A Short History of the Theosophical Society

By J. Ransom.

591 Pages | First edition, 2nd reprint 2007 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 9788170595144.

THE GOLDEN STAIRS

" A clean life, an open mind, a pure heart, an eager intellect, an unveiled spiritual perception, a brotherliness for one's co-disciple,a readiness to give and receive advice and instruction, a loyal sence of duty to the Teacher, a willing obedience to the behests of TRUTH, once we have placed our confidence in, and believe that Teacher to be in possession of it; a courageous endurance of personal injustice, a brave declaration of principles, a valiant defence of those who are unjustly attacked, and a constant eye to the ideal of human progression and perfection, which the secret science depicts - these are the golden stairs up the steps of which the learner may climb to the Temple of Divine Wisdom. "- Helena P. Blavatsky.

The year 1875 was a milestone for both the Eastern and the Western world. The Theosophical Society founded in that year, still thrives. This book traces its history over a period of sixty-two years, recording most of the important events and personalities of the time.

Mrs. Josephine Ransom (1879 - 1960), the author had access to more archival information than her precedessors, for example. Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa (1875 - 1953), who edited The Golden Book of the Theosophical Society in 1925. Moreover, of additional value are the initial chapters, in which the authors traces the spiritualism that pervaded in the period prior to the founding of the Society. The absence of personal opinions and criticism adds to the historical value of the book.