The Rudolf Steiner Archive

Translated by Marie Steiner for the twenty-eighth Anniversary and Convention of the Theosophical Society

To the President-Founder, TS: - With my fraternal and most cordial greetings I have pleasure in submitting to you the Annual Report of the German Section of the Theosophical Society.

A new branch has been formed at Weimar, under the title of the Weimar Branch of the TS.

The total number of branches in Germany and German-Switzerland is now 11; 47 new members have joined during the year and two resigned. Miss Marie [v.] Sivers (Motzstrasse, 17, Berlin Wilmersdorf) has been elected Assistant to the General Secretary.

In the month of June last there appeared the first number of anew monthly magazine, Luzifer, under my editorship. It is published at Motzstrasse 17, and is dedicated to theosophical propaganda in German-speaking countries. Our old organ, The Vâhan, edited by Herr Richard Bresch, at Leipzig, has continued to appear as usual.

A new work entitled «Christendom as a Mystical Fact», by myself, has been published, and another, «Theosophy, a Picture of the World and the Destiny of Man,» is in preparation by me and will shortly appear. The following translations have been published: Mrs. Besant’s «Esoteric Christianity,» Mr. Leadbeater’s «Astral Plane» and «Outline of Theosophy.»

On the whole I venture to say that we are authorized to entertain the best hopes for the future. I myself am doing my best to aid in propagating Theosophy in Germany, lecturing in Berlin and in other towns. We hope to form within the next few weeks branches at Köln and Nürnberg.

Our work is difficult as so many of our old members are reluctant to enter upon the work of propaganda in the present state of German thought, but I am fully persuaded, after considering all sides of the question, that positive work must overcome all obstacles: at the beginning success will be slow, but the movement will become stronger as it acquires momentum. With my whole soul I promise to do everything in my power to forward it.

Rudolf Steiner,
General Secretary.

Read by Mr. G. S. Arundale. Translated by Marie Steiner for the twenty-ninth Anniversary and Convention of the TS, 1904

To the President-Founder, TS: - With my fraternal and most cordial greetings I have pleasure in submitting to you the Annual Report of the German Section TS.

New Branches have been formed in Cologne, Nurnberg, Munich and Dresden. Our Kassel Branch has dissolved, but it is to be hoped that it will revive in a short time. Besides there is a new Branch in formation in Karlsruhe.

The total number of Branches in Germany and German Switzerland is 13; 138 new members have joined during the year; two have resigned; one died; so that the net increase amounts to 135 members.

The review, Luzifer, has been considerably enlarged through its union with the Gnosis, a magazine that appeared hitherto in Vienna. Its editor is Dr. Rudolf Steiner; it is published in Berlin, Motzstrasse 17. Its influence upon the deepening of theosophical life is evident. The Vâhan, under the editorship of Mr. Bresch, is continued in its habitual manner.

A new book of Dr. Rudolf Steiner was issued last spring under the title of «Theosophy, an introduction into supersensual works and into the destiny of man.» The following translations have been published:

«Four Great Religions,» by Mrs. Besant, through Mr. G. Wagner; «Atlantis,» by Scott Elliot, through members of the Leipzig Lodge; «Fleta,» by Mabel Collins, through members of the Stuttgart Lodge, and «Studies in the Bhagavad Gita,» by «Dreamer.»

I myself have held a great number of lectures in many towns of Germany with the view of theosophical propagation, and will continue to do so. In September we had a visit from Mrs. Annie Besant who lectured publicly in Hamburg, Berlin, Weimar, Munich, Stuttgart and Cologne, and kindly addressed the lodges in private meetings, infusing them with her spiritual strength.

Despite all difficulties our work advances well, and it is to be hoped that with every new year we shall be able to send in better reports.

The increase of members in Berlin and Leipzig is a good sign of progress.

We send our warmest greetings to all brothers in India and sincere congratulations to our revered President.

Dr. Rudolf Steiner,
General Secretary.

Dear friends!

To avoid any misunderstanding, I would like to point out from the outset that I do not consider this letter to be an official one from the Secretary General, but rather a private statement that I feel obliged to make because a number of members of our section would like to hear my opinion on the following matter.

