Report on the annual gathering of the “Theosophical Society (I. V. T.) in Germany” on Pentecost 1901 in Leipzig.
By Arthur Weber[1]
Translation from German by Robert Hutwohl
This document incorporates live notes. Click on a superscripted endnote number in the text to jump to its corresponding endnote; click on the superscripted endnote numeral in the endnotes to return to the original text reference.
The “Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany” held its annual general meeting on Whit Monday, May 27th, in the hall of the “Pomona” in Leipzig.
After Mr. Edwin Böhme, on behalf of the Executive Committee, had opened the meeting and welcomed the delegates and all other attendees, Dr. Schneider took over the management of the meeting, read out the list of the twenty voting delegates who had arrived from Fürstenwalde, Cottbus, Halle a. S., Magdeburg, Kötzschenbroda, Alsleben and Leipzig, and announced the names of the guests who had come from Amsterdam, Zaandam (Holland), Berlin, Magdeburg, Dresden, Halle a. S. and Leipzig.
The undersigned (Arthur Weber) was then given the floor to read the letters of welcome and telegrams presented.
The following were received:
From Rifredi near Florence, a letter of greeting from Dr. Franz Hartmann arrived, in which, as various circumstances prevented him from attending the convention in person, he extended his greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the assembled members and all friends of the Enlightenment[2]; furthermore
Letters of welcome from the theosophical local societies in Nuremberg and Altendorf (Rhineland), from the “Theosophical Society in Dresden”, as well as from the theosophical societies in Vienna and Graz;
Telegrams from Mr. Paul Zillmann in Grosslichterfelde on behalf of the “Forest Lodge”, from the “Theosophical Society in Prague”, from the friends of the theosophical movement in Flensburg, from Robert Vorbach (Gablonz on the Neisse) and from the “Theosophical Society in Sweden”;
Greetings from Miss Marie Ritter (Breslau), Mr. Otto Gebhardi (Danzig) and Miss Elisabeth Pfähler (Bromberg).
Thomas Green (London) greeted the annual meeting on behalf of the “Theosophical Society in England” with a friendly letter which expressed, among other things, the following:
“ . . . The historical development of the Theosophical Movement during the past 26 years offers a wealth of instruction for all who are in contact with its soul. The outward form of the movement corresponds to the personality of the individual, but its inner essence, which has remained unchanged from the beginning, corresponds to the Karana-Sharira, or causal body, within the individual. The few in whom the soul of the Theosophical Movement lives constitute the true “Theosophical Society.” Many have indeed signed declarations of accession and received membership certificates, but such outward accession signifies nothing more than that the person in question promises to transform their life of thought and feeling, as well as their conduct, according to the principles of tolerance, freedom, and compassion, and thus to live according to the ideal of universal brotherhood.”
Friends! We should remember that the “personality” of the Theosophical Movement is subject to constant change, that all external conditions in the Theosophical Society can only have the duration determined for them, and that the great law of balance, which we call Karma, provides for all things and people.
Wherever in the world good and sincere people seek to serve theosophical endeavors to the best of their understanding, we wish them all the best, even if they prefer to work in an organization other than ours, and simply ensure that we fulfill our duty. No party or society, despite all attempts, can appropriate theosophy, its ideas, and symbols. H. P. Blavatsky dedicated “The Secret Doctrine” to those truly striving for theosophy, regardless of their background or race.
For us, who seek to continue the work begun by H. P. Blavatsky, it is of particular importance to understand our own task. We want to let others do what they consider their duty within their organizations, without interfering.
The first part of our work concerns our inner life. There we have to keep “fresh and flowing the sweet waters that spring from Sumeru,[3] the stream of hard-won knowledge, of heaven-born wisdom, so that the bitter waters of the ocean may become sweeter—the mighty sea of sorrow formed from the tears of men.”
The second work concerns our fellow human beings, without distinction of race, gender, creed, or social standing. Among them, we are to spread the sublime ideas of the “Secret Doctrine” and thereby assist those who strive to embark on the path to self-knowledge.
Finally, we have a living Theosophical Society that can naturally form from those who are united in goal, aspiration, and purpose, so that the work begun by H. P. B. can be continued by those who come after us in the direction indicated by the founders.
This, friends, is our view, and we are taking this opportunity to explain it to you.
May the light of the ONE Master be effective in your deliberations.
