THE FLORIDA FEDERATION The Theosophical Society in America, Inc. THEOSOPHICAL NETWORK OF FLORIDA Spring 2009
2009 Florida Federation Spring Convention
April 24-26th, Deerfield Beach Hosted by Deerfield Beach Miami Lodge
“INNER CHRISTIANITY” With Richard Smoley
The Florida Federation is privileged to He’ll also lead some brief guided have noted author and speaker Richard meditations so participants can experience Smoley as our presenter this year for a 3- some of these teachings for themselves. session workshop. He has 25 years of study and practice in the Western esoteric Mr. Smoley is author of several books, tradition. Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition, coauthor of Hidden Wisdom: A He tells us that best sellers like The Da Guide to the Western Inner Traditions; Vinci Code imply lost secrets that church The Essential Nostradamus; Forbidden officials ignored or suppressed. Are there Faith: The Secret History of Gnosticism; hidden truths? If so, can they be viewed as and most recently Conscious Love: expressions of inner Christianity, inner Insights from Mystical Christianity. He is truths that lie beneath the surface forms of the former editor of Gnosis magazine, and the faith? He will give us answers. since 2005 has been acquisitions editor of Quest Books. Recently he became In his presentations, Richard will give a brief, accessible executive editor of the Quest magazine. Mr. Smoley’s introduction to the central teachings of inner Christianity. personal Web site is: www.innerchristianity.com. He will talk about the history of this tradition, which reaches back to antiquity to the days of the Gnostics. He Besides the Convention presentations, Richard is being will also describe some of its key teachings: the inner hosted by the Deerfield Lodge on Sunday afternoon in Christ, the tripartite structure of body, soul, and spirit, their regular Speaker’s Forum on the topic of Conscious and the nature of gnosis, or inner illumination. Love. —By Judith Snow-Clewell < See inside for more Convention details. >
FLORIDA FEDERATION BOARD MEMBERS
President: Judith Snow-Clewell 1st Vice-President: Ginger Jordan 2nd Vice-President: Teddie McKay E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Director of Comm.: Eulalia M. Díaz Treasurer: Mohamed Mokhtar Secretary: Barbara Shave E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Upcoming Events... FLORIDA FEDERATION LODGES AND STUDY CENTERS 2009 Summer National Gathering at Olcott Theosophical Society in America Bradenton Provisional Study Center 1926 North Main Street, Wheaton, Illinois Contact: Judith Snow-Clewell Ph: (941) 531-3879 - E-mail: [email protected] Deerfield Beach Branch “TOGETHER DIFFERENTLY” Contact: Lillian Mayer July 24-28th, 2009 Ph: (954) 360-7080 - E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.theosophymiami.org Gainesville Study Center Contact: Lal C. Garg Ph: (352) 378-4623 - E-mail: [email protected] Jinarajadasa Lodge (Spanish) Contact: José Gallo - Ph: (305) 926-8828 or Eulalia M. Díaz - E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.logiateosofica.com Melbourne Indian River Contact: Courtney Short Ph: (772) 652-0782 - E-mail: [email protected] Miami Beach Study Center (Spanish) Contact: Gustavo or Margarita Rodríguez Ph: (305) 534-9306 - E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.grupoteosoficomiamibeach.com Miami-Dade Blavatsky Lodge (Spanish) National Headquarters of the T.S.A., Wheaton, Illinois. Contact: Olga Dona-Dio Ph: (305) 271-7740 - E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.logiablavatsky.com Miami-Dade Study Group (English) Contact: Ricardo Basurto - E-mail: [email protected] ~ SPRING 2009 ~ Contact: Ram Kumar Singh KROTONA SCHOOL OF THEOSOPHY Ph: (954) 885-5667 Ocala Provisional Study Center AMIT AND UMA GOSWAMI Contact: Jean Brown Ph: (305) 236-0911 - E-mail: [email protected] Apr. 17‐19: Consciousness, Yoga, Psychology & Nurturing the Soul Orlando Branch Apr. 21‐ May 1: Nurturing and Evolving Our Soul Connection: A Contact: William Delahunt View from Quantum Physics & Yoga Psychology Ph: (407) 898-1064 - E-mail: [email protected]
Pensacola Study Center Contact: Mo Michel MARIA PARISEN Ph: (850) 433-3151 - E-mail: [email protected] May 1‐3: The Mystery of Sacrifice St. Petersburg Branch May 5‐8: Teaching and Disciple: An Uncommon Love Contact: John Tzaras Ph: (727) 522-2712 or 822-7932 - E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stpeteflatheosophicallodge.org TEREZINHA KIND Sebastian Pelican Island Center May 12‐15: Psychological Aspects of Our Spiritual Growth Contact: Barbara Shave May 15‐17: Is There a Path to Truth? Ph: (772) 567-4114 - E-mail: [email protected]
Tallahassee Study Center Contact: Judith H. Phipps
Ph: (850) 222-2622 - E-mail: [email protected]
Tampa-Besant Branch (Spanish) For more information contact: Contact: Armando Santana
Ph: (813) 806-9288 E-mail: [email protected] Krotona School of Theosophy Winter Park Study Center 46 Krotona Hill, Ojai, CA 93023-3901 Contact: Dikki Jo Mullen E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (407) 895-1522 - E-mail: [email protected]
NEW STUDY CENTER FORMING “There is No Religion Higher Than Truth”
Fort Myers Study Center Contact: Karen Schweitzer Ph: (630) 868-8385 - E-mail: [email protected]
To update your information, contact Eulalia M. Diaz at: [email protected]
The Theosophical Society
THE WORD Theosophia, derived from two Greek words, meaning Divine Wisdom, was coined by the Neo- Platonists in the Second Century of the Christian era to connote the truths revealed to humanity by our evolutionary Elders at the dawn of human life on this planet, and added to, checked and rechecked down to the present day by an unbroken succession of Adept occult investigators. Theosophy, then, is offered to us as the accumulated Wisdom of the Ages, “an uninterrupted record, covering thousands of generations of Seers, whose respective experiences were made to test and verify the traditions, passed on orally by one early race to another, of the teachings of higher and exalted Beings, who watched over the childhood of Humanity... No vision of one Adept was accepted till it was checked and confirmed by the visions-so obtained as to stand as independent evidence-of other Adepts, and by centuries of experience”. The Secret Doctrine, by H. P. Blavatsky, Vol. I, p. 316, Adyar Edition.
THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES of religion, philosophy, art, science and politics are all contained within this Wisdom of the Ages. From the time of the closing of the Neo-Platonic and Gnostic Schools to the last quarter of the Nineteenth Century, save for the few alchemists, Kabbalists, Rosicrucians, occultly instructed Masons and Christian mystics, Theosophy was unknown in the Western world. Before then it was known and studied in various forms by the Platonists, the Pythagoreans, the Egyptians and the Chaldeans, whilst in India and China it has been preserved down the ages in unbroken continuity. It is the wisdom of the Upanishads and the Vedas, the very heart of Hinduism, Taoism and Islam. By means of allegory and symbol it is revealed in the Christian Scriptures, the dead-letter reading of which has blinded Christians to their deeper significance.
THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, founded in New York in 1875, a reincarnation of innumerable similar movements in the past, is one of the many channels chosen from time to time by the Teachers of humanity for the transmission of this Ancient Wisdom to man. Theosophists are offered the opportunity of studying, living and presenting the age-old truths to the world in terms of modern thought. Though the presentations may vary, Theosophy itself, being all- Truth, is unchanging and eternal.
THE STUDY OF COMPARATIVE RELIGION reveals the existence of certain doctrines, which are common to all World Faiths. Although differently presented in each, when collected and blended into a whole, these teachings constitute a basic body of revealed Truth, which can be
studied independently of all religious systems. Each world religion reveals an arc of the circle of Eternal Wisdom. Theosophy, although as yet but partially revealed to man, is the full circle of Truth. Age by age, at the direction of Those who are the Guardians of knowledge and its accompanying power, aspects of the Eternal Wisdom are revealed to humanity through world religions and philosophies.
THE GREAT PRACTICAL VALUE OF THEOSOPHY consists in its revelation of the meaning and purpose of human existence, which without it is a hopeless puzzle defying solution. A puzzle may be solved by two methods. One is that of trial and error, of experimenting with various pieces in the hope that ultimately they will fit together. This is a slow and unsatisfactory method, particularly in the attempt to solve the problems of life. The other method, far more satisfactory, is based on pre-knowledge of the position of the various pieces in the complete design. Theosophy provides that knowledge, and reveals the due place in an evolutionary plan of every individual and every event.
LIFE SOMEWHAT RESEMBLES A PIECE OF TAPESTRY. On the underside one sees little save incomprehensible tangles, knots, badly blended colors and a general confusion. Examination of the upper side, however, reveals the whole pattern, shows that the confusion is only apparent, since every juxtaposition is essential to the completion of the design. So, also, the apparent confusion in the lives of individuals and of Nations. Theosophy reveals the plan of life, thereby bestowing mental serenity upon those who study it and making intelligent and purposeful living possible for them.
THE STUDENT OF THEOSOPHY will do well to recognize that the human mind, being finite, cannot fully comprehend abstract Truth, which is infinite. As the human intellect develops, our power of comprehension increases. Truth appears to change, as does the shape of a mountain gradually approached and seen from different points of view. The mountain itself is, however, relatively changeless, as also is eternal Truth. Theosophy being all-Truth, no final theosophical statement is ever possible. No theosophical teacher can legitimately make authoritative pronouncements. In the Theosophical Society opinion is therefore free, save, perhaps, concerning the brotherhood of humanity. FLORIDA FEDERATION SPRING CONVENTION April 24-26th, 2009 – Hosted by the Deerfield Beach Miami Lodge 831 S.E. 9th St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Spring Convention Program ”Inner Christianity,” with Richard Smoley
Friday, April 24th 5:00-6:00 pm Assemble at the TS Deerfield Beach Lodge. 6:00 pm Dinner together at Antonio's Italian Restaurant. Optional activities: a walk on the pier or the beach a short distance away. In case of rain, we’ll watch a video at the Lodge.
