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{{Theosophy}}
{{Theosophy|summary=true}}
[[File:ULT Logo.jpg|ULT Logo|thumb|left|United Lodge of Theosophists Logo]]
[[File:Theosophicalseal.svg|thumb|United Lodge of Theosophists Logo]]
The '''United Lodge of Theosophists''' or '''ULT''' is an informal and wholly voluntary association of students of [[Theosophy (Blavatskian)|Theosophy]]. It was founded in 1909, mainly through the efforts of [[Robert Crosbie]].{{sfn|Lewis|2002}} The first parent lodge of the ULT was started in Los Angeles by Robert Crosbie and seven other associates through the adoption of its [http://www.ultindia.org/declaration.html Declaration] on February 18, 1909.{{sfn|SharmaSharma|2004}} Owing largely to the revival efforts of [[B.P. Wadia]] {{sfn|Lewis|2002}} after Crosbie's death, there are currently about twenty active lodges spread all over the world.{{sfn|Campbell|1980|p=177}} The ULT is considered to be part of the second generation {{sfn|HammerRothstein|2013}} or the third section {{sfn|SharmaSharma|2004}} of the [[Theosophical Society|Theosophical Movement]] started in 1875 by [[H.P. Blavatsky]] in New York. Presently, it is also one of the existing four main "branches" of the original Theosophical Movement.{{sfn|Akman|2015}} The following founding principles {{sfn|Crosbie|1945}} when taken as a whole, sets apart the ULT from the other Theosophical Organizations:
'''The United Lodge of Theosophists''', or '''ULT''', was founded in 1909<ref name="theosophical_movement">[http://www.phx-ult-lodge.org/theosophica%20lmovement.htm The Theosophical Movement 1875 -1950] The Cunningham Press Publication 1951.</ref> by a [[Theosophical Society Pasadena|Theosophical Society]] member, [[Robert Crosbie]] (1849–1919). Crosbie wanted to focus exclusively on the literature left behind by [[H.P. Blavatsky]] and [[William Quan Judge]].
{{ordered list|type=lower-roman
| Recognition of [[W.Q. Judge]] as H.P. Blavatsky's colleague and co-worker from the beginning and hence as one of the original founders of the Theosophical Movement
| Exclusive adherence to the unaltered works of H.P. Blavatsky and W.Q. Judge along with only those other works that are philosophically in consonance with the aforementioned
| Rejection of any other "authorities" in the form of "leaders" or "teachers" and reference to all of its associates as "students" with emphasis on self-reliance
| Absence of organizational elements such as constitution, by-laws or officers and complete reliance on the "similarity of aim, purpose and teaching," as the only basis of unity
| Anonymity of living persons who write on behalf of ULT to protect against exaltation of personalities and self-advertising
}}


ULT Los Angeles publishes the [http://theosophycompany.org/pubs.html ''Theosophy Magazine''] which was started by Robert Crosbie in 1912. It was the revival of an earlier periodical called ''The Path'' that was edited by W.Q. Judge.{{sfn|Kuhn|1930}} ULT India publishes the ''[[Theosophical Movement Magazine]]'', founded under B.P. Wadia in 1930 in Mumbai. ULT Santa Barbara publishes a quarterly periodical called [http://www.theosophysb.org/site/publications.html Vidya], and uses [http://www.concordgrovepress.org Concord Grove Press] to publish theosophical texts including a pamphlet series on themes from ''The Secret Doctrine''. [http://www.theosophycompany.org/ The Theosophy Company] was registered in 1925 on behalf of ULT as a fiduciary agent {{sfn|Lewis|2002}} and an eleemosynary, non-profit corporation to publish photographic facsimile of the Original Editions of books by H.P. Blavatsky and W.Q. Judge.
Mr. Crosbie was a Boston Theosophist during the time of William Q. Judge. He worked very closely with Judge, enjoying his confidence. When, after Judge’s death, the members most active at the New York headquarters raised [[Katherine_Tingley | Mrs. Tingley]] to the position of Judge’s successor, Mr. Crosbie gave her his loyalty and support. About 1900 he went to Point Loma to be of what assistance he could in the work, there. However, in the course of a few years, he came to feel that nothing constructive was to be accomplished by remaining at Point Loma—that, in fact, the teachings and philosophy of Theosophy had suffered an almost complete eclipse by the methods and sensational program instituted by Mrs. Tingley—and he quietly left the Point Loma Society in 1904 and came to Los Angeles. He was without property or funds, having given all his worldly possessions to the work of the Movement. He secured work in Los Angeles and gradually began to gather around him a few students—most of them entirely new to Theosophy—to undertake once more the task of promulgating Theosophy in the same form as originally presented by the Founders of the Movement. When, in 1909, he had been joined by a small nucleus of persons who shared this ideal, The United Lodge of Theosophists was formed to carry out the purposes in view.<ref name=theosophical_movement />


