philosophical research society

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‘We’re not a cult!’ A mysterious L.A. society reinvents itself for modern ‘truth seekers’

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There are two parking lots at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz and on a recent Thursday night, both of them were full.

The monthly meeting of the Death Cafe — an informal gathering to discuss all things related to death and dying — had recently wrapped up in the society’s newly refurbished lecture room, and the 200-seat auditorium was nearly full for a screening of the witchcraft/horror film “ Hagazussa: A Heathen’s Curse .” Across the courtyard, an audience of 50 sat rapt in the society’s atmospheric library as six poets read from recent work.

“I’ve dreamt of doing an event here since I was 17 years old,” said poet Jessica Ceballos as she made her way to the lectern after being introduced by the night’s MC, Ross Farrar of the punk band Ceremony. Then she launched into a poem about an octopus garden off the coast of San Simeon.

Located at the intersection of Los Feliz and Griffith Park boulevards, the Philosophical Research Society has long been a place of mystery, intrigue and, for some, apprehension. The Mayan Revival campus painted in Southwestern shades of clay, cream and sage was built in 1935 by the celebrated author and esoteric lecturer Manly P. Hall. After his death in 1990, it morphed from a public space dedicated to philosophical and spiritual inquiry to an accredited online university offering degrees in transformation psychology and consciousness studies. Now it is reimagining itself once again, this time as a nonprofit cultural events and art space with an esoteric edge.

“There are so many people who come in here and say I’ve passed by it a thousand times, but I never went in because I thought it was a private university or some kind of crazy satanic cult,” said Executive Director Dennis Bartok, former head of programming for the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. “No! We’re a 501(c)3 nonprofit, with a bookstore and a library and a beautiful events space.”

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On a Saturday morning two days after the Death Cafe, witch screening and poetry reading, a small group introduced themselves around a heavy wooden table in the library before a workshop on initiating a plant spirit oracle deck with artist and healer Star Feliz. In the courtyard, commercial real estate appraiser and board member Ann Burckle led eight curious souls on an architectural tour of the campus.

Before the tour began, Burckle asked if there were any questions. A young woman in a red jumpsuit raised her hand. “Are there any ghosts?” she said eagerly.

Burckle didn’t flinch. “Not that I know of,” she said. “But I do feel an energy here. And we do have the skull of a mass murderer from Germany.”

The origins of the Philosophical Research Society date back to the first half of the 20th century, when L.A. was teeming with esoteric and alternative spiritual institutions. Some, like the Self Realization Fellowship and the Krotona Institute of Theosophy , are still around today. Most are long gone. That the Philosophical Research Society was able to survive is a testament to the charisma of its founder, the deep pockets of its supporters and the dedication of the many people — past and present — who believe in its mission.

Six-foot-four with piercing gray eyes, Hall was staggeringly prolific, writing more than 150 books and giving thousands of lectures over his lifetime. His magnum opus, “The Secret Teachings of All Ages,” is an encyclopedia of mystical philosophy that touches on Kabbalah, tarot, alchemy, mystic Christianity and Masonry, among many other subjects. Completed when Hall was just 27, it has sold over 1 million copies and recently was reprinted by luxury art book publisher Taschen.

Hall founded the Philosophical Research Society in 1934 to promote the study of philosophy, comparative religion, mysticism and metaphysics in Los Angeles and beyond. The organization purchased the Los Feliz property in 1935 for just $10 and soon began construction on the arched Mayan-inspired building in what was then a wild mustard field. The original building included a front office, print shop, bindery and library that housed thousands of books and manuscripts — some donated, some collected by Hall on his travels across the globe. A second building with space for a classroom, offices and a library vault was added in 1950. The auditorium was added in 1959. An inscription on its cornerstone reads, “Dedicated to the truth seekers of all time.”

(Elizabeth Weinberg / For The Times)

Hall was a universalist and encouraged visitors to use the campus’ resources to aid them on the path of their own spiritual development — whatever that looked like.

“We feel that there is a pressing need for a nonaligned institution, without creed or dogma, where persons of all beliefs can seek a better understanding of life’s plan,” he wrote in the 1982 pamphlet “The Little World of PRS: A Field Tour of the Philosophical Research Society.” “We are all here to grow — to become better and more useful.”