Saturday, April 25th 9:00-10:00 am Registration and Continental Breakfast served by the Deerfield Lodge 10:00-10:15 am Call to Order: Judith Snow-Clewell, President of the Florida Federation Welcome: Lillian Mayer, President of the Deerfield Beach Lodge Prayers of the Religions (Members) 10:15-12:00 am Richard Smoley: Session I - Workshop on Inner Christianity 12:00-2:00 pm Lunch at local restaurants. 2:15-4:00 pm Richard Smoley: Session II - Workshop on Inner Christianity 4:00-4:30 pm Book signing. 4:30-5:15 pm Mo Michel, Eastern District Director - Presentation and Group Discussion: Strategic Visioning: Building a Bright Future for the TSA 5:30-7:30 pm Supper together at The Tamarind Restaurant in Palm Plaza. 8:00-9:00 pm An Evening of Musical Inspiration, with singer-songwriter Judith Snow and performing artist Nori Rao. SUGGESTED DONATION Sunday, April 26th
8:00-8:45 am ES Meeting (For ES members only.) PRE-REGISTRATION: $15.00 9:15-10:45 am Richard Smoley: Session III - Workshop on Inner Christianity AT THE DOOR: $20.00 11:00-12:30 pm Business Meeting and Convention Adjournment. 12:30 pm Lunch at local restaurants. 3:30-5:00 pm Deerfield Beach Lodge Event (all invited). Speaker’s Forum with Richard Smoley. In this lecture on Conscious Love, Richard will focus on love, which many spiritual traditions say is the center of the universe. What does this love have to do with the love we experience in our daily lives? Book sale and book signing to follow this event.
For information about Accommodations you may contact: CAROLE DONOVAN: E-mail: [email protected]. Ph: (954) 043-3760; or LILLIAN MAYER: E-mail: [email protected]. Ph: (954) 360-7080. For Hotel Reservations: The Traveler’s Inn, 1401 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Ph: (954) 421-5000.
======(Cut or tear off and mail with your registration donation.) ======
FLORIDA FEDERATION SPRING CONVENTION PRE-REGISTRATION (April 24-26th, 2009)
NAME(S): ______DATE: ______ADDRESS: ______CITY ______STATE:_____ HOME PH:______CELL PH:______E-MAIL:______
We only accept checks or money orders, payable to: Florida Federation of the TSA. Mail it to the Convention Registrar: GINGER JORDAN, 722 Wentworth St., Sebastian, FL 32958. E-mail: [email protected]; Ph: (772) 766- 5645. Pre-Registration Donation: $15 per person, and must be received by April 15th, 2009. Registration Donation at the door: $20.00. (The Registration covers the whole event.)
~ Special Program ~ Saturday, April 25, 2009
“An Evening of Musical Inspiration”
Join us for a wonderful evening of musical and artistic inspiration with Florida Federation’s own professional performers: Singer-Songwriter Judith Snow, and Dancer & Performing Artist Nori Rao.
Judith Snow is President of the Florida Federation, and a professional singer, songwriter and actress. Her musical career includes theatre, church singing and inspirational solo concerts. She has produced four CDs of original spiritual songs. Saturday evening she will sing, lead group singing, and sacred dance.
Nori Rao is a producer, radio talk show host, lecturer, frequent guest on Radio and TV, former Editor-in-Chief of M.J. Magazine, international performing artist. For several years her choreographies were an integral part of an acclaimed recording artist-Concerts. Nori is also Florida Federation former Director of Communications and past President. Singer-Songwriter Judith Snow Performing Artist Nori Rao
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DIRECTIONS TO THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN DEERFIELD BEACH 831 S.E. 9th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
From the South: Take I-95 North to Exit 41, SW 10th St. in Deerfield Beach. Turn right and go east on SW 10th St., about two miles to US-1. Turn left onto US-1 and go about ½ block and make a U turn. Then turn right into Palm Plaza. The T.S. is about six storefronts on the right hand side. From the West: Take I-75 east to Fort Lauderdale. Take Sawgrass Expressway (Rd. 869) north. It makes a 90-degree turn and goes east, and becomes SW 10th St. in Deerfield Beach. Continue east on SW 10th St. and follow the same directions as above. From the North: Take I-95 south to Exit 42, Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach. Turn left onto Hillsboro Blvd. and go east to US-1. Turn right onto US-1 and go about ¾ miles to Palm Plaza. It is just beyond the Fellowship of Love Church & School. International Gems is on the end of the plaza. Turn right into Palm Plaza. We are about 6 storefronts on the right hand side. Caution: Only 2 hour parking is allowed next to the sidewalk. Park in the center. The Traveler’s Inn is located four blocks south of Palm Plaza, also on the west side of US-1.
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“There is No Religion Higher Than Truth”
The Three Declared Objects of The Theosophical Society:
1. To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color. 2 To encourage the comparative study of Religion, Philosophy, and Science. 3. To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity.