Theos-Talk Archives (May 2011 Message tt00050)

Here is the proclamation of H S Olcott about White Lotus Day.  It appeared
in the supplement to Theosophist, May 1892

EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY,
PRESIDENT'S OFFICE,
ADYAR

17th April, 1892

WHITE LOTUS DAY.

In her last Will, H. P. Blavatsky expressed the wish that yearly, on the
aniversary of her death, some of her friends "should assemble at the
Headquarters of the Theosophical Society and read a chapter of "The Light
of  Asia" and [extracts from] " Bhagavat Gita," "; and, since it is meet
that her surviving colleagues should keep green the memory of her services
to humanity and her devoted love for our Society, the undersigned suggests
that the anniversary be known among us as White Lotus Day* and makes the
following official order and recommendation:

1. At noon, on 8th May, 1892, and on the same day in each succeeding
year, there will be held a commemorative meeting at the Headquarters,
at which extracts from the before-mentioned works will be read and
brief addresses made by the Chairman of the meeting and others who may
volunteer.

2. A dole of food will be given in her name to the poor fishermen  of Adyar
and their families.

3. The flag will be half-masted from sunrise until sunset and the Convention
Hall decorated with White Lotus flowers.

4. Members living outside Madras can arrange for their food by applying to
the Becording Secretary at least one week in advance.

5. The undersigned recommends to all Sections and Branches throughout the,
world to meet annually on the anniversary day, and, in some simple,
unsectarian, yet
dignified way, avoiding all slavish adulation and empty compliments, express
the general feeling of loving regard for her who brought us the chart of the
climbing Path which leads to the summits of Knowledge.

H. S. OLCOTT, P.T.S.


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