(c. 500-428 B.C.). Greek philosopher who was born about 500 BCE at Clazomenae. There is a story to the effect that he disposed of all his property, believing that possessions were an impediment to the search for knowledge. He settled at Athens where his students included Socrates, Euripedes and Archelaus.

(Henry Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim) (1486-1535). German writer, soldier, physician, and magician, for many years involved in politics as well as occultism. It was the latter which aroused the Inquisition against him.

(1872-1950). Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Pondicherry Ashram in South India. Born in Calcutta of Indian parents and educated in England from the age of seven, first by private tutor then at St. Paul’s School, London and King’s College, Cambridge.

(1831-1892). New Zealand statesman who was a prominent Conservative politician. He was born in England at Broxton, Cheshire, on November 1, 1831. The family emigrated to New Zealand in 1853 and settled at New Plymouth. He was commissioned in the Taranaki Volunteer Rifles in 1860. He was elected to Parliament in 1861 and served as a Minister of Defense.

(Sylvia Cranston) (1915-2000). Author, known by her pen name Sylvia Cranston or S. L. Cranston, who wrote books on reincarnation and a biography of Helena P. BLAVATSKY.

(1888-1974). Psychiatrist and founder of Psychosynthesis movement. He was born in Venice in 1888 and educated as a medical doctor and psychiatrist. He was a member of the Italian Section of the Theosophical Society (TS).

(Aśoka) Also known in his Magadha dialect as Asoka, both names meaning “without sorrow.” Emperor of India from c. 274 to 232 BCE. His birth and death dates are not known with any certainty. What details we have about his reign are gathered from rock and pillar inscriptions that are scattered throughout India, Sanskrit literature and Pali writings of Sri Lanka.

(Āryāsanga) (T)(Chagpa-Thog-Med) (c. 410-500). Also known as Asanga. Tradition has it that Aryasanga was the founder of the Yogacara or Naljorchodpa School in Buddhism.

(1st century CE). A philosopher and teacher of the first century to whom has been attributed the power to perform what appeared as miraculous feats. While many of the accounts about him seem mythical or legendary, he was undoubtedly a historical figure. He was frequently mentioned in the writings of the early Church fathers.

(c. 1200-1280). A very influential philosopher, theologian and scientist of the 13th century. He was born at Lauingen in Swabia. He joined the Dominican order at Padua in 1223. Albertus graduated doctor in the theological faculty at the University of Paris. He was canonized as recently as 1931.

(1832-1903). Russian author and philosopher who served as Vice-President of the Theosophical Society (TS). He was born on May 27, (June 8) 1832, in the village of Repyevka, Gorodishchenskyuyezd in the Province of Penza, Russia. He was educated in the Alexander Lyceum of St. Petersburg and after graduating in 1851 he entered into service with the Ministry of the Interior.

(1828- 1886). Outstanding Russian chemist whose work confirmed the classical theory of chemical structure. Butlerov was interested in Spiritualism and wrote against the materialistic tendencies of the science of his time.

(1898-1981). A well-known author on yoga and spiritual subjects. Brunton is of interest to theosophists because many of his published works reflect his early interest in theosophy. He was a fairly regular attender at Theosophical Society (TS) meetings in London and this is mentioned in the biography, Paul Brunton, a Personal View, by K. T.

(1548-1600). Noted Italian monk, philosopher, mathematician and occultist. Baptized Filippo, Bruno was born in Nola, Italy. After being educated in a number of religious schools he became a Dominican friar and adopted the name Giordano.

(1857- ?). An early member of the Theosophical Society (TS) who claimed to have met the Master KOOT HOOMI in person. Brown was born in Glasgow, Scotland, May 16, 1857. He graduated from the University of Glasgow in April 1882. He met Alfred P.

A spiritualist who was editor of the Spiritual Scientist in Boston. Brown was one of those considered by the Egyptian Adepts of the Brotherhood of LUXOR to become one of the three key people who will start the Theosophical Society (TS), together with Helena P.

(1830?-1915). Bright was recognized as an outstanding worker for women’s rights and was an active supporter of the Theosophical Society (TS). She donated generously to the building of the Benares (Varanasi) TS Center and provided a home for Annie BESANT when the latter was in England. She was married to the Rt. Hon…

(1877-1941). A popular American artist who was a member of the Theosophical Society (TS) at Point Loma. It is not certain when he joined the Society, but it is possible that he met K. TINGLEY during his student days in New York. He moved to Point Loma community in 1909.

(1833-1891).

(1840-1887). Bourbon established the first theosophical lodge in the Netherlands, the charter of which is dated June 27, 1881. He had, perhaps, the most unusual background of any theosophist; a background akin to that of the controversial Anastasia, who claimed to be a survivor of the Romanof royal family.

(1851-1935?). Colleague and friend of Annie BESANT and generous philanthropist. Bibby was born January 12, 1851; married Ruth Pye March 1, 1881, and joined the TS March 14, 1889. He was founder of a successful manufacturing firm (J. Bibby and Sons, Ltd. of Liverpool, England).

Second husband of Helena P. BLAVATSKY. While Blavatsky was in Philadelphia, U.S., she was pestered repeatedly by Betanelli who was infatuated by her. When he threatened to commit suicide if she did not marry him, she eventually agreed (her first husband, Nikifor Blavatsky, having died).

(1870-?). Daughter of Rev. Frank Besant and Annie Besant who was the second President of the Theosophical Society (TS). Married in 1892 to Ernest Scott. She joined the TS in 1890 and assisted Helena P.

(1869-1960). Son of the Rev. Frank and Annie BESANT. He assisted with many theosophical ventures including taking over the management of the Theosophical Publishing House London copyrights, after the TPH went into liquidation. Digby married in 1894 and had two daughters.

(1886-1962). A prolific playwright, poet, editor, essayist and theosophist. The Dictionary of Literary Biography states that, “Clifford Bax considered himself ‘an ardent theosophist’ at the age of twenty-three. His lifelong interest in the metaphysical is the basis for the common philosophical thread in much of his variegated output” (Vol. 100, p. 27).

(S. Krishnamachāri). A Recording Secretary of the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1885 under the name S. Krishnaswami. An early associate of the founders of the Theosophical Society who was a chela of the Master KOOT HOOMI. He was also known under the names Darbhagiri Nath and S. Krishnaswami.

(1856-1919). Theosophist, writer and playwright. Baum is best known for his popular stories for children and in particular his fantasy story The Wizard of Oz.

A personal servant to Helena P. BLAVATSKY for the entire time she was in India. He was a Gujarati boy of fifteen when he first came to Blavatsky in Bombay. He knew a number of languages. He accompanied Blavatsky when she left India on February 20, 1884.

(1849-1919). Founder of the UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS. Robert Crosbie was born on January 10, 1849, in Montreal. His parents were connected with the Hudson Bay Company in Canada. In 1865, Crosbie, raised a Presbyterian, was invited to join the communion.

(1861-1932). Australian politician and social reformer. She was born in Geraldton, Western Australia, on August 2, 1861, the second child of Kenneth Cowan and Eliza Dircksey Cowan, nee Brown. Cowan joined the Theosophical Society (TS) at the Perth Lodge in Western Australia. She married James Cowan in 1879.

(nee Gillespie) (1878- ?). Educator and prominent worker for women’s rights and suffrage. Born November 7, 1878, she joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1904. She married James Henry Cousins on April 9, 1903. Cousins taught at various theosophical schools including Madnapalli and Mangalore (Mysore). She was appointed Senator for the Indian National University in 1918.

(1843-1914). Prominent early member of the Theosophical Society (TS). He was born in Rouen, France, on August 4, 1843. Courmes had a distinguished career in the French navy reaching the rank of Commandant and was awarded the Légion d’Honneur. He resigned from the navy in 1896.

(1842-1899). Born at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Coues was known chiefly for his works on ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, bibliography, comparative anatomy and natural philosophy. He joined the TS in 1884.

Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy was born in Ceylon in August, 1877, the son of an English lady (Elizabeth Clay Beeby) and a prominent Tamil barrister, Sir Mutu Coomaraswamy. Early in 1879, Elizabeth Coomaraswamy took Ananda to England, where they were to be joined by Sir Mutu later that spring; the reunion never occurred because of the unexpected death of Sir Mutu.

(1858-1946). Born in March 1858, at Salem, a small town in the Madras Presidency of India, Chetty joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on April 27, 1882.

(1869-1951). Blackwood was a noted British novelist and theosophist who was born in Kent, England, son of Arthur Blackwood and Sidney, Duchess of Manchester. He was educated at Wellington and Edinburgh University. At the age of twenty he went to Canada and after a varied career as journalist, dairy farmer, hotel keeper, prospector, and actor, he began writing highly successful novels.

