Contents THE THEOSOPHIST

VOL. 136 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2014

CONTENTS

The Ever-Present Future 3 Tim Boyd Radhaji in Tanzania 11 Deepa Kapur Mrs Radha Burnier 13 Cristian Conen Bridging Science and Spirituality — Signs of our Time 17 Sabine Van Osta Behind the Masks 22 Wayne Gatfield To the Memory of Helena Hahn (1814 – 6.07.1842) 25 Natalia Berezanska Convention Programme 29 Theosophical Work around the World 32 International Directory 40

Editor: Mr Tim Boyd

NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to the Editorial Office. Cover: A delicate partaker of the Adyar Gardens — Richard Dvorak

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

October–November 2014 The Theosophist 1 THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Founded 17 November 1875 President: Mr Tim Boyd Vice-President: Dr Chittaranjan Satapathy Secretary: Ms Marja Artamaa Treasurer: Mr T. S. Jambunathan Headquarters: ADYAR, CHENNAI (MADRAS) 600 020, INDIA Vice-President: [email protected] Secretary: [email protected] Treasurer: [email protected] Adyar Library and Research Centre: [email protected] Theosophical Publishing House: [email protected] & [email protected] Editorial Office: [email protected], Website: http://www.ts-adyar.org

The Theosophical Society is composed of students, belonging to any religion in the world or to none, who are united by their approval of the Society’s Objects, by their wish to remove religious antagonisms and to draw together men of goodwill, whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire to study religious truths and to share the results of their studies with others. Their bond of union is not the profession of a common belief, but a common search and aspiration for Truth. They hold that Truth should be sought by study, by reflection, by purity of life, by devotion to high ideals, and they regard Truth as a prize to be striven for, not as a dogma to be imposed by authority. They consider that belief should be the result of individual study or intuition, and not its antecedent, and should rest on knowledge, not on assertion. They extend tolerance to all, even to the intolerant, not as a privilege they bestow but as a duty they perform, and they seek to remove ignorance, not punish it. They see every religion as an expression of the Divine Wisdom and prefer its study to its condemnation, and its practice to proselytism. Peace is their watchword, as Truth is their aim. Theosophy is the body of truths which forms the basis of all religions, and which cannot be claimed as the exclusive possession of any. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible, and which demonstrates the justice and the love which guide its evolution. It puts death in its rightful place, as a recurring incident in an endless life, opening the gateway to a fuller and more radiant existence. It restores to the world the Science of the Spirit, teaching man to know the Spirit as himself and the mind and body as his servants. It illuminates the scriptures and doctrines of religions by unveiling their hidden meanings, and thus justifying them at the bar of intelligence, as they are ever justified in the eyes of intuition. Members of the Theosophical Society study these truths, and theosophists endeavour to live them. Everyone willing to study, to be tolerant, to aim high, and to work perseveringly, is welcomed as a member, and it rests with the member to become a true theosophist.

2 The Theosophist The Ever-Present Future The Ever-Present Future

TIM BOYD

A COUPLE of years ago my daughter, ecologists, social scientists, all of whose who is now twenty-two years old, as she professions are to try to look ahead and was approaching her twenty-first birthday, think of what the future holds for us as was musing about all of the things she individuals, or as a human family. would soon be able to do. She would vote One of the things that all these ap- for the president, go out with friends to proaches to envisioning the future hold in any place she wanted, and just generally common is that the futures that they envi- feel wiser and more expanded. In her eyes sion are essentially mere rearrangements the future was shining brightly. Listening of the present — different circumstances to her envisaging her future reminded me and details, but nothing far removed from of a similar, but different future vision that what is the ordinary experience. This is my father engaged in. He was ninety-two the norm for this type of approach to years old when he died, but when he envisioning the future. Great people have was ninety-one he was busily engaged in had many things to say about it. Albert planting fruit trees at his farm. Anyone Einstein has been often quoted because familiar with pear and apple trees knows he was a great scientist and profound spiri- that it takes three years before picking the tual thinker. He said: ‘No problem can be first piece of fruit. There is a sense that solved from the same level of conscious- the future holds something special, and is ness that created it.’ It is an impossibility. regarded in an almost sacred way. H. P. Blavatsky, one of the Founders In the past there were very few profes- of the Theosophical Society, expressed sions that were involved in the anticipation the same thought in a different way. She and prediction of the future. Probably said: ‘Whatever plane our consciousness astrologers had some part in talking about may be acting in, both we and the things the future. In more recent days weather belonging to that plane are, for the time forecasters talk about what is coming being, the only realities.’ The scope of our ahead. Often they are wrong, but these vision determines not only what we see, are professions in which someone can earn but also the world in which we find our- a living in thinking about the future. In selves from moment to moment. our time, that has changed greatly. Now An example of the effect of our limited we have economists, financial planners, vision can be found in our approach to

December 2014 The Theosophist 3 The Ever-Present Future violent conflict in the world. Given the condition of the human mind. This is way that we view the world, where you ignorance not in the sense that we do not see wars or terrorism on the rise, what is know something, but in the sense that the ‘solution’ that we currently apply? At what we see, what we claim to know, is our current level of consciousness the in every case mistaken. So we go through solution is to apply a greater level of life, we view the world, through eyes that violence, a greater level of force. Does it are clouded by this fundamentally wrong do anything to minimize the eruptions of view of reality. To those who feel that they wars and discords on the planet? The would like to break from this cycle, the record of our current times says: ‘No, it normal approach results in a search for does not.’ If we think back in our relatively more knowledge, and so we begin to in- recent history to World War I, there was tensely study some materials — basically a slogan that came into being when this the same knowledge and studies that have great war was embroiling much of the been productive of the same state of world. It became a sort of banner for war: ignorance. Our sense is that if we study it ‘This is the war to end all wars.’ That is, more intensely, then maybe we will find this extreme level of violence and de- the answer! struction would somehow result in peace, At its own level, no problem that exists or at least in a cessation of future war. That in the world today can be solved. So there was 1914. No comment is needed on the must be something more. When we think correctness of that approach to violence, in terms of the future, one of the expres- but given the current level of thought at sions that we encounter, particularly among which we are functioning we are unable those who have been somewhat inclined to see any other way. to a spiritual way of living, are phrases such Our approach to countless other issues as ‘Live in the moment’, ‘Be here now’. is the same. For example, there are always Probably the experience of many of us conditions of starvation arising in different is that it seems as if there is something parts of the world. What has been our profound within us that appears to be con- approach to addressing the issue? Our tinually reaching through this moment preferred solution is to pour food into the that we find ourselves in, towards some- situation. If people are hungry, give them thing else that is perceived as greater, food! The result is that those people are more expanded, a natural state. fed for a while until the same condition Often there are people who have been arises in another place. Our way of dealing successful in worldly endeavours who with such things is by habitual, knee-jerk at times have found themselves deeply reactions. Our level of vision is some- dissatisfied with their condition. From how clouded. all outward appearances, everything is Probably our most basic concern is correct — wealth, fame, power. All of the a fundamental ignorance, which is the things that are generally sought after by

4 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 The Ever-Present Future human beings are there, and yet they find but all the great sages speak about this themselves unfulfilled. The experience presence as being here and now. In the has sometimes been described as a ‘divine Bhagavadgitâ Krishna describes himself discontent’, that there is a deep yearning as ‘the inner ruler immortal that is present within us that has a way of making itself in the heart of all beings.’ known. It is possible for us to cover it over In Buddhism there is the Buddha by becoming sufficiently busy in our day- nature, which, no matter how badly we to-day lives. But in our quieter moments, behave, or how ignorant or unenlightened it seems to surface and demand from us we seem to be at any given moment, our a recognition of this as yet unrealized inner nature is essentially Buddha nature potential and state of being. It necessarily — perfect, open, subject to complete speaks of the future because, although it awareness. The prophet Muhammad is completely present at this moment, the said: ‘He who knows himself, knows God.’ fact that our perception is veiled robs us It is a similar idea, that right here, right of its power. Yet it continues to plague now, is the presence that we describe as us with its whisperings. God, then look outside ourselves to try to At a certain point in our lives we start find! Christianity approached it in other to say: ‘I must do something about this. ways. St Paul spoke about ‘the Christ in It has to be within my power.’ So what is you, the hope of the glory’. Not the Christ described as ‘the spiritual search’ begins. on the crucifix, not somebody from 2,000 We look for answers, and, because of the years ago in ancient history, but the Christ way we see generally, we search in our who is in you, who is you. This is the hope immediate surroundings. There are numer- of the glory to which we aspire, of the ous quotes, or ideas, that have been passed peace of which we feel ourselves worthy. down to us from people who have been Then we have: ‘Be ye therefore perfect recognized as ‘enlightened’ — those who even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.’ have pursued the same kind of search and All of these ideas have something realized the state of coming out from under in common. What they share is the idea this veiled perception. They have been of being, which we then, as a process, able to pass on their experience — to the transmute into a process of becoming. extent that it can be passed on in words. Everyone who seems to have had some In The Idyll of the White Lotus ‘the taste of this consciousness capable of three truths’ are given. The first of those seeing things as they are speaks in terms truths is that ‘the soul of man is immortal, of being. We do not have to go to a shrine and its future is the future of a thing whose for this experience, or seek out a guru, or growth and splendour have no limit’ — pay for a seminar or a workshop, if we can, a comment on the future. We tend to think for one moment, actually experience the in terms of future because it seems to nature of our mind, which is the same as operate through a progression of time, the nature of reality.