Our Stuttgart I branch has expressed in a circular letter to the German branches of the TG that it does not agree with the arguments of “Vâhan”, of which Mr. Richard Bresch is the editor, insofar as these refer to individual events in the society. This circular also contains proposals for a settlement between Vâhan and the German section. So far, the Leipzig and Besant branches in Berlin have commented on the rally of our Stuttgart I lodge in circulars.

I would now like to say the following about this:

I respect every foreign opinion as justified, provided that it is based on the principle of serving the truth; and I also seek to understand an opinion that I personally must consider wrong if it does not arise from the above principle. This is demanded by the theosophical tolerance, and such is also made quite clear to us by the true law of karma. It is not intended to cast the slightest doubt on Mr. Bresch's desire to serve the truth with his remarks. And I certainly do not want to criticize his view. I just want to put my opinion alongside his.

Regarding the Fuente bequest, I believe that Colonel Olcott and Annie Besant have handled it so well that it could not have been done better. The sum has been used for Theosophical purposes in the most eminent sense. And the Theosophical Society has not only the task of spreading Theosophical dogmas and teachings, but also of serving the culture of the world through Theosophical life. The two things that the legacy is used for, however, are foundations of the most beautiful theosophical kind. In any case, if there had been a general vote on the matter in the TG, I would not have voted in favor of a different use. So the only remaining objection is that such a vote should have taken place. But I am of the opinion – another person is entitled to a different opinion – that in the TG much cannot be based on formalities, but on the trust we have in the proven personalities. And Colonel Olcott and Annie Besant have done so much for the TG that I think they can be given trust in such a matter.

But even if one does not hold the matter in such a way, I am of the opinion that one should take a different path to change certain circumstances than through a magazine that - even if it is Theosophical - is still published publicly. Otherwise we will end up introducing the less than pleasant newspaper style into our society as well. And that would be a fatal mistake. I agree with many people that some aspects of the TG, especially the way the congresses are organized, need to be improved. But I think that this should be treated as an internal matter and that we should work towards improvement by working personally on it. I can only assure our esteemed friends that I spoke with many personalities at the last London Congress and found much understanding in this regard. It seems to me that the same approach should be taken with regard to the number of lodges. An exchange of ideas by letter with Colonel Olcott would have been quite sufficient. I do not believe I need address the matter of the publication of books in luxury editions. Besides the motives asserted by Mr. Bresch, artistic motives also come into consideration. And how far one goes is a matter of taste. But no one should set themselves up as the arbiter of taste for the whole world. We can only hope that our judgment will be given some consideration if the judgment of others is also allowed and one's own is not considered infallible.

With the kind of criticism that Mr. Bresch practices, it is all too easy to run the risk of violating the empirical law that “something always sticks” when it comes to accusations made by strangers. And whatever Mr. Bresch's opinion may be, I cannot admit its relative justification, but I will not quibble with it any further. I hope he will not claim that Colonel Olcott and Annie Besant have ill will in any of their actions. If I cannot assume that, then it would be impossible for me to take the critical tone that he does.

Regarding the proposal of the Stuttgart Lodge I to regulate the relationship of Vâhan to the section, I would just like to say that I, too, like Mr. Bresch, consider it impossible for an editor to be dependent on the Society. Quite apart from the fact that you cannot edit according to votes, such a thing is technically unfeasible. The situation is different with a newsletter, which can be discussed at the General Assembly in October.

I will soon be sending a circular letter to the branches about the proceedings of the London Congress and some other Society matters.

With brotherly Theosophical greetings,
Dr. Rudolf Steiner.

Theosophical Society
(Adyar Madras Headquarters)
Besant Branch Berlin

The Besant branch of the Theosophical Society discussed the position of the German “Vâhan” in its meeting of July 24, 1905 regarding the attitude of the German “Vâhan” in matters concerning the Theosophical movement and the criticism that is practiced in this journal on individual measures within the Theosophical Society. With regard to the two circulars received in this matter from the Stuttgart I and

Leipzig Besant Branches, the following resolution was unanimously adopted.

