Theosophy

Henry Steel Olcott (August 2, 1832 – February 17, 1907) was an agriculturist, American military officer, journalist, lawyer, and co-founder of the Theosophical Society.

He held the title of President-Founder of the Society from 1875 till his death in 1907. He was the first well-known American of European ancestry to make a formal conversion to Buddhism. During his presidency he helped to restore Buddhism in South Asia, and established schools for children of Buddhist and Hindu families, among many other notable achievements.

Arthur Sieders – the Netherlands 

The author

Theosophy is often described as a synthesis of religion, philosophy and science. Although its roots reach deep into ancient wisdom traditions, it was never intended to be a closed system. On the contrary, Theosophy always invites dialogue between esoteric insight and the discoveries of modern science. In this article, I would like to relate the three fundamental principles of Theosophy to physics, first from the perspective of classical physics, and then from that of quantum physics. 

Tim Boyd – India, USA 

The author

[Note from the editor: This article is based on a talk that was delivered during the 150^th International Convention in Adyar-India, on January 4,, 2026]

Our Convention theme has been centered around the concept of newness, particularly the emergence of a new humanity. We have touched upon this aspect, but it is not possible to fully explain or define what we are moving towards. However, I’d like to spend some time exploring the newness aspect of this. I may touch upon the past to better understand the present, but we’ll see how we proceed.

Practical Theosophy

Antonio Girardi – Italy

Sunflowers naturally grow towards the sun seeking the Light, the Truth, and spiritual enlightenment. This simple but majestic flower also symbolizes devotion, empathy and creativity, 

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A simple life is far more demanding

and far more profound …

A simple life is a life with no conflict …

                                                                                                                          Jiddu Krishnamurti

Knowledge holds the key to understanding reality

Studying Theosophy is not only a means of becoming attuned to a collection of knowledge based on the universal laws that govern the One Life, but also an opportunity to build a bridge between this knowledge and the concrete reality of existence. This is in keeping with what H.P. Blavatsky suggested to those closest to her: put knowledge into practice, assess its worth and thus turn it into awareness.

Antti Savinainen – Suomi (Finland)  

The Christian doctrine usually equates heaven with salvation. According to Theosophy, however, heaven and salvation do not mean the same thing, although the term salvation is seldom used in theosophical circles.  In the following, I will examine heaven and salvation from the perspectives of Protestant Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, and Buddhism. After that, I will present a theosophical view on heaven and salvation. 

Henry Travers Edge – England, USA

Henry Travers Edge

A certain writer, in discussing the meaning of the phrase, 'The State,' contrasts the theorie s of Rousseau and Plato, and consequently of the two schools of thought which they represent. Avoiding lengthy detail, we may sum up the matter by saying that the former starts from the assumption that the individual is a separate unit; and then, having made this false assumption, proceeds to devise means for the harmonious mutual adjustment of the lives of various individuals; and so the State appears as an artificial contrivance for preventing the (supposed) rights of different individuals from conflicting with each other.

This article is written by a student of the United Lodge of Theosophists

Selflessness is sky

The bird of the heart

flies nowhere

but there

Jalaluddin Rumi^[1]

The Wisdom Religion, which Hinduism sometimes calls Sanatana Dharma, and Western history has sometimes called Theosophia, and named Theosophy by Helena Blavatsky, has always existed. The ancient Stanzas of Dzyan are the oldest account of the Wisdom Religion available to us. But we are incarnated beings, just beginning the reascent from matter to spirit as the Fifth Sub-Race on this fourth globe of the Fourth Round. Here Manas, mind, which when fully awakened or developed is universal in thought, is brought to the fore. Given our current state of collective evolution, we necessarily use language to communicate and share with one another.

David M. Grossman – USA

 Photo © the author 

How does a study of the metaphysics presented by H.P. Blavatsky in The Secret Doctrine help one to live a more humane, a more meaningful and fulfilling life? 