== History ==
In the many years following the passing of HPB, thousands of "changes and corrections" had been made to the original writings of HPB and Mr. Judge. Such deletions and additions were the product of prominent "post-HPB" Theosophists. In principle, a student of the Philosophy of Theosophy might wonder if these changes were made by certain individuals for their own personal aggrandizement. The ULT makes the effort to preserve and to "Spread Broadcast the original teachings of Theosophy as found in the writings of H.P. Blavatsky and William Q. Judge." The purpose of the ULT is to disseminate the Fundamental Principles of the Philosophy of Theosophy. To that end, the texts regarded as "straight line Theosophical Literature" by the ULT are generally those which are reproduced from the '''original plates''', or are '''photographic reproductions of originals'''. These are currently made available through [http://www.theosophycompany.org/ The Theosophy Company] a non-profit publishing entity for the United Lodge of Theosophists. After Crosbie's death the movement gained momentum under the leadership of [[B.P. Wadia]] (1881–1958). [[Raghavan N Iyer|Sri Raghavan Iyer]] was a prominent member of the movement until his death in 1995.
[[File:Ult-la.png|thumb|left|Artist's rendering of Theosophy Hall - United Lodge of Theosophists, Los Angeles]]
[[File:ULT_membership_card.jpg|thumb|right|The card that members sign to enroll as an associate of ULT]]


The history of ULT began with Robert Crosbie coming in contact with H.P. Blavatsky in 1887 and his subsequent association with the [[Theosophical Society]] or TS in Boston. Based on H.P. Blavatsky's instructions, he placed himself under the direct guidance of W.Q. Judge.{{sfn|SharmaSharma|2004}} Following the death of the original founders of the movement, Robert Crosbie was witness to the ensuing rivalries around "leadership", "authority" and "succession" surrounding [[Katherine Tingley]], who headed the American section and [[Annie Besant]], who headed the international section from India.{{sfn|MeltonBaumann|2010}} Initially, Robert Crosbie gave his support to Katherine Tingley and went to Point Loma in 1900 to be of assistance there. However, by 1904, he felt the original teachings of Theosophy were almost completely eclipsed by Katherine Tingley's sensational programs.{{sfn|Theosophical_Movement|1951}} Convinced that further effort was futile, he quietly left Point Loma and moved to Los Angeles. By February 1909, he had gathered around him seven individuals as part of a study group, four of whom were new to Theosophy. This nucleus, under Robert Crosbie's guidance, set to the task of restoring Theosophy along the original lines of its founders without organizational distractions.{{sfn|SharmaSharma|2004}} In the meantime, the original 1888 version of [[The Secret Doctrine]] was out of print and replaced by Annie Besant's "Third and Revised Edition". This edition was found to contain tens of thousands of alterations and major distortions.{{sfn|Akman|2015}} This and other material that diverged significantly from H.P. Blavatsky's original presentation was denominated [[Neo-Theosophy]]. Robert Crosbie denounced Neo-Theosophy and considered it along with other leadership claims and rivalries in the Theosophical Society to be the result of the accentuation of ''personality'', in the Theosophical sense of the lower or illusionary self.{{sfn|Crosbie|1945}} Hence the Declaration of the ULT was drawn to emphasize an ''impersonal'', self-reliant, non-hierarchical, non-organizational spirit and loyalty to the original founders and their ''unaltered'' message.
It is not the goal of the ULT that more people might call themselves "Theosophists", rather that the effects of the Movement will serve to "leaven the Race mind". As an effect lies in germ form deep within its cause, "Independent Devotion to the Cause of Theosophy"<ref name="ult_main_site">[http://www.ult.org/ United Lodge of Theosophists], The Main ULT Web Site.</ref> is the Policy of the ULT.


