THE THEOSOPHIST

VOL. 135 NO. 5 FEBRUARY 2014

CONTENTS

Presidential Address 3 M. P. Singhal The Mind: a Vessel for Ignorance or a Vessel for Truth? 7 Linda Oliveira Adyar Day 12 Regenerating Wisdom 15 Femmie Liezenga Vertical Mutation of Mind 18 P. K. Jayaswal The Voice of the Silence 22 C. A. Shinde Finding Wisdom in Contemporary Physics 26 Ulrich Mohrhoff Presidential Election 34 Chittaranjan Satapathy International Directory 38

Editor: Mr M. P. Singhal

NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to the Editorial Office. Cover: Nipa Palam (Nypa-fruitican), Adyar — Prof. C. A. Shinde.

Official organ of the President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky, 1879. The Theosophical Society is responsible only for official notices appearing in this magazine.

1 THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Founded 17 November 1875 President: Vice-President: Mr M. P. Singhal Secretary: Dr Chittaranjan Satapathy Treasurer: Mr T. S. Jambunathan Headquarters: ADYAR, CHENNAI (MADRAS) 600 020, INDIA Secretary: [email protected] Treasury: [email protected] Adyar Library and Research Centre: [email protected] Theosophical Publishing House: [email protected] & [email protected] Fax: (+91-44) 2490-1399 Editorial Office: [email protected] Website: http://www.ts-adyar.org The Theosophical Society is composed of students, belonging to any religion in the world or to none, who are united by their approval of the Society’s Objects, by their wish to remove religious antagonisms and to draw together men of goodwill, whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire to study religious truths and to share the results of their studies with others. Their bond of union is not the profession of a common belief, but a common search and aspiration for Truth. They hold that Truth should be sought by study, by reflection, by purity of life, by devotion to high ideals, and they regard Truth as a prize to be striven for, not as a dogma to be imposed by authority. They consider that belief should be the result of individual study or intuition, and not its antecedent, and should rest on knowledge, not on assertion. They extend tolerance to all, even to the intolerant, not as a privilege they bestow but as a duty they perform, and they seek to remove ignorance, not punish it. They see every religion as an expression of the Divine Wisdom and prefer its study to its condemnation, and its practice to proselytism. Peace is their watchword, as Truth is their aim. Theosophy is the body of truths which forms the basis of all religions, and which cannot be claimed as the exclusive possession of any. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible, and which demonstrates the justice and the love which guide its evolution. It puts death in its rightful place, as a recurring incident in an endless life, opening the gateway to a fuller and more radiant existence. It restores to the world the Science of the Spirit, teaching man to know the Spirit as himself and the mind and body as his servants. It illuminates the scriptures and doctrines of religions by unveiling their hidden meanings, and thus justifying them at the bar of intelligence, as they are ever justified in the eyes of intuition. Members of the Theosophical Society study these truths, and theosophists endeavour to live them. Everyone willing to study, to be tolerant, to aim high, and to work perseveringly, is welcomed as a member, and it rests with the member to become a true theosophist.

2 Presidential Address Presidential Address (Contd.) By Mr M. P. Singhal, The International Vice-President To the 138th Annual Convention of the Theosophical Society Adyar, 26 December 2013

ALL the National Societies of the 90th South Indian Conference was held TS Worldwide are divided into four in Adyar on The Secret Doctrine. The Federations: Indo-Pacific, Pan-African, General Secretary was the Chief Guest in European and Inter American. The Utkal, Karnataka, Bihar and Marathi membership for three consecutive years Federations. All four National Lecturers is: 25,841; 25,141; and 24,901. There is visited many Federations for sharing a downward trend. Seventeen new thoughts on Theosophy. Lodges have been opened this year — The Section’s financial position is five in India, three in Russia, two each sound with a surplus income of 6.7 in New Zealand and Brazil and one million rupees. It’s monthly journal is each in Ukraine, Sweden, Bolivia, South circulated to 3,500 members. The Voice Africa and Costa Rica. Ukraine has been of the Silence and The Key to Theosophy upgraded to a Regional Association. will be completing 125 years in 2014 and Bangladesh, Russia, West and South the section is planning to undertake special West Asia including Singapore, Japan, programmes in the coming year. Malaysia, China and Hong Kong are Australian Section: The membership is brought under Presidential Agencies. The 983. The Section published its national International Secretary will be issuing magazine every quarter. The Section necessary instructions regarding common convened its Annual Conference in format for annual report. January, 2013 at Melbourne with the Indo-Pacific Federation: It has five full theme, ‘Theosophical insights and the Sections and three Presidential Agencies. contemporary world’. The Education and The membership of this Federation is Training Committee developed a resource 14,371. package for the Lodges (Branches), to Indian Section: It is the largest Section organize work more efficiently. The Camp of Indo-Pacific Federation with a member- Bell Theosophical Research Library ship of 11,569 this year. and Archives continues to receive the A Seminar on Environmental issues required resource materials. National was organized at the Headquarters in and International Lecturers were to pro- August, 2013. The Section participated pagate theosophical work in the country. with Ramakrishna Mission to celebrate Programmes were organized at the the 150th Birthday of Vivekananda. The Theosophical Education and Retreat

February 2014 3 The Theosophist Centre in Queensland and Canyonleigh. Other Societies: (a) Three countries are The General Secretary is aware of under Presidential Agency — Pakistan, declining membership and suggests that Sri Lanka, and East and South-East Asia. it is important that we do not become Japan and Singapore have one Lodge complacent and remain inactive. She each attached to Adyar. invites members’ suggestions and assist- (b) Pan-African Federation: There are ance for this purpose. three Sections and one Regional Agency. New Zealand Section: The member- The membership is 671. In South Africa ship stands at 790 during the year. The a study centre in Mozambique was Convention of 2013, in its 116th year, was upgraded as Maputo Lodge with twenty- held in Wellington with the theme, ‘To three members. know, to dare, to will and to be silent’. East and Central African Section The Section magazine Theosophia is consists of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and a quarterly one that keeps all members Zambia. This African Section held its fully informed of the activities. There were 46th Convention from17th to 20th May, two foreign visitors in the year. The 2013 at Nairobi with the theme, ‘Integrity Section’s National Lecturers went around and Moral values in Today’s World’. the country sharing theosophical ideas. Mr Ebrony Peteli was elected as General Two new branches are under formation Secretary for a two year term. Five while the branch at Omarau is closed. Lodges held meetings periodically. There Members celebrated four important dates are 173 members. of TS. Website is updated. (c) European Federation: There are Indonesian Section: The membership twenty-three countries in it including is 206 and has twenty-four lodges. It Ukraine, Russia, Wales and Slovenia. hosted the Indonesian Conference at Bali The membership is 5,484. There are eleven in 2013. There are some problems and Sections, seven Regional Associations, issues in the Section that need to be sorted three Presidential Agencies and one out. I have requested Vic Hao Chin Jr. to Lodge in Israel attached to Adyar. find out what is to be done whenever he French Section: Theosophical activities goes there. continued during the year. General Philippines Section: There are 332 Secretary with three council members members. The Section has implemented visited Marseille to celebrate White Lotus a seven year programme and succeeded Day and delivered a talk on ‘Life and in doubling the number of Lodges and Human Phenomenon’. Public lectures study groups. A resource lab has been were organized in other Lodges. National created with online publishing and the Convention was held from 29th to 30th Golden Link education system has been June 2013, on the theme, ‘Self Knowledge strengthened to implement training and Void without an End’. programme for TS members. Finnish Section: It has twenty-three

4 Vol. 135.5 Presidential Address Lodges and two study groups. Two Rico. There are five Sections, five Lodges were closed for lack of members. Regional Agencies, seven Presidential The membership is 420 this year. A Agencies and three Lodges of Croatia, Summer School was organized in June Orlando and Equador. The membership 2013 with Dr Bhupedra Vora as the Chief is 5915. Guest from England. A Seminar on American Section: Membership is The Secret Doctrine was conducted in 3,309, a gain of two over last year. Their which Dr Chittaranjan Satapathy, the resources are the Olcott library, the Quest International Secretary, gave a lecture quarterly magazine, the TPH and the on Krishnamurti. Twelve Members from Olcott National Center. Internet is driving Finland attended the Seminar. The finan- the change in the reach to both mem- cial issues are continuing as Finnish law bers and public. Currently more than prohibits TS from paying membership 2.5 billion people use internet worldwide. dues to Adyar in Foreign Exchange. The archives department has received Italian Section: The membership is donations of paper from several donors. 1035. There are thirty-four Lodges and Olcott hosted the third TOS Con- nineteen Centres. It publishes a monthly ference from 23rd to 26th July, 2013, with magazine Rivista Italian di Theosofia, the theme, ‘The TOS into the Future’. 1,300 copies of which are distributed. Over sixty delegates from thirteen Monthly News Letter goes to 2,000 countries participated. It has presence members. The 99th Italian Conference in thirty countries. We should help was held from 24th to 26th May, 2013 members wishing to start a new group. with the theme ‘Karma and Theosophical The conference received the plan of action Commitment’. It also organized a summer since 2008. An International TOS Hand school of the Latin courses in Naarden book was released. ITC in August, 2013 with the subject Brazilian Section: It has thirty-four ‘From Knowledge to Wisdom: an open lodges and seventeen theosophical study path and an endless journey’. groups. It has 758 members, an increase English Section: The membership is of forty-four over last year. They publish 1080, an increase of six over previous Theosofia magazine, 1,500 copies of which year. There is no detailed report from are distributed every third month. The the Section. Section held the 32nd summer school of Iceland Section: There are 407 the TS in Brazil from 23rd to 27th January members. Seven Lodges are active in the 2013, the Eighteenth International School capital city and two outside the capital. of Theosophy from 7th to 10th July 2013, Inter-American Federation: It com- and the Hispanic Seminar of Theosophy prises of nineteen countries, including from 10th to 14th July 2013. Canada, USA, Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Cuban Section: There are 553