1) The assembled members declare that they do not agree with the attitude of the German “Vâhan” in the indicated direction.

2) The meeting also disagrees with the nature of the criticism that the German “Vâhan” exercises on prominent members of the Theosophical Society, especially on those members for whom this branch - as already expressed in its name (Besant-Branch) - has a full, of course free of all personality cult, admiration.

The Besant Branch leaves everything else to the General Assembly of this year, which may take a position on the matter in the way that can be justified in the statutes.

On behalf of the Secretary:
Marie v. Sivers.

and the Chairman of the Besant Branch:
Dr. Rudolf Steiner.

Read by Dr. Otto Schrader. Translated by Marie Steiner for the thirtieth Anniversary and Convention of the TS, 1905

To the President-Founder, TS: - With my fraternal and most cordial greeting I have pleasure in submitting to you the Annual Report of the German Section TS.

New Branches have been formed in Berlin (Besant Lodge), Karlsruhe, two new branches in Stuttgart (so that we have three branches in this town) and in Freiburg im Breisgau. Besides we have worked in St. Gallen, Zurich and Basel (Switzerland) and in Heidelberg, Frankfort on the Main, Bonn, Jena and a number of other towns. Although there are not yet branches in these places we have there friends who are interested and the formation of several new branches is expected.

The total number of branches in Germany and German Switzerland is now 18; 137 new members have joined during the year; three have died; seven have resigned, so that the net increase amounts to 127 members. The effective number of members is 377.

The review, Luzifer - Gnosis, that appears in Berlin under the editorship of Dr. Rudolf Steiner has now begun its third annual course; it tries to advance the interest in our movement by dealing in the most manifold way with all theosophical questions. Its influence is evidently increasing. The Vâhan can henceforth no more be regarded as a magazine representative of our Society, as its editor, Herr Richard Bresch, has left the TS. A new book of Dr. Steiner will appear in a short time under the title: «Introduction into the Secret Science.» — The following translations have been published : «The Path of Discipleship,» by A. Besant, and, «The Story of the Year,» by M. Collins. There has also appeared a work of Dr. Steiner dealing, from the theosophical point of view, with «Schiller and our Age.»

I have tried also during this year to work for the propagation of the theosophical movement, through a great number of lectures in many towns of Germany and Switzerland.

Despite all the difficulties existing in Germany we can hope, on the ground of the results obtained and the experiences made, for good results in the future. Our Annual Convention on the 22nd of October has shown that the theosophical thought is deeply rooted in the minds of our members. A numerically small opposition against some measures of the leaders of the TS has been energetically thrown back.

The General Secretary of the three years’ old Section, Dr. Rudolf Steiner, has been re-elected for three other years. As Assistant Secretary he will be helped as hitherto by Fräulein Marie von Sivers. As members of the Executive Committee there have been chosen besides, Herr G. Wagner, Herr B. Hubo, Herr L. Deinhard, Frau H. Lübke, Fräulein $. Stinde, Fräulein M. Scholl, Herr M. Bauer, Herr A. Kolbe, Herr F. Seiler, Herr H. Ahner, Herr F. Kiem.

We send our warmest greetings to all brothers in India and especially to our revered President.

Dr. Rudolf Steiner,
General Secretary.

Dear Friends,

The President-Founder of the Theosophical Society has sent the following executive note to me as the General Secretary of the German Section, asking me to communicate its contents to the members.

"Serious accusations made by the Executive Committee of the American Section of the Theosophical Society against Mr. C. Leadbeater have prompted the President-Founder to convene a meeting on May 16 in London, at which the entire Executive Committee of the British Section and delegates from the American and French Sections were present. It was to be discussed with the President what measures should be taken.

After careful consideration of the accusations, and after Mr. Leadbeater's verbal statement had been taken into account, the following resolution was adopted:

“Having considered the charges preferred against Mr. C.W. Leadbeater and having heard his defense, the Committee unanimously recommends to the President the acceptance of Leadbeater's resignation, which he had already tendered prior to any action of the Committee.”