Boris de Zirkoff – USA

Original Cover of Theosophia*

In the quiet depths of every human soul there is a divine Urge which ever cries out for higher and nobler realizations.

The mystic Light which guides men to greatness shines star-like on the firmament of the human heart, amid the gloom of the outer desolation, and the gloom "Comprehendeth it not."

Deepa Padhi – India

The author is international Vice-President of the Theosophical Society (TS) and President of the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS), Odisha Region, India

This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Theosophical Society (TS) — a movement which has carried the light of truth, wisdom, and brotherhood across generations and continents.

A hundred and fifty years ago in 1875, three remarkable souls gathered in New York — Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HPB), Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge. They were driven not by the ambition to create another sect or creed or religion but for a noble ideal — to awaken the human unity and the spiritual potential within every being. 

Michele Sender – USA

The author; photo taken during a visit to England 

“Does it seem to you a small thing that the past year has been spent only in your “family duties”? Nay, but what better cause for reward, what better discipline, than the daily and hourly performance of duty? Believe me my “pupil,” the man or woman who is placed by karma in the midst of small plain duties and sacrifices and loving-kindness, will through these faithfully fulfilled rise to the larger measure of Duty, Sacrifice and Charity to all Humanity—what better path towards the enlightenment you are striving after than the daily conquest of Self, the perseverance in spite of want of visible psychic progress, the bearing of ill-fortune with that serene fortitude which turns it to spiritual advantage—since good and evil are not to be measured by events on the lower or physical plane.” Mahatma KH

Andrew Rooke – Australia

What Exactly is Reincarnation?

“Rebirth is the pathway of evolution. It is the method by which nature progressively draws into growth or unfoldment the limitless capacities latent in all creatures from atoms to gods. Everything that has life reembodies itself – universes, solar systems, suns, worlds, men, animals, and plants, cells, molecules, and atoms.

 Douglas Keene - USA 

The author 

Theosophy will ever exist throughout the infinitudes of the Future…

                                                                                                                H. P. Blavatsky

The future Theosophy itself is assured, although it may be under many different rubrics, for instance, the Ageless (or Ancient) Wisdom, Perennial Philosophy, Gupta Vidya, and many others.

It is Divine Knowledge that is contained in many religious traditions, but often religion is not needed to penetrate these teachings. They will remain eternal, but accessible to seekers and pilgrims on many paths.

Barbara Hebert – USA

Barbara in action at Olcott in Wheaton 

Family, friends, health, and security are undeniably precious. Yet, as students of the Ageless Wisdom, we recognize that these aspects of life are temporary. A deeper question arises: What is important in terms of our spiritual life and growth? Is it mastering our thoughts and emotions, committing to daily study and meditation, weaving theosophical teachings into our everyday actions, or serving humanity? Each of these represents vital steps in our spiritual development.  

Pekka Ervast – Suomi (Finland)

A Brief Introduction by Antti Savinainen

Pekka Ervast (1875–1934) was a Finnish Rosicrucian Theosophist and spiritual researcher whose public work lasted for more than three decades. One might wonder what the meaning of the qualifier “spiritual researcher” is. To me, it means that the person conducting spiritual research is not just drawing on what they have learned from esoteric books about the invisible world, but also has their own firsthand knowledge. What, then, makes me claim that Ervast could conduct spiritual research in the same sense as, say, Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925)? My position is based on the extensive study of Ervast’s work for almost four decades, as well as on comparisons of his descriptions of the afterlife with scientific research on near-death experiences. See for instance: https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/life-review-at-the-gate-of-death

The origin of spiritual knowledge is supersensible, often called clairvoyance. As with any knowledge, it can be incomplete and open to amendments and corrections. It goes without saying that one must always approach knowledge claims, especially those that are not amenable to direct testing, with caution. Keeping this in mind, I encourage the reader to delve into the following Ervast’s lecture on a deeply serious topic, suicide. More about Ervast’s views on the afterlife can be found in the book From Death to Rebirth (2017), available online at:  :https://teosofia.net/e-kirjat/Pekka_Ervast-From_Death_to_Rebirth.pdf