February 2014 5 The Theosophist members in twelve Lodges. The Section (Annie Besant), At the Feet of the celebrated all four traditional dates and Master (J. Krishnamurti), I Promise (C. studied certain books of J. Krishnamurti Jinrâjadâsa), Human Regeneration (N. Sri and Annie Besant. Ram) and The Universal Law of Life Mexican Section: It has 150 members (Annie Besant). in eleven Lodges and seven study Centres. As Vice President I travelled with my Web Page was used to find new people wife to Ukraine, United States of America, who are interested in the Theosophical Brazil and Naarden. I had the opportunity movement. Ricardo Lindemann directed of meeting TS members of more than the school of the wisdom with the theme, twenty-five countries in this visit. I noticed ‘The Ancient Wisdom and the purpose of that TS members everywhere have a life’. The Section celebrated all four cultural courtesy, consideration and traditional dates of the TS and the ninety- friendliness. They are delighted, especially fourth anniversary of the TS in Mexico when there is some official visiting from in December 2012. The Section par- Adyar, The International Headquarters of ticipated in the International School of the Theosophical Society. Theosophy in Brazil and the Hispanic School of Theosophy. Closing of the Convention International Headquarters: Olcott Everything that has a beginning must Education Society: The work of the Olcott eventually end. What each one will take Education Society has five constituents. away from this Convention depends upon In Olcott Memorial High School, we need his attentiveness, capacity to learn, and to go with the present times when most reflect, and general intelligence. But, parents want their children to be taught in surely none of us is the same as, when we English medium. We have to keep that in came. A certain chiselling away of the mind. We should undertake only those rough edges of our character has taken activities that we can do well. I think, place. Let us share with those who are not undertaking animal welfare activity, lucky enough to attend the Convention though desirable from emotional point of in person. The Convention went smoothly view is not our cup of tea at present. We and well, for which the credit goes to the need to rethink, either to gear up to take team of dedicated workers and volunteers. up the challenge of doing it well or give We should induct youth in our fold. We up this activity. The same principle should should take note of declining membership. be applied in maintaining the HPB Hostel Let us help the workers and others to the as our activity. extent possible to live a better life. TPH should examine and consider, I wish all of you a happy new year bringing out in book size a com- 2014 with better health and useful activity bined version of: The Theosophic Life all round. ²

6 Vol. 135.5 The Mind: a Vessel for Ignorance or a Vessel for Truth? The Mind: a Vessel for Ignorance or a Vessel for Truth?

LINDA OLIVEIRA

A powerful way of understanding human cleavage. Our sense of separateness consciousness is through the use of originates at this level of mind, being symbols. The mind can be considered as reinforced daily. a vessel, a word which is derived from In The Voice of the Silence, there is the Latin vascellum, ‘small vase or urn’ mention of that state of consciousness which, curiously, also means ‘ship’. An described as the Hall of Ignorance or invitation is extended to visualize these avidyâ. This is the disposition of the two symbols: firstly an urn and, secondly, ordinary individual who is constantly a ship. An urn is a container of course, such turned outwards towards the world, who as a garden urn in which a plant may grow has no particular interest in life’s deeper and which is supported by a base. A ship meaning, who lives for the moment and is also a container, but one with inherent is pulled here and there by many different movement — it has the capacity to travel attractions. Indeed, this hall is described from one shore to another. Both of these strikingly with these words: images provide quite vivid windows into Yea, ignorance is like unto a closed and the human mind, its present condition, and airless vessel; the Soul a bird shut up with- its potential. Let us journey for a while in. It warbles not, nor can it stir a feather; into the operations of the mind — on the but the songster, mute and torpid sits, and one hand, as a vessel for ignorance, and of exhaustion dies. (112. Fragment II) on the other, as a vessel for Truth. We can note well here the description A Vessel for Ignorance of ignorance as a vessel — but with the When we look around us, a lack of qualification that it is closed and airless; depth in human life is quite prevalent in other words, the notes of the inner today. The mind in its kama-manasic nature cannot be heard. expression is seldom still, likes to repeat Meanings of avidyâ include that which itself and is frequently in a state of is opposed to vidyâ, Knowledge; also

Mrs Linda Oliveira is a former international Vice-President of the TS, and currently the National President of the Australian Section. Talk delivered at the International Convention, Adyar, in December 2013.

February 2014 7 The Theosophist ignorance which proceeds from, and is and prakriti — are reflected in the produced by, the illusion of the Senses or polarities of our nature. When the sensate viparyaya. It follows from this that seeing world does not satisfy sufficiently, there with the physical eye is partial sight, not is a kind of reverse magnetism which true sight. Similarly, our other physical comes into play; this requires active senses give an incomplete picture; at best, reorientation and movement. Here we can they provide us with perceptions of things use the symbol of the mind as a ship, part or situations which are partial truths. of the Latin derivation of the word ‘vessel’. What we apprehend through the Consciously or unconsciously, the arduous physical senses requires the action of the but glorious process of forging open a mind. We normally digest aspects of the bridge or channel towards the inner nature world around us using the agency of begins, through which it becomes possible, kama-manas, which may be remark- eventually, to come into contact with ably unreliable. Consider this example. the Divine order of things. But the ship Suppose we meet a person after some must be persistent; this forging of the years. He or she may look a bit older and antahkarana needs to be undertaken have a slightly changed appearance. We tenaciously so that our everyday con- may see the truth of this. But perhaps we sciousness can sail through this channel, have reacted to something that person has like a ship, into a fuller consciousness. said or done in the past. There may be One of the most quoted statements some residual prejudice against him or her. from The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett Therefore our perception is coloured and comes from the Mahatma KH: we do not see truly what is before us now. Is any of you so eager for knowledge and For example, we may be blinded to the fact the beneficent powers it confers as to be that the individual concerned has actually ready to leave your world and come into changed in certain ways, or blinded to the ours? (letter #2) greater truth of his or her virtues. There- fore we do not apprehend the full reality This statement has a tremendous of such a situation, due to sensory illusion. intensity of meaning and significance. For Earlier on, one meaning of a vessel as one thing, we need to know what our world an urn was mentioned. An urn has a closed is in order to know what we might be base which connects it to the earth. The leaving. This world is the centre of our rustic urn, with its base pointing down- immediate experience, yet how accurately ward, can be thought of as a symbol for do we really perceive it? the mind as a vessel of ignorance in which In this connection, Dr Taimni helpfully the notes of the soul cannot be expressed. suggested two lines of enquiry through which one can realize that inner unfoldment Reverse Magnetism is desirable. On the one hand, there is The great poles of existence — purusha close and careful examination of the

8 Vol. 135.5 The Mind: a Vessel for Ignorance or a Vessel for Truth? world in which we live, which may A similar trinity exists in the Hindu actually verify to us that we are in a state tradition of satyam, sivam and sundaram. of ignorance. What, then, is Truth? A rather poignant description was provided by N. Sri Ram: The Mind as a Vessel for Truth Truth can be thought of as the meaning The second part of Dr Taimni’s given to any body of facts by the Spirit approach is to examine the world we are within; and that meaning has an appeal and to enter, which brings us to the question: power that can enter into the very roots of What is Their world? One of the Mahatmas one’s being. wrote to A. P. Sinnett (letter #17) about the dramatically different quality of per- He also commented that it can only be ception which is possessed by an Adept: experienced in oneself when the mind and ‘In order to acquire further knowledge, he heart are completely open. has no more to go through a minute and Let us now turn to the legend of the slow process of investigation and com- Grail, which beautifully depicts how the parison of various objects, but is accorded mind can become a vessel of Truth. We with an instantaneous, implicit insight into have considered a vessel as an urn. The every first truth.’ And further, ‘ . . . the Grail is a version of an urn, being a kind adept sees and feels and lives in the very of cup or shallow vessel; but of a truly source of all fundamental truths — the sacred nature in which the receptacle is Universal Spiritual Essence of Nature, transformed. It is not without significance SHIVA, the Creator, the Destroyer, and that the symbology of the Grail is used in the Regenerator.’ rituals throughout the world. Mythologies There may be moments when we are of East and West tell of the epic human still and feel nearer to the Self, when we quest for meaning. It has been observed can glean a little of Their world using our that each of the participants in the drama inner senses, as opposed to the outer of the Grail quest is present within each of senses which we use in everyday life. us, here and now. One version of the Grail How can the mind draw us more legend, the story of Parzival, begins with towards Their world? It needs to func- the hero living in a forest; the fact that he tion as a vessel of a different order, one is not actually aware of his name is richly which synthesises and discovers unifying symbolic. The forest can be seen to re- principles, instead of being separative, present a state of ignorance — governed analytical and judgemental. For it is this by the senses. It provides an image of universal aspect of the mind, blended with Parzival being surrounded and unable to our intuitive heart, which helps reveal life’s see clearly. deeper meanings. Indeed, this has been Joy Mills has suggested that we are like described as the realm of universal Truth Parzival, beginning our human journey — of Plato’s Good, True and Beautiful. like a simple fool, ignorant and naive.

February 2014 9 The Theosophist

Along the way we meet many temptations the coming of a light. But when he spake which are often disguised in some way; and cheered his Table Round with large, we are befriended by various types of divine, and comfortable words, beyond individuals. Parzival eventually becomes my tongue to tell thee — I beheld from the spiritually awakened one who resists eye to eye thro’ all their Order flashed a all temptation. So, too, by giving attention momentary likeness of the King. to the realm of spiritual Wisdom we may discover that Truth, through which we may The King is depicted in the legend as regenerate ourselves as well as the world. one who inspired and uplifted his Knights, Recall that the Mahatmas’ world is lived in whose presence they became elevated. within SHIVA, the regenerator. He brought the warring kingdoms together. The whole Grail legend can be thought He bestowed equal importance upon each of as symbolising the spiritual Path, the Knight, and inspired them. He became the Grail itself having two aspects. As already King by accident — or, at least, that is how mentioned, it is a cup or vessel, from which it appeared. A particular sword had been one must drink deeply in order to be set in stone magically, waiting for the right restored to one’s true nature. In this sense person to remove it. Significantly, despite it can be thought of as the chalice of the desperate and fruitless efforts, no one else causal vehicle, a receptacle for spiritual had been able to free the sword. Yet the life. On the other hand, the Grail is also a young man Arthur drew the sword, and jewel or stone with miraculous powers to did so easily. However — and this is the heal and transform. In this sense we can critical point — his intention was to give conceive of it as Buddhic consciousness, it to another to use. Therefore his motive the transformative effect of which helps for drawing the sword was pure; there was the immortal human spirit to be expressed no self-interest. He had not clamoured through manas. after the power represented — and held The Grail quest is also told through by — the sword. the legends of King Arthur. Hear these The King may also be understood words from Tennyson’s The Idylls of the as our innermost nature, the abode of King, at the moment when King Arthur Truth. The very popularity of the Grail formed the Round Table at which the legend in recent years is significant. It has Knights sat: been described, psychologically, as the Then the King in low deep tones, and symbol of the total human being in which simple words of great authority, bound there is no more cleavage, in whom the them by so straight vows to his own self, warring opposites have been integrated that when they rose, knighted from into a whole. Many individuals clearly kneeling, some were pale as at the passing resonate to the archetypes behind the of a ghost, some flushed, and others figures depicted in the story, which they gazed, as one who waits half-blinded at ultimately represent.