(1805-1885). A prodigious author who was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Theosophical Society (TS) in October 1880 in recognition of his significant contribution to the study of what was then termed “Animal Magnetism.” Little is known about his history except that he had no academic qualification and was entirely self-taught, earning his living making chairs.

Conte di (Giuseppe Balsamo) (1743-1795). A well-known occultist of the 18th century. His life is shrouded in myth and conflicting reports; he is regarded by some as a charlatan and by others as an Initiate of a high degree. The Encyclopaedia Britannica (1970 Ed.) brands Cagliostro a charlatan and adventurer. Helena P.

(d. 1933). Wealthy member of the Theosophical Society (TS) who was a generous benefactor for many theosophical projects and persons. She was a devoted follower of J. KRISHNAMURTI and settled a life annuity of £500 on him.

(1856-1927). Born in Dublin, Dick worked for several years as a civil engineer and Head of Harbours and Lighthouse Board for Ireland. In 1888 he joined the Theosophical Society (TS) and became a personal student of Helena P. Blavatsky. As Secretary of the Dublin Lodge and editor of The Irish Theosophist, Dick worked with William B.

(1867-1953). Poet, artist and first General Secretary of the Belgian Section, 1911-13. Born July 10, 1867, in Louvain, Belgium, his school career was not a success as he could not tolerate the dull routine of study. At the age of fifteen he persuaded his parents to allow him to enter the School of Arts at Brussels.

(1856-1919). Australian statesman and member of the Theosophical Society (TS) who was an important parliamentary figure during the early years of the Australian Commonwealth. Deakin was born in Melbourne, Australia, on August 3, 1856. He practiced law, journalism and school-teaching before he entered the State Legislature in 1880. Deakin joined the TS in February 23, 1895.

née David (1868-1969). Celebrated traveler, opera singer and writer. Born October 24, 1868, at Saint-Mandé near Paris, France. David-Neel was the only child of elderly parents and she frequently ran away from home to escape the possibly repressive atmosphere. As a young girl she attended lectures on eastern religions at the Paris Theosophical Society (TS) and took singing lessons.

(1869-1958). A distinguished scholar and theosophist. Born January 12, 1869, at Banaras (now Varanasi), India, into a landholding family of bankers, Das had a distinguished academic career, gaining his B. A. at the age of sixteen and M. A. (Philosophy) at eighteen. He joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1884.

A title of the head of the Dge-lugs-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The line began in 1391 with Dge-’dungrub-pa who was the founder and abbot of the important Tashilhumpo (Bkra-shis lhun-po), at Shigatse, a monastery which housed up to 3,300 monks before the Communist Chinese invasion.

(1878-1965). Orientalist, authority on comparative religion, editor and translator of Tibetan religious scriptures. Born in New Jersey to parents who were Free Thinkers and Spiritualists, he joined the Theosophical Society (TS), Point Loma in 1902 and was encouraged by Katherine Tingley to pursue his education at Stanford University, California.

(1873- ?). Principal of the Theosophical College, Madanapalle, India, poet and educator. He joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1904. He obtained his doctorate in literature from the Keiogijuku University of Japan where he served as Professor of English Poetry, 1919-20. He married Margaret E. Gillespie in April 9, 1903. Together with W. B.

(1857-1933). An English medium to whom the Mahatmas demonstrated proofs of their existence and powers.

(1862- 1941). The first General Secretary of the New Zealand Section, serving from 1896 to 1897. An active member of the TS, Adyar, who lectured extensively and contributed significantly to theosophical literature, she was born in New Zealand on January 8, 1862, and had a brilliant academic career being the first woman to take a Master of Arts degree in New Zealand.

(1867-1946). Edge was a personal pupil of Helena P. Blavatsky who devoted some fifty-eight years of his life to theosophical work. He was born at Cubbington, near Leamington, England, on January 6, 1867. His father, Francis Edge, was a Church of England clergyman; and his mother was Celia Tarratt Edge. Edge was educated at Malvern College and King’s College at Cambridge.

(1841-1913). A prominent theosophical worker and former General Secretary of the Theosophical Society (TS) in America. He was born in Philadelphia on September 12, 1841, and graduated from Princeton University with B.A. in 1864. He served as a priest in the Episcopalian church for ten years and was admitted to the Bar in 1877.

(1865- 1916) French mystic and writer on occult subjects, he was born at La Corogne in Spain on July 13, 1866. He wrote under the nom-de-plume “Papus.” Encausse graduated in medicine and surgery, but soon seemed to feel discontented with the materialistic view of life which his academic studies required and he joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in Paris.

(1842-1925). An eminent French astronomer who served as Vice-President of the Theosophical Society (TS) from 1880 to 1888. He was born on February 25, 1842, and joined the TS in 1880. He mapped the Moon and Mars and also did considerable work on the measurement of binary stars. In 1887 he founded the Société Astronomique de France.

(1433-1499). Italian philosopher and scholar who was born on October 19, 1433, at Figline near Florence and was ordained as a priest in 1473. The content of some of his writing exhibits similarity to certain theosophical principles.

An assistant of Allan O. HUME who became a probationary chela or pupil of the Mahatma MORYA. He was considered as a possible agent for paranormal transmission of messages due to his psychic abilities.

One of the first two Vice-Presidents of the Theosophical Society (TS), and one of the sixteen persons present at the meeting during which the formation of the Theosophical Society was proposed. Little is known about his life or career. He was a New York engineer and architect and delivered a lecture, entitled “The Lost Canon of Proportion of the Egyptians” to an early gathering.

(1801-1887). One of the pioneers of experimental psychology whom Mahatma K.H. met in Germany. He founded psychophysics, an early attempt to study the relation between stimulus and sensation. His major work was Elemente der Psychophysik, published in 1860.

(1866?-1949). An influential mystic, born in Alexandropol, Russia. There is some doubt regarding the exact date of his birth, but latest research has suggested that 1866 is the most likely one. Like many spiritual revolutionaries, he has been the subject of varied assessments by both contemporary and post-mortem critics.

(d. 1890). A Buddhist High Priest who was a champion of Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) Buddhism and built the Temple Mutwalward. Gunananda joined the Theosophical Society in 1877. He was one of two priests who invited the founders (Henry S. OLCOTT and Helena P.

(1898-1985). Eminent Buddhist scholar, archeologist, psychologist and writer. Govinda was born Ernst Hoffman on May 17, 1898, at Waldheim in the former kingdom of Saxony. He was conscripted into the army during World War I, but contracted pulmonary tuberculosis and was forced to spend some time in a sanatorium.

(1860-1950). Gmeiner was the daughter of Jerome Heronamus Gmeiner and Caroline Eliza Gmeiner (nee Hadrick). Gmeiner joined the Theosophical Society at the Adelaide Lodge, South Australia, and through her association with the Society became interested in Indian affairs.

(1857-1933). The daughter of Debendra Nath Tagore and sister of the celebrated Indian poet and dramatist Rabindranath Tagore. Ghosal joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on April 9, 1882. In 1883 she formed and became first Vice-President of the first Ladies TS in Bengal. She was a philanthropist, founding a widow’s home, giving training for zenana teachers.

(1863-1940). Gates joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1887 in Cleveland, Ohio, and became president of the lodge there. Under Katherine Tingley he came to the School of Antiquity at the Theosophical Society, Point Loma, California as an expert on printing and became Press supervisor.

(1896-1971). Seventh President of the Philippines and a member of the Theosophical Society. Born on Nov. 4, 1896, in Bohol province, Garcia was the son of Policarpio Garcia who served as mayor of Talibon (Bohol) for four terms. He studied at the Cebu Provincial High School.

(1894-1963). British author and social commentator who, later in his life, was increasingly concerned with Hindu philosophy and mysticism. He was born at Godalming, Surrey, on July 26, 1894, the third son of Leonard Huxley and the grandson of Thomas Henry Huxley. He was educated at Eton and Balliol College, Oxford.

Also known as Harichandra Chintamon.

(1901-1983). Founder of the London Buddhist Society and a prominent theosophical author who became Chairman of the Mahatma Letters Trust. Travers Christmas Humphreys was born into a family in which his given names had been traditional for over two centuries.

(1846-1938). Prominent early member of the Theosophical Society (TS). Cleather was born in April 1846 in England, the daughter of an Anglican minister. She joined the TS in 1885 and the Esoteric Section in 1888; was admitted to the inner group in 1890 where she had instruction from Helena P.

