IN AUSTRALIA

ISSN No. 1038- 1139 June 2019 volume 83 number 2

INSIDE The First Object and the Politics of Multiculturalism Reincarnation: a Review of the Scientific Evidence 2019 Indo-Pacific Conference, Manila Interview with Gerard Brennan Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: The Theosophical Society has its International Headquarters at Adyar, Chennai, India. International President: Tim Boyd International Vice-President: Deepa Padhi International Secretary: Marja Artamaa International Treasurer: Nancy Secrest NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: State Representatives: Level 2, 162 Goulburn Street, Surry Hills Gaynor Fraser - SA/NT NSW 2010 email: [email protected] Phone: +61 02 9264 7056 Gerard Brennan - NSW/ACT Fax: +61 02 9264 5857 email: [email protected] https://theosophicalsociety.org.au Sue Lee - WA email: [email protected] email: [email protected] National President: Linda Oliveira Helen Steven - TAS email: [email protected] email: [email protected] National Vice-President: Phillipa Rooke - QLD Helen Steven email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Edward Sinclair - VIC National Secretary: Dara Tatray email: president@ email: [email protected] melbournetheosophy.org National Treasurer: Beatrice Malka Education Coordinator: Pedro Oliveira email: [email protected]

Editor: Linda Oliveira email: [email protected] Editorial Committee: Janice Scarabottolo, Olga Gostin, Patricia Ossenberg, Ruth Holt Subscriptions: non-members $25 p.a. within Australia, $30 p.a. overseas We invite articles or other items of no more than 2,300 words email: [email protected]

Cover photo: Shutterstock - Jama Masjid Mosque, Delhi, photo by Matt Ragen Photos in this issue by: Dr T. Alaganantham Dr Helen Lambert, Linda Oliveira, Pedro Oliveira, George Wester. Photos also sourced from Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash and Art Explosion 600,000 with the authority of Nova Development Corporation, USA. Printer: Kwik Kopy, 320 Pitt St, Sydney. Recycled paper. The Society is not responsible for any statement in this magazine unless made in an official notice. Published quarterly by: The Theosophical Society in Australia. Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 37

CONTENTS IN A From the National President June 2019 38 Volume 83 no. 2 40 The First Object and the

The Theosophical Society wel- Politics of Multiculturalism comes students or seekers from all walks of life, belonging to any 48 Reincarnation - a Review of the religion or to none and who are Scientific Evidence in sympathy with its Objects. It was formed to assist in showing to An Interview with Gerard Brennan people that Theosophy exists, and 56 ‘to ascend towards it by studying 63 National Calendar of Events and assimilating its eternal verities’. Wisdom is known by a mind that is - 2020 National Convention, Melbourne completely open. Therefore freedom of thought and open enquiry are 64 Education given special emphasis in the Society. Theosophy essentially refers to 65 2019 International Convention, Varanasi ‘Divine Wisdom’, Sacred Know- Call for Nominations ledge, which is a transcendent state of 66 consciousness. In a secondary sense, - State Representatives Theosophy is an ancient yet distinct stream of enquiry, exploring and 67 Theosophical Order of Service interpreting the truths of existence in terms suited to particular ages, e.g. in 68 Review the teachings of ancient India, ancient China, Platonism, Neoplatonism, and, 69 News and Notes since 1875, through the contribution of the TS. At the core of Theosophy 69 2019 Indo-Pacific Conference, Manila is the principle of indivisible Unity Section Directory underlying the diversity of forms. 71

Mission Statement of the Theosophical Society To serve humanity by cultivating an ever-deepening understanding and realisation of the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual Self-transformation, and the Unity of all Life. 38 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

From the National President Linda Oliveira

This magazine is being finalised just interactions. For one thing, the after the completion of the first tour of importance of our many international, the Australian Section by International national and local gatherings cannot President, Tim Boyd, accompanied by be underestimated. It is extraordinary his wife, Lily. They arrived here from how bonds are tangibly strengthened at Adyar and the USA respectively. A few our events. They may be regular lodge/ photos commemorating this historic branch meetings, or live-in activities. tour appear on the opposite page. The latter help especially to provide a sense of connectedness, enhancing The first article in this issue invites us our solidarity as an organisation. I can to actively apply our consciousness highly recommmend the experience of brotherhood to some real life of our live-in events. Future events situations; it also provides some at our Canyonleigh and Springbrook thought provoking windows into Centres will be announced later in the human culture today. Another article year. As well as next year’s national considers what scientific evidence Convention, two international events there is for reincarnation – a teaching are also advertised in this magazine – to which many members of the TS the next International Convention, set are likely to adhere, or perhaps even to be held in Varanasi on the Ganges, take for granted. The case studies and the next Indo-Pacific Conference which are included are of particular which will be generously hosted by interest. Is it possible to consider them the Phillipine Section in Manila. We with an impartial eye? An interview look forward to seeing a number of our with the President of the Indo-Pacific members there. Federation is also included in these pages. Comments of up to 200 words on We are a membership organisation; items in this magazine are welcome therefore, how we fare collectively and may be published.. has much to do with our numerous Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 39

Visit by Tim and Lily Boyd to Australia

With staff and national Executive Committee members at the National Headquarters. left to right: Cassandra Au, Richard Larkin, Dara Tatray, Tim Boyd, Lily Boyd, Linda Oliveira, Dianne Kynaston and Rosanna Sheridan

At Blavatsky Lodge: Pedro Oliveira with Tim Boyd in conversation with Mary Donald Fern, former National Secretary and Masselos, Blavatsky Lodge National Treasurer.

At Perth Branch. left to right: John Davey, Rob Russell, Lily Boyd, Tim Boyd, Franco Guazzelli, Matthew Thompson, Harry Bayens 40 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

The First Object and the Politics of Multiculturalism

Olga Gostin Shane Rounce on Unsplash Rounce Shane

When our founders spelt out the the concept of multiculturalism, specif- three objects of the Theosophical So- ically in its Australian political context; ciety, they were no doubt also reflect- and thirdly, I shall propose a synthesis ing the socio-economic and political of the two in an attempt to provide a conditions of their time, as well as deeper understanding of what it means the state of scientific knowledge at to be a mindful Australian citizen. the end of the 19th century. The First Object specifically sought to -tran Brotherhood scend the vexed questions of race and colour, religion and sectarianism, as Back in 1965 – more than half a cen- well as sex and caste as sources of so- tury ago – N. Sri Ram, then World cial and political division. It is a sad President of the Theosophical Society, irony that the noble object of univer- mentioned that brotherhood had be- sal brotherhood remains elusive in come ‘worn and cheap currency’. True the second decade of the 21st centu- brotherhood, he explained, is not just ry, and that race, creed, gender, caste a superficial, sentimental or emotional and colour regrettably remain nega- expression of commonality. To come tively relevant in today’s world order. to grips with its true essence, one has to immerse oneself into the deep mean- I propose to discuss my chosen topic ing of that term and address the very ‘The First Object and the politics of texture of our thoughts and actions. 1 multiculturalism’ in three steps. The first will be a brief engagement with This is a very profound injunction. As the First Object, notably the notion of I grappled with it, the words of Lao- brotherhood; the second will unpack Tse, founder of Taoism, came to mind, Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 41 uttered all of twenty-five centuries ago: world needs to solve its problems and to transform itself. But openness of Watch your thoughts – they become the mind does not equate with binding words neutrality or the notion that all ideas Watch your words – they become ac- are equally valid. However it does em- tions brace the possibility of perhaps seeing Watch your actions – they become hab- the same old truths in a new perspective. its Above all Sri Ram urges us to delve Watch your habits – they become char- inwardly, to explore, and to enquire acter into the truth of things without fear. Watch your character – it becomes your Only thus can we embody and radiate destiny a deeper understanding of our world, Think of it, reflect on it – that it all starts its problems and the means of transfor- with thought: involuntary thought, re- mation that rests with each of us per- flexive thought, groomed and/or- nur sonally, as our necessary starting point. tured thought: about race, creed, gen- der, caste or colour ... . The locus of Multiculturalism thought, Sri Ram elaborates, is in our minds. And our mind is not an empty I now move to the second part of my bag; nor should we be attached to its talk, that dealing with the nature and contents. I love that analogy. Thoughts politics of multiculturalism. By way and ideas are the product of social, po- of introduction, I should like to dis- litical, economic, religious and yes, cuss three components common to theosophical influences. As such, we all nations: a constitution, a flag and must be open to new ideas and be pre- an anthem. I shall briefly reflect on pared to shake out the old mind bag, these elements as a useful segue into or even empty it altogether in the light the broader discussion of contem- of honest, deep engagement with our porary Australian multiculturalism. thoughts and a growing understanding I invite you to make your own leaps of what true brotherhood means, and forward to current debates as I pres- the changing mindset that goes with it. ent a highly selective and necessari- ly potted view of Australian history. Such openness, says Sri Ram, is ‘essen- tial to our Society’ and leads to deeper When the Commonwealth of Australia understanding and a better capacity to was proclaimed in 1901 its founding radiate the true brotherhood that the document, the Constitution, had an un- 42 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 spoken agenda which was to preserve and massacres that marked the initial and consolidate its white (Anglo) Aus- conquest of this continent. As they tralian identity, and by implication, to say, history is written by the victors. ward off the perceived threat of the lurking Yellow Peril, then referring The Second World War brought the to the Chinese who had been lured to wake-up call of the Japanese bomb- the goldfields in the mid to late 19th ing of Darwin and Broome, plus the century. There was no mention at all bloody engagements along the Kokoda of Aborigines other than to state that Trail in Papua New Guinea. Our vul- they were not to be counted in the nerability on home ground gave rise census, and that matters pertaining to to the ‘populate or perish’ mantra and them should remain the responsibility with it, the large-scale immigration of state legislatures. In other words, of southern Europeans (the famous the federal government was not in- ‘wogs’), the 10-pound Poms, Eastern terested in the First Australians and Europeans and later the influx of - Vi deemed them irrelevant to the newly etnamese refugees. By the 1970s the founded Commonwealth. The nascent White Australia policy was officially nation was envisaged as a monoculture abandoned, and multiculturalism be- reflecting its white British heritage. came the new catch-cry. It is important to note that multiculturalism was thus The Great War that broke out just over born out of national self-interest and a decade later, and whose centenary we necessity, not a primarily humanitari- have so reverentially celebrated during an impulse or a sense of brotherhood. the past year, has been widely inter- preted as the event that forged Aus- Our national flag with its juxtaposition tralian identity and nationhood at Gal- of the Union Jack and the Southern lipoli and in the killing fields along the Cross reiterates our historical bond to Somme. Few other nations have fixed the United Kingdom. Yet it has oc- the cult of honouring their war dead casionally been a source of conten- so staunchly in their national psyche. tion and debate as it hardly reflects Yet we have steadfastly failed to rec- the background of the nation’s large ognise, much less honour, those who non-Anglo migrant population. Unlike fell on Australian soil during the ear- Canada that affirmed its iconic maple ly frontier wars between the invading leaf flag in 1965, Australians have not migrant-settlers and defending Aborig- moved beyond recurrent competitions inal owner-custodians: guerrilla wars on what a truly representative Austral- Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 43 ian flag might look like. The fate of the flag seems to be vexedly linked to the question of a Republic and has been quietly put aside in the too-hard bas- ket. An important concession though, has been the recognition of both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags as valid national emblems. No

