Programme for December 2016

BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.

DAY	TIME	DETAILS
Fri      2	6.00 pm	Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
Sun     4	10.00 am  10.30 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja  BTF Council Meeting
Fri      9	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   11	10.30 am 11.00 am	To gather for preparations Mystic Star Ritual
Fri    16	6.00 pm	Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
Fri    23	4.30 pm 6.00 pm	BlavatskyLodge Managing Committee  Mtg. Members’ Meeting - Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Sun   25	11.00 am	Maitreya Round Table with ‘Christmas Ceremony’. All are welcome to attend this beautiful ceremony on Christmas Day
Fri    30	6.00 pm	Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
Tues 6, 13,20,27	5.45 pm	SS Meetings

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF

 THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION

Volume 86

—

No.3

–

December 2016

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS

To your enemy,  forgiveness

To an opponent, tolerance

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.

Oren Arnold           

CONTENTS

Quote Christmas Gift Suggestions	Cover
Report  of The 85th BTF Annual Session	2 - 5
News & Notes  (continued on Pages16-17)	5 - 6
‘Light on the Path’ By Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy	7  - 16
BTF & Lodge Programmes December 2016	17  - 19
Christmas Greetings	20

REPORT OF THE 85TH BTF ANNUAL SESSION

4th, 5th & 6th November 2016

The Bombay Theosophical Federation’s 85th Annual Session on 4th, 5th & 6th November 2016 was graced by International Vice-President Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy as the Chief Guest. The Theme of the Annual Session was “Theosophy The Ageless Wisdom”. The Annual Session was opened on 4th November evening at Blavatsky Lodge T.S., Bombay with Lighting of the Lamp and the Prayers of All Religions & The Universal Prayer. BTF President Dr. Ajay Hora welcomed and introduced Dr. Satapathy and Vice-President Bro. Vinayak Pandya conveyed the greetings received by BTF.

Dr. Satapathy in his Opening Address on “An Antient Theosophical Text – Modern Relevance” spoke about one of the three gems of Theosophy -‘Light on the Path’ .He spoke about the History & Uniqueness of the Book and explained ‘the Rules written for all disciples’ as stated in the beginning of Part 1(His Talk is printed in this issue of BTF Bulletin). The evening ended with Mirabai’s Bhajan ‘Mane Chakar Rakhoji’ by members of Maitreya Round Table.

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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.

On 5th November evening at Blavatsky Lodge Dr. Satapathy in his address ‘Theosophy and the Upanishads’ spoke about similarities between Theosophy and Upanishads. He explained  four Mahakavya (big poem) with stories and the meaning of Upanishads i.e. Upa (coming closer) Ni (with humility) Shad (with quiet stable mind) with realization of one’s humbleness to learn from Guru. This is akin to ‘At the Feet of the Master’. The meeting ended with members of Mystic Star Ritual singing ‘Lord, from Thine all-strengthening Presence, Gifts of peace we take away’.

On 6th November there was a Full Day Session at the  beautiful Juhu Theosophical Society with warm hospitality of The Vasanta Theosophical Co-operative Housing Society, Juhu. The day started with an uplifting ceremony of the Bharat Samaj Pooja by Bro. Navin Kumar & Bro. Navin Patel. BTF President Dr. Ajay Hora & VTCHS Secretary Bro. Anup Bodaji welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy.  At his hands Sis. Lata Navin Kumar was felicitated for her 40 year membership. Dr. Satapathy presented a newly published TPH book ‘Theosophic Life by AB and The Three Gems of Theosophy’ to President Dr. Ajay Hora. It was published at his initiative. There was an immediate request of Brethren to order 200 books. Dr. Satapathy turned his talk on ‘Theosophy for the New Inquirers’ into an interactive session. He answered questions like ‘Difference between Philosophy & Theosophy’, ‘To start study with which Theosophical Books?’, ‘Message of AB’s book The Theosophic Life’, ‘Clairvoyance’, ‘Can TS Lodges be activity oriented for youth?’ .  His answers were guidelines not only for new comers, but also for all Brethren.

