Presidential authoritarianism is an affront to Brotherhood

Book excerpt: Inflamed by the abnormal fancies and uncanny dreams of an acting Editor of “The Theosophist.” The Esoteric Section of The Theosophical Society is wholly apart from the latter, and owes no allegiance to it. Madame Blavatsky alone is responsible for its members. Let the Theosophical Society break away from the original lines, and show disloyalty in its policy to the Cause and the Original Programme, and Madame Blavatsky will shake it off like dust from her feet. There is no such a thing as “Parent Society”; it has been abolished and replaced by an aggregate body of Theosophical Societies, all autonomous as the States of America are, and all under one Head-President who, together with Madame Blavatsky, champions the Cause against the whole world. Madame Blavatsky does not owe the slightest allegiance to a Council which is liable at any moment to issue silly and untheosophical commands. No more than Madame Blavatsky has Col. Olcott the right of exercising autocracy or papal powers, for both Founders of the Theosophical Society have sworn allegiance to the Fellows, whom they vowed to protect, and teach those who want to be taught; they are not to tyrannize and rule over them. “The sun of truth fears no light and needs no lies.” In his zeal hunting the mare’s nest, the esteemed acting Editor of “The Theosophist” has become more Catholic than the Pope himself. Let the General Council expel Madame Blavatsky for “disloyalty,” if Col. Olcott should be so blind as to fail to see where the loyal friend and his duty lie. Enough of theosophical dogmatism and intolerance! If you want to know yourself ask your enemies, not your friends, and you will find more truth, and profit more by their opinion than by that of those who love you. Plus, an explanation important to all Theosophists introduced by Boris de Zirkoff, a Statement by Madame Blavatsky, and a Joint Note by Col. Olcott and Madame Blavatsky.