other conquering nation has thus offi- Aaron Burden on Unsplash cially sanctioned and flown the flags of its First Nations alongside the national flag. This is an important recognition of the fraught history of our nation We’ll share a dream and sing with one with which we have not yet fully rec- voice, onciled despite the unfailing appeals I am, you are, we are Australian. of the First Australians to embrace their gift of antiquity and brotherhood. So, how does multiculturalism present in Australia, and in other parts of the Finally, the anthem Advance Austral- world for that matter? In line with the ia Fair was narrowly voted in to re- current fad for culinary programmes, place God Save the Queen in 1984. and at the risk of gross over-simplifica- Interestingly, it has recently become tion, I propose the following analogies: a source of controversy when Indige- EU hors d’oeuvres: Here migrants live nous people have refused to intone it in separate enclaves in the various na- on the grounds that the nation is neither tions to which they have moved, large- young nor free. Instead we seem to be ly maintaining their separate identities bombarded by advertisements featur- and only marginally integrating with ing the iconic refrain from the Seekers’ the mainstream. This may be inter- I am Australian. I quote the refrain preted as monocultures living side by here for it seems to me to embody the side, or separatist multiculturalism. very essence of a longing for inclusion, The American stew: In the United unity in diversity, and brotherhood. States the call to migrants – ‘the tired, We are one, but we are many the poor and the huddled masses of And from all the lands on Earth we many nations’ – is to adapt to and adopt come. the American way and blend their var- 44 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

ious identities in a process of enriched On one hand we have those who assimilation. would celebrate multiculturalism as the unique distinctive achievement of Australian tossed salad: Here migrants our nation; who value and take pride form part of an inextricable mix, yet in the cultural enrichment that has en- maintain their separate identities – a sued; who recognise the advantage case of multicultural integration.2 [In- of multiculturalism in an increasing- terestingly, historical policies towards ly global society; and who don’t see Aborigines evolved along the same cultural diversity as an impediment to lines: separation, assimilation and now, national unity. On the other, we have integration.] those who are concerned that cham- pioning diversity may lead to the rise It may be worthwhile to note that at of identity politics and fragmentation, the 2016 Australian census 28% of and thence to an undermining of our respondents were born overseas, and Australian brand of integrated mul- another 21% (that is, nearly half the ticulturalism. In addition, there are population) had either one or both those who see the acceptance of cul- parents born overseas. Despite these tural diversity as a potential assault statistics and the repeated claim (and on the values of western civilisation, lived experience of most Australians) democracy and Christianity. These that Australia is the most successful are crucial issues in our times, and example of a multicultural society, they speak directly to our First Object. there are ominous rumblings, some more overt than others: fear of Afri- A Synthesis? cans and Asians, of China’s ascend- ancy, of Muslims and terrorism, of This brings me to the final section of boat people jumping queues, of loss this talk: a synthesis of the concept of jobs taken by migrants, of over- of brotherhood and multiculturalism. population, of strained infrastructure, This is no easy task and I am reminded of emerging urban ghettoes, of loss of Lin Yutang’s statement in The Im- of core Aussie values … the list goes portance of Living (1937/1998:416): on. I do not propose to engage with ... we have compartments of knowl- these claims, other than to note them edge, but no knowledge itself; we have and observe that there is a growing specialization but no integration; we unease, a sense of fear, and an emerg- have specialists, but few philosophies ing politicisation of multiculturalism. of human wisdom... . 3 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 45

of sharing wealth, technology and At a more profound level, how communication. This is the only op- can we apply consciousness of tion if the boat is not to flounder, or brotherhood in everyday life, to its less favoured cabin holders rise up include all those who dwell in the in mutiny. Already the many aspects cabins of the boat that we are of globalisation are an expression of sailing in? Sri Ram appeals to us this trend albeit mired by the network to engage with the deep meaning of powerful multinational interests of brotherhood and to address and greed-driven monopolies. our very own thoughts and ac- Is such an objective, the realisation tions. of One World, possible? Mahbuba- ni looks to reforms within the United In a room of engaged theosophists, Nations and affiliated bodies. More I hope that we can put the latter modestly, I think of the environmen- comment to the test as we delve deep- tal concept of glocalism – where we er into the context of brotherhood in try to think globally (as of climate our modern, global society. issues) but act locally. Consider the impact of Ian Kearnan who start- Let us start with Kishore Mahbuba- ed his Clean Up Australia initiative ni’s pertinent analogy in his The round Sydney harbour in 1989. The Great Convergence.4 He observes movement spread across Australia that seven billion earthlings are not and within five years was embraced travelling in one hundred and nine- world-wide. I am sure other exam- ty-three separate boats but rather in ples apply. one hundred and ninety-three separate cabins on the same boat. Think of it. At a more profound level, how can Is this metaphor cause for optimism we apply consciousness of broth- or concern? For Mahbubani there is erhood in everyday life, to include only one answer, one option: it is a all those who dwell in the cabins of source of celebration, the opportunity the boat that we are sailing in? Sri to replace negativity with optimism, Ram appeals to us to engage with the where a global perspective serves as deep meaning of brotherhood and to an antidote to xenophobia. We are all address our very own thoughts and in the same boat and it follows that actions. If necessary, he urges us to we have to embrace the theory [reali- empty some of the contents of our ty?] of one world, with the correlative mental bag full of preconceived id- 46 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 eas, born of our socio-cultural condi- to be open to new ideas, possibly by tioning. So relax, and monitor your in- opening a spiritual frontage on a well- ner thought reactions as we walk along known or worn scenario. He urges us the deck of our boat and pass the fol- to open our minds, and be prepared to lowing passengers outside their cabins: shake out the old mind bag as the nec- *a scantily dressed woman basking in essary condition to seeing old truths the sun in a new perspective. This is the key *a bare-chested, heavily tattooed man, to getting a deeper understanding of smoking true brotherhood. The journey we *a woman dressed in full chador, read- are undertaking is perhaps the hard- ing est of all, albeit also the shortest, that *a same-sex couple holding hands, from a closed mind to an open heart. embracing Radha Burnier puts it in another way *a Catholic priest, absorbed in his when addressing our spiritual journey: I-pad ‘The only way of knowing the whole- *Somali men loudly playing volleyball ness, the fullness, the totality is to be *a bearded imam, scrolling through his that totality, or that wholeness. It can- cell phone not be known in any [other] way...’. 5 *a person lying prone on the deck, di- In conclusion, I return to the quest for shevelled, vomiting true brotherhood and offer this simple * youths with earphones, bang- couplet: ing heads to a common rhythm I embrace and see the you that is in me / You are the me in we. The list could go on. What thoughts came to mind, or sprang involun- Endnotes: tarily out of your personal mental 1. N. Sri Ram, ‘A New Understanding’ bag? Acknowledge that whatev- reprinted from Theosophy in Australia, er they were, they were most likely December 1966, in Theosophy in Aus- triggered by former experience and/ tralia, November 2017. or the product of pre-conditioning. 2. Paul Kelly ‘Society ignores the suc- And they almost certainly bear lit- cess of integration at its peril’, The tle or no relevance to the situation Weekend Australian, 11-12 August of the actual people on the deck. 2018. 3. Lin Yutang, The Importance of Liv- What Sri Ram requires of us, in our ing, HarperCollins Publishers, New quest to realise the First Object, is York, 1937/1998. Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 47

4. Kishore Mahbubani, The Great Of mixed Belgian-Russian parentage, Convergence – Asia, the West, and the Olga Gostin did her undergraduate Logic of One World, PublicAffairs, studies in social anthropology in South New York, 2013. Africa before obtaining a scholar- 5. Radha Burnier, ‘Yoga: Discovery of ship to the ANU. Between 1963-5 Wholeness’, Theosophy in Australia, she did research into resettlement March 2019, reprinted from The Amer- and cash cropping among the Kuni of ican Theosophist, Spring Special issue Papua, obtaining her PhD in 1968. A 1975. post-doctoral exchange at Moscow State University honed her interest This talk was given at the TS National in syncretism and cultural change. She Convention in Sydney, January 2019. was part of the foundation of Austral- ia’s first specifically designated tertiary programme for Indigenous Australi- ans in 1973 and remained associated with it for the next 40 years. In 1992 she obtained her Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Adelaide University. She remains passionately interested in social justice and envi- ronmental issues.

In the traditional Islamic world, the hierarchy of the arts was not based on whether they were ‘fine’ or ‘industrial’ or ‘minor’. It was based upon the effect of art on the soul of the human being.

Seyyed Hossein Nasr, A Young Muslim’s Guide to the Modern World Annie Sprat on Unsplash 48 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

Reincarnation: a Review of the Scientific Evidence

Brian Harding Paulius Dragunas on Unspla sh

Reincarnation is a topic of perennial In what follows, I’ll first look at alter- interest to Theosophists and many oth- native explanations of the results of ers. I will try to take an objective look various studies. I will then give exam- at what scientific evidence there is for ples of reincarnation research and its reincarnation. It’s taught in many tra- results and will briefly mention some ditions. Many New Agers believe in it. of the difficulties arising from a belief Some say it was taught even in early in reincarnation. Christianity, and the belief is found in many smaller groups such as the Dru- Are There Other Explanations? ze in Lebanon, and various indigenous peoples in Alaska such as the Tlingits. Cryptomnesia is probably the most common alternative to reincarnation Geoffrey Hodson in his book,Reincar- and appears to explain a number of nation – Fact or fallacy? (1967), offers cases. The term refers to the mental four factors that he suggests are puz- mechanism of recovering a past mem- zling to many people. These include ory without recognising it as such. The a) the existence of much apparent in- mind can reproduce events and knowl- justice in the world; b) the need for edge that have been so completely fulfilment of our destiny and the diffi- forgotten that the resurfacing memory culty of achieving this in one lifetime; seems to come out of nowhere. Peter c) some people have strange memories and Elizabeth Fenwick (Past Lives, they can’t explain; and d) the reality of 1999, p73ff) note how greatly we un- child prodigies. Hodson points out that derestimate the capacity of the brain to reincarnation goes a long way towards absorb information without any con- explaining these things. scious effort. Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 49

Again, past life memories usually So reincarnation is only one of sever- emerge as snippets of information, but al possible interpretations of so-called sometimes an apparent previous per- past life memories. sonality can emerge so strongly that it completely takes over, giving rise So What Evidence Do We Have? to multiple personality disorder. This Individuals claim to have knowledge happens most easily under hypnosis, a of previous lives through experienc- well-known example being the case of es such as dreams, memories, flash- Chris Sizemore, whose life formed the backs, déjà-vu, gifts and phobias, and basis of the 1957 filmThe Three Faces the possession of birthmarks that seem of Eve. to correspond to death or injury in pre- Other possibilities include hysterical vious lives. dissociation (suppression), a defence Professional reincarnation research mechanism the mind uses to deal with falls into two major areas. The first is painful memories; and self-delusion, the investigation of spontaneous cas- which can occur even when more than es where people develop memories of one person is involved, a kind of un- having lived before. Investigators here conscious mutual reinforcement, per- are usually academics working in some haps also involving wish-fulfilment. branch of psychology or parapsycholo- The Fenwicks (op cit, 1999, p148ff) gy. The prime example was Professor see Arthur Guirdham’s Cathar reincar- Ian Stevenson, for many years Profes- nations (1978) this way. Even deliber- sor of Psychiatry at the University of ate fraud, either on the part of the sub- Virginia. Many of Stevenson’s studies ject or of the therapist, cannot be left involved investigating the memories of out of consideration. young children, which he regarded as Finally, it’s possible to invoke para- most strongly suggestive of reincarna- normal explanations, such as telepathy. tion. For example, maybe Arthur Guirdham transmitted his knowledge of the Ca- The second area is the domain of psy- thars to his clients telepathically. An- chotherapists who have developed other ‘psi’ possibility is that there is a hypnotic regression techniques. Many cosmic memory bank, akin to Jung’s of these use regression as a means of Collective Unconscious or to the East- healing psychological problems. As a ern notion of the Akashic Record, into result, they often don’t attempt to ob- which our individual consciousness tain historical or geographical data that can tap. might be verifiable. 50 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

Hypnotic Regression vided the pertinent, obscure facts that had emerged in the recall of Antonia’s This is perhaps the phenomenon most life. Tarazi visited many libraries and prone to sensationalist stories. I have universities, travelling to Spain, North chosen two well-known examples, one Africa and the Caribbean. She wrote of which is impressive in its detail, the to historians and archivists to verify other a flawed case from the Bloxham information; she also checked movies Tapes (More Lives Than One?, BBC and TV programmes to see if any of documentary 1976; and Iverson, 1976). these could have been the source of the ‘Laurel Dilmen’/Antonia de Prado: details provided by ‘Antonia’. In all Laurel Dilmen (LD) is a pseudonym this she drew a blank. for a Chicago housewife who recalled Antonia spoke Spanish, Latin and Ger- her life as Antonia Michaela Maria man, but LD was unable to converse Ruiz de Prado in the sixteenth century, in those languages, even under hypno- lived mostly in southern Spain. The sis, other than in the Antonia character. therapist was Linda Tarazi, a respect- But as Antonia also, ed worker in the field. The case was she ... recited the prayers required by the published in the Journal of the Amer- Inquisition, referred to special methods ican Society for Psychical Research in of making the sign of the cross ... un- 1990. What hypnosis revealed, said known to most Spanish-speaking priests Tarazi, was ‘an exciting, romantic life today, and composed words and music to filled with erotic adventures as thrilling a song in Latin and music for the Latin Pater Noster, both of which she is re- as any historical romance …’. Indeed, corded singing. she later published the work as a novel entitled Under the Inquisition (1997). Yet LD had no Spanish ancestry, had Tarazi adds ‘At first ... her [LD’s] tale never been to Spain and had no famili- led me to believe that it was a fictitious arity with the language. creation of an active imagination.’ Tarazi was able to confirm the exist- ence of every person named by Dil- It took Tarazi three years to research men including her sixteenth century the evidence produced under hypno- lover, Dr Francisco de Arganda. Just sis. Well aware of the possibility of one oddity, however – so far there is cryptomnesia, Tarazi asked LD under no proof that Antonia herself ever ex- hypnosis, but not in the ‘Antonia’ life, isted!! to recall the names of all history books she had read. The researcher checked Jane Evans: all these confirming that none - pro Tape recordings of around four hun- Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 51 dred past-life regressions were gath- However, Iverson says his searches ered by Arnall Bloxham, a hypnother- for the truth about the Bloxham Tapes apist in Cardiff, South Wales, whose had left him with no certainties, only findings were made famous as ‘The mysteries. Melvin Harris conducted a Bloxham Tapes’ by a BBC TV pro- more thorough re-investigation of the gramme. Bloxham’s work was closely Bloxham material, focussing on the investigated by, among others, Jeffrey Jane Evans case. He found that: Iverson in his book More Lives Than 1. Her life as a maidservant to Cathe- One (1976) and by Melvin Harris rine of Aragon could easily have been (1986, 2003). Many of Bloxham’s based, sequence for sequence, on Jean cases appear to be flawed and can be Plaidy’s historical novel Katherine, the explained without postulating reincar- Virgin Widow. nation. The one I have chosen here is the case of Jane Evans, who was really 2. Among other things, a 1948 novel the star of the TV documentary. I take on Coeur’s life, The Moneyman by T the following information from Roy B. Costain, could have been the source Stemman’s book (op cit, p177ff). that made Jane’s life as a servant in the 15th century with Jacques Coeur sound Jane was an office worker who was so authentic. regressed to no fewer than six former lives. These were: in the 3rd century 3. Harris found various errors in the as a tutor’s wife in the Roman city that Rebecca life in York, including the fact is now York; as a 12th century Jew, that no surviving medieval church in also in York; as a servant to the French York had a crypt. merchant prince Jacques Coeur in the 4. Most damning of all, from the re- 15th century; as a Spanish handmaid- incarnation point of view, was Jane’s en to Catherine of Aragon in the 16th account of being Livonia, the tutor’s century; as a sewing girl in the time of wife in Roman York. Harris showed Queen Anne in the 17th century; and as without doubt that this is based on a an American nun at the turn of the 20th 1947 novel, The Living Wood (pub- century. Her recall contained a wealth lished also in 1960 as a paperback enti- of potentially verifiable data, especial- tled The Empress Helena) by Louis de ly of the life of the Jewess Rebecca Wohl. in York. That life apparently came to an end when soldiers found her and It seems likely, then, that in Jane Ev- her daughter hiding in the crypt of a ans’s case, the memories came not church. from past lives but the pages of histor- 52 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