Then Mr. Carl Weps (Cottbus) took the floor to convey the greetings of the “Theosophical Society in Cottbus” and to explain the activities of the Society he represented.
Mr. Heinrich Neuschäffer (Halle a. S.), as delegate of the “Theosophical Society in Halle”, gave a picture of the movement initiated there and explained the sublime principles of the theosophical mission.
The editor of the monthly journal “Theosophisches Leben,” Mr. Paul Raatz (Berlin), then spoke about the “Theosophical Society, Berlin Branch,” of which he is chairman, and explained that it was sympathetic to the “Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany.” He pointed out that belonging to this or that external organization was secondary, while the recognition of the essential unity of all things—the theosophical life—was paramount.
Greetings from Holland were finally brought by Mr. Jan Hoving (Amsterdam).
The general meeting then moved on to the second item on the agenda. Dr. Julius Schneider gave the floor to the undersigned to present the annual report, from which the following was mentioned:
“The Executive Committee of the Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany has the task of being a central office in Germany for those who wish to learn about the nature and aims of theosophical endeavors and who wish to dedicate themselves to the enlightenment and refinement of humankind on the basis of the knowledge of the unity of being in everything.”
It contradicts the spirit of the Theosophical Society and its statutes to directly promote the organization. Therefore, the Executive Committee has not invited any association to join the Theosophical Society in Germany. We know that those individuals and associations who recognize the highest ideal not in doctrines, theories, and opinions, but in the unity of being as the spiritual foundation of all existence, will eventually join the Society. Membership remains at the discretion of each individual association. The realization of the idea of unity in life depends not on a large number of members, but on the spirit of knowledge and purity of heart. A few earnest and insightful members can do more for enlightenment than a large number of those who lack insight.
Last year, Mr. Edwin Böhme again gave lectures in several cities in Germany and Austria, introducing the fundamental teachings of the occult worldview. A vibrant seed has been sown in many places, which will surely sprout and bear fruit in due time. We hope that, in time, vibrant theosophical centers will be established in many more locations throughout Germany, actively contributing to enlightenment through the organization of public lectures and discussions, the founding of public libraries, and the dissemination of theosophical literature. As soon as funds become available to the Executive Committee, it will organize public lectures in the larger German cities where local societies do not yet exist and will initiate the establishment of theosophical libraries. However, a single initiative is generally not enough; such initiatives must be frequent and regular.
In societies other than theosophical ones, theosophical teachings currently find little receptive ground. The general public has little interest in religion and philosophy, and yet it is precisely through philosophy and ethics that the civilized peoples of the West can be raised to a higher level.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the “Theosophical Society”, the Executive Committee sent two articles, as well as the statutes, to over 1000 German newspapers.
The pamphlets “Theosophy: Clarification Regarding What Theosophy Is and What It Is Not,” and “Thoughts on Theosophy and the Theosophical Society” were distributed in 2,500 and 4,000 copies respectively, which had been provided to the office of the “Theosophical Society in Leipzig.” The former pamphlet, along with its official announcement, was also distributed by the societies in Cottbus and Vienna, and the latter by those in Dresden, Halle (Oder), Nuremberg, and Cottbus.
This year, the Executive Committee again endeavored to maintain contact not only with allied and affiliated local societies in Germany, but also with theosophical societies abroad. Several of these were regularly informed about the state of the movement in the German states. Invitations to the annual meeting were sent to these foreign societies, as well as to all theosophical associations and lodges in Germany and Austria.
The “Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany” stands above all party and sectarianism and does not take a hostile position towards any theosophical society at home or abroad.
An organizational link between theosophical societies is certainly desirable, but by no means absolutely necessary. The essence of a theosophical society lies not in the uniformity of its organization, that is, not in centralization, but in the realization of its purpose, namely, the recognition of the unity of being in all existence as the foundation of universal human brotherhood. The organization is the shell, the spirit of unity the essential core, without which the “Theosophical Society,” despite its name, would be just one of countless sects.
The Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany is neither spiritually nor outwardly separate from other theosophical societies. It is prepared to cooperate with any association that pursues the same goal and is based on the same free, undogmatic, and universal foundation. For us, therefore, there is no division or disagreement.
The Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany currently comprises the Theosophical Lodge in Altendorf (Rhineland), as well as local societies in Cottbus, Halle an der Saale, Leipzig, and Nuremberg. Last year, the societies in Cottbus and Halle joined the Federation. The affiliated societies have a total of 169 members.
the T. L. “Kreuz-Ring” in Altendorf has 16 members,
the T. G. in Cottbus has 12 members,
the T. G. in Halle a. S. has 6 members,
the T. G. in Leipzig has 125 members,
the T. G. in Nuremberg has 10 members
The following information is taken from the annual reports of the local associations:
The “Theosophical Lodge Kreuz-Ring in Altendorf (Rhineland)” organized nineteen lecture evenings in 1900. The library contains 67 volumes. A private theosophical reading circle has formed in Essen (Ruhr).
The “Theosophical Society in Cottbus” holds a public reading and discussion evening every Wednesday at the “Weisses Ross” establishment. Detailed reports on the lectures and presentations have been regularly published in the Cottbus local newspaper. The society’s library comprises 90 volumes. The public has been repeatedly invited to use the library, both at the meetings and through advertisements in local newspapers.
The “Theosophical Society in Halle a. S.” has existed since March 30, 1901. Public lectures are held there every Saturday in the Thalysia. The discussions were usually very lively. The library was also used extensively.
The “Theosophical Society in Nuremberg” organized 45 public lecture and discussion evenings between May 1, 1900, and April 30, 1901. The library comprises approximately 100 volumes. A copy of the Theosophical Guide is available in each of the two public reading rooms, in the Pomona, and in the Café National (meeting place).
The “Theosophical Society in Leipzig” held 55 public meetings with lectures and discussions last year, which were attended by an average of 60 people. The meeting place is the Pomona, Kurprinzstrasse 3, 1. Books were borrowed 850 times from the Theosophical People’s Library, which comprises approximately 450 volumes.
May the local societies of the “Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany” continue to stand together faithfully and support one another! Then the Federation will continue to develop steadily and securely. Every local society faces certain difficulties at the beginning, but these will surely be overcome through insight, tolerance, and patience. The successes of our work do not lie in the present.
The mission of the “Theosophical Society” is to show humanity the path to self-knowledge, so that it may strive towards perfection with full awareness of its purpose in life.—
To supplement the annual report, Mr. Edwin Böhme first made some announcements regarding his lecture tours. Between Pentecost 1900 and Pentecost 1901, he gave one lecture each in 10 locations (Weisswasser, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Fürstenwalde, Berkowitz near Dresden, Hanover, Berlin, Königsberg (East Prussia), Marienwerder, Bromberg), two lectures each in 5 cities (Magdeburg, Dresden, Frankfurt an der Oder, Hamburg, Breslau), three lectures each in Cottbus, Prague, and Graz, and five lectures each in Vienna, Danzig, and Halle an der Saale, totaling 44 lectures in 21 cities. Theosophical societies exist in 8 of the visited locations (Berlin, Cottbus, Dresden, Graz, Halle an der Saale, Hanover, Prague, Vienna), and (private) theosophical circles in 5 of them (Hamburg, Bremen, Breslau, Fürstenwalde, Bromberg). The friends of the theosophical movement in Danzig (Theosophical Reading Circle) regularly organize reading and discussion evenings and provide the public with a library of approximately 320 volumes.
Regarding international relations, it was also mentioned that the proclamation and declaration of sympathy, sent out (in English) by decision of the previous General Assembly, had been received favorably by the Theosophical Societies in England, Norway, and Amsterdam, as well as by the editors of the Philadelphia-based journal “Prophet.” The journal “Mimer” (the organ of the Theosophical Societies in Norway and Sweden) published a translation of the proclamation. The Theosophical Society in America had previously published a similar declaration of sympathy.
The “Theosophical Guide” is sent to 32 foreign addresses, sometimes free of charge, sometimes in exchange for journals. A summary of the published issues and a short report on the Theosophical movement in Germany and Austria, in English, are included quarterly.
During the London Convention of the “European Section of the Theosophical Society (Headquarters: Adyar)” in July 1900, Mr. Böhme had the opportunity to present the following information to Mrs. Annie Besant about the Theosophical Society and its organizations:
From the first organization, formed in New York in 1875, several independent organizations have developed (the Theosophical Society in America, England, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Australia), which use the name, seal, and motto of the “Theosophical Society.”
