BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007
Tel: 23685026 (M): 9821459504 (M): 9819334333
DAY
|
TIME
|
DETAILS
|
Fri 1
|
6.00 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
|
Sun 3
|
10.00 am
10.30 am
|
Bharat Samaj Pooja
BTF Council Meeting
|
Fri 8
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Mystic Star Ritual
Dr. Darius Umrigar’s Talk ( in Lobby)
|
Fri 15
|
6.00 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
|
Fri 22
|
6.00 pm
|
Theosophical Readings
|
Sun 24
|
10.45 pm
|
Maitreya Round Table invites TS Brethren & Friends for ‘Christmas Ceremony’
|
Fri 29
|
6.00 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
|
Tues 5,12,19, 26
|
5.45 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
And
Practice of Line Dance (for Support Convention)
|
THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL BULLETIN
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF
THE BOMBAY
THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION
Volume
87
|
—
|
No.3
|
–
|
December 2017
|
CONTENTS
Quotes of Christmas
|
Cover
|
News & Notes
|
2, 10 & 11
|
BTF 86th Annual
Session Report
|
3 - 10
|
‘Experiences of TS’
by Late Jalbhai P. Sanjana
|
11 - 17
|
Support Convention
& Lodge Programmes December 2017 – January 2018
|
18-20
|
NEWS & NOTES
THE 142ND INTERNATIONAL TS CONVENTION
31st December 2017 – 5th
January 2018
Theme
From Teachings to Insight: The Altruistic
Heart
There will be Guests of Honour & Public Speakers, Lectures,
short talks, symposia, panel discussion, Q & A session, cultural programmes
and youth forum right after Convention ends.
Registration: Rs.200/-
Indian Style Accommodation Rs.350/-
Canteen charges Rs.1100/-
Package Price Rs.1650/-
Contact Convention Officer for Registration, Accommodation and for
Indian Money Transfer on
E-mail: tsadyarconvention@gmail.com
Address: The Theosophical Society, Adayr
Chennai 600020
Money Transfer particulars are available with BTF
President Bro. Vinayak Pandya & Secretary Sis. Mahazaver Dalal
*************************************************************
Editor – Bro. Rustom R. Dalal Cover Page By: Sis. Kashmira Khambatta
Editorial Committee – Sis. Mahazaver Dalal (Reporter
in charge of Mailing List), Sis.
Kashmira Khambatta, Sis. Aban Patel and Ex-Officio: President Bro. Vinayak Pandya. 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.
BTF
86TH ANNUAL SESSION OCTOBER 2017
The 86th Annual Session of
The Bombay Theosophical Federation held on 13th, 14th & 15th October 2017
was graced by Shri Pradeep Gohil, General Secretary Indian Section TS as the
Chief Guest. The Theme of the Session was
‘Spiritual Life & Education’.
Opening Day Session -
Friday 13th October 2017
at Besant Hall of Blavatsky
Lodge TS
The Annual Session was opened in the evening with Lighting of the
Lamp by Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Gohil and recitation of The Prayers of All
Religions & the Universal Prayer. BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya welcomed the Chief Guest and introducing him
said, ’Shri Pradeep Gohil comes somewhere
close to versatile personality of Dr. Annie Besant. He is a Chemical
Engineer with Master of Management Studies, MS in Plastics and LL.B. After
studies & 10 year career in USA he shifted to his native place
Bhavnagar. He is working with various
companies, as a visiting Faculty, has started a management school and is a
Trustee of Educational and other
institutions. He was associated with rehabilitation of victims of
Kutchh Earthquake. Son of Bhavnagar Lodge President, he has led Bhavnagar Lodge
in its most difficult time. He has served Gujarat Theosophical Federation, is a
member of Indian Section Council and now he is unanimously elected as General
Secretary of Indian Section TS.’
Shri Pradeep Gohil in his Opening Address on ‘The
Spiritual Life’ said we are all seekers. Each seeker represents the
ideal and the real. The ideal is
self-transcendence and the real is God’s all pervading Consciousness. One can
become the torch-bearer of infinite Truth and the harbinger of God-Vision
within us and without. Three keys for Spiritual Living are –
(1) Acceptance of imperfections on a physical level and to know that
spiritual being exists and will continue to progress (2) ‘Be present’ and learn to become aware of each breathing
moment and how it affects (3) Learn to
love Inner Being and to live within giving up material attachments &
conditioned beliefes. Compared to
Religion, Spirituality has one’s own experiences, it makes one free &
brave, lets one discover Truth, it unites Religions, does not make one dependent on any belief, it applies karma
& does not accept it as punishment. Spirituality lets one create one’s own
path. A spiritual life is not inconsistent with a practical life, i.e. with
material & worldly success. A man can earn money in an honest way and
leading spiritual life use it for wellbeing of others.
