November 2025 Newsletter
The following articles are reproduced from the November 2025 Newsletter to members. Non-members may or may not be able to relate to the contents.
Celebrating The 150th Anniversary
of The Founding of The Theosophical Society
From H.P.B.’s own statements, both verbal and in writing, it is clear that from 1867 onwards she worked definitely under orders of the Masters. After her period of training under her own Master in Tibet (1868-1870), she was sent out by Him to initiate in the western world a revival of interest in the truths of the Ancient Wisdom. She had herself been taught certain of the facts of occultism, and the instructions given to her were to go out and “help people on to Truth”.
Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, under the direction of two Adepts, founded The Theosophical Society on 17 November 1875 in New York City, U.S.A. In December 1880, the TS Headquarters was moved to the Crow’s Nest in Bombay, India. On 19 December 1882 the TS Headquarters was established at Adyar, Madras (Chennai) where it now stands.
The TS now has 951 Lodges and 287 Study Centres in some 70 countries. It has imparted occult knowledge and influenced world views with its teachings. The modern Theosophical Society has been active for past 150 years!
Madame H. P. Blavatsky and Col. H. S. Olcott are often referred to within the theosophical circles as the ‘Outer’ founders. It is a commonly known fact that the TS was, in fact, founded through the initiative and instigation of two adept Masters, who are referred to as the ‘Inner’ founders. The ‘Inner’ founders are reverently known as the Master M. and the Master K. H., the former being the Master of H. P. B., Col. Olcott, T. Subba Row and Annie Besant; and the latter the Master of Damodar, C.W.L. and Geoffrey Hodson. Furthermore, the Master K. H. is well-known as the main correspondent of A. P. Sinnett in The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett. Students of theosophy also understand that the Master M. and the Master K. H. are also the Heads of the First and Second Rays, respectively. What may not be so well known is the fact that several other equally lofty beings also took an active interest in the formation of the TS. In the early years, before and after the founding of the TS, the ‘outer’ founders were guided and taught by various adepts. From what we could glean from the recorded history of the Society, the founders and early leaders were blessed with the guidance of the Venetian Master, Head of the Third Ray, the Master Serapis, Head of the Fourth Ray, the Master Hilarion, Head of the Fifth Ray, the Master Jesus, Head of the Sixth Ray and also the Master Rakoczy, Head of the Seventh Ray. In other words, at some time or other, all the Chohans of the Seven Rays played a part in the founding and guiding of the TS. Even more marvellous is the fact that the Mahachohan Himself took a personal interest in the TS during its infancy. Students of the Mahatma Letters will remember that the two Masters often referred to Their ‘Chief’ or The Chohan. Indeed, the Mahachohan once transmitted a wonderfully inspiring message to the world containing these words.
“The doctrine we promulgate being the only true one, must, supported by such evidence as we are preparing to give become ultimately triumphant as every other truth. Yet it is absolutely necessary to inculcate it gradually enforcing its theories, unimpeachable facts for those who know, with direct inferences deduced from and corroborated by the evidence furnished by modern exact science….”
“For our doctrines to practically react on the so called moral code or the ideas of truthfulness, purity, self-denial, charity, etc., we have to preach and popularise a knowledge of theosophy. It is not the individual and determined purpose of attaining oneself Nirvana (the culmination of all knowledge and absolute wisdom) which is, after all only an exalted and glorious selfishness, but the self-sacrificing pursuit of the best means to lead on the right path our neighbour, to cause as many of our fellow creatures as we possibly can to benefit by it, which constitutes the true Theosophist….”
“...the Theosophical Society was chosen as the corner stone, the foundation of the future religions of humanity….”
ONE FIRE
A documentary film has been produced to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the founding of The Theosophical Society. This film on 150 years of Theosophy produced in Digital Cinema Package with Dolby Surround 5.1 sound system is intended for screening in cinemas.
“The path that leadeth on, is lighted by one fire – the light of daring, burning in the heart.
The more one dares, the more he shall obtain.”
The Voice of the Silence
H. P. Blavatsky
In every age, there are those who dare. Those whose hearts burn with a fire that cannot be extinguished.
In 1875, in a dimly lit room in New York City, two seekers—Helena Blavatsky, a fearless mystic, and Henry Steel Olcott, a visionary reformer—lit a spark that would ignite minds across the world. They called it Theosophy, an ancient wisdom reborn, a path beyond dogma, beyond borders, beyond illusion.
For 150 years, Theosophy has whispered an ancient truth: we are not separate, but sparks of the same eternal flame. But Theosophy is more than philosophy—it has shaped the world in ways many have forgotten. From the arts to music, from science to politics, from education to philosophy, its influence burns brightly in the great movements of history. Join us on a journey through time and across continents to uncover the forgotten teachings and voices of seekers—past and present—that have ignited minds, sparked revolutions, and reshaped our understanding of reality itself.
Today, Blavatsky’s seminal work, The Secret Doctrine, once dismissed as mystical speculation, finds surprising echoes in quantum physics, cosmology, and consciousness studies.
In an age of fragmentation, ONE FIRE reminds us of the eternal truths that transcend religion, science, and culture. As humanity searches for meaning amidst chaos, this film offers a bridge — between past and future, mysticism and science, soul and cosmos.
Filmed in part at Adyar, the Theosophical Society’s international headquarters in India, ONE FIRE unfolds with beautiful, dreamy imagery that evokes the contemplative heart of the movement. A poetic and soul stirring meditation on daring, vision, and timeless wisdom, it celebrates the enduring spark that continues to inspire seekers around the world.
From New York to London to Amsterdam to Brussels to Chennai, ONE FIRE rekindles a truth the world is ready to remember.
The fire has never been extinguished. It only waits for us to awaken.
In 1875 the Theosophical Society was founded. Now, 150 years later, we honor this milestone and revisit Blavatsky’s legacy with cinematic reverence and philosophical depth.
This documentary is produced to celebrate the history, teachings, and ongoing global impact of the Theosophical movement.
Our 150th Anniversary Bash
We shall celebrate over two days. We welcome all members, including past members, to join us for our 150th Anniversary bash. Mark your calendar and come for our 150th Anniversary Party on Saturday, 15 November 2025 at 3 pm, to enjoy more food than ever and take home a surprise commemorative gift. Then go to GV cinema at Bugis+ on Sunday, 16 November 2025 at 2 pm for the private screening and Asian premiere of ONE FIRE. Come and watch this full feature documentary film on 150 years of Theosophy in the comfort of a GV cinema with Dolby Surround 5.1 sound system and be awed. Apply for free tickets and collect them at our 150th Anniversary Party. Reply to this email and tell us how many tickets you need. As cinema seating is limited, it will be on a first come, first served basis.