December 2014 The Theosophist 5 The Ever-Present Future This is what the great teachers describe, The basis for the most profound work and they talk about it in many ways. We by H. P. Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine, find that they cut across spiritual traditions is drawn from a small text called the with their various holy books and scrip- Stanzas of Dzyan. The very first stanza tures. If we really look at them, every one begins: ‘The eternal Parent, wrapped in of them contains stories, whether it is the her ever invisible robes, had slumbered Bible telling the story of Abraham or the once again for seven eternities.’ Even life of Jesus; or the Mahabharata telling though I had never heard the Stanzas of the story of Arjuna and Krishna — all of Dzyan as a child, it begins just like the these books in essence provide us with other stories that I heard began: ‘Once stories. This is not to minimize them at all, upon a time . . .’. In this case, it provides in fact, it elevates them. The people who us with very familiar symbols: the parent passed these scriptural writings on to us wrapped in robes (we understand what a were all great beings, and part of their great- parent is, what robes are), had slumbered ness was that they were well aware of the (we understand sleep). All of these terms audience to whom they were speaking. are given as a story. However, that parti- In their effort to pass on their wisdom cular verse speaks about a period prior to they had to devise many ways to be able the manifestation of a Universe. Nothing to express it to us. existed. How do we describe it, except In the life of the Buddha, it is said that with a story? These stories are much like when he had his enlightenment the a ladder, where it leads us step by step, experience was so profound that he was by step, by step. If you follow it, just like completely convinced there would be no a normal ladder, at a certain point the possible way he could communicate this ladder ends. When that ladder ends is to others. His initial decision was ‘I won’t the point where realization is possible, even try.’ Of course, he changed his mind because then you have to take your own and proceeded to teach for the remaining step. In certain traditions they describe fifty years of his life, often using stories this as ‘stepping out on faith’. as a teaching device. One of the ways that Every tradition has its stories. When all of these great teachers tend to speak to you find some of the great ones, the ones us is in stories, much like we do with our capable of transforming us if we under- own children when they go to sleep at stand them deeply, they often describe a night. We sit by their bedside and we read journey — there is an outgoing, and then them a story. We tell them about things ultimately a return. The Ramayana: Rama that fuel their imagination, that uplift them leaves his kingdom and travels in the and make them think of possibilities that wilderness, fights a battle, wins Sita back, perhaps are just beyond their reach. In the and returns. In the Mahabharata there same way these very wise people have is a similar outward journey, struggle, given us stories. and return. In the stories of the Christian

6 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 The Ever-Present Future tradition, the Prodigal Son is one that is Prakriti (matter). The purpose of their quite well known: he leaves his father’s coming together is to bring about an house, and goes to the far land. These are awareness in Purusha, the spiritual com- the stories with which we are familiar. ponent, of its own nature and power, In the Theosophical tradition, when which is clouded by its interaction with J. Krishnamurti was thirteen years old the two other streams; and to unfold those he wrote his first book, a very short one, powers which are inherent in Prakriti, At the Feet of the Master. There are a or matter. The image that has been used number of profound teachings in it. One to describe this process is a lame man of them is that ‘in all the world there are (Purusha) riding on the shoulders of a blind two kinds of people.’ They are not man (Prakriti). The man who cannot walk Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Indians, guides the one who cannot see. This is a Americans, and so on. There are two description of the evolutionary process, kinds of people no matter where we are which is not only a physical evolution. from: the first is those who know, and the It is the setting where we find ourselves. second is those who do not. That is the And this process of unfoldment, which real dividing line in terms of humanity. is another way of describing evolution, Of course, those who know are few, those is the future orientation. Within this mo- who do not are many, and there is a middle ment these processes are ongoing, but ground which is probably composed of they move towards something beyond us — those who want to know, and kind this point in time, and at any moment we of know, but do not know — the ones are able to see it, we experience it. who are engaged in the search. There is a beautiful story called The What Krishnamurti says is known by Hymn of the Pearl from the Gospel of those who ‘know’, is the truth of evolution. Thomas, one of the Gospels that did not This is not Darwinian evolution, the become part of the Bible, but which is progressive change in forms through the similar to the Prodigal Son. It describes survival of the fittest. It is a much more in beautiful imagery this process of un- profound approach to evolution. In the foldment that we find ourselves in. In this theosophical view there is the sense that story there is a young prince who is the evolution is not just the physical process, heir to a throne, his father is the great ruler but it is something that involves three of a kingdom, and his mother is the queen. streams. There is an interrelationship His parents one day tell him that there is during a period in a cycle, of a spiritual a mission he has to undertake. They cele- stream, an intellectual or mental stream, brate him, prepare him for his journey, and a physical one. and send him off. The mission he is going The same idea is expressed in the Yoga on is to bring back from a far land a pre- Sutras of Patañjali, where he talks about cious pearl that is protected by a serpent. the coming together of Purusha (spirit) and So there is an ordeal that he has to pass

December 2014 The Theosophist 7 The Ever-Present Future through. He is taken on his journey to the Far back at home his royal parents borderland, where he steps out of his become aware that their child has lost his parents’ kingdom and moves into another way, almost in the way that any mother kingdom. At this point they take off a becomes aware at a distance that some- beautiful robe that the prince was wearing thing is wrong with her child. So the king and he proceeds on his journey. and queen and all of the people of this In many of these stories, when you hear heavenly abode send a message reminding about a prince or someone from a royal the prince of the reason for his journey, family, it can be seen like a children’s of the mission that he came to accomplish. story, and it is good at that level, where it In the story the message takes the form of has a moral. But in its more profound an eagle who comes and speaks to him, aspect, it is a spiritual story. Essentially, and then transforms into a letter. The any spiritual story is the story of ourselves moment when he receives this message, and of the life we have yet to live, and of and is in a state conducive to actually hear the road we find ourselves walking upon. and see, is the all-important moment in this The prince is always the one of royal story, and is also the all-important moment lineage, but who has yet to develop into that occurs in our own lives, if we are so their full kingship, into their full majesty, fortunate as to allow for it. What happens which always requires some type of is that he awakens and remembers that ordeal. So he goes into the far land, and he is the son of a King, and ‘my rank did while he is there he begins his mission. In long for its nature’. From that point on, order to not be perceived as someone he proudly continues the mission, takes dangerous from afar, he starts to dress like the pearl back to his parents’ kingdom, the local people. He meets someone from and is reunited with his family. his land who warns him: ‘Whatever you This is a beautiful story, and its beauty do, try not to eat the food here, because it is not just that it is well told, but that it is will change you.’ Of course, he forgets the story of the journey we all have taken. about the warning and eats their food. Stories such as this, if rightly heard, are The soul takes its journey and goes to in fact the eagle that brings the message the far land, which in this case is its incar- — that which can awaken us. Some- nation into a physical body — the situation times these stories are embodied as great we are all in. This divine nature, this people. ‘The living word’ is how some of openness that we are aware of, that keeps them are described who cross our paths. calling to us, is struggling to make itself In the Theosophical tradition we have known through the very heavy garments such people as Krishnamurti, Annie that we wear of body, mind, emotion, that Besant, Col. Olcott, Sri Ram, I. K. Taimni, cover it. So the prince eats the food and Radha Burnier, and others that we have forgets everything — why he came, the known, in whose presence, as much as pearl, his family, and just wanders. from their words, we find ourselves able

8 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 The Ever-Present Future to awaken, people who stimulate in us do we do? What is the future that we would a remembrance. promise to ourselves? For any one who Nobody adds anything to us. It is has paid attention to scientific thinking, one of the big mistakes in the way we or even has read a newspaper, it has been approach our spiritual lives to believe that fairly clear for twenty or thirty years that in some way we are incomplete; that we are moving towards a crisis point in fundamentally we are incomplete and what terms of the environment. I used to feel we need is some new idea, some teacher, so sorry for my daughter that she will or movement that can give us that one little inherit this world which has been so badly piece in the puzzle of our lives that we mistreated, resulting in profound con- feel is missing, and that when we find it, sequences that my poor daughter will then everything will be fine. We will see, have to suffer through. will understand, and will be all right — Over the years, science became more this belief is wrong; there are no missing exact. They started to change the projec- pieces. This is what these stories are tions for when this crisis was supposed to here to tell us, and this is the opportunity occur. Then I began to worry a little bit available to each of us. This is the nature more, because now it was not going to be of the future for us. We have come here after I was dead and gone; all of a sudden to bring this future into being. it became clear that all of these conse- The problems that we find around us quences being anticipated will occur in my in the world today, from many perspectives lifetime unless something is done to appear to be insurmountable. So we find prevent them. I got away from the position people hoping for some new technology of ‘my poor daughter’; then one has to that will make it possible to clean the air, start thinking very differently. It is never to rid the seas of the pollution continually an accident that we are born in a particular being poured into them, to turn men’s place and time. We have been born in a hearts so that they start to see that war is time when there are great demands for a not profitable, a new idea, a new tech- new approach to living — not just to nology. As long as we function at that economies, but to living. We are here with level, it is not a rosy picture, because every the potential to bring this about. So how single problem that we encounter, every do we do it? If we just wait enough life- single issue that cries out for attention is times, enough cycles, this elevated con- created by, or springs from, us and from sciousness will eventually unfold within the collective union of the misguided us. We can just wait it out ten, fifteen, one minds that we have managed to improp- hundred lives from now, when we may erly cultivate. find ourselves in that elevated state. This view of the world sees it as some- Another approach is based on an ex- thing which can be manipulated, causing pression that we often hear, ‘Think on problems now and in the future. So what these things’. Let us immerse our mind

December 2014 The Theosophist 9 The Ever-Present Future in those things that are productive of awareness, profound realization of this realization. The realization that comes in ever-present future within us is born out thinking on these things that are of such a of those acts done out of the fullness of profound and elevated nature is that at a the experience of love. Love being that certain point thought can no longer grasp which unites us, which joins, and moves them. When that point arises, then ‘no beyond boundaries. ‘Self-knowledge is of thought’ is the experience, and when we loving deeds the child.’ This requires no stop the process of projecting our minds technique, no method, no investment of and thoughts on to the world and on to capital, it requires just beginning where others, then there is hope. That is a pos- we find ourselves, with whatever our sibility for each and every one of us. understanding of what love is, and trying There is an expression that comes from to deepen it, to understand it, magnify it, The Voice of the Silence: ‘Self-knowledge and then allow it to have its way with us. is of loving deeds the child.’ Openness, This is the more difficult part. ²

Can the mind be in a state of experiencing God? That is meditation — the meditation which is not of pursuit, not of a particular idea, the meditation which is not the mere concentration which is exclusion. In that meditation, there is experiencing without the experiencer. And I assure you it is very arduous. It is not just sitting down and closing the eyes and getting some kind of fancy visions and ecstasy.

If I know how to listen rightly, if I know how to listen to thought, then thought will inevitably bring about this state — the state in which there is no experiencer, therefore no accumulator, the person that gathers, holds. Therefore experiencing is a state of constant unknowingness; therefore it is Timeless, it is not a thing of the mind. J. Krishnamurti The Collected Works of J. Krishnamurti, Vol. VII

10 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Radhaji in Tanzania Radhaji in Tanzania

DEEPA KAPUR

IN the June 1998 issue of The Theo- did! With passion, commitment, sincerity, sophist, Mrs Radha Burnier stated in her devotion, courage, and conviction, she article, ‘Theosophy Is For Everyone’: stayed undaunted in her relentless efforts to shed light on the wisdom of the ages. The Theosophical Society’s duty is to en- In Tanzania, she connected with sure that what people receive, regard- people from all walks and stages of life. less of their level, is indeed the light of With adults, she was the learned one, Wisdom, which is the understanding that whose profound lectures urged us to look makes for progress towards greater right- within. With the ladies group, she was a eousness, inner freedom, and the sense of source of inspiration, whose visits to our non-separateness. homes for a dinner in her honour was never complete without a humble thank Radhaji brought her light to Africa. Not you to the lady of the house. With once, not twice but four times! Over four children, she was a ‘playful teacher’ who decades, the torchbearer for Theosophy happily indulged their chatter, speaking came to East Africa in 1972, 1993, 2000 to them in a way that would reveal life’s and 2005. truths in simple, understandable ways. Every visit attracted not merely Theo- ‘Firm, yet gentle; truthful yet kind; just sophists, but scholars, thinkers, heads of yet loving!’ is probably the most apt way communities, officials, and even students to describe this noble woman who lived from within the Tanzanian community the truth that she stood for. Radhaji caught who came to drink from the fountain of the attention of the media in Tanzania. An wisdom. She ignited our vision, illumined entire centerspread of the nation’s news- our minds, touched our hearts, and lit up paper was dedicated to her. She was even our souls! invited for an interview on television. Even as international President, her Our Dar es Salaam Lodge of the bearing was never one that came from her Theosophical Society in Tanzania has position, but one that stemmed from her espoused the need to give back into the being’s innermost longing to shed the light community through humanitarian work. of Theosophy wherever she went. And she Projects for the welfare of street children,

Ms Deepa Kapur is Vice-President of Dar es Salaam Lodge, Tanzania.

December 2014 The Theosophist 11 Radhaji in Tanzania contributions to the school for the visually energy, new membership, and a vibrant impaired, fund-raising for open-heart ladies group. Today Sis. Lili Chohan stands surgeries for children born with congenital at the helm as Lodge President, Sis. Deepa heart defects, adoption of an orphanage, Kapur as Vice-President, and TOS Na- distribution of blankets to watchmen in tional coordinator, and Bro. H. Dubal as winter, assistance to old people, have been our Assistant General Secretary. Our TOS some of the many commitments that we section includes a youth wing (including have undertaken towards uplifting the Malaika Kapur and Khyati Dubal) that underprivileged. holds great promise as baton holders for Radhaji was always energetic and the future of the TS in Tanzania. ready for a visit to any of our projects in We, in Tanzania, are convinced that a bid to encourage our efforts and support as long as we live the ideals of Theosophy our goals of service to humankind. This that Radhaji embraced, as long as we work was truly an expression of brotherhood with conviction like Radhaji did, and as of the highest kind! In her own words, long as we dare to take bold strides into creating a ‘sense of non-separateness’! uncharted territory like Radhaji did in The Theosophical Society in Tanzania Africa, so long she will live amidst us has evolved over the years with fresh forever and ever! ²

(left to right): Mr H. Dubal, Jr, Mr P. S. Patel, Mrs Manjula Kanabar, Ms Vanita Nathwani, Mrs Jasu Devani, with other members of the Dar es Salaam Lodge

12 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Mrs Radha Burnier Mrs Radha Burnier

CRISTIAN CONEN

IN July 1993, the 8th World Congress interested in institutional organization and was held in Brasilia, and the Argentinian direction. For them branch work was the national magazine, Cambios (Changes), nucleus, for it depends directly on its published Mrs Radha Burnier’s opening members; the work in the TS is only lecture, ‘Towards a Wise Mind and a possible if there is a real theosophical Noble Society’, an example of clarity, interest in self-transformation. Radha did synthesis, and strength. She spoke about not speak about technical matters, but how ‘non-acceptance’ to the common standards to work with them; she did not talk much which are part of society; about the social about Theosophy, but about how we values which are mechanically accepted understand it and how much it is present by everyone; the contradictions as part of in our daily life. the so-called ‘progress’ when it is exempt of true values. She pointed out that Her message the Theosophical Society encourages Delving in old magazines, I found ‘nonconformity’, that is, to question estab- an article dealing with the letter that lished values in the internal as well as Radha sent to the General Council, on 15 external world, in ourselves and in November 1980 (her birthday), where she established society. says: In reading her Human Regeneration, It is necessary to have a strong and well- there is brevity and clarity in every organized structure. The time has come line, and with I. K. Taimni’s Principles for the General Council to pay serious of Theosophical Work, both cover the attention not only to the means and the whole spectrum of Theosophical work. basis, but to the work itself. In many places When connecting the two books a question where the Society exists, there is a large arises: Why do they emphasize that we number of Branches which are becoming must have a clear idea about the insti- inactive and ineffective. tutional work? Is it not enough to study Theosophy and to attend meetings? Both Radha was starting to outline a huge authors knew Sanskrit, they were deep challenge, a sort of ‘members of the TS, thinkers, had clear thoughts, and both were let us be clear, it is not about studying

Mr Cristian Conen is a long-standing member of the Argentinian Section of the Theosophical Society.

December 2014 The Theosophist 13 Mrs Radha Burnier

Theosophy, it is about the work of understanding, affection, brotherhood, not Branches and Sections which must be merely talking about it but trying to live it. well understood and directed/oriented, TS members accept its Objects, and this otherwise it is not effective’. In 1983, in Argentina during a Summer School she shows they are aware of the need for had been asked: Is the Branch a channel creating a new human society, where co- for the higher forces? She answered: operation and brotherhood prevail. But if they continue to have a mind conditioned There cannot be an automatic channel for by tradition and conventional ideas coming the higher forces. If something is to be- from the environment, perhaps they may come a channel for higher influences, some perpetuate differences instead of encour- conditions must be present. In many parts aging brotherhood. Therefore we must of their letters, the Elder Brothers point examine our way of thinking. Radha made out that They cannot approach a place where this last idea her basis and starting point there is no harmony. It is also known that which, as we will see, the Mahatmas also They help those who are really looking envisaged. She also pointed out the need for truth and who have a sincere aspiration for considering the TS as a world body: for the spiritual, which means that we must live according to our own and best Wherever there is a Branch or a group of understanding. In other words, members members, it is essential to inculcate and must try sincerely to live a theosophical, strengthen the realization that we are a pure life. None of us is perfect. Naturally, world body closely united, and we share a a Branch is made up by imperfect people. plan of the world, an ethic, and a way of We are not talking about people who are living which are very useful to achieve our in a perfect state of purity and in perfect common object: universal love ... harmony, but people who are trying sin- ... Our members should belong to a cat- cerely to do their best, to be brotherly, who egory of those who are conscious of the are ready to forget trivial things and who absolute importance universality has, and do not have any resentments; we are also not to the people who adopt a mundane speaking about people who are really viewpoint when they say ‘I am this and looking for truth and wisdom. This means you are that’. The whole TS, made up by to inquire, to look for, to live an attentive/ members from different places, is one: we watchful life. The simple fact that a group all have the common object of achieving of people signs the membership form and the transformation of the world, and of has a Charter, this only does not constitute replacing the warlike spirit by one of a Branch. In order to have a really theo- collaboration. sophical Branch, first there has to be a truly theosophical spirit; there are certain import- ... If there is an altruistic spirit, there ant aspects or elements of the theosophical is also universality of purpose. All the spirit. One of them is the spirit of true differences, which previously seemed

14 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Mrs Radha Burnier

important, as my nationality, my family, The third Object teaches us not to be my religious community, etc., vanish. A satisfied with appearances, but to discover deeper awakening of the consciousness of the unknown in the universe as well as in equality and of sacredness in everything ourselves. which is alive fills consciousness. Some issues appeared in my mind. The ... To secure universality and altruism first of them was: what a different meaning makes of the TS a real instrument for she gave to the Objects! Since I had regeneration. The new members may not become a member of the TS I had listened realize that the wisdom we call Theosophy to and accepted that the meetings of the blooms when consciousness is imbued by TS were or should be brotherly. But now universal kindness. Radha was speaking about something In a talk she gave in USA she said: completely different. She spoke about ‘I wonder how many of you know what ‘brotherhood’, connecting it with a condi- is happening in other Sections of the tion which was only possible through a world.’ For Radha, it was necessary to be work of self-regeneration or self-trans- committed to the work. We must feel as formation, not just wishing it, though this a world body in order to change. wish could be good. Up to this moment I had understood the second and third The Three Objects Objects in a different way, I do not know In one of the issues of the Argentinian if in a wrong way, but in a common and magazine Cambios, I found that she talked conventional way. about ‘brotherhood’, but in a completely The second issue was that changes different way to what I was used to; she are in behaviour; it does not matter how said, ‘brotherhood means to remove grad- much I can learn or understand some ually self-interest’. theosophical teachings, but the true value In the 126th Annual Convention she of understanding those teachings will be spoke about the three Objects: tested ‘in’ and ‘through’ daily life. It does not matter what I can repeat as eternal The theme of this Convention is the truths, life will, in due time, test me ‘in spiritual Path by which the human being vivo’ to let me check the reality of what may transcend himself and enter a higher, I have learnt. superhuman dimension. The three Objects, The third issue was that in order to have we must note, have this as their undertone: theosophical work rightly done, it must Universal brotherhood, with emphasis be accomplished in a group. Radha states on the word ‘universal’, implies uncondi- that: tioning the mind; The TS is meant to bring people together The second Object urges us to love truth — people who earnestly try to realize on and live it; and, this physical plane the supreme truth of

