Wednesday, August 31, 2016

PROGRAMME FOR SEPTEMBER 2016



PROGRAMME FOR SEPTEMBER 2016

BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.

DAY
TIME
DETAILS
Fri      2
  6.00 pm
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Sun     4
10.00 am
Bharat Samaj Pooja
Fri      9
  6.00 pm
  6.15 pm
Theosophical Readings
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (In Lobby)
Sun   11
10.30 am
11.00 am
To gather for preparations
Mystic Star Ritual
Fri    16
  6.00 pm
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Fri    23
4.30 pm

6.00 pm
Blavatsky Lodge Managing Committee Meeting
Members’ Meeting - Talk on ‘Demystifying Pathanjali’ by Bro. Arni Narendran
Sun   25
10.45 am
Maitreya Round Table       
Fri    30
  6.00 pm
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Mon 12,19,26
Time to be announced
Yoga Class followed by Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
Mon 5

LODGE CLOSED GANESH CHATURTHI







BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL BULLETIN
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION

Volume 85
No.12
Sept  2016










You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.







Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi





CONTENTS

Quote of  Mahatma Gandhi
  Cover  
News & Notes
    2 - 4
“Ashadha Festival” by Bro. Zinoo Master
    4 - 7
BTF & Lodge Programmes September 2016
   7 - 8



NEWS & NOTES



COMMEMORATION MEETING FOR SIS. BANA MEHTA JOINTLY BY BTF, Blavatsky Lodge and Shanti Lodge on Friday 29th July 2016 at Besant Hall: BTF Vice-President Bro. Vinayak Pandya was in chair with Blavatsky Lodge President-Elect Sis. Kashmira Khambatta. The Brethren of BTF, Blavatsky lodge & Shanti Lodge had gathered despite heavy rains to pay their tributes to Dear Sis. Bana Mehta. Bro. Vinayak Pandya said that Sis Bana was full of love and had worked for Theosophy & TS all her life. As Sis. Bana used to sing at Theosophical Meetings usually in the Besant Hall, Bro. Vinayak Pandya paid his tributes to her by singing a song “Maitribhavnu Pavitra Zaranu”. BTF President Dr. Ajay Hora, who could not come due to rains, in his message said, ‘Sister Bana with her co-operative nature full of feelings had been a live-wire of BTF for decades. Brethren attending Annual Conventions at Adyar cannot forget Bana looking after all at Leadbeater Chamber.’ Sis. Kashmira said, ‘Whenever Sis Bana entered the Lodge there was happiness on her face. She had welcomed me when I had first come to the Lodge. She encouraged me to turn to vegetarianism.’ Blavatsky Lodge President Bro. Navin Kumar in his message e-mailed from USA said that she has been an ideal for all of us for becoming a devoted member of the Theosophical Society. Bro. Zinoo Master in his message said that she was a very dedicated, meticulous and disciplined person. With her courage & resourcefulness she had travelled alone to USA to attend the Centenary Convention. At Adyar Conventions she had served  sacrificing her attendance at the Talks. She used to share her hand  written notes of Sis Mehra  Dhalla’s  talks  AT Shanti Lodge and even



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Editor – Bro. Rustom R. Dalal     Cover Page By: Sis. Kashmira Khambatta Editorial Committee – Sis. Mahazaver Dalal (in charge of Mailing List), Sis.  Kashmira Khambatta,  Sis. Aban Patel and Ex-Officio: President Dr. Ajay Hora.  Note: News, Notes and Programmes to be printed in the Bulletin, be forwarded by e-mail to: rrpdalal@hotmail.com    or kashmirakhambatta@yahoo.com latest by 16th each month.

gave the talks for our use. To pay tribute to her would be to get printed a book of poems penned by her. Sis Mahazaver Dalal shared her sentiments and added that the proof of Sis Bana Mehta’s Book is with her and she was sorry that she could not get the book printed in Sis Bana’s life time. Sis Navaz Dhalla read out the Message of Sis Bana’s brother Ratan & Sister-in-law Gool. Sis Navaz remembered Sis Bana as a gentle soul & beautiful human being, who at Adyar Conventions used to attend to ‘Beauty without cruelty’ counter also. Sis Ketayun Irani remembered her as an extremely sweet, gentle person, whom she used to call ‘Kayal Rani’. Bro. Berthram Redwood spoke about her parents and family and how the whole family lived the Theosophical life. Sis. Zeena Rustomji admired the Aura Sis. Bana had and how she used to touch the heart of Zeena’s daughter. For Sis Ruby Khan it was a great loss. Bro. Dhananjay Singh remembered her as a Smiling Lady of the Lodge, who spread love. Bro. Arni Narendran said that may her face be in front of us to inspire us. Sis Aban Patel said, Sis Bana used to look Angelic and paid her tributes by reading out from a Gujarati Book ‘Rare Experiences of Annie Besant’, which was the last book Sis Bana had read at Shanti Lodge. Sis Veera Mehta in a brief message expressed her thanks to Brethren for paying tributes to her sister Bana. Sis Meherangiz Baria had the privilege from her formative years to learn Theosophical Teachings from Sis Bana. She admired Sis Bana for smiling in all her roles and for her unquestioning obedience to The Masters. The meeting was ended by Sis Meherangiz paying tributes with a song Sis Bana used to sing – ‘Upkar kem bhulu taro, Guru ten safal kariyo Janmaro’. All observed silence in front of her smiling photo joining with thoughts of Dr. Ajay Hora, ‘I am sure she must be progressing very fast on the other plane with guidance from Masters. Thanks a lot Bana – we will miss you.’

*********

 THE 141ST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

at ADYAR from 31st December 2016 to 5th January 2017:

Theme: Beyond Illusion: A Call to Unity

Registration Fees:         Members       Non-Members

Delegates                          Rs.150/-             Rs.300/-

Delegates under 21           Rs.  60/-             Rs.200/-

Accommodation  (from 29 Dec. 2016 to 6 Jan 2017)

*Other Accomodation

Including mat/cot

or mattress                         Rs.350/-             Rs.500/-

Meals 30 Dec (Dinner)

to 6 Jan  (Breakfast)          Meals at the Canteen  Rs.1,000/-

*Leadbeater Chambers      Rs.5,000/-          Rs.7,000/-

                                           Meals at LBC       Rs.3,000/-

For Children: Half rate for under 10 and no charge for under 3

For Non-Members: Request for permission of Int. President should be sent with recommendation of Federation Officer to the Convention Officer before 22 November 2016.

Registration Period: 5 September to 1 December 2016

Registration Payment: Bank Draft duly crossed payable to The Treasurer, The Theosophical Society, Chennai

Convention Officer Contact: The Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai 600020 or e-mail:adyarconvention@gmail.com

Registration Forms available with Lodge Assistant Sis. Asha



***************************************************

ASHADHA FESTIVAL

Gist of Bro. Zinoo Master’s talk on Friday July 15, 2016 

 in the Blavatsky Lodge Green Room to celebrate

the Ashadha Festival of July 23, 2016 at 4.26 a.m. IST



In order to illustrate the greatness of the Lord he explained the various steps leading to Buddhahood. At present we may be called cultured individuals or maybe Pre-Probationary Pupils now that we are in the TS. When we have purified ourselves sufficiently we may be put on Probation in the next or in some future life. At this stage the Master makes a living image of the pupil in which every thought and feeling of the pupil is reproduced. If He finds that for a considerable time the pupil has not had any undesirable thoughts or feelings the Probationary Pupil becomes an Accepted Pupil. At this stage the union with the Master’s aura is so perfect that if there is a serious disturbance in the pupil’s lower bodies, the Master has to put a veil between the two for some time.

Still later the pupil becomes a Son of the Master and is then presented for Initiation. After the First Initiation the pupil takes baby steps on the Buddhic Plane, but he must develop the power to function freely on the Mental Plane. When he has achieved this and if he has got rid of the three fetters he is fit for the Second Initiation. The three fetters of Sakkaayaditthi (delusion of self), doubt and superstition were briefly explained. Between the Second and Third he has to get rid of two more fetters namely “kamaraga (attachment to enjoyment of sensation typified by earthly love) and patigha (anger or hatred)”. No fetters are to be cast off between the Third and Fourth.
When the Fourth Initiation is taken half the journey is over. After this, before the Fifth Initiation of Adeptship can be taken one has to get rid of five more fetters Ruparaga, Aruparaaga (desire for formless life), pride, irritability and Avidya (Ignorance about our real Self as one with all others).

 
The Eighth Initiation is that of Buddhahood.
Great as the gulf is between the consciousness of a human being and that of an Adept, greater still is the difference between that of the fifth and eight Initiate. The Masters revere a Buddha (Lord Gautama being the 25th and the First Flower of the Present Humanity) much more than

a human being reveres an adept.

 
All the previous 24 Buddhas were from an earlier life wave when the present humanity was still incarnating in the animal kingdom. This was the fifth and the last incarnation of Lord Gautama as The World Teacher ; the previous four being as Vyasa in India, Tehuti in Egypt, Zarathushtra in Persia and Hermes in Greece. When He took the Eight Initiation of Buddhahood he was succeeded in the Office of The World Teacher by Lord Maitreya.



An imaginary conversation between two trees discussing their gardener was narrated in order to illustrate the discussion a human being may have with another about Lord Buddha. A human being is removed two stages from the vegetable kingdom (the animal kingdom being in between) so also is the Lord removed two stages from humanity (Adeptship being in between). This illustrates how far removed from reality will be our conception of Lord Buddha.



At the time of the Full Moon of Ashadha Lord Maitreya recites the first sermon of Lord Buddha in the original sonorous Pali and the Pentecostal miracle takes place, which is that each listener hears it in his own mother tongue.



The Four Noble Truths were explained. The first is “Sorrow”. This is of two kinds the unavoidable one which is undergone by the Monad when he takes on the limitation of a physical body and the avoidable one which we take upon ourselves by our wrong desires and habits.