1850-1928). Theosophist and founder of the English garden-city movement. He was born in London on January 29, 1850. He first worked in a stockbroker’s office at the age of 15 where he learned shorthand. At the age of 22 he emigrated to the United States in the hope that his health would be improved by the warmer climate.

(1865- 1945). Noted American theosophical worker who joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1906. She was born on October 7, 1865 (the 1938 TS Yearbook states 1867). She was the daughter of Judge Allyn M. Barnard. She married Frank Russak in 1899, but was widowed in 1915.

(1912-2001). Prominent member of the Theosophical Society (TS). Hoskins was born December 23, 1912, in Florence, Italy. She was one of twins born to Richard and Ida Hoskins. Her twin sister was named Aglaia. At the outbreak of World War I the family was repatriated to Britain in August 1915.

(1833-1886). Scottish Spiritualist medium who was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, on March 20, 1833. When he was nine he was taken to the USA. He came into contact with Spiritualism in 1850 and soon became famous as a medium.

(1773-1833). Author of Anacalypsis: an Attempt to Draw Aside the Veil of the Saitic Isis (1863), a very scholarly 2-volume work highly regarded by Helena P. BLAVATSKY and frequently quoted by her.

(1865-1919). Founder of the Rosicrucian Fellowship in Oceanside, California, and a former member of the Theosophical Society (TS). Heindel was born on July 23, 1865. He joined the TS in 1907 in Los Angeles, USA. Heindel resigned to form a Rosicrucian organization which commenced operation in 1912.

(d.1928). An extraordinarily generous member of the Theosophical Society who provided the funds to build both Leadbeater Chambers, a large residential building, and the first Theosophical Publishing House building, both at Adyar headquarters. He also donated 15,000 rupees towards the purchase of Besant Gardens.

( ? -1887). Hartmann was a noted Australian horticulturist whose name was given to a number of new species of plants and insects. He was born in Germany and emigrated to Australia about 1850, settling at Toowoomba in Queensland. He was devoted to theosophy and willed his estate, worth about £5,000, to the Theosophical Society (TS). The family protested and in 1891 Henry S.

(1863-1942). Born in Nottingham, England, educated in mathematics and physics at University College and taught science at the University school, Fussell came to the United States in 1890 and the same year became a member of the Theosophical Society (TS) after meeting William Q.

(1890-1979). A worker for the Theosophical Society (TS) at Point Loma who served as secretary to Katherine TINGLEY. Harris was born at Macon, Georgia, U.S. on August 30, 1890. He was brought to the Theosophical Society at Point Loma by his father Iverson Harris Sr. in February 1899.

(1861-1903). Prince of Varal, Kathiawar, India, who joined the Theosophical Society (TS) about 1881; his wife also joined at the same time. He donated money to transport from a ruined temple, a gateway which was erected at ADYAR as a memorial to their daughter Kusumavati and son Ranjitsinhji.

(1823-1899). Notable writer on spiritualist subjects and one time member of the Theosophical Society (TS). Although born in England she spent some of her life in the United States, mainly in New York. In 1856 she attended a spiritualist séance which produced phenomena that served to convince her that claims made by spiritualists were valid.

(1898-1991). Prominent theosophical author and worker in the American Section. She joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in Washington, D.C., in 1949, and joined the staff of the American Section’s national headquarters in 1962. She was on the staff of Krotona Institute of Theosophy from 1975 until her death in 1991.

(WALTER HAMPDEN DOUGHERTY) (1870-1955). Noted American actor who joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on June 6, 1911. He married Mabel Moore in 1905. In 1906 he played Hamlet in London to great critical acclaim and in 1923 he revived Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, a play long associated with his name.

An ADEPT or MASTER of the Wisdom who resided in Nilgiri Hills, India. According to Charles W. LEADBEATER, he assisted Helena P.

(Jehoshua Ben Pandira). A holy man mentioned in the Jewish Talmud (120?-71? BCE). Helena P. BLAVATSKY mentions this personage several times in her writings and suggests that Jeschu ben Panthera is Jesus of Nazareth (CW IV:361), offering in evidence a genealogy by Epiphanius (fourth century):

(Babajee). This man was most generally known to theosophists at the time as Babajee. Not a great deal is known about Babajee who appears in Theosophical Society (TS) history under various names. It is known that he worked at one time as a clerk in the Collector’s office at Nellore, a town some 150 kilometers north of Madras in India.

A name that refers to several entities or persons during the early years of the Theosophical Society (TS). According to Col. Henry Steel OLCOTT, there were really three John Kings:

(Ghiyathuddin Abulfath Omar Ibn Ibrahim Al-khayyami) (d. 1123 or 1132). Persian mathematician, astronomer and poet. His Rubáiyát, a popular poem, was introduced into the West by Edward Fitzgerald in 1859. Fitzgerald wrote five different versions of the poem, but his first is the one most frequently quoted.

(nee Lytton) (1874-1964). Prominent supporter of J. Krishnamurti and international lecturer for the Theosophical Society (TS). Lady Emily Lutyens was born in 1874, the daughter of Robert Lytton, a former Viceroy of India who became 1st Earl of Lytton.

(1837-1898). An American inventor who developed the Keely motor that was reported to be able to produce tremendous physical pressure without the use of heat, electricity or other ordinary fuel or source of power. His demonstration of the machine convinced many investors to be part of the Keely Motor Company which was launched in 1874.

(Real name Louis Marie Julien Viaud) (1850-1923). French writer who joined the Theosophical Society (TS) at Benares (now Varanasi) in 1900. Loti was born in Rochefort on January 14, 1850. He was commissioned in the French navy and reached the rank of ship’s captain. Loti retired from the navy in 1910. He was admitted to the Académie Française in 1891.

(1898-1971). Long was international head of the Theosophical Society (TS), Pasadena, from 1951 to 1971. His administration was marked by an emphasis on the practical expression of theosophy in daily living and, to combat crystallization, a reorganization of the Society’s methods and activities.

(1851-1940). English physicist who was eminent in the field of psychical research. He was born at Penkhull, Staffordshire, England, June 12, 1851. He graduated from University College, London, in 1872 and obtained his doctorate in 1877.

(1847-1913). 26th Earl of Crawford and 9th Earl of Balcarres. In The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett, (#15 chron., p. 44; #8 Barker, p.

(1851-1927). English novelist and mystical writer. She was born in Guernsey, Channel Islands, on September 9, 1851. Mabel Collins liked to refer to herself as a “Nine” because she was the ninth child and was born on the ninth day of the ninth month. In 1871 she married Kenningale Robert Cook from whom she later separated.

(1810-1875). Pseudonym of Alphonse-Louis Constant, a French mystic and writer who is frequently referred to by many theosophical writers, including Helena P. Blavatsky. He was born on February 8, 1810 in a poor family.

(1860 -1917). A highly successful British astrologer. He was born William Frederick Allen in Westminster, London on August 7, 1860. He adopted his ascending astrological sign as a pseudonym. At the approximate age of 25 he took up residence in London and developed an interest in astrology.

(pseudonym of Armas Eino Leopold Lönnbohm) (1878-1926). A member of the Finnish Theosophical Society (TS) who was one of the greatest names in Finnish poetry. He was born on July 6, 1878, at Paltamo in northern Finland and educated at Helsinki University. He worked as a journalist on the liberal newspapers Päivälehti and Helsingin Sanomat, mainly as literary and drama critic.

(1893- 1934). Eminent theosophical writer. He was born on August 26, 1893, and joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1914. Van der Leeuw gained his LL.D. at Leyden for a treatise on cyclic law. He was ordained a priest of the Liberal Catholic Church.

(1906-1991). Austrian translator of theosophical books into German who was elected President of the Austrian Section of the Theosophical Society (TS), and except for a few intervals, served in that capacity until 1985. Lauppert was born in August 15, 1906, and joined the TS in Austria in 1927.

(1859-1940). British statesman who joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1914 and was a strong supporter of Annie Besant. Lansbury was born on February 21, 1859, near Halesworth, Suffolk, England. He was elected member of parliament for Bow and Bromley in 1910, but he resigned in 1912 to fight a by-election as a woman’s suffrage candidate and was defeated.

(1879-1940). Popular American novelist. Born in London, England, educated at Rugby and served as a government official in India and South Africa. He arrived in the United States about 1911 and became an American citizen.

(1839-1892). English clergyman and spiritualist medium. Moses was for a time a close friend of both Henry Olcott and Helena P. Blavatsky and is often mentioned in The Mahātma Letters to A. P. Sinnett. Moses was born on November 5, 1839, at Donington in Lincolnshire, England. He matriculated at Exeter College, Oxford in 1858 taking a third class in Classical Moderations in 1860.