December 2014 The Theosophist 15 Mrs Radha Burnier

unity, which is forever a reality at the esteemed friend and Brother — will never spiritual level. (Human Regeneration, do! (The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett, p. 38) chronological sequence, Letter no. 2, p. 8) ... The TS is a means for bringing to- She takes up again this banner and sets gether people who are aware that there are it in front of the work to be done; in serious problems, and are earnest about order to get to the object of the work there solving them. (Human Regeneration, p. 69) is a need for a change, and this change goes from the ‘I’ to the ‘non-I’, from Some part of the work is individual, and egotism to altruism. another part is within a group; they are Finally, in her opening address as symbiotic. HPB suggests the same as President, 3 August 1980, she says: regards working in groups. So the real work does not consist in The Theosophical Society was not meant ‘knowing how to answer questions with merely to preach brotherhood to the world. theosophical content’, but in a change of The statement of its first Object makes it behaviour. Only to know Theosophy is clear that the Society is intended to be an not the key of the TS as an institution, as actual nucleus of brotherhood. This implies was said by the Mahatmas in their ‘Letters’: that those who compose its member- ship must be clearly aware that there is ... you [Sinnett] have always discussed a shared destiny for all. ... The impact but to put down the idea of a universal of the Society should not be that of one Brotherhood, questioned its usefulness, more creed, organization, institution, like and advised to remodel the TS on the many others. It is intended to shed the principle of a college for the special study sweet influence and power of a spiritually of occultism. This, my respected and inspired Sangha or Brotherhood. ²

Spheres of influence can be found everywhere. The first object of the TS is philanthropy. The true Theosophist is a philanthropist — ‘not for himself but for the world he lives’. This, and philosophy, the right comprehension of life and its mysteries, will give the ‘necessary basis’ and show the right path to pursue. Yet the best ‘sphere of influence’ for the applicant is now in (his own land). KH Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom, No. 45

16 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Bridging Science and Spirituality — Signs of our Time Bridging Science and Spirituality — Signs of our Time

SABINE VAN OSTA

OVER the last century mainstream on the intuitional element in science is materialistic science has developed at without number but let us take a quote an explosive pace in the numerous from Edward Witten, an authority in the disciplines it covers. Despite the fact it field of physics who, when talking about considers itself as purely materialistic and the M-theory, expresses it as follows: remains faithful to its careful methodology I just think too many nice things have based on observations by external in- happened in string theory for it to be all struments only, while avoiding to take any wrong. Humans do not understand it very phenomenon for granted, the question well, but I just don’t believe there is a big could be raised whether it is as purely cosmic conspiracy that created this in- materialistic as it thinks itself to be. Is it credible thing that has nothing to do with not so that its advancement often has the real world. depended and still depends upon one or other idea or insight, call it intuition? Such There are not many measurements done intuitive insight or idea regularly decides in this statement in which also transpires on the direction a project takes or indicates the special relationship science always has the way to unblock a research which at towards reality and its organized struc- first glance leads nowhere. Even more so, tures, a relationship based not only on the correctness of a project or theory is objectivity but also on admiration and regularly first experienced through feeling awe in front of realities which, at this and intuition rather than through collected stage, it can still only explore and describe data and scientifically acceptable evidence. rather than create. At the same time, one Even today, many scientists and scientific of man’s most powerful drives is creation, pioneers whose names are most of the time especially for scientists. In fact, scientists unknown by a greater audience for being can get so caught up into their research condemned by the scientific establish- and creative drive, that it makes them lose ment, bear witness to that fact. sight altogether of other essential aspects So, the number of illustrating examples of life such as ethics.

Ms Sabine Van Osta is General Secretary of the Theosophical Society in Belgium.

December 2014 The Theosophist 17 Bridging Science and Spirituality — Signs of our Time A few of the more widely discussed which makes the world look like a village examples of this losing-sight-of-ethics are and boosts development in many domains the various fields of genetic engineering at a dazzling pace. which go as far as the controversial and The earlier-mentioned genetic engin- widely debated scientific research on stem eering is very likely to go in the same cells and therapeutic cloning and the many direction of exponential development. A subsequent attempts of cloning life-forms hint for the distant future of this avenue such as plants and animals, all kinds of of research can be found in the Mahatma experiments aiming at growing living Letters to A. P. Sinnett, as indicated by tissue, etc. .. . Needless to say, man is Master KH: struggling in each of these cases with more I may have the pleasure of demonstrating than one ethical question. And while the to you on your own writing table that life so-called transparent debate in the media as life is not only transformable into other goes on, God knows what kind of research aspects or phases of the all-pervading Force, is carried out at this very moment in the but that it can be actually infused into an greatest secrecy in laboratories around the artificial man. Frankenstein is a myth only world. As is the case with so many dis- so far as he is the hero of a mystic tale; coveries and inventions, some will one day, in Nature — he is a possibility; and the wholly or partially, become part of our lives physicists and physicians of the last sub- in the decades to follow, as techniques, race of the sixth Race will inoculate life treatments, products, or medications (not and revive corpses, as they now inoculate necessarily the most efficient or natural small-pox, and often less comely diseases. ones), as shown by the many examples Spirit, life, and matter, are not natural of condemned scientists and researchers. principles existing independently of each At first will be developed those methods other, but the effects of combinations and substances that are preferably pro- produced by eternal motion in Space; and duced or offered to the public by big they [scientists] better learn it. industries. It sounds like science fiction, Mahatma Letters, No. 23b, II, 6 but we know that in course of time it will become a reality. Who would have In all this, the development of the moral guessed at the end of the nineteenth dimension, so it seems, is not following century, when the telephone was invented, too closely that of material science, and that many of us would be hooked up to before we have reached the stage indicated mobiles and smart phones from morning in the Mahatma Letter, the earth will have till night as at present. And what about seen more than one humanitarian or other computer science, internet, and the world- debacle for sure. Why so? The question is wide web revolution? What once started answered in the quote: ‘It makes all the as a scientific project at a limited number difference to consider principles independ- of research institutes, has become the tool ently from one another or to see them as

18 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Bridging Science and Spirituality — Signs of our Time “effects of combinations”’. But whether many generations to get a clear view on or not humanity sees the ‘effects of com- the whole question. However great the binations’, in reality these effects will be advantages may seem, even in everyday there and by ignoring them, we force our- life, we will only know much later how selves into the position of followers rather this intensive exposure works out on the than being conscious and wise agents of mental and emotional health of indivi- the elements. As long as we do not get duals as well as on the collective mental the picture of the combinations right, or and emotional health of the globe. even accept that there is more to reality The myriad of inventions turned into that just the outer, measurable layer, we consumer products — each and every one will always be doomed to run behind the the outcome and application of scientific consequences of our actions or, as Philip research — combined with the power of Harris has stated in his article ‘An Ethics a gargantuan industrial apparatus have Nightmare’ published in Quest magazine: made available gadgets to a greater number of individuals allowing those There is an urgent need for a well-informed who can afford them to live — what we global debate on artificial intelligence and are made to believe — better lives. Un- artificially cultivated life-forms. We must doubtedly, for a certain number of people not justify embargoes on inquiry just in some parts of the globe the degree of because we are afraid. Neither must we life comfort will be enhanced to some forbid biological research when it has al- extent. The experience of living of an ready yielded vast medical breakthroughs average human being on earth has been and social goods. No, freedom must be forcefully reshaped by technology and preserved from both atrophy and careless cannot be compared to that of an average license. We must ratify ethical guidelines, human being of, let us say, even 20 years formulated and enforced by an inter- ago. But at the same time the needs of man national body such as the United Nations. for outer devices seem to have increased Then we must live by those guidelines, also, and with that his vulnerability, and lest we become gods whose very creations the question is how good is all of this. destroy us. Many information sources wish to make Let us briefly consider another aspect us believe that life has become easier or of the technological advancement which more comfortable, flashier or more inter- currently gives such a boost to develop- esting than before, thanks to a multitude ment of all kinds of equipment applied in of personal devices and domotics, which all domains of daily life thanks to a variety make us all bathe, even drown, not only of personal electronic devices. We have in emotional and mental impulses on the not even begun to imagine the actual and subtle level, but at the same time in a overall result of our exposure to our own considerable number of electro-magnetic inventions in this field, and it will take fields in the gross physical matter.

December 2014 The Theosophist 19 Bridging Science and Spirituality — Signs of our Time What is the impact of all this interaction are being taken to bridge the Eastern on our physical, emotional, and mental and Western approaches and science lives? How will future generations, who and spirituality. In a government-funded grow up with all these possibilities and five-year study at the Benson Henry will not know any better, deal with in- Institute for Mind and Body Medicine of formation, and how will their relationship Massachusetts General Hospital on the with the surrounding reality be influenced? benefits of meditation, researcher and What will be the impact on our brains, and psychiatrist John Denninger found that what will be the impact on purely mental mind-body techniques can actually switch processes such as thinking, memory, con- on and off some genes related to stress centration, or even the higher faculties and immunity. For this study, 210 partici- such as imagination, discernment, com- pants with high levels of chronic stress passion, moral insight and so on. were split into three groups, with one At the same time, and via other domains group practising kundalini yoga (chosen of research, the same materialistic science for its emphasis on meditation), the second is discovering the way towards the inner just meditating, and the third listening side of Man in its own way and by its own to stress education audiobooks for twenty means and methodology, especially when minutes daily for two months. Researchers it studies, for example, forms of energy measured the impact on their genes and healing or all types and forms of energy studied their neuroimaging for changes and its interaction on man for therapeutic throughout the study interventions and in purposes. Thus, materialistic science is, three follow-up sessions. In this research intentionally or not, coming closer to the the biological effects of yoga and medi- esoteric sciences and to the vast body tation were further unraveled. From earlier of knowledge of the Timeless Wisdom. study it already appeared that the biologic- A breakthrough into embracing the subtle al effects do not limit themselves to the domains of existence is likely to be found brain but actually impact the whole body. in these fields of research. To advanced Luckily, this research is only one of meditation masters and yogis it probably many of its kind conducted in many parts may appear as some fine demonstrations of the world. More and more funding of kicking doors open, but the bringing is being released by governments and together of the Eastern and Western ap- academic institutions for these types of in- proaches towards matter, energy, and vestigations. It is hoped that the advance- reality, is fundamental. ments and results of this kind of research, Thanks to Dr Rupert Sheldrake most and the further insights into the inner people know about morphogenetic fields individual it will entail, will be quick throwing light on part of the energy/infor- enough to counter the devastating conse- mation continuum we are living in without quences for the inner constitution of man being aware of it. But many other steps caused, among others, by the epidemical

20 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Bridging Science and Spirituality — Signs of our Time abuse of all sorts of substances, legal or study papers, and other official scientific illegal, for so called medical or entertain- publications as such, but rather in inter- ment purposes. Moreover, it is to be hoped views, popularizing documentaries, diaries, that conclusions of these types of research blogs and so on. Notwithstanding the convince more and more traditional med- opinion of the scientific world, or even ical practitioners to consider meditation the opinion of the public at large, it will be and yoga at least as complementary treat- the outcome of these researches, the res- ment in case of mental ailments, severe ponsible implementation of the solutions stress, and depression. Imagine where we that they offer, and its balanced progress will be fifty years from now? towards the core of Life itself, that will These efforts of bridging science and eventually count. It may be that the bridge spirituality, even if unintentional, will be between science and spirituality will on more than one occasion helped by reveal its true value, only when we find intuitive flashes experienced by the in- the answers, maybe even the gradual dividual researchers themselves. These solutions, to the big questions and flashes will not be found in the articles, challenges of life on earth today. ²

The great benefit of science is that it can contribute tremendously to the alleviation of suffering at the physical level, but it is only through the cultivation of the qualities of the human heart and the transfor- mation of our attitudes that we can begin to address and overcome our mental suffering ...We need both, since the alleviation of suffering must take place at the physical as well as the psychological levels. H. H. the Dalai Lama The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality

December 2014 The Theosophist 21 Behind the Masks Behind the Masks

WAYNE GATFIELD

ONE of the major changes in the way There would never be the slightest a student of Theosophy regards life is the inclination towards violence or wars if fact that all thoughts and actions gradually spiritual teaching were understood in the become based on premises unknown to light of what it is to be truly human as the vast majority of humanity. The general shown to us by all the great world teachers, trend of the ordinary man or woman in including H. P. Blavatsky. It is a matter the street is to base their lives on ideas of understanding the deeper levels of the placed in their minds by a materially based human constitution that are invisible to the society. The governments and educa- leading lights in science and politics and tion systems of the world unaware of, or their followers, who look up to them as opposed to, spiritual ethics come to con- leaders and guides. We wear many masks clusions based upon the concept of there in our lifetimes, but there is a central being just one life, and then either an being above and behind these masks who eternal blankness or an endless sojourn is eternal and unchanging. Who do we in some kind of heaven or hell. become when we are quiet in our rooms In the West most people have dismissed or out in nature alone, when all these dis- the idea of heaven and hell and have little guises have fallen away? It is then, when thought on what happens after we die, we have quietened our thoughts, that preferring to shut all such ideas out of their we may sense who or what is real and per- minds. So they go on day after day believ- manent in us. People are afraid to do this, ing that they are immortal in their physical they fill their lives with constant chatter, form and not considering the fact that this face-to-face or on mobile phones or the material life is transient and lasts only a Internet. They watch TV, listen to music, few short decades. We are all to a greater watch films and read books. All these and lesser extent children of our age, and things have their place, but there must be even seasoned theosophists tend to react time for silence and inner reflection. to certain situations in the same way as This is why through the ages medi- the general run of humanity, whereas our tation has been recommended by wise world view should in many ways be wider souls. However the Ashtavakra Gitâ and at times opposite to the status quo. warns us that we are bound only by the

Mr Wayne Gatfield is President of Bolton Lodge, English Section of the Theosophical Society.

22 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Behind the Masks habit of meditation. Whenever something show a different mask under a variety of becomes habitual it loses its potency. circumstances. In many ways we become Meditation has to be a part of our daily like actors on a stage, becoming what is lives, an attitude of mind and a desire to needed to achieve our ends. The aim of keep centred in what is unchanging ‘in’ true spiritual teaching of all kinds is to find us. It is described in theosophical terms out what we are in reality. To become calm as the ‘inexpressible yearning of the in the centre of the storm, to realize that inner man to go out towards the infinite’. there are gateways in our consciousness The fact that it is inexpressible points to higher states of being, and that if we that what we experience is beyond the cultivate the right state of mind we can world’s mental conceptions. If it is not undo our mind-forged manacles and fly able to be expressed in conditioned lan- into the clear skies of spiritual awareness. guage, it is comprehensible experientially Some Zen schools recommend de- and is cathartic in its effects. This is the veloping what they call the ‘great doubt’. alchemy of the heart, the consecrating In one way the great doubt is the time of one’s being to the spiritual and, in time, when we doubt the validity of all the a leaving of mental grooves of routine and intellectual learning we have done, realiz- restrictions that material society inflicts ing that it cannot be of any value and at upon us. Meditation then has to be kept the same time our awareness of ourselves fresh and alive and spontaneous. How is as material beings begins to fade; we this done? By seeing each moment of our become what we are rather than what we lives as new and by realizing that all imagine ourselves to be. This cannot be potentiality is in the present moment, encompassed by words or images. This which will always remain the only reality is not to undervalue the stages of our in a changing world. journey when intellectual learning is es- The Zen Master Bankei instructed us sential, but to understand that we must to always remain focussed in the ‘unborn not stagnate. Buddha mind’ and not exchange it for con- There is a point in our evolution when ditioned minds of anger, greed, jealousy, we have to sacrifice all our intellectually and lust. These are not states of mind that gained knowledge in order to move we are born with, we develop them by a onwards, because we enter a phase where sort of atavism as we grow. As they are this knowledge becomes a burden and we transitory and constantly changing they have to understand on a higher level with- cannot be our real Self. We are taught to out the lower-mind images and concepts. follow the middle way, which can be said It is a stage of direct knowing rather than to be like the upper point of a triangle, reasoning and speculating. This is when not just in the centre of two extremes but we start to comprehend what we are in above and ‘beyond’ as well. Our person- reality and another of our masks is re- alities are transforming all the time. We moved. It is a kind of sacrifice, because

December 2014 The Theosophist 23 Behind the Masks we have built up an intellectual under- of the situation or the environment, not standing of the Path over many lives, and representing the inner self. We are like it is hard to let go of all that knowledge. actors playing many parts on life’s stage; However, it is not really a letting go, but none of which are our True Self, but another form of alchemy in which the similar to the masks worn by the cast of essence of all that we have learned is a play. At the end of the performance we transformed into experiential awareness. go home as our real selves for a while That is the purpose of true spiritual before karma places us back on the stage teaching; it refines the mind and prepares to learn more lessons until we are ready it to be able to receive more of the light of to move on to higher levels of experience. the Divine. As we progress onwards, more and more The Ashtavakra Gita states that until of our masks are removed until we become we forget everything we cannot live in the what we are in reality, which is beyond heart. The heart is said to be the centre of all our earthly conceptions. spiritual activity. In The Voice of the We then can begin to truly live under Silence we learn about the ‘Doctrine of the aegis of our Higher Nature and not as the Heart’, which is the practical living if we are looking through a ‘glass darkly’. of the life; and ‘Head’ learning, the This may place us at odds with our fellow intellectual understanding that often human beings who have a different view degenerates into dead letter. Many of our of life — mostly second-hand know- organized religions regard some book as ledge. We begin to see clearly and act in the ‘word of God’ and follow it slavishly sensible and rational ways that seem and literally, without intelligently looking irrational in this topsy-turvy world. We are into the meanings behind the words. This aware of the ‘bigger picture’ and have causes division and fanaticism that may shaken off what was described earlier as result in intolerance of other religions and our ‘mind-forged manacles’, to use an in some cases violence. expression of the poet William Blake. Yet Our outer self is said to be our per- we begin to have a deeper relationship with sonality. This is developed from the Latin those around us, mostly unknown to the word ‘persona’, which was originally vast majority, but exercising a benign given to the role of an actor on stage and influence upon them that will bear fruit in referred to a theatrical mask worn on stage time. It will also assist them on the journey in ancient times. In the psychology of to find out exactly what it means to be C. G. Jung the persona is the mask or truly human amidst all the distractions façade presented to satisfy the demands of a materialistic society. ²

Thou shalt not let thy senses make a playground of thy mind. The Voice of the Silence, Fragment III, v. 218

24 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 To the Memory of Helena Hahn (1814 – 6.07.1842) To the Memory of Helena Hahn (1814 – 6.07.1842)

NATALIA BEREZANSKA

EVOLVED Beings can be incarnated Helena Hahn was a only in a very pure and spiritually rich cousin of a poetess, mother. This year, the 200th birthday Evdokiya Rostopchina, of Helena Blavatsky’s mother, Helena and a memoirs writer, Andreyevna von Hahn (maiden name Ekaterina Sushkova, a Fadeyeva), is celebrated. friend of M. Lermontov, In the 19th century, H. A. Hahn was with whom Helena met known as a writer, a regular author writing at E. Sushkova’s house. ‘I met him per- for the magazine Library for Reading sonally. Bright mind! Poet, with great of Osip Senkovsky and the magazine talent for eloquence’ — Helena wrote to Domestic Notes. her family. One of Helena’s relatives on Helena was born in a large noble family her mother’s side was a famous poet of in a small town of Rzhischev, Ukraine. that time, Ivan Dolgorukov, a grandchild So, it was probably not by chance that she of Natalia Dolgorukaya and the first took on the pen name of Zeneida R-va, publisher of her book ‘Autograph Notes’, although her family left Rzhischev when and also a poet F. I. Tyutchev [7]. she was only one year old. Helena spent Helena married captain Peter von her childhood and youth in Yekaterinoslav Hahn (1798 – 1873) when she was sixteen (Dnepropetrovsk since 1926). On her years old. He was a military man, a mother’s side, she was a descendant of the descendant of the von Hahn German noble Dolgoruky princely family. Her parents family which moved to Russia in the were Andrey Fadeyev (1789–1867), privy middle of the 18th century. Helena had a counsellor and a governor of Saratov, and romantic nature. Before marriage, she princess Helena Dolgorukaya (maiden dreamed about an ideal spouse with deep name). Helena’s sister Ekaterina was spiritual interests. However, a tall stately married to Julius Vitte (1814 – 1867); their captain of equestrian artillery shattered her son Sergey Vitte (1849 – 1915) was a dreams quickly. Peter was a descendant famous statesman, and became Minister of the German knights family, Hahn of Finance of Russia. von Rotternstern-Hahn. He was very well Ms Natalia Berezanska is President of Kiev Branch of the TS in Ukraine.

