(or Mirza Murad Ali Beg). Pseudonym of Godolphin Mitford, a theosophist who wrote notable essays in the Theosophist, particularly the well-known “The Elixir of Life” that appeared in the March and April 1882 issues. An Englishman born in Madras, India, he converted to Islam and also served as the chief cavalry officer of the Maharajah of Bhavnagar and others. He became an atheist after converting to Islam, and became a mystic after meeting a guru, joined the Theosophical Society, then went mad, after which he joined the Roman Church. He apparently was under probation to become a disciple or chela of an Adept, but failed.

Henry Steel OLCOTT and Helena P. BLAVATSKY met Moorad on January 20, 1881, and the latter said that he had dabbled in black magic, and, according to Olcott, “provoked the action of certain elemental entities which played havoc with his consciousness.” When he applied to become a member of the Theosophical Society, Olcott refused him. H. P. Blavatsky offered to be responsible for him, and thus he was accepted. Apparently with the help of Blavatsky, Moorad was inspired or helped to write the remarkable articles for which he has been known. Some months later, he went mad and even tried to kill Blavatsky by snatching a sword from a guard (see footnote in CW VI:241).

In the Mahatma Letters, Mahātma KOOT HOOMI wrote: “It is Fern, Moorad Ali, Bishen Lal and other wrecks, over again. Why will ‘would-be’ chelas with such intense self personalities, force themselves within the enchanted and dangerous circle of probation!” (ML, p. 429).

V.H.C.

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