10 Vol. 135.5 The Mind: a Vessel for Ignorance or a Vessel for Truth? The mind is indeed a vessel. It is a energy and determination from stormier vessel for ignorance when the rustic urn, waters to calmer ones, towards the Further symbolically speaking, touches the earth Shore — which is indeed a new world. and becomes a playground of the senses. Let us conclude with an observation But it is a vessel for Truth when the more from our late President, Radhaji, who rudimentary urn is transmuted into its full noted how the fragmented mind (or, we glory, the Grail within. Recall that the could say, the ignorant mind) cannot deal word also derives from a Latin term with the problems of today. She asserted meaning ‘ship’. When our consciousness that it is vital for us to be aware of our- moves more purposefully towards the selves, our True nature, and to discern our spiritual pole of our consciousness, it inner potential. And this, she said, is not becomes like a ship, sailing with focussed a theoretical question! ²

Reference: Barker, A. Trevor, The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett from the Mahatmas M. and K.H. in chronological sequence, Theosophical Publishing House, Manila, 1993. Blavatsky, H. P., Theosophical Glossary, The Theosophy Company, Los Angeles, 1990. Blavatsky, H.P., The Voice of the Silence, The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, 1982. Burnier, Radha, Human Regeneration, Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, Amsterdam, 1990.

Miller, Jeanine, ‘Holy Vessel, Holy Grail’, The Theosophist, October 1989. Mills, Joy, ‘Today’s Search for the Holy Grail’, Theosophy in New Zealand, June 2012. Monier-Williams, Sir Monier, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, Delhi, 1990.

Nicholson, Shirley, Ancient Wisdom Modern Insight, The Theosophical Publishing House, Wheaton, 1985. Sri Ram, N., Thoughts for Aspirants, Second Series, Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, 1974. Taimni, Dr I.K., A Way to Self-Discovery, Quest Books, The Theosophical Publishing House, Wheaton, 1967.

Collation of Theosophical Glossaries, http://www.theosophy-nw.org/theosnw/ctg/ctg-hp.htm http://www.etymonline.com http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au

February 2014 11 The Theosophist Adyar Day

THE seventeenth of February is the Bishop Leadbeater’s 86th Year. day when Colonel Olcott passed away, February 17th also commemorates the and since 1907 it has been kept in memory birthday of Bishop Leadbeater. He now of him by a brief meeting at Adyar. At enters his eighty-sixth year. For the moment 7.17 in the morning, the time he breathed the handicap caused by diabetes is less, his last, residents meet in the Great Hall, and his activities are continuous from morn and a brief commemoration is made of till night. He has for months conducted his services to Theosophy, Hinduism, once a week his Question and Answer Buddhism and Zoroastrianism by such of meeting, and in addition addressed, the his friends as are still with us. All present ES members. then place some flowers before his statue — that by HPB’s side — and then pass Olcott Free Schools into the gardens, where on the river’s bank One of the noblest activities associated is the Olcott Memorial at the spot where with Adyar is the education given to the his body was cremated. There too a few Depressed Classes (Panchamas, the ‘fifth’ flowers are laid before his bust. All the caste, or Pariahs, now called Âdi Dravidas, servants too join in this tribute. i.e., the ‘original’ Dravidians of South This day has now become ‘Adyar Day’ India). The work, as is well known, was throughout the world in the National started by Colonel Olcott. Three of the five Societies, when members gladly send do- schools being within Madras Municipal nations large and small to assist the work limits have been handed over to the Muni- of the Headquarters of the international cipality, thus affording much relief to the Society. But for these freewill offerings, Panchama Free School Board who were ‘Adyar’ would be hard pressed to meet all in serious difficulties how to meet all the its financial needs. Dr Besant now allocates expenses incident in the management of the large donation from the brethren of five schools. Only two schools are now the United States (most eagerly anticipated under the Board’s management, with and thankfully received by Brother A. Mr M. Krishna Sastri as a most efficient Schwarz, our Treasurer) to the Society, superintendent. ‘Olcott Day’ was duly to the Adyar Library, and to the Olcott celebrated this year, and his report of the Panchama Free Schools. function will interest all, as showing what

Reprint from The Theosophist 1932, March, Watch-Tower.

12 Vol. 135.5 Adyar Day is done to give a practical education to about 800 in all — visited the exhibition. children who, handicapped as they are by The whole place was brimming with a poverty, are, unlikely to enter the pro- spirit of joyous activity, enthusiasm and fessions, and so must earn their livelihood happy cooperation; more than ninety in the various crafts. children were busy at their different occupations. Not only had they tastefully This year the Olcott Panchama Free and well arranged their different places Schools celebrated their Founder’s Day but also they kept themselves active in a very special way. Usually every year throughout, so that every visitor was well the two-schools used to have combined impressed: they enjoyed themselves and sports on the 17th of February. But this went away much happier. The children had time the two institutions had sports put up on show the following different separately on their respective playgrounds, occupations: Spinning (R); Weaving (R); the Olcott Free School at Adyar on the Matweaving (R); Cot-tape weaving (R); 13th instant and the HPB Memorial School Leaf work (R); Basket work (R); Sewing at Kodambakkam on the 15th. At both the and Stitching (R); Candle garlands (R); places the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly and evinced great enthusiasm Fancy twine bags (R); Clay work (R); and showed keen sportsman spirit through- Drawing (R); Net bags (Sc.); Volley Ball out. After the sports, prizes were given nets and Hammock (Sc.); Belt making away to the children of the Olcott Free (Sc.); Paperwork (Sc.); Haircutting (Sc.); School by Baroness J. van Isselmuden and Ladles (O); Cobweb brushes (O); Laundry to those of the HPB Memorial School by (O); Leaf plaiting (O); Bookbinding (O); Mrs Hilda Wood. Later the children of each Whitewashing (O); Tea Shop (Sc.); school were treated with refreshments. Brickwork (D); Masonry (D). Besides these, arrangements were made for flower The Schools had this year a special garlands and pottery and carpentry and Exhibition of Handcraft where the children palm fibre rope making. not only showed the products they had made but also demonstrated different cottage (R=Regularly taught at School; O= industries. The Exhibition and Demon- Occasional — whenever necessity arises, stration were held at the Olcott Free the children will take these; Sc.=Scout craft School, Adyar, on Wednesday the 17th and or hobbies; D=purely demonstrational.) Thursday the l8th, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day. More than 400 persons including World University parents, a large number of women teachers The world’s universities are many, but and several distinguished visitors visited among them all there is none which gives on the first day, and on the second day such a truly ‘university’ attitude to life as large contingents of school children and a thorough grasp of Theosophical principles. scouts and cubs with their teachers and There is no such culture in the world today scouters and various other visitors — as that provided by Theosophy to enable

February 2014 13 The Theosophist a man to stand so truly ‘in the centre’ and The attempt to create for all a ‘World enjoy,what Milton called ‘bright day’. To Standpoint’ is the work of the Theosophical him who has the ‘Theosophical scheme’ ‘World University’ — an ambitious under- in his mind, each new discovery is fascin- taking, but all the more praiseworthy ating because he sees at once its place ‘in because it is attempting to do a work no the Plan’. Moreover, each culture, of the one else has yet efficiently begun. But East or of the West, fails now to satisfy, obviously, before such a standpoint can because it seems so incomplete, after one be indicated, either new material for has once seen, in the light of Theosophy, thought, or old material grouped in a new the region where the wheel, way, is essential. It is that which is the aim On which all beings ride, of the Research Committees planned by Visibly revolves. the World University. ²

The Beauty of Adyar

. . . when is it not charming? Its beauties continually grow on one and from the terrace of the house, in whatever direction the eye turns, it sees nought but pictures of beauty. Extracts from ODL, Fifth Series, p.78

One must have been at Adyar and seen the beauties of our property to make allowances for my constant expressions of joy at returning there from distant travels. It is a place that never palls upon one; to residents as well as visitors, fresh beauties are always revealing themselves. Extracts from ODL, Fifth Series, p.143 Colonel Olcott on Adyar

14 Vol. 135.5 Regenerating Wisdom Regenerating Wisdom

FEMMIE LIEZENGA

N.SRI RAM says in: An approach It is not always in big deeds that a to Reality: truthful, wise life is lived. A very simple person, who just does the work that comes Wisdom is a quality of the pure subject across in his daily life with a loving heart, and lies in the way it sees and responds. It does more good deeds than all the work changes constantly not in its own nature done without a real heart for others by a which is a pure potentiality, but in its very talented person. It all depends on the action, because of its infinite pliability motive we have. In our daily relations wis- and inexhaustible initiative. We might also dom can be a living, regenerating power call it the wisdom or knowledge of the or truth: a simple, wise person might One Self. approach every individual equal although Let’s talk about living Wisdom, about not in the same way. It seems Nelson inner attunement; not about a set of Mandela turned into such a person . . . theories. There has to be a connection Such a person is really interested in the between the teachings we study in the TS people he meets, also in the small child. and the life we are living. He gives to all a listening ear and sees in How do we live our life? What are our each person a seed or bud that is waiting relationships all about? Everything in life to become a wonderful, beautiful flower. is related and to see this really, seems for Are we aware how we approach each most of us the most difficult thing. The other? Do we really meet? Or is there moment we meet a fellow-being all our always a feeling of separation; always the knowledge might be very shallow! Maybe ‘me’ and the ‘you’? What is the nature of the connection between all our knowledge a real meeting, of real communication? and our daily life is not there at all! Are Obviously there is no real meeting when we aware of that? the ‘me’ is in between! Can the ‘me’ be Does it make sense to us what the forgotten for the sake of real relationship? Initiate St. paul said: ‘Don’t you know you Theoretically we might know a lot, but are a Temple and that the Divine spirit in daily life, in daily practice, we might lives in you?’ be very poor and lack understanding, not

Ms Femmie Liezenga works at the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden. Talk delivered at the International Convention, Adyar, in December 2013.