brings up a criticism of Stevenson’s work. They occur in cultures where reincarnation is an accepted part of the life of the people.

Another factor in many cases investi- gated by Stevenson and others is the occurrence of birthmarks and birth defects. The parents or relatives of an infant born with a birthmark or birth Tadeusz Lakota on Unsplash Tadeusz defect may attribute this to an injury or some other event that took place in ical novels, a good example of crypto- the child’s previous life. Usually the mnesia. mark is said to be in a similar place or Spontaneous Recall have the same appearance as the re- membered injury. Stevenson claims he Examples of spontaneous recall, in the has found such birthmarks in around a view of many, are far more suggestive third of his cases. The first case I dis- of reincarnation than hypnotic regres- cuss here includes both memory and sion. Flashes of memory of apparent birthmark, and is included in Steven- past lives seem to occur most often son’s Twenty Cases Suggestive of Re- in young children between the ages incarnation (1974, p259ff). of two and five. The best known re- searcher in this area was Professor Ian Victor Vincent/Corliss Chotkin Jr Stevenson of the University of Virginia Victor Vincent, a full-blood Tlingit (1918-2007). Stevenson, a Canadian from South Eastern Alaska who had a biochemist and psychiatrist, studied very strong belief in reincarnation, died an amazing 3000 or so cases of child in the spring of 1946. In the last few memory. His first book, Twenty Cases years of his life he had felt especially Suggestive of Reincarnation (1974), is close to his niece, Mrs Corliss Chotkin not an easy read, but one can get a feel Sr, the daughter of his sister. On one of for Stevenson’s work from Old Souls his visits to see her, he had said to her; (1999) by journalist Tom Shroder who ‘I’m coming back as your next son. I travelled with Stevenson on his last hope I don’t stutter then as much as I do journeys to the Middle East and India. now. Your son will have these scars.’ The concentration of his cases among He pulled up his shirt and showed her a certain groups and in certain locations scar on his back, the result of an opera- Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 53 tion he had had some years previously. time went by, numerous other events He also pointed out a scar on the right seemed to reinforce the fact of Victor’s side of his nose. He added: ‘I know I reincarnation as Corliss Jr. Stevenson will have a good home. You won’t be followed the life of Corliss Jr for some going off and getting drunk’, a remark years. Stevenson concluded this case alluding to a number of alcoholics in strongly indicated the reality of rein- his family. carnation. Another reason for Victor’s prediction Some Further Thoughts was his belief that his deceased sis- ter Gertrude, mother of Mrs Chotkin The cases we have looked at, and innu- Sr, had been reborn as Mrs Chotkin’s merable others, raise many questions. daughter, also called Gertrude. He Many researchers ask how reincarna- wanted to grow up again with his sister. tion can be postulated when we don’t Eighteen months after Victor’s death, really know what reincarnates. To sim- in December 1947, Mrs Corliss Chot- ply answer ‘the soul’ begs the question. kin Sr gave birth to a boy, Corliss Chot- The Theosophical view is that the soul kin Jr, named after his father. At birth, is made up of the higher mind (manas) the boy had two marks on his body of and the intuitive level of consciousness exactly the same shape and location as (buddhi). If this is so, we need to ex- the scars previously pointed out by the plain how it is that the brain, which is dead Victor. The mark on the boy’s a physical level organ, can remember back even had on its margins small past lives. round marks just like stitch wounds Another problem is population. This from a surgical operation. is just a matter of arithmetic. The As soon as the boy could say his name, Fenwicks (op cit, p288) point out that he declared: ‘Don’t you know me? ‘The numbers simply do not add up I’m Kahkody’. The name was Vic- if reincarnation involves a one-to-one tor’s tribal name, and the boy spoke it transmission of a human soul that has in an excellent Tlingit accent. These already lived.’ In 2000 years, the pop- events tied in with a dream that Mrs ulation of the world has increased from Chotkin’s aunt had had before the birth 200 million to around 7 billion. So of the young Corliss and Mrs Chotkin how can each of us have lived before? was certain she hadn’t told her aunt of If we include reincarnation into other Victor’s predictions. Corliss Jr also life-forms, we could maybe get around had a severe stutter when young. As this problem. 54 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

Any proposed reincarnation mech- ... offer us an answer to the perennial anism has to take account of these question about the Earth’s rapidly ex- factors. From my, admittedly limit- panding population. Where do all these ed reading, practically nothing seems souls come from? An ocean of con- sciousness, if it exists, would have no to be known about the actual process difficulty satisfying the demand. of rebirth. I did find a couple of ref- erences in Theosophical literature, the But how do individuals emerge from first a section entitled ‘The Process of this ocean with specific past life mem- Reimbodiment’ in a publication called ories? Maybe the fact that very few Fountain-Source of Occultism by have such memories is just a measure Gottfried de Purucker (Theosophical of its improbability. Also, there is still University Press, 1974); second, Geof- the question of birthmarks. frey Hodson’s The Miracle of Birth (TPH, 1929). But these still seem to Summing Up leave the question as to how physical It seems to me that there is no scientific birthmarks and memories can be trans- proof of the truth of reincarnation, only ferred from a previous physical life. some cases that are strongly ‘sugges- But maybe there is a wrong assumption tive’ – to use Stevenson’s word. But here? Can we be sure that memory re- perhaps we need to redefine what we sides in the physical brain? Certain- mean by science. Maybe I can leave ly medical evidence – e.g. damaged the last word to Roy Stemman when he brains, Alzheimer’s disease – shows says (op cit, p199): that our ability to store and retrieve in- ... no reincarnation researcher has yet formation is highly dependent on the discovered a case that provides 100 condition and age of our brain. But percent proof that a subject has been might not our brain, as Stemman (op reborn. Perhaps they never will. But cit, p183) suggests, ‘be just a clev- some researchers ... appear to get very close ... . er piece of hardware that enables the spiritual software of our soul to oper- References and Bibliography ate in a physical environment’? Dr Jim De Purucker, Gottfried, ‘The Process Tucker, Stevenson’s successor at the of Reimbodiment’ in Fountain-Source University of Virginia, makes a similar of Occultism, Theosophical University point. Press, 1974. Fenwick, Peter and Elizabeth, Past Lives, These new ideas could, says Roy London, Headline, 1999. Stemman: Goswami, Amit, The Self Aware Universe, Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 55

