The Theosophical Society: The History of a Spiritualist MovementThis peer-reviewed study represents a culmination of years of research into the history of the Theosophical Society. In this unique project which combines biographies with source analyses, Jeffrey D. Lavoie records a detailed history of the early Theosophical Society and examines its relationship with the modern Spiritualist movement between the years 1875-1891. Special attention has been paid to some of the neglected figures associated with these organizations including Arthur Lillie- the Gnostic-occultist and early critic of the Theosophical Society; the Davenport Brothers- the Spiritualist mediums who developed many of the standard elements which became associated with modern Spiritualism; Alfred Wallace- the prominent scientist, Spiritualist, and supposed member of the Theosophical Society and many others. This work will appeal to a wide array of readers including those interested in modern religious movements, Western Esotericism, South Asian history, and Victorian studies. |
Contents
| 1 | |
| 9 | |
| 16 | |
| 22 | |
| 29 | |
Blavatsky and Spiritualism | 35 |
Blavatskys Shifting Opinion of Spiritualism | 42 |
Blavatsky and Her Conceptualization of Spiritual Masters | 49 |
Esoteric Buddhism | 196 |
The Theosophist | 204 |
The Secret Doctrine and Spiritualism | 220 |
The Philosophy of The Voice of Silence | 229 |
Spiritualists Who Critiqued Theosophy | 249 |
Colemans Critique of Isis Unveiled | 262 |
Analyzing Coleman | 269 |
Theosophy from the Other Side | 277 |
Olcotts First Ceylon Tour Olcotts Second Ceylon Tour | 65 |
Olcotts Unusual Form of Buddhism Charles Carleton Massey William Stainton Moses M A Oxon and Spiritualism | 99 |
The Davenport Brothers and Blavatsky | 107 |
Davis and the Summer Land | 119 |
Davis Harmonial Philosophy and his Conceptualization of Evil | 123 |
Allan Kardec Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail | 130 |
Blavatsky and the Medium | 153 |
Interlude | 169 |
The Writing of Isis Unveiled | 178 |
A Reincarnational Evolution | 190 |
Common terms and phrases
adepts Alfred Percy Sinnett Allan Kardec Andrew Jackson Davis appeared Art Magic Arthur Lillie astral attempted belief Blavat Christian claimed Coleman Colonel Olcott communicate concept connection Davenport Brothers death Despite Devachan early Theosophical Society earth Eastern elementals Eliphas Lévi Emma Hardinge Britten Esoteric Buddhism Esotericism explained H. P. Blavatsky Helena Blavatsky human idea India influence Isis Unveiled John King Key to Theosophy Kiddle Koot Hoomi later London Madame Blavatsky Magic Staff Mahatma Letters Massey masters mediums Mesmerism Michael Gomes Modern Spiritualism Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke nineteenth century noted Old Diary Leaves Oriental shift original phenomena philosophy plagiarism prisca theologia Psychical Research reincarnation relationship religion remained Richard Hodgson séances Secret Doctrine seemed Society for Psychical soul sphere Spir Spiritist spiritual evolution Spiritualist movement teachings Theo theory Theoso Theosophical History Theosophical Publishing House Theosophical Society Theosophist tion University vatsky Victorian Wallace's Western Esoteric William Stainton Moses York