(1879-1937). Born near Ammanford, in the south-western part of Wales, Morris was educated at London’s Christ’s Hospital (founded by Edward VI in 1533) graduating in 1895 as a Senior Deputy Grecian proficient in classical languages. The following year he attended meetings of the Dublin Lodge of the Theosophical Society (TS) whose members included Charles Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Fred J.

(or Mirza Murad Ali Beg). Pseudonym of Godolphin Mitford, a theosophist who wrote notable essays in the Theosophist, particularly the well-known “The Elixir of Life” that appeared in the March and April 1882 issues. An Englishman born in Madras, India, he converted to Islam and also served as the chief cavalry officer of the Maharajah of Bhavnagar and others.

(Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan). (1872-1944). Dutch painter who joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1909 and was a member of the Vahana Lodge in Holland. The influence of Mondrian on 20th century design cannot (according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1970, Vol 15, p. 697) be overestimated. It embraces architecture, furniture design, advertising art, and typography.

(1889-1957). Pseudonym of Lucila Godoy Alcayaga, Chilean poet and member of the Theosophical Society (TS) in that country. She won the Nobel prize for literature in 1945. Her prize winning Sonetos de la Muerte, (“Sonnets of Death”) published in 1914 made her well-known. A love affair ended by the suicide of her lover inspired Dolor in the collection Desolación (1922).

(c. 85-160). A 2nd century bishop who established a large Christian Gnostic sect and became a serious rival and threat to mainstream Christianity for more than two hundred years. His only work, Antitheses, is no longer extant. It is about the contradiction between the God of the Old Testament and the God of Christ.

(1850-1935). President of Kumbakonam Brahma-Vidyā for a number of years and active worker for the Theosophical Society (TS). Madhava Rao was born in February 1850 and educated at Government College, Kumbakonam in Southern India where he later (1899) became a Fellow.

(1854-1927). Machell was a distinguished English artist who in 1888 became a member of the Theosophical Society (TS) and a personal pupil of Helena P. Blavatsky. A Fellow of the Royal Society of British Artists, his portraits and symbolic paintings were exhibited at the Royal Academy, London.

(1843-?) (Norenranāth). An influential Bengali who was a close friend of Helena P. BLAVATSKY and Henry S. OLCOTT, two of the founders of the Theosophical Society. He was born on February 23, 1843.

(Nikolaus von Cus, Nicolaus Cusanus) (1401-1464). Scholar, Church cardinal, mathematician and philosopher who advocated a view of the universe that did not have the Earth as the center, anticipating Copernicus. Helena P. Blavatsky considered him an Initiate, and called him an Adept (CW XIV:378).

(1823-1895). American inventor who was one of the original “formers” of the Theosophical Society (TS). He was at the inaugural meeting and served on the committee that drew up the draft constitution and by-laws on September 7, 1875. He was elected the first treasurer of the TS on October 30, 1875.

(1877-1948). American theosophical author who served in various capacities at Adyar and the Australian Section. Neff was born on September 7, 1877, in Akron, Ohio, USA.

(Nas’r-ud-din). A fictitious character central to many Sufī tales who is known all over the Middle East. A collection of these tales is available in English titled The Subtleties of the Incomparable Nasrudin and two stories from that book will serve to illustrate the way in which they are used to painlessly convey Sūfī teachings. Nasrudin was ferrying an academic across rough water.

(d. 1923). Joint General Secretary for the Indian Section of the Theosophical Society (TS), 1907-8. The 1938 Theosophical Year Book (T.P.H. Adyar) states that he abandoned the legal profession to devote his life to theosophical work.

The name of one of the Adepts who helped in the founding of the Theosophical Society. See Old Gentleman.

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There are several men named Nārada which appear at different times in Hindu literature, the first of whom is identified as a Rishi and author of Rg Vedas 8.13, 9.104, and 9.105; the second of whom appears in the Chāndogya Upaniad (7.2) as a knower of the Vedas but not of the Self and who is instructed in the latter by Sanatkumāra; the third of whom is identified in the…

(1469-1539). Founder of the religion of Sikhism, who lived in northwest India (now a part of Pakistan). Raised a Hindu in an area when there were many Muslims, as a young man he studied both Hindu and Muslim scriptures, coming to the conclusion that there could not be separate Gods for the two religions, but that there must be one God for the whole of humanity.

(Uspenskii, Petr Demianovich) (1878-1947) A well-known pupil of Gurdjieff. He was born in Moscow and first came to public notice with his book, The Fourth Dimension, (1909), which dealt with abstract mathematical theory. His second book, Tertium Organum which was written in 1912, created a sensation when it was later published in 1922.

Legendary hero in Greek mythology. Credited with superhuman skill in music and song, his mother was believed to be the Muse Calliope and his father was said to be the river god Oeagrus (or, in some stories, Apollo). Myths abound about his exploits; typical is his descent into Hades to restore his wife, Eurydice, to the upper world, which is well-known.

(1873-1934). Author and journalist who joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on May 10, 1899. Orage was President of the Leeds (England) Lodge of the TS. He was on the staff of the periodical New Age in 1907 and founded New English Weekly in 1932. He resigned from the TS in 1908 to become a follower of G. I. Gurdjieff.

A Greek God who is able to transform itself into any form. The name is frequently used in theosophical literature to apply to a number of principles, such as Life, Spirit, Force, Light, etc., which manifest in many forms but must be understood in its primordial quality. Of spirit, for instance, Helena P.

Theosophical writer noted for his consolidation of scattered data relating to the subtle bodies and the solar system in the light of theosophy. His books on theosophical subjects are valuable references which have remained in print for over sixty years. The sources are largely confined to the works of Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater.

(1867-1952). Russian theosophist responsible for the early growth of the Theosophical Society (TS) in Russia. Kamensky joined the TS in 1899. She was born on August 25, 1867 in Pavlovsk near St. Petersburg in Russia of Russian nobility on August 13, 1867, and educated at Geneva College and Petrograd Women’s University.

(née Princess Galitzine) (d. 1931). Prominent member of the Theosophical Society (TS) in Russia and associate of Anna KAMENSKY.

(1796-1881). Vice-President of the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1881. He was born in 1796, a descendant of the Dukes of Burgundy. He was well-known in France during his lifetime for his pioneering work in hypnotism, or, as it was then called, mesmerism. Henry S. Olcott, then President of the TS conferred honorary membership of the TS on him in 1880.

An Egyptian seer during the Ptolemaic times who is considered by Diogenes Laertius as the earliest theosophical teacher.

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(234c-305). Neo-Platonist philosopher who is noted for editing Plotinus’ works and writing Plotinus’ biography. He was born either at Tyre or Batanaea in Palestine. He studied under the scholar Cassius Longinus at Athens and in the year 262/263 went to Rome and attached himself to Plotinus, remaining with him for five years.

(1896-1970). Prominent member of the Dutch Section of the Theosophical Society (TS). He was born at Rotterdam on April 26, 1896 and joined the Theosophical Society in 1915. He studied philosophy and psychology under Professor G. Heymans at Grönigen University where he took a degree corresponding to M.A. in 1919.

(1848-1921). Prominent Russian theosophist. Pogossky was born in Russia at a time when many of the educated younger generation were enthusiastically taking up the cause of oppressed peasantry and incurring the wrath of the ruling classes thereby.

(205-270). An important Neoplatonic philosopher, probably of Roman descent, who went to Alexandria about 232 to study philosophy. For ten years, he became a disciple of Ammonius Saccas (late 1st - early 2nd cent.) who claimed to be “god taught” (theodidaktos).

(1855-1944). Russian theosophist and translator. Pissareva joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1903. She was born on November 7, 1855, the daughter of a Russian nobleman, and was educated at Heidelberg University. She married Nikolai Pissareff.

(410-485). Neo-Platonic philosopher. Proclus was born in Constantinople to Lycean parents and brought up at Xanthus in Lycea. He studied philosophy first under Olympiodorus the Elder at Alexandria and later under Plutarch and Syrianus. At an undetermined date Proclus took charge of the Platonic Academy at Athens and remained so until his death in 485.

(c. 274?-c.337 CE). Founder of a school of NEOPLATONISM in Syria. He was born at Chalcis in Coel-Syria. After spending some time with Porphyry he established his own school.

(c. 175-242). Founder of Neoplatonism and teacher of Plotinus. Ammonius founded the Eclectic Theosophical School in Alexandria in 193 CE, which according to Helena P. BLAVATSKY, was the precursor of the modern Theosophical Society (TS).

(1860-1909). First General Secretary (1900-1908) of the French Section and major contributor to the establishment of the Section there. Pascal was born on May 11, 1860, at Villecroze, Var in the South of France. When he was sixteen years old, a Roman Catholic priest, recognizing his keen intelligence, directed his education and he gained his B. A.

Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hoenheim (1493?-1541), who called himself Paracelsus (i.e., “superior to [or after] Celsus,” a 2nd century. Roman anti-Christian philosopher criticized by Origen), was both a magician, physician, and writer.

(1809- 1876). An Austrian nobleman who joined TS in December 1875. Palm became a member of the Council in 1876 and died shortly afterward on May 19. It is believed that his was the first corpse cremated in the USA, the TS advocating this reform in funeral practice. The cremation caused a media uproar in the US and the event was reported in over 7,000 journals.

(1865-1949). Artist and author. Ryan was born in Halifax, England. His father was Irish, descended from the Ryans of Idrone, Tipperary; his mother was English. Ryan became an artist like his father whom he succeeded as headmaster of the government School of Art in Ventnor, Isle of Wight. Both father and son exhibited at the Royal Academy, London.

(Mohammed ibn Mohammed Moulavi Balkhi) (1207-1273). One of the greatest Sūfī mystics and Persian poets. He was a professor of theology at Konya in Asia Minor until his meeting with a mysterious spiritual teacher named Shamsuddin Mohammed of Tabriz, when he abandoned his theological career and devoted himself to Sūfī mysticism.

(1850-1935). Eminent French scientist and theosophist. Richet was born in Paris on August 26, 1850. He joined La Sociéte Théosophique d’Orient et d’Occident in 1883 out of which, together with other similar groups, grew the French Section of the Theosophical Society (TS).

(1828-?). Author, traveler, artist and theosophist. An important figure in the early years of the Theosophical Society (TS), Rawson joined the Society in New York. He was the son of Edward Rawson and Betsey Armington Rawson and was born on October 15, 1828, in Chester, Vermont, U.S. It appears that he had wide ranging interests and studied law, theology and medicine.

(1879-1951). A spiritual teacher of South India widely considered as an authentic self-realized individual. Born at a village in Tamil Nadu, India, Ramana Maharshi was educated at a school in Madurai.

(1823 – 1874?). An Indian spiritual teacher from South India who reportedly prophesied in 1873 the arrival of H. P. BLAVATSKY and H.

(1877- ?). Physicist, mathematician, pioneer social reformer and theosophical organizer. He joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on January 3, 1903. He was a Malabar High Court Vakil, and a co-worker of Annie Besant for Indian Home Rule. In 1925 he founded the Kerala Buddhist League for the upliftment of depressed classes.

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Eminent Sri Lankan Buddhist priest and scholar. Honorary Vice-President of the Theosophical Society (1881-88). Born January 20, 1827, in the village of Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka, he was the fourth son of Don Johannes de Silva Abeyewara Gunawardana. He was admitted to the Buddhist Order as a samenera or novice. At the age of 21 years he was ordained as a monk.

(1859-1942). Henry Newlin Stokes is best known today as arguably the most outspoken and caustic critic of the leaders and policies of the Theosophical Society (Adyar) and, to a lesser extent, other societies related to Theosophy directly or indirectly in his capacity as owner-editor of the O.E. Library Critic between the years 1917 and 1942.

(1887- ). A medical practitioner who served as Deputy President of The Theosophical Society (TS) in 1934 and 1936 as well as Recording Secretary in 1934. He was born at Gorur, Mysore, India. He joined the TS on April 1, 1915, and was for many years honorary physician to Annie BESANT. He married Srimati Sringarammal in 1902.

(1842-1910). American psychologist and philosopher who was born in New York City January 11, 1842. He joined the Theosophical Society and was a keen student of Helena P. Blavatsky’s The Voice of the Silence; in his Gifford Lectures he repeatedly quotes from that work (The Varieties of Religious Experience, p. 406; William Collins Sons, Glasgow, 1977).

(1847-1902). American bibliographer and scholar. Sotheran was among those present at the formation of the Theosophical Society (TS) in New York in 1875, and according to some accounts it was he who suggested the name “Theosophical” for the proposed society.

(1822-1885). One of the early recipients of a communication from one of the Mahātmas. Born in Scotland in 1822, he received the degrees of M.A. and M.D. at the University of Aberdeen. He taught chemistry for five years at Marishall College in Aberdeen before he moved to Australia upon appointment to the chairs of Chemistry and Philosophy of Physics at the University of Sydney, New South Wales…

(1904-1992) Research chemist and worker for the Theosophical Society. Smith was born August 7, 1904, in Teddington, England. His parents, Lester Davies and Rose Annie Smith Davies were both theosophists. Smith attended Chelsea Polytechnic and was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in Chemistry in 1925 and D. Sc in 1933. He married Winifred Finch in 1931.

(1879-1966). Pioneer in art research; in 1908 Sirén became the first professor of the history of art in Sweden. Initially he specialized in Italian and Renaissance works, notably Leonardo da Vinci, but soon turned to the Orient, to become one of the world’s foremost sinologues.

(1898-1974). Active lecturer and writer for the Theosophical Society (TS), Bendit was born in Marseilles, France of American and British parents. He graduated from Cambridge University, England, with M.D. and M.A. degrees, gaining a postgraduate diploma in psychological medicine. His doctoral thesis dealt with parapsychology and it seems that this was the first time a Ph.D.

(1872- 1915). Russian composer born in Moscow on January 6, 1872. He was very much a mystic and indeed his first symphony composed in 1900 has a choral finale that glorifies art as a form of religion. In 1905 he received a copy of Helena P. Blavatsky’s Secret Doctrine from Jean Delville and became a student of theosophy.

Composer, concert pianist, poet, and author of a number of books on music, the Masters of the wisdom, and other subjects. He was born in Oxton, Birkenhead, England on September 27, 1879. He joined The Theosophical Society (TS) on November 27, 1914, after hearing Annie Besant speak in London.

(1803-1873). English writer and politician, known for his mystical novels particularly Zanoni. He was born Edward Lytton in London, England, on May 25, 1803, the youngest son of Gen. William Bulwer and Elizabeth Lytton. In 1827, he married Rosina Doyle Wheeler, but his mother so disapproved of the match that she cut off his allowance and he was forced to earn his living by writing…

Author of Theogony, one of the most important books on ancient Greek cosmogony. The work traces the descent of the manifested world from CHAOS. The higher gods were born of Gaia, chief of whom was Ouranos (Uranus), and with whom Gaia begat the Titans, which included Kronos. Zeus was one of those begotten by Kronos and Rheia.

(1836-1913). An early member of the Theosophical Society (TS) in Australia who joined in March 1880. He was a spiritualist and founder and editor of the magazine Harbinger of Light, which was published in Melbourne. He made a number of inquiries concerning theosophy which were considered sufficiently important for both Alfred P. Sinnett and Allan O. Hume to answer at length.

(1836-1898). A prominent early theosophist. He was born in Bombay, India, in 1836 in a family of the Bhandari class (jati) of the Sudra caste (varna). Orphaned at the age of ten, he was adopted by his cousin’s wife, who worked to support the family. He received his initial education at a mission school, but was eventually expelled from the school because he refused to become a Christian.

(1888-1972). Prolific theosophical writer and lecturer for the Theosophical Society (TS) in America. Kunz was born on May 16, 1888, in Freeport, Illinois, USA. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, he was appointed Principal of Ananda College in Sri Lanka, occupying that post from 1914 to 1918. In 1918, Kunz went to Adyar and became manager of the Theosophical Publishing House.

Dora Kunz (née Theodora Sophia van Gelder, 1904-1999) was a practitioner and one of the originators of THERAPEUTIC TOUCH as well as a distinguished Theosophist.

(1870-1952). Italian educator and theosophist who was born at Chiaravalle near Acona on August 31, 1870. She gained her degree in medicine from the University of Rome in 1894, the first Italian woman to do so. She also earned a degree in literature.

(1847-1931). Edison was probably the most prolific inventor ever. He joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on April 5, 1878. He was interested in psychic matters and experimented with the use of will power on the movement of a pendulum. Edison’s first connection with the TS was through his acquaintance with Henry S.

(1879-1956). Bolivian writer, poet, journalist, lecturer, politician and member of the TS. He was born in La Paz on February 28, 1879, the son of the writer Isaac Tamayo and Felicidad Solares. After studying at the Ayacucho College, La Paz, he continued his studies in England and France.

(Sk. Svamin Venkatesnanda; 1920-1982). He was born on December 29, 1920. At the age of 13, he came into contact with Swami Sivananda, founder of the Divine Life Society. Two years later, in 1945, he renounced the world to live with the Swami in Rishikesh, near the source of the Ganges River. Here he lived and served for 17 years, growing rapidly in wisdom and holiness.

(1842-1922). President of the Shanghai Lodge of the Theosophical Society (TS), which was the first lodge established in the East. Wu Ting-Fang was an eminent statesman and jurist who served China in many capacities.

(1872-1951). Conger was born in Akron, Ohio, on January 30, 1872. At 18 he entered Harvard and while there discovered theosophy. He joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on June 16, 1892, and was admitted into the Esoteric Section by William Q. JUDGE in 1894.

(nee Sri Ram) (1923 - 2013 ). Seventh International President of the Theosophical Society (TS). Radha Sri Ram was born on November 15, 1923, on the estate of the Theosophical Society in Adyar, Madras (now called Chennai), India, where she spent her childhood.

(1871-1952). Orientalist and Pali scholar. Woodward was born in Norfolk, England, on April 13, 1871, the third son of an Anglican clergyman. In 1901 he graduated M.A. from Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, with First Class Honors in Classics.

(1865-1936). Sanskrit scholar, lawyer and author who wrote under the nom-de-plume, Arthur Avalon. Woodroffe was born December 15, 1865. After matriculating from Oxford University, he was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1889 and in 1890 was enrolled as an advocate of the Calcutta High Court.

(1824-1878). A Russian prince who, according to Helena P. BLAVATSKY, received special protection from the MĀHATMAS in times of great danger (The Theosophist, March 1883, pp. 141-42).

(1850-1919). American poet and journalist and member of the Theosophical Society (TS). She was born in Johnson Creek, in southeast Wisconsin, U.S. on November 5, 1850. She was the daughter of Marius Hartwell Wheeler, a violin teacher, and was educated at the University of Wisconsin.

(20BCE-40CE). Also called Philo of Alexandria, a Greek-speaking Jew who is considered as one of the most important Jewish philosophers of the ancient times. His writings synthesized revealed faith, philosophy and mysticism. He was also an advocate of the allegorical interpretation of the Jewish scriptures.

(c. 540-c. 480 BCE). Ancient Greek mystical philosopher. He was said to be descended from the earlier kings of Ephesus, but surrendered his inheritance to his brother. He was a harsh critic of mankind, the current religious beliefs and contemporary philosophers.

(427?-347 BCE). Ancient Greek philosopher, one of only two whose writings are still extensively studied today (the other being his pupil Aristotle). He is referred to more frequently in Helena P.

Ancient Greek philosopher who lived 384-322 BCE. One of only two philosophers from that period whose works are still extensively studied today, the other being his teacher, Plato (427?-347 BCE). In fact, throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, Aristotle’s ideas, especially in the realm of political philosophy, predominated.

Alfred Wallace (1823-1913) was an English naturalist, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist famous for having formulated, simultaneously with Charles Darwin, a theory about the origin of species by natural selection. Wallace was born in Llanbadoc, Monmouthshire, Wales, on January 8, 1823, and died at Broadstone in Dorset, England, on November 7, 1913.

(1881-1958). A theosophist who was one of the pioneers for the cause of the common laborer, and for independence for India. He established the first labor union in India, and worked in the Home Rule Movement of India, leaving perceptible theosophical traces on all he supported; this was in the teens and the twenties of the 20th century. Wadia joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1903.

(1856-1920). Spanish nobleman, presidential agent of the Theosophical Society (TS) in Spain 1889-1920. He joined the Theosophical Society in August 22, 1889, and was president of the Madrid Lodge for many years. Xifré (pronounced sheeffray), was educated with King Alfonso XIII of Spain and remained the King’s close friend until death parted them.

(1893-1952). Indian yogi, founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship and Yogoda Sat-Sanga Society in India. He was born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur in north-eastern India. His family name was Mukunda Lal Ghosh; he took the name Yogananda when he entered the monastic Swami order in 1914 and his guru bestowed the religious title of Paramahamsa on him in 1935.

(Śankarācārya) (Shankaracharya). Principal philosopher in the Advaita Vedanta school of Indian Philosophy. His name is also transliterated Sankara, Sankara, Sankaracarya, etc. He is dated by scholars 788-820 CE, but by early Theosophists, such as Helena P.

(c. 150-250). Indian monk and philosopher who founded the Madhyamika (or Madhayamaka) School of Mahayana Buddhism and is sometimes regarded as the most influential Buddhist teacher next to Buddha himself. The Madhyamika school is a middle between nihilism and the view that there are eternal essences. The term “madhyamika” itself means “middle way.”

(1890-1963). A committed theosophist who applied theosophical ideals to life, Herbert Kern was born on a central Minnesota farm, studied chemistry and chemical engineering at the University of Minnesota and after graduating with degrees in both fields, engaged in research work in fuels, lubricants and detergents, holding a number of patents as well in water treatment.

(1889-1973). Fifth president of the Theosophical Society (TS), born on December 15, 1889, to A. Nilakanta Sastry and his wife Seshammal — both of them theosophists.

(1899-1991). Prominent member of the Theosophical Society (TS) in America. Raised in southern Louisana in the U.S., he went to Cincinnati to study engineering at the university there, but a visit to its art museum caused a change in his career plans.

(1862-1933). General Secretary of the American Section of the Theosophical Society (TS), 1907-1912. He was Professor of Surgical Pathology at Chicago College and later was Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University. In 1909 his son, Hubert, attracted the interest of Charles W.

(1866-1939). President of the American Section of the Theosophical Society, Adyar 1912-1920; Vice-President of the TS, Adyar 1928-33; Acting President 1933-34. A. P. Warrington was born August 27, 1866, in Maryland, USA. He joined the TS in July 1896, at that time the only TS member in Maryland.

(1861-1925). Founder of the Anthroposophical Society and at one time General Secretary of the Theosophical Society (TS) in Germany. Steiner was born in Kraljevic, Upper Austria on February 27, 1861.

(1880- 1949). Alice Bailey was founder of a spiritual movement growing out of the theosophical tradition. Born to well-to-do parents in Manchester, England, she was raised in the conservative evangelical wing of the Church of England. Although she early showed mystical tendencies, her childhood was generally unhappy.

(Origines Adamantius) (c.185- c.254). Influential theologian of the early Greek church. Precise date and place of his birth are not known, but he was probably born in Alexandria. According to some authorities his parents were pagan and according to others, Christian.

37/38-c100). Historian of the Jews who was born of a priestly family in Jerusalem. He lived for three years in the desert with a hermit named Bannus, after which time he became a Pharisee. About 64 CE, he is believed to have visited Rome pleading for the release of Jewish prisoners.

The Greek name given to the Egyptian god Thoth, believed by them to be the inventor of writing. Arising out of the art of writing were such arts as magic, medicine and astronomy and so Thoth became the patron god of these arts also.

A Christian gnostic teacher of the 2nd century CE. Very little is known for certain about this historical personage. That he lived and worked in the Gnostic tradition is fairly certain. Clement of Alexandria reported that Basilides claimed to have received a secret tradition from Glaucias who was an interpreter of St.

A mystical writer of the 6th century CE who had an important influence on Christianity. His major works attempted a synthesis of Neoplatonism and Christianity. He is referred to as Pseudo-Areopagite because he should not be confused with Dionysius the Areopagite mentioned in the New Testament as having been converted by St. Paul (Acts 17:34), and who was later identified with St.

(Eckhart von Hochheim) (1260?- 1328?). An important German speculative mystic born at Hochheim, near Gotha. He studied at St. Jacques in Paris, France, where he gained a masters degree in theology in 1302. In 1304 he was appointed provincial minister of the order of Dominicans.

(1836-1886). One of the best known nineteenth century Hindu saints. He was born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyaya at Ramarpukur in the Hooghly district of Bengal, on February 10, 1836. From an early age he was strongly attracted to the spiritual life and had an experience of spiritual ecstasy when he was but seven years of age.

(1898-1978). Eminent theosophical writer. Taimni was born in Lucknow, India, in a Kashmiri Brahman family. His father was Pandit Prem Kishen Taimni. Taimni’s mother passed away early, and he was brought up by his grandmother, who, a devotee of Lord R€ma, lovingly called him “Sri Ram.” With only a younger sister and an affectionate but reserved father, his childhood was lonely.

