The Society

Shikhar Agnihotri – India 

I arrived in Amsterdam on 23 August 2026 and along with Marja Artamaa and Janne Vuononvirta, took the train to Naarden. Manja was there to receive us at the station and drove us to the International Theosophical Centre. From the very beginning, passing through the naturally beautiful city of Naarden, I felt that it was going to be a little different from an ordinary visit.

International Vice-President Shikar Agnihotri with Marja Artamaa and Janne Vuononvirta at Schiphol Airport getting train tickets

The Centre is set in beautiful natural surroundings. There are wooded areas, plenty of greenery, and a quietness that makes you feel as if you have stepped into another dimension of space and time. It is also one of those Theosophical centres where the atmosphere is quite perceptible. There is a certain peace and vibration which are difficult to explain, but easy to feel.

Catalina Isaza-Cantor and Shikhar Agnihotri – India 

[Based on a presentation given during the 150th manual International Convention in Adyar]

Warm greetings to all of you who are here for the 150th Intl Convention of the Theosophical Society (TS), Adyar. We are deeply honoured and grateful to join you in this shared space of unity and aspiration. 

We are now especially glad to speak about the extraordinary place that is Adyar — not only the physical headquarters of the Society, but a living, breathing centre of light, silence, and inner work. While some of you have had the opportunity to visit this special place at different times, we would like to offer a glimpse of its beauty for those who have not — and perhaps, who knows, plant the seed for a future visit.

A REPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

At Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya College (Vasant Girls College) in Varanasi

Every journey begins long before the first step is taken. Sometimes it begins as a quiet thought, a gentle invitation from life itself. As I boarded the train from Chennai on the evening of 23 June, watching the familiar landscapes gradually give way to distant horizons, I looked forward to witnessing the living spirit of Theosophy expressed through fellowship, learning, and service.

The rhythmic movement of the train seemed almost symbolic—a reminder that life itself is a journey, carrying each of us from where we are towards what we may yet become.

 Douglas Keene – USA

The year 2026 marks the centenary year of the Theosophical Society in America located in Wheaton, IL.  The cornerstone was laid on August 29^th, 1926 during 40^th Annual Convention. Dr. Annie Besant was in attendance (described at the time as the Grand Old Lady of India) as well as Jiddu Krishnamurti. There was a curious road accident, later described by Dr. Besant as follows:

Krishnaji was present, and was to have taken part, but we were run into by a car driven recklessly down a side-street which struck our door full; our car was a large and heavy one, and only the door was cracked ; but it gave us a bad jar, and he was shaken, in addition to his head coming violently into contact with mine, with a head-ache as the result. (1)

Introduction Jan Nicolaas Kind.

On Sunday May 24, I received word that Carolyn Dorrance had sadly passed away a day earlier after a short illness. I was fortunate enough to get to know her when we both served on the Board of ITC and came to know her as a stalwart worker for Theosophy. Well-versed and straightforward Carolyn would hold her theosophical principles high. In 2016, as a student of the United Lodge of Theosophists in Santa Barbara, California, she visited the Headquarters of the Theosophical Society in Adyar, India where she partook in the International Convention there and was a speaker during a forum discussion.  Carolyn was open and  broadminded, but always loyal to what she truly believed in. She is no longer with us, we ought to thank her for what she did and was, wishing her a peaceful transition.

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Anna De Leon – USA

Theosophy Forward has highlighted theosophical libraries and bookstores over the past few months. The Banyan Tree - Theosophical Resource library, archive and bookstore in San Diego. USA , the Esoteric Library in Amsterdam. the Netherlands. The New York Theosophical Society and its Quest Bookshop and   The library at the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden, the Netherlands. One could ask oneself the question if indeed libraries still have significance in this digital era. I guess this might be the best possible answer: 

A library with real books remains profoundly significant in the digital era by functioning as more than just a storage facility for paper; it serves as a critical community hub, a curator of knowledge, and a sanctuary for focused learning. While digital access is pervasive, physical libraries provide equitable access, tangible resources, and human connection that technology cannot replicate.

Books you need to hold in both your hands

photo © David M. Grossman

I do  love books, real books, books you need to hold in both your hands and open, books in which you can make notes (not in the ones you borrow of course!)  books of which you can actually “smell” the pages. Yes, your editor is old fashioned, but he’s quite happy to be like that, a book is a book and any electronic, handheld device cannot in any way compete with it. 

