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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 |
The executive committee of the Theosophical Society, whose head quarters are now established in Bombay, have issued a prospectus of a monthly journal to be conducted by Madame Blavatsky, the authoress of that ponderous and remarkable book, “Isis Unveiled.”
The prospectus is ably written, and is calculated to whet the appetite of Oriental scholars and all interested in Oriental philosophy, history, psychology, literature, and art. It is stated that many contributors, who are acknowledged authorities on the several subjects to be treated, have been secured, and it is anticipated that the journal will become both influential and informing upon the vast field of knowledge it undertakes to explore. A few sentences in the prospectus are of sufficient interest to be extracted here.
“The Theosophical Society 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.”
We have read with much interest the prospectus of a monthly Journal, the Theosophist. The object of the journal “is to give information” as Col. Olcott writes to a friend in Calcutta “about Yoge Vidya and other matters which the ancient Hindoos bequeathed to an ungrateful posterity.” Translations of important Sanskrit and Pali works, hitherto beyond reach, will form a leading feature of the journal. The journal will be conducted by Madame H. P. Blavatsky of the Theosophical Society, Bombay. This is a sufficient guarantee of its being conducted with great ability and erudition. Those who have read Madame Blavatsky’s “Isis Unveiled” cannot but have the highest admiration for her massive intellect and vast experience in all that pertains to occult science. But, besides Madame Blavatsky, many distinguished writers in India and Ceylon as well as in Europe have promised their contributions to the journal. We hope the journal will be largely subscribed to by our countrymen to whom it will be a specially interesting reading. Those who wish to know further particulars about the projected publication, should write to Col. H. S. Olcott, of the Theosophical Society, 108, Girgaum Back Road, Bombay.
The following paragraph from the Prospectus of the Theosophist noticed in our last will shew in detail, the programme that the promoters have laid out for themselves:—
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, set over native pandits to instruct native youth 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 promoters have secured the services of a galaxy of talent which promise well for the success of this important undertaking. Of the Hindu philosophers who have promised to contribute prominent mention is made of the names of Daya Nand Saraswati, Pundit; 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, the Rev. H. Sumangala; and the Eminent Buddist controversialist, the Rev. Mohattiwatte Gunananda; (both Councillors of the Society); of the learned High Priest of Sylalinbarana Vihare, at Dodandown, the Rev. Piyaratana Tissa Terunanse.
Editor's notes
- ↑ The executive committee... by unknown author, Indian Herald, The, Allahabad, Monday, August 11, 1879
- ↑ The “Theosophist” a Success...... by unknown author
- ↑ We have read with... by unknown author, Amrita Bazar Patrika, The, Friday, July 25, 1879
- ↑ The following paragraph... by unknown author, Amrita Bazar Patrika, The, Thursday, July 31, 1879