The Rudolf Steiner Archive

19. Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting of the German Theosophical Society (DTG)

[ 1 ] First, Dr. Steiner: “Today, the issue is mainly one of misunderstandings. I don’t think much of discussing them, and I believe they can be overcome through work. The divisions that usually arise are, for the most part, also based on misunderstandings. I have often found this to be the case on my lecture tours. Today I would like to try to clear up a misunderstanding that actually exists, for what must inspire us in our society is a unity built on the heart and our feelings. Without this, progress is hardly possible. I therefore propose forming an executive committee; this committee should make proposals for the branch’s events. In this way, I believe, misunderstandings can be avoided, as well as the differences that then lead to divisions. I have heard that members of the Theosophical Society are gathering on their own; they are forming smaller groups. But that is none of my business. The meetings that are of interest to me should be convened by the branch’s executive committee. If other meetings are organized, this amounts to a vote of no confidence in the executive committee. That is then a matter that must be treated as a symptom. The question must therefore be asked whether the members of the Berlin branch believe that the current approach is not the right one, and whether it proves necessary to introduce a different style of management. Let us first allow an opportunity for questions and discussion.”

[ 2 ] Miss Schwiebs: “The meeting that took place here arose from a completely harmless intention. It is not intended to oppose the board or the leadership of the branch.”

[ 3 ] Mr. Quaas: “At the general meeting, Dr. Steiner pointed out that Miss von Sivers had, until now, voluntarily made her private rooms available. However, the Berlin branch pays 300 marks for the library. Since there is a possibility that the library room could be used by both Miss von Sivers and the branch at the same time, the question arises as to what rights the Berlin branch has acquired in exchange for the 300 marks. Trust is not something that comes automatically; it is something that must be earned through effort. I would therefore like to ask how this whole matter has been settled and whether there are not means available to secure premises that are entirely neutral. It is not by consulting large crowds that one will be able to facilitate an agreement among individuals. I was sorry to see the stance Dr. Steiner took toward my proposal. One cannot say, “That’s none of my business.” Either the board must address this, or the board must be bypassed. But the question now is: Do we have the means—or do we not have the means—to bring about an improvement? I believe that the events organized by Schwiebs and Eberty should be welcomed with gratitude. They have not yet taken place since the Berlin branch of the Theosophical Society was established.”

[ 4 ] Mr. Fränkel: “I attended the meeting; it was neither official nor semi-official in nature—it was purely private. Its sole purpose was to bring the members together. However, the members of the Theosophical Society should form the core of these gatherings. I regret that ideas have been expressed that do not conform to theosophical principles. However, one should not approach matters with suspicion.”

[ 5 ] Dr. Steiner: “It is not about the cards, nor is there any objection to the meeting itself. However, the main issue is to establish a clear basis, because Mr. Quaas’s speech has made it clear that there are other matters involved, other symptoms as well. Mr. Quaas has therefore also consulted with me. However, we must not confuse two things. We must not lump together the matter of the library and the matter of the Besant branch. I cannot engage in private discussions. One must have a proper foundation for that.

[ 6 ] And now another matter. It has been claimed that there is no insight into the financial situation of the Berlin branch. Then there were also remarks regarding the private rooms. On this point, I must note: For me, the initial focus was on gradually resuming the branch’s activities and continuing them in the same manner. The work was carried out in the theosophical spirit. Lectures were given on Christianity as a mystical reality and on mysticism in the dawn of modern spiritual life. Theosophical work is the main thing. However, this can only be accomplished if one has a foundation in the theosophical worldview. It is very nice for members to grow closer to one another, but this must go hand in hand with becoming familiar with the theosophical worldview. This work could not be accomplished without sacrifices on the part of individuals. I always felt, in this room, as though I were among Theosophists. I did not have the impression that these were private rooms. This year, the members should divide into groups and work together in this way. That is the second task that will now have to be accomplished step by step. However, this must be done in harmony with the Central Leadership.