The second is “Cause of Sorrow” which is desire. If we are free from our desire for power or wealth then we will be equally tranquil, unruffled and serene whether power or wealth come or go. The third is the “Ceasing of Sorrow”. This happens when we take our life philosophically and are not overjoyed or depressed by the availability or otherwise of worldly things. We keep our thoughts glued to the higher things of life and then there is no sorrow or sadness.



The fourth is The Noble Eightfold Path. The first is Right Belief. This does not mean blind belief but as Lord Buddha says “.. you must know for yourself three great things – that only upon the Path of Holiness and good living can man finally attain perfection; that in order to attain it he moves through many lives, gradually rising higher and higher; and that there is a Law of Eternal Justice under which all these things work”.


The next is Right Thought which means first “that we should think about right things and not about wrong things” and secondly that our thought should be correct and we should think the truth only that is we should not think “untruly and wrongly of persons just because of prejudice or ignorance’.


The third and fourth are Right Speech and Right Action. The fifth Right Means of Livelihood rules out the work of a butcher or fisherman, but it also means not harming any creature. CWL refers to seller of alcohol and our respected member Late Bro. Jalbhai Sanjana would say we should not invest in Shares or Fixed Deposits of cigarette manufacturers.



The last three were briefly referred to for lack of time. These are Right Exertion or Endeavour, Right Memory or Remembrance which means self-recollectedness. Harbouring memories of wrong done to us would be like carrying a bag of potatoes for several days which would then rot and give out a foul smell. The last is Right Meditation or Concentration.



Source and all quotes from:

“The Masters and the Path” by C. W. Leadbeater

***************************************************



Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.



Mahatma Gandhi

BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES SEPTEMBER 2016



 1. ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical Colony, Juhu, Mumbai 400049. Sunday 18th September 2016 at 12.00 noon. Contact Dr. Smruti Hora Tel: 26151060 for details



2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.

DAY
TIME
DETAILS
Fri      2
  6.00 pm
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Sun     4
10.00 am
Bharat Samaj Pooja
Fri      9
  6.00 pm
  6.15 pm
Theosophical Readings
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (In Lobby)
Sun   11
10.30 am
11.00 am
To gather for preparations
Mystic Star Ritual
Fri    16
  6.00 pm
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Fri    23
4.30 pm

6.00 pm
Blavatsky Lodge Managing Committee Meeting
Members’ Meeting - Talk on ‘Demystifying Pathanjali’ by Bro. Arni Narendran
Sun   25
10.45 am
Maitreya Round Table       
Fri    30
  6.00 pm
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Mon 12,19,26
Time to be announced
Yoga Class followed by Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
Mon 5

LODGE CLOSED GANESH CHATURTHI



3. CENTENARY LODGE: 

Will inform when they are able to hold meeting.

4. JYOTI LODGE: C/o Bro. Taral Munshi, C/101, Building No.19, New Mahda, Garden Hill C.H.S., New Mahda Colony, Behind N.P.A., Goregaon (East), Mumbai 400065



5. SHANTI LODGE: C/o Bro. Rustom Dalal, Vijay Niwas, 2nd Floor, Plot    5, Sleater Road, Mumbai 400007    

Thursdays at 6.15 p.m.

   1
Study of C. W. Leadbeater’s book ‘Man Visible & Invisible’
   8
Study of C. W. Leadbeater’s book ‘Man Visible & Invisible’
 15
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (at Blavatsky Lodge)
 22
Study of C. W. Leadbeater’s book ‘Man Visible & Invisible’
 29
Study of C. W. Leadbeater’s book ‘Man Visible & Invisible’

6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: C/o Blavatsky Lodge

Wed  21
5.30 pm
Theosophical readings guided by Sis. Soonoo Vesuna at her residence Vijay Niwas, 4th Floor, Sleater Road

7 & 8 VASANTA LODGE & GANESH LODGE: Please note NEW ADDRESS: C/O Dr. Ajay Hora, Kamla Sadan 1st Floor, Pherozsha Mehta Rd., Santa Cruz West, Mumbai 400054.

Wednesday 7, 14, 21 & 28 Meetings at 6.30 pm.



9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE: Family House, Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014.     

Thurs    1
6.00
Lodge Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
Thurs    8
6.00
Lodge Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
Thurs  15
  ---
Lodge closed - Anant Chaturdashi
Thurs  22
6.00
Talk on Zoroastrianism by Bro. Rustom Chothia
Thurs  29
6.00
Lodge Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz



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BTF 85TH ANNUAL SESSION on 4th, 5th & 6th November 2016 will be graced by International Vice-President Dr. Chttaranjan Satapathy as the Chief Guest with the Theme “Theosophy, the Ageless Wisdom”. Please book the dates. We look forward to your participation.



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Price: Rs. 1/-                                                 Annual Subscription: Rs. 10/-



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Edited & Published by Editor Shri. Rustom R. Dalal, The Bombay Theosophical Federation, c/o Blavatsky Lodge, 7 – French Bridge, Chowpatty, Mumbai – 400 007. (Tel: 23685026) and Printed at Vijay Copy Centre, 48/A, Saidunnisa Building, Sleater Road, Opposite Grant Road Station (West), Mumbai - 400 007 (Tel:23865137)

=========================================================================
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2015-16

BLAVATSKY LODGE

The Theosophical Society

[Registered under B.P.T. Act, 1950 – No .F/344(B)] ▪ [Founded in 1879]



7, French Bridge, Chowpatty

Mumbai 400007 ▪ Tel: 2368 5026







ANNUAL REPORT

2015-16


BLAVATSKY LODGE

The Theosophical Society

7, French Bridge, Chowpatty, Mumbai 400007. Tel: 2368 5026



notice

                                                                            Date:23-04-2016



Dear Sister/Brother,



The 136th Annual General Meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S. will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, 8th August, 2016, in the Blavatsky Lodge premises when your presence is earnestly solicited.



Yours fraternally,





K.B. Khambatta

HON. SECRETARY

AGENDA



1.      To read the circular convening the Meeting.

2.      To read and confirm the minutes of the last Annual General  Meeting held on 06th September 2015.

3.      To receive and adopt the Managing Committee's Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2016.

4.      To receive and pass the audited Statement of Accounts of the Lodge and Book Depot, as on 31st March 2016.

5.      To elect Honorary Auditors for the year 2016-17 and fix their honorarium.

6.      To invite suggestions and views of members to spread Theosophy, increase membership of TS and make the Blavatsky Lodge, more vibrant and active.

7.      To receive the report of the Election Officer regarding the election to the Managing Committee for the period 2016-18.

8.      Any other matter with the permission of the Chair.

PS:
The General Body meeting will be followed by lunch for members. Senior Members of age 75 years or above will be reimbursed taxi fare upto  Rs.200/-. All members are requested to confirm participation to the Lodge Assistant, Sister Asha (Phone 022 2368 5026) as soon as possible to facilitate lunch arrangements.



ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2016



We pay our homage to the Masters and the Great White Brotherhood for their invisible guidance and assistance.





MEMBERSHIP:

We invite new members to attend our Rituals of Mystic Star, and the Maitreya Round Table as also the meetings held on Tuesdays and Fridays.





MEMBERSHIP DETAILS
Regular
Associate
Total
LIFE MEMBERS



   As on 1-4-2015
54
1
55
   Transfer from Ordinary Members
1

1
   Expired
1
          -
1
Transfer from Blavatsky Lodge Life Members to Juhu Lodge
2

2
   As on 31-3-2016                          
52
         1
53

ORDINARY MEMBERS
--


   As on 1-4-2015
   (Including Associate Members)
84
6
90
   New Members
2

2
   Renewal of Membership
-
-
-
   Expired
-
-
-
   Resigned
-
-
-
   Lapsed

-

   Transfer to Life Membership
1
-
1
   Transfer from other lodges
-
-
-
   As on 31-3-2016                               
85
6
91

TOTAL MEMBERS (as on 1-4-2016)
   137
         7
144









Managing Committee: At the Annual General Body meeting held on 20th July 2014, the following members were elected unanimously as Office-Bearers and Members for the years 2014-16:



President                                 Bro. Navin Kumar

Vice-President                           Sis. Freny Pagdiwala

Hon. Treasurer                        Sis. Aban Amroliwalla

Hon. Jt. Treasurer                     Sis. Ruby Khan

Hon. Secretary                          Sis. Kashmira Khambatta

MEMBERS                               Bro Rustom Dalal                       

Sis. Aban Patel
Sis. Navaz Dhalla
                   
Bro. Noor Baig

                                                Sis. Jasmine Cawasji   

                                                    Sis. Ketayun Irani

                                                Bro. Princey Mehta

                                               

Following Sub-Committees were formed:



Library Sub-Committee:

Sis Kashmira Khambatta (Hon. Librarian),
(Asst. Librarian Sis. Aban Amroliwalla Bro.Arni Narendra, Bro.Roy Mathews

Book Depot Sub-Committee:

Sis Freny Paghdiwalla (Book Depot Manager), Sis Nawaz Dhalla
& Sis Bana Mehta.



Housekeeping Sub-Committee:

Sis Nawaz Dhalla, Sis. Ketayun Irani, & Sis. Jasmine Cawasji.



Building Supervision Sub-Committee:

Bro. Rustom Dalal, Sis Nawaz Dhalla, Sis. Aban Amroliwalla

Programmes Sub-Committee:

Sis Aban Patel, Sis. Jasmine Cawasji

The President and the Hon. Secretary are ex-officio members of all the Sub-Committees.









Managing Committee Meetings: The details about members’ attendance at the meetings are as under:



No. of meetings attended by the Managing Committee Members
(
April 2015 to March 2016)

    [Out of 12 meetings]

President
Bro Navin Kumar
09
Vice President
Sis Freny Pagdiwalla
02
Hon Treasurer
Sis Aban P Amroliwalla
02
Hon Secretary
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
12
Hon Jt Treasurer
Sis Ruby Khan
08
Member
Bro Rustom Dalal
02
Member
Sis Aban Patel
07
Member
Sis Ketayun Irani
09
Member
Sis Navaz Dhalla
11
Member 
Bro Noor Beg
03
Member
Bro Princey Mehta
00

           

LODGE MEMBERS’ MEETINGS, THEOSOPHICAL TALKS & DISCUSSIONS which took place during the year, included:

Members’ Meetings:



Members’ meeting were held on Fridays. Mahabharat study which had started in the previous year under the guidance of Bro Dhananjay Singh continued  to be held  with a one day wrap up session at Aarey Milk Colony.