These societies consider it characteristic of a Theosophical Society that they adhere to the original purpose of forming the core of a brotherhood encompassing all humanity. The organizations are merely means to this end. Membership in the first organization is not necessary for the authenticity of a “Theosophical Society.”
If one considers membership in a particular organization as necessary and essential, the following consequences arise:
-
- A specific form (organization) is monopolized and prescribed. The dogma is thus established: “This is the true organization.” Furthermore, the witnesses to the historical development of this organization are thereby elevated to the status of authorities, which contradicts the purpose and constitution of the Theosophical Society.
- The Society positions itself in opposition to other organizations and no longer represents the universal, but something particular.
- There is a real danger that membership in a specific organization will be considered not only a necessity, but even the most essential thing, and that people will believe they become Theosophists simply by registering their name on the Society’s membership list.
However, if one assumes that the essential element lies solely in the Theosophical spirit, in brotherhood and tolerance—that is, in the purpose of the Theosophical Society—the following consequences arise:
-
- Founding: The persons, time, and place of the founding, as well as its historical development, do not relate to the essence of the Theosophical Society, but only to its external organization; therefore, they are irrelevant.
- Name, Seal, and Motto: Every society that strives for theosophical brotherhood in accordance with the original constitution, i.e., in the spirit of the “Theosophical Society,” has the right to use the name, seal, and motto. The theosophical character of a society is not conferred or acquired externally by a charter, but arises from its inner spirit.
Name, seal, and motto are to be considered expressions of the theosophical character of a society and cannot be monopolized by a single organization.
On the contrary, it is desirable that many theosophical organizations use this name, this seal, and this sublime motto as expressions of their common purpose, which constitutes the unifying principle.
III. Independent Organizations: The existence of several independent organizations within the great, eternal, spiritual “Theosophical Society” is
-
- a) permissible; for the spirit of fraternity is the main thing, the organization secondary, merely a means to an end,
- b) necessary; for views regarding the method of theosophical work are—corresponding to the different stages of development of individuals and nations—different and must find their individual expression and free development in different organizations (working groups),
- c) advantageous; for this renders affiliation with a particular organization irrelevant and reduces the danger of ossification into a single church,
- d) welcome; Because independence is a sign and a source of strength.
The spiritual life of the “Theosophical Society” can manifest itself in many forms, and these can organize themselves freely and independently.
The “Theosophical Society in Germany” does not wish to be entangled in the historical development of any other specific organization and therefore does not wish to be incorporated into the “Theosophical Society (Headquarters: Adyar).” Instead, it seeks to cooperate with the Theosophical Society while fully maintaining its independence. We wish to work in harmony with all Theosophical organizations because this alone corresponds to the sublime primary purpose of the “Theosophical Society.”
Following these announcements supplementing the annual report, Mr. Georg Priem dealt with the third item on the agenda by presenting the treasurer’s report.
The income (contributions from local associations, voluntary contributions, etc.) amounted to: 282.13 marks.
The expenses (for drafting the bylaws, holding the general meeting, etc.) amounted to: 222.95 marks.
Therefore, a cash balance of 59.18 marks remains.
The treasurer’s report, a copy of which had been received by the affiliated local associations, was audited by Messrs. Paul Ettig and Döring and found to be correct. At the auditors’ request, the treasurer, Mr. Georg Priem, was granted discharge.
To cover the costs of the lecture tours undertaken by Mr. Böhme in the past club year, 641.69 M. were paid into the “Fund for Lecture Tours” by friends of theosophical endeavors [in Danzig 150 M., Breslau 90 M., Vienna 67 M., etc.] and all but 11.27 M. were spent.
The next item on the agenda was the election of officials.
At the request of Mr. Fischer, Messrs. Priem, Rudolph, Ziegner (Cottbus), and the undersigned were elected or re-elected to replace Mr. Paul Drittler (Nuremberg), who died on May 3, 1901, and Messrs. Georg Priem, H. Rudolph, and Arthur Weber, who were retiring from the Executive Committee in accordance with the statutes. Mr. Böhme dedicated an obituary to the deceased, loyal employee, Mr. Paul Drittler.
The business committee then constituted itself as follows:
Dr. Franz Hartmann, Corresponding Member,
Arthur Weber, Chairman,
Edwin Böhme, Managing Director,
Georg Priem, Treasurer,
Dr. Julius Schneider, Secretary,
Hermann Rudolph, Archivist,
Karl Wachtelborn, Fürstenwalde (Spree), Member,
Otto Ziegner, Cottbus, Member
The Executive Committee appointed Mr. Edwin Böhme as the representative of the “Theosophical Society in Germany” to foreign organizations, and Messrs. Hermann Rudolph, Dr. Julius Schneider, and Georg Priem as members of the Audit Committee. The local society in Cottbus was responsible for auditing the accounts for the new fiscal year 1901/1902.
The ensuing discussion on means of promoting the Theosophical movement was introduced by the reading of an “Appeal” in which the “Theosophical Society, Berlin Branch,” starting from the premise that “fragmentation and disunity” prevailed within the “Theosophical Society,” cordially called for harmonious cooperation. Mr. Paul Raatz (Berlin), the chairman of the aforementioned association, explained that this appeal aimed less at the formation of an external, unified organization (centralization) than at fostering an internal sense of unity and unity based on a common primary purpose. In the further course of the discussion, it was explained that the existence of various organizations and working groups did not, in itself, imply a division and fragmentation within the Theosophical Society. In truth, no separation exists in the universe except in human consciousness. Those who, standing on the foundation of the Theosophical Society and living in the awareness of the unity of being, see in all events only the workings of the universal law of necessity, harmony, and unity. The Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany is not hostile to any other organization; nor does it impose its services on anyone. If a local association desires an orderly union with other local societies while fully preserving its independence, it need only align itself with the free foundation of the Theosophical Society (I. T. V.) in Germany, which is laid out in detail in its statutes and is a “League of Theosophical Associations and Societies of Germany, a free association for the realization of international Theosophical brotherhood.”
Among other things, Mr. Rudolph then mentioned that the publication of a yearbook of the Theosophical Society in Germany, which would contain the report on the annual meeting, the lectures given on that occasion, and the reports of the local societies, as well as the establishment of a mission fund for organizing lecture tours, should be pursued. Active participation in the dissemination of the “Theosophical Guide” is desirable. Furthermore, it would be advisable that the formation of a “Theosophical Seminar,” which systematically introduces occult doctrine through question and answer, as has existed for some time in Leipzig, be initiated in other cities as well.
After the General Assembly had adopted the motion to leave the determination of the place and time of the next Annual Meeting and the decision as to whether a congress of theosophical societies should be held in conjunction with it to the Executive Committee, it unanimously resolved to send a telegram of greeting to the patron of the theosophical movement, Dr. Franz Hartmann, and to renew the “Proclamation and Declaration of Sympathy” adopted by the Fourth General Assembly, by which the “Theosophical Society (ITS) in Germany,” emphasizing its free foundation and its entirely non-sectarian character, extends its hand of support to all religious bodies, ethical associations, and scientific societies, and offers its services to all men and women, regardless of their class, nationality, or religious community, provided that their endeavors are directed toward promoting benevolence toward all beings and toward attaining and disseminating a worldview that serves the elevation and spiritual and moral progress of humanity.
In the third hour of the afternoon, Mr. Böhme closed the general meeting with a few words pointing to the responsible task of fulfilling our individual duty.
“Do honor to your master; O journeyman, build right!
As he has taken the measure, take the trowel, build right!
Don’t ask your fellow journeymen how they may build—
Let the master see to that, build your place right!”
The public lectures held on Whit Monday evening in the hall of the “Fürstenhof” on the occasion of the annual meeting covered the following topics:
“There is no religion higher than the truth” and
“About our strength?”
were received with great interest by the greater audience.
Arthur Weber.
Notes:
[1] Report on the annual gathering of the “Theosophical Society (I. V. T.) in Germany” on Pentecost 1901 in Leipzig. By Arthur Weber. Theosophischer Wegweiser 3, no. 9 (June 1901), 257-270 [Bericht über die Jahresversammlung der “Theosophischen Gesellschaft (I. V. T.) in Deutschland” zu Pfingsten 1901 in Leipzig.] [Translation from the German by Robert Hutwohl, ©2025]
[2] The main content of this letter can be found on pages 241 to 249. [R. H.—Dr. Hartmann’s letter was not printed in the present Volume 3.]
[3] Mount Meru, the sacred mountain of the gods (Editor’s note).