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Thirty-three years after his death under suspicious circumstances in 1990, Hall’s influence can still be felt. His portrait, painted in oils by the celebrated artist E. Hodgson Smart, dominates the entrance to the auditorium, his bust glares from a corner of the library and his many books and pamphlets are available at the bookstore. The Philosophical Research Society also has reissued a deck of tarot cards created by Hall and his frequent collaborator, artist and set painter John Augustus Knapp. A keepsake edition of Hall’s first book, “The Initiates of the Flame,” will be available by the end of the year.

Even as the Philosophical Research Society broadens its programming to include art-house film screenings and lectures on the neon signs of Hollywood, its core mission to support personal spiritual development remains, said John Pillsbury, who has financially supported the nonprofit through his family’s foundation for decades and is now president of the board.

“Manly once said there are as many religions as believers,” said Pillsbury, who met Hall when he was 15 years old. “We don’t care if you’re Jewish, Buddhist, Taoist or whatever. We want you to be the best whatever you are, and whatever you are evolving into. It’s your path, and if we can help, that’s great.”

At the same time, he believes opening the campus to a wider range of people — including those who may not be seeking spiritual development — is essential to its long-term survival.

“We have old plumbing that needs work, old wiring that needs work — none of which sounds particularly esoteric or exciting,” said Pillsbury. “Broadening our base has been useful.”

Bartok, who became executive director in May 2022, said the expanded programming has drawn more people in.

“Every show now we ask how many people in the audience have never been here, and invariably between a third and a half raise their hand,” he said.

On a warm Friday evening in August, the courtyard was full ahead of a sold-out magic show starring Rob Zabrecky, with interludes by subversive performer Billy the Mime. There were several Magic Castle members sipping wine before the show began. There were a fair number of clowns (without their makeup) as well.

Deidre Scott, who had heard about the performance through friends in the clowning community, took a seat in the old auditorium, which looks like a high school theater circa 1968 except for the large paintings inspired by tarot cards lining the walls. It was her first time at the Philosophical Research Society and she was curious to learn more.

“I was on their website today looking at all their classes and I was like, ‘What is this? Do I want to work there? Do I want to live there? What is it?’” she said.

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Many of the people who work at the Philosophical Research Society, and who are responsible for its current renaissance, stumbled upon it years ago, fell in love, and never left.

Kelly Carmena, deputy executive director and head librarian, first came in 2014 to research the symbolism of the spiral for an artist friend. She started volunteering in the library almost immediately and soon worked there part-time. As her responsibilities at the Philosophical Research Society grew over the years, she became instrumental in bringing more people — especially artists — into its orbit.

“I think there has always been a relationship between arts and esotericism,” she said. “What I hear now from a lot of people is that they can’t express this side of themselves at other institutions and organizations.”

Welcoming a wider pool of people to the campus is also important to marketing manager Elizabeth T. Vazquez. The 32-year-old started attending lectures at the nonprofit in 2016 and became an artist-in-residence in 2021 — creating a solo art show and a monthly reading and discussion group that included books on postcolonial astrology and an anthology of Indigenous science fiction. They started working for the nonprofit last September.

“It was very important to me to bring more diversity and more queer folk here,” Vazquez said. “And I think that has been part of what we’ve been seeing too — much, much more diversifying than the first few years I was coming here.”

Beyond the institution’s paid employees, there is also a community of fans and supporters who are helping to expand its reach. Writer-in-residence Mandy Kahn hosts a monthly poetry night in the library and teaches a free weekly class on building inner and world peace. Floating , an L.A.-based collective that presents “sonic gatherings,” is a frequent collaborator and held monthly concerts in the courtyard throughout the summer. Jessica Hundley, a regular at the library since 1998 and author and editor of Taschen’s Library of Esoterica series , has been hosting events with artists, musicians and writers on the campus for the past three years.

“We live in an amazing city, but there’s not a lot of enduring historical places that have been here for that long,” Hundley said. “This is one of them.”

Everyone who loves the Philosophical Research Society agrees that it is still figuring out how to become a modern cultural space while remaining connected to its strange and mystical history. But Pillsbury believes its current iteration is closer to Hall’s original vision then it has been in a long time.

“We’re moving in a new direction that hearkens back to our roots and will make us viable for a long time,” he said. “I’d like to think in terms of centuries, because the ideas are eternal.”

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The Philosophical Research Society

Most Angelenos know the intersection of Los Feliz and Griffith Park Boulevards as a dreaded traffic pileup preceding the entrance to I5. I know it as a different kind of intersection: a crossroads where ancient wisdom, philosophical inquiry, and magic converge. Founded in 1934, The Philosophical Research Society is a nonprofit campus “Dedicated to the truth seekers of all time.” On a Friday afternoon in early March, Greg Salyer, Ph.D., President/CEO of the Society, let me in on some secrets.