The BTF 85th Annual General Meeting held after the Morning Session was attended by 53 Members. Tributes were paid to the Brethren passed away between July 2015 to the day of the AGM. The Minutes, Secretary’s Report and Audited Statements of Accounts were passed and the Auditor was elected. The Elected BTF Council with President Bro. Vinayak Pandya for 2016-2018 was welcomed. The Lodges were asked to inform their Lodge    

Representatives’ names. Dr. Ajay Hora & Bro. Vinayak Pandya were elected as BTF Representatives to Indian Section TS Council for three years 2017-2019. Resolutions of regards and good wishes were passed for the Leaders of TS International & Indian Section TS and for old & ailing members. A resolution expressing thanks was passed for The Vasanta Theosophical Co-operative Housing Society for their generous hospitality and sponsoring the Full Day Session. Retiring President Dr. Ajay Hora,   expressed his thanks to BTF Council & Brethren for their co-operation over the years. BTF Vice-President & President-Elect Bro. Vinayak Pandya expressed thanks to President Dr. Ajay Hora for leading BTF over 30 years and Retiring Secretary Bro. Ram Kalra for serving BTF and working as volunteer at TS Adyar & Indian Section TS, Varanasi. The AGM ended with Vote of Thanks to the Chair.

At the initiative of Bro. Navin Kumar, after lunch, a meeting to re-activate Ananda Lodge, Juhu was organized at Sis. Zenobia Khodaiji’s house. Ananda Lodge Members and young interested Residents were guided & enthused by Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy, BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya, Blavatsky Lodge President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta, Vice-President Bro. Navin Kumar, Secretary Sis. Jasmine Cawasji and Sis Aban Patel. They decided to have the initial re-vitalizing meeting on 21st November and to invite all to encourage them.

The afternoon session had a Symposium on Theme ‘Right Citizenship’ based on title of Dr. Annie Besant’s book. Sis. Navaz Dhalla spoke about ‘Training for Right Citizenship’ by varied activities started by Annie Besant for youth. Sis. Soonoo Vesuna said that AB’s vital message for young & old, men & women to regenerate India was: a Great Nation citizens should have spiritual character, public spirit & civic discipline. The message is relevant even today. Sis. Aban Patel said that from larger angle we are the citizens not only of a nation but also of the world. The Universal Prayer ‘O! Hidden Life…’ guides us how with Vibrancy, Light & Love within us we can have ‘Vasudhevya Kutumbkam’ (the whole world is one family. Bro. Bhavesh Pandya said Matru Bhoomi gives civic, social & political rights to its citizens. If one is not a Right Citizen, he cannot guide others to be right citizens. One should have courage to face challenges. As AB has said right from a young age good values, national spirit, love for Mother Land and respect for other nations should be cultivated.  Bro. Taral Munshi reading from Annie Besant’s book ‘Right Citizenship’ was moved by what she had experienced and felt within her heart to regenerate her Motherland India. Hence he read out passages from the book conveying her messages and ended with her words for ‘love of her Motherland’ – ‘Vande Matram’. Dr. Satapathy in conclusion said that a citizen’s loyalty has to extend from his home town to his nation and beyond his nation. Let us be patriotic citizens of ‘Vasudhevya Kutumbkam’.

Bro. Vinayak Pandya, BTF President 2016-2018 summed up the Annual Session and proposed the vote of thanks. The Annual Session ended with Bro. Bhavesh Pandya singing the Bhajan ‘To Hi Ram hai, Tu Rahim hai’.

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NEWS & NOTES

BTF BULLETIN BY E-mail: BTF Council requests Brethren and interested Readers to give their E-mail IDs to Editor Bro. Rustom Dalal by Tel: 23800422 or E-mail: rrpdalal@hotmail.com

Bro. Rustom Dalal will add new names to his Bulletin E-mailing List.

PLEASE PAY ANNUAL DUES, INDIAN THEOSOPHIST SUBSCRIPTION & LODGE FEES BY CHEQUE. In view of Demonetization of Notes, for payment of Annual Dues & Indian Theosophist Subscription to BTF, please draw cheque in favour of ‘THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION’.

OBITUARY: Sis. Nergish Hoshang Boatwala, Blavatsky Lodge member of 21 years passed away on 4th October 2016. With advanced age & ill health she was not able to attend Lodge Meetings, but she valued Theosophical  and Masonic Teachings and tried to live accordingly. 

Sis. Perin Gustasp Karkaria, Blavatsky Lodge member of 48 years passed away on 16th October 2016. A dedicated old time member, whom even Late Bro. Jalbhai Sanjana used to respect and as a Blavatsky Lodge Treasurer and even later was  keen to see that her membership link with Theosophy was kept alive.

Sis. Avan Shroff, Blavatsky Lodge Member of 62 years passed away on 3-11-2016. A gentle devoted TS Member & Co-Freemason of High Degree, with music in her heart, was always ready to serve Theosophy and TS in Mumbai. She used to play the piano for Mystic Star Rituals and organ for Masonic Meetings.

May their souls blessed with peace continue to progress on Higher Planes.

This year many of our Dear Senior Brethren have passed away to light eternal. They dedicated their lives to share Theosophy and to strengthen the foundation of TS in Bombay. The homage we can pay to them is to carry on their work with zeal, understanding of Theosophy and commitment to TS. – Editor

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NEWS & NOTES

(Continued on Page No.16)

If anything is permanent,

It is ‘CHANGE’

What the ‘Change’ should be?

C – Cheerful 

H – Humble

A – Able

N – Noble

G – Gentle

E – Ethical

Shared by Mrs. Gulshan D. Patel

Theosophy: The Ageless Wisdom

An Ancient Theosophical Text – Modern Relevance

(Light on the Path)

BTF 85th Annual Session Opening Address

on 4th November 2016

By The Chief Guest Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy

International Vice-President TS

We have no official definition of Theosophy. A fixed definition would have assumed the form of a dogma. Our members have freedom of thought to search for truth unhindered by any fixed idea. However, we do come across expressions like Theosophy is divine wisdom, Theosophy is ancient wisdom, Theosophy is timeless wisdom, Theosophy is eternal wisdom, Theosophy is perennial wisdom and today we have our conference theme as ‘Theosophy is ageless wisdom’. in the implication that it is the Wisdom which has come down from the most ancient times. It is based upon eternal Truth which is unaffected by time. Therefore it has as same validity and value now as it had before. It is not Wisdom conceived by some individual, but existing in Nature and awaiting discovery by each of us.

Let us explore the theme of our conference with the concrete example of a very ancient theosophical text to see how its teachings are relevant in modern times. I have chosen the book ‘Light on the Path’, which is considered to be one of the three gems of theosophy.

History and Uniqueness of the Book:

Firstly, let us see how ancient this unique text is. An interesting introduction to Light on the Path by our Past President C Jinarajadasa ( available in the Rudolph Steiner Archives) states that Light on the Path is a very ancient text. Before the great continent of Atlantis sank under the ocean in 9564 BC, the capital city of the Atlantean Empire was known far and wide as the city of the Golden Gate. The city was ruled by Perfect Men who were known as the Divine Rulers of the Golden Gate. They were Adepts and Initiates of the Great Brotherhood with great wisdom and power and well versed in Divine Mysteries.

During their rule, a collection of mystical and occult treatises was compiled which were works of profoundest philosophy and highest spirituality. These were copied and translated into languages of people governed by the Divine Rulers in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. With the passing away of the Dynasty of the Divine Rulers and the disappearance of Atlantis, most of these treatises have disappeared. However, fragments of some remain in the custody of the Adept Brotherhood in China and India. Brother Jinarajadasa says that the present book Light on the Path is one such treatise of the Divine Rulers of the Golden Gate. The original text was in a condensed form of 30 aphorisms or rules. They were translated into archaic Sanskrit and written on 10 palm leaves, 3 aphorisms per leaf.

Most of you may know that the Sanskrit text was translated into Greek by a Master of Wisdom known as ‘The Venetian Master’ for the use of His students when he lived in Alexandria in the third century AD. Iamblichus was one of His students who is known to us in His present incarnation as Master Hilarion. While translating from Sanskrit into Greek, the Venetian Master added some remarks and explanations to the 30 aphorisms. That is how we have now 42 rules which were caused to be written, by Master Hilarion, through Mabel Collins in English in the year 1885. Master Hilarion also added some notes to the text which were printed separately initially but subsequently have been printed under the relevant rules. The present edition of the book separately indicates the original 30 rules, the notes and explanations added by Master Venetian and those subsequently added by Master Hilarion.  

