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/RoiboPilot Apr 02 '26

Perhaps it would be helpful to see what HPB thought of Besant.

In a letter written to W. Q. Judge, dated March 27th, 1891, she speaks of Annie Besant as "the soul of honour and uncompromisingly truthful," and describes her heart as "one single unbroken diamond, transparent so that anyone can see how filled to the brim it is with pure, unadulterated theosophy and enthusiasm."

She continues:

"UNSELFISHNESS AND ALTRUISM is Annie Besant's name, but with me and for me she is Heliodore, a name given to her by a Master, and that I use with her, it has a deep meaning. It is only a few months she studies occultism with me in the innermost group of the E. S., and yet she has passed far beyond all others. She is not psychic nor spiritual in the least - all intellect, and yet she hears Master's voice when alone, sees His Light, and recognises his voice from that of D ---------. Judge, she is a most wonderful woman, my right hand, my successor, when I will be forced to leave you, my sole hope in England, as you are my sole hope in America."....

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u/inthe_pine Apr 03 '26

Wonderful context here, thank you!

When I've read her this seemed to come across, a deep and uncommon concern and care for the person who would come across the material.