·        Sis Maharukh Shroff conducted talks on Zoroastrainism at the Blavatsky lodge based on Gathic concepts.

·        Talk by Mrs. Meher Contractor on “Functions of Teshtar Tir Yazad” on Tueday 21st July 2015.

·        Talk by Mrs. Meher Contractor  on “Sarosh Yazad – Guardian angel of material and spiritual worlds” on Tuesday 16th June 2015.

·        Talk by Mrs. Meher Contractor on “Fire – the son of God” (Atash Niyash) on Tuesday 19th May 2015.

·        Members gathered to study CW Leadbeater’s book “The Textbook of Theosophy” on Friday 17th April 2015 and 24th April 2015.

·        Shri Zafar Iqbal spoke on ‘Islam’ on Tuesday 7th April 2015.

·        Talk by Mrs. Meher Contractor on Tuesday 21st April 2015 on “Fravashi – the Guiding Spirit”.

·        Talk on “Beauties of Islam” by Sis Meher Aria on 28th April 2015.

·        Members meeting held on Fridays 4th and 18th March 2016, 5th and 19th February during which talk on “Demystifying Patanjali’ was given by Bro Arni Narendran.

·        Members meeting held on Fridays 11th and 25th March 2016, 12th and 26th February during which ‘Life of Alcyone – Introduction’ was conducted by Sis Kashmira Khambatta.

·        Movies were screened in the Phiroze Green Room. Classic movies of yesteryears like Roman Holiday, Shall we dance, Bawarchi and Anna Karenina.

·        Sis Kashmira Khambatta gave a talk and power point presentation on Vegetarianism.

·        Nineteen Episodes of ‘Happiness Unlimited” by Sis. Shivani were screened by President Bro. Navin Kumar in the Phiroze Green Room between December 2015 and February 2016.

·        Sis Shernaz Vatchha has been conducting Yoga sessions for the members on Tuesdays

Allied Activities:

·        Bharat Samaj Pooja on 1st Sundays of every month.

·        Mystic Star Ritual on 2nd Sunday of every month.

·        Maitreya Round Table on 4th Sundays of every month.



Red Letter Days were celebrated jointly with B.T.F. through talks, readings and audio visuals as under:



1.      White Lotus Day meeting of BTF was jointly celebrated by Anand Lodge and Blavatsky Lodge at Juhu Theosophical Colony on 8th May 2015 at 6.30 pm.

2.      Dr. Annie Besant’s Birth Anniversary on 1st October 2015 was celebrated jointly by BTF and Blavatsky Lodge in Besant Hall.

3.      Foundation Day Meeting on 17th November 2015 at Blavatsky Lodge at 6 pm attended by about 30 members and sympathizers.

4.      Adyar Day on 17th February 2016 at Besant Hall

5.      Special Ceremonies which took place included the following:

WESAK BLESSINGS OF LORD BUDDHA conducted on 3rd May 2015 by Bro Zinoo Master in Green room.

CELEBRATIONS OF THE MAITREYA ROUND TABLE held on 31st May 2015 with performance of the Wesak Ceremony.

ASALA POORNIMA MEETING was conducted on 31st July 2015 by Bro. Keki Palkhiwalla and table prepared by Sis Kashmira Khambatta.



PUBLIC TALKS AND OTHER PROGRAMS held were:



NATUROPATHY SESSIONS on every third Friday of the month in the lobby of the Blavatsky lodge conducted by Dr. Darius Umrigar.

SUPPORT CONVENTION JANUARY 2016

In Christmas Spirit, we welcomed Brethren for the Support Convention at Blavatsky Lodge with colourful decorations and inspiring charts by Sis. Navaz Dhalla.

Opening of the Support Convention on Friday  1st January 2016:  Prayers of All Religions followed by the Universal Prayer were led by Blavatsky Lodge President Bro. Navin Kumar. Brethren condoled the passing away of Past International Vice President Miss Joy Mills. Bro Navin Kumar showed the video of the presidential address delivered by Mr. Tim Boyd at the opening of the 140th International convention at Adyar on 31st December 2015. Speaking on the theme of the convention ‘Compassion and Universal Responsibility’ Mr. Tim Boyd said that Brethren should develop responsibility to take compassionate action. After the video, the floor was opened to share thoughts on ‘Compassion’. Bro Rustom Dalal, Bro Arni Narendran, Bro Navin Kumar, Sis Aban Patel, Ms. Shernaz Vatchha and Sis Mahazaver Dalal shared their thoughts.