Sis. Kashmira Khambatta,
President of Blavatsky Lodge in a short talk shared
her thoughts and a lecture by Dr. Annie Besant on ‘The Spiritual Life’ from The
Lotus Journal.
Membership Appreciation
Mementos & Certificates were presented by the hands of the Chief Guest to
members with membership over 40 year and 60 years.
Second Day Session -
Saturday 14th October 2017
at Besant Hall of
Blavatsky Lodge TS
The Second Day Session was opened with the Universal Prayer. BTF
President Bro. Vinayak Pandya welcomed and introduced the Chief Guest Shri
Pradeep Gohil. He also welcomed Junior Red Cross Maharashtra Chairman Rtn.
Godrej Dotivala & Volunteers and students of Dani Elocution Competition. Dani Elocution Competition was organized
jointly with Junior Red Cross Maharashtra.
Shri Pradeep Gohil in his
talk ‘The Spiritual Outlook on Education’ said that a practical step has to be taken to utilize the synthesis
of Science and Spirituality for a programme of Integrated Education. There is
no one definition of the spiritual outlook. The method of approach could be
that the unfolding of the spiritual outlook must be from the very beginning of
schooling. The original thinking of students has to be encouraged with
spiritual instructions with emphasis laid on purposeful living. Knowledge of
Theosophical principles should be spread among Parents & Teachers as that
will remove the Generation Gap. Quoting J Krishnamurthi said, “Education in the
true sense is helping the individual to be mature and free, to flower gently in
love and goodness …. it is a way of discovering our true relationship to
things, to other human beings and to nature.” Shri Gohil gave seven principles of
the spiritual outlook for students of the future to face the world with greater
spiritual strength.
Bro. Navin Kumar,
Vice-President of Blavatsky Lodge in his Short Talk
said Chinese Tea is a Spiritual Ritual. Theosophical Three Absolute Truths
& Three Objects, Four Nobel Truths and the Eightfold Path and Law of Duty
& Law of Sacrifice all guide one for spiritual life. Right attitude for
Spiritual Life has to be developed from family life at all stages of life.
Sis. Aban Patel, BTF
organizer of Jamubhai & Suryaben Dani Elocution Competition 2017 speaking to students said whatever is divine is spiritual.
Theosophical Teachings guide to inculcate spirituality in children. TS Founder
Col. H. S. Olcott had established the first school for panchams in 1894. Dr.
Annie Besant had donated a college established by her to found the Banaras
Hindu University. TS President George Arundel was an educationist. The Founders
of TS had realized great power of Spirituality in India. Spiritual education of
today’s students will strengthen Spirituality of India.
Dani Elocution Competition
First Prize Winners’ speeches received applause from all. Junior Group Winner Marisa Kapadia of Queen Mary School spoke on
‘My Ambition in Life’ and Senior Group Winner Kaira D’Souza spoke on ‘Universal
Brotherhood’.
Dani Elocution Competition Prizes and Merit & Participation
certificates were given to students by Shri Pradeep Gohil.
Third Day Session - Sunday
15th October 2017
At Juhu Theosophical
Colony for Full Day
Brethren from South & North Bombay and of Juhu Theosophical
Colony gathered in the midst of refreshing beauty of Theosophical Garden
Society. After Breakfast the Full Day Session was started with the uplifting Bharat Samaj Pooja performed by Bro. Navin
Kumar and Bro. Vinayak Pandya.
BTF President Bro. Vinayak
Pandya welcomed and introduced the Chief Guest Shri
Pradeep Gohil. He expressed BTF’s thanks
to the Vasanta Theosophical Co-operative Housing Society for their warm
hospitality and generous sponsorship for 86th Annual Session. He invited Dr. Ajay Hora to share his TS Journey
over 66 years. His mother had wanted a Theosophist to be born and Ajaybhai has
lived up to his Late Mother’s wish. He was blessed to come in contact with
International Presidents since the Third International President George
Arundale. His Parents’ guidance has helped him to live Theosophy.