In our series on theosophical libraries, this time we pay a visit to the  “majestic”  Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library. Wheaton, Ill., USA. (JNK)

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Theosophy Forward (TF) in the category The Society, has started a brand-new series highlighting Theosophical libraries and bookstores connected with the various theosophical traditions the world over. In December 2025 TF published a write-up about The Banyan Tree, in San Diego, California, a joint venture of Jonathan Colbert and Kenneth Small. This was followed by articles about   the Esoteric Library in Amsterdam and The New York Theosophical Society and its Quest Bookshop. This time we ask your attention for the library at the International Theosophical Centre (ITC) in Naarden, the Netherlands. This magnificent and ever active centre is well-known in theosophical circles, and it is indeed a pleasure now to also introduce its fine library and its unique study facilities to the readers of TF. Warm thanks to Arend Heijbroek and Ingmar de Boer.  (JNK)

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Follow the sign

The library at the International Theosophical Centre (ITC) contains a collection of nearly 11,000 book titles in the field of Theosophy, esotericism, religion and related topics. It shares its internet catalogue with the library of the Theosophical Society in Amsterdam, which is known as the oldest and largest public esoteric library in the Netherlands, with 35,000 titles. However, it has its own specific policy for building its collection.

Lyn Trotman – USA

The New York Theosophical Society moved into its present quarters sometime in 1952. It was thought that this would be a prime location since it is within walking distance of the United Nations. 

MESSAGE FROM TIM BOYD, International President of the Theosophical Society

Please join me in welcoming Shikhar Agnihotri to his new position as International Vice President of the Theosophical Society. He was elected effective March 5 by a unanimous vote of the General Council. He needs no introduction to those of us in Adyar. We look forward to the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment he has brought to the work of the international centre in this new and expanded role. 

Deepa Padhi lecturing

Some quick bio facts:

Dr Deepa Padhi is a retired Professor of Philosophy from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, who has written a book on The Ethical Philosophy of the Bhagavadgita. She has edited and published a compilation of articles on women’s issues: Yes, She Can! In 2020 was published her edited book of Corona Pandemic:The Challenge and Lessons. She also writes articles on social, philosophical, theosophical, and spiritual issues for magazines and journals.

Dr Padhi joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1994 and is presently the Secretary of the Debapi Lodge, Bhubaneswar. She joined the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) in 2006 and became the Secretary of the Mahabharat Group, Odisha Region, its President in 2010, and in 2016 she became the President, TOS, Odisha. In 2017 she was elected as the Vice-President of the International TS.

In 2013, she was invited to speak on Transformational Practices at the Summer National Convention of the TS in America. While there she attended the international conference of the TOS.

In 2016 she organized a conference on Theosophical Education that involved teachers and administrators from Theosophical schools across India. The meeting took place in Bhubaneswar and was facilitated by Vicente Hao Chin, Jr, director of the Golden Link Theosophical College in the Philippines.

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 Engaging universal trusteeship for future generations

The Theosophical Movement’s Interconnected Roots and Shoots in Action

Great Banyan Tree in Adyar-Chennai, at the headquarters of the Theosophical Society

“The Banyan tree, with its sprawling branches and intricate network of aerial roots, holds a revered spot in the heart of various cultures across the world. Known for its majestic presence and longevity, the Banyan tree is often seen as a symbol of life, growth, and rebirth. Different cultures have interwoven their stories and beliefs around this remarkable tree, connecting it to the cycles of life and the concept of regeneration.”

Mythology Worldwide

INTRODUCTION 

Your editor loves books, real books;  books you need to hold in both your hands and open, books in which you can make notes, books of which you can actually “smell” the pages. Yes,  I am old fashioned, and I am quite happy to be like that, a book is a book, and any electronic, handheld device, tablet  or advanced computer even cannot in any way compete with books….. “The Real Thing.” 

Interior of the Olcott Memorial Library

There are many precious Theosophical libraries all around the world. Think of the Olcott Memorial Library in Wheaton, Illinois, at the headquarters of the TS in America, the Krotona Library, in  Ojai, California, the Campbell Theosophical Research Library in Sydney, Australia or the Adyar Library and Research Centre (ALRC), at the International Headquarters in Chennai, India.

The Krotona Library and reading room

This may come as a surprise to you, but the one in Amsterdam, the  Netherlands, founded in 1899 , is certainly one of the oldest , largest and most probably the finest esoteric library in Western Europe. Paying it a visit is a breathtaking experience, so, if you are in the vicinity of the Tolstraat 154 in Amsterdam, make an effort to go there. For those who are interested in visiting this Library click HERE 

Part of the Theosophical Library in Amsterdam.: the well utilized administrative section and the theosophical bookstore function here

Saskia  Campert, her husband Maurits and members of the ever-active theosophical Centre in the beautiful Dutch province of Zeeland made that effort. Saskia was kind enough to write her account of their visit below.  (Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil)

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