Cultural Evening on 2nd January 2016: It was a cultural evening in the spirit of community singing held during the International support convention. Master of Ceremony for the evening was Sis Aban Patel. BTF President Dr. Ajay Hora led the universal prayer and welcomed all with playing the song ‘Swagatam, Shubha Swagatam’. This evening was dedicated to the children of India. Video of ‘Art festival of Lady Engineer High School’ was screened.  The national anthem of India ws the Silent National Anthem by hand and face actions and expressions of Deaf children. Members of Maitreya Round Table created an uplifting atmosphere with Meera Bhajan ‘Mane Chakar Rakhoji’  It was an evening which unfolded the talents of Brethren. Sis Urvi Hora’s students presented a Gujarati folk dance. Bro Navin Kumar regaled the audience with a Magic trick and song on the Mouthorgan. Sis Tanya Noor Baig played Russian and Western pieces on the piano. Sis Freny Paghdiwala gave piano accompaniment to some songs. Sis Zeena Rastomji  charmed everyone with her enacted song ‘Whenever you feel afraid’ There were solo songs by Bro Keki Palkhiwalla, Bro Rustom Dalal, Bro Khosrav Pavri and invitee Mrs. Chaudhari, Sis Kerman Patel & Bro. Berthram Redwood sang a duet. Group songs were by Bro Navin Kumar, Navaz Dhalla, Jasmine Cawasjee & Keki Palkhiwala. Sis Pilloo Battiwala played a song on the Key board. The surprise of the evening was a dance by Lata and Navin Kumar on a popular Hindi song. There were devotional songs by Sis Silloo Shroff and Sis Freny Paghdiwala.

Closing of the support convention on 5th January 2016 with overview of the 140th International convention.

Impressions of the 140th International Convention by BTF Vice president Bro Vinayak Pandya on 8th January 2016.

On 3rd January 2016 Bro Zinoo Master’s talk on ‘ Tani Ravani, geti Minoani – in the light of theosophy. Bro Zinoo quoted Krishnamurthy’s words “the speaker is not here to speak and the listeners are not here to listen but we are all together embarking upon a journey to discover the truth”.

Mystic Star Ritual performed every 2nd Sunday of the Month.

The BTF 84th Annual Session held on 30th and 31st October and 1st November 2015 graced by International president Mr. Tim Boyd and Mrs. Lily Boyd.

Mr. Tim Boyd in his inaugural address spoke about the “Illumined Mind”. Sis Thrity Dalal and Sis Freny Jabulee were presented with a Memento and Certificate for their dedication and commitment to TS and theosophy for over 40 years by Mr. Tim Boyd.

On Saturday 31st October 2015 evening session at Besant hall was opened with the Universal prayer led by Mr. Tim Boyd. The Mystic star ritual group sang the hymn “Gather us in thou love that fillest all”. Mr. Boyd opened his address on the “root of all problems”. Mr. Tim Boyd presented prizes to the winners of Minoo Mullan Memorial essay competition for college students and Jamubhai & Suryaben Dani Memorial Essay competition for school students. The Mystic star ritual group ended by singing the hymn “Lord from thine all strengthening presence, Gifts of peace we take away”.

On Sunday 1st November 2015 for Full day session at Juhu about 100 Brethren gathered in a beautiful pandal surrounded by beauty & serenity of the Juhu theosophical colony. Mr. Tim Boyd spoke on “Applying Theosophical principles”. Sis Freny Sethna, Sis Gool Vazifdar and Sis Katy Marolia were presented a memento and certificate for their dedication and commitment to TS and Theosophy for over 40 years by Mr. Tim Boyd.

The 84th Annual General Meeting of BTF held at 12:15 p.m. was attended by 57 members  The hospitality extended by VTCHS was enjoyed by all in a spirit of fellowship. Blavatsky Lodge book depot counter was manned by Sis Freny Paghdiwala, manager of the Book Depot. The sale proceeds amounted to about Rs. 3000/- 

In the Afternoon session there was a symposium on “Todays Youth & Practical Theosophy”, chaired by President Tim Boyd.  The 84th Annual session closed with expression of thanks by Dr. Ajay Hora.

Bro. David of Madrid, Spain visited Blavatsky lodge during a brief stop-over at Mumbai on his way to TS Varanasi.

The 135th Annual General Meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge was held on 6th September 2015 well attended by 37 brethren  followed by a pooled lunch.

BTF & Blavatsky Lodge have sent books to Sanatan Lodge TS, Annie Besant Hall, Surat to Bro Kantibhai Patel, President of the Surat Lodge in order to propagate Theosophy.

GRATITUDE:



The Blavatsky Lodge TS acknowledges with sincere thanks kind donations from:

(1)   Sis. Aban Patel Rs.5000/-

(2)   Bro. Navin Kumar Rs.20,000/-

(3)   Bro. Cyrus Pastakia Rs.3,000/-

(4)   Sis. Pervin Pastakia Rs.3,000/-

(5)   Sis. Kashmira Pastakia Rs.3000/-

(6)   Sis. Mahazaver Dalal Rs.25,000/-

(7)   Sis. Khorshed Talalti Rs.10,000/-

(8)   Bro. Godrej Panthaky Rs.20,000/-

(9)   Sis. Aban Amroliwalla Rs.5,000/-



Donations towards the E.S. Shrineroom Fund

(1)   Bro. Zinoo Master Rs.20,000/-

(2)   Sis. Thrity Dalal Rs.20,000/-

(3)   Bro. Navin Kumar Rs.20,000/- + Rs.20,000/- = Rs.40,000/-

(4)   Bro. Dr. Ajay Hora Rs.20,000/-



        Adyar Flood Relief:

A sum of Rs.49,850/- was collected for the Adyar Flood Relief by the Members of Blavatsky Lodge.

LIBRARY:

Books
Balance as on 1-4-2015
Purchased
(+)
Donated
(+)
Discarded
(-)
Balance as on 31-3-2016
English
9659
--
57
--
9716
Gujarati
  370
--
--
--
   370
Marathi
  264
--
--
--
   264
Hindi
  529
--
--
--
   529
Sanskrit
   44
--
--
--
    44
TOTAL
10,866
--
57
--
10,923



2. Library Membership:                            

     Nos.

Membership as on 31-3-2015                        26

Add: New Members                                         4                                                                              -----

                                                                    30

                                                     

Less: Lapsed/Expired/Transferred, etc             5

                                                                 ------

Membership as on 31-03-2016                       25

                                                                 ====   

We would greatly appreciate the services of our members and sympathizers in our project of rearranging the Lodge Library and for manning the Book Depot. Interested persons may contact Bro. Navin Kumar for volunteering their services.

We also request our members and sympathizers to devote some of their valuable time towards attending our study classes, programs & allied activities and assisting in programs, library, book depot, housekeeping and building maintenance. Interested persons may contact the Secretary or other Committee members.



ELECTIONS FOR THE MANAGING  COMMITTEE  MEMBERS  2014-2016

REPORT OF THE ELECTION OFFICER

DATE   1-5-2016



A NOTICE  calling upon members to nominate the candidates for the new Managing  Committee for the term 2016-18 was published in the BTF Bulletins of March and April 2016 as well  as on the Notice Boards of the Blavatsky Lodge with a request to submit the nomination papers before April 22,2016.The New Managing Committee is to be appointed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

The Nominations received at the close of April 22, 2016 are given below:

Office
Name
Proposer
Seconder
President
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
Bro Navin Kumar
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
Vice President
Bro Navin Kumar
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
Bro Arni Narendran
Hon Treasurer
Bro Arni Narendran
Bro Navin Kumar
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
Member 1
Sis Freny Pagdiwala
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
Member 2
Bro Rustom R Dalal                     
Bro Navin Kumar
Bro Roy Mathews
Member 3
Sis Aban Patel
Bro Navin Kumar
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
Member 4
Bro Noor Beg
Bro Arni Narendran
Sis Aban Patel
Member 5
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
Bro Arni Narendran
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
Member 6
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
Bro Navin Kumar
Bro Arni Narendran
Member 7
Bro Rustom P S Cooper
Bro Sam S Nadodwala
Sis Zeena Rustomjee



The number of nominations received are equal to the number of posts available, only one nomination  for each post. Hence no ballot papers are to be issued .The above nominees are deemed to be duly elected for the period 2016-2018.

The Election Procedure as specified in the Rules of the Blavatsky Lodge of Theosophical Society have been complie. This report may be put on the Lodge Notice Board.

Khosrav D Pavri

ELECTION OFFICER


BOOK-DEPOT:

During the financial year 2014-15 books worth Rs.27507/- were purchased. Sales amounted to Rs.32170/-. At the end of the year closing stock at cost price was Rs.35778/-. We thank TPH, Adyar for their cooperation. The Book-Depot displayed books at their sales counter during workshops held at the lodge and BTF session at Juhu.



AUDITED ACCOUNTS:

The Audited Income and Expenditure Account for 2014-15 shows an excess of Income over Expenditure of Rs.312558.74/- for the Lodge & surplus of Rs.1613/- for the Book Depot. Audited Accounts Statements are given hereinafter for the perusal.



=========================================================================







AGM 2016 MINUTES

BLAVATSKY LODGE T.S.


MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BLAVATSKY

 LODGE T.S. HELD ON 7th August, 2016 AT BESANT HALL OF THE LODGE.

The 136th Annual General Body Meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S held in the Besant Hall of the Lodge on 7th August, 2016, commenced with recital of Prayers of all Religions and the Universal Prayer by Members present. A total of 23 members were present for the AGM against the required quorum of 18.

The President Bro. Navin Kumar welcomed the Members present for the meeting and also thanked them for making it to the AGM.

Thereafter the Members rose and observed silence for a minute in remembrance of the Members who expired during the year under report and in recognition of their dedication and services to the Blavatsky Lodge.

Thereafter, the agenda items were taken up and the deliberations were as under:

1.     To read the circular convening the Meeting:

The circular dated 23 April, 2016 convening the AGM which was circulated to members earlier, was reckoned as read.



2.     To Read and confirm the Minutes of the last Annual General Body Meeting held on 20th July 2014:

The Minutes of Annual General Body Meeting held on 6th September 2015, copies of which were circulated to the Members, were read by Hon. Secretary, Sis. Kashmira Khambatta and the same were confirmed.  The following resolution proposed by Sis Mahazaver Dalal, seconded by Sis Aban Patel and carried unanimously.



“Resolved that the minutes of the AGM held on September 6, 2015 are hereby confirmed.”

To receive and adopt the Managing Committee’s Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2016:

The President placed before the members the salient features of Annual Report which were as follows:

a.     Total Members of Blavatsky Lodge are 144.

b.     Sister Jasmine and Sister Kashmira, attended all the 12 meetings of the Managing Committee during the year under report. (both were honored by a general applause by all members)

c.      Sister Maharukh Shroff conducted talks on Zoroastrianism at Blavatsky Lodge based on Gathic concepts.

d.     Sister Meher Contractor gave talks on “Functions of Teshtar Tir Yazad”, “Sarosh Yazad –Guardian Angel of Material and Spiritual Worlds” and “Fire – The Son of God” on different days.

e.     The study of the book “Clairvoyance” by Leadbeater was continued and completed.

f.       Nine Episodes of ‘Happiness Unlimited” by Shivani of Brahmkumari Organisation was done which was followed by discussion.

g.     The study of the book “Patanjali Yoga Sutras” is being conducted under the lecture series entitled “Demystifying Patanjali” by Bro Arni Narendran.

h.     The narration of “Lives of Alcyone” is being done jointly by Sis Kashmira Khambatta and Sister Navaz Dhalla.

i.       The Red Letter days viz. The White Lotus Day, Annie Besant’s Birth Day, Foundation Day and the Adyar Day were celebrated joyfully as usual.

j.       Similarly the Bharat Samaj Puja, The Mystic Star Ritual and the Maitreya Round Table were performed every month.

The following resolution was proposed by Sis. Navaz Dhalla, seconded by Bro Khosrav D. Pavri and carried unanimously:

“Resolved that the Annual Report of the Blavatsky Lodge for the year 2015-16 be approved unanimously”.

3.     Statement of accounts of the lodge and the Book Depot, as on 31st March 2016:

The Audited Accounts were circulated separately as the same had not arrived by the time of the printing of the Annual Report.

In the Absence of the Hon Joint Treasurer, Sister Ruby Khan, Bro Arni Narendran highlighted the income and expenditure figures of the year and expressed the satisfaction that the financials of the lodge are in order for carrying out its objects. The following resolution was proposed by Bro. Satyaprakash Agarwal, seconded by Bro. Roy Mathews and carried unanimously.



“Resolved that the Annual Accounts for the Year 2015-16 annexed to the annual report be approved.”



4.     To elect honorary auditors for the year 2015-2016 and fix their honorarium:

The President mentioned that the current auditors, R.T.Kapasi and Associates, Mumbai, are doing satisfactory Audit Work of the Lodge. He expressed that the Managing Committee is of the view to reappoint them for 2016-17 at a Total audit fees of Rs.11,550/-, E-filing of Income Tax Returns Rs.3,850/- and TDS Return filing (if any) Rs,1,000/- per Return.

The proposal of the Managing Committee was accepted unanimously by the General Body and the following resolution proposed by Bro Navin Kumar, seconded by Bro. Janardana and carried unanimously:

 “Resolved that R.T. Kapasi & Associates, Mumbai, be and is hereby appointed as the statutory auditors of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S. for the financial year 2016-17 at a total audit fees of Rs.11,550/-, E-filing of Income Tax Returns Rs.3,850/- and TDS Return filing (if any) Rs.1,000/- per Return.”

          To receive the Report of Election Officer regarding election for Managing Committee for 2016-17:

          The President referred to the Election Officer’s report dated 1-5-2016 printed in the Annual Report and explained that the number of nominations received are equal to the number of seats on the Managing Committee and as such 10 members listed in the Election Officer’s Report  are deemed to be elected unanimously.  He read out the names on the Managing Committee as under:

          Office
Name
President
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
Vice President
Bro Navin Kumar
Hon. Treasurer
Bro Arni Narendran
Members
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
Sis.Frenny Paghdiwalla                
Bro. Rustom R Dalal
Sis. Aban Patel
Bro. Noor Baig
Sis. Navaz  Dhalla
Bro Rustom PS Cooper

           

The President expressed appreciation of the meticulous and methodical work of Bro. Khosrav D Pavri as the Election Officer in connection with the election for 10 Managing Committee members of the Lodge for the years 2016-17. The following Resolution proposed by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz seconded by Bro. Janardana Sherigar.

          “Resolved that the report of the Election Officer, dated 1-5-2016 and presented with the Annual Report is received and accepted unanimously.”

5.     Vote of Thanks

Sis. Mahazaver Dalal extended the Vote of Thanks on behalf of Vice President Sis. Frenny Pagdiwala. She thanked the President Bro. Navin Kumar, all the Managing Committee Members and all the Members present for coming to the AGM and for their efforts to make the Blavatsky Lodge a more vibrant Centre of Theosophy.







HON.SECRETARY                                                                                              PRESIDENT



AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR FY 2015-16