February 2014 15 The Theosophist acting wise at all. Can a change in the words, with thoughts, with our behaviour world take place? Where do we have to or with neglecting each other. Outwardly start? Is it not right here, where we are? we may seem so very civilized, we behave We might investigate: ‘What is my maybe very politely, we act maybe as motive? Am I ambitious? Do I look down if we are humble, but are we so when on others who in my idea are less talented nobody looks? than I am? Or do I feel less than a person It seems all so very stupid and childish. who has the lead in a certain job; am I Can we ever stop this? Let’s start with that maybe, jealous?’ which is right before our nose: to be aware All these questions cannot be given an of the way we talk, the words we use and immediate answer, but will enrol their the tone in our voice, our gestures, and answer in daily life when we watch care- the way in which we do our daily tasks. fully what is going on in our Mind, without Life is always changing, and we are making any choice; not justifying, nor told to live in the here and now, never ever condemning what we watch in ourselves. with an image. Light on the Path goes Right relationship means most of all to even further and says: live neither in the have no images, no conclusions about the present nor in the future, but in the eternal. other, neither about oneself, nor about the Does this not mean to be open, receptive, future. Is this not a very difficult thing for and vulnerable to all and everything; not all of us? Is it to have no images true for being afraid, but to trust oneself to LIFE? me, or is it just an idea? Having an image If we live in that way all our senses, about my self or about others or about a our total inner and outer being is alert, new situation blocks the living energy. At open, receptive; and our ever chattering that moment there is not a living process, mind is put to silence. It means to feel, I am in that moment not related at all. It is sense, listen totally: as if all our senses are dead and there is no meeting at all! It but one sense. means that there is lack of wisdom. Maybe J. Krishnamurti meant this We, human beings, think we are very when he spoke of the Art of listening as clever, because we are able to go to the being the greatest art of all. moon, there are even ideas to put people We might ask ourselves: ‘Am I ever on Mars forever (!) and we have sent a really listening? Do I trust myself to spacecraft which has crossed the so called that great and mysterious Thing called border of our so called known Universe. LIFE? Or am I locked up in my own little But in our daily life we act still so very box; not even aware that I have locked stupid. We conquer each other as countries; myself up?’ go to war; kill each other with machines We might say beautiful things like which are far over the top! ‘embracing all in ONENESS’ and ‘All life I suppose TS members have no guns, is ONE’, but is this true for us, or is it just but it might be that we kill each other with a repetition of beautiful words?

16 Vol. 135.5 Regenerating Wisdom We just start where we are: to be aware to be aware. But in the human field the if I am a real mother, a real father; to be great Ones we call Masters are all the time aware if I am not only nice at my work totally aware that Man is part of one great or to my boss, but also at home to my creation, an undivided whole. husband, wife and children; to watch if I By being aware of a mystery we might neglect my children or spoil them. Do I feel as if the consciousness in us is ex- have right relationship with them? Do I panding. If so, this might fill us with great realize that my partner, my boss, my joy and give a feeling of something very neighbour, my small child is inwardly a wonderful which we cannot grasp with the miracle? Do I realize that all of us bear mind, but which bears a great promise in deep inward a treasure? Maybe for the first it. We might start to ponder about the time I realize that this treasure is waiting Universe outside, about its largeness, its in the process of LIFE, of many lives, to greatness, and its endlessness; then about flower from within, without measure! . . . the universe inside us, the universe we are If I, be it just for a tiny moment, am aware not yet fully aware. By doing so we might of that mystery hidden in each one of us, wonder if the Universe outside us is similar does not this awareness change my whole with the universe inside us. Maybe we attitude? And does this not change the become aware that we are part of one whole world? great creation, an undivided whole. This We have every moment the opportunity might fill us with deep wonder and great to watch with deep interest that, which is reverence. We may feel as if we come hidden deep down in each one of us, which across something we cannot touch nor bears an enormous potentiality in it and understand. In The Secret Doctrine it is enfolds and flowers with all its glory when said that even the Dhyan Chohans bow in we take away the barriers. Attuning in- deep reverence for That. Maybe we want wardly to this mystery might open the gate to give that a name and call it God, IN- to other dimensions, above intellectual Ground, Parabrahman, but all these words understanding; it might open the gate to are not covering THAT which we cannot intelligence. Maybe we are just starting name, nor reach with our mind . . . ²

If there is to be brotherhood in action, we must first have the feeling of brotherliness; we must express it in our thinking, feelings and judgements about others, in our whole behaviour, including every act. N. Sri Ram

February 2014 17 The Theosophist Vertical Mutation of Mind

P. K. JAYASWAL

The Convention Theme: human beings must rise to the occasion. The theme of the Convention ‘New Mind for New World’ raises naturally a The Nature of required Change: number of issues and questions which The question arises ‘What kind of need to be articulated and examined with transformation is called for in the inner a view to making explicit the required domain?’. To respond to this question, it newness to address the problems the is clearly necessary to have a critical look world is facing today and is unable to at the various stages of human evolution. resolve them because of the blind spots Theosophical doctrines tell us that the afflicting the minds which have been humanity is a part of the universal life operating so far. It is obvious that the which comprises other kingdoms of life presently operating minds are themselves which form a ladder. The human stage is responsible for the prevailing state of a phase of unfoldment of universal con- affairs. Unfortunately they have been sciousness. The human beings have already evading and avoiding exploration of their undergone pre-human awakenings of own ways. consciousness. The present stretch of the As Theosophy points out, the outer is human path represents the transition to the projection of the inner. It is plainly loftier heights extending possibly to much logical that if we are interested and serious more sublime levels of consciousness. enough to change the outer, we have no Theosophy has indicated the direction option but to deal with the inner before we in which the human consciousness has to can hope to achieve the desired changes. move, outgrowing the past, to embrace the Among all the beings inhabiting the world, future. The landmarks of development the human beings have a major role in have been hinted at, but these are mere initiating and actualizing the process of words to us as we are imprisoned in the needed transformations, as also in sustain- current consciousness. The challenge lies ing them to ensure that the world we create in breaking through the walls and fetters is a better and happier place to live in. The we have ourselves erected for our elusive urgency of change brooks no delay. The security and so-called progress.

Mr P. K. Jayaswal is a National Lecturer and a former General Secretary of the Indian Section. Talk delivered at the International Convention, Adyar, in December 2013.

18 Vol. 135.5 Vertical Mutation of Mind Where are we now? the familiar mental consciousness which Theosophy draws attention to the mod- turns out to be a mere mechanism, an ern phenomenon of mental faculties being instrument in the hands of a higher state developed enormously as evidenced by of consciousness. One has, therefore, to the glamorous achievements of science explore the relationship between these two and technology in various fields. The modes of consciousness. One may have frontiers of the human brain have been to ask the most fundamental question: minutely probed. The electronic evolution What is consciousness after all? It has has been stupendous. The latest computer been identified with its vehicles which have technology has shown that a computer can prevented understanding of its true nature. take over most of the functions of the Our scientists rely on the objective data human mind and perform them more which the vehicles generate leading them efficiently than a human being. That being to infer that consciousness is generated so, a human being can easily assign most by the vehicles. The known areas veil the of the mental functions to computers and unknown dimensions. The mind, as we be free to explore other hitherto unknown know it, is excellent in handling the known. areas/ levels of his own consciousness. If it has to reflect the unknown, it has to Contrary to this possibility, a belief seems still its known activities totally and release to be persisting that the human mind, as it the consciousness to ascend upward and is generally functioning to-day, can usher have the vision or perception which theo- in a new era of peace and prosperity. sophy refers to as Buddhic consciousness. Amidst the glory of scientific progress in At the higher level, the consciousness the objective world, human beings have has the ability to transcend the known and failed to examine critically the pernicious see through the distortions, illusions and role the human mind has played in the false notions which operate at the lower inner recesses of their lives. As a result, level which assumes the pedestral of a ‘self’ the world is suffering from all kinds of and indulges in activities detrimental to the problems in the areas of relationship and genuine interests of the whole humanity. nullifying the well-being which the man- Thought is structural, reasonable or un- kind could enjoy as a direct benefit of reasonable, objective or unhealthy. It has objective developments. its place in the domain to which it belongs, but when it is applied to the world of re- Where do we go from here? lationships, it behaves like a polluting agent Theosophy has placed before us the which, at times, creates havoc. To guard contours of the consciousness that need against such dysfunctions which inevitably to be enlivened, outgrowing the past, to lead to conflict, misery and confusion, it embrace the future. It reveals that the is imperative that thought has to cease consciousness of a human being envelops making seemingly endless noise and give areas which are beyond the boundaries of space to a new faculty of consciousness

February 2014 19 The Theosophist to function which eliminates the interval Awareness is not a conclusion which between seeing and doing. The challenge, is the convergence of the past using therefore, lies in graduating to this level rationalization. It is not the continuance which we may call the new mind. of the self-protective intelligence and has the power of revealing the problems com- The New Mind: pletely, without any choice, irrespective Unless one looks at oneself and of likes and dislikes, without attachment observes the way the mind is responsible or detachment, unsullied by prejudices for this monstrous world, the mind is not and preferences. The mind is emptied of ready to shed the old and embrace the its content and has abundant energy to new. The mind becoming new does not tackle the problems. Krishnaji was never mean being different only. It can be tired of emphasizing this. different by merely changing the old pattern, but this is not what is needed. The Characteristics of the New Mind: new mind is a product of dimensional Let us highlight some of the character- change. The movement of conscious- stics of the new mind so that we do not ness has to be vertical to the existing mind. fall a prey to mistaking the existing mind This implies summit view beyond the as a new mind. Mind has innumerable analytical understanding and entering masks. Removal of some masks does not into holistic realization. This is, therefore, guarantee disappearance of all the masks. a process of mutation, not mere modifica- First of all, the new mind has to assign tion. Pure observation results in effortless proper place to thoughts which are mutation which is absolute negation of the products of the past. What is required is hitherto active orientation followed by the to be aware that while these may be emergence of a state of existence which used as available data, they do not create has no opposite. This is the vertical shift blinkers clouding exploration of the which does not involve a thinking process emerging realities. to validate it. The ending of the present The new mind has to be a meditative disorder paves the way for the eternal order mind which has crossed the boundaries which is inherent in the cosmos. The of thoughts, images and words, free from human mind, which had built enclosures beliefs, social morality and values. For around its centre, sees the truth that its such a mind, the meditation is a continuing function is not to create models, even if movement, not confined, as generally they are entirely different, but be receptive practised, to a certain period of time set aside to the ever- present realities of existence for this purpose according to a particular resulting seamlessly in outward/objective routine. It may sound strange in the con- realities free from conflicts and violence. text of the popular meaning of meditation The faculty of awareness has to replace and may give rise to an apprehension that the analytical approach. this is not feasible. Such a thinking will

20 Vol. 135.5 Vertical Mutation of Mind disappear, if meditation is understood in itself, where the observer is not. It is also its purity and genuineness. free from all fear, sorrow, anxiety and The intellectual processes do not all the traps that one lays for oneself encumber the new mind. They provide the consciously or unconsciously. platform from where the consciousness Most importantly, the new mind is takes a vertical lift like a helicopter, after free from all measurement — then only it exhausting all the possibilities of intellect. is free to find out, otherwise it is led to The new mind displays intelligence. meet its own projections/ wants. A free The word ‘intelligence’ needs to be under- mind is not aggressive or violent, nor stood correctly. It is not the intelligence does it belong to any part of the world or which the analytical mind uses or the humanity. It envelops and embraces sharpness of intellect. It is the holistic the world/ humanity. perception with a totality of vision which does not exclude any aspect from its view. The Way ahead: It does not integrate the fragments through In oneself lies the whole world. All addition and merger, on the other hand, it ideologies, whether social, religious, polit- sees the fragments as parts of the whole. ical or economic are results of conceptual Therefore, the new mind acts from a thinking which has divided us because of state of love in which all divisions cease, contradiction between what is and what giving space to a new awakening, a new should be. Caught in this vicious circle, flowering of the inherent goodness, with- generating endless noise, we experiment out contradiction or duality or separation. with something which appears as new but When the new mind is active, there is is actually a repetition of the old in a new no interval between perception and action. garb. Ending of the old gives birth to an While mere knowledge uses time to act, intelligence which ushers in a marvellous the new mind has the ability to solve all reality. Perception of the truth releases the innumerable conflicts here and now. liberating energies. Relationships based The new mind operates in a state of on isolation and fragmentation, get trans- freedom — free from all dishonesty which formed into a new order of concern and thought breeds, from conformity to an idea compassion. Individuals with the new or pattern set up by society or oneself, mind constitute the new world. After all, enabling it to perceive something beyond they are the world. ²

To arrive at right action what is needed is a complete change of heart, a complete change of our attitude towards our fellow men, which leads us to a state of love in which all sense of separateness, of distinction between ourselves and our brethren vanishes; to arrive at a new, fresh awareness, a new spiritual insight into the real needs of our brethren, responding immediately to every appeal and being ever ready to help. Zoltán De Álgya-Pap

February 2014 21 The Theosophist The Voice of the Silence ‘HPB’S Most Precious Book’

C. A. SHINDE

IT has been 125 years since The Voice is conscious how the spoken word falls of the Silence was first published in the short of the silent voice (on page 87, 88). year 1889 and H. P. Blavatsky passed away in 1891. It was her last literary gift to the world for the moral and spiritual upliftment of humanity. It is a small book, what may be called a prose poem full of spiritual inspiration divided into three fragments. HPB wrote it without referring to any books continuously hour after hour and it is not a hotchpotch drawn from various sources through her special spiritual power, but it is a coherent ethical whole appealing to human spiritual nature. There are two autograph copies of the American edition at Adyar. One in the Archives, the other in the library as presentation copies by HPB to H. P. Blavatsky and HPB to Mrs P. Sinnett respectively. She wrote HPB to H. P. Blavatsky, one is with initials and the other is with full name. About initials she herself has described in her book on the This is a book of Esoteric Buddhism title page as translated and annotated by which explains the teachings of the HPB. HPB is her inner being and H. P. Buddha. She gave many outstanding Blavatsky is her outer form. Autograph books to the world such as Isis Unveiled, in HPB’s own copy of The Voice of the The Secret Doctrine and The Key to Silence expressing the regret of one who Theosophy and in this her last gift, the

Prof. C. A. Shinde is a National Lecturer of the Indian Section of the TS, and Librarian of the Adyar Library. The year 2014 marks the 125th anniversary of The Voice of the Silence.

22 Vol. 135.5 The Voice of the Silence whole philosophy of her life is summed Dr Annie Besant’s testimony for HPB’s up and therefore described as ‘the greatest writing of The Voice of the Silence is thing’ in modern Theosophical literature. important to consider: We all are ever grateful to her for the great She wrote it at Fontainebleau, and the great truth of life she has revealed. There is great part was done when I was with her, and similarity in the teachings contained in I sat in the room while she was writing it. The Voice of the Silence and the teachings I know that she did not write it referring of Vedanta. to any books, but she wrote it down HPB says about origin of the book that she derived information from The Book steadily hour after hour, exactly as though of the Golden Precepts, written for mystic she were writing either from memory or students. The maxims and ideas contained from reading it where no book was. She in it are found under different forms produced in the evening that manuscript particularly in Upanishad and Gita. There that I saw her write as I sat with her, and would be little reason to wonder how she asked me and others to correct it for referred The Gnyâneshwari which is not English, for she said that she had written a Sanskrit work, but was written in Marathi it so quickly that it was sure to be bad, in the thirteenth century of our era. There we did not alter in that more than a few is also reference to the Yogâcharya school words, and it remains as a specimen for of the Mahayana. It is also said, the origin marvellously beautiful literary work. of the book has its connection with The Book of Dzyan, with the Buddhist sage Aryasanga, and the Master Djwal Kul which one can read in C. W. Leadbeater’s book Talks on the Path of Occultism volume II. We cannot disregard HPB’s own statement contained in a letter written to her sister, Vera P. de Zhelihovsky, written in February 1890: ‘They are grand aphorisms, indeed. I may say so, because you know I did not invent them! I only translated them from Telegu, the oldest South Indian dialect. There are three treatises about morals, and the moral principles of the Mongolian and Dravidian mystics. Some of the aphorisms are Wonderfully deep and beautiful.’

February 2014 23 The Theosophist Each fragment of the book consists of desire (kama). Slay the slayer indicates to about one hundred verses. The first two the rising of the mind principle (manas) or fragments are of a preparatory nature, consciousness. The Kâma manas or desire leading up to the third and the third mind is the great Slayer of the Real, as it fragment deals with seven paramitas or has passions for the non-spiritual world. perfections. The first fragment is mainly It takes immense delight in having wealth, concerned with making the distracted fame and position of power. It feels mind the calm mind by passing through pleased if one follows it, otherwise it feels the three halls. From the hall of ignorance, unhappy. It is said only strong can manage through hall of learning to the hall of or master this mind with his spiritual wisdom. Aspirant prepares himself to discriminative quality. Tamasic or dull discover his own path. Each one has his mind, Rajasic or over active mind, cannot own temperament and therefore there is a do this. Spiritual discrimination is the path to each temperament which is to be attribute of that mind through which Light discovered by oneself. Then the second of Buddhi shines. Violent feelings, hot fragment deals with the two Paths. One is arguments are the indication of absence the Path of liberation from limitation and of such Light therefore it simply complains the other is the Path of woe or renunciation and never takes the responsibility. Such a that involves path of living to benefit the mind becomes self-centred and therefore mankind. Without such right vision its perception is not real. It loses its treading the path becomes impossible and simplicity and innocence. Simple and therefore he should find seven golden innocent mind cannot be the Slayer of the keys to seven portals or six paramitas or Real immediately, rather it becomes a perfections. If one asks what is the learning mind. It watchfully introspects the underlying philosophy of The Voice of division between outer tempting feelings the Silence, the answer given by HPB in and inner feelings of experiences, mem- one sentence is ‘The mind is the great ories, and reactions, to create the feeling Slayer of the Real, Let the Disciple Slay of ‘me’ that one needs to realize that it the Slayer.’ is impermanent. HPB asks the disciple to slay this impermanent aggregation Slayer of the Real of memories and experiences. There is Slaying of mind means the transcend- an important verse which needs to be ing of the mind and HPB shows in these contemplated by the aspirant who is really three fragments how the human mind can hungry for the acquirement of soul wisdom. be transcended with the help of mind. This ‘For mind is like a mirror, it gathers transcending involves Self discovery. dust while it reflects’ . It needs the gentle Mind must first explore and discover its breeze of soul-wisdom to brush away the own limitations and possibilities. dust of our illusions. ‘Seek O Beginner, In reality the basic quality of mind is to blend thy Mind and Soul’. For such

24 Vol. 135.5 The Voice of the Silence blending of mind with the soul, the mind Universal Consciousness and Alaya. The should be free from cultured things to eight congnitions and five Wisdoms of receive spiritual insights. HPB makes it the yoga chara school, may help us to clear that the dust on the mirror of mind understand The Voice of the Silence. The involves prejudices, illusions, and fancies. views of the mind and consciousness are Gentle breeze of soul wisdom in one sense is to intellectualize and realize the fact that in the welfare of all, one’s own welfare is also involved because there is no separate welfare as such. Krishnaji once said there is no personal Will — there is only Divine Will. The personal Will implies a strong drive for fame, name, money, power etc. which needs to be brushed away by the gentle breeze of soul wisdom for transcending the kâma manas i.e. mind still held by all Buddhist Schools. must become free from domination of To transcend the mind or to slay the desire and dust of illusions. This is to slayer right efforts are necessary to brush surrender personal will to the divine Will aside all the useless things in one’s mind. through the power of creativeness within. One way of cleaning up our mind is to fill HPB writes in Isis Unveiled: The great the mind with sublime ideas and holy Universal Idea willed and the cosmos thoughts. If one develops this habit then sprang into existence. unconscious mind becomes a golden mine Unless there is emptiness Silence of in instead of rubbish heap. Thus wise and the mind, the creative energy of Love may strong one is able to gain mastery over the not emanate from the Being within. Emp- conscious and unconscious mind and rise tiness involves not only turning the mind to the super conscious state, the purest state away from the social, the economical, the of mind and thus be able to slay the slayer political, the science and technology but in true sense. The Voice of the Silence also also to turn away from the thought struc- says ‘Slay the Lunar form at Will’. At Will ture, from the philosophy, the scriptures, means individually each must investigate and from all that one knows and also from deeply the hidden laws of nature and wanting to know, the inquiry world around arrange one’s daily life according to those oneself. Little drops of water make a natural laws using one’s faculty of mighty ocean. So little acts of compassion reasoning and common sense. It is the through transcended new mind make the duty of every man who is capable of an world happy and peaceful as every one unselfish impulse, to do something, however of us is part of that one energy field of little for its (humanity’s) welfare (ML.32).

