The Mahatma Letters: Further Exploration
With Maria Parisen and Susanne Hoepfl-Wellenhofer
3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. CT
Join at any time!
This is a continuation of last year’s study in which the Mahatma Letters were introduced through the letters from two Masters of Wisdom, written primarily to Alfred P. Sinnett, an early Theosophical Society member and English newspaper editor in India. Once archived in the British Museum and now in the British Library, the letters are valued for their profound metaphysical and philosophical content and the extraordinary methods of their creation.
Further Exploration expands the inquiry through letters written to other prominent Society members and includes reflections on core theosophical ideas often addressed by the Mahatmas in different letters. We will also consider unifying qualities of the adept consciousness reflected in their comments about themselves, their teachings and guidance. Our monthly meetings encourage reflective sharing and discussion of selected quotations for key ideas, historical context and relevance for everyday life and our work in the Theosophical Society today.
September 21, 2026 - The Maha Chohan Letter
In times of conflict and crisis, the teachings of the Mahatmas offer a practical and deeply transformative perspective. This letter is a report from the Master KH of an interview with his “Chief,” the Maha Chohan, whose permission allowed the communications with Sinnett and others to begin. It was not going well. The Chohan’s wise response has been called “practically the charter for the work and development of the Theosophical Society throughout the ages.” This is the link to the letter.
October 19, 2026 - The Masters and the TS
The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 and Helena Blavatsky made no secret that she was working under the guidance of the Masters. Co-founder Colonel H.S. Olcott met the Master KH during unusual circumstances, and also received letters from him. We explore passages from various letters to understand more of the nature of the Mahatmas, the dynamics of this extraordinary relationship, and their hopes for the TS. Some of the quotes will be from ML 45.
November 16, 2026 - Letters to Other Pioneers
Several theosophists, other than Sinnett, received letters from various Masters during the Society’s early years. We will see a few ways the Masters address individuals and situations as they relate both to personal need, humanity’s evolution, and to the unity of the Society as a whole. Excerpts from a letter to Dr. Franz Hartmann can be found in this article. One important letter to Mary Gebhard can be found here. Information about the American journalist Mrs. Laura Holloway and the Mahatmas can be found here.
December 21, 2026 - After-Death States
“Just as physical life must proceed to an incarnation’s conclusion, so the psychic or mental life which is still incomplete at physical death, must run to its conclusion in after-death states.” (Joy Mills, Reflections on an Ageless Wisdom, p. 406) Three spheres of ascending spirituality are mentioned by the Master KH. The highest of these, Devachan (literally "dwelling of the gods"), is a state of bliss and mental purification experienced between physical incarnations. Among the letters we will draw from are ML 104 and ML 68.
January 18, 2027 - A Crisis in 1883-1884: The Kiddle Incident
The Master KH is accused publicly of plagiarism, as a result of Sinnett’s publishing some portions of ML 12 in his 1881 book The Occult World. An American, Henry Kiddle, claims that certain passages are “almost verbatim” from an address he gave on Spiritualism during August,1880. The accusation leads inevitably to uncertainty and doubt among the members. In ML 117 (Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence No. 117, p. 398) Master KH explains how Letter 12 had been written or precipitated, but Sinnett is restricted from publishing or even sharing this information with others.
February 15, 2027 - Mahatmas and Chelas
Chelaship, or discipleship, refers to the period of probation, self-transformation, and training through which an aspirant prepares for initiation. The subject appears throughout many of the Mahatma letters, offering profound insights into the challenges and responsibilities of the Master - Chela relationship. We consider quotes from several letters and welcome your own research. Some foundational material can be found in this Wiki article.
March 15, 2027 - Karma and Reincarnation
The Mahatmas describe karma and reincarnation as universal laws guiding the soul’s evolution across lifetimes. “The stay in Devachan is proportioned to the unfinished psychic impulses originating in earth life.” (Master KH) Reincarnation commences under the strong pull of karmic forces and a “thirst” to continue physical experience. In the first letter to A.O. Hume, (Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence, Appendix I, p. 474) The Master KH includes remarkable insights on the nature and potency of thought, highlighting individual responsibility and the deeper meaning behind human experience.
April 19, 2027 - Collective Wisdom and Action
Clara Codd has written extensively on TS Lodge work, (Part III in Theosophy as the Masters See It.) Her insights based on the Mahatma Letters are relevant for all collective study and theosophical group activities. She affirms what the Masters have emphasized, how “persons are the most valuable asset” and universal brotherhood the reality we share. We consider ideas about how a successful TS Lodge should be conducted, including the need for three great qualities. See ML 120 , 121 and 122.
May 17, 2027 - The Masters on Duty, Love, and Intuition
Extracts from Letters of the Masters: The Mahatma Letters include many hints and instructions for those committed to a spiritual path. We consider a selection of other extracts especially relevant for our times, including passages you would like to explore more fully.
Facilitators 
Susanne Hoepfl-Wellenhofer is the Eastern Board of Directors of the TSA and current president of the D.C. Lodge. She is an active contributor to the Online School of Theosophy and the Theosophy Wiki, and a mentor in the TSA Prison Mentorship Program. She has a law degree and a master’s degree in educational technology. She translates German to English and teaches Yoga. Visit her personal website: https://spiritualityconsciousnessandme.com
Maria Parisen joined the Theosophical Society in America in 1969. She has served on the governing boards of the Detroit Lodge, TSA, Theosophical Order of Service, and currently the Krotona Institute of Theosophy where she has lived since 2003. As TSA national speaker, Maria has presented and guided workshops and retreats internationally. She retired recently after directing Krotona's School of Theosophy for 15 years and currently serves as a project manager for the Institute.
Program Format
This is a live, interactive online program. This program will not be recorded.
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