New York, Jeremy Tarcher/Putnam, 1995. for Psychical Research, Vol 84(4), pp309- Guirdham, Arthur, The Cathars and Re- 344, 1990. incarnation, Wheaton Ill, Quest Books, Tarazi, L., Under the Inquisition, Char- 1978. lottesville, VA; Hampton Roads, 1997. Harris, Melvin, ‘Are Past-Life Regres- Thigpen, Corbett H & Cleckley, Harvey sions Evidence of Reincarnation?’, Free M., The Three Faces of Eve, New York, Enquiry, 1986, Fall issue, pp18-23. McGraw Hill, 1957. Investigating the Unexplained, Buffalo Tucker, J. B., Life Before Life: A Scientific NY, Prometheus Books, 2003 (originally Investigation of Children’s Memories of published in 1986 as Sorry, You’ve Been Previous Lives, St Martin’s Press, Griffin, Duped, Weidenfeld & Nicolson). New York, 2005. Hodson, Geoffrey, The Miracle of Birth, Woolger, Other Lives, Other Selves, Lon- Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, don, Thorsons, 1999. 1929. Hodson, Geoffrey,Reincarnation – Fact or fallacy?, Wheaton, Ill, Quest Books, 1967. Iverson, Jeffrey, In Search of the Dead, San Francisco, Harper, 1992. Iverson, Jeffrey, More Lives Than One?, Souvenir Press, London, 1976. Mills, Antonia, ‘A Replication Study: Three Cases of Children in Northern India Brian Harding, MA, PhD, has been a Who Are Said to Remember a Previous member of the Theosophical Society Life’, Journal of Scientific Exploration, since 1978. He is a former National 1989, Vol 3(2), pp133-184. Lecturer for the Australian Section, Shroder, Tom, Old Souls, New York, Si- and former President of Canberra mon & Schuster, 1999. Branch and Brisbane Lodge. He began Stemman, Roy, The Big Book of Reincar- meetings of the TS Science Group in nation, San Antonio, Hierophant Publish- Brisbane in 2007 having university qual- ing, 2012. ifications in physics, along with journal- Stevenson, I., Twenty Cases Suggestive of ism and religion. Brian has worked as Reincarnation, 2nd edn; Charlottesville, a university lecturer and researcher University of Virginia Press, 1974. in Australia and the UK. He has been Tarazi, L., ‘An Unusual case of Hypnotic retired for a number of years and lives Regression with Some Unexplained Con- with his wife, Janet, in Brisbane. tents’, Journal of the American Society 56 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

An Interview with Gerard Brennan

The following interview with Gerard Brennan was conducted by Linda Oliveira during the 2019 National Convention.

LO: You come from an Irish family. priest and an Irish relative was a nun. Can you tell us a bit about that? This background had a significant im- pact on me as a child. It introduced me GB: My father was born in Thurles, to ideas of meditation, contemplation, Tipperary, in Ireland. After the War renunciation and service. I was never he came to Australia in 1949 looking really attracted to the dogma although for a better life, along with his brother the sense of mystery in worship and and sister. My mother also had an Irish sacred music certainly drew my at- background; her grandparents had ar- tention. Inspired by the idealism of rived in Australia for the same reason. religious life, I began to read Thomas As well as travelling back to Ireland Merton, even spending a short time on a number of occasions, I became in a Cistercian Monastery, part of a an Irish citizen some years ago and am contemplative order that focussed on also now an Associate Member of Bel- prayer and meditation. But as I began fast Lodge of the TS in Ireland. My to spiritually awaken as a teenager, I life during childhood centred around turned towards Eastern philosophy af- school, the church and my friends. ter reading the Bhagavad Gitā. LO: As a child did you have any par- ticular religious affiliation? LO: What led you to become a teacher? GB: Yes. My family followed the Ro- GB: I wanted to communicate my man Catholic tradition and we went passion for English and History to stu- to Catholic schools. My uncle was a dents. As a teacher you can change Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 57 peoples’ lives for the better. You could This year I would like to arrange an simply impart information. However, interfaith meeting at our school. Oc- the true art of teaching lies in creating casionally students also show interest an environment in the classroom where in allied spiritual topics. One student students can truly learn and engage in became a vegan a few years ago and self-discovery. It was a fundamental promoted animal rights. Quite a few intention to help transform lives that students who have gone through the led me to become a teacher. school have been vegetarians. Stu- dents may also express spiritual ideas LO: Who and what do you teach? through poetry and literature. For ex- GB: I teach students from years seven ample we have an active social justice to twelve the noble subject of English group concerned with unselfish action. – mainly literature. LO: You have given volunteer service LO: And do you find this rewarding? at the Golden Link College in the Phil- GB: Yes, immensely rewarding as ippines. How is this school different the subject of English is both specif- from more mainstream schools today? ic, but also so broad. It can embrace many aspects of human experience and GB: Yes, I have volunteered there on knowledge. English can be linked to a number of occasions. Golden Link so many aspects of students’ lives. For College (GLC) is a school run by the example, we are now studying George TS in the Philippines, catering largely Orwell’s 1984 in year 12, which links to a more underprivileged section of so powerfully to many things happen- society. It aims to provide transform- ing in certain parts of the world today ative education to students from kin- such as the rise of totalitarianism, fake dergarten up to college level. Its Col- news and the abuse of power. lege offers degrees in teaching and some of its graduates have returned to LO: Do young people who you inter- GLC to teach. Its medium is English, act with in the schooling system today so communication of literature, mainly have spiritual interests and, if so, how to high school students, has been easy. do they manifest? Overall the children seem far happier GB: Many of my students come from than many other children to me, de- diverse ethnic backgrounds and adopt spite the fact that they have so much the practices of their religion, e.g. less – kinder, gentler, and more willing Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, to respond to questions. In GLC there Baha’i, Parsi and other backgrounds. is less emphasis on competition, but 58 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 also a focus on academic excellence. sophy has reinforced the need to live No academic honours are received and simply and with some detachment. the students are not ranked. Coopera- LO: What are some of the most mem- tive learning is the general spirit. orable events that you can remember LO: What led you to the TS? during your years of TS membership? GB: It was my interest in Eastern GB: There are many: when I first philosophy – firstly Buddhism, then joined the Society, when I first visited Hinduism (particularly Advaita Vedan- Adyar, spending the end of the millen- ta) and even J. Krishnamurti. I became nium in Adyar, meeting certain people very attracted to Indian culture and there, attending the first International spirituality. The TS was known to me Convention there, the first Indo-Pacif- and I made many visits to the Adyar ic Conference, visiting the GLC in the bookshop [which was owned by Bla- Philippines and being farewelled by vatsky Lodge, Sydney – Ed.]. By the students and staff, sitting on the Adyar age of twenty-one I was on a plane to beach as the sun is about to set, and India. For a few years I also lived in an experiencing the variety of wildlife in ashram in England but the open, toler- Adyar, especially around dusk. ant and universal spirit of Theosophy LO: You have given active service to drew me to the TS. Blavatsky Lodge in Sydney over the years. What forms has this taken? LO: Has your contact with Theosophy changed your life in some way? GB: This service has included various positions on the Executive Commit- GB: Very definitely. Theosophy has tee including the Secretary, organising only deepened my understanding of members’ meetings, volunteering in the Unity of all life and, therefore, the Adyar Lending Library, presenta- the brotherhood of all living things, tion of talks, helping on Lodge open through the three aspects of meditation, days, and assisting at the Blavatsky study and service. It has also deepened Lodge stand at Mind Body Spirit Festi- my appreciation of the non-sectarian vals in Sydney. I have also participat- nature of the Ancient Wisdom. We ed, and given talks at, TOS meetings. have to combine in our lives the best of East and West. I have become a less LO: Since 2016 you have been Pres- angry and more compassionate person, ident of the Indo-Pacific Federation and more aware of the sacred nature of of the TS. For the benefit of those all life. But most importantly, Theo- who are not familiar with this body, it Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 59 would be of interest if you could share ation had its beginnings in the Austral- a bit about the Federation. ian Section with the first Indo-Pacific Conference in 1960 under the leader- ship of its then General Secretary, Hel- en Zahara. The IPF did not formally come into existence until 1978. LO: What is your main emphasis as President of the Indo-Pacific Federa- tion? GB: My main emphasis is promoting Gerard Brennan greater contact and bonds of brother- hood between lodges/sections around

the region, especially in those coun- GB: I was elected as the eighth Pres- tries where the contact has not been so ident of the Indo-Pacific Federation in obvious recently. I have also focussed 2016, during the last IPF Conference on travelling to countries where the TS in Auckland. The Federation stretches work has been in decline and needs to from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan be supported. Therefore, I have trav- to Sri Lanka including such countries elled to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and to as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Malaysia. I have also travelled to India the Philippines, all the way down to and Singapore. There are plans to trav- Australia and New Zealand. There are el to Bangladesh and Japan this year, as regular triennial conferences where well as Myanmar and Pakistan eventu- members meet to share ideas and set ally. It is important that our links in goals for the following three years. this region be supported, particularly Countries within the region take turns by well-developed Sections with the in hosting the conference. Also, the resources to provide such support. Federation has three Objects: 1. To promote the Three Objects of the The President of the Federation makes TS decisions in consultation with the Fed- 2. To extend the work of the TS in the eration’s Executive Committee. The Indo-Pacific area Federation is not a decision making 3. To strengthen the bonds and stimu- body within the TS world, but one late cooperation among member so- whose main task is to spread Theos- cieties in the region ophy and inspire members to engage Interestingly, the Indo-Pacific Feder- more deeply with theosophical ideals. 60 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

LO: What in theosophical literature names, I would prefer to focus on their inspires you the most? Any particular personalities and aspects of their char- writers or teachings? acter. They have impressed me through the sheer simplicity of their lives, their GB: Many works in the TS canon of quiet and unassuming manner, while literature inspire me. One of the most their total commitment to the work was seminal works would have to be At most obvious. Some of them chose not the Feet of the Master. Its emphasis to marry and led a quiet, dedicated life. on Discrimination, Desirelessness, on Tremendous sacrifice was also evident six points of Good Conduct, and Love – many had given up a lot personally really sum up the four qualifications to further the work of Theosophy and necessary on the spiritual Path. The never gave up despite personal dif- book demonstrates that theosoph- ficulties. It was in the lives of these ical teachings are to be lived. I am ‘old time’ theosophists that the ideals drawn particularly to the writings of of Theosophy were so clearly present- Annie Besant and her ideas. Her life, ed. Some had lived in Adyar. Many teachings, and the work she did for In- seemingly ordinary theosophists are dia really inspires me. Her incredible an inspiration, through their tremen- life showed her tremendous courage dous commitment to the work. They and conviction. At the same time her inspire me each day to get up and try to deep spirituality shines through her live Theosophy. A monument in Ad- writings, especially in The Ancient yar to ‘The Unknown Members of the Wisdom. The Doctrine of the Heart is Theosophical Society Throughout the also a beautiful book, and her An Intro- World’ should perhaps be the greatest duction to Yoga is most informative. If source of our inspiration; those who anything, her writings really brought quietly labour in the field, only seeking me to Theosophy. Theosophical teach- further opportunities to be of service. ings on brotherhood and our First Ob- ject have really inspired me. This Ob- LO: You seem very drawn to India. ject is tremendously idealistic, setting What about this country appeals to out a pathway to future world peace. you? LO: Have any Theosophists particu- GB: Yes – it draws me, especially phil- larly inspired you? If so, why? osophically, culturally and spiritual- GB: A few have really impressed me, ly. I was drawn to India as a teenager some of whom have passed away. But and subsequently visited Benares (now rather than mention any particular Varanasi). The smell of incense also Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 61 drew me, along with the images in tra- GB: If I could create an ideal world, ditional Indian painting. These things it would be one based on lovingkind- led to a deeper interest in Hindu philos- ness and compassion, mutual tolerance ophy, the study of yoga, a vegetarian and respect. War would be absent and lifestyle, no smoking and no alcohol problems could be resolved without from the age of eighteen. So my par- armed conflict and threats of violence. ents were definitely wrong in consid- Peace would prevail. These principles ering these interests a passing phase! could also be applied to the TS. Uni- The congested living conditions in In- versal Brotherhood should be the basis dia today are challenging; my love for on which a decent society is founded this country really harks back to the and it is through the practical applica- glory of its past – the Vedic era or the tion of our Three Objects that Theoso- glorious age of Emperor Ashoka, the phy has the greatest potential to trans- ‘real India’ which still lives in the quiet form society. The TS is, and can be, spiritual spots in more secluded parts an even greater force for good in the of the country. world if we are prepared to live up to its ideals. LO: If you could imagine an ideal world today, what would it be like?

And now for another consideration. However little we might care for personal subserviency to us, the accepted leaders of the Founders of the Parent Theosophical Society, we can never approve or tolerate disloyalty in any member of whatsoever Branch to the fundamental principles represent- ed by the Parent Organization. The rules of the mother-body must be lived up to by those composing its Branches; provided of course, that they do not transcend the three declared objects of the organization. The experience of the Parent Society proves that the usefulness of a Branch very largely, if not entirely, depends upon the loyalty, discretion and zeal of its President and Secretary; however much their colleagues may do to assist them, the efficient activity of their group develops proportionately with that of those officers.

The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett, Letter no. 122, 1884, chronological edition 62 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

2019 Happenings

Janury Convention, Sancta Sophia College, Sydney

University of Sydney prizes cere- Theosophy Science Group members, 2019 National mony. left to right: Linda Oliveira, Convention. left to right: Drs Grahame Crookham, prize winner Alana Bowden, Victor Gostin, David Allan and Brian Harding. Associate Professor Jay Johnston

2019 School of Theosophy: students, staff and guest presenter Perry Coles (4th from left, front row) Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 63

National Calendar of Events

2020 NATIONAL CONVENTION THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AUSTRALIA for TS members Dates: Sat 18 – Sat 25 January 2020 Venue: St. Mary’s College, University of Melbourne

Theme: ‘A Dialogue with the Universe: Science, Wisdom and Creativity’

Featured Speaker: Professor Emeritus Richard Silberstein Public Talk: ‘Creativity, a Neuroscience and a Transpersonal Perspective’ A very popular and engaging speaker, Richard Silberstein is a long-time member of the Theosophical Society. The title and role of Emeritus Professor at Swinburne University, Melbourne, was conferred upon him in 2014. His long and distinguished career there spans forty years of service, which has included roles in teaching, research, management and services to the scientific and broader community. He developed Steady State To- pography (SST), a new and unique method for imaging brain function. Richard will be featured twice on the Convention programme. Accommodation, cost recovery rates: $700 for 7 nights, single rooms with shared bathrooms. If preferred, payment may be made in 4 x $175 instalments or 2 x $350 instalments. Please contact the National Secretary, Dara Tatray: [email protected] tel. 02 9264 6404 Earlybird Registration fee: $20 if received by Friday 30 August. All registrations received after Friday 30 August: $40 Registration form: theosophicalsociety.org.au Registration deadline: for guaranteed rooms, live-in registrants, Fri 30 November Enquiries: Jennifer Hissey, Convention Secretary [email protected] Early registrations are encouraged. We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne. 64 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

Education

Morphogenetic Fields and Akasha A conversation between Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, Dora Kunz, Dr. Renee Weber, and Will Ross Dora Kunz: The question under The idea of a memory that accumu- discussion is whether there is any re- lates through time is essential to this lationship between the concept of concept. As I understand the idea of morphogenetic fields and Akasha. Akasha it includes a kind of memory According to my understanding of of everything that happens, but it is not M-fields, memory plays an impor- clear to me whether the Akashic re- tant part in the concept, and I wonder cord is thought of as a kind of gigantic if that might be a possible link with memory bank. If it is thought of in that the concept of Akasha. Perhaps we way, there is the question of how any could begin by defining the M-fields, given organism, a rabbit for instance, and then discuss the role of memory. can retrieve information from the Rupert Sheldrake: M-fields are memory bank of the Akashic record. form-shaping fields: morpho – form, Normally, in order to retrieve memory genesis – coming into being. They are from a library or an information bank, fields concerned with the coming into it is necessary to know how to obtain being of form, and they are responsi- access to a particular memory. I think ble for shaping and ordering systems that it happens through morphic reso- of all levels of complexity – atoms, nance, the tuning of like to like. If the molecules, crystals, cells, organs, and Akashic record is a sort of generalised, organisms. The structure of morphoge- nonspecific memory bank, the question netic fields is given by the actual forms is, how can you get anything out of it? of previous systems, by means of mor- If it comes out on the basis of similar- phic resonance, the process by which ity to what went in, however, then the like acts upon like. Morphic resonance idea of the Akashic record is similar to means the M-fields contain, as it were, morphic resonance. What this means is a crude or collective memory – the spe- that there is a direct link from a thing cies – which is inherent to the field. in the past to a similar thing here in the Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 65

present, the difference being that the onance requires a kind of attunement Akashic record is the storage device. of vibratory similarity. So in that Dora Kunz: Perhaps we should sense there would be another link be- consider what the word Aka- tween morphic resonance and Akasha. sha means in Indian philos- Rupert Sheldrake: Presumably Aka- ophy, because there is a difference. sha means space, and if so, something Renee Weber: It is associated in Indian in space, a rabbit for instance, is vibrat- philosophy with space – that which ra- ing: it is breathing, its heart is beating, diates in all directions. The idea of it is twitching its ears, and so on. It is Akasha is, first of all, associated with moving in many different ways; it is sound as a primary Element. This not a static form. Since this whole pat- fundamental relationship of Akasha tern of activity of the rabbit is occur- with sound not only establishes res- ring in space, which is also on Akasha, onance as a primary factor in the de- perhaps the Akasha is being imprinted velopment of the senses, but also in with that form and that pattern of vibra- the development of form. This is im- tions in the place where the rabbit is. plied in the Biblical statement, ‘In The Theosophical Research Journal, the beginning was the Word and the vol. II, No. 1, March 1985. Word was from God.’ Sound connects To read the full article, go to: with vibration and what is interest- theosophicalsociety.org.au/articles/ ing is that the theory of morphic res- morphogenetic-fields-and-akasha