On Manly P. Hall

Manly P. Hall (1901-1990) was a Canadian-born scholar, philosopher, and mystic. Also a prolific author, he produced the stunning compendium, The Secret Teachings of All Ages , at age twenty-seven . The Philosophical Research Society houses Hall’s personal library of esoteric texts, as well as his over 150 published works.

“Manly Hall was born in 1901 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, and had an interesting life from the very beginning. His father was not around––he was raised by his grandmother until his late teens, when he moved to California to be near his mother, who was a Rosicrucian [member of an esoteric order that studies and practices the metaphysical laws governing the universe], which is not a thing that many people are. He’s got a little pamphlet called “Growing up with Grandmother” that’s amazing. I really like that part of his story, that he was influenced by a woman early on, and I think you can tell that.

Not many people know this, but he became an ordained minister in the Church of the People. So he’s nineteen or twenty [years old], and he’s got a church in downtown Los Angeles. He would speak on everything––it wasn’t a Christian church. He gave a lecture on Hill Street that garnered a lot of attention, and then he just took off. Well, he would have been trending , as we would say.

He had this powerful presence, no credentials, right––he’s basically a teenager. Manly was very different in that he was drawing upon the world’s learning, the history of the world’s thought about the meaning of life.”

On the Society

In 1934, an oil-rich mother and daughter sponsored the construction of Manly’s very own temple of knowledge, the Philosophical Research Society (PRS). Erected on a mustard field, the historic building has a Mayan-inspired edifice and includes an auditorium, library, art gallery, lecture hall, and bookstore.

“It was going to be this magnificent Mayan Temple, but that cost a lot of money so they scaled it back. But, basically, [PRS] became [Hall’s] home base. He would give talks every Sunday morning at eleven, which was interesting because that’s church time. He maintained the position, as we do, that these resources should be freely available to everyone, so they still are.

Stephan Hoeller of the Gnostic Society joined Hall in the 1970s and for that decade it was Manly Hall and Stephan Hoeller. The auditorium was built in 1959, and they lectured to standing-room-only crowds. It was the heyday of PRS. Manly died in 1990 under very difficult circumstances; then, PRS fell into a strange time.”

On Academia

Formerly a university specializing in niche humanities studies, the Philosophical Research Society withdrew its accreditation in 2018. Today, many of the same classes are still offered––online and on the Los Feliz campus––in what is a return to the Society’s original ethos: a university of the mind.

“The second president, my predecessor, was Dr. Obadiah Harris, and he pretty much wanted this to be an educational center. This was in 2000–2001. Dr Harris emphasized the online school, which was brilliant and well ahead of its time. Last year we closed the university because of the changing accreditation environment. [Accreditors] would come here, and say, ‘What jobs do your graduates in Consciousness Studies get?’ And I’d say, ‘No job, or, every job.’ It became painfully clear to us that they were not interested in learning for learning’s sake. We had to be placing graduates in professions, which we don’t do. So, we withdrew our accreditation.

The political nature of the United States, and other countries, is that you do not want to invest in critical thinkers. Critical thinkers are dangerous. I know that’s self-serving, but I think I can demonstrate it: the history of education––since after WWII especially––has been to produce workers, not thinkers. Thinkers cause trouble, they question assumptions about your business, and they question your practices and how they align with your values. They’re troublemakers. They occupy that space. And corporations don’t want anybody in that space. They want obedient, fearful workers.

So now we’re back to Manly’s original vision. There’s no barrier to entry for teachers or students: you pay a nominal course fee and you’re in, you don’t have to fill out an app, we don’t need to see your transcripts––if you want to learn, you can just come and learn.”

The PRS campus is currently closed due to COVID-19 concerns, but the online school is alive and well! Join Greg every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. on YouTube for the President’s Class, an evolving series of lectures and discussions. Additional classes and video lectures can be found on the PRS website. You can also donate directly to the preservation of PRS by visiting the “Support” page and choosing your gift.

“Come to our events, donate if you can. If you can’t, that’s Manly Hall’s vision: that PRS is here for everybody. Take classes––that’s actually our best way forward.”