As Brother Raja points out Mabel Collins was a lady of much literary ability and by her work in the past lives had earned the privilege to be a channel for a work that Master Hilarion desired to do for the world through the Theosophical Society. Mabel Collins has written the book in full waking consciousness, though under the Master’s guidance. Interestingly, of the three gems of Theosophy, Light on the Path was the first to be published in 1885, The Voice of the Silence was first published in 1889 and At the Feet of the Master in 1910. Though they were first published in that order, the ease with which they can be studied and assimilated are perhaps in the reverse order. As for the book Light on the Path, Swami Subba Row says that it has several depths of meaning which are revealed to the spiritual aspirant as progress is made from one level to the other.

The early editions of the book had a sub-title which read:

A TREATISE WRITTEN FOR

THE PERSONAL USE OF THOSE

WHO ARE IGNORANT OF THE EASTERN WISDOM,

AND WHO DESIRE TO ENTER WITHIN ITS INFLUENCE.

The book is divided into 2 parts with 21 rules each. The first part deals with the life of the aspirant in the outer court as pointed out by Brother Raja. They are the first of the rules which are written on the walls of the Hall of Learning. The Hall of Learning is a symbolic phrase used in another mystic work, The Voice of the Silence to describe the Astral World and the states of consciousness appropriate to that realm of being.

It is said that Part II of the book can be understood in its fullest significance by the disciples who have entered upon the Path. It contains instructions on the life of the Initiate on his upward way, till, he becomes more than man on the threshold of divinity, and he goes on to become himself a Master of the Wisdom.

Light on the Path is to aspiring souls, a never ending source of inspiration and wonder. It teaches men to seek God, not for a life of blessedness in heaven, but for one of service on earth lifting a little of the heavy Karma of the world. It is as much relevant today as it was any time in the past.

The Preliminary Statements:

Today, we may only be able to look at the preliminary statements in the text in some detail. These are of such importance that Mabel Collins wrote a series of long articles on them in The Lucifer which was being published by H P Blavatsky with the assistance of Mabel Collins. Joy Mills also devotes 3 long chapters to these preliminaries. Jinarajadasa compares these preliminaries to the crushing opening in a symphony that arrests the attention of the listeners.

Part I of the book starts with these preliminary statements:

THESE rules are written for all disciples:

• Attend you to them.
• Before the eyes can see, they must be incapable of tears.
• Before the ear can hear, it must have lost its sensitiveness.
• Before the voice can speak in the presence of the Masters it must have lost the power to wound.
• Before the soul can stand in the presence of the Masters its feet must be washed in the blood of the heart.

Mabel Collins says that the right way and the only way for reading it, is not between the lines but within the words. The text requires deciphering as most teachings giving out deepest wisdom do. Every reader has to make the effort to understand the actual mystery hidden in the words.

These rules are written for all disciples

The very first sentence is significant in some ways. Firstly, it clarifies that the rules are not for some special disciples or for a class of disciples but for all disciples without distinction. No one is exempt.  They are applicable to Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and everyone. Joy Mills points out that the word ‘disciple’ is derived from two Latin roots, dis and capere or cipere. The word literally means to take apart or to hold apart. A disciple is one who holds apart the mind from the attachment to and identification with the objects of sense perception – from desire, passion, greed, prejudice, and vice. If we have an open mind, free from attachments, we can enter into a state of discipleship that makes learning possible.

Attend you to them

The second sentence is equally significant. Paying attention is a most essential requirement for the spiritual journey. In our daily life we are constantly and very easily distracted. Spiritual journey is like travelling in an unknown country which requires constant awareness, careful attention, vigilance and alertness at every step. HPB reminds us of the need for attention in the Golden Stairs: “a constant eye to the ideal of human progression and perfection.” We may think that we have to pay attention to various practical matters in our daily life. “What can be more practical than a life lived fully, from an inner centre of peace and understanding?” We need an open mind, and a constant eye to the ideal of human progression and perfection.

The Gates

Mabel Collins says that before we can make an entrance and look at the rules, we have to cross the gates. She calls them the Gates of Gold at the threshold. Before we can go in and discover the sublime and the illimitable beyond, preparatory work has to be done. She says that these four preliminary rules are not her invention; she has merely put into words the laws in nature which govern the world. She clarifies, and this is very significant, that the senses spoken of in these four preliminary statements are not the physical senses but the inner senses. The eyes, the ear, the voice and the feet referred to in these four statements have no relevance to the physical organs nor do they require us to have cold indifference, insensitivity or absence of gentler human emotions.

Mabel Collins says that these first four rules are the most important in the whole book. They should be engraved on a man’s heart and on his life. Until these four rules are learned, no teacher can be of any use to us.

