BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.
DAY
|
TIME
|
DETAILS
|
Fri 4
|
6.00 pm
|
Opening of BTF 85th Annual Session
|
Satur 5
|
6.15 pm
|
Talk by BTF Annual Session Chief Guest Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy
|
Sun 6
|
Full Day
|
Juhu Session with Bharat Samaj Pooja, Talk by the Chief Guest, AGM and Symposium
|
Fri 11
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (In Lobby)
|
Sun 13
|
10.30 am
11.00 am
|
To gather for preparations
Mystic Star Ritual
|
Thurs 17
|
6.15 pm
|
The Foundation Day Meeting jointly with BTF
|
Fri 18
|
----
|
No Meeting, as The Foundation Day Meeting will be on Thursday 17
|
Fri 25
|
4.30 pm
6.00 pm
|
Blavatsky Lodge Managing Committee Meeting
Members’ Meeting - Talk on ‘Demystifying Pathanjali’ by Bro. Arni Narendran
|
Sun 27
|
10.45 am
|
Maitreya Round Table
|
Tues 1, 8,15, 22, & 29
|
5.45 pm
|
Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
|
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF
THE BOMBAY
THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION
Volume
86
|
—
|
No.2
|
–
|
November
2016
|
Through welcoming gates,
down palm-fringed way,
along stately Trilithon,
I came to holy ground.
Entering the spacious Hall,
I see enthroned homage to
all the world’s great Faiths,
And bow before the
Founders’ statutes with thoughts
too deep for words.
To those two noble heroes,
my heart’s deep gratitude,
To her my greatest homage
goes, the Masters’ Messenger,
Whose soul is crystal
clear and pure, of rarest magnitude.
From:
‘The Soul and Beauty of
Adyar’ by A. L. Hamerster
Quote on the Founders
|
Cover
|
Programme of The 85th BTF Annual
Session
|
2 - 4
|
News & Notes
|
4 - 7
|
‘What is True
Love?’ by Sis. Villoo Adajania
|
7 - 9
|
‘There is a
Road...’ by H P Blavatsky
|
10
|
BTF & Lodge Programmes
November 2016
|
11 - 12
|
PROGRAMME OF THE 85TH BTF ANNUAL SESSION
4th, 5th & 6th November 2016
CHIEF GUEST
Dr.Cittaranjan Satapathy
International Vice President
THEME
Theosophy
the Ageless Wisdom
Friday 4th November 2015 – Opening of Annual
Session
Venue: Blavatsky Lodge, 7-
French Bridge, Mumbai 400007
6.00
p.m. Lighting of the Lamp & Prayers
of All Religions
Opening of Annual Session,
Reading of Greetings
Welcome & Introduction
of the Chief Guest
by President Dr. Ajay
Hora
6.30 p.m.
Opening Address by Chief Guest Dr C Satapathy
on “An Ancient text – Modern Relevance”
(Light on the Path)
Saturday 5th November
2016
Venue: Blavatsky Lodge, 7-
French Bridge, Mumbai 400007
6.15 p.m. The Universal Prayer
6.20 p.m. Talk by Chief Guest on “Theosophy and
the
Upanishads”
***************************************************
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.
Sunday 6th November
2016 – Session at Juhu
Venue: Juhu Theosophical Colony, Mumbai
400049
10.00 a.m. Tea & Snacks
10.30 a.m. Bharat Samaj Pooja
11.00.a.m. Welcome by BTF
President & Juhu T. Colony
11.10 a.m. Talk on “Theosophy for the New Inquirers”
by the
Chief Guest Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy
followed by Q & A
12.15 p.m.