Confucius was one of the most important philosophers of ancient China, and one of only two whose name has been Latinized (the other being the post-Confucian philosopher Mencius or Meng K’e, later called Meng Tzu). He was born K’ung Ch’iu (Kong Chiu in the modern pinyin system of transliteration) in the state of Lu in 551 BCE during the gradual decline of the Chou (Zhou) Dynasty (1122-771 BCE…

Lao Tzu is the reputed author of the little Chinese classic Tao Tê Ching (or Dao De Jing, as it is transliterated in the modern Pinyin system). The traditional view, one which Helena P.

(nee Hahn) (1835-1896). Younger sister of Helena P. BLAVATSKY. She was born at Odessa, southern Russia on April 29, 1835. Her first marriage was to Nikkolay Nikolayevich de Yahontov (1827-58) who died when he was only about 31 years old and later she married Vladimir Ivanovich de Zhelihovsky.

Pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who lived ca. 582-507 BCE. Although the neo-Platonists Proclus (ca. 232 – ca. 304) and Porphyry (410?-484) both wrote biographies of him, little is known for certain historically about his life.

(1863-1933). Famous classical scholar who played a significant role in the development of the Theosophical Society (TS) in England and Europe. He was born at Nuneaton, England on March 22, 1863. Mead was educated at Rochester Cathedral School and Cambridge University where he took honors in classics. He came into contact with theosophy through reading Alfred P.

(1859-1942). Theosophical worker and accomplished printer. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 14, 1859, he was the son of Rev. James Morgan Pryse, a Welsh immigrant. Morgan accepted a living in a Welsh settlement in Makato, Minnesota, and the young Pryse was regaled with stories about fairies, ghosts, elves and all the psychic phenomena beloved by the Welsh.

(1843-1901). Eminent psychic researcher and founding member of the British Society for Psychical Research. Myers joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on June 3, 1883, in London. He was born at Keswick in Cumberland, England, and graduated from Cambridge and became classical lecturer at Trinity College, Cambridge.

(1824-1883). The founder of an Indian movement called the Arya Samaj which was dedicated to the revival of the Vedic religion and which played an important part during the early period of the Theosophical Society (TS). There are a number of references to him in The Mahatma Letters to Alfred P. SINNETT.

(1870- 1966). Eminent Buddhist scholar and foremost interpreter of Zen Buddhism to the West. He was born in Kanazawa, Japan, on October 18, 1870, and studied English literature at Tokyo. His interests were wide-ranging and included classical Chinese, Buddhist and Western philosophy.

Reputed to be a cousin of the Buddha. His birth and death dates are unknown. It is thought that he and ANANDA may have joined the brotherhood of monks about the 20th year of the Buddha’s ministry. In the tradition Devadatta is shown to be a man who was ruthlessly ambitious.

(1875-1961). Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist. Born on July 25, 1875, at Basel, he attended the University of Basel where he studied medicine and then postgraduate study with Pierre Janet in Paris. At the Zurich University he was physician in the psychiatric clinic and later lectured in psychiatry there.

Vyasa is the legendary author of the great Indian epic Mahabharata. He is said to have also divided the Vedas into four and hence he is also known as Veda-Vyasa. He is also credited for having written the Puranas. Scholars estimate that he must have lived between 1800 and 1500 BCE.

(TSON-KHA-PA) (1357-1419). Eminent Tibetan Buddhist reformer and founder of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. One of his disciples and successors became the first Dalai Lama, Gedun Drup (1391-1474), which lineage continues up to this day.

(1874-1942). Head of the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY (Pasadena) with international headquarters currently at Pasadena, California, from 1929 to 1942. His greatest contribution to the theosophical movement is his elucidation of concepts underlying Helena P. BLAVATSKY’s writings.

(1904-1986). Nee Sastry. A theosophist noted for her significant contributions to the revival of Indian classical dance and as a campaigner for animal welfare. Born in Madura in South India on February 20, 1904. Her father Nilakanta Sastry, was a professional consulting engineer to an Indian Prince. Rukmini Devi was educated at a Madras (now Chennai) College.

(1898-1925). Brother of J. Krishnamurti and was made a ward of Annie Besant. Nityananda was born on May 30, 1898.

(d.1924). Arundale was an eminent early member of the TS who joined in 1881. She was aunt and mother by adoption of the third International President of the TS, George ARUNDALE. Her house at 77 Elgin Crescent, London, became the nucleus of the London Lodge of the English Section.

(1883-1951). Founder of the LIBERAL CATHOLIC CHURCH and a prominent member of the Theosophical Society (TS). He was born in London, England, into well known pottery manufacturing family.

(1878-1945). Third International President of the Theosophical Society (TS) was born in Surrey, England, December 1, 1878. He was adopted at a young age by his aunt, Francesca E. ARUNDALE. He joined the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society in 1895. He graduated from St.

(1875-1953). Fourth President of the Theosophical Society (TS). Jinarajadasa was born in Sri Lanka on December 16, 1875, one month after the TS was founded. His parents were Buddhists and he was raised as such.

The originator of Christianity. His year of birth is commonly believed to be 4-6 BCE, based on the accounts of the Christian gospels. He is regarded by some as GOD himself, or a chosen messenger of God, and by others as simply an extraordinary human being.

(1883-1965). Prominent theosophist and author. He was born in Manchester, England, in 1883. He attended the Manchester College of Technology, gaining Firsts in Physics, Chemistry and Geology. Wood joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1902.

The name used to identify one of the Chohans of the Brotherhood of Adepts. According to Charles W. LEADBEATER, he is the Chohan in charge of the third ray (see SEVEN RAYS) and was born in Venice, hence the name.

(c. 1710–1784?). An eighteenth-century adept who was also called der Wundermann “the Wonderman,” being famous as a polyglot, musician, and chemist or alchemist.

German painter who painted the portraits of the Mahatma Koot Hoomi and Morya from June 19 to July 9, 1884. He later made duplicates of these paintings. The original paintings are now in the Shrine Room of the Headquarters Building of the Theosophical Society (TS) in Adyar, Chennai (Madras), India. In a letter to Helena P.

(1822-1909). A major general in the British army and a member of the Theosophical Society who was a witness to phenomena demonstrated by the Mahatmas in the early years of the Theosophical Society. He resided in Ootacamund in Tamil Nadu, south India, where all his ten children were born.

(1838-1912). A prolific writer on theosophical and allied subjects, Hartmann was born at the small town of Donauwörth in Bavaria on November 22, 1838. In 1865 he graduated from the University of Munich with the degrees of doctor medicinae and magister pharmaciae; the same year he emigrated to the USA.

(1832-1893). Mary Gebhard was born in Dublin in 1832 and was educated in the Convent of Sacré Cœur in Paris. Because of the destruction of Theosophical Society (TS) records by Nazi officials, little data has survived regarding the Gebhard family.

(1848-1930). An American theosophist and widow who was said to be a pupil (chela) of the Master Koot Hoomi. Little is known about her background, but she was a friend of both Helena P.

A chela of the Master KOOT HOOMI who, it is said, later became an Adept.

One of the high adepts who belonged to the Egyptian Section of the Adept Brotherhood (Brotherhood of Luxor) and who was deeply involved in the birth of the Theosophical Society (TS). It was apparently this Adept who gave the order to Helena P.

An adept who is also known as Narayan. In 1885, according to C. JINARĀJADšSA, he lived in the Tiruvallum Hills, near Madras, where T. Subba Row and Charles W. Leadbeater visited him.

An adept who belonged to the Egyptian section called Brotherhood of Luxor. See also Adepts.

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One of the Egyptian Adepts who belong to the BROTHERHOOD OF LUXOR.

(1854? -1934). A leading figure of the Theosophical Society (TS) “second generation” (c. 1900-1934), Charles W. Leadbeater was a prominent theosophical writer, speaker, and teacher.

(Illarion; Hilarion Smerdis). A Greek (Cypriot) Adept known for having dictated or inspired the writing of the classic Light on the Path. He is said to have become an Adept in 1886 (CW XI:316). He also collaborated with Helena P. BLAVATSKY in the writing of stories.

The name of one of the members of the Adept brotherhood in Egypt. He was mentioned by Alfred P. SINNETT as “the youngest of the chohans.” In his letters to Col.

(née Bonus) (1846-1888). Was born September 16, 1846, at Stratford in Essex, England. She joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in January 1883. Kingsford never enjoyed particularly good health and as the youngest, by a margin of several years, in a large family, she tended to be isolated and solitary.

A high Adept who was the superior of the Mahātmas KOOT HOOMI and MORYA, and who helped oversee the developments of the early Theosophical Society (TS).