[ 7 ] The proposals must remain within the framework of the current structure. The continuity of the Theosophical Society must be preserved. I am called upon to uphold the continuity of the Theosophical Movement. Until now, the only means of doing so has been to hold meetings in this room. The library has been entrusted to Miss von Sivers on the condition that she keep it in her home. It goes without saying that the library requires a room; it also goes without saying that a fee is paid for this. However, there is no requirement that meetings also be held there. It is therefore advisable to leave the library matter entirely out of the equation. The Berlin branch has had no reason to establish a central office thus far. We will therefore continue with the old arrangements as long as they suffice for the actual work.”

[ 8 ] Krojanker: “I would like to say that a harmonious atmosphere no longer exists. The Berlin chapter has no home at all, and now we don’t even have permission to hold meetings in the library room. The structure of the Berlin branch is such that an executive committee is completely impossible under the current circumstances. What had been on paper for years has now been summarized into a few proposals that have been discussed. We feel that the lectures at the Architektenhaus do not take place within the framework of the Berlin branch. These are separate events that we may or may not attend, but with which we, as the Berlin branch, have nothing to do. We do have bylaws—but everything is dictated. We have every reason to accept your guidance, Doctor, in every respect. However, this does not fully correspond to the administration of a branch. Further misunderstandings should be ruled out in the future. Convening a general assembly requires entirely different prerequisites. But the following must also be discussed: How should the members’ meetings be organized? Where and how should they take place? What resources does the Berlin branch have for this? And how must the Berlin branch ensure that the external conditions for regular meetings are provided? These are the kinds of questions the discussions centered on. The library issue will be nearly impossible to resolve. The prevailing desire is to feel at home among Theosophical members. As for the Theosophical work, as you describe it, you must select the members yourselves who are capable of performing such work.”

[ 9 ] Dr. Steiner: “We will then have to convene an extraordinary general meeting. I don’t see why an executive committee should be impossible given the circumstances of the Berlin branch. The lectures at the Architektenhaus are my events; surely the board must represent the society. But I don’t see why the meetings at the Architektenhaus cannot be considered events organized by the branch. I can’t quite form a mental image of how such a central office would be established. The Berlin branch should regard the lectures as its own.”

[ 10 ] Miss von Sivers: “Getting together, forming groups, is wonderful. But there’s more to it than that: people, capital, and staff. Before it was founded, there was no one at the library who could have taken charge of the matter. It was supposed to be sold or distributed. At that time, I was active in the Theosophical Movement. It had settled into a more established routine. The library project had been entrusted to me because the branch could not afford to spend the 300 marks. However, the library’s continuity was to be maintained, as were Dr. Steiner’s lectures. The library was integrated into my private quarters. Since they were not open to the public, no one came.

[ 11 ] The lectures we have here were organized later on, and the invitations from Miss Schwiebs and Mrs. Eberty to gatherings at their homes turned out quite nicely.”

[ 12 ] Mr. Quaas: “The financial statements should be duplicated and made available to the members. We don’t need to completely dismiss the library issue. We can also build and work on the General Assembly on a solid foundation. The Executive Board should make proposals regarding the convening of the General Assembly.”

[ 13 ] Dr. Steiner: “I’ve heard something about a harmonious atmosphere that no longer exists.”

[ 14 ] Krojanker: “I believe that the meetings at Schwiebs’ and Eberty’s will be able to restore harmony where there has been discord.”

[ 15 ] Dr. Steiner: “I would like to point out: It is one thing to have a positive spiritual influence, and quite another to be active in administration. In the case of Attorney Quaas, [this] manifests as disharmony; a certain animosity even becomes apparent. As long as animosity exists, I consider positive influence in society to be fruitless. This animosity was evident during the conversation.”

[ 16 ] Fränkel: “I did not concern myself with theosophical matters. That is why I knew nothing about the animosity.”

[ 17 ] Quaas: “The criticism is being forced upon the members.”

[ 18 ] Miss Schwiebs: “I don’t understand why such heavy criticism is being leveled at us, even though you were present for part of the first meeting. I didn’t want to bring up this unkindness, but it hurt my feelings. Miss von Sivers was unable to attend the gathering because she had too much to do.”

[ 19 ] Dr. Steiner: “There seem to be several misunderstandings here. Nothing was ever said about an intention to hold meetings every two weeks. At the time, I had requested that such meetings be considered official. An invitation was probably issued once. I knew nothing of any intention to hold regular meetings. The idea of holding scheduled meetings has come as something new to me today. Personal discussions would not have met the need. So it was probably not correct to speak of ‘meetings of the members.’” Miss Schwiebs: “Every first and third Sunday of the month, we and Mrs. Eberty were together.”

[ 20 ] Mr. [Georgi] considers dissatisfaction to be an explosive force. The main thing is to work on ourselves. Then the walls that have been erected will disappear, as will the dissatisfaction, so that we can devote ourselves entirely to the future.

[ 21 ] Dr. B...: “Too much attention is being paid to personal matters, but no one has really taken the actual study seriously. We want to reach out to everyone with love; we want to shake off what has caused disharmony in society, so that in the future, things will not be destroyed, but rather we will continue to work with a firm hand.”

[ 22 ] Quaas believes that the board has completely lost touch with the members (this claim is disputed).

[ 23 ] Krojanker: “This is an organization with certain structures. These must be observed and upheld. There is certainly no real animosity. Hold more general meetings.”

[ 24 ] Miss Motzkus: “The meetings were actually intended to foster closer ties with Dr. Steiner.”

[ 25 ] Mrs. von Holten: “I felt sorry after having my letter written by a stranger. — I missed having a woman’s touch here.”

[ 26 ] Dr. Steiner: “This is a letter that unjustifiably interferes with my private affairs, a letter born of ignorance. I did not respond to it. It should never have been written in this form, because I would have been making a mistake if I had replied. The impression was as if you had seen someone whose very sight had startled you.”

[ 27 ] Ms. B. ...: “It’s really just a matter of form at the meetings. I’m not really the type to pick up on gossip and pass it on. But I have to say, there’s a tremendous aversion toward Miss von Sivers, which is why members feel cold and distant. This coldness is being brought in and is contagious. People should look within themselves and reach out to others with genuine devotion and love. This aversion must be eliminated; goodwill must be cultivated, and what has happened must be forgotten. Only in inner harmony can true work in the spirit of Theosophy take place. Otherwise, we cannot contribute to the work. We must approach Miss von Sivers with different feelings.”

[ 28 ] Krojanker: “You can admire a person without losing your sense of self in the process. I think we need to hold more member meetings and more board meetings.”

[ 29 ] Dr. Steiner: “One cannot organize gatherings that do not proceed in harmony, that do not facilitate harmonious work. Those who have the best intentions in this regard ultimately end up as sacrificial lambs. My work would be hindered if what lies at the core of the soul were not brought forth openly and honestly. No wall must stand between me and the members, for the following reasons: I myself am not dependent on anyone in my work, nor will I ever be dependent on anyone in my theosophical work. If it were said of anyone that they were capable of erecting a wall between me and the members, that would be the worst kind of mistrust. The one who has done so can receive nothing from me. When such statements are made, my work is hindered.”

[ 30 ] Krojanker: He complains that such personal matters are being brought up at the general meeting and asks, “Do you have any objections to the members’ meetings at Miss Schwiebs’s place?”

[ 31 ] Dr. Steiner: “This is not about the general meetings at Schwiebs and Eberty. My idea was to organize a series of members’ meetings, because it is desirable today that work continue within group meetings. These meetings should not serve as a platform for criticism, but rather to recognize that dissatisfaction prevails and to ask how it can be resolved through organization. The people in such groups must be carefully selected. Such groups must bring together people who regard one another with complete sympathy. That is why I asked for the establishment and regulation of members’ meetings. I wanted to lay a foundation, because some members of the Society harbor so much animosity toward one another that it is impossible to bring them together in such group meetings. If my theosophical work were not being hindered, I would not have raised this issue. If someone says that a wall is being erected between me and the members, this is not merely a private matter; it amounts to accusing a member—who has conducted the events in accordance with my views—of sabotaging our relationships. If she erects a wall, this is a criticism leveled at our entire Society. A wall against Miss von Sivers is a matter for the Society.”

[ 32 ] [Georgi]: Speaks out against Ms. Braun and says: “Criticism is unnecessary and counterproductive; one must let this force starve itself out.”

[ 33 ] Ms. Braun: “I am opposed to that mindset; I will not participate in it; I have renounced all forms of it.”

[ 34 ] Krojanker: “As chair of the Berlin branch, you have to address issues that, as a Theosophist, you need not concern yourself with. You surely don’t feel hindered at the branch’s events, because in that case you wouldn’t have to have anything to do with the administration of the Berlin branch. It’s a two-sided matter.”

[ 35 ] Dr. Steiner: “It is indeed my opinion that the executive board is not bound to me and Miss von Sivers. This society has existed for years, but it has not engaged in any particular activities. We have tried to cherish the Theosophical Society and breathe new life into it in Berlin. Count and Countess Brockdorff have said that they were merely stopgaps to keep it afloat. If a different course of action were desired, I would step down as president in favor of someone who is better able to secure suitable venues and achieve success.”

[ 36 ] Krojanker: “What is being said is said in the interest of the Theosophical Society. Dr. Steiner stands above any debate. However, business matters that come into question if Dr. Steiner retains leadership and remains united with us through his work must be handled properly.”

[ 37 ] Dr. Steiner: “My role as chairperson is not tied to my other activities, because the administrator and the spokesperson can be separate roles. That is how it has been handled, and that also seems to me to be the desirable state of affairs. For a long time, the Society lay dormant. We endeavored to revive it. I proceeded according to my own convictions; I made an effort to get to know the Theosophical Societies throughout the world. You should not think that you have been summoned for trivial reasons. When, in the meetings, Wand speaks out against younger members, this hinders my effectiveness. I was not concerned with securing sympathy. There seems to be neither inclination nor desire.

[ 38 ] Group work: It is particularly important to have a number of members who get along well and come together to discuss matters. They should then write down the questions that arise so they can ask them of me at the general meeting, thereby fostering a theosophical understanding among the members. In England, India, and especially in Holland, I have found similar situations. Exemplary work has been done in Düsseldorf. The group members meet twice. One member, [Lauweriks], explains the Esoteric Doctrine to the people in a truly extraordinary way. However, this work can only bear fruit if it is organically integrated into our lectures, so that people can enter into the theosophical worldview. This is what I had in mind when making suggestions, so that people might see why they cannot be part of a particular circle. Disharmonious currents are very detrimental in smaller working groups. My wish has been fulfilled only to a limited extent. I do not know why more extensive use has not been made of it. This disharmonious atmosphere is also likely to affect me personally in my work. It could prevent me from carrying out my work for the Berlin branch. It is something that brands my work as unfree. What can be done about this? ‘For example, when the administration decides something I cannot go along with. That is why it was necessary for me to ask you to give voice here to what is currently hanging in the air.’

[ 39 ] I ask those who wish to participate in groups to express their interest in doing so. This is the only way to delve deeper into Theosophy. It is certainly nice to get together socially, but there are many opportunities for that. Theosophy need not be the reason for such gatherings. Theosophical work requires a certain foundation based on effort. There is no limit to the size of the group. Eight days from tomorrow I will be speaking here again; on Thursday I will be back in Berlin. Perhaps the proposal for a center will take on a more concrete form, for there are likely still some who have a mental image of how it could be done better, but one must simply make do with what one has. Such criticism, however, creates ill will. I had hoped that any objections to be raised against me or Miss von Sivers would be presented in a sharp and direct manner. Since this was not the case, however, the time we spent on this should not be considered wasted.

[ 40 ] There is no reason to nitpick about Miss von Sivers’s work. View her approach in a somewhat more personal light, not merely as a business matter. However, I cannot be held responsible if the Berlin branch were to suffer harm. I know what the Berlin branch needs, and I also know what the duty of an occultist is. The great spiritual world stands above all this. But it also requires that my freedom not be infringed upon. Erecting a wall between me and the members is a form of degradation that must not be inflicted upon an occultist. Anyone who imposes such conditions can no longer receive anything from me as an occultist.”