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
*************************************************************
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).
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
|
******************************************************
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.
*******************************************************************
Price: Rs. 1/-
Annual Subscription: Rs. 10/-
*******************************************************************
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
=========================================================================
=========================================================================
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.
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. 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
(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.
& 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)
(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
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