2019 INTERNATIONAL TS CONVENTION, VARANASI, INDIA Theme: Nurturing the Divine Seed The next International TS Convention will be held at Varanasi, India, from 31 December 2019 to 5 January 2020. https://www.flickr.com/photos/91621663@N00/ Registration information and costs [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/ have yet to be announced. Members are licenses/by-sa/2.0)] invited to watch the International TS website for further information as it becomes available: https://www.ts-adyar.org/ 66 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

Call for Nominations - State Representatives

In accordance with Rules 19(1)(c) and 21, the current terms of office of the State Representatives for Tasmania (Helen Steven), Queensland (Phillipa Rooke) and South Australia/NT (Gaynor Fraser) will expire at the appointment of new State Representatives towards the end of 2019. Accordingly, nominations are invited for the election of one State Representative for each of the named states. Of these, the State Representative for Queensland is not eligible for re-election.

Nominations may be made by a Lodge (Branch) in the relevant Elector- al State, or by any two Members resident in the relevant Electoral State who have been Members in Good Standing for the two years immediately prior to the nomination. To be eligible for election as State Representative, the candi- date must be resident in the relevant Electoral State, must have been a Member in Good Standing for the last three years, and have served for at least one year on the Executive Committee of a Lodge (Branch) by the time of the election.

The State Representative elected in each State will represent the Lodges (Branch- es), Groups and Members in that State in all meetings and affairs of the National Council. They shall also liaise with all Lodges (Branches), Groups and National Members in their Electoral State and shall represent their views to the National Council and to the National Society Officers, as appropriate. As well, they shall receive and deal with representations from individual Members within their Elec- toral State, and shall refer the representations where requested or deemed necessary.

A photograph of the candidate, curriculum vitae, relevant biographical data, and a personal statement by the candidate, which may, for purposes of distribution, be edited in consultation with the candidate, must accompany all nominations. All nominations should be on Form 8, endorsed with the consent of the Nominee, and reach the National Secretary at the above address no later than close of business Friday 16 August. If there is only one candidate in any Electoral State there will be a for or against vote: hence the August rather than September deadline.

Copies of Form 8 may be obtained from the National Secretary: [email protected] Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 67

Theosophical Order of Service - Australia George Wester

a union of those who love in the service of all that suffers

TOS AGM • The Syrian Refugee Project spon- Each year a number of National pro- sored by the Italian TOS, and jects are approved for the coming year. • The HPB Hostel at Adyar This year’s Australian National Pro- Local offerings can be directed to any jects are: of these projects by forwarding the do- • Qandeel Home Schools (4 of) in Pa- nations to the National Treasurer with kistan, a note identifying which project(s) the • The Golden Link College in the Phil- funds are to be allocated to. ippines,

Peace Work around the globe. ‘First keep peace with yourself, then • Self-Transformation workshop facili- you can also bring peace to others’ tation is available for any groups wish- - Thomas a Kempis. ing to undertake the course. Contact With this thought in mind here are me and we can see what can be organ- some ideas for the future: ised. • International Day of Peace – 21st of I know many TOS activities are hap- September – is on a Saturday this year pening around Australia. Send me a and is an event well worth participat- brief description (and a picture) of ing in, in some way, as part of our TOS what is happening locally and we can peace work. share them as inspiration for all. A common activity on this day is a one Cheers minute silence at 12 noon, designed George Wester, National Coordinator to create a ‘Peace Wave’ that moves email: [email protected] 68 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

Review

The Science of Yoga, Vibhūti Pāda and Kaivalya Pāda. The I. K. Taimni, first concerns the essential technique TPH, Adyar, Chennai, of Yoga which is Samadhi – a realisa- India, 2015 (reprint), tion of the deeper states of conscious- pb, pp. xiii + 448, $20 ness. The second part deals with the plus postage. physical, emotional, mental and mor- Purchase at: al preparation that leads to the goal of theosophicalsociety. Yoga. The third part involves teach- org.au/books ings and practices in what is called [email protected] ‘internal’ Yoga leading to the unfold- The essential teachings of Yoga were ment of the latent faculties in our con- codified many centuries ago by Patañ- sciousness. The fourth and last part jali in his Yoga-sūtras. According to delves into the ‘essential and philo- such teachings, Yoga is both a science sophical problems which are involved and a way of life that can lead the prac- in the study and practice of Yoga’. titioner to a direct knowledge of his or The teachings and practices of Yoga her own essential nature. can help the earnest student to trans- The Sanskrit word sūtra comes from form his or her mind, normally rest- the verbal root siv, ‘to sew’. It means less and self-centred, into an instru- a thread, yarn, string, line, cord, but ment of a much vaster consciousness.. also a short sentence or aphoristic Dr Taimni’s translation is eminently rule. Therefore, in a short sentence the clear, while also philosophical and ac- sūtra-s can communicate great depth cessible for those not acquainted with of meaning the Sanskrit language. The Yoga-sūtras are divided into four parts: Samādhi Pāda, Sādhana Pāda, Pedro Oliveira The use of one gender to cover both genders is avoided as far as possible in this magazine. However, quotations from writings in which one gender is used in this way are printed as originally written. This applies both to older writings and some contemporary ones. Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 69

News and Notes

The 14th Triennial Conference of lunch, dinner, convention kit, city tour, the Indo-Pacific Federation, Manila visit to the Golden Link School and Theme: ‘Let Your Light Shine’ access to all conference activities. Airport Transfers: by individual request for a minimum fee. Payment: Payment should be remitted on or before September 15, 2019 Once you have made payment please inform Dr Rosel - email address below. For further information, including registration and payment, go to: I mage Luca Bucken on Unsplash http://ipf-ts.org/

Dates: 9-12 November, 2019 Contact Information: Mr Roselmo Z. Arrivals 8 Nov - Departures 13 Nov Doval Santos MD, Trustee and imm- (checkout time 12.00 noon) ediate Past President of the Theosophi- cal Society in the Philippines. Venue: Microtel Wyndham Hotel, UP Mobile: + 63 (917) 5362690 Ayala Technohub, Diliman, Quezon Email: [email protected] City, Metropolitan Manila, Philippines Members of the Theosophical Society Accommodation Costs: Five nights at in the Philippines, our host, will be very the Microtel Wyndham Hotel eager to help and provide assistance US$600 single occupancy (1 per room) during this conference. or US$400 double occupancy (2 per room) The above costs include: daily Gerard Brennan, President, IPF breakfast, morning and evening snacks, [email protected] 70 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

First Australian Tour by starker than the sobering findings of a International President recent report from the United Nations, mentioned on the BBC website, 6 May: The recent national tour by Tim and Lily Boyd has been extremely success- One million animal and plant species ful, based on feedback received from are now threatened with extinction. around the Section. Members from Nature everywhere is declining at a six states welcomed the opportunity speed never previously seen and our to get to know Tim and Lily during need for ever more food and energy this period, mainly at local lodges/ are the main drivers. branches. Tim’s presentations were These trends can be halted, the study very well received, with sizeable au- says, but it will take ‘transformative diences in a number of places. Also, change’ in every aspect of how hu- during some free time Tim and Lily mans interact with nature. were able to meet some of our Aus- Apart from many people around the tralian fauna such as koalas and walla- globe trying to effect positive change bies – an essential experience for first in this regard, this news may also be time visitors to this country. Some im- regarded as a personal call to action ages from the tour appear on page 39. by many students of Theosophy, for whom the unity and preciousness of United Nations Report life are givens. Many websites provide – Extinction of One Million Species relevant information about what we The interconnectedness of all life, can each do individually to diminish and human responsibility to help our footprint on planet Earth. preserve our planet, does not get much

The Freedom and Responsibility of Lodges and Branches The freedom of Lodges and Branches is defined by the scope of the Society’s Objects as well as its essential mandate to make Theosophy known as a practical living Wisdom, which can uplift human consciousness to a realisation of the Oneness of life. Therefore, although the Society has no official creed of its own and upholds freedom of thought, and while it is acceptable to invite some outside speakers who can contribute to the exploration of the Ageless Wisdom, it is not appropriate for our platform to be used by such speakers to actively promote other organisations or belief systems. Each Lodge and Branch was chartered by the International President to be a representative of the Society in its area. Its work and programme should reflect the character, altruistic ethos and spirit of the Theosophical Society. Resolution passed by the General Council of the Theosophical Society (2019) Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 71