Annual General Meeting
(Annual Report 2015-2016
will be given at AGM)
1.00 p.m. Lunch
3.00 p.m. Tea
3.30 p.m. Symposium on “Right Citizenship”
chaired by Chief Guest Dr Chittaranjan Satapathy
5.00 p.m. Vote of Thanks by BTF Secretary Bro. Ram Kalra
Closing of the Annual Session
Blavatsky Lodge Book Depot Counter will be open at Juhu Session. Brethren interested in specific
books please inform in advance Blavatsky Lodge Book Depot Manager Sis. Freny
Paghdiwala Tel: 23806564
Registration for Juhu
Session (with or without Bus): Rs.50/-
Register your names latest by 28th
October 2016
with Blavatsky Lodge Assistant Sis. Asha Tel: 23685026 or at Juhu
with Dr. Ajay Hora Tel: 26151060
Bus
Service for Juhu on 6th Nov .-pick-up timings & stops:
6-45
a.m. Colaba – Cusrow Baug
7-00
a.m. Dhobi Talao – Metro Cinema
7-10 a.m
Thakurward – opp. Banaji Atashbehram
7-15 a.m.
Opera House – Blavatsky Lodge
7-25 a.m. Tardeo –
Ganga-Jamuna Theatre
7-30 a.m. Byculla –
Ismalia Co-op. Hsg. Society
7-35 a.m. Byculla –
Palace Cinema
7-50 a.m. Dadar –
Damodardas Mithaiwala
8-00 a.m. Mahim –
Paramount Restaurant
8-15 a.m. Bandra – Lucky
Restaurant
8-45 a.m. To reach Juhu
Theosophical Colony
NEWS
& NOTES
TS YEAR BEGINS WITH 1ST
OCTOBER: Please pay Annual Dues Rs.90/- and Lodge Fees for October 2016 to
September 2017 to your Lodges. Please Note: (1) To
qualify for Life Membership five years after the Diploma Date, the
Annual Dues & Lodge Fees have to be paid every year without a break. (2) If
Annual Dues & Lodge Fees are not paid for two years, Indian Section will
lapse the membership. To reinstate Lapsed Membership, two years Annual
Dues & Lodge Fees will have to be paid as Reinstatement charges in addition
to the current year’s Annual Dues & Lodge Fees.
BTF COUNCIL requests
Brethren to receive their BTF Bulletins by e-mail, if they have the
facility. This will help to save printing cost and
postage charge of Rs.4/- per copy.
Please send your e-mail ID to the Editor Bro. Rustom Dalal on his e-mail:
rrpdalal@hotmail.com
NATIONAL SEMINAR AT
AMRAVATI, MAHARASHTRA on 2nd, 3rd & 4th December 2016 on theme ‘The
Mahatmas, Real Guide to Humanity’. Books for reference are: (1) Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (2) KH Letters to CWL (3) The
Masters of the Wisdom – Series 1 & 2. The Sri Krishna Theosophical Lodge of
Amravati will host the Seminar. Each Federation can send 2 to 3 delegates.
Registration Fees are Rs.100/- per delegate. Visiting delegates will be
provided board & lodging from 1st December (evening) to 4th December
(afternoon). The delegates can contact:
Sri
Madhukar Wankhede (M): 09552470978 or
Sri
Nitin Raut (M): 07057676080 / 09371431663
Brethren
of Mumbai attending this seminar, please inform BTF President Dr. Ajay Hora
(M): 09820302371
ANNIE BESANT’S BIRTHDAY MEETING jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge on
1st October 2016 at Besant Hall: The Meeting was opened with recitation of the Prayers of All Religions
& the Universal Prayer and opening words by Blavatsky Lodge President Bro. Navin Kumar attuning Brethren for
the reverential meeting. .
Sis Navaz Dhalla speaking about sterling qualities of Dr. Annie Besant covered many
facets of her Diamond soul. AB did not hold back anything in her power, but did
not go for power. For her ‘there is nothing which cannot be conquered’. She was
a great Leader, an Orator, a Teacher and a Friend full of understanding and
compassion. She was an epitome of courage & Integrity always in the search
of the Truth. On making India her land, she had taken the ‘vow of poverty’. She
was the Mother of Modern India.