— Written by Anya Johnson — Photography by Tyler Hubby

“ To live in the world without becoming aware of the meaning of the world is like wandering about in a great library without touching the books. ” — Manly P. Hall

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The Philosophical Research Society is an organization dedicated to the study and exploration of various philosophical and metaphysical topics. Founded in 1934 by renowned philosopher Manly P. Hall, the society has been a hub for intellectual inquiry and scholarly discussion. With an extensive library, educational programs, and lectures, the society provides a platform for individuals to deepen their understanding of philosophical concepts and engage in thought-provoking conversations . In this article, we will delve into the history and mission of the Philosophical Research Society, as well as the impact it has had on philosophical discourse and the pursuit of knowledge.

Table of Contents

Origins and purpose of the philosophical research society, key philosophical principles explored by the society, impact and influence of the philosophical research society, recommendations for further exploration and involvement, the way forward.

The Philosophical Research Society was founded in 1934 by Manly P. Hall, a renowned author, mystic, and philosopher. The society was established with the purpose of promoting the study and research of philosophy, metaphysics, and the esoteric sciences. The organization’s mission is to provide a platform for individuals to explore and expand their understanding of the universal principles and wisdom traditions that have been passed down through history.

Through a variety of educational programs, lectures, and publications, the Philosophical Research Society seeks to: – Foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and the universe – Encourage critical thinking and inquiry into the fundamental questions of existence – Preserve and share ancient wisdom teachings from around the world – Promote the application of philosophical principles for personal and global transformation

The society remains committed to upholding the legacy of Manly P. Hall and continuing its dedication to the pursuit of wisdom and truth. With its extensive library, research facilities, and educational resources, the Philosophical Research Society serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to delve into the depths of philosophical inquiry.

The Philosophical Research Society is dedicated to exploring various key philosophical principles that have shaped human thought and society. Through rigorous research and analysis, the society delves into the following philosophical principles:

• Epistemology: The study of knowledge and the nature of belief, focusing on the distinction between justified belief and opinion.
• Metaphysics: Investigating the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, and the existence of abstract entities such as space and time.
• Ethics: Examining theories of right and wrong, moral duty, and the principles that govern individual and collective behavior.
• Aesthetics: Exploring the nature of beauty, art, and principles of taste, as well as the creation and appreciation of art.

In addition to these key philosophical principles, the society also delves into various other branches of philosophy, such as political philosophy, philosophy of religion, and logic, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and profound concepts that have shaped human thought and society.

The Philosophical Research Society has had a significant impact and influence on the field of philosophy and beyond. Through its dedicated research and publications, the society has contributed to shaping the discourse around philosophical thought and esoteric wisdom. Its influence can be seen in various ways, including:

• Publication of scholarly articles and books
• Hosting of educational seminars and lectures
• Promotion of intellectual dialogue and inquiry

The society’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of philosophical and metaphysical principles has not only influenced academic circles but has also had a broader impact on the general public. Its work has helped to promote critical thinking and the exploration of ideas that transcend conventional boundaries, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of philosophical inquiry. Additionally, the society’s contributions have also positively impacted the fields of psychology, spirituality, and the arts, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of its research and initiatives.

After learning about the philosophical research society, you might be interested in further exploring and getting involved in this field of study. Here are a few recommendations to consider:

• Join a Philosophy Club: Look for local or online philosophy clubs where you can engage in discussions, debates, and learn from other individuals who share your interest in philosophical research.
• Attend Philosophy Conferences: Keep an eye out for upcoming philosophy conferences or seminars where you can listen to speakers, present your own research, and network with professionals in the philosophical community.
• Volunteer or Intern: Consider volunteering or interning at a university, research institute, or non-profit organization that focuses on philosophical research. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and opportunities for further involvement.

If you’re looking to take your involvement to the next level, consider pursuing a degree in philosophy, joining academic societies, or contributing articles to philosophical journals. The possibilities for exploration and involvement in the philosophical research society are endless.

Q: What is the Philosophical Research Society? A: The Philosophical Research Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and dissemination of philosophical and metaphysical teachings.

Q: When was the Philosophical Research Society founded? A: The organization was founded in 1934 by Manly P. Hall, a renowned philosopher, and author.

Q: What is the mission of the Philosophical Research Society? A: The mission of the Philosophical Research Society is to provide educational resources and programs that promote the study of philosophy, metaphysics, and the esoteric sciences.

Q: What kind of resources does the Philosophical Research Society provide? A: The organization offers a wide range of resources, including a research library, educational programs, seminars, and publications on various philosophical and metaphysical topics.

