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Ep. 1: The Great White Buddhist Col. Henry Steel Olcott
There is no question that modern Buddhist practice, especially in Sri Lanka and the United States, was heavily influenced by the work of Theosophy’s co-founder Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. Who was this Civil War era Renaissance Man and how did he influence modern Buddhism?
We hope that by shedding light on his impact it may help open the conversation about Buddhist esotericism, mysticism and magic that seem to be muted in the practices and study of modern Buddhism, especially from the viewpoint of Western Scientific Materialism. Let’s make Dharma magic again!
The Three Tenets of Zen Peacemakers
What is Protestant Buddhism?
Oxford definition
https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/article/a-protestant-buddhism/
The White Buddhist: The Asian Odyssey of Henry Steel Olcott by Stephen Prothero
Spiritualism
The evolution of funeral practices in the United States:
Henry Olcott and cremation in America
People from the Other World by Henry Steel Olcott
Olcott’s book regarding events at the Eddy Farm.
The Garibaldini- Italian Redshirts
Explanation of Theosophy’s “Masters”
Olcott’s descriptions of his meetings with Master Morya
The death of Arthur Conan Doyle’s son and Spriitualism: It is often put forward that Arthur Conan Doyle’s interest in Spiritualism was due to the death of his son Kingsley in 1918. ACD had a lifelong interest in the mystical and paranormal. In fact his interest in Spiritualism can be dated as early as 1887 when he published an article in the journal of the London Spiritualistic Alliance. In 1883 he joined the thriving Society for Psychical Research. But Kingsley’s death from a long convalescence following a wound acquired at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 did appear to strengthen his belief in spirit communication and life after death. He believed that Spiritualism was a New Revelation sent by God to bring solace to so many who were experiencing loss. He began lecturing on Spiritualism in 1916 and wrote The New Revelation in 1918 on this theme.
The Trickster and the Paranormal by George P. Hansen
Anagarika Dharmapala
http://www.anagarikadharmapala.org/life_2_our-teachers.php
Maha Bodhi Society founded by Anagarika Dharmapala in 1891
1893’s World’s Parliament of Religions at Chicago’s World’s Fair
Wiki article on Olcott’s The Buddhist Catechism
https://theosophy.wiki/en/The_Buddhist_Catechism_(book)
Swami Vivekenanda’s speech at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions
Jiddu Krishnamurti’ split with Theosophy: While HPB did state that a goal of Theosophy was to prepare for the coming of Lord Maitreya, it was actually her successors Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater who found Krishnamurti and proclaimed him to be the next Maitreaya. While he originally embraced this role, Krishnamurti rejected this call in 1929 and stated, "I do not want followers. My only concern is to set men absolutely, unconditionally free,” a stunning announcement by today’s standards for influencers and religious leaders.
Free copy of Olcott’s The Buddhist Catechism
Thudong practice
Dipa Ma’s website
The Buddha’s Wizards: Magic, Protection and Healing in Burmese Buddhism by Thomas Nathan Patton
Ordaining the trees in Thailand
Metta Sutta (with tree spirits!)
This was our first episode and we’ve left in some of our inaccuracies, and our um’s and actuallies. Below are not only links for what we don’t cover in depth, but also some corrections where we weren’t 100% accurate. Thanks for your understanding as we learn to be better presenters! We hope you enjoyed our discussion as much as we enjoyed making the episode.
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By Joseph Rogers and Corey SwartselThere is no question that modern Buddhist practice, especially in Sri Lanka and the United States, was heavily influenced by the work of Theosophy’s co-founder Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. Who was this Civil War era Renaissance Man and how did he influence modern Buddhism?
We hope that by shedding light on his impact it may help open the conversation about Buddhist esotericism, mysticism and magic that seem to be muted in the practices and study of modern Buddhism, especially from the viewpoint of Western Scientific Materialism. Let’s make Dharma magic again!
The Three Tenets of Zen Peacemakers
What is Protestant Buddhism?
Oxford definition
https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/article/a-protestant-buddhism/
The White Buddhist: The Asian Odyssey of Henry Steel Olcott by Stephen Prothero
Spiritualism
The evolution of funeral practices in the United States:
Henry Olcott and cremation in America
People from the Other World by Henry Steel Olcott
Olcott’s book regarding events at the Eddy Farm.
The Garibaldini- Italian Redshirts
Explanation of Theosophy’s “Masters”
Olcott’s descriptions of his meetings with Master Morya
The death of Arthur Conan Doyle’s son and Spriitualism: It is often put forward that Arthur Conan Doyle’s interest in Spiritualism was due to the death of his son Kingsley in 1918. ACD had a lifelong interest in the mystical and paranormal. In fact his interest in Spiritualism can be dated as early as 1887 when he published an article in the journal of the London Spiritualistic Alliance. In 1883 he joined the thriving Society for Psychical Research. But Kingsley’s death from a long convalescence following a wound acquired at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 did appear to strengthen his belief in spirit communication and life after death. He believed that Spiritualism was a New Revelation sent by God to bring solace to so many who were experiencing loss. He began lecturing on Spiritualism in 1916 and wrote The New Revelation in 1918 on this theme.
The Trickster and the Paranormal by George P. Hansen
Anagarika Dharmapala
http://www.anagarikadharmapala.org/life_2_our-teachers.php
Maha Bodhi Society founded by Anagarika Dharmapala in 1891
1893’s World’s Parliament of Religions at Chicago’s World’s Fair
Wiki article on Olcott’s The Buddhist Catechism
https://theosophy.wiki/en/The_Buddhist_Catechism_(book)
Swami Vivekenanda’s speech at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions
Jiddu Krishnamurti’ split with Theosophy: While HPB did state that a goal of Theosophy was to prepare for the coming of Lord Maitreya, it was actually her successors Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater who found Krishnamurti and proclaimed him to be the next Maitreaya. While he originally embraced this role, Krishnamurti rejected this call in 1929 and stated, "I do not want followers. My only concern is to set men absolutely, unconditionally free,” a stunning announcement by today’s standards for influencers and religious leaders.
Free copy of Olcott’s The Buddhist Catechism
Thudong practice
Dipa Ma’s website
The Buddha’s Wizards: Magic, Protection and Healing in Burmese Buddhism by Thomas Nathan Patton
Ordaining the trees in Thailand
Metta Sutta (with tree spirits!)
This was our first episode and we’ve left in some of our inaccuracies, and our um’s and actuallies. Below are not only links for what we don’t cover in depth, but also some corrections where we weren’t 100% accurate. Thanks for your understanding as we learn to be better presenters! We hope you enjoyed our discussion as much as we enjoyed making the episode.