Before the eyes can see, they must be incapable of tears

The eye is the symbol of mental perception or discernment. Our perceptions should not be contaminated by any sentimentality (tears) causing distortion. Generally our perception of people and situations is coloured by our emotional reactions, our prejudices, past experiences, and so on. Rumour and gossip contribute greatly to distort our perception. All these distortions are symbolised as tears which blind us. Only when the mind is in harmony, equilibrium and poise, there can be true perception and accurate cognition, only then can we really see and perceive the Reality that underlies and pervades all things. “For such ‘seeing’ we must become ‘incapable of tears,’ which is not to be without sympathy and compassion, but rather to be inwardly immovable, with a mind that cannot be swayed by sudden gust of desire, passion, longing, fear, or doubt.”

The author hints that the reference is not to the physical eyes and tears but to the inner senses of perception without sentimentality. This is also clear from the note at the beginning of part 2 of the book where it says: “to be able to see is to have attained perception.”

To be incapable of tears is to have faced and conquered the human nature, and to have attained an equilibrium which cannot be shaken by personal emotions. It does not imply any hardness of heart or any indifference. Hardness of heart belongs to the selfish man to whom the gate is forever closed.

Before the ear can hear, it must have lost its sensitiveness

Once we are in a state of true perception, we are ready to hear the inner voice, the voice of intuition. Sensitiveness implies possibility of movement, inner disturbance and excitability. If one has to hear, to listen to the voice of the Inner Self there should be no disturbance, no distraction and utter quietude. Loss of sensitiveness does not imply becoming coldly indifferent to others. What is required is stilling the outer senses, becoming insensitive to all external stimuli so that the intuition speaks to us and we hear the natural melody of the Self in all things and beings. To be able to hear to the intuition we have to open the doors of our soul. As Brother Sri Ram says one should rise above self-pity and one should be incapable of taking offence, which I think he exemplified in his own life.

These two first sentences, when lived in actual life, enable an aspirant to achieve true perception and a state of inner equilibrium. The requirements laid down in these two preliminary rules are similar to what is said in The Voice of the Silence: “Before the soul can see, the Harmony within must be attained and fleshly eyes be rendered blind to all illusion. Before the Soul can hear, the image (man) has to become as deaf to roaring as to whispers, to cries of bellowing elephants as to the silvery buzzing of the golden fire-fly.”

Before the voice can speak in the presence of the Masters it must have lost the power to wound

In this sentence as well as in the next sentence a common phrase, “in the presence of the Masters” appears. Joy Mills points out that the reference is not to any external Master or Mahatma as to their representative in each individual, the Self which is our own inner Christ or Buddha, the immortal Atman. To be in the presence of the Masters is to recognize the Self within, which is also the One Self in all. A pre-requisite to be in the presence of the Masters in every moment of our daily existence requires non attachment to the senses, harmonization within and without, and intuitive understanding.

While the first two statements deal with inner attunement leading to clear perception and intuitive understanding, to speak and to stand represent outer expressions of the inner attitude. Our speaking and standing reflect what we are within. In the third sentence it is said “before the voice can speak it must have lost the power to wound.” In the note before Part II there is a more positive statement – to be able to speak is to have attained the power to help others. Speech is a fundamental power, one of the powers latent in us. This power must be used consciously for healing and not for hurting. The appropriate word is to be spoken whether the speech is language or action.

The disciple must avoid everything which can give pain to another. In the earlier stages he has to learn to eliminate from his speech all that can give pain – not merely harsh criticism or unkind language, but every form of word that hurts another by implying disparagement or drawing attention to a fault in his character. Whenever the speech wounds it is due to some imperfection in carrying out the duty; the would-be helper has failed to identify himself with the person addressed; he is giving advice only from the outside, and therefore it hurts. If he had unified himself with the other person, and tried to help at the same time feeling as he feels, he would have brought out the other person’s emotion in a sympathetic way; through the consciousness of his sympathy the other would have had his nobler and wider side awakened, and then the advice would not have been wounding. If we are to lose the power to wound, the separate individuality must go; when we feel ourselves as one life, it becomes impossible for us to inflict suffering upon anything, as it is part of ourselves.

Before the soul can stand in the presence of the Masters its feet must be washed in the blood of the heart

“The feet of the soul represent physical incarnation of the personality on earth.” To be able to stand is to have confidence, as explained in the note to Part 2 of the book. We must endure the strain and struggle, make the sacrifices and bear the pain before we can gain the confidence to stand before our higher self. Buddha, Jesus, Krishnamurti, all went through this painful process. Shedding of the blood of the heart is symbolic of enduring the pain and sacrifice. The heart signifies love and aspiration, the heart’s blood represents the required sacrificial attitude. Our physical incarnation enables us to develop equanimity through joy and sorrow and to have confidence to face all situations. Confidence is not gained out of an easy life full of pleasant experiences; it is won in the battlefield of life where we are required to face every day with courage and bravery of the spirit.

Dr. Besant draws our attention to the fundamental truth that, only when the lower life is sacrificed to the higher, the disciple finds himself in the higher life standing in the presence of the Masters. Washing the feet in the blood of the heart is indicative of giving up all that one is attached to in the lower life for progressing from the personal to the transpersonal. One becomes fearless, free from suffering, free from anxiety or dismay, and the soul stands in the full bliss of the divine life. Rohit Mehta refers to the Eastern tradition that one must not enter the Holy of Holies without washing one’s feet. It symbolizes an act of purification, and what greater purification can there be than that which arises from the annihilation, destruction, crushing of the personal self, the psychological entity called ‘I’, symbolized by the bleeding of the heart.

Joy Mills points out, that in one sense, these four sentences (which Mabel Collins calls ‘unnumbered rules’) come before the main rules and are preparatory. In another sense, as we have seen, these rules are anticipatory. They provide us with a glimpse of the outcome of our efforts, a vision of the goal towards which we are progressing.

Let us therefore have a clear perception, develop intuition to listen to our higher self, always help others with our speech and action, and make all the necessary sacrifices so that we are able to stand with confidence with our head raised in the presence of our higher self.

Light is within us, and so is the Path. The Light is the Divinity, ever there, to guide us in our quest.

The Path is an internal journey, a transformation of our consciousness to higher and subtler states of being. It is an internal journey unique to each one of us.

As the Buddha had said, ‘Look within. You are the Buddha (the light within). Work out your own salvation (your internal journey).

Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy adds:

There is always some hesitation in choosing this book for study considering the lofty themes, dealt in this little gem of Theosophy, which are meant for the aspirants of spiritual life and higher initiates. We are told that while At the Feet of the Master is meant for one wanting to enter the probationary path and The Voice of the Silence can take one to the stage of an Arhat, Light on the Path can take one even higher to the stage of an Adept. It is further said that what this book teaches becomes clear only when we live those teachings and not by merely understanding the meanings of the words used. Brother Sri Ram says this book may be truly called a precious gem, with luster of its own, but some of the statements in it are really hard, hard for people who want an easy life. However, none of us should feel discouraged. Having become members of the Theosophical Society, having been attracted to the lofty ideals of Theosophy, all of us do possess some special quality of the mind and the soul that can enable us to study and appreciate the teachings contained in this great little book. And who knows, reading of this book may trigger and call forth in our mind the efforts we may have put in the past including in our past lives. So let us be optimistic and study this gem of theosophy.

 Let us remember what Robert Browning says – “A man’s reach must exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”

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NEWS & NOTES

 (Continued from Page No.6)

FOUNDATION DAY MEETING jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge on 17th November 2016 evening in Besant Hall: The Meeting was opened with the Prayers of All Religions & the Universal Prayer. Blavatsky Lodge VP Bro. Navin Kumar welcomed Blavatsky Lodge President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta, BTF Treasurer Bro. Rustom Dalal & Brethren. Maitreya Round Table Group with Meerabai’s Bhajan ‘Mane Chakar Rakhoji’ created devotional atmosphere, especially with little Arish Engineer (4-5 year young) singing the Bhajan. Sis. Jasmine Cawasji relating the life of Madam H. P. Blavatsky highlighted her greatness and hers serving the Masters despite being in great pain to bring Light to humanity. Sis. Kashmira Khambatta spoke about Col. H.S. Olcott who with complete surrender took up difficult work to educate humanity about the Wisdom unfolded by The Masters. Sis. Navaz Dhalla spoke about Col. H. S. Olcott’s preordained meeting with HPB, his knowledge of all Religions, his service to Buddhism and   obeying the Masters without questions & sacrificing all comforts for serving them. Bro. Arni Narendran spoke about the significance of the Foundation Day. Sis. Mahazaver Dalal with reverence & gratitude spoke about The Masters Morya & KuthHumi, who convinced the White Brotherhood to spread Theosophy through the Light Bringers HPB & HSO. Sis. Kerman Patel sang a beautiful song ‘Thandi hava, Yeh Chandani suhani, Aye Mere Dil suna koi Kahani’. To rejoice on Foundation day, there was a ‘Line Dance’ choreographed by Sis. Zeena Rustomji with Brethren Navin Kumar, Arni Narendran, Ruby Khan, Jasmine Cawasji & Navaz Dhalla dancing to the music. Bro. Navin Kumar presented a Pictorial Slide-Show with quotes of the Masters, HPB, HSO, AB, CWL and International Presidents George C. Arundale, C. Jinarajadasa, N. Sri Ram, John Coats & Radha Burnier. He also showed TS activities in Bombay & Juhu in last three years covering visit of International President Tim Boyd & Mrs. Lily Boyd, Group Photos of different occasions & photos of Brethren over several years. The meeting nded with recitation of the Sanskrit Prayer.

BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES DECEMBER 2016

SUPPORT CONVENTION 2016 - 2017

v  The 141st International TS Convention at Adyar will be from 31st December 2016 to 5th January 2017

v  BTF & Blavatsky Lodge Joint Programme of Support Convention at Besant Hall, Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai as under:

Sunday 1st January 2017:

10.00   am  Get-to-gather with Tea

10.30   am  Opening of Support Convention with the Prayers of All religions

10.45   am Mystic Star Ritual

12.00  Noon Pooled Lunch

  1.30  pm   Inaugural Address of International President Tim Boyd

                   screened by Bro. Navin Kumar

Tuesday 3rd January 2017:

6.15 pm Cultural Evening with songs, music etc.

              by Members & Friends

Thursday 5th January 2017:

6.15 pm Overview of the 141st International Convention,

              Adyar screened by Bro Navin Kumar

8.00 pm Closing of the Support Convention 2016-2017

1. ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical Colony, Juhu, Mumbai 400049. Sunday 18th December 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	Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
Sun     4	10.00 am  10.30 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja  BTF Council Meeting
Fri      9	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   11	10.30 am 11.00 am	To gather for preparations Mystic Star Ritual
Fri    16	6.00 pm	Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
Fri    23	4.30 pm 6.00 pm	BlavatskyLodge Managing Committee  Mtg. Members’ Meeting - Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Sun   25	11.00 am	Maitreya Round Table with ‘Christmas Ceremony’. All are welcome to attend this beautiful ceremony on Christmas Day
Fri    30	6.00 pm	Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
Tues 6, 13,20,27	5.45 pm	SS Meetings

3. CENTENARY LODGE: 

 Please contact Sis. Najma Dewan (M): 9987204038

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	Readings from Theosophical Magazines followed by discussion
29	Readings from Theosophical Magazines followed by discussion

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	6.00	Talk by Sis. Meher Contractor
Thurs  22	6.00	Lodge Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
Thurs  29	6.00	Talk by Bro. Rustom Chothia

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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)

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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 30th of Dec, 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. Nawaz Dhalla, Rustom Cooper, Sis Aban Patel.
Leave of Absence: Sis.Freny Pagdiwalla,  Sis. Ruby Khan and Bro. Noor Baig and Bro. Roy    Mathews.
The deliberations of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC meeting held on 30th Dec.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 which had decided to reimburse @ Rs50/- per shelf for cleaning of book shelves was paid to the Lodge peons viz. Ganpat and Kishore for 29 shelves.
3. Hon. Treasurer’s Report:
   The Treasurer’s Report for the month of October and November 2016 was read and confirmed.
4. Miscellaneous : 
a) Two Fire Extinguishers have been ordered @ Rs.6,400/- (for two) to be placed in ground floor and first floor. (Approved by Committee).
b) We thank Bro. Dalal profusely for his generous donation towards the corpus fund. 
Encouraged by the donation we have purchased a Sony projector for our Lodge.
c) Submission of accounts to the Collector RDC for Relief in property tax for the Lodge.
d) It has been decided to write a letter for the Kandivali property to increase the rent by 4% from April 2017.
e) It has been decided to buy a good set of speakers for the Green Room. 
There being no other business, the Meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.


Hon. Secretary         President