The Theosophical Society’s Jiddu Krishnamurti proclamation

Record summary

The Theosophical Society promoted Jiddu Krishnamurti as a vehicle for the expected World Teacher and organized the Order of the Star in the East around that anticipation. Krishnamurti dissolved the order in 1929, rejecting the institutional role and its claims of spiritual authority. The episode matters for comparing esoteric prophecy, charismatic succession, child selection, transnational organization, and disconfirmation. Although its central setting was Adyar, the movement had major European branches and publicity. Researchers should distinguish Annie Besant’s and C. W. Leadbeater’s claims from Krishnamurti’s later statements.