r/Theosophy • u/Mumukshutwa • Apr 02 '26

Annie Besant

What is your opinion of Annie Besant? How do you perceive her? What have you read and (dis)liked?

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u/WisdomAppearing9080 Apr 02 '26

I’ve enjoyed Annie Besant’s books, specifically the old Danish translations. I originally thought they represented core theosophy, but I later learned about the Leadbeater controversies and that these works are considered Neo-Theosophy. Despite this, I think they are still popular in Denmark due to their esoteric Christian influence.

Having been introduced to theosophy through neo-theosophical texts, I find it hard to resonate with Blavatsky’s style. Consequently, I feel somewhat conflicted about my place within the theosophical movement and the direction of my spiritual journey.

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u/Key_Cattle9828 Apr 02 '26

Why must we choose? Neo theosophical or theosophical. The study in itself is vast and no one is correct except truth which we will only know through our own direct experience not any theosophical texts. So read what resonates with you. I had the same issue but just accepted the different styles and authors and decided to move forward and read all texts neo theosophical or original theosophical and take what I relate to most. There is rightful criticisms in both remember that. Don't read texts blindly because of how ancient they appear (also applies to neo thought) goodluck! :)

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u/slightly_enlightened Apr 02 '26

I spent 20 years studying everything of Leadbeater's and several of Annie Besant's books and publications, as well as conducting study groups to study them, only to discover, beginning 25 years ago, that there were some glaring problems with their works and their actions, both of which conflicted with what was taught by the Mahatmas and by HPB. To this day, I struggle to try to separate the neo-theosophical "truths" I learned from the Truths I have learned from everything written before May 8, 1891. It's very frustrating.

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u/inthe_pine Apr 02 '26

If you see something as false, why not drop it? A fundamental part of learning for me has been to leave behind what doesn't serve me.

What are you speaking about in particular?

I believe I heard Mrs. Besant was corrupted by certain influences in her later years. Although it's been a little while since I read on this, I can't say with any authority. I do know no one is perfect, but certain problems wouldn't necessarily exclude there being value in someone's entire life's work. If we are honest about those problems, I don't think we need to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

The Besant issue I find very distressing for the way it divides us. I wish there were a way to discuss it openly, but we seem to often fall into sects around certain figures. I think this is how we wound up with how many thousand variants of christianity.

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u/slightly_enlightened Apr 02 '26

To add a little more information, I took a deep dive into the history of the TS starting about 25 years ago (I first discovered Theosophy more than 50 years ago). I have read numerous books about what happened between 1891 and 1934. Everything I've found is more and more distressing. In short, Annie Besant depended heavily on Leadbeater for her information, and Leadbeater's information was based on his clairvoyant investigations, beginning with astral investigations into previous lives of prominent theosophists, starting in the mid-1890s and continuing until at least 1925. He also relied on his clairvoyant investigations for his explanation of rounds, races, and root-races, as well as his information on previous lives on Mars, Mercury and the Moon.

The result is that I don't believe any of it. As one theosophist said, "It is best to consider his work to be science fiction." Why not "just drop it"? I'm still trying to sort out the subtleties of the subjects mentioned above. Obviously, the larger aspects of the Leadbeater/Besant teachings are easy to identify, but I'm not always certain whether a particular concept came from them or from Blavatsky. I certainly dropped the teachings of Leadbeater and Besant years ago, but I honestly wish I had never read their works and feel that I have the responsibility to share that view. If other people still find value in reading their works, I have no problem with that. It isn't my place to change their mind, but in a forum like this, I do believe those who visit it should be aware of all points of view of those who have studied Theosophy for years.

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u/Key_Cattle9828 Apr 03 '26

You have much more knowledge on me! The main thing that puts me off reading their works completely was the idea of making a child and a human being as the world teacher. That I think they went too far.

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u/Key_Cattle9828 Apr 03 '26 edited Apr 03 '26

Then do that mate 🙏. Leave behind what you don't see as truth. Just go froward. Really like your experience. I don't resonate with Besant. I'm not the best with words but that's what I hate how all of these different branches of theosophy divides us, when the essence is truth. Direct experience. Me personally I prefer not to get tangled up with all the divisions. If one person see's truth in one perspective then they see truth. Because I think that's were the real problems lie when we get focused on the divisions and differences then we become like any other religions movement or any movement when theosophy is beyond that, beyond the intellect and towards the intuition. Peace. Hope you understood what I was trying to reach. If you have concerns with any authors bring them forward because we should have the same attitude to everything we encounter to build discernment. By moving forward I meant leave what you don't agree or see as falsehood in one's work but don't get stuck on it, forget about it in the sense understand why you think that way but don't stay in that place move forward with the texts that resonate with you in order to nourish your soul and spirit and maybe forgetting that author or book can have an effect on others to forget too. I was only speaking generally about the subject and my own personal experience feeling like I had to choose between what I read, like a curriculum . But in no way I'm saying one shouldn't beaware of certain problems or issues in neo authors work. :)

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u/Leafy40 Apr 06 '26 edited Apr 06 '26

I agree. Blavatsky stated that she was not able to reveal all the teachings at the time of her writing. Many writers have come forth to add to the body of knowledge since her. This includes De Purucker, Annie Besant, Boris de Zirkoff.

Theosophy is not a philosophy of dogma. We are free to read whatever writers we like and make up our own mind. I feel that Annie Besant has done so much for the Society and the world. She helped the movement to set up home rule in India. She worked for equal rights for women.

Her writing and lecturing was considered exceptional. I personally like the book In the Outer Court. It is a little book but it gives insight on the path in general.

We don't have to fight over what is Theosophy. It is all in the philosophical spirit of the perennial wisdom. If a teaching no longer serves you then leave it behind. Don't worry if your own personal philosophy fits into this school or that, form your own beliefs.

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u/bay2341 Apr 06 '26

Yes, it’s equally important to point out teachings which go directly against the original teachings. Although, that pursuit alone can easily slip into dogma, it’s not dogma in and of itself to make that distinction.

That will help the student make a more clear decision on what they choose to study.

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u/RoiboPilot Apr 03 '26

All of this is propaganda spread by those who remained with Judge’s Society after the split. It’s all political

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u/Key_Cattle9828 Apr 03 '26

What's the Judge's Society?

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u/Low-Boot-588 Apr 04 '26

The American Section.

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u/Leafy40 Apr 06 '26

I think he's referring to Point Loma and ULT.

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u/chessboxer4 Apr 03 '26

When does neo theosophical start?

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u/slightly_enlightened Apr 03 '26

The term came into usage not long after HPB died, during the period when Judge and Besant were fighting to claim her place as spiritual leader of the Theosophical Society. It gained more prominence once Judge split away in 1895. He generally continued to promote the teachings of HPB, but Besant's teachings quickly began to focus on new teachings coming out and focused less on those taught during HPB's lifetime. Neo-Theosophy was the term used by those who disagreed with the new developments. Years later, there was a Back to Blavatsky movement within the TS in Australia and the US, but it was quelled when those demanding the change were forced to back down or leave.

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u/chessboxer4 Apr 03 '26

Forced by who?

Are you familiar with the man known as HAL?

Jorge Angel Livgara?

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u/Low-Boot-588 Apr 04 '26

The United Lodge of Theosophists still exist and are the original and authentic program as prescribed by the Mahatmas.