February 2014 25 The Theosophist Finding Wisdom in Contemporary Physics

ULRICH MOHRHOFF

I shall begin with a problem that Quantum mechanics has been called Scholastic philosophers have discussed for ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’. While its centuries. Imagine there are two exactly stunningly elegant mathematical forma- similar objects. They are completely lism can be written down on a napkin, identical, all their properties are the same, attempts to make sense of it fill entire except that they are in different places. libraries. Not once has a reliable experi- Because they are in different places, they ment or observation been at odds with are different objects. The problem is this: what it predicts. Its ever-growing range Is the fact that they are in different places of technological applications border on the sole reason why they are different magic, yet no one seems to know how the objects? Or is there another reason? magic works. If one believes that there is another One reason why quantum theory has reason, will look for it in vain, for if two such mindboggling implications is that it objects are different, it is their properties has not one but two general rules for that are different, and right now we are calculating probabilities. Imagine two assuming that the two objects have exactly elementary particles that are heading the same properties, except that they are towards each other. One is moving north- in different places. ward, the other is moving southward. On the other hand, if one believes that We want to calculate the probability the two objects in front of him are different with which the two particles scatter each objects for the sole reason that they are in other at right angles, so that one ends up different places, then what one really moving eastward and the other ends up believe is that the two objects in front are moving westward. the same object in two different places, One may wonder how it can be which seems preposterous. otherwise. Is there any other way for a The resolution of this dilemma had to northbound and a southbound particle to wait for the advent of quantum mechanics. turn into an eastbound and a westbound

Mr Ulrich Mohrhoff Professor of Physics, Pondicherry. Theosophy-Science lecture at the International Convention, Adyar, in December 2013.

26 Vol. 135.5 Finding Wisdom in Contemporary Physics particle? Apparently there is, for if it is one thing that moves both northward and impossible to know in which of the two southward, and that in the end there is the ways the scattering takes place, we must same one thing that moves both eastward use the second rule. and westward. If there is but one thing, Now it could be that even if we cannot the question ‘Which is which?’ obviously know which way the scattering takes place, cannot be asked. it may still be that it takes place in one or This is how quantum mechanics the other of these two ways. But no! If resolves the dilemma of the Scholastic one or the other takes place, we must use philosophers. The two objects they the first rule, and if we cannot know which contemplated are the same objects in two of the two takes place, we must use the different places. Reality is preposterous. second rule. The conclusion that the two particles But are there situations in which it is are one and the same thing in different impossible to know this? Such a situation places, or one and the same thing moving occurs if the incoming and outgoing in different directions, also holds if the two particles are of the same type, say: two particles are not of the same type. What electrons in, two electrons out. In this case can simultaneously have different there is no answer to the question ‘Which positions, or move in different directions, incoming particle is identical with which can also simultaneously possess different outgoing particle?’ properties other than position or direction Quantum mechanics thus tells us in no of motion. To my mind, this is the most uncertain terms that some very sensible significant conclusion that can be drawn questions about what happens in the world from the general theoretical framework of cannot be answered. And since questions contemporary physics: ultimately there is that cannot be answered usually arise from but one thing, and this one thing is false assumptions, it tells us that something everything. To be precise: it is every one we take for granted is actually false. So of the elementary particles of which what do we take for granted when we ask matter is said to be composed, without ‘Which incoming particle is identical with ceasing to be one and the same thing. which outgoing particle?’ But let me be frank: while this con- It is this: we assume that initially there clusion can be drawn — and I want you are two things, one moving southward and to know that it can be drawn — it is not a another moving northward, and that in the conclusion that a significant number of end there are again two things, one moving physicists would endorse. I am sure you eastward and another moving westward. can see why. Here is how the philosopher To avoid asking the unanswerable of science Dennis Dieks describes the question, we ought not to assume that we situation: are dealing with two things. Instead we Most physicists have no clear conception should assume that initially there is but

February 2014 27 The Theosophist

of the interpretation of their most basic The fuzziness of the positions of par- theory, quantum mechanics. They are ticles and of other physical quantities is largely unaware of the exact nature of the the reason why the general theoretical problems in giving a detailed and consistent framework of contemporary physics is a account of the physical meaning of the calculus of probabilities, and why the con- theory; and if they are aware, they often cept of ‘measurement’ plays an essential don’t care very much. Only very small role in the formulation of the theory. numbers of researchers have given serious The following, by contrast, is a spurious thought to the interpretational problems of problem: How is it that measurements have quantum mechanics, and have expressed outcomes? more or less detailed points of view. As Isn’t this an odd question to worry can perhaps be expected from the statistics about? Everyone knows that measure- of small numbers, the diversity of opinion ments have outcomes. Even funding is large. Very different ideas have been agencies and science advisors to govern- put forward, none of them supported by ments are convinced, otherwise they great numbers of physicists. would not have sanctioned the 10 billion This situation is exacerbated by the fact Dollars it cost to build the machine that that instead of addressing genuine philo- discovered the Higgs boson. How is it that sophical issues, much effort is directed at so much effort has been and still is being solving spurious problems. The following spent on explaining how measurements are two of the genuine problems: come to have outcomes? 1. Why is the general theoretical frame Theoretical physicists like to think of work of contemporary physics a tool for the formalism of a physical theory as if it assigning probabilities to the possible were a mathematical description of a outcomes of measurements? part or an aspect of the world. Quantum 2. Why does the concept of ‘measure- mechanics, however, only provides us ment’ play an essential role in the formu- with tools for calculating the probabilities lation of a fundamental physical theory? of measurement outcomes. It is not a We can answer these questions by mathematical description of any part or asking how it is that ‘ordinary’ objects aspect of the world. That spurious problem exist. An ‘ordinary’ object occupies a finite arises because a tool for calculating the volume of space. It is (or appears to be) probabilities of measurement outcomes is ‘made of’ a large number of particles, none being treated as if it were the mathematical of which occupies any space. And it is description of an actual part or aspect of reasonably stable. The crucial insight, the world. If this happens, one ends up which led to the discovery of quantum treating every possible outcome as if it were mechanics, was that an ordinary object an actual outcome. And if one does that, cannot be stable unless the positions of one has to explain how is it that whenever its constituent parts are fuzzy. we make a measurement, we obtain a

28 Vol. 135.5 Finding Wisdom in Contemporary Physics single outcome instead of every possible Again you may wonder how it can outcome. The mathematician John von be otherwise. Is there a third way for an Neumann, who was the first to formulate electron to pass the slit plate? Apparently this spurious problem, concluded that this there is, for if it is impossible to know single outcome exists only in the mind of through which slit the electron goes, we an observer. must use the second rule. In this case the Some of you would have read, and may electron goes through both slits without even have come to believe, that quantum going through a particular slit and without physics requires the existence of observers. being divided into parts that go through If Von Neumann was the first to jump to different slits. How can that be? this erroneous conclusion, Fritjof Capra Once again quantum mechanics tells was the first to popularize it in his best- us that a distinction we make is a dis- seller The Tao of Physics. Capra supports tinction that Nature does not make. We this conclusion by confounding two issues. speak of ‘regions of space’ as if space itself One issue concerns the mind-independent had parts that are distinct from each other. existence of the world, the other concerns We tend to think that the two slits are its measurement-independent existence. I objectively distinct regions of space, and am happy to say that quantum mechanics that therefore nothing can pass the slit allows you to think that the Moon is there plate without going through a particular even if nobody looks at it. What calls slit and without being divided into parts for explanation is not why the properties that go through different slits. Hence our of an atom cannot be defined without consternation at being told by Nature, reference to conscious observers — they through quantum mechanics, that this is can — but why they cannot be defined precisely what subatomic particles, atoms, without reference to experiments. and even molecules can do. What Nature So why is it not possible to define the is thereby trying to tell us is that space is properties of an atom independently of not something that has parts. Just as measurements? The following setup can quantum mechanics tries to make us help to explain this. There is a plate con- understand that ultimately there is but one taining two slits, a source of electrons in thing, and that this one thing is everything, front of the plate, and an array of detectors so it is trying to make us understand that behind the plate. If we want to calculate ultimately there is only one place, and that the probability with which an electron will this one place is everywhere. be detected by a particular detector, we What furnishes space with its so-called are again confronted with the curious fact parts is its material content. What makes that quantum mechanics has two general it possible to attribute to a particle or an rules for calculating probabilities. Here we atom the property of being in a particular must use the first rule if the electron goes ‘region of space’ is a detector. By being through either the left slit or the right slit. a property of a macroscopic detector,

