IN AUSTRALIA ISSN No. 1038- 1139 June 2019 volume 83 number 2 INSIDE The First Object and the Politics of Multiculturalism Reincarnation: a Review of the Scientific Evidence 2019 Indo-Pacific Conference, Manila Interview with Gerard Brennan Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: The Theosophical Society has its International Headquarters at Adyar, Chennai, India. International President: Tim Boyd International Vice-President: Deepa Padhi International Secretary: Marja Artamaa International Treasurer: Nancy Secrest NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: State Representatives: Level 2, 162 Goulburn Street, Surry Hills Gaynor Fraser - SA/NT NSW 2010 email: [email protected] Phone: +61 02 9264 7056 Gerard Brennan - NSW/ACT Fax: +61 02 9264 5857 email: [email protected] https://theosophicalsociety.org.au Sue Lee - WA email: [email protected] email: [email protected] National President: Linda Oliveira Helen Steven - TAS email: [email protected] email: [email protected] National Vice-President: Phillipa Rooke - QLD Helen Steven email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Edward Sinclair - VIC National Secretary: Dara Tatray email: president@ email: [email protected] melbournetheosophy.org National Treasurer: Beatrice Malka Education Coordinator: Pedro Oliveira email: [email protected] Editor: Linda Oliveira email: [email protected] Editorial Committee: Janice Scarabottolo, Olga Gostin, Patricia Ossenberg, Ruth Holt Subscriptions: non-members $25 p.a. within Australia, $30 p.a. overseas We invite articles or other items of no more than 2,300 words email: [email protected] Cover photo: Shutterstock - Jama Masjid Mosque, Delhi, photo by Matt Ragen Photos in this issue by: Dr T. Alaganantham Dr Helen Lambert, Linda Oliveira, Pedro Oliveira, George Wester. Photos also sourced from Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash and Art Explosion 600,000 with the authority of Nova Development Corporation, USA. Printer: Kwik Kopy, 320 Pitt St, Sydney. Recycled paper. The Society is not responsible for any statement in this magazine unless made in an official notice. Published quarterly by: The Theosophical Society in Australia. Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 37 CONTENTS IN A From the National President June 2019 38 Volume 83 no. 2 40 The First Object and the The Theosophical Society wel- Politics of Multiculturalism comes students or seekers from all walks of life, belonging to any 48 Reincarnation - a Review of the religion or to none and who are Scientific Evidence in sympathy with its Objects. It was formed to assist in showing to An Interview with Gerard Brennan people that Theosophy exists, and 56 ‘to ascend towards it by studying 63 National Calendar of Events and assimilating its eternal verities’. Wisdom is known by a mind that is - 2020 National Convention, Melbourne completely open. Therefore freedom of thought and open enquiry are 64 Education given special emphasis in the Society. Theosophy essentially refers to 65 2019 International Convention, Varanasi ‘Divine Wisdom’, Sacred Know- Call for Nominations ledge, which is a transcendent state of 66 consciousness. In a secondary sense, - State Representatives Theosophy is an ancient yet distinct stream of enquiry, exploring and 67 Theosophical Order of Service interpreting the truths of existence in terms suited to particular ages, e.g. in 68 Review the teachings of ancient India, ancient China, Platonism, Neoplatonism, and, 69 News and Notes since 1875, through the contribution of the TS. At the core of Theosophy 69 2019 Indo-Pacific Conference, Manila is the principle of indivisible Unity Section Directory underlying the diversity of forms. 71 Mission Statement of the Theosophical Society To serve humanity by cultivating an ever-deepening understanding and realisation of the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual Self-transformation, and the Unity of all Life. 38 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 From the National President Linda Oliveira This magazine is being finalised just interactions. For one thing, the after the completion of the first tour of importance of our many international, the Australian Section by International national and local gatherings cannot President, Tim Boyd, accompanied by be underestimated. It is extraordinary his wife, Lily. They arrived here from how bonds are tangibly strengthened at Adyar and the USA respectively. A few our events. They may be regular lodge/ photos commemorating this historic branch meetings, or live-in activities. tour appear on the opposite page. The latter help especially to provide a sense of connectedness, enhancing The first article in this issue invites us our solidarity as an organisation. I can to actively apply our consciousness highly recommmend the experience of brotherhood to some real life of our live-in events. Future events situations; it also provides some at our Canyonleigh and Springbrook thought provoking windows into Centres will be announced later in the