December 2014 The Theosophist 25 To the Memory of Helena Hahn (1814 – 6.07.1842) educated, but all his interests were fo- not been handsome, if he did not have cussed on horses, guns, dogs, and formal such eyes. His eyes are sparkling like live dinner parties. He was a man of rare wit coals, and are in continuous motion. Of and inveterate scepticism. Besides, he was course, I forgot about paintings. Instead, twelve years older than his wife. I was looking at him. He seemed to notice Helena Andreyevna wrote: ‘Everything it — a few times he darted a glance at I was striving for from my childhood, all me and smiled. It is evident, that my un- the things that were dear and sacred to my restrained overflowing feelings were heart were ridiculed by him or presented reflected on my face’ [4, p. 744]. Such an to me in a pitiless and cynical light of his unexpected meeting with Pushkin in St cold and cruel mind’ [1, p. 38]. She found Petersburg in 1836 made her feel inspired refuge in writing novels about the un- for the rest of her life. It is known that happy life of married women in Russia. during his exile in the south, Pushkin Their first daughter Helena (Helena visited Fadeyev’s houses in Chisinau and Blavatsky), was born in 1831. Their Odessa. In addition, Helena corresponded son Sasha was born in 1833 and died with Decembrist S. I. Krivtsov, and when when he was two years old (in 1835, in in Odessa, also met with Vl. Benediktov Romankov). After that, together with who highly praised her books. her daughter, Helena Andreyevna joined It was not easy for Helena Andreyevna her parents in Odessa who had been to live the nomadic life of an artillery living there since the spring of 1835. The officer’s wife. In her stories ‘Ideal’ and second daughter, Vera (future writer ‘Vain Gift’ she wrote about the unhappy Zhelikhovsky), was born on 29 April lot of a woman: ‘In the country, the life of 1835, in Odessa, which is recorded in a man of the brightest mind is intolerable; the metrical books of Preobrazhensky however, the life of a woman whose very Cathedral. During this period of time, nature made her feel beyond the crowd is Helena Andreyevna and her small children truly awful’ [2, p. 43]. For the longest and husband travelled throughout Ukraine; period of time, the family lived in Poltava. they visited Poltava, Uman, Romankov, Vera, Helena Blavatsky’s sister, in her Oposhna, Kamensky, Gadyach, and Odessa. book When I was little, remembers these In the spring of 1836, they arrived at St days: ‘Mother was often ill, and when she Petersburg where they lived until May felt well, she was sitting for hours behind 1837. Here in St Petersburg, at the exhib- her green buckram screen and was writing ition, Helena Hahn saw A. S. Pushkin. She something all the time.’ This place was wrote about it to her parents: ‘I recognized called mother’s study room. Worries him — Pushkin! I imagined him with about her children tormented Helena black dark hair, but his hair is not darker Andreyevna during the last years of her than mine, long, disheveled . .. Of small life. When she was advised to give up stature, with a bearded face, he would have her writing in order to preserve her health,

26 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 To the Memory of Helena Hahn (1814 – 6.07.1842) she answered: ‘Whatever sacrifices it called her ‘The Russian George Sand’. takes, I want my children to be well, in- Several famous people of that time deed, fundamentally well educated. For responded to the publication of her works. this, I do not have any resources, except Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev wrote the my writing!’ [2, p. 42]. following: ‘This woman had ... both a In 1836, Helena von Hahn published warm Russian heart and life experience a compilation from the novel Godolphin of a woman, and passionate beliefs, — and by Bulwer-Lytton in Senkovsky’s Library Nature did not deprive her of those “simple for Reading. In 1839, in the same Library and sweet” sounds which happily reflect her first story Ideal was published her inner life’ [5, p. 370]. The prominent under her pen name of Zeneida R-va. Russian critic V. G. Belinsky wrote about In 1837, when in the Caucasus, she met her: ‘There was no woman [like her] in Decembrists in exile. The impressions Russia, yet, who would be so gifted, and she had of this acquaintance served her not only sensible, but also intelligent. ... as the basis for several new written works, Such lines of stories can gush only from namely ‘Zheleznovodsk Memories’, the pen of writers of great spirit and great ‘Utballa’ and ‘Dzhellaleddin’ stories talent’ [2, p. 41 - 43]. published in 1838 in the Library for In the spring of 1842, the family again Reading. Later, in 1839 – 1841, new moved down to their estate near Odessa stories followed, one by one (also pub- to have some rest and to meet with Helena lished in the same Library for Reading): Andreyevna von Hahn who was very sick. ‘Medallion’, ‘Judgment of The Light’, She was only twenty-eight years old, by ‘Teofaniya Abbiadzhio’. A story ‘Vain that time she wrote nine novels, but her Gift’ was written in 1842, and the first part serious illness was merciless. On 24 June of it was published in the Domestic Mes- 1842, Helena Andreyevna was buried in sages the same year; the second part Odessa Municipal Cemetery that was later was included in the collected works pub- renamed as Old Cemetery. On her grave, lished after her death (1843); ‘Lyubonka’ there is an inscription carved on a white (written in 1842, and the same year marble column with a marble rose twined published in the Domestic Messages), around it which says: ‘The power of the ‘Lodge in Odessa Opera’ (published in an spirit killed life’ [3, p. 30]. almanac Daguerreotype). Two editions To the memory of Helena von Hahn, (1843 and 1905) of the collected works Vissarion Grigoryevich Belinsky wrote of Helena Andreyevna von Hahn were the following ‘There are writers who live published in St Petersburg [7]. their life separately from their creations; In June 1840, in Saratov, Helena Hahn there are writers whose personality is gave birth to a son whose name was Leonid. closely connected to their works. When The literary efforts of H. Hahn (Zeneida reading the first, you feel charmed by the R-va) did not escape notice. Belinsky divine art, not thinking about an artist;

December 2014 The Theosophist 27 To the Memory of Helena Hahn (1814 – 6.07.1842) when reading the second, you feel charmed who was Helena Andreyevna’s mother. by the contemplation of a wonderful Unfortunately, human personality, you are thinking about the estate where her, love her and wish to know her very Helena was born essence, and details of her life. Our gifted has been lost. Zeneida R-va (Helena von Hahn) belongs However, the to the second category (of writers). . .. memories “May you rest in peace, a noble heart, about the site prematurely torn to pieces by the power of the Fadeyev of your own feelings. May you rest in family house peace, an extraordinary woman, a victim were passed of the rich gifts of your spiritual nature! down to later We thank you for your short life: it was generations of not wasted and it was not in vain that it Rzhischev residents. A tour guide of a blossomed with magnificent, fragrant local history museum showed us a few old flowers of deep feelings and spiritual linden-trees remaining from an alley reflections. This blossom belongs to your which 200 years ago led to the Fadeyev soul, and your soul will never die, it will family house. It is a picturesque corner of live for everyone who will want to enjoy Ukraine, with the small river of Legchich its aroma”’ [6, p. 659]. running nearby, and the Rapid brook, On 17 April 2014, the members of the probably, boarding the estate. Future Kiev branch of the TS in Ukraine made a Decembrists Bestuzhev-Ryumin, brothers pilgrimage to the birthplace of Helena Sergey and Ippolit Muravyov-Apostol, Andreyevna in Rzhischev, which is about prince Troubetskoy stayed at the 76 km from Kiev, and is the site of Dolgoruky estate after the war of 1812. numerous archaeological findings of the Here, in the estate gardens, they had Trypillian Culture. An estate in Rzhischev worked on the Constitution of the belonged to Helena Pavlovna Dolgorukaya, Southern Society of Decembrists. ²

References 1. Howard Murphy, Helena Blavatsky, Ural LTD, 4. V. P. Zhelihovsky, Russian Old Times, March 1999. of 1887. 2. S. Cranston, H. P. Blavatsky: Life and Creative 5. I. S. Turgenev, Complete works (in 28 Art of the Founder of the Modern Theosophical volumes), M.–L., 1963, V.5. Movement, Riga-Moscow: Ligatma, 1999. 6. V. G. Belinsky, Complete works, M., 1955, V.7. 3. O. Bogdanovich, Blavatsky and Odessa, 7. Wikipedia: http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/ΓaH,_ Odessa: Road to Knowledge, 1999. EπeHa_AHapeeBHa

28 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Convention Programme ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINTH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Adyar

Theme: ‘Theosophy in a Changing World’ 26 to 31 December 2014

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME

Thursday, 25 December 8.00 am General Council Meeting 2.00 pm General Council Meeting

Friday, 26 December 8.00 am Prayers of the Religions OPENING OF THE CONVENTION 3.30 pm Reception 5.00 pm PUBLIC LECTURE ‘The Wheels of Change: Transitioning from Worldliness to Sacredness’ Mrs Linda Oliveira, General Secretary, Australian Section 7.30 pm Ritual of the Mystic Star

Saturday, 27 December 8.00 am Universal Prayer and Meditation SHORT LECTURES ‘The Cycle of Life’ Mr Colin Price, General Secretary, English Section ‘The Challenge of the Modern Theosophical Movement’ Mr Marcos de Resende, General Secretary, Brazilian Section 9.30 am INDIAN SECTION CONVENTION —I 5.00 pm PUBLIC LECTURE ‘Upon the Foundation is Wisdom Established’ Mr Michael Gomes, American Section 7.30 pm Cultural Programme

December 2014 The Theosophist 29 Convention Programme

Sunday, 28 December

8.00 am Devotional Meeting Mrs Manju Sundaram, Indian Section 10.00 am SHORT LECTURES ‘Tuning in to Our World’ Mrs Diana Dunningham Chapotin, Former International Secretary, Theosophical Order of Service ‘I Have Promises to Keep’ Mr R. C. Tampi, Director, The School of the Wisdom, Adyar 3.00 pm SYMPOSIUM ‘Theosophy in Daily Life’ 5.00 pm THEOSOPHY–SCIENCE LECTURE ‘Transcending Science — A New Dawn’ Mr Jacques Mahnich, President, St Jean Lodge, French Section 7.30 pm Cultural Programme

Monday, 29 December

8.00 am Universal Prayer SYMPOSIUM ‘Principles of the Higher Life’ 9.30 am INDIAN SECTION CONVENTION — II ‘Knowing and Being’ 3.00 pm THE THEOSOPHICAL ORDER OF SERVICE ‘Service in a Changing World’ 5.00 pm BESANT LECTURE ‘Love and Death in the Myths of India — Their Message for Today and Tomorrow’ Mr Manoj Das, Renowned Author, Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, Puducherry 7.30 pm Cultural Programme

30 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Convention Programme

Tuesday, 30 December

8.00 am Universal Prayer and Meditation SHORT LECTURES ‘The Challenge of Wisdom’ Ms Trân-Thi-Kim-Diêu, General Secretary, French Section ‘A Vision to Go Mainstream’ Mr Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., Former General Secretary, Philippine Section 9.30 am QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 3.00 pm SHORT LECTURES ‘Beacons for a World in Motion: A Clear Mind, a Pure Heart’ Mrs Sabine Van Osta, General Secretary, Belgian Section ‘Brotherhood, a Fact and a Challenge’ Ms Els Rijneker, General Secretary, Dutch Section ‘Theosophy and a Need for Ideals in the Contemporary World’ Ms Svitlana Gavrylenko, Organizing Secretary, TS in Ukraine 5.00 pm PUBLIC LECTURE ‘The Present Need’ Mr Tim Boyd, International President, Theosophical Society

Wednesday, 31 December

8.00 am Prayers of the Religions CLOSING OF THE CONVENTION 9.30 am Admission of New Members 3.00 pm Youth Forum

Let us live Theosophy more than speak it. Speech will come by itself out of a heart overflowing, but the important thing is to live Theosophy. N. Sri Ram

December 2014 The Theosophist 31 Theosophical Work around the World Theosophical Work around the World

Slovenia national President Tim Boyd was in the A Summer School was held from 20 Netherlands for a meeting with around to 22 June 2014 in Kranjska Gora, con- 100 members from Belgium and the ducted by brother Bhupendra Vora and Netherlands, the ‘Dutch Day’, in the Besant was attended by thirty-two participants. Hall of the International Theosophical The inspiring theme was ‘The Wisdom Centre (ITC) in Naarden. Even before the of The Upanishads’. The other guest meeting many informal and animated speaker was sister Femmie Liezenga from conversations with Mr Boyd had taken Naarden, who gave the closing lecture, place. The President addressed the mem- ‘Regenerating Wisdom’. On Saturday bers and spoke about the need for helping afternoon a short trip to the mountains hands from all nations for our international filled all with joy and serenity, and the Society. His frank and open approach evening programmes with three young was highly appreciated. After the group musicians — Ms Aleksandra Pavli, Ms photograph and lunch there was a session Mojca Turk, and Prof. Janja Brlec created with questions and answers, and members an uplifting atmosphere. attended a meditative meeting that was An Autumn school was held from 26 organized by the Link Officers of the ITC. to 28 September 2014 in Gaberje, near Participants were invited to form a channel Lendava, conducted by Breda Zagar and for higher energies to transmit the powers organized by Understanding Lodge in of Peace and Unity to the whole world: Celje. The theme was ‘At The Feet of The Master’, the second part from the Talks There is One Life, One Will, and One on The Path of Occultism. For the first Brotherhood of Nations. May the Spirit time the school was held in the eastern- of Unity and Love, that knows no barriers, most part of Slovenia, near Hungary. A make Brotherhood in the world a living short trip to a special house of culture reality. was organized for all participants. The evening programme was a talk given by USA Mrs Melis Pangerc, ‘On the Unity of the Far Horizons Camp was founded in Universe’. The school was attended by 1954 by Theosophist G. V. Hull. With twenty-one participants. its pristine and serene atmosphere, the A true spirit of brotherliness and har- camp at an altitude of 7,200 feet in Kings mony prevailed during both schools. Canyon National Park, up in the rugged mountains of central California. It is The Netherlands surrounded on all sides by majestic and On Sunday, 10 August 2014, the inter- stately pine trees. On the weekend of

32 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Theosophical Work around the World

International President, Mr Tim Boyd, with his wife, Lily (seated, center), and TS members from Belgium and The Netherlands on ‘Dutch Day’, 10 August 2014, gathered at the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden

Mr and Mrs Boyd (center) with Mrs Deepa Padhi (first from left), organizer of their visit in late October 2014 to Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in northeast India, along with an international dance troupe from a local orphanage

December 2014 The Theosophist 33 Theosophical Work around the World

The President with Buddhist monks at a meeting of the Siddharth United Social Welfare Mission in Kolkata

Bharata Samaj Puja at Parsi Quarters

34 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Theosophical Work around the World

Release of the special issue of The Theosophist being presented to the Acting Manager of the Theosophical Publishing House, Mr Umakanth Rao

Floral tributes offered on 31 October 2014 at the plaque marking the place where part of the late President’s ashes are interred in the Garden of Remembrance

Participants of the International Theosophical Conference held in mid-August 2014 at the International Theosophical Centre Naarden

December 2014 The Theosophist 35 Theosophical Work around the World

Members of the Summer School held in late June 2014 in Slovenia conducted by Mr Bhupendra Vora (seated fourth from left)

Participants of Far Horizons Camp gather in Kings Canyon National Park, California, with keynote speaker Mr David Bruce, National Secretary of the TS in America

36 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Theosophical Work around the World 16 August 2014, David P. Bruce, National This was a real working Conference, Secretary of the American Section, was the hosted and co-organized by Jan Nicolaas keynote speaker. He delivered two talks: Kind from Brazil/Netherlands. The two ‘The History of Quest Books’ and ‘The main facilitators were Marijn Gijsbers Theosophical View of World Religions’. and April Hejka-Ekins. There were sixteen Other events included a group dance facilitators as twelve groups worked and singing, along with an archival slide intensely on the subjects of Religion, show detailing the early history and Philosophy, and Science, keeping in mind building of the camp. It was a wonder- the future of Theosophy. ful gathering that is full of love, laughter, The Conference started with orien- and friendship. tation, greetings, and statements by rep- resentatives of the three mainstream International Theosophical Conference theosophical organizations: the ULT by The 16th Annual ITC gathering was Vicky Prinz and Nandini Iyer, the TS held from 15–18 August 2014 at the Adyar by Tim Boyd, and the TS Point International Theosophical Centre in Loma-Blavatsky House by Herman C. Naarden, the Netherlands, with the theme, Vermeulen. The keynote was given by ‘Theosophy, Unity, and Helping the Mr Boyd. Then there was a panel dis- World . .. where do we go from here?’ cussion based on the ‘Maha Chohan’s There were 143 participants from the Letter — our shared responsibility’. USA, Europe, Africa, South and Central The final wording of the Declaration America, and New Zealand. Several theo- was carefully compiled by the ITC Board, sophical traditions were represented: TS however it remained a declaration solely Point Loma-Blavatsky House, the United drawn up by the participants of this Con- Lodge of Theosophists (ULT), and the TS ference as a whole, and not of ITC, Inc. Adyar. Further, there were ‘independent’ It is available on the website of the theosophists as well. International Theosophy Conferences, The main goal of this Conference was Inc.: ‹www.theosconf.org›. Videos of all to create a dialogue among participants introduction lectures and plenary harvests that would result in the ‘Naarden 2014 are on the ITC website: ‹www.theosconf. Declaration’, a statement of intentions org/video›. It was a heartwarming, and at as to how theosophists from different times breathtaking, conference. backgrounds and nationalities, can work So, forward with Theosophy! together to promote brotherhood in the world using theosophical teachings as Some Observations from the Naarden a framework. Both the objectives and the Centre format focused on communication and We are living in a confusing, often building relationships — Communication challenging world. The question is: how from the Heart. do we deal with it? Do we withdraw safely

