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vol. title: Vol Four of The Theosophical Society of The Arya Samaj of Arya-wart vol. period: Sept 1878 – Sept 1879 pages in vol.: 350 |
Prospectus.
The rapid growth of the Theosophical Society—a body which was organized at New-York, United States of America, in 1875, to promote the study of the universal arcane philosophy, and especially the secret sciences of Oriental nations—and the transfer of its executive offices to Bombay, render necessary the publication of the present journal. While the chief officers of the Society were in America, it was always easy to secure from an enterprising and attentive public press, as wide a circulation as could be desired for anything of importance that they had to say. But in India the case is different, and six months of experience have shown that the best interests of the Society demand the publication of a journal of its own. Besides, the correspondence between the Executive and the Society’s branches in various European countries, and with the Aryan, Buddhist, Parsi, and Jain scholars who take a deep interest in its work and are anxious to aid it, has so increased that, without such a channel as the Theosophist, it will be extremely difficult to keep the communication unbroken.
With no wish to undervalue the services which have been rendered to the world, during the past fifty years, by the eminent men, who, through learned societies, and in their individual capacities as travellers, authors, professors, journalists and lecturers, have disclosed so much about ancient Eastern religion, philosophy, science, archæology and philology, the Theosophical Society, nevertheless, believes that it has found a most important field of exploration hitherto unoccupied. It is that of the secret wisdom concealed under the popular and often repulsive myths of the nations of antiquity; the philosophical origin of much that is now considered as foolish superstitions; the key, in short, to all that appears upon the unattractive surface. One need only glance at the contradictory explanations of the wisest Western scholars as to the literature, inscriptions, monuments and traditions of the East, to perceive that they have been misled by the dead letter of appearances and their inability to discover the hidden spirit which has been covered over—and so long lost, except from the sight of a few privileged souls. It is also evident that many of them have shown a disposition to disparage the knowledge of modern educated natives of their ancestral history and beliefs, and to belittle their capability to assist in the labours of science. The pandits and priests of India, Ceylon, China and other Eastern countries have been chilled by an assumption of haughty superiority; and, it is said, sometimes exasperated by the mistranslation, and misconception of their most revered writings. The charge is also made that precious works entrusted to Western hands as a temporary loan have disappeared, or been mutilated, under the pretext of accident; and that, in alleged translations, vital passages have been deliberately suppressed through interested motives. One reason for the establishment of the Theosophist is that native Oriental scholars may have a channel through which they can claim from an enlightened age a just verdict upon the true merits of the religions, philosophies, sciences, and arts that their ancestors bequeathed to mankind. That there has been very little hearty co-operation between them and Western Orientalists should cause no surprise when it is remembered that they could not enter the society of many Europeans on those terms of equality to which they felt that their learning, and dignity of ancestral lineage entitle them. When their help has been asked it has often been made to appear that they were receiving a favor rather than conferring one; and European professors in Sanskrit and the vernacular tongues, have not scrupled to affirm that Europeans alone were competent to explain the meaning of their authors. The organization of the Theosophical Society was a protest against this spirit, and the founders of the present journal declare their veneration for the ancient sages of all religions, and respect and brotherly affection for all their worthy modern representatives.
The key to what is mystical and baffling in ancient philosophy, mythology, psychology and folk-lore, is in the possession of men of this class; who, being in sympathy with the objects of the Society, and some of them its Fellows, have intimated their willingness to reveal much that under ordinary conditions is inaccessible.
The Theosophist will abstain from all political discussion, such being entirely outside the limits of its plan. The social, mental and moral conditions of the present generation as compared with those of their ancestors offer, however, an ample field for intelligent criticism, and will receive attention. The paper will always cordially support and ask European and American sympathy for every effort by the native governments, as well as European, to spread education, introduce useful arts, and better the condition of the native population. To this end, it will lay before its Eastern subscribers the latest news about important discoveries, improvements and inventions.
For a number of years different Governments have been searching for ancient manuscripts with which to enrich their national libraries and museums, and while many have been found, far more are believed to remain undiscovered.
A recent report of the Royal Asiatic Society, speaking of the collection of Hindu works, observed that:—“Many parts of the Dekkan, however, have up to this time remained completely unexplored, and still promise a plentiful harvest to future investigators; although, in many cases, it will, no doubt, require the utmost care to overcome the suspicion and superstitions of the Brahmans. Of the Namburis in Malabar, for instance, a most interesting, though very retired and secluded class of Brahmans, we know next to nothing; yet they are said to be staunch followers of the Vedic religion, and to have in their possession a great many old Vedic MSS.” These manuscripts are in the safe keeping of guardians whose fidelity to their trust is beyond the reach of temptation. But there is reason to hope and believe that, from time to time, translations and perhaps facsimiles of them, will be given through the pages of this journal.
Among the Western fellows of the Theosophical Society who will contribute to these columns, are eminent literary and scientific men, authors, journalists and professors fully competent to treat upon the topics above enumerated.
Among the Eastern, the names of the distinguished Swami, Daya Nand Saraswati, Pandit Founder of the Arya Samaj, and Supreme Chief of the Theosophical Society of the Arya Samaj, our Vedic Branch; of the erudite High Priest of Adam’s Peak, Ceylon, and President of the Sanskrit, Pali and Elu College of Colombo, Rev. H. Sumangala; and the Eminent Buddhist controversialist, the Rev. Mohattiwatte Gunananda; (both Councillors of the Society); of the learned High Priest of Sylalinbarana Vihare, at Dodandowa, the Rev. Piyaratana Tissa Terunanse; and others of distinction, indicate the very high order of Oriental Scholarship that will contribute to the instruction of the Theosophist’s subscribers. Translations of important Sanskrit and Pali works, hitherto beyond reach, will form a leading feature of the journal. The attempt of Swami Daya Nand Saraswati to revive the pure monotheistic philosophy of the Aryans, and the plan and purposes of the Arya Samaj movement, will receive the attention they deserve; as will, also, the reformatory endeavors of the Brahmo, Prarthana, and other Hindu Society, some of whose most respected leaders will we hope contribute.
The Theosophist will be a journal of not less than 20 pages; royal quarto size; double columns; printed in large, clear type, on the best English paper; and will appear at the beginning of every month. The subscription prices will be as follows:—To subscribers in any part of India, Rs. 6 per annum; in Ceylon, Rs. 7; in the Straits Settlements, China, Japan, and Australia, Rs. 8; in Europe and the United States, Rs. 10. The above rates include postage. No name will be entered on the books or paper sent until the money is remitted; and the paper will be invariably discontinued at the expiration of the term subscribed for. Remittances should be made in Money-orders, Hundis, Bill cheques (or Treasury bills, if in registered letters), and made payable to the Proprietors of the Theosophist, 108, Girgaum Back Road, Bombay, India.
As few extra copies will be printed, persons who wish to secure a complete file should forward their subscriptions by the 15th of September at latest.
Correspondence (which may be in Hindi, Guzerati, Marathi, or in any modern European language) will be welcomed from any qualified person who is interested in the work of the journal, and, if suitable, will be carefully translated, edited and published.
 …—toes and all—at his peril.[3]
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 Subscribers[5]
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 Disappointed Subscriber
Too late![7] |
Editor's notes
- ↑ Prospectus. by Olcott, H. S. (signed as Henry S. Olcott), Deccan Star, The, Sunday, July 27, 1879. The separately pasted lower-middle fragment belongs to the same prospectus and precedes the final subscription paragraphs.
- ↑ Theosophical Society Meets Here. by unknown author
- ↑ Probably in HPB’s handwriting; the attribution is not certain.
- ↑ Subscribers. by unknown author
- ↑ Probably in HPB’s handwriting; the attribution is not certain.
- ↑ Disappointed Subscriber. Too late! by unknown author
- ↑ Probably in HPB’s handwriting; the attribution is not certain.