Mr. Leadbeater's membership of the Theosophical Society thus ceases, as does his mandate as a presidential delegate.

H.S. Olcott President T.S.

Dear Friends!

The above document contains an important message for the members of the Theosophical Society, which is somewhat brief. Mr. Leadbeater is not only a member of the Society; he is one of the most outstanding propagators of the Theosophical worldview. His books have become a guide to Theosophy and a guide within it for many. He has numerous disciples who follow his direction. He has just completed a long lecture tour, during which he achieved significant things for the Theosophical movement in America and Australia. And now, immediately afterwards, “serious accusations” are being made by the American section, the section within which he had just been working so energetically.

In view of this situation, I must concede to the members of the German Section the right to demand an explanation from me as General Secretary regarding these facts. It is indeed repeatedly emphasized from many sides that the Theosophical Society in its aims and tasks should not be confused with the achievements of some of its members. On the other hand, however, it cannot be denied that the Society's overall activity is composed of the work of its individual members, and that it cannot be unimportant if trust in outstanding work must suffer a severe shock from facts of the kind communicated in the President's circular. For with this trust in the workers, surely that in their achievements also falls away. And these achievements form the true living content of the Society. They are the means by which the Society is to fulfill a great task, from which its members want to draw spiritual nourishment. The Society certainly cannot live on the ever-recurring enumeration of the “three basic goals” that are supposed to stand higher than any achievement of individuals.

But there are reasons for not talking in a circular about the things about which some of our American members have made serious accusations against Mr. Leadbeater, and because of which the members of the Executive Committee of the British Section and some delegates of the French and American Sections felt obliged to give their consent to the acceptance of Mr. Leadbeater's resignation.

I myself can now speak all the more impartially about this case of Leadbeater's, because from the point of view of occultism, which I have to represent, I have always had to reject the methods by which Mr. Leadbeater comes to his occult knowledge and which he also recommends as useful methods for others. I am not saying anything for or against the correctness of what Leadbeater presents as occult truths in his books. It is the case in occultism that someone can come to some correct insights, even though the methods he uses are dangerous and can easily lead astray. So I have to trace the Leadbeater case back to much deeper grounds. At the same time, however, I have to explain that there is almost no guarantee for anyone not to fall into a disastrous aberration if they apply the methods underlying Leadbeater's work. Therefore, because I take this point of view, the Leadbeater case was no surprise to me. But I do not think that anyone who agrees with the methodological basis of Leadbeater's occult research now has any reason to condemn him. Either the circular sent to the members should have clearly stated that the accusations concern matters that have nothing at all to do with occultism, or else Leadbeater's entire occult system falls with him. I am quite clear about the latter; that is why I have explained my point of view to the members of the German Section here instead of making an official statement that is not included in the executive note.

As for the assessment of Mr. Leadbeater as a person, which might be important to some, it may be stated that he has always emphasized the good intention he had in all of this, of which he is accused. And no one has any reasonable grounds for doubting this assertion by Leadbeater. It should also be considered in this matter that a large number of American members of the Theosophical Society have just sent out a circular letter in which they vigorously protest against the action taken against Mr. Leadbeater and in which they strongly demand his reinstatement in all his rights. From this, it could also be concluded that the allegations against Leadbeater can be viewed differently than the American Executive Committee views them, and differently than those who simply adopt the opinion of this committee as their own. ¹

I ask the esteemed members of the German Section not to be unsettled in their commitment to the Theosophical cause, regardless of the consequences of the Leadbeater case; and with that I send warm Theosophical greetings to all our friends.

Dr. Rudolf Steiner,
General Secretary of the German Section.

• 1. For further oral clarification of the matter, I am happy to be of service to any member should the opportunity arise.

Read by Peter de Abrew, Esq. Translated by Marie Steiner for the thirty-first Anniversary and Convention of the T.S.

To the President-Founder, TS: - With my respectful and fraternal greeting I have pleasure in submitting to you the Annual Report of the German Section TS.

