Chatterji, Mohini Mohun
(1858-1936). Chatterji claimed to be a personal pupil of the Master KOOT HOOMI and was one of the most prominent members of the early Theosophical Society (TS) which he joined in Bengal in April 16, 1882. He was awarded an MA and BL from Calcutta University. He was Private Secretary to Henry S. OLCOTT, and accompanied the founders on their European tour, greatly helping the spread of theosophy there. Chatterji is said to have influenced the Irish poets George William RUSSELL (AE) and W. B. YEATS, contributing to the Oriental aspects of their works. He married the niece of the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. Chatterji gave evidence supporting the reality of the psychic ability of Helena P. BLAVATSKY before the committee of The Society for Psychical Research.
It appears that the adulation showered upon Chatterji by TS members as a result of his being a chela caused him to become somewhat arrogant which resulted in trouble. He also became critical of the way in which Olcott was administering the Society and this raised the ire of Blavatsky and a rift developed. Chatterji resigned from the TS in 1887 and resumed the practice of law at Calcutta. He died in February 1936.
Book Translated: Crest Jewel of Wisdom (Vivekachudamani).