(1856-1890). An important early theosophist, born July 6, 1856, at Cocanada (now Kakinada), in the Godavari District on the Coromandel Coast of eastern India. Subba Row was an Advaita Ved€ntin of the Niyoga caste of Smārata Brahmins (Sk. Brāhmana); his native language was Telugu. His father died when he was six months old and he was brought up by an uncle.

(1849-1912). Journalist and editor of the Pall Mall Gazette and The Review of Reviews, two prestigious English journals. Stead was born in Embleton, Northumberland, England on July 5, 1849, the son of a Congregational minister, the Rev. William Stead and his wife, Isabella Dobson.

(Metteyya in Pāli) The next Buddha according to the Buddhist traditions. The name comes from Sanskrit root Maitr… meaning love and compassion.

(Böhme, Jakob) (1575-1624). German mystic and philosophical theologian, was born on or near April 24, 1575, in Altseidenberg, near Görlitz. After a brief time at school he became a shoemaker.

(1688-1772). Swedish scientist, philosopher and theologian, one of Sweden’s most learned and famous men. He was born in Stockholm on January 29, 1688, and was the second son of Jesberg Swedberg, a professor at Uppsala University who became bishop of Skara. The family changed its name to Swedenborg after it was elevated to the nobility in 1719. Emanuel was educated at Uppsala University.

(1832-1904). English poet, scholar and journalist and close friend of Henry S. OLCOTT, co-founder of the TS. Arnold was born at Gravesend in Kent on June 10, 1832, and educated at King’s College, London and University College at Oxford. After receiving his Master of Arts degree from Oxford he was appointed Principal of Deccan College, Poona, in 1856.

nee Wood, (1847-1933). Annie Besant was a woman of intellect and leadership who courageously went beyond the limited Victorian female gender role to become the foremost and influential woman orator and political activist of her day. She briefly embraced theism during the transitional period in which she rejected Christian doctrines and legally separated from her husband, an Anglican vicar.

(1865-1939). One of the great poets of the twentieth century who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923. He joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1887 and became a member of the Dublin Lodge in Ireland. His works were deeply influenced by theosophy and his mystical pursuits.

(1847-1929). Born Catharine Augusta Westcott July 6, 1847, at Newbury, Massachusetts; educated in Newburyport schools and by private tutors. As a child she would talk with her grandfather, Nathan Chase, mystic and Freemason, and his neighbor, John Greenleaf Whittier, of the White City she would build in the golden West.

(1867-1931). Distinguished orientalist, writer, and theosophist. Johnston was born at Ballykilbeg, County Down, Ireland, on February 17, 1867. His father was William J. Johnston, member of Parliament for Belfast and a leader of the Temperance Movement and his mother was Georgina Barbara Hay, daughter of John Hay, of Park, Scotland.

(1867-1935). Better known by his pseudonym Æ. Irish poet and painter who was a student of Helena P. Blavatsky. Russell was born at Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland on April 10, 1867. He was educated at Rathmines School and attended Metropolitan School of Art, Dublin, where he met W. B. Yeats, a major Irish poet.

(1846-1916). General Secretary of the German Section, 1912-13. He was born in Hamburg on October 26, 1846, and educated in the universities of Göttingen, Heidelberg, Munich and Leipzig. He practiced as a lawyer for some time and was appointed Consular Attaché in West Africa where he developed German colonial policy.

(1832-1919). Famous chemist, and member of The Theosophical Society (TS). William Crookes is mentioned in almost every chemistry textbook today as an important scientist who contributed in many significant ways to the end of classical chemistry and who helped usher in the beginning of quantum chemistry.

1860-1944). A dedicated early worker for the Theosophical Society (TS). Keightley was born April 4, 1860, at Birkenhead in England. He joined the TS in 1884.

(1859-1930). One of the small band of workers around Helena P. BLAVATSKY in London who helped to edit The Secret Doctrine. Keightley joined the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1884. He was General Secretary of the English Section 1888-90.

(1855-1905). Lawyer and psychic researcher. He was born in Melbourne, Australia, and received his first education at public schools there, afterwards graduating from Melbourne University with degrees of M.A. and LL.D. Shortly after his graduation he entered Cambridge University in England from which he graduated in what was then quaintly termed “mental and moral sciences.”

(nee Cutting). A housekeeper at the Theosophical Society’s headquarters at Adyar for several years up to 1887. It was charged against her that she conspired with Christian missionaries to make it appear the phenomena produced by Helena P. Blavatsky were fraudulent. She first appears in the history of the Theosophical Society (TS) when H. P. Blavatsky was in Cairo.

(1889-1964). First Prime Minister of India (1947-1964) who joined the Theosophical Society (TS) on August 13, 1903. Nehru was born in Allahabad on November 14, 1889, into a prosperous Brahman family from Kashmir. His father, Pandit Motilal Nehru was a lawyer.

(d.1893). An early worker in the Theosophical Society (TS). He was a Br€hmana of high caste and his real name was R€mabathra. He joined the Theosophical Society in September 1881 when he was District Registrar of Assurances at Tinnevelly in Southern India. He is said to have been a probationary chela of the MASTERS and received a number of letters from them.

(1874-1947). Eminent Russian artist, poet, theater designer and theosophist. Roerich was born in what was then called Petrograd on September 27, 1847, son of a distinguished barrister. He was expected to follow a career at law and was sent to University for this purpose.

(1829-1912). Hume was a Founder of the Indian National Congress and Vice-President of the Theosophical Society (TS) from 1880 to 1888. He was the eighth child of Joseph Hume, British statesman and economist, who led the English Radical Political Party for thirty years. He was educated at Haileybury and London University and employed in the Indian Colonial Service 1849-82.

(1893-1941). A theosophist who is particularly noted for compiling and publishing The MAHATMA LETTERS TO A. P. SINNETT in December 1923. Barker was born October 10, 1893, at Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.

(1864-1933). A Sri Lankan Buddhist who founded the Maha Bodhi Society, and who was also an active member of the Theosophical Society (TS). Born David Hewavitharana, Dharmapala studied in a missionary school and grew up noting the decline of the his country’s religion and culture while it was under foreign power.

(1869-1948). Mohandas Gandhi, usually called by his admirers “Mah€tma” or “Great Soul,” was born on October 2, 1869, on the Kathiawar Peninsula north of Bombay (presently part of Gujarat State) in the coastal city of Porbandar, the ancestral home of the Gandhi family.

(née Davies), (1879-1960). Theosophical historian who served as General Secretary of three different sections of the Theosophical Society (TS). Ransom was born on March 22, 1879, in Armidale, Australia. She joined the TS on November 23, 1897. Ransom was General Secretary of the TS Australian Section, 1924-5; South African Section, 1926-27; and English Section 1933-36.

(1851-1896). Judge, with Helena P. BLAVATSKY and Henry S. OLCOTT, was a founder of the Theosophical Society (TS) in 1875. He worked for its cause during the 21 years that followed till his death at 44 years of age.

(1832-1907). First President and Co-Founder of the Theosophical Society (TS). Born August 2, 1832, at Orange, New Jersey, Olcott was the eldest of six children of Henry Wyckoff Olcott and Emily Steel. He studied at the College of the City of New York and at Columbia University until his father’s business failed in 1851.

(Kuthumi). One of the Mahatmas who inspired the founding of the Theosophical Society (TS). He is perhaps the most well-known among modern ADEPTS. His letters to various people have been published in several collections, primarily The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett and Letters of the Masters of the Wisdom, Series I and II.

(1880-1921). Vice-President of the Theosophical Society (TS) 1880-88; acting President for four months in 1907. Sinnett was born on January 18, 1840, probably in London since he went to school in Camden, London, England. There is little detail recorded about Sinnett’s parents except that his mother, Jane Fry, married Sinnett’s father in 1825.

One of the two Adepts who were behind the founding of the Theosophical Society (TS). He was the guru of Helena P. Blavatsky and Col. Henry Steel Olcott. Many of his letters were preserved and are now part of an important collection of the Mahatma letters.

(nee de Bourbel de Monpicon; 1838-1910). A close friend of Helena P. Blavatsky, Wachtmeister was born on March 28, 1838, in Florence, Italy. Her parents were the Marquis de Bourbel, formerly of the French diplomatic service, and Constance Bulkley.

(1902-1981). Grandnephew of Helena P. Blavatsky who edited her Collected Writings. He was born on March 7, 1902, in St. Petersburg, Russia, to Lydia Dmitriyevna von Hahn, the niece of H. P. Blavatsky. A frail child, tutored at home and mastering several languages, de Zirkoff knew little of his great aunt until he was about 16.

1831-1891). Prolific writer on comparative religion, mythology, and esoteric subjects, and primary founder of the Theosophical Society (TS).