In the course of last year New Branches have been formed in Frankfurt on the Main, Bonn, Heidelberg, Bremen, St. Gallen and Basel (Switzerland); a second branch in Munich; centres in Regensburg, Elberfeld and Esslingen. The Berlin Branch has dissolved, so that the active work in Berlin is carried on by the large Besant Branch. A new lodge is in formation in Kassel.

The total number of Branches in Berlin is now 24, and 3 centres. 237 members have joined the Section during the year; 7 have died, 11 resigned or dropped and 5 passed over to other Sections. So that the net increase amounts to 214. The effective number of members at the last Convention was 591.

The lecture-work of Dr. Rudolf Steiner in Germany and Switzerland has been continued in the same intensive way as in the last year. Besides these have been introduced series of daily lectures held by Dr. Steiner in various towns that have proved very effective, because, apart from the stimulation given by single lectures, they make it possible to develop to a larger audience a total picture of theosophical philosophy. Such series of lectures have been developed thus far in Leipzig, Stuttgart and Munich. Great stress is put, in the German Section, upon the fact that the Society should not only grow through the increase of its members, but that the theosophical philosophy should spread though an intensive lecturing activity. This is the best way of doing propaganda here. And through this way of working, the movement advances here despite the difficulties.

The Review edited by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, Luzifer Gnosis, has continued its task. It has considerably gained in expansion.

A new Sectional organ has been founded under the title Mitteilungen; it is edited by Miss Scholl.

From outward literature there have been translated: Mrs. Besant’s «Study of Consciousness» by Mr. G. Wagner; «New Psychology» by Mrs. Leibke; Ed. [Schuré's] «Les Grands Initiés» by Fräulein von Sivers.

The number of steady workers has been increased through Mrs. E. Wolfram in Leipzig, who spreads the theosophical ideas in Leipzig through good lectures.

The Fourth Annual Convention was held in Berlin, on October 22nd and 23rd. For the Executive Committee, besides the members named in our last report, Mrs. E. Wolfram has been chosen.

We shall make ourselves ready for a worthy celebration of the Congress of the European Federation, which is to be held in Munich, at Whitsuntide, May 19th.

‘We send our warmest greetings to all brothers in India and especially to our revered President.

Dr. Rudolf Steiner,
General Secretary.

We have heard Olcott's last earthly wish in a letter that he recently sent to the secretaries general of the sections. He has proposed our much-admired Mrs. Besant as his successor.

The General Secretary of the German Section will now take the necessary steps in accordance with the statutes in good time to ensure that the election process in our section proceeds in accordance with the regulations.

All members will receive the relevant documents.

With theosophical greetings
Dr. Rudolf Steiner

Dear Friends!

Certain events that are currently taking place within the Theosophical Society make it necessary for the following lines to be addressed to the members of the German Section. These events have not played a role within the German Section so far, and rightly so. Now, however, they are stirring up a lot of dust within other sections – unfortunately to the detriment of the Society – and it is inevitable that the matter will also be brought into our section from outside and will disturb minds here. That is why this letter is necessary.

The relevant procedures relate to the election of a successor to our dear and revered President-Founder H.S. Olcott. According to the statutes of our Society, the election of a new President could have been the easiest, smoothest thing in the world.

Now it is being made confusing for no good reason.

The statutes state:

“The President-Founder, Colonel H.S. Olcott, holds the office of President for life and has the right to propose his successor. This proposal is subject to the approval of the Society. The vote shall be taken in the manner provided.”

“The President shall be elected for seven years.”

"Six months before the expiry of the term of office of a President, his successor shall be proposed by the General Council at a meeting to be held by the latter. And the proposal shall be communicated to the General Secretaries and the General Secretary of the Society. Each General Secretary shall collect the votes of his Section in accordance with its statutes. The General Secretary shall collect those of the other members of the Society. A two-thirds majority of the votes cast shall be required for the election.

It is clear from this that the president-founder was granted special rights, which will no longer apply in the future.

We must now vote in accordance with these rights. This means that the Secretary General of a section must announce to the members which proposal the President-Founder has made regarding his successor. Furthermore, the Secretary General must hand over or send a ballot paper to each member of his section, which the member fills out at his or her own discretion.

