Theosophical Society,
THE
LIFE OF
H P Blavatsky
Mohandes
K Gandhi
H P Blavatsky meets Mohandes K Gandhi 1890
Mohandas
K. Gandhi was introduced to H P Blavatsky in London in 1890 when he was there
working for his law degree. He is known to have attended some Theosophical
Society meetings.
In
his autobiography he recalls having read her Key to Theosophy. "This book
stimulated in me the desire to read books on Hinduism, and disabused me of the
notion fostered by the missionaries that Hinduism was rife with
superstition"
Two
theosophists introduced him to the Bhagavad-Gita, which became his lifelong
guiding text. The first copy of the Bhagavad Gita he read was the Sir Edwin
Arnold Translation.
Gandhi
went on to read all the Hindu scriptures and often quoted them in speeches in
later years but it is interesting to note that he introduced himself to these
writings through English translations.
Theosophist
A O Hume was a founder of the Indian National Congress which led the drive for
Indian independence and Gandhi in his book on Indian Home rule “Hind Swaraj”
often quoted A O Hume.
Gandhi
has a lifelong friendship with Annie Besant whom he also met in
Cardiff Blavatsky Archive
Theosophical Society, Cardiff Lodge, 206 Newport Road,
Cardiff CF24 – 1DL