In November 1919, five months after Robert Crosbie's death, [[B.P Wadia]], a predominant member of the Theosophical Society Adyar visited America and happened to come across ULT Los Angeles. There he discovered the works of W.Q. Judge who was considered a renegade by the Theosophical Society under Annie Besant and [[Col. Olcott]].{{sfn|Kuhn|1930}} Furthermore, he found the reformation he was seeking of the Theosophical Society in ULT's Declaration of purpose and its mission of "pure Theosophy" without organizational distractions. He then went back to India with the hope of changing the attitude of the leaders of the Theosophical Society, to return to the original teachings, set right the wrong that was done to W.Q. Judge and mend the schism in the Theosophical Movement.{{sfn|Kell|1998}} Finding that his efforts were unsuccessful, he resigned from the Theosophical Society on 18 July 1922 {{snf|Wadia|1922}} and joined the ULT. Between 1922 and 1928, he stayed in America and founded ULT lodges in New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. And on his return trip to India via Europe, he established ULT lodges in Antwerp, Amsterdam, London, and Paris. Back in India, he started ULT lodges in Mumbai and Bengaluru.{{sfn|Lewis|2002}}
==Declaration==
The policy of this Lodge<ref name="ult_india_site">[http://www.ultindia.org/declaration.html United Lodge of Theosophists India], Declaration of the ULT.</ref> is independent devotion to the cause of Theosophy, without professing attachment to any Theosophical organization. It is loyal to the great Founders of the Theosophical movement, but does not concern itself with dissensions or differences of individual opinion. The work it has on hand and the end it keeps in view are too absorbing and too lofty to leave it the time or inclination to take part in side issues. That work and that end is the dissemination of the fundamental principles of the Philosophy of Theosophy, and the exemplification in practice of those principles, through a truer realization of the SELF; a profounder conviction of Universal Brotherhood.


== Active Centers ==
It holds that the unassailable basis for union among Theosophists, wherever and however situated, is "similarity of aim, purpose and teaching," and therefore has neither Constitution, By-Laws nor Officers, the sole bond between its Associates being that basis. And it aims to disseminate this idea among Theosophists in the furtherance of Unity. It regards as Theosophists all who are engaged in the true service of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, condition or organization, and
[[File:United Lodge of Theosophists building, Philadelphia - IMG 6640.JPG|thumb|United Lodge of Theosophists, Philadelphia|right]]
[[File:Theosophy Hall E72 jeh.JPG|thumb|Theosophy Hall, New York|right]]
[[File:Ult-blr.png|thumbnail|Maitri Bhavan, Bengaluru, India|right]]