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David M. Grossman – USA

Each of us is an individual spark emanating from the absolute, rays from the one spiritual sun, so to speak, journeying through the manifested universe. This is the basic teaching of Theosophy. Theosophy further points out that there is a purpose to all this, one that is imbedded in the fabric of our being, in every being in fact, as HPB puts it:

The radical unity of the ultimate essence of each constituent part of compounds in Nature—from Star to mineral Atom, from the highest Dhyan Chohan to the smallest infusoria, in the fullest acceptation of the term, and whether applied to the spiritual, intellectual, or physical worlds—this is the one fundamental law in Occult Science.

                                                                                                                   The Secret Doctrine, vol.1, pg.120

Ananya Sri Ram – USA

The author

On March 20, 1928, a little boy was born into a wealthy family. The little boy’s father was the president of a very successful business in the town where they lived. The little boy’s mother was the daughter of the man who owned the successful business. She originally wanted to study medicine, but settled for a life of volunteer work. She knitted sweaters for the American troops fighting the war in Europe and helped at the local hospital.

Tim Boyd - India, USA

The author, always observant, this time in black and white

Rather than speak in a theoretical manner, I prefer to address the Next Steps from the point of view of my own experience and that of my co-workers at Adyar. Let me give you two quotes that might season our conversation. The first is from the Mahatma Letters: “We advise — never order. But we do influence individuals.”

Pablo Sender – USA

Pablo Sender; this photo was taken in Italy, July-2025

From time to time, it is important to pause in our daily activities and pose certain probing questions to ourselves—questions that, while perhaps uncomfortable, can illuminate the nature of our commitments and motivations. One such question that merits consideration by those engaged in theosophical work is: “What do you love more, Theosophy or the Theosophical Society?”

Boris de Zirkoff – USA

Unique photo of the author while visiting the Cathedral (Il Duome) of Milan-Italy, accompanied by Axel von Fielitz-Coniar, a former General Secretary of the Adyar TS in Germany. Photo taken on May 26, 1959. (special thanks to Kenneth Small)

[Note from the editor. Theosophy Forward regularly publishes articles written by Boris de Zirkoff. The author is primarily known in theosophical circles as the compiler and editor of the Collected Writings which is to be considered to be his “life’s work” Compiling H.P.B.’s work undoubtedly was a phenomenal achievement, but there was so much more de Zirkoff should be recognized for. He was an outstanding speaker, travelled to and lectured in various countries, he wrote a number of books and edited his own magazine Theosophia from 1944 until his death in 1981. Your editor finds that this part of his legacy is surprisingly current and apt still, taken the fact that it was written decades ago.  The article below is based upon a tape recording of a private talk given by Boris de Zirkoff. It was initially transcribed on June 30, 1973, by Eldon Tucker, then later edited for publication].

For more on Boris de Zirkoff follow this link: https://theosophy.wiki/en/Boris_de_Zirkoff  

Wesley Amerman – USA

'Theosophists,' either individually or as members of the various Theosophical Societies, have a long history to live down. No one living today, of course, had anything to do with the problems of the early twentieth century, when our predecessors chased after 'Ascended Masters' and made gurus out of brilliant but fallible men and women. However, we are still in danger of repeating the mistakes of the past and of failing to learn from them. 

Deepa Padhi – India

Author Deepa Padhi is international Vice-President of the Theosophical Society in Adyar, Chennai, India, and President of the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS), Odisha Region, India 

Embracing spiritual wholeness is both an ancient and modern state of mind. In Mabel Collins’s The Idyll of the White Lotus there is an invocation to meditation, “The Three Truths”, the first verse of which reads:

The soul of man is immortal and its future is the future of a thing whose growth and splendor have no limit.