A Letter Examines the Relation of the
Theosophical Movement to Masonic Orders
Theosophical Movement to Masonic Orders
Robert Crosbie
Mrs. Annie Besant, wearing her fancy masonic clothes, and Mr. Robert Crosbie, of the ULT
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A 2014 EDITORIAL NOTE
Robert Crosbie (1849-1919) founded the
United Lodge of Theosophists, U.L.T., in 1909.
In the letter reproduced below, he examines the
masonic fraud from which the Adyar Society must
liberate itself in the present century, in order to recover
common sense and connect once more to true theosophy.
The “co-masonic” aspect of Mrs. Besant’s frauds relates to
imaginary information regarding the Count of St. Germain.
As a way to show respect for the true Mahatmas and Masters
of the Wisdom, Adyar must first renounce its fake masters and
rites. It is a gross form of ingratitude for the real Teachers, to adhere
to the parodies of Adepts fabricated in the first decades of 20th century.
(Carlos Cardoso Aveline)
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The statement made to you by an “Old Theosophist” that “The Theosophical Society (meaning Mrs. Besant’s society, in the opinion of this ‘old Theosophist’) and Masonry are the two channels in which the Masters are working in this century – hence Co-Masonry”, calls for some comments.
The natural question is, “Who says so, and why does he say it?” This brings the one making the statement, and anyone who may consider it, right back to a consideration of what it is upon which he is relying.
Is there anything in the records left by the Messengers of the Masters that would give a clear indication that the fact is as stated by “old Theosophist”? If not, then reliance is placed upon the say-so of some person – in this case, Mrs. Besant – and is based upon belief only, not knowledge, and can only be classed as an opinion. There are many opinions and they differ from each other widely. Mrs. Besant’s declarations of “knowledge” and opinions are often self-contradictory, as shown by her published writings. In any case they either do or do not agree with the principles of Theosophy, and the recorded statements of the Messengers. If there were no well-defined principles and applications left by the Messengers to guide those who would follow the Path They showed, then we are all certainly in the dark without a landmark visible, and have to flounder about in the sea of opinions, clutching at whatever promises support.
But if it is true that H. P. B. was the Direct Agent of the Lodge – and this is explicitly stated to be the fact by the Master K. H., however Col. Olcott, Mrs. Besant or others, may twist and interpret H. P. B. and Her teachings – then we must go to the records left by Her and Her Colleague, W. Q. Judge, for direction in all matters pertaining to the Theosophical Movement, regardless of the “opinions” of “old Theosophist” or any other student. For to do otherwise would be equivalent to saying that those Great Beings, the real Founders of the Movement, had left no guidance for the generations to come, and that humanity was left the prey to any and all claimants that might arise.
But it is not true that humanity has been left a prey to mistaken or designing persons; the records left by the Messengers are a sure, consistent guide, and if they are well studied and applied, will show a straight, even and self-evident Path. It is lack of study that leaves so many in ignorance, and ready to pursue every will-o’-the-wisp they see. You will also find that those who rely upon such statements and opinions are the most dogmatic and certain in their assurance. Those who point to facts and records, with basic principles to rely on, are not troubled by all these “opinions”, by whomsoever expressed.
There is another thing that sincere students of H. P. B. have to bear in mind, even if they do not speak much about it. It has been stated by both H. P. B. and W. Q. J., and also by the Master K. H. in his letters to Mr. Sinnett, that every effort by the White Lodge opens a door to the Black Magicians – those whose very existence depends upon keeping humanity where it is, in a state of ignorance, bewilderment, and running after false gods and those who cry lo here, and lo there. In this statement we ought to see why the White Lodge dare not give out more than humanity can put to use.
Every effort has been and is being made by the Dark side to impair and deflect the efforts of the White Lodge. And where else can the Dark Forces work so effectively as on and through the personal weaknesses of Theosophists, especially on all those who become in any way prominent – individuals who in their turn affect many. All the many crises in the old Theosophical Society, all the attacks on H. P. B. and W. Q. J., showed a virulence that could not have arisen from mere personal opinion or interest.
Time and again have warnings been given, but few have heeded them; or, if heeded at all, the facts stated have been used against any opposed, without making sure that those who so used them were themselves right.
The defection of Mrs. Besant from loyalty to the Path shown, and to H. P. B. and W. Q. J., was due to such Dark side efforts. In her last message to students, H. P. B. said, “Never is the danger greater than when ambition, and a desire to lead, dresses itself up in the peacock feathers of altruism.” She knew; and in that last Message are many prophecies, some of which have already been fulfilled. She said that the Brahmins are the Jesuits of India. Mrs. Besant fell under the influence of Brahmins and the Brahminical lines, and their influence can be clearly seen in her evolution and in all the developments in her society. The Dark Ones could not destroy or pervert all the efforts of the White Lodge, but they could, did, and do minimize and corrupt them. In a consideration of all this may be found the explanation of many things that might otherwise be a puzzle. All those who do not follow the lines laid down by the Messengers are certain to be misled. Yet the way is clear; the pity of it is that otherwise sincere and devoted persons will not heed the warnings given; will not study, think, and apply what was recorded for them and their guidance.
There has never been anything said that I know of by either of the two Messengers [1] about Co-masonry. W. Q. J. is the only one who has spoken specifically in regard to Masonry as “a great and important part of the Theosophical Movement”. And the context of his article, “The Theosophical Movement”, as well as the circumstances of its publication, will give a true idea as to the part Masonry has played in the past in the work of the Theosophical Movement.
The Theosophical Movement includes all efforts that lead to human freedom and enlightenment. Masonry has played and is still playing an important part in the world. For first, its main idea is the Brotherhood of Man, even though in a limited and restricted sense; second, Masonry debars from its lodges all considerations of politics or religions, recognizing those to be the greatest provocatives of dissensions; third, it is the implacable enemy of religious intolerance, and is at the present day engaged in a death struggle with the Catholic church of Mexico and South America. It was through Masonry and Masons that the United States of America was made possible.
So Masonry was and is a great and important part of the Theosophical Movement. Yet there are more important things than Masonry. If it had been sufficient for the needs of humanity, there would have been no need for Theosophy.
But what has either Masonry or Theosophy to do with “Co”-masonry? Each must answer that question for himself.
As ever, R. C.
NOTE:
[1] “Two Messengers”: out of the three main founders of the theosophical movement in 1875, two remained loyal to the original teachings until the close of their incarnations: H. P. Blavatsky and W. Q. Judge. (CCA)
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The above letter was published in the book “The Friendly Philosopher”, by Robert Crosbie, Theosophy Co., Los Angeles, pp. 33-36. It is reproduced here from “The Aquarian Theosophist”, April 2012 edition.
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On the dharma and duty of the theosophical movement during the 21st century, see the book “The Fire and Light of Theosophical Literature”, by Carlos Cardoso Aveline.
Published in 2013 by The Aquarian Theosophist, the volume has 255 pages and can be obtained through Amazon Books.
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