The first ULT lodge founded in 1909 by Robert Crosbie :{{sfn|Kuhn|1930}}
It welcomes to its association all those who are in accord with its declared purposes and who desire to fit themselves, by study and otherwise, to be the better able to help and teach others.
* 245 West 33rd Street, LOS ANGELES, CALIF., 90007, '''USA''' ([http://www.ult-la.org Los Angeles, CA])
Founded between 1923 and 1928 under the guidance of B.P Wadia during his stay in America :{{sfn|Kell|1998}}
* 347 [[East 72nd Street]], NEW YORK, N.Y., 10021, '''USA''' ([http://www.ult.org New York, New York])
* 1917 Walnut Street, PHILADELPHIA, PENN., 19103, '''USA''' ([http://www.ultphiladelphia.org Philadelphia, PA])
* 4865 Cordell Ave., Suite 230, Bethesda, (WASHINGTON D.C.) MARYLAND 20814, '''USA''' ([http://www.ultdc.org Washington D.C.])
Established in 1928 during B.P Wadia's journey from America back to India via Europe:
* Robert Crosbie House, 62 Queen's Gardens, LONDON W2 3AH, '''ENGLAND''' ([http://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk London, England])
* Frans van Heymbeecklaan 6, DEURNE-ANTWERP B-2100, '''BELGIUM'''
* 11 bis, Rue Kepler, PARIS 75116, '''FRANCE''' ([http://www.theosophie.fr Paris, France])
First ULT lodge in India, opened on November 17, 1929 under B.P Wadia's leadership:
* Theosophy Hall, 40 NewMarine Lines, MUMBAI 400020, '''INDIA''' ([http://www.ultindia.org ULT India])
A sister lodge of the Mumbai center started in 1938 under B.P Wadia:
* Nalini Kunj, Sri Marubai Gamdevi Mandir Rd., MATUNGA, MUMBAI 400019, '''INDIA''' (Inactive)
Named "Maitri Bhavan", this lodge was started on the 12th of August 1942 by B.P Wadia:
* 4 M.N Krishna Rao Road, Basavangudi, BANGALORE 560004, '''INDIA''' ([http://www.ultindia.org ULT India])
Study centers started organically by students:
* 799 Adelaide Street N, LONDON, ONTARIO N5Y 2L8, '''CANADA''' ([https://www.theosophynorth-ult.org London, Ontario])
* Köpenhamnsvägen 13 C, 217 55 MALMÖ, '''SWEDEN''' ([http://www.teosofiskakompaniet.net Malmo, Sweden])
* 77 West Encanto Blvd., PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 85003, '''USA''' ([http://www.phx-ult-lodge.org Phoenix, AZ])
* 3766 El Cajon Blvd., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, 92105, '''USA''' ([http://www.theosophysandiego.org San Diego, CA])
* 326 West Sola Street, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, 93101, '''USA''' ([http://www.theosophysb.org Santa Barbara, CA])
* 17, Cours Henri Chabeuf, 21000 DIJON, '''FRANCE''' ([https://www.espacetheosophie.fr Dijon, France])


== References ==
:'''''"The true Theosophist belongs to no cult or sect, yet belongs to each and all."'''''<ref name=theosophical_movement />
{{Reflist|2}}


== Sources ==
The following is the form signed by Associates of the United lodge of Theosophists:


=== Unaffiliated ===
:Being in sympathy with the purposes of this Lodge, as set forth in its "Declaration," I hereby record my desire to be enrolled as an Associate, it being understood that such association calls for no obligation on my part, other than that which I, myself, determine.
* {{cite book|first=James R.|last=Lewis|title=The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lk8_ARNz-dYC&pg=PA760|year=2002|publisher=Prometheus Books, Publishers|isbn=978-1-61592-738-8|pages=760–762}}
* {{cite book|first1=Suresh K.|last1=Sharma|first2=Usha|last2=Sharma|title=Cultural and Religious Heritage of India: Cultural and religious reform movements|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kCgXY1GcGB8C&pg=PA219|year=2004|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-963-8|pages=219–238}}
* {{cite book|first=Kubilay|last=Akman|title=The Esoteric Paths: Philosophies, Teachings and Secrets|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Oc67CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA258|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-1-329-53807-8|year=2015|pages=258–262}}
* {{cite book|last1=Kuhn|first1=Alvin Boyd|title=Theosophy: a modern revival of ancient wisdom|url=https://archive.org/details/TheosophyAModernRevivalOfAncientWisdom|date=1930|publisher=Kessinger|location=Kila, MT|isbn=978-1564591753|pages=[https://archive.org/details/TheosophyAModernRevivalOfAncientWisdom/page/n182 183]–184}}
* {{cite book|first=Bruce F.|last=Campbell|title=Ancient Wisdom Revived: A History of the Theosophical Movement|date=1980|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520039681|pages=143–146}}
* {{cite book|first1=Olav|last1=Hammer|first2=Mikael|last2=Rothstein|title=Handbook of the Theosophical Current|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0VozAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA73|date=2013|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-23597-7|pages=73–75}}
* {{cite book|first1=J. Gordon|last1=Melton|first2=Martin|last2=Baumann|title=Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v2yiyLLOj88C&pg=PA2988|date=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-204-3|pages=2988}}


