92. The Theosophical Congress in London

The Federation of European Sections held its congress in London at the beginning of July (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th) this year (1905). In general, the nature and organization of the events of this second meeting of its kind were similar to those held in Amsterdam the previous year. The beautiful feeling of belonging together again flowed through those who were able to come from the most diverse areas of Theosophical work to exchange ideas about methods of action, to bear witness to the progress of Theosophical ideas in the individual countries, and to receive suggestions for achievements in their home countries. Just as our Dutch friends spared no efforts or sacrifices last year to make the course of the congress a worthy and fruitful one, so did our members in London this year. Those who can appreciate the time and dedication required for the preparatory work and the management of such a meeting will be filled with warm gratitude for our English friends.

Mrs. Besant took over the presidency of the congress. The day before the actual start of the meeting, the guests present were able to attend a meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge to hear a significant lecture by Annie Besant on the “Requirements of the Discipleship”. The speaker followed up on various remarks that had been published recently about all sorts of minor weaknesses and mistakes of the great founder of the “Theosophical Society”, H.P.Blavatsky. Out of a deep sense of gratitude, the speaker talked about the personality of the bringer of light on the path to truth and peace of soul. It is not important to see the small spots and weaknesses, but the great impulses that emanate from such personalities. We should hold on to them and find our own way through them. When we hear much about the life of the “initiates” that we say we did not expect, perhaps our expectations are based on misunderstandings. Where there is sun, there may also be sunspots; but the beneficent power of the sun works despite these spots.

On the same day (Thursday, July 6), Annie Besant opened the “Arts and Crafts” exhibition, which then remained open for all days of the congress. It is natural that such an exhibition, the purpose of which is to bring to the attention of the members artistic achievements influenced by Theosophical ideas or originating from Theosophists, cannot be entirely perfect in terms of the composition and value of the individual pieces. But it is a highly valuable addition to the congress; and anyone who does not see the purpose of the society in merely spreading theosophical ideas, but in developing theosophical life in all its aspects, will certainly not dispute its legitimacy. It is quite impossible to go into the details of what is on display, given the abundance of it. It should only be noted that in the pictures of G. Rassells, there was an interesting attempt to give something of the astral reality in the symbolic color drawings around the figures depicted in the pictures, and in the coloring of the landscapes in which they are set. How much of this was achieved is another question, and cannot be considered today. The works of our member Lauweriks, who used to belong to the Dutch section but now belongs to the German section because he has been working as a teacher at the School of Applied Arts in Düsseldorf for some time, deserve special mention. His works of applied art show the subtle mind and excellent artist everywhere. German works exhibited included an interesting picture of the chairman of our Düsseldorf lodge, O3zo Boyer, the “Alchymist” and a portrait study of the same excellent artist, who had also taken the trouble to participate in the work of the art committee as a German representative. Miss Stinde, our member active in Munich, contributed from the rich treasure trove of her landscapes. Furthermore, a picture by our member Miss Schmidt from Stuttgart was exhibited.

On Friday evening, Annie Besant gave a lecture on “The Work of Theosophy in the World” in front of thousands of people in the large “Queens Hall”. In a few concise strokes, she characterized the task that the wisdom teachings of Theosophy have in modern life today. Not only as a confession, but through all areas of life, science, art and so on, they should come into their own if they are to fulfill their mission. What the Theosophical movement has achieved in terms of artistic and scientific circles, which are also far removed from the Theosophical movement, has been admirably demonstrated.

On Saturday morning, the actual congress proceedings were opened by Annie Besant's forceful introductory words. Here she pointed out how the nations must work together in brotherly cooperation for the great work, she characterized the approaches to a deepening of spiritual life in the theosophical sense that are present here and there. For example, she pointed to the work of an Italian sculptor, Ezechiel, a “Christ” in which the theosophist could see his image of Christ. For Germans it will be particularly interesting to hear that Annie Besant pointed to the art of Richard Wagner, in whose tones influences of the astral world can be felt. - What followed was a beautiful symbol of the fraternal and international character of the Society. In accordance with a decision of the committee, the individual representatives of the various countries gave short welcoming speeches in their national languages. And one could now hear such speeches in the following languages: Dutch, Swedish, French, German, English (for America), Italian, Spanish, Hungarian, Finnish, Russian and an Indian language. Mr. Mead spoke last for England. The morning session closed with business announcements from J. van Manen, the secretary of the congress.

In the afternoon, the individual lectures and departmental meetings began. Papers were presented by the individual members who had registered for them, covering a wide range of topics: philosophy, science, ethnology, theosophical working methods, art, occultism, and so on. It is quite impossible to even hint at the rich abundance of what is presented here. Lectures on a wide variety of subjects are held in various rooms, followed by discussions. Only a few of them will be mentioned here: Mr. Mead spoke on an interesting Gnostic topic, Pascal, the General Secretary of the French Section, gave a paper on the “Mechanism of Clairvoyance in Humans and Animals”. M. Percy Lund had contributed a paper on the “Physical Evidence for Atlantis and Lemuria”. In the Occult Section, Annie Besant gave a most illuminating talk on the requirements and difficulties of occult research methods. She showed what precautions and reservations the occult researcher must exercise despite the greatest caution, and how his results must be received with equal caution despite his utmost conscientiousness. Dr. Rudolf Steiner spoke in the “Science” section about the “Occult Foundations of Goethe's Life Work.” M.P. Bernard was able to make a contribution on “Instinct, Consciousness, Hygiene and Morality”. M.H. Choisy discussed the “Rationale for Theosophical Morality”. Mr. Leo provided extremely valuable insights into “Astrology”. In a final session, Mr. Mead spoke about Gnosticism in the past and present and used this to shed light on the similarities between all mystery wisdom. On Saturday evening there was a 'theatrical performance', two symbolic dramatic works, the first attempt to cultivate this art at our congresses as well. On Sunday and Monday afternoons there were musical performances; vocal performances in the different national languages again symbolically expressed the principle of brotherhood beautifully. — Annie Besant ended the congress on Monday evening with a short closing speech. The following were present from Germany: Miss Scholl (Cologne), Frau Geheimrat Lübke (Weimar), Countess Kalckreuth, Miss Stinde, Mr. and Mrs. v. Seydewitz (Munich), Countess Schack (Döringau), Dr. H. Vollrath (Leipzig), Mr. Kiem, Miss v. Sivers and Dr. Rudolf Steiner from Berlin, Dr. and Mrs. Peipers (Düsseldorf). — Our members J.v. Manen and Miss Kate Spink, who did all the secretarial work for the congress, deserve special thanks. — As already mentioned, Otto Boyer participated in the work of the committee for visual arts. Adolf Arenson (Stuttgart) represented Germany on the committee for musical performances.

The lectures and all the assembly reports from last year's congress of the Federation of European Sections of the Theosophical Society will soon be published in a handsome volume, the “Congress Yearbook”. It can be understood that publishing this book in its first year presented the collectors and editors (J. van Manen, Kate Spink) with great challenges, and that it is therefore only now that it can be published. This year's lectures and discussions will be completed in a shorter time. The Max Altmann publishing house in Leipzig has taken over the distribution of the “Yearbook” in Germany, and one should contact them for a copy.

The Annual General Meeting of the British Section of the Theosophical Society took place on July 8. At the meeting, Mr. Keightley resigned from his post as General Secretary, and Miss Kate Spink was elected in his place. Dr. Rudolf Steiner greeted the meeting on behalf of the German Section.