Birla Theosophical Society, Analysis of principles of Theosophy,

Birla Institute of Technology and Science, PilaniPilani CampusHSS F345 GANDHIAN THOUGHTSDraft of the Semester’s Self-Study Assignment”Gandhi and Theosophy”The soul of religions is one, but it is encased in a multitude of forms. The latter will endure to the end of time. Wise men will ignore the outward crust and see the same soul living under a variety of crusts…

Truth is the exclusive property of no single scripture. MK Gandhi”This book stimulated in me the desire to read books on Hinduism, and dis-abused me of the notion fostered by the missionaries that Hinduism was rife with superstition.”MK Gandhi on the book “The Key to Theosophy”By-Saumitra KapoorID No. : 2015A5TS0900PProblem Statement: Before discussing the effect of Theosophy on Gandhi our first important step is understanding Theosophy and later on asking relevant questions. Was Gandhi influenced by Theosophy ? To what extent and how ? What is the relevance of Theosophy today ? How did the Theosophists in England influence Gandhi ? Which were the key Theosophical literature read by Gandhi ?Aim of the Term Paper: Gandhi’s contact with Theosophists in England and introduction to Theosophical Society, Analysis of principles of Theosophy, influence of Theosophy on Gandhi and the world we see today.

Scope: I will limit my discussion to:Understanding TheosophyInfluence of theosophists and literature on GandhiRelevance of Theosophy todayMethod of Study: I will refer to the following resources-The Dialectic of God : The Theosophical Views of Tagore and Gandhi by Satya Sinha”World Parliament of Religions (1893)” Boston Collaborative Encyclopedia of Western TheologyThe Dawning of Theosophical Movement by Michael GomesThe Key to Theosophy by Helena BlavatskyThe Light of Asia by Edwin ArnoldThe Gandhi You May Not Know by Rajmohan GandhiOnline blogs and videos as and when requiredGet in touch with the current Theosophists / bloggers for specific doubtsThematic Index:ThemesTheosophy : An IntroductionObjectivesUnderstanding the foundation concepts of theosophy like essential nature of man, spiritual progress, karma and death and self, physical world and its connection with soul, human aura and history connected.Sources and StudiesTheosophy: An Introduction to the Supersensible Knowledge of the World and the Destination of Man by Rudolf Steiner and specific references from Theosophy An Introduction by H.P. Blavatsky.ThemesInfluence of Theosophists on Gandhi and their backgroundObjectives Gandhi’s meetings with Blavatsky and Besant, Jinnah and Muslim leaders leaving congress because of Hinduism patronizing ? , Mr Ritch and Theosophy in South Africa, Theosophical society in South Africa.Sources and Studieshttp://www.conspiracyschool.com/blog/untold-story-gandhi-and-theosophy, books listed in methods of study.ThemesTheosophical Literature read by Gandhi and influenceObjectivesHinduism and The Key to Theosophy, Abandonment of atheism, Gandhi and his wife’s visit to Theosophical society in Adyar, future actions influenced by literature and brief discussion of the literature read by him.Sources and Studies The Key to Theosophy by Helena Blavatsky, Blavatsky’s Secret Doctrine, theosophy.wikiThemesRelevance of Theosophy today with closing commentsObjectivesRelevance of the Theosophical Society and practical application of the path, critical assessment of the principles todaySources and Studieshttp://theosophy.katinkahesselink.net/Number of words : 525