February 2014 29 The Theosophist the region monitored by the detector are indicated by macroscopic objects? becomes a property that can be attributed The following example may help to to a microscopic object. The property of explain this. Each of the clouds represents being inside this region becomes a the fuzzy position of the electron relative property of a particle if the detector ‘clicks,’ to the proton in a particular state of a that is, if it indicates the particle’s presence hydrogen atom. Each state is determined in its sensitive region. If a region is not by measurement outcomes, and in turn it monitored by a detector, the property of determines the probabilities of measure- being inside that region cannot become ment outcomes. Each cloud is determined the property of a particle. This illustrates by the outcomes of three measurements: why the properties of a particle or an atom a measurement of the atom’s energy, a cannot be defined without reference to measurement of its total angular momen- experimental arrangements, such as an tum, and a measurement of the vertical array of detectors. component of its angular momentum. And Just now I made the distinction between each cloud determines the probabilities of macroscopic objects and microscopic the possible outcomes of a position ones. What exactly sets macroscopic measurement: where the density of a cloud objects apart? As you will remember, one is greater, the probability of finding the reason why ‘ordinary’ objects can exist is electron is higher. In short, the description that the positions of their constituent of an atomic system is a description in particles are fuzzy. What distinguishes terms of correlations between measure- macroscopic objects from microscopic ment outcomes. ones is that the fuzziness of their positions The reason why no logical circle is not an objective feature of the physical occurs is that we can understand atomic world. This is why the positions of systems in terms of correlations between macroscopic objects are the exception that the outcomes of measurements that are proves the following rule: the properties not actually made. Such a description does of physical objects exist only if and only not involve properties that are possessed when they are measured. by atomic systems. We can understand the But now we seem to be confronted with role that a microscopic object plays in the a vicious logical circle. On one hand, manifestation of a macroscopic object macroscopic objects are made of atoms, without attributing to its properties that which are made of subatomic particles. only exist when they are measured by On the other hand, the properties of macroscopic objects. atoms and subatomic particles exist only If you are flummoxed by all this, join if and only when their existence is in- the club. Microscopic objects are bound dicated by macroscopic objects. How can to behave in unfamiliar ways, for if they macroscopic objects be made of objects are to explain the properties and the beha- whose properties only exist when they viour of macroscopic objects, they cannot

30 Vol. 135.5 Finding Wisdom in Contemporary Physics have the same properties or behave in the and therefore more people drowned. same way as macroscopic objects. If they Suppose now that the spins of the two did, nothing would have been explained. atoms have been measured with respect The quantum-mechanical correlations to the same axis, and that the outcomes between measurement outcomes are a are up for the first spin and down for the major offence to common sense. For an second. We again have three possible example, imagine a diatomic molecule that explanations. (1) The first outcome is up dissociates into its constituent atoms, because the second outcome is down. (2) which fly off in opposite directions. The The second outcome is down because the atoms have a property called spin. This first outcome is up. (3) Something else can be measured with respect to any axis, causes the two outcomes to point in which is determined by the orientation of opposite directions. The trouble is that the measurement apparatus. Whenever the none of the three explanations work. spins of the two atoms are measured with Beginning with the celebrated proof by respect to the same axis, we find that they John Bell in 1964, an ever-growing point in opposite directions. How can we number of theorems show that these understand these correlations? correlations do not admit of explanations Understanding correlations is a tricky in terms of cause and effect. business, as the following scenario will For most physicists the ultimate goal illustrate. A large ice cream company of physics is to discover the ultimate build- in the USA had recorded its sales over ing blocks of the universe and the forces a period of several years. When this by which they affect each other. What has record was compared with a record of actually been discovered, however, is that drowning incidents during the same the search for building blocks was period, it was found that whenever the ice misconceived. Quantum mechanics does cream sales were higher, more people not permit us to model reality ‘from the drowned. There are three ways to under- bottom up’ — either out of a multitude of stand this correlation. Either more people building blocks or by assigning properties drowned because more ice cream was to the points of space. Every one of the consumed, or more ice cream was con- particles of which matter is said to be sumed because more people drowned, or made, turns out to be one and the same there was something else that caused the thing, and just as there are no ‘parts of correlation between the consumption of ice space,’ so there are no ‘points of space.’ cream and the number of drowning inci- Quantum mechanics does not explain dents. In this example the correct answer how the world is put together. What it is try- is obvious. There was something else that ing to make us understand is how the world caused the correlation, namely the weather. is manifested — how a single nameless On warmer days more ice cream was Reality becomes many without ceasing to consumed, more people went swimming, be ‘One without a second,’ ekamevâdvitiyam.

February 2014 31 The Theosophist We can see this more clearly if instead interacting bundles of properties, are of asking what things are made of, we ask useful only within the manifested world. what forms are made of. Elementary When we try to apply these categories to particles like electrons are formless. While the process of manifestation rather than physicists often speak of them as pointlike, to its result, they lead us astray. They this only means that they lack internal belong to the rules of this Leela but have structure. The shapes of things are made no part in setting the stage for it. of the spatial relations — the relative So what is this Leela about, and what positions — between formless particles. else does it take to set the stage for it? Because each particle is the ‘One without According to the original Vedanta of the a second,’ these relations are reflexive. The Upanishads, the world is a manifestation shapes of things are made of self-relations of some Ultimate Reality. As Sat or sub- — relations between the One and Itself. stance it constitutes the world, as Chit Quantum-mechanically conceived, the or consciousness it contains the world, form of a material object is a probability and as Ânanda or delight of existence it distribution over a multidimensional expresses and experiences itself in the probability space. This is a highly abstract world. According to Sri Aurobindo, the concept, which cannot be visualized. process of manifestation involves four Forms that can be visualized — concrete additional principles: Supermind, Mind, shapes in three-dimensional space — Life, and Matter. While Supermind encom- only emerge at the molecular level of passes the entire process, its creations are complexity, as atomic configurations of primarily qualitative and infinite. Mind is larger molecules. the agent of Supermind’s secondary Atoms and subatomic particles, there- action, an action that is quantitative and fore, should not be thought of as constituent finite, that creates limits and divisions. parts in the sense of being distinct objects Life is the force that executes what mind with separate and independently existing conceives, and Matter is the result. properties, acting on each other according To this Sri Aurobindo adds that the to laws of cause and effect. They are tools particular manifestation in which we par- by which the ‘One without a second’ mani- ticipate is special in that it is evolutionary. fests a multitude of macroscopic objects. Evolution presupposes involution — the They are instrumental in the process of involution of Supermind in Mind, the manifestation. Only macroscopic objects involution of Mind in Life, the involution can be treated as distinct objects with of Life in Matter. A supramentally con- separate and independently existing pro- scious being knows itself to be the ‘One perties, which act on each other according without a second.’ When Supermind is to laws of cause and effect. The categories involved in Mind, we have a world of of substance and causality, therefore, conscious beings who have lost sight of which allow us to break down things into their mutual identity. When Mind is

32 Vol. 135.5 Finding Wisdom in Contemporary Physics involved in Life, the force of Life receives available, we find that every one of the the ideas it serves to execute from a well-tested laws of physics is necessary subliminal source. And when Life — the for the purpose of this manifestation. force that creates and sustains forms — I mentioned that quantum mechanics is involved in Matter, the result is a does not admit of explanations in terms multitude of formless entities, which are of cause and effect. There is no physical none other than the ‘elementary particles’ mechanism, no natural process, that could of particle physics. explain the quantum-mechanical correl- Once we know that the purpose of this ations between measurement outcomes. manifestation is the evolution of Life, This has aroused much consternation. Yet Mind, and eventually Supermind, and also if the force at work in the world is an that this evolution begins with a multitude infinite force, it should be no cause for of formless particles, we are in a position concern, for it would be self-contradictory to understand why the general theoretical to explain the working of an infinite force framework of physics has to be quantum in terms of physical mechanisms or natural mechanics. Life and Mind cannot possibly processes. If this force works under self- evolve if there are no stable objects of imposed constraints, what we need to finite size, and the existence of such know is why it does so, and why the self- objects requires the validity of quantum imposed constraints have the form that mechanics. If, moreover, we take into they do. And this we now know. The laws account that the evolution of Life requires of physics are what they are because they habitable environments in which a are needed to set the stage for this Leela sufficient variety of chemical elements is of evolution. ²

No one can any longer doubt that the Universe, conceived in experimental or phenomenal terms, is a vast tempero-spatial system, corpuscular in nature, from which we cannot sensorially escape (even in thought) in any direction. Viewed in this light everything in the world appears and exists as function of the whole. This is the broadest, deepest and most unassailable meaning of the idea of evolution. P. Teilhard de Chardin

February 2014 33 The Theosophist Presidential Election

CHITTARANJAN SATAPATHY

THE office of the President of The merely being willing to serve, prevails, so Theosophical Society is required to be that there is no idea of wanting to become filled up by election. The Rules and president or secretary, of getting the keys Regulations of the Society provide for of the Lodge into one’s hands — unless the procedure for election. The purpose such ideas are completely given up, the of this article is to apprise the readers Lodge itself can never be vital, whatever about the election procedure and the may be discussed. ongoing Presidential election to ensure This spirit of thrusting oneself, getting full participation of the eligible members control of the organization and making use in the election process. However, it seems of it for one’s own purposes, convenience appropriate to pause and reflect on what or glorification will prevent the Lodge from Bro. N. Sri Ram, former President of the being a spiritual unit. Anyone who wants Society had once said about elections in a position for himself in the Society should the Society, although he had said the understand that he lacks one essential following in the context of Lodges: qualification, whatever else he may have, Another point which I should like to make, that his thoughts are not free from the although this may seem too ideal, too diffi- craving for self-advancement and self- cult for many people, is that there should importance. I am making these remarks be no electioneering, no campaigning among for everybody, myself included, and not the members, when the time comes for the with respect to anybody in my mind. I feel annual meeting. No Theosophist worth the that we should be willing in our Lodges name should attempt to push himself into to perform whatever service is needed, in a position of importance. The practice of any capacity. We must not think: ‘This is electioneering, of doing propaganda for not important enough for me, who am so this, that or the other person, which is so very highly endowed.’ prevalent everywhere in the world, should (On the Watch-Tower, by N. Sri Ram, never obtain within the precincts of the TPH Adyar, 1966, pp. 465-66) Theosophical Society. A member should The present vacancy in the office of merely hold himself at the disposal of his the President arose with Radhaji passing fellows for any service that he can render. on to peace on 31 October 2013. Rule 10 Unless such a disinterested spirit, of of the Society’s Rules and Regulations