==ULT Centers==
=== Affiliated ===
* {{cite book|first=Robert|last=Crosbie|title=The Friendly Philosopher: Letters And Talks on Theosophy And the Theosophical Life|date=1945|publisher=Kessinger Publishing|isbn=9781417976904|edition=reprint|url=https://www.ultindia.org/books/other/fp.html|pages=406–414}}
* Sint Norbertusstraat 16, ANTWERP B-2060, '''BELGIUM'''
* {{cite book|last=Theosophical Movement|title=Theosophical Movement 1875-1950.|date=1951|publisher=Cunningham Press|location=Los Angeles|isbn=0938998145|edition=4th rev|url=https://www.ultindia.org/books/other/history.html|pages=316–318}}
* Charilaou Trikoupi 60, 3rd floor, Athens 10680, '''GREECE''' ([http://www.ultathens.gr Athens, Greece])
* {{cite web|last1=Kell|first1=Wane|title=B. P. WADIA - A Life of Service to Mankind|url=https://www.ultindia.org/home/about/bpwadia-bio-wdt.html|website=United Lodge of Theosophists, India|date=1998|publisher=Unpublished}}
* 4 Sir Krishna Rao Road, Basavangudi, BANGALORE 560004, '''INDIA''' ([http://www.ultindia.org ULT India])
* {{cite book|first=Bahman P.|last=Wadia|title=To All Fellow Theosophists and Members of the Theosophical Society. A Statement|url=https://www.ultindia.org/articles/pamphlets/bpw-resignation.html|year=1922|publisher=Unpublished}}
* No. 13, Twelfth Cross St., Indira Nagar, CHENNAI 600020, '''INDIA'''
* 17 Cour Chabeuf, DIJON 21000, '''FRANCE''' ([http://www.theosophie.asso.fr Paris, France])
* B.P. 11372, (Bassa), DOUALA, '''CAMEROUN'''
* #17 rue Charlotin Marcadieux.(Raquettes), boite Postale 107, JACMEL, '''HAITI'''
* Robert Crosbie House, 62 Queen's Gardens, LONDON W.2 3AH, '''ENGLAND''' ([http://www.ultlon.freeserve.co.uk London, England])
* 799 Adelaide Street, LONDON, ONTARIO N5Y 2L8, '''CANADA''' ([http://www.theosophycentre.com Ontario, Canada])
* 245 West 33rd Street, LOS ANGELES, CALIF., 90007, '''USA''' ([http://www.ult-la.org Los Angeles, CA])
* Kungsgatan 16 A, MALMO 211 49, '''SWEDEN''' ([http://www.teosofiskakompaniet.net Malmo, Sweden])
* Nalini Kunj, Sri Marubai Gamdevi Mandir Rd., MATUNGA, MUMBAI 400019, '''INDIA''' ([http://www.ultindia.org ULT India])
* Carpatos 34-7, Alpes Aguilas, MEXICO D.F., 01010, '''MEXICO'''
* Theosophy Hall, 40 NewMarine Lines, MUMBAI 400020, '''INDIA''' ([http://www.ultindia.org ULT India])
* Elzendreef 279, 2272 CM, Vourburg, '''NETHERLANDS'''
* 347 East 72nd Street, NEW YORK, N.Y., 10021, '''USA''' ([http://www.ult.org New York, New York])
* 1001 Gregg Street, OTTAWA, ONTARIO K1V 6H3, '''CANADA'''
* 11 bis, Rue Keppler, PARIS 75116, '''FRANCE''' ([http://www.theosophie.asso.fr Paris, France])
* 1917 Walnut Street, PHILADELPHIA, PENN., 19103, '''USA'''
* 77 West Encanto Blvd., PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 85003, '''USA''' ([http://www.phx-ult-lodge.org Phoenix, Arizona])
* 3766 El Cajon Blvd., SAN DIEGO, CALIF., 92105, '''USA''' ([http://www.theosophysandiego.org San Diego, CA])
* 810 Gonzales Drive., SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94132, '''USA.'''
* 326 West Sola Street, SANTA BARBARA, CALIF., 93101, '''USA'''
* 2700 South Tamiami Trail., SARASOTA, FL 34239, '''USA'''
* Via Isonzo 33, 10141-Torino, TURIN, '''ITALY'''
* 4865 Cordell Ave., Apt. A, Bethesda, (WASHINGTON D.C.) MARYLAND 20814, '''USA''' ([http://www.ultdc.org Washington D.C.])