December 2014 The Theosophist 37 Theosophical Work around the World behind the boundaries of tradition, or Given the nature of the conference, we move ahead with an inquisitive mind? The were involved in many of the practical International Theosophical Conference aspects and joined the conference as active was held at the International Theosophical participants. It was an inspiring experi- Centre in Naarden, the Netherlands, in ence indeed. mid-August. A few days before the Con- ference, we met already with a new India experience. Around dinner time the new The international President, Mr Tim international President, Mr Tim Boyd, and Boyd, and his wife Lily went on a tour his wife Lily were taken to the Centre by of northeast India from 21 to 30 October Herman C. Vermeulen, the Leader of the to visit Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and TS Point Loma-Blavatsky House, with Varanasi. On their first stop they were whom we had an open discussion before received by Mrs Deepa Padhi, who hosted dinner. During the welcome dinner for the various programmes in Bhubaneswar. the new President we had two leaders of On the first day the President spoke to the theosophical organizations at the table. Utkal Federation at a public meeting We felt as if it was the dawn of a new era. which included TS and TOS members, The next program at the IT Centre was followed by interaction with the audience. the IT Conference, with over 140 partici- In the morning of the next day he spoke pants from all over the world, from various on ‘Transformation through Service’ at the theosophical organizations. This very First Theosophical Regional Conference dynamic and well-organized conference in the Utkal University Auditorium, where touched the maximum of our facilities, about half of the audience were students. both in the capacity of Besant Hall, as well Later that day he spoke at the annual as catering facilities. The very efficient meeting of the Mahabharat TOS Group organization, mainly by members of TS on ‘TOS — Future Vision’. Mr and Mrs Point Loma-Blavatsky House, made it all Boyd were also taken to visit a day-care come together. centre, a mission, and Buddhist centres. During ‘Dutch Day’, Mr Boyd men- The Kolkata visit included a speech tioned that one of the reasons why we are on ‘Principles of Theosophy’ given not always as successful as we could be, by the President as chief guest at the is fear of working together with other 38th Anniversary of the Bharadwaja organizations. At the Centre we feel that Theosophical Lodge, which was inaug- fear of losing one’s identity or losing con- urated by Mrs Boyd, and where Mr B. L. trol is often a sign of weakness. We made Bhattacharyya, Founder President of BTL our identity and connection with Adyar and National Director of TOS, gave the strong enough to be able to cooperate welcome address. without getting off-track. The IT Con- At the national headquarters of the ference can also be seen in that light. Indian Section of the TS in Varanasi, Mr

38 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 Theosophical Work around the World Boyd inaugurated a study camp on the In the evening, the international morning of 28 October, with an address on President released the special issue of the theme of the camp, ‘Radha Burnier's The Theosophist in the Headquarters Hall. Contribution and Approach to Theosophy’, He briefly summed up Radhaji’s life as directed by Mr P. K. Jayaswal. Next the journey of an ‘exceptional soul who morning Mr and Mrs Boyd were taken to lived and breathed Theosophy from the visit some local educational institutions, cradle to the grave’. Those who wished and that evening the President gave a public to say a few words about their associa- lecture on ‘The Ever-Present Future’, tion with Radhaji were then asked to which was well attended and received. speak. The evening concluded with Vedic Back at the international Headquarters, chanting and floral tributes were offered Adyar commemorated the first anniver- at her portrait. sary of the passing of Mrs Radha Burnier, the former President, on 31 October 2014. Digitizing The Theosophist In the morning, residents and special The oldest issues of The Theosophist invitees of the TS Adyar, led by the are about 125 years old and rapidly de- President, congregated at Parsi Quarters, caying due to age. A few devoted mem- the former home of Mrs Burnier, situated bers in the US are initiating a plan to by the seaside within the Adyar estate. A preserve them electronically. Their goal Bharat Samaj puja was performed and is to digitize the first fifty years of The was followed by floral tributes offered by Theosophist (except for the first year, all present at the portrait of Radhaji. which has already been done). The process Afterwards the group proceeded to the has several steps: (1) to scan each issue, Garden of Remembrance, the last resting page by page; (2) to convert them to text place of many TS past Presidents, to offer using an Optical Character Recognition a silent homage at the spot where Mrs (OCR) program; (3) to correct and format Burnier’s ashes were interred. Around the text pages. The first two steps take only noon, about three hundred workers and about a minute for each scan. The third residents of the TS campus, including the can require as much as fifteen minutes Olcott Memorial High School, animal per scan, and we are calling for volunteers dispensary, and vocational training centre, to assist with this step. Anyone who would along with a few special invitees, gathered like to participate in this effort is en- at the Bhojanasala (Indian dining hall) for couraged to contact Mr Morry Secrest at a special lunch in Radhaji’s honour. . ²

Nature is destitute of goodness or malice; she follows only immutable laws when she either gives life and joy, or sends suffering and death, and destroys what she has created. Nature has an antidote for every poison, and her laws a reward for every suffering. KH

December 2014 The Theosophist 39 .net .fr [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Email address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] trankimdieu@sfr [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] gentina Ar eosófica African Theosophist eosófica Chilena est eozofija eosofi eozófia eosofía en Newsletter T Magazine The South African Theosophist The Theosophical Light The W Le Lotus Bleu Theosophy in Australia Sophia The Light Bearer Theosofie Adyar Revista T Selección T T T Le Lotus Bleu Adyar Ilisos T Gangleri The Indian Theosophist Theosofi … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 2194 hlkreis . ü indsor E W aranasi 221 010 V ve., , A Rosario t., 106 71-Athens ironkatu 7 C 2, Fin 00170, V venue, No. 03-04 venue Centre, Singapore 387 603 A A ška ulica 24, 10000 Zagreb oukourestiou S Theosophical Society V 2 c. Abajo, 1 Sur, Distrito 2, Managua, Nicaragua Sims Bagmari Road, Kolkata 700 054 CEP 70200-630 Brasilia (DF) Boisbriand QC., J7H 1K7 Estacion Central, Santiago Barrio Palermo, Bogotá San Juan Puerto Rico Apartado 23 00926 Helsinki Jakarta 11410, Timur eosofinen Seura, Santiago 257 — 2000, 9 Ronean, 38 Princesses Address PO Box 40844, Mufulira, Zambia 540 Sims B/4-3, Iswarchandra Nibas, 68/1, PO Box 720, Accra, Ghana Place des Gueux 8, B1000 Brussels, Belgium Level 2, 162 Goulburn St., Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Casilla de Correo 3911, Cochabamba SGAS Quadra 603, N. 20, Oberbaumgarten 25, 4204 Haibach im M Rept. Los Arcos # 43, Ent. Princ. 1 c. Sur 3162 Rue de la Bastille Casilla 11 Sucursal Paseo Estacion, Carr 22, # 45B-38 (Cons. 404), Apartado 8-6710-1000, San José Kraji Apartado de Correos 6365, La Habana 10600 Calle Santa Agueda 1652 Les Chalet Col 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA T 4 Square Rapp, 75007 Paris Hauptstr. 39, 93138 Lappersdorf 25 Hunyadi Janos ut 17. II. 8, H-1011 Budapest PO Box 1257 Ingolfsstraeti 22, 121 Reykjavik The Jalan Anggrek Nelimurni A-104, … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … I N T E R A O L D C Y

, etc. rrez S. š é an Osta . de Nuñez V epe W T eresa T Mr Jack Hartmann General Secretary Mr Ebrony Peteli Mr Chong Sanne Mr B. L. Bhattacharya Mr John Osmond Boakye Mr Jorge Garcia Mrs Sabine Mrs Linda Oliveira Mrs Mr Marcos L. B. de Resende Mr Albert Schichl Mrs Ligia Guti Mr Medardo Martinez Cruz Mr Cesar Ortega Ortiz Mrs Nelly Medina de Galvis Ms Maria Orlich Mrs Nada Ms Barbara A. Fariñas Piña Mrs Magaly Polanco Mr Colin Price Ms Marja Artamaa Ms Trân-Thi-Kim-Diêu Mrs Manuela Kaulich Mr Antonis Papandreou Mr Thomas Martinovich Mr Halldor Haraldsson Mr S. Sundaram Mr Herry Ispoernomo … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … est p W Central * Central Africa, South Section Africa, East and Asia, East and Bangladesh † Argentina Southeast † Africa, Belgium Australia Bolivia † Brazil Austria * America, Canada * Chile * Colombia † Costa Rica † Croatia Cuba Dominican Rep. † England Finland France Germany Greece Hungary † Iceland India Indonesia ate 1909 D 1947 1920 1990 2013 1956 1911 1895 1965 1920 1912 1929 1924 1920 1937 1997 2007 1905 1987 1888 1907 1899 1902 1928 1907 1921 1891 1912

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December 2014 The Theosophist 41 . Air $ 20 $ 25 Mail YEARS 5 - - Mail Rs 100 Surface Theosophical Society $ 5 Air $ 5 $ 10 $ 45 AR NEWSLETTER The Mail ADY asanta Press, - - V ANNUAL AR, CHENNAI 600 020, INDIA -- Mail Rs 25 TES Surface The A ADY , ) R 13 15 --- Air Mail 20 $ 70 $ 1 $ 170 UPEE R YEARS 5 - - AND - Mail September Rs 450 .org/magazines.html Surface PUBLISHING HOUSE, : US $ - .ts-adyar $ 15 $ 25 $ 35 Air Mail THE THEOSOPHIST are now available online and can be read and/or downloaded from: - - ANNUAL - Effective from 1 Mail ( http://www

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42 The Theosophist Vol. 136.3 RECENT REPRINTS

THE MAHATMA LETTERS TO A. P. SINNETT — in Chronological Sequence Vic Hao Chin, Jr One of the classics of Theosophical literature, with a commentary by George Linton and Virginia Hanson. The depth of these teachings have been a source of inspiration to students worldwide. MAN, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE — Examples of Different Types of Men as Seen by Means of Trained Clairvoyance C. W. Leadbeater The author examines different planes of existence, giving broad principles essential for the understanding of those not familiar with theosophical literature. BEAUTIES OF ISLAM Annie Besant The hidden side of Islam is beautifully brought out in this book, which includes ideas on Science, Metaphysics, Architecture, attitude towards women, and other not-so-well-known vignettes. A YOGA OF LIGHT Geoffrey Hodson The author leads the student by a well-tried safe method into silent contemplation which deepens the experience of unity with the all-pervading and the transcendent One Alone. THE ASTRAL PLANE C. W. Leadbeater A presentation featuring the astral plane and the ‘dream-world’ with descriptions of different entities that inhabit it as well as other fascinating and useful information for the interested student. THEOSOPHICAL DESK CALENDAR 2015 A beautiful desk calendar with illustrations of the TS Adyar campus flora and fauna, highlighting Theosophical holidays.

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