The Society

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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 Program for Saturday November 15

Engaging universal trusteeship for future generations

The Banyan Tree Opening - The Theosophical Movement’s Interconnected Roots and Shoots

The Banyan Tree

“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

Go to the store by following this link: https://thebanyantreebookstore.com

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1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

John Algeo, from the U.S.A. I joined the T.S. at the age of 17 in 1947.

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1.     What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Eugene Jennings, and I am currently residing in the Pennsylvania area. I have been affiliated with the New York City ULT since the mid 1970’s until 1988. Thereafter I relocated to the California area and affiliated with the Los Angeles ULT until 1999. From 1999 to current I have reconnected with the New York City ULT.

[note from the editor: Jon, a formidable friend and deep student sadly passed away, much too early, in July 2023]

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My label and my story? My name is Jon Knebel and I currently live in the western suburbs of Chicago. I have been a member of the TSA for maybe fifteen years.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is John Kern. My father became a member of TSA in the 1920s; I joined on my return from WW II `in 1946. My wife and I live in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.