{{Theosophy series}}
==Links to Various ULT Web Sites==
* [http://www.ult.org/ ULT Main Site]
* [http://www.ultathens.gr ULT Athens, Greece]
* [http://www.ultindia.org ULT Mumbai and Bangalore, India]
* [http://www.theosophie.asso.fr ULT Paris, France]
* [http://www.ultlon.freeserve.co.uk ULT London, England]
* [http://www.theosophycentre.com ULT Ontario, Canada]
* [http://www.ult-la.org ULT Los Angeles, CA]
* [http://www.teosofiskakompaniet.net ULT Malmo, Sweden]
* [http://www.phx-ult-lodge.org ULT Phoenix, Arizona]
* [http://www.theosophysandiego.org ULT San Diego, CA]
* [http://www.ultdc.org ULT Washington D.C.]


==References==
<references />


[[Category:Theosophy]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:United Lodge Of Theosophists}}
[[Category:Religious organizations]]
[[Category:Theosophical Society]]
[[Category:Theosophical Society]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in 1909]]

[[de:United Lodge of Theosophists]]
[[nl:Geünieerde Loge van Theosofen]]

Latest revision as of 10:50, 6 December 2024

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United Lodge of Theosophists Logo

The United Lodge of Theosophists or ULT is an informal and wholly voluntary association of students of Theosophy. It was founded in 1909, mainly through the efforts of Robert Crosbie.[1] The first parent lodge of the ULT was started in Los Angeles by Robert Crosbie and seven other associates through the adoption of its Declaration on February 18, 1909.[2] Owing largely to the revival efforts of B.P. Wadia [1] after Crosbie's death, there are currently about twenty active lodges spread all over the world.[3] The ULT is considered to be part of the second generation [4] or the third section [2] of the Theosophical Movement started in 1875 by H.P. Blavatsky in New York. Presently, it is also one of the existing four main "branches" of the original Theosophical Movement.[5] The following founding principles [6] when taken as a whole, sets apart the ULT from the other Theosophical Organizations:

  1. Recognition of W.Q. Judge as H.P. Blavatsky's colleague and co-worker from the beginning and hence as one of the original founders of the Theosophical Movement
  2. Exclusive adherence to the unaltered works of H.P. Blavatsky and W.Q. Judge along with only those other works that are philosophically in consonance with the aforementioned
  3. Rejection of any other "authorities" in the form of "leaders" or "teachers" and reference to all of its associates as "students" with emphasis on self-reliance
  4. Absence of organizational elements such as constitution, by-laws or officers and complete reliance on the "similarity of aim, purpose and teaching," as the only basis of unity
  5. Anonymity of living persons who write on behalf of ULT to protect against exaltation of personalities and self-advertising

ULT Los Angeles publishes the Theosophy Magazine which was started by Robert Crosbie in 1912. It was the revival of an earlier periodical called The Path that was edited by W.Q. Judge.[7] ULT India publishes the Theosophical Movement Magazine, founded under B.P. Wadia in 1930 in Mumbai. ULT Santa Barbara publishes a quarterly periodical called Vidya, and uses Concord Grove Press to publish theosophical texts including a pamphlet series on themes from The Secret Doctrine. The Theosophy Company was registered in 1925 on behalf of ULT as a fiduciary agent [1] and an eleemosynary, non-profit corporation to publish photographic facsimile of the Original Editions of books by H.P. Blavatsky and W.Q. Judge.

History

[edit]
Artist's rendering of Theosophy Hall - United Lodge of Theosophists, Los Angeles
The card that members sign to enroll as an associate of ULT

The history of ULT began with Robert Crosbie coming in contact with H.P. Blavatsky in 1887 and his subsequent association with the Theosophical Society or TS in Boston. Based on H.P. Blavatsky's instructions, he placed himself under the direct guidance of W.Q. Judge.[2] Following the death of the original founders of the movement, Robert Crosbie was witness to the ensuing rivalries around "leadership", "authority" and "succession" surrounding Katherine Tingley, who headed the American section and Annie Besant, who headed the international section from India.[8] Initially, Robert Crosbie gave his support to Katherine Tingley and went to Point Loma in 1900 to be of assistance there. However, by 1904, he felt the original teachings of Theosophy were almost completely eclipsed by Katherine Tingley's sensational programs.[9] Convinced that further effort was futile, he quietly left Point Loma and moved to Los Angeles. By February 1909, he had gathered around him seven individuals as part of a study group, four of whom were new to Theosophy. This nucleus, under Robert Crosbie's guidance, set to the task of restoring Theosophy along the original lines of its founders without organizational distractions.[2] In the meantime, the original 1888 version of The Secret Doctrine was out of print and replaced by Annie Besant's "Third and Revised Edition". This edition was found to contain tens of thousands of alterations and major distortions.[5] This and other material that diverged significantly from H.P. Blavatsky's original presentation was denominated Neo-Theosophy. Robert Crosbie denounced Neo-Theosophy and considered it along with other leadership claims and rivalries in the Theosophical Society to be the result of the accentuation of personality, in the Theosophical sense of the lower or illusionary self.[6] Hence the Declaration of the ULT was drawn to emphasize an impersonal, self-reliant, non-hierarchical, non-organizational spirit and loyalty to the original founders and their unaltered message.

In November 1919, five months after Robert Crosbie's death, B.P Wadia, a predominant member of the Theosophical Society Adyar visited America and happened to come across ULT Los Angeles. There he discovered the works of W.Q. Judge who was considered a renegade by the Theosophical Society under Annie Besant and Col. Olcott.[7] Furthermore, he found the reformation he was seeking of the Theosophical Society in ULT's Declaration of purpose and its mission of "pure Theosophy" without organizational distractions. He then went back to India with the hope of changing the attitude of the leaders of the Theosophical Society, to return to the original teachings, set right the wrong that was done to W.Q. Judge and mend the schism in the Theosophical Movement.[10] Finding that his efforts were unsuccessful, he resigned from the Theosophical Society on 18 July 1922 [11] and joined the ULT. Between 1922 and 1928, he stayed in America and founded ULT lodges in New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. And on his return trip to India via Europe, he established ULT lodges in Antwerp, Amsterdam, London, and Paris. Back in India, he started ULT lodges in Mumbai and Bengaluru.[1]

Active Centers

[edit]
United Lodge of Theosophists, Philadelphia
Theosophy Hall, New York
Maitri Bhavan, Bengaluru, India

The first ULT lodge founded in 1909 by Robert Crosbie :[7]

Founded between 1923 and 1928 under the guidance of B.P Wadia during his stay in America :[10]

Established in 1928 during B.P Wadia's journey from America back to India via Europe:

  • Robert Crosbie House, 62 Queen's Gardens, LONDON W2 3AH, ENGLAND (London, England)
  • Frans van Heymbeecklaan 6, DEURNE-ANTWERP B-2100, BELGIUM
  • 11 bis, Rue Kepler, PARIS 75116, FRANCE (Paris, France)

First ULT lodge in India, opened on November 17, 1929 under B.P Wadia's leadership:

  • Theosophy Hall, 40 NewMarine Lines, MUMBAI 400020, INDIA (ULT India)

A sister lodge of the Mumbai center started in 1938 under B.P Wadia:

  • Nalini Kunj, Sri Marubai Gamdevi Mandir Rd., MATUNGA, MUMBAI 400019, INDIA (Inactive)

Named "Maitri Bhavan", this lodge was started on the 12th of August 1942 by B.P Wadia:

  • 4 M.N Krishna Rao Road, Basavangudi, BANGALORE 560004, INDIA (ULT India)

Study centers started organically by students:

  • 799 Adelaide Street N, LONDON, ONTARIO N5Y 2L8, CANADA (London, Ontario)
  • Köpenhamnsvägen 13 C, 217 55 MALMÖ, SWEDEN (Malmo, Sweden)
  • 77 West Encanto Blvd., PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 85003, USA (Phoenix, AZ)
  • 3766 El Cajon Blvd., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, 92105, USA (San Diego, CA)
  • 326 West Sola Street, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, 93101, USA (Santa Barbara, CA)
  • 17, Cours Henri Chabeuf, 21000 DIJON, FRANCE (Dijon, France)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Lewis 2002.
  2. ^ a b c d SharmaSharma 2004.
  3. ^ Campbell 1980, p. 177.
  4. ^ HammerRothstein 2013.
  5. ^ a b Akman 2015.
  6. ^ a b Crosbie 1945.
  7. ^ a b c Kuhn 1930.
  8. ^ MeltonBaumann 2010.
  9. ^ Theosophical_Movement 1951.
  10. ^ a b Kell 1998.
  11. ^ Wadia 1922.

Sources

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Unaffiliated

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  • Lewis, James R. (2002). The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions. Prometheus Books, Publishers. pp. 760–762. ISBN 978-1-61592-738-8.
  • Sharma, Suresh K.; Sharma, Usha (2004). Cultural and Religious Heritage of India: Cultural and religious reform movements. Mittal Publications. pp. 219–238. ISBN 978-81-7099-963-8.
  • Akman, Kubilay (2015). The Esoteric Paths: Philosophies, Teachings and Secrets. Lulu.com. pp. 258–262. ISBN 978-1-329-53807-8.
  • Kuhn, Alvin Boyd (1930). Theosophy: a modern revival of ancient wisdom. Kila, MT: Kessinger. pp. 183–184. ISBN 978-1564591753.
  • Campbell, Bruce F. (1980). Ancient Wisdom Revived: A History of the Theosophical Movement. University of California Press. pp. 143–146. ISBN 9780520039681.
  • Hammer, Olav; Rothstein, Mikael (2013). Handbook of the Theosophical Current. BRILL. pp. 73–75. ISBN 978-90-04-23597-7.
  • Melton, J. Gordon; Baumann, Martin (2010). Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices. ABC-CLIO. p. 2988. ISBN 978-1-59884-204-3.

Affiliated

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