Theosophical Society
The
Theosophical Society, is set in a tranquil spot on the banks of the
Adyar river. There is a huge banyan tree, with its branches spreading
over an area of 40,000 square ft, where discourses are conducted.The
Theosophical Society, founded in 1875, is a worldwide body whose primary
object is Universal Brotherhood based on the realization that life, and
all its diverse forms, human and non-human, is indivisibly One. The
Society imposes no belief on its members, who are united by a common
search for Truth and desire to learn the meaning and purpose of
existence by engaging themselves in study, reflection, purity of life
and loving service.
Past
In 1875 Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Col. Olcott formed a society with an
aim to comparatively study religion, philosophy and science. The society
was initially located in the U.S.A but later it was shifted to Adyar.
The huge Banyan tree with a span of 40,000 sq. ft serves as the place
where the discourses are given. This place has got shrines of almost all
faiths and a 95 years old library with a rare collection of books and
manuscripts many of which are written on palm leaves and parchments. The
society received a huge impetus under Annie Besant, a foreigner, who
wanted to revive Hindu culture and values back to India.