human culture today. Another article year. As well as next year’s national considers what scientific evidence Convention, two international events there is for reincarnation – a teaching are also advertised in this magazine – to which many members of the TS the next International Convention, set are likely to adhere, or perhaps even to be held in Varanasi on the Ganges, take for granted. The case studies and the next Indo-Pacific Conference which are included are of particular which will be generously hosted by interest. Is it possible to consider them the Phillipine Section in Manila. We with an impartial eye? An interview look forward to seeing a number of our with the President of the Indo-Pacific members there. Federation is also included in these pages. Comments of up to 200 words on We are a membership organisation; items in this magazine are welcome therefore, how we fare collectively and may be published.. has much to do with our numerous Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 39 Visit by Tim and Lily Boyd to Australia With staff and national Executive Committee members at the National Headquarters. left to right: Cassandra Au, Richard Larkin, Dara Tatray, Tim Boyd, Lily Boyd, Linda Oliveira, Dianne Kynaston and Rosanna Sheridan At Blavatsky Lodge: Pedro Oliveira with Tim Boyd in conversation with Mary Donald Fern, former National Secretary and Masselos, Blavatsky Lodge National Treasurer. At Perth Branch. left to right: John Davey, Rob Russell, Lily Boyd, Tim Boyd, Franco Guazzelli, Matthew Thompson, Harry Bayens 40 Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 The First Object and the Politics of Multiculturalism Olga Gostin Shane Rounce on Unsplash Shane Rounce When our founders spelt out the the concept of multiculturalism, specif- three objects of the Theosophical So- ically in its Australian political context; ciety, they were no doubt also reflect- and thirdly, I shall propose a synthesis ing the socio-economic and political of the two in an attempt to provide a conditions of their time, as well as deeper understanding of what it means the state of scientific knowledge at to be a mindful Australian citizen. the end of the 19th century. The First Object specifically sought to tran- Brotherhood scend the vexed questions of race and colour, religion and sectarianism, as Back in 1965 – more than half a cen- well as sex and caste as sources of so- tury ago – N. Sri Ram, then World cial and political division. It is a sad President of the Theosophical Society, irony that the noble object of univer- mentioned that brotherhood had be- sal brotherhood remains elusive in come ‘worn and cheap currency’. True the second decade of the 21st centu- brotherhood, he explained, is not just ry, and that race, creed, gender, caste a superficial, sentimental or emotional and colour regrettably remain nega- expression of commonality. To come tively relevant in today’s world order. to grips with its true essence, one has to immerse oneself into the deep mean- I propose to discuss my chosen topic ing of that term and address the very ‘The First Object and the politics of texture of our thoughts and actions. 1 multiculturalism’ in three steps. The first will be a brief engagement with This is a very profound injunction. As the First Object, notably the notion of I grappled with it, the words of Lao- brotherhood; the second will unpack Tse, founder of Taoism, came to mind, Theosophy in Australia, June 2019 41 uttered all of twenty-five centuries ago: world needs to solve its problems and to transform itself. But openness of Watch your thoughts – they become the mind does not equate with binding words neutrality or the notion that all ideas Watch your words – they become ac- are equally valid. However it does em- tions brace the possibility of perhaps seeing Watch your actions – they become hab- the same old truths in a new perspective. its Above all Sri Ram urges us to delve Watch your habits – they become char- inwardly, to explore, and to enquire acter into the truth of things without fear. Watch your character – it becomes your Only thus can we embody and radiate destiny a deeper understanding of our world, Think of it, reflect on it – that it all starts its problems and the means of transfor- with thought: involuntary thought, re- mation that rests with each of us per- flexive thought, groomed and/or nur- sonally, as our necessary starting point. tured thought: about race, creed, gen- der, caste or colour ... The locus of Multiculturalism thought, Sri Ram elaborates, is in our minds. And our mind is not an empty I now move to the second part of my bag; nor should we be attached to its talk, that dealing with the nature and contents. I love that analogy. Thoughts politics of multiculturalism. By way and ideas are the product of social, po- of introduction, I should like to dis- litical, economic, religious and yes, cuss three components common to theosophical influences. As such, we all nations: a constitution, a flag and must be open to new ideas and be pre- an anthem.