84. Notes

In the second half of September, Annie Besant gave a series of Theosophical lectures in Germany. She visited the Theosophical branches of the German section in Hamburg, Berlin, Weimar, Munich, Stuttgart and Cologne. The revered leader provided a wealth of inspiration to the German members of the Theosophical Society. Annie Besant has spoken in the inner circles of the Theosophical branches in the above-mentioned places and also in public lectures in all the cities mentioned. The good attendance at the latter shows that interest in the Theosophical movement is rapidly increasing in our time. In Hamburg, Annie Besant spoke on the topic “The Message of Theosophy to Humanity”; in Berlin, Weimar and Cologne, she spoke on “The New Psychology”; and in Munich and Stuttgart, she spoke on “Theosophy and Christianity.” Annie Besant's way of placing the theosophical truths in the light of contemporary spiritual life must make a profound impression everywhere. It is exemplary for all spiritual work in our time. In the more restricted circles of the branches in Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart, the speaker talked about the way in which a theosophical branch functions and how it imparts its spiritual strength to the cultural life of the present day. In Berlin and Cologne, Annie Besant gave the powerful lecture 'Man as the Master of his Destiny' in these more restricted circles. There will be an opportunity to return to the many suggestions in this journal that arose from Annie Besant's visit. It has filled all German members of the Theosophical Society with the deepest feelings of gratitude for the great leader of the Theosophical movement. Dr. Rudolf Steiner accompanied Annie Besant on her journey through Germany and gave short summaries of the speeches in German in all the cities.

At the congress in Dresden organized by individuals interested in Theosophy, Dr. Rudolf Steiner gave a lecture on “Theosophy and Modern Science” on September 26, 1904. He had set himself the task of showing how, in recent years, natural science has everywhere necessitated a deepening of the questions that must gradually lead to the theosophical world view and conception of life. Science is still hostile to theosophy. It will soon no longer be able to be so, because it is being pushed towards it by its own advances.

On September 27, a newly established branch of the Society held its first meeting in Dresden in the presence of the General Secretary of the German Section of the Theosophical Society. Mr. Ahner is the chairman and Mr. Böhme is the secretary.