34 Vol. 135.5 Presidential Election provides for the Executive Committee to 14 and 15 nominations respectively as appoint an Election Committee within 3 against the requirement of minimum 12 days of the office of the President nominations. In accordance with the revised becoming vacant. This was done on 2 Rules, the names of the candidates, their bio- November 2013 and the same day no- graphical data and also the names of their minations were called for from the General respective nominators are required to be Council members. The Rule provides time circulated to all voters. This has been done of 10 weeks for the nominations which by sending the same to the General Secre- expired on 10 January 2014. taries of all Sections, Organizing/Regional On 11 January 2014, the Election Secretaries of all Regional Associations, Committee placed before the Executive all Presidential Representatives, Presidents Committee all the nominations received of all Lodges directly attached to Adyar from members of the General Council. The and all Fellows at Large directly attached Executive Committee examined the valid to Adyar. 15 weeks are allowed for voting, nominations and found Mr C. V. K. the last date this time is 26 April 2014. A Maithreya and Mr Tim Boyd have qualified replica of the voting slip which has been to be on the voting list, having received sent out is reproduced below:

ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, 2014 VOTING SLIP Instructions Please read carefully (a) Mark an ‘X’ in the box after the name of the candidate of your choice. (b) Tear along the dotted line below, enclose this Voting Slip in the small envelope attached herewith, and seal the envelope. (c) Sign the letter printed below, detach it from the Voting Slip and put it, together with the small sealed envelope containing your vote, in a larger envelope addressed to your General Secretary, Organizing/Regional Secretary, Presidential Representative or Lodge President, to reach him or her by ...... (date given by General Secretary etc.) Names of Candidates and their nominators Vote Mr C. V. K. Maithreya, nominated by Bhupendra Vora, Keshwar Dastur and the General Secretaries of the Theosophical Society in East and Central Africa, South Africa, West Africa, Argentina, Cuba, England, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and Sweden. Mr Tim Boyd, nominated by Joy Mills, Keith Fisher and the General Secretaries of the Theosophical Society in East and Central Africa, Australia, Brazil, Cuba, England, Finland, France, India, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States of America.

February 2014 35 The Theosophist

The biographical information of the two Mr Tim Boyd Presidential Candidates sent along with the Born: October 22, 1953 in New York voting slips is also reproduced below: City, USA. Mr C. V. K. Maithreya Education: Brown University, Providence, He is a fifth-generation member of The Rhode Island; University of Chicago BA. Theosophical Society and is 55 years old. Partner in Royal Associates (Real Estate Development). He joined The Theosophical Society in Joined TS in 1974. 1968, 45 years ago. He is a graduate in English Language and Literature and Currently serves as President of the has a Post-graduation with Honours in Theosophical Society in America and Personnel Management, Organisation Editor in Chief for Quest magazine TSA. Development, Labour Relations, Welfare He has served as President and on the and Law. He has further qualified in board of directors for the Theosophical Training and Development. He has worked Order of Service; Theosophical Book Gift in industry and has been the owner of a Institute; Theosophical Society in America; Human Resource Management consulting has lectured and conducted workshops in company with international clients. the US, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand; his At different times, he has been the articles have been published in theosophical President of the Vasanta Youth Lodge, journals around the world. Adyar Lodge, Madras Theosophical Federation and Theosophical Order He is a founding member of a spiritual of Service, Chennai Region. He was community which was active in Chicago a member of the Indian Section Council for more than 25 years. The group worked and he is on the National Board of the with troubled youth, taught meditation and TOS, India. He has been involved with healing methods, and established organic Co-Freemasonry and was the Chief food gardens on vacant lots. His involve- Knight of the Round Table, India and ment with the TOS and the Chushul Knight Counsellor on its International orphanage in Tibet led to an audience with Senior Council. the Dalai Lama which resulted in the TSA sponsoring his visit to Chicago in July of He has been a writer of articles and a 2011 for a two day event attended by ten- speaker on Theosophy who has toured thousand people. The event raised more India, the USA, East & Central Africa, than $400,000, all of which was donated Europe, Israel, Singapore, New Zealand to educational projects aiding Tibetan and Australia. He has authored the communities worldwide. books Theosophy, The Theosophical Society and The Founders and The Vision All members who have reached 18 of Sanjaya (an esoteric interpretation of years of age and are in good standing for the Mahabharata). 24 consecutive months as on 1 November

36 Vol. 135.5 Presidential Election 2013 are eligible to vote. An eligible East and Southeast Mr Chong Sanne. voter should get in touch with the Members and Lodges in Bangladesh earlier General/Regional/Organizing Secretary attached to Adyar will now receive voting or Presidential Agent of his/ her area if slips from the Presidential Representative he/she does not get the voting slip in good for Bangladesh Mr B. L. Bhattacharyya. time. Members and Lodges in Ukraine Members and Lodges in Russia earlier earlier attached to Adyar will now receive attached to Adyar will now receive voting voting slips from the Regional Secretary slips from the Presidential Representative Mrs Svitlana Gavrylenko. Members and for Russia Mr Pavel Malakov. Other Lodges in Malaysia, Japan, Myanmar, members and Lodges who are directly Thailand and Singapore earlier attached attached to Adyar may get in touch with to Adyar will now receive voting slips from the International Secretary by e-mail in the Presidential Representative for Asia, the event of not receiving voting slips soon.

Revival of TS in Myanmar

Olcott Lodge in Myanmar was established by Colonel H. S. Olcott himself in 1885 which became a vibrant centre of the Theosophical Society for many many decades. However, it limped through the Dark Age of Myanmar and in 2010, it nearly collapsed.

It is good to hear that our brothers and sisters, who are eager to make Theosophy a living force, have since revived the TS in Myanmar. There are now 31 active members and there is a strong Executive Committee which meets on the second Sunday of every month. Most of the members gather together at every weekend, enjoy group study and meditation. The President of the TS in Myanmar, Sister Daw Pyi Thane reports — 'We are igniting the Theosophy Light in the darkness of religious extremism in Myanmar. We believe firmly that the Light, the Love and the Way are common to our souls and all the souls of Myanmar so that we can extend Theosophy Light by enforcing our soul Light.'

She further reports — 'We hold our meditation session and group study every weekend, invite interested persons. If a person shows his / her interest continuosly, we welcome him / her to be a member. For the time being, we have no facility to open a formal course in Theosophy and Meditation.'

The financial situation of the TS in Myanmar is not very sound but as in the past, some members continue to subsidize the operating expenses of the Society and most of the activities are run by donation from the members.

February 2014 37 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Email address [email protected] [email protected] Theosofi The Indian Theosophist Gangleri Teozófia Ilisos Adyar Le Lotus Bleu Teosofi The Light Bearer Chilena Revista Teosófica Selección Teosófica Sophia The West African Theosophist The West Theosofie Adyar Teozofija The Theosophical Light The South African Theosophist Le Lotus Bleu Theosophy in Australia Magazine Newsletter Teosofía en Argentina en Teosofía … Rosario … ška ulica 24, 10000 Zagreb … oukourestiou St., 106 71-Athensoukourestiou St., … Jakarta 11410, Timur Helsinki Aptdo. 23, San Juan, PR 00926, USA CEP 70200-630 Brasilia (DF) Boisbriand QC., J7H 1K7 Estacion Central, Santiago Barrio Palermo, Bogotá Managua, Nicaragua Bagmari Road, Kolkata 700 054 Sims Avenue Centre, Singapore 387 603 Avenue Sims Ronean, 38 Princesses Ave., Windsor E. 2194Windsor Ave., Ronean, 38 Princesses … eosofinen Seura, Vironkatu 7 C 2, Fin 00170,Vironkatu eosofinen Seura, … The Theosophical Society, Varanasi 221 010Varanasi Theosophical Society, The … Oberbaumgarten 25, 4204 Haibach im Mühlkreis … Address … Santiago 257 — 2000, I N T E R A O L D C Y

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Ivory Coast *Coast Ivory …KouahohPierre-Magloire Mr … 23 Rue Princesse Yopougon, …

Mexico …

Netherlands, The … Ms Els Rijneker … T New ZealandNew … Ms Sandy Ravelli … 18, Belvedere Street, Epsom, Auckland 1051 … Norway * …Saleh Dr Orlando

Pakistan † … …

Peru † …PomarGerardo Julio Mr … Jr. Republica de Portugal 152, Breña, Lima 5 … Philippines, The … Mr

Portugal … Mr

Puerto Rico † … Mrs Magaly Polanco …36-1766Box P.O. …

Qatar Russia † …MalakovPavel Mr … Molodyozhny pr., 10-221, 650070,

Scotland * …KidgellGary Mr … 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH … Slovenia * … Spain …

Sri Lanka † … Mr M. B. Dassanayake … 2-C/60, Maththegoda Housing Scheme, …

Sweden … Mr Switzerland † … Mrs Eliane Gaillard … 17 Chemin de la Côte, CH -1282 Dardagny, …

Ukraine * … Mrs Svitlana Gavrylenko … Office 3, 7-A Zhylianska St., Kiev 01033 …

Uruguay * … Mrs Dolores Gago … Javier Barrios Amorín 1085,

1919

1954 1902

1997

1919

1897 1896 1913 1935

1948

1924 1933

1921

1925

2012 2013

1910 1992 1921

1926

1895 1910

1997 T 2013 1886 USA … Mr 1925

1922 W

Dateto refers the date of formation

The Council of the European Federation of National Societies: Inter-American Theosophical Inter-American Federation: Indo-Pacific Theosophical Federation: Pan-African Theosophical Federation:

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40 Celebrating 125 years of two Theosophical Masterpieces 1889 – 2014

THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE H. P. Blavatsky This book is the last great literary gift to the world from H. P. Blavatsky for moral and spiritual upliftment of humanity. The book is a prose poem, full of spiritual inspiration. Verse 144 says: ‘To live to benefit mankind is the first step. To practice the six glorious virtues is the second.’

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THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE — with Introduction and Notes by Arya Asanga (A. J. Hamerster)

TALKS ON THE PATH OF OCCULTISM — VOL. II THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE C. W. Leadbeater

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