resources

Mahatma Letters

Mahatma Letters that have significant information about the London Lodge include:

Notes

  1. John Garrigues and others, The Theosophical Movement 1875-1950 (The Cunningham Press, 1925), 18.
  2. Alfred Percy Sinnett, The Early Days of Theosophy in Europe (London: Theosophical Publishing House Ltd, 1922), 11.
  3. See Spiritualism In Its Relation to Theosophy by Emily Kislingbury
  4. George Wyld, Notes on my Life (London: Kegan, Paul, Trench, Trubner & Company, 1903), 74.
  5. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 406.
  6. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 409-410.
  7. Henry Steel Olcott, Old Diary Leaves Third Series (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 97.
  8. A Casebook of Encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas Case 43, compiled and edited by Daniel H. Caldwell
  9. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence No. 117 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 404.
  10. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 411.
  11. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 411.
  12. See Petition to the Masters for the Formation of an "Inner Group of the London Lodge" at KatinkaHesselink.net
  13. C. Jinarājadāsa, The "K. H." Letters to C. W. Leadbeater (Adyar, Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1941), 74.
  14. Alfred Percy Sinnett, Autobiography of Alfred Percy Sinnett (London: Theosophical History Center, 1986), 48-49.