Sis. Mahazaver Dalal sharing an article ‘The Messenger of Hope’ of Sri Iqbal Narain Gurtu,
General Secretary ISTS 1923-1924 drew the attention of Brethren to the words, ‘With her (AB) matchless eloquence she
proclaimed the great message that if Indians, who formed almost the last hope of
the spiritual uplift of man, yielded to the lure of exclusive material
advancement and power then in their spiritual death humanity shall find its
grave.’ She added that these words mean that as Indian and more so as TS
Members of India, we have a great responsibility. With thoughts, words &
actions of daily life, we as small pebbles have to start the ripples of
spiritual life.
Sis. Aban Patel said that as a 12 year old girl she had taken part in Inter-House
Elocution Competition and the topic given to her was ‘Annie Besant’s speech as
President of Indian National Congress of 1917’. At that time she had no idea
that she would have a great opportunity to share her study of AB & CWL’s
books with Brethren. Luckily she came across her speech only few days ago,
which speaks of the magnanimity of AB. AB’s Speech was:
“For the first time
in Congress history, you have chosen as your President, one who, when your
choice was made, was under the heavy ban of Government displeasure. And who lay
interned as a person dangerous to public safety. While I was humiliated, you
crowned me with honour; while I was slandered, you believed in my integrity and
good faith; while I was crushed under the heel of bureaucratic power, you
acclaimed me as your leader; while I was silenced and unable to defend myself,
you defended me and won for my release; I was proud to serve in the lowliest
fashion, but you lifted me up and placed me before the world as your chosen
representative. I have no words with which to thank you, no eloquence with
which to repay my debt. My deeds must speak for me, for words are too poor. I
turn your gift to service to the Motherland; I consecrate my life anew, to her
worship by action. All that I have and am, I lay on the altar of Motherland and
together, we shall cry, more by service than by words. Vande Matram.”
Sis. Kerman Patel shared a quote of Annie Besant:
“What is the fundamental truth of a religion? It is, without challenge,
the Unity of the Self. One Life in all, One Life in every separate form. An understanding
Unity amid a superficial diversity; that is the Fundamental Truth of religion
and that is the basis of the Brotherhood of man.”
Bro. Satya Prakash Agarwal fondly remembering early years of his life
spoke about the rare opportunity he had as a 9 year boy to study in Rajghat
School of Banaras. It was an exposure to brotherhood not only of students, but
while learning about Agriculture, Forestry, Carpentry and other fields it was
with other creations also. There were no examinations and J. Krishnamurthy used
to spend a month with students. The values learnt at Rajghat have helped him in
his work & life over 60 years. He
urged us to give opportunity to children to study according to AB & JK’s
Teachings.
Bro. Navin Kumar informed the gathering that currently at Blavatsky Lodge Brethren are
studying two books authored by AB & CWL. The books are “Man.. Whence, How
& Whither” and “Lives of Alcyone”.
During the studies they learnt that both AB & CWL were in touch with
Masters Maurya & KH life after life. Bro. Navin Kumar showed a video
about Annie Besant’s life from her early years of inner turmoil & fight
for the cause to making India her Motherland, her search for Truth and mission
to spread Theosophy as Second International President of TS. The video also had
some live clips showing AB in action.
The meeting of paying homage to Annie Besant
had ended with recitation of a Sanskrit Prayer.
WHAT
IS TRUE LOVE
Love is a form of knowing or understanding,
something beyond the intellect,
writes VILOO H. ADAJANIA
Love is difficult to be defined. One definition of love (of the most pure and exalted kind of love) is that it is an absolute and unqualified wish for the happiness of another individual.
Dr.
Annie Besant, speaking about love, says in one of her lectures that love is a
form of knowing. When there is love – real love, not what is often a mere
passing attachment which is called love - there is the possibility of knowing,
something beyond the intellect. Her words suggest that real knowing or real understanding
is entirely fused with love.
This
century is perhaps notable for regarding everything – animals, trees, earth,
and people – as objects of utility from which we can extract something useful
or beneficial. Also, our relationship with people is generally conditioned by
the desire to gain something, be it just emotional security or comfort.
J.
Krishnamurti urges us to find out what creates bondage. Bondage is not real
love, but sentimentality towards particular people in an emotional relationship
with them. Where there is this kind of sentimental feeling, it can easily
change and become anger, frustration and cruelty. We can find many such cases
in ordinary life, of so-called love turning into animosity and hatred for lack
of compassion, mutual understanding and tolerance. So what we call love brings
with it many complications and gets into a state of inner turmoil.
You
cannot begin to love humanity just by wanting to. For that, preparation within
us is an essential prerequisite. When one’s whole being is unselfish and
unprejudiced of preconceived notions and when the mind is unconditioned of its
habitual ways of thinking, believing and reacting, then there is space within,
there is void within for spontaneous receptivity, for better understanding people,
that is, when the chatter, the noise, already filling up the screen of the
mind, ceases. To dare to listen beyond the borders of our prejudices is
something that few of us are willing to undertake. But this preparation is a
must. Unless we change from within, we cannot truly love and only when we truly
love can we bring about good for others.
At
first perhaps love is felt only for an individual and is tinged with strong
emotions, selfishness and the longing for possession. As life after life on
earth unfolds its experience to the growing soul, ever deeper and more
universal emotions are felt, and love becomes slowly purged of selfishness and
passion. Its realm extends and includes no longer only one but many an
increasing number, first the nearest and the dearest ones, then one’s
companions and then a still larger group of friends. With the growth of our
spiritual progress, our ambit of love extends; the longing for possession drops
away, for the greatest joy lies in serving the object of affection, not in
ownership.
When
thus we move amongst mankind, regarding human beings as our brothers, to be
loved, and, if need be, protected, sheltered and guided, we shall find that all
unkindness vanishes, that it is impossible for us to think uncharitable thoughts
about another or to hold him up to ridicule or criticism in any way.
When
we truly love, it is the inner man that we love, not the mere outer personality
with its frailties and flaws; it is the divine within each one which calls for
the divine from us, and in friendship and love we see the working of a
consciousness which transcends the mind and its capacities.
The
Lord Buddha and J. Krishnamurti have both pointed out that when action arises
from ‘thought’ there is no love. ‘Thought of love’ delude a person into
believing that there is love in the heart. It is a misconception. When love is
bound by ‘thought’ there is a feeling that some people matter tremendously and
others do not. It is not love, it is a form of self-seeking. It is the
relationship of convenience which is not long-lasting. It has a strong hold
over human psychology, making man impervious to the higher aspects of pure love
and deep understanding.
There
is one thing that one must always keep in mind and that is that God is to be
found in the hearts of all, the sinner and the saint. Nevertheless, the layers
of greed, deceit and malice overshadow divinity and the feeling of love in man.
But, at some time, a sudden change of heart comes to prove that the glory of
God cannot be effaced. Love free of impurities will shine forth.
Pure love comes from
spiritual intelligence, which, according to Buddhist Thought, is intelligence
of the higher order (beyond the reach of some of us) and which does not exist
without compassion. Love born of such a spiritual mindset, accompanied by a
sense of responsibility to take compassionate action, must be felt and
developed. It asks nothing in return, it only longs to give; it does not
require gratitude for its sustenance, or appreciation for its growth. Love for
the sake of love, for the sake of giving happiness, is its own justification
for existence.
There is a road …
There is a road, steep and thorny,
beset with perils of every kind,
but yet a road, and it leads to
the very heart of the Universe:
I can tell you how to find those
who will show you the secret gateway
that opens inward only,
and closes fast behind the neophyte for evermore.
There is no danger
that dauntless courage cannot conquer;
there is no trial
that spotless purity cannot pass through;
there is no difficulty
that strong intellect cannot surmount.
For those who win onwards
There is reward past all telling –
The power to bless and save humanity;
For those who fail,
There are other lives in which success may come.