Section Katoomba NSW 2780 Meet: every Monday, 2.00 - 4.00pm Directory Coordinator: Jessica Gemmell Tel: 02 4782 4269 email: Pattie Thompson, [email protected] Gosford Group, Certified 11/11/1997 Australian Section National Headquarters Meet: The Narara Community Centre, Level 2, 162 Goulburn Street, Pandala Road, Narara NSW 2250 Surry Hills NSW 2010 8.00pm 2nd Tuesday each month Ph: 02 9264 7056 / 9264 6404 Coordinator: Marianne Fraser Fax: 02 9264 5857 Tel: 02 4339 7118, 0400 713 273 https://theosophicalsociety.org.au email: [email protected] Campbell Theosophical Research Library: Secretary: Roni Ostergaard [email protected] Telephone: 02 4358 1413 Australian Capital Territory Northern Beaches Group, Certified 2/4/1996: Canberra Branch, Chartered 17/7/1971: Postal address and meeting address: Postal Address: c/- P.O. Box 760, Rozelle NSW 2039 c/- 31 Riviera Street Meet: 3rd Saturday of month, 2.00-3.30pm Avalon NSW 2107 Emeritus Faculty, Australian National University 2.00 pm 3rd Friday each month President: Marie McArdle Coordinator: Nila Chambers Secretary: Barbara Harrod email: [email protected] Tel: 0402 530 859 Queensland email: [email protected] Atherton Lodge, Chartered 27/4/1950: https://canberra.theosophicalsociety.org.au/ Postal Address: 14 Herberton Rd, New South Wales Atherton QLD 4883 Blavatsky Lodge, Chartered 22/5/1922: Meet: Meeting Room, Postal Address: PO Box 319, St Leonards NSW 1590 Community Services Tablelands, Meet: Suite 8, 599 Pacific Highway, St. Leonards rear of 38 Mabel Street, Atherton NSW 2065 (entrance in Albany Street) 2.00pm 2nd Saturday of month except Jan. Telephone: 02 9267 6955 Fax: 02 9283 3772 President: Max Brandenberger Email: [email protected] Secretary: Chris Pang Way https://sydney.theosophicalsociety.org.au/ Tel: 07 4091 5156 https://atherton.theosophicalsociety.org.au/ Meet: 1.00pm Wednesdays President: Sally Gray Brisbane Lodge, Chartered 21/1/1895: Secretary: Pamela Peterson 355 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000 Newcastle Lodge, Chartered 3/12/1941: Tel: 07 3839 1453 Meet: Morrison Room, 29 Highfield Street, email: [email protected] Mayfield NSW 2304 https://brisbane.theosophicalsociety.org.au 7.30pm 2nd Friday each month Meet: 7.30pm Wednesdays, library open 6.30-7.30pm President: Tony Buzek President: Phillipa Rooke Secretary: Dianne Kynaston Secretary: Dianne Manning Tel: 0452 633 132 Logan Group, Certified 9/4/2019: Email: [email protected] Meet: Meeting Room 2, Logan Hyperdome Library, https://newcastle.theosophicalsociety.org.au/ Mandew Street, Loganholme, Qld. 1st Friday each month, 9.00am - midday Blue Mountains Group, Certified 13/5/1997: Coordinator: Christine Gwin Meet: Members’ Lounge, Blue Mountains email: [email protected] Cultural Centre, 30 Parke Street (above Coles), Tel. 0418 755 496 72 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

Sunshine Coast Lodge, Chartered 1/4/2004: President/Secretary: Franka Hughes Meet: Buderim Croquet Club, Tel: 0400 140 624 Syd Lingard Drive, Buderim QLD 4556 Tel: 0417 873 481 Victoria 7.00pm Thursdays Melbourne Lodge, Chartered 9/12/1890: Email: [email protected] 126 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 https://sunshinecoast.theosophicalsociety.org.au/ Tel: 03 9650 2315 Fax: 03 9650 7624 President: Joyce Thompson email: [email protected] Secretary: Jean Carroll https://melbourne.theosophicalsociety.org.au/ Meet: usually 4th Saturday each month Toowoomba Group, Certified 10/7/2007: President: Edward Sinclair Meet: Hospice Board Room, 57b O’Quinn Street, Secretary: Maria Jevic Toowoomba QLD 4350. Mornington Peninsula Group, Certified 8/2/2000: Meetings on a Thursday evening once a fortnight at Meet: Mount Eliza Neighbourhood House, 6.30pm. Canadian Bay Road, 1st Sunday Annual Springbrook retreat each Winter of the month Coordinator: Gayle Thomas (12.00pm meditation - 12.30pm lunch + library - Secretary: Barry Bowden 1.30pm presenter + questions and comments) Tel: 0438 331 885 Coordinator: Alice Opper email: [email protected] Tel: 0439 563 313

South Australia Wodonga-Albury Group, Certified 9/7/1996: Adelaide Lodge, Chartered 26/5/1891: Meet: Shop 6, Tower Place, High Street, 310 South Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 Wodonga VIC 3690 Tel: 08 8223 1129 1st Tuesday each month Email: [email protected] Library hours Mon-Fri 10.00am-2.00pm www.theosophical.org.au Coordinator/Secretary: Denis Kovacs Meet: Members Meeting 10.00am 4th Friday of Tel: 02 6024 2905 every month. Please contact Lodge for additional Western Australia meeting dates. Perth Branch, Chartered 10/6/1897: Acting President: Kevin Davey 21 Glendower Street, Perth WA 6000 Acting Secretary: Ann Pritchard Tel/Fax: 08 9328 8104 Email: [email protected] Tasmania http://www.tsperth.com.au Hobart Branch, Chartered 7/6/1889: Meet: 7.30pm Tuesdays 13 Goulburn Street, Hobart TAS 7000 President: Franco Guazzelli Tel. 03 6294 6195 (please leave message) Secretary: Matthew Thompson https://hobart.theosophicalsociety.org.au/ Meet: 7.30pm Mondays Mount Helena Retreat Centre: President: Helen Steven 1540 Bunning Road, Mt Helena WA 6082 Secretary: Berry Dunston All enquiries to Perth Branch Email: [email protected] Tel: 08 9328 8104 Launceston Lodge, Chartered 12/1/1901: Theosophical Education Meet: Scouts Hall, 1 St. Georges Square, East and Retreat Centre, Springbrook, Qld Launceston, 2184 Springbrook Road, 1st and 2nd Wednesday of the month at 1.00pm Springbrook QLD 4213 Postal address: 28 Teggs Road, Gravelly Beach, TAS Tel: Office/Hall 07 5533 5211 7276 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Caretaker: Kay Schiefelbein https://launceston.theosophicalsociety.org.au/ Theosophy in Australia, June 2019

Freedom of Thought As the Theosophical Society has spread far and wide over the world, and as members of all religions have become members of it without surrendering the special dogmas, teachings and beliefs of their respective faiths, it is thought desirable to emphasise the fact that there is no doctrine, no opinion, by whomsoever taught or held, that is in any way binding on any member of the Society, none of which any member is not free to accept or reject. Approval of its three Objects is the sole condition of membership. No teacher, or writer, from H.P. Blavatsky onwards, has any authority to impose his or her teachings or opinions on members. Every member has an equal right to follow any school of thought, but has no right to force the choice on any other. Neither a candidate for any office nor any voter can be rendered ineligible to stand or to vote, because of any opinion held, or because of membership in any school of thought. Opinions or beliefs neither bestow privileges nor inflict penalties. The Members of the General Council earnestly request every member of the Theosophical Society to maintain, defend and act upon these fundamental principles of the Society, and also fearlessly to exercise the right of liberty of thought and of expression thereof, within the limits of courtesy and consideration for others. Resolution passed by the General Council of the Theosophical Society (1924)

Freedom of the Society The Theosophical Society, while cooperating with all other bodies whose aims and activities make such cooperation possible, is and must remain an organisation entirely independent of them, not committed to any objects save its own, and intent on developing its own work on the broadest and most inclusive lines, so as to move towards its own goal as indicated in and by the pursuit of those objects and that Divine Wisdom which in the abstract is implicit in the title, ‘The Theosophical Society’.

Since Universal Brotherhood and the Wisdom are undefined and unlimited, and since there is complete freedom for each and every member of the Society in thought and action, the Society seeks ever to maintain its own distinctive and unique character by remaining free of affiliation or identification with any other organisation. Resolution passed by the General Council of the Theosophical Society (1949) The Three Objects of the Theosophical Society I. To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. ~ II. To encourage the study of Comparative Religion, Philosophy and Science. ~ III. To investigate unexplained laws of Nature and the powers latent in the human being.