The Rudolf Steiner Archive

21. The Theosophical Congress in London

Article by Rudolf Steiner in “Lucifer - Gnosis,” July–August, No. 26–27/1905

[ 1 ] The Federation of European Sections held its congress in London this year [1905] in early July (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th). In general, the nature and organization of the events at this second gathering of its kind were similar to those held the previous year in Amsterdam. Once again, a wonderful sense of camaraderie filled those who had gathered from the most diverse fields of Theosophical work to exchange ideas on methods of outreach, bear witness to the progress of Theosophical ideas in their respective countries, and receive inspiration for their efforts back home. Just as the Dutch friends had spared no effort or sacrifice the previous year to ensure the congress proceeded in a dignified and fruitful manner, so too did our members in London do the same this year. Anyone who can appreciate the time and dedication required for the preparatory work and the management of such a gathering will be filled with warm gratitude toward our English friends.

[ 2 ] Mrs. Besant had assumed the chairmanship of the congress. Already on the day before the actual start of the gathering, the guests in attendance were able to gather for a meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge to hear an important lecture by Annie Besant on the “Requirements of Discipleship.” The speaker addressed various remarks that had recently been published concerning all sorts of minor weaknesses and errors of the great founder of the “Theosophical Society,” H. P. Blavatsky. With deep gratitude, the speaker spoke of the figure who had been her guide on the path to truth and peace of the soul. What matters is not seeing the minor flaws and weaknesses, but rather the great impulses that emanate from such personalities. We should hold fast to these and, through them, find our own path. When we hear many things about the lives of the “initiates” that we say we would not have expected, perhaps our expectations are based solely on misunderstandings. Where there is a sun, there may also be sunspots; but the sun’s beneficent power continues to work despite these spots. — On the same day (Thursday, July 6), Annie Besant opened the “Arts and Crafts” exhibition, which remained open for the duration of the Congress. It is only natural that such an exhibition, whose purpose is to bring to the attention of members artistic works influenced by Theosophical ideas or created by Theosophists, cannot be entirely perfect in terms of its curation and the value of the individual pieces. Yet it is a highly valuable addition to the Congress; and anyone who seeks the Society’s mission not merely in the dissemination of Theosophical ideas, but in the shaping of Theosophical life in all its aspects, will certainly not dispute its justification. Given the rich abundance of the exhibits, it is quite impossible to go into the details here. It should only be noted that in G. Russell’s paintings, an interesting attempt was evident to convey something of astral reality through symbolic color drawings surrounding the figures depicted in the paintings and in the color scheme of the landscape in which they are set. To what extent this is successful is another question and is truly not yet a matter for consideration today. Special mention should be made of the works of our member Lauweriks, who formerly belonged to the Dutch section and now belongs to the German one, as he has been teaching at the School of Applied Arts in Düsseldorf for some time. His works of applied art consistently reveal a subtle mind and an excellent artist. Among the German works on display were an interesting painting by the chairman of our Düsseldorf Lodge, Otto Boyer, titled “The Alchemist,” and a portrait study by the same outstanding artist, who had also taken the trouble to participate in the work of the Art Committee as the German representative.

[ 3 ] Miss Stinde, our active member from Munich, contributed works from her rich collection of landscapes. In addition, a painting by our member Miss Schmidt from Stuttgart was on display.

[ 4 ] On Friday evening, Annie Besant gave a lecture on “The Work of Theosophy in the World” before thousands of people at the large “Queens Hall.” She outlined in broad, concise terms the role that the wisdom teachings of Theosophy play in modern life today. They must be applied not only as a creed but across all areas of life—science, art, and so on—if they are to fulfill their mission. The support that artistic and scientific circles, even those distant from the Theosophical Movement, have provided for theosophical pioneering work was excellently presented.

[ 5 ] On Saturday morning, the actual conference proceedings were opened with a stirring introductory address by Annie Besant. Here she pointed out how the nations must work together in close brotherhood toward the great work; she described the beginnings of a deepening of spiritual life in the theosophical sense that were emerging here and there. For example, she referred to the work of an Italian sculptor named Ezekiel, a “Christ” in which the theosophist could see his image of Christ. Germans will find it particularly interesting to hear that Annie Besant referred to the art of Richard Wagner, in whose music influences from the astral world can be sensed. — What followed was a beautiful symbol of the Society’s fraternal and international character. In accordance with a decision by the committee, the individual representatives of the various countries delivered brief welcoming remarks in their native languages. And one could now hear these speeches in succession in the following languages: Dutch, Swedish, French, German, English (for America), Italian, Spanish, Hungarian, Finnish, Russian, and an Indian language. Mr. Mead spoke last on behalf of England. The morning session concluded with business announcements by the secretary of the congress, J. van Manen.

[ 6 ] In the afternoon, the individual presentations and discussions of the departments began. Members who volunteered to speak presented papers on a wide variety of subjects: philosophy, science, ethnology, theosophical methods of work, art, occultism, and so on. It is quite impossible to even begin to describe the rich variety of what was presented here. Lectures on the most diverse subjects were held in various venues, followed by discussions. Let us mention just a few: Mr. Mead spoke on an interesting Gnostic topic; Pascal, the Secretary-General of the French Section, delivered a paper on “The Mechanism of Clairvoyance in Humans and Animals.” Mr. Percy Lund contributed a paper on “Physical Evidence for Atlantis and Lemuria.” In the Department of Occultism, Annie Besant spoke with the utmost clarity about the requirements and difficulties of occult research methods. She demonstrated the precautions and reservations that occult researchers must maintain despite the greatest possible caution, and how their findings must be received with equal caution, even when they have been arrived at with the utmost conscientiousness. - Dr. Rudolf Steiner spoke in the “Science” section on the “Occult Foundations of Goethe’s Life’s Work.” M. P. Bernard presented a paper on “Instinct, Consciousness, Hygiene, and Morality.” M. H. Choisy discussed the “Foundations of Theosophical Morality.” Mr. Leo provided highly valuable insights on “Astrology.”

[ 7 ] In a closing session, Mr. Mead spoke about Gnosis in the past and present and, building on that, shed light on the commonality found in all mystery wisdom. — On Saturday evening, a theatrical performance took place, featuring two symbolic dramatic works—the first attempt to cultivate this art form at our congresses as well. Musical performances took place on Sunday and Monday afternoons; vocal performances in various national languages once again beautifully and symbolically expressed the principle of brotherhood. — Annie Besant concluded the congress on Monday evening with a brief closing address. Present from Germany were: Miss Scholl (Cologne), Mrs. Geheimrat Lübke (Weimar), Countess Kalckreuth, Miss Stinde, Mr. and Mrs. von Seydewitz (Munich), Countess Schack (Döringau), Dr. H. Vollrath (Leipzig), Mr. Kiem, Miss von Sivers, and Dr. Rudolf Steiner from Berlin, as well as Dr. Peipers and his wife (Düsseldorf). — Special thanks are due to our members, J. von Manen and [Miss] Kate Spink, who handled all the secretarial work for the congress. — As already mentioned, Otto Boyer participated in the work of the Committee on the Visual Arts. Adolf Arenson (Stuttgart) served as the German representative on the Committee on Musical Performances.

[ 8 ] The lectures and all the meeting reports from last year’s Congress of the Federation of European Sections of the Theosophical Society will soon be published in a substantial volume, the “Congress Yearbook.” It is understandable that the publication of this book in its first year presented a major challenge to the editors and directors (J. van Manen, Kate Spink), and that it is therefore only now ready for publication. This year’s lectures and proceedings will be completed in a shorter time. In Germany, the publishing firm Max Altmann in Leipzig has taken over distribution of the “Yearbook,” and those wishing to obtain a copy should contact them.

[ 9 ] The General Assembly of the “British Section” of the “Theosophical Society” took place on July 8. At the meeting, Mr. Keightley resigned from his position as General Secretary, and Miss Kate Spink was elected to replace him. Dr. Rudolf Steiner greeted the assembly on behalf of the German Section.