Q: Who can benefit from the resources provided by the Philosophical Research Society? A: Anyone with an interest in philosophy, spirituality, and metaphysics can benefit from the resources and programs offered by the Philosophical Research Society.

Q: Are there membership options available for the Philosophical Research Society? A: Yes, the organization offers membership options that provide access to exclusive resources, discounts on educational programs, and other benefits.

Q: How can someone get involved with the Philosophical Research Society? A: Individuals can get involved by becoming a member, attending educational programs and seminars, or making a donation to support the organization’s mission.

Q: What makes the Philosophical Research Society unique? A: The organization stands out for its commitment to promoting the study of philosophy and metaphysics in a non-sectarian and inclusive manner, welcoming individuals from all walks of life and belief systems.

In conclusion, the Philosophical Research Society has been a pioneer in promoting philosophical inquiry and fostering an understanding of different philosophical traditions. Its dedication to the advancement of knowledge and wisdom has made it a valuable institution for scholars and individuals interested in exploring the depths of human thought. As the society continues to grow and evolve, it remains an important resource for anyone seeking to engage with philosophical ideas and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the nature of existence and the human experience. Whether you are an academic, a student, or simply someone with a curious mind, the Philosophical Research Society offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, reflection, and intellectual exploration.

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The Library

The American Philosophical Society Library is a major national center for research in the history of the sciences, early American history, and Native American ethnography and linguistics.

Museum at Philosophical Hall

Philosophical Hall, adjacent to Independence Hall, has been the home of the American Philosophical Society since 1789. In its Museum, visitors will see exhibitions drawn from the Society’s renowned collections that trace American history and science from the Founding Fathers to the digital age.

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The American Philosophical Society is the oldest learned society in the United States. Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, it continues its mission of "promoting useful knowledge" through research, fellowships, and public outreach.

The Library Company of Philadelphia and the American Philosophical Society are looking at a ‘closer formal relationship.’

The two historic organizations, both founded by Benjamin Franklin, will join hands for a "future of collaboration." Details are scarce.

Following layoffs and a change in directorial leadership, the Library Company of Philadelphia and the American Philosophical Society are in discussions to “explore the possibility of a closer formal relationship while retaining each institution’s distinct identity” in some as-yet-undetermined form.

The collaboration between the two historic organizations, which were both founded by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century, aims to increase awareness and accessibility of their collections while bolstering research efforts, according to a written statement sent out to LCP shareholders and APS members on Monday afternoon.

“As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, the LCP and APS are exploring how they can build on this interwoven history and more closely collaborate in the same spirit that led to their founding and has subsequently guided their missions,” the statement read. “Their goal remains as always: to steward collections to the highest of standards, to encourage research through open access to these materials, and to promote new discoveries, all of which are done to improve the community and world through the production and dissemination of new knowledge.”

Both organizations were originally located on Fifth Street near Independence Hall. (LCP has since moved to Locust Street following a few relocations.) Their proximity has led to collaborations over the years. However, the details of their agreement for a “future of greater collaboration” are unclear.

LCP interim director John Van Horne and APS executive officer Bob Hauser declined to answer questions surrounding the decision, or what the joint venture and effort entails. “We are very early in the exploratory process, so this is all we have to say at present,” Van Horne wrote via email.

Despite plans to work in closer capacities, Hauser said this is not a merger, and there’s no intention to use the term given the nature of their partnership. “Nor has any decision been reached about a legal affiliation between the two institutions,” he explained in an email.

The announcement comes at a time of flux for LCP leadership. The organization laid off employees in late 2023, and former director Michael J. Barsanti left the role abruptly in January. Van Horne declined to answer questions on Barsanti’s departure.

The Library Company, the country’s oldest continuously operating library, is home to half a million rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, graphic works, and other artifacts. And the American Philosophical Society holds a research library, scholarly press, and various educational programs inside its quarters.

Both historic institutions were birthed from one of Franklin’s first civic initiatives — the Junto Club, whose members were avid readers and intellectuals who wanted to work toward the betterment of the society. The group was the launching pad for many public projects, including the nation’s first successful lending library in 1731.

After opening the Library Company, Franklin and his like-minded colleagues founded APS in 1743, which is the oldest learned society in the United States. Today, the organization awards grants and fellowships to scholars, hosts lectures and exhibitions, and administers prizes. Its library of manuscripts is internationally recognized for its, per the organization’s website, “enduring historic value.”

The Union Fire Company, the University of Pennsylvania, volunteer militia, and Pennsylvania Hospital are among the other public projects founded by the club.