Col. Olcott taught inter-racial and inter-religious principles — the most important and greatest principles of the Theosophical Society — through 32 years of dedicated service to the TS as President-Founder. His sincerity, integrity and organizational ability ensured that the TS grew from strength to strength to become a worldwide spiritual movement. He worked for the welfare of humanity and was witling to give up personal desires and conveniences. This is the true Theosophical spirit. As a Master said: ‘The true Theosophist is a philanthropist — not for the self, but for the world he lives.’ Master M, characterized what a chela should be like: ‘ It is he alone who has the love of humanity at heart, who is capable of grasping thoroughly the idea of regenerating practical Brotherhood.’

Bishop Leadbeater said that Col. Olcott’s contact with Madame Blavatsky and the Master M. started in ancient Atlantis, as a captain in the service of a mighty king. He was placed in charge of the life of the prince, the king’s only son, because of the trust the king had in his faithfulness. When some conspirators tried to kill the prince, the captain prevented it, but was fatally wounded. The king asked the loyal captain:’ What can I do for you who have given your life to protect my son?’ The Captain replied, ‘ Grant me to serve you and your son for ever in future lives’, and the king agreed. It is said that the great king was the Master M., and the prince Madame Blavatsky. Dr. Besant wrote:

This was the man to whom Madame Blavatsky was sent by her Master to the United States… to found with her the Theosophical Society and then to spend the remainder of his life in organizing it all over the world. He brought to his task his unsullied record of public services rendered to his country, his keen capacity, his enormous powers of work, and unselfishness.

The Theosophical Society has had an impact on certain aspects of modern life all through these 130 years all over the world. Alhough the TS is not big in numbers or revenue, its impact and influence are amazing. Col. Olcott’s sacrifices in order to bring about a change in humanity were innumerable. He forsook his career and possessions, living for decades as a poor man. HPB wrote that he had no money to buy even a pair of shoes. His own Master said of him: ‘To this day he has preferred the good of the many to his own personal benefit.’

Such was his loyalty and dedication to the Theosophical Society. May we be inspired by the noble example of Col. Olcott. May we be worthy members of the Theosophical Society and live a life of purity, discipline and integrity.