Of course, no member is obliged to follow the proposal of the President-Founder, but may put the name of his or her choice on the ballot paper. The completed ballot paper is then to be returned to the Secretary General.

For the German section, everything necessary in terms of the statutes has basically already been done, except for the election itself. And this must be done in accordance with the instructions of the Vice-President, who is to perform all the functions of the President until a new President takes office. The current Vice-President is Mr. Sinnett. The election in our Section will be carried out properly at the right time.

So far, then, everything is in perfect order.

But disorder is brought into the matter by the following.

Before his passing away, our revered President-Founder sent to the General Secretaries and to others all kinds of circulars in which he announced that he had received instructions from higher worlds to appoint a certain personality, namely Mrs. Besant, as his successor.

The president-founder claims that certain masters, who are referred to in Theosophical circles as M. and K.H., appeared to him and gave him the aforementioned instructions.

Whether or not these instructions are genuine is a matter for esotericism. It would have been necessary to completely ignore this whole matter in the administration. For it is no one's business but Olcott's from whom Olcott accepts advice regarding his successor. It does not matter whether Olcott has taken advice from an ordinary person or a supernatural power.

One can be of the opinion that Olcott should not have communicated the whole thing. But this communication can be attributed to a weakness of his last seriously ill times. It is also due to this weakness that he said, contrary to the statutes, that he was appointing his successor. Because the statutes do not give him the right to appoint, but only the right to propose.

It would therefore have been right to extract the right thing from Olcott's circular and ignore everything else.

This has not been done in various sections.

There is a lot of discussion about what does not belong to the election matter. This carries the risk that a purely administrative matter will be mixed up with esoteric matters. Especially if one takes the correct esoteric point of view that our teachings go back to supersensible sources, then one should carefully avoid bringing a purely social matter like the presidential election into any connection with supersensible powers. It would contradict all esoteric principles to draw the supersensible into the discussion, which can always arise in a presidential election. It should be emphasized here that it would not actually be necessary in principle to say the following, and that it is only said here to prevent misunderstandings that may be caused by discussions in which the leadership of the German Section is innocent, but which have unfortunately arisen.

None of the individualities that we can recognize in supersensible vision will ever interfere in a matter such as the current presidential election. That would be to bind our will, but these individualities want to free our will through the way they relate to us, so that it can make the right decision in each individual case. That is why currents of spiritual life never come to us from them in a form that could impair our free choice. I am saying something that goes beyond the powers of the General Secretary, but I must say it as a friend of the members.

There will also come a time when I will be able to say how the statements made by Adyar are actually worded. It would not be appropriate for me to talk about this now.

I would just like to ask the members, especially at the present time, to carefully distinguish between official statements and unofficial ones. A completely private message, for example, is the one Mr. Mead has now sent to the branches. It is to be understood as nothing other than Mr. Mead's personal view. All official communications to the members can only come through the General Secretary of a section. The Deputy President, Mr. Sinnett, will also only pass on all communications to me, and I will duly pass everything on to the members.

This is to clarify the situation.

Other matters as soon as possible.

With theosophical greetings,
Dr. Rudolf Steiner
General Secretary of the German Section
of the Theosophical Society.

For your information.

To the members of the German Section of the Theosophical Society.

From the circulars that I recently sent to the chairpersons of the branches of the German Section, it can be seen that the election of the president must take place in May. It can be assumed that the members are now aware of the aforementioned circular.

I am now enclosing the ballot paper. I request that you write either “For Mrs. Besant” or “Not for Mrs. Besant” in the space marked “vote cast”. Please sign your name in the “signature” space. If you do not wish to add your name, you may omit it. I request that all members immediately return the completed ballot to the following address (in a sealed envelope):

Dr. Rudolf Steiner,
private address of Countess Kalckreuth
Munich
Adalbertstr. 55.

(Please use this exact address). Those who do not wish to vote for or against Mrs. Besant can also return an unmarked ballot paper.

Ballots returned after May 23 cannot be considered valid.

With theosophical greetings,
Dr. Rudolf Steiner
General Secretary of the German Section of the Theosophical Society.