H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings
vol. XIII, page 219
Courtesy: ‘The Theosophist’ May 2016
BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES NOVEMBER 2016
1. ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical Colony, Juhu, Mumbai 400049. Sunday 20th November 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 4
|
6.00 pm
|
Opening
of BTF 85th Annual Session
|
Satur 5
|
6.15 pm
|
Talk
by BTF Annual Session Chief Guest Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy
|
Sun 6
|
Full Day
|
Juhu
Session with Bharat Samaj Pooja, Talk by the Chief Guest, AGM and
Symposium
|
Fri 11
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence,
How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Talk
by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (In
Lobby)
|
Sun 13
|
10.30
am
11.00
am
|
To gather for preparations
Mystic
Star Ritual
|
Thurs 17
|
6.15 pm
|
The
Foundation Day Meeting jointly
with BTF
|
Fri
18
|
----
|
No Meeting, as The Foundation Day Meeting
will be on Thursday 17
|
Fri 25
|
4.30
pm
6.00
pm
|
Blavatsky
Lodge Managing Committee Meeting
Members’
Meeting - Talk on ‘Demystifying Pathanjali’ by Bro. Arni Narendran
|
Sun 27
|
10.45
am
|
Maitreya
Round Table
|
Tues
1, 8,15, 22, & 29
|
5.45 pm
|
Reading
and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz
Dhalla
|
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.
3
|
Study of C. W. Leadbeater’s book ‘Man
Visible & Invisible’
|
10
|
Study of C. W. Leadbeater’s book ‘Man Visible
& Invisible’
|
17
|
The
Foundation Day Meeting at Blavatsky Lodge
|
24
|
Study of C. W. Leadbeater’s book ‘Man
Visible & Invisible’
|
6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: C/o Blavatsky Lodge
Wed 16
|
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 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Meetings at
6.30 pm.
9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE:
Family House, Parsi
Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014.
Thurs
3
|
6.00
|
Lodge
Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
|
Thurs
10
|
6.00
|
Talk on “Some
Zoroastrian Truths’ by Bro. Rustom Chothia
|
Thurs
17
|
6.00
|
The Foundation Day Meeting
|
Thurs
24
|
6.00
|
Lodge
Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
|
*************************************************************
Kind words are short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly Endless.
- Mother Teresa
*************************************************************
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)
Blavatsky Lodge
THE
THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
7, French Bridge, Rangnekar Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai-400 007
Minutes of the
Managing Committee meeting held at 4:30 pm on Friday, the 25th of Nov, 2016 at
Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai.
The meeting chaired
by the President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta began with the Universal Prayer.
Members Present: Bro. Navin Kumar,
Bro. Arni Narendran, Sis Jasmine Cawasji, Bro.
Rustom Dalal, Sis. Ruby Khan, Sis
Aban Patel, Bro. Roy Mathews and Bro Noor Baig.
Leave of Absence: Sis.Freny Pagdiwalla, Sis. Nawaz Dhalla and
Bro. Rustom Cooper.
The deliberations
of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation
of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC
meeting held on 25th Nov.2016, which were distributed to members in
advance to facilitate careful reading beforehand, were considered and confirmed.
2. Matters Arising From The Minutes:
a) The committee decided to reimburse @ Rs50/- per shelf for cleaning of
book shelves which was to be paid to the Lodge peons viz. Ganpat and Kishore.
It was decided to disinfect these shelves by Lodge volunteers, in an attempt to
stem out White ants. If the operation does not succeed, engagement of
professional pest control agency will be reviewed.
3. Hon.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report for the
month of October and November 2016 will be shown in the next meeting ie.
December 2016.
4. Miscellaneous :
a) The present food
allowance paid to Mr. Ganpat is Rs200/- the same stands increased to Rs800 per
month effective 1st October 2016 as - Food and Tea expense reimbursement.
b) It was decided
to credit the interest to the interest account of Shrine Room in the Shrine
Room fund at an appropriate interest rate after deducting an amount of
Rs.6125/- which is the property tax for ES Shrine Room.
c) Tushna Dallas’
fees charged for her classes in the Green Room to be increased by Rs.500/-
d) Ananda Lodge was
revived and the first meeting was with around 30 – 40 participants.
There being no other business, the
Meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.
Hon. Secretary President