Chief Guest Shri Pradeep
Gohil speaking on ‘The Source of
Spiritual Energy’ said Modern Spirituality
includes a belief beyond the known and observable realm, personal growth, a
quest for a sacred meaning, religious experiences or an encounter with one’s
own ‘Inner Dimension’. Explaining ‘Spiritual’ and ‘Energy’ he said that
inspiration has to come from within. As JK says energy should not be wasted in
conflicts & fragmentation. Physical as well as psychological energy with a
mind that is immensely clear, logical, healthy, undistorted and heart that has
no sentiment whatsoever & no
emotion but has the quality of abundance of love & compassion.
Primary energy crisis on Earth today is the spiritual energy crisis. If this is
solved, no other energy crisis would exist.
Membership Appreciation
Mementos & Certificates to others were presented by the hands of the Chief
Guest to members with membership over 40 year and 60 years.
The 86th BTF AGM, with 44 members, chaired by President Bro. Vinayak Pandya conducted
the business of adopting the Minutes, Secretary’s Annual Report 2016-2017 and
Audited Accounts year ending 30th June 2017. Resolutions for the Leaders and
Devoted Workers were passed. President conveyed Marathi Theosophical
Federation’s invitation to their Annual Session of September 2018 with
International President Tim Boyd as the Chief Guest at Kalyan, Mumbai. It was
decided that some of BTF members will attend one day to meet Mr. Tim Boyd.
President announced that next year BTF will plan Adyar visit of BTF Brethren
for International Convention 2018-2019.
Blavatsky Lodge Book Depot
with Sis. Freny Paghdiwala and her team had a sale
of TS Books of Rs.2,500/-.
Post Lunch Symposium on ‘Spiritual Life & Education’
It was mainly with young speakers. Bro. Dhruv Narayan of Ananda Lodge said
watching life of his Grand-Father and listening to his Father reading
Theosophy, he was inspired to study Theosophy. Theosophy teaches Truth of life.
Man has latent powers and with conscious efforts he can spiritually progress.
Essence is one. There should be non-sectarian education. He explained the
significance of TS Emblem.
Bro. Nimit Mehta of Ananda
Lodge said to expand our intellectual, practical
& spiritual knowledge are needed. One for All and All for One has to be
realized.
Bro. Raghevanda Jha of
Unity Youth Lodge narrating a true story stated in
Sis. Manju Sundaram’s article conveyed that a small boy, who was contemplating
to understand God, had spiritual awakening listening to Kabir’s Doha. His
message was that even an inspirational song can be a source of spiritual
education.
Bro. Farhad Dalal of Unity
Youth Lodge interacting with young & seniors
conveyed that today with even nursery children using Mobile, interconnectivity
has increased, which can be used to spread spirituality in an interesting way.
Sports & Technology trigger the driving force within. Instead of young
being drawn to terrorism, as Dalai Lama has said, meditation taught to them from the age of 8 year will
take them to path of spirituality. Education gives confidence and reading &
analytical approach makes one think beyond.
Bro. Bhavesh Pandya of
Kadoli Lodge, Gujarat speaking in Hindi said one’s
life is one’s Teacher. Circumstances and incidents of Lord Buddha’s life had
led him to his spiritual quest. Latent spirituality flowers with life
experiences and one goes ahead on one’s own on the Spiritual Path.
Sis. Mahazaver Dalal of
Blavatsky Lodge sharing three observations of her
travel conveyed that spiritual education is not confided to teaching sessions.
Interaction with Nature and His creations touches the sensitivity of human
mind& heart and has its own lessons of spirituality. Encourage children to
experience oneness with nature and to learn to love & care for humans and
all His creations.
Chief Guest Shri Pradeep
Gohil was happy to present Diplomas to young
members and to listen to their ideas. Summing up symposium he said, a pure life
with pure heart will take one ahead. Today science has realized and teaches
spirituality. As International President Tim Boyd has said Three Objects of TS
are source of spiritual education.
The Finale was a Bharat
Natyam programme by five students of Sis Namita Bodaji of Juhu Theosophical
Colony. All were spell bound watching beautiful
dances starting with Ganesha Vandana and ending with Vande Matram. They were
thanked with presentation of Theosophical Books
Recipients of Membership
Appreciation Mementos
& Certificates are:
Sr.
No.
|
Recipient’s
Name
|
Lodge
|
Years
|
1
|
Late Sis. Pilloo Garda
|
Ananda
|
79 years
|
2
|
Late Dolly J. Sajana
|
Shanti
|
71 years
|
3
|
Sis. Amy Antia
|
Blavatsky
|
69 years
|
4
|
Bro. Govind Singh
|
Ananda
|
68 years
|
5
|
Bro. Khurshed Sanjana
|
Shanti
|
68 years
|
6
|
Bro. Rusi Toddiwalla
|
Blavatsky
|
67 years
|
7
|
Sis. Katy R. Bhagat
|
Blavatsky
|
66 years
|
8
|
Dr. Ajay Hora
|
Vasanta
|
66 years
|
9
|
Sis. Gool Cooper
|
Shanti
|
65 years
|
10
|
Sis. Perviz Cooper
|
Shanti
|
63 years
|
11
|
Sis. Kanta Singh
|
Ananda
|
61 years
|
12
|
Sis. Ruby D. Sinor
|
Blavatsky
|
40 years
|
13
|
Bro. Ram Kalra
|
Blavatsky
|
40 years
|
14
|
Bro. Sumit Kanabar
|
Blavatsky
|
40 years
|
GENERAL SECRETARY SHRI
PRADEEP GOHIL’S VISITS of BTF NORTH & SOUTH MUMBAI LODGES:
*On Monday 16th October
2017 Meeting of Anada, Centenary,
Ganesh, Jyoti and Vasanta Lodges of North Mumbai was held at Ananda
Lodge, Juhu Theosophical Colony. It was an
interactive meeting with General Secretary Shri Pradeep Gohil & BTF
President Bro. Vinayak Pandya to discuss how to increase young membership and
how to vitalize activated Ananda Lodge’s administration and Study of Theosophy.
There was good fellowship over refreshment.
*On Tuesday 17th October
2017 Meeting of Blavatsky Lodge, Shanti Lodge, Unity Youth lodge and Vimadalal
Bilia Lodge of South Mumbai was held at Shanti Lodge, C/o Bro. Rustom Dalal’s
Residence. General Secretary Shri Pradeep Gohil
& BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya with
interactions encouraged members to come up with suggestions for increasing
& retaining membership quickly, Economic
dispatch of ‘The Indian Theosophist’, need of hard copy with e-copy
which will facilitate wider and quicker cost free circulation, formation of
E-Lodge for members from Jammu-Kashmir to Kerala, need to spread Theosophy with
Street Plays, to organize a TV Channel to spread Theosophy, to spread
understanding of Second & Third Objects of TS, to appreciate Science
confirming Clairvoyance findings and to realize that as one teaches one learns
the most. Bro. Navin Kumar presented to
Shri Pradeep Gohil a copy of Sis. Aban Patel’s Manual with her notes of a
study of ‘Man, When, Whence & Whither’ she had conducted at Blavatsky
Lodge. Late Sis. Bana Mehta’s
compilation of inspiring songs, Bhajans, Dohas and songs with TS themes,
composed by her in Gujarati titled
‘Sarasvati Vandana’ was released by Shri Pradeep Gohil and as per Late Sis.
Bana Mehta’s wish the book was presented to Blavatsky Lodge. Youngest Member Master Prince Patel encouraged
by his teacher Sis. Soonoo Vesuna read out a passage from ‘At the Feet of the
Master’.
Note: Members interested in Late Sis. Bana Mehta’s book ‘Sarasvati
Vandana’, please contact Sis. Mahazaver Dalal (M):9833131216
*****************************
SHRI H. K. SHARAN’S new
Hindi Book: ‘SIDDHARTH KA JIWAN –
SAHASTRA PRASHNA AUR UTTER’ – ‘Life of Siddharth –Thousand Questions &
Answers’: This book has Siddharth’s life up to
he got enlightenment. Originally it was written in Sinhali language by Bhante
Kotaneluve Punnanand. Next it was translated in English by Padmasiri
Gunavardana. Later Bro. H. K. Sharan was requested to translate the book in
Hindi. When the book was released he thought of Brethren of Bombay and made the
copies available with Blavatsky Lodge Book Depot. The book is for sale for
Rs.100/- per copy.
OBITUARY: Sis. Khorshed
Darukhanewalla, member of Shanti Lodge for 13 years
passed away on 14-10-2017. To lead
Theosophical Life, she used to get inspiration from her daily study of ‘At the
Feet of the Master’.
Bro. Ram Mukherji, member
of Ananda Lodge for 14 years passed away on 22-10-2017. He was an eminent Director & Script
writer of Bollywood. He used to participate in BTF Sessions and meetings of the
Vasanta Theosophical Coop Housing Society at Juhu Theosophical Colony. At the
BTF 86th AGM held on 15th October at Juhu, Brethren had passed a resolution fondly
remembering him & wishing him good health. Brethren were sorry to receive
the sad news.
May the souls of our departed Brethren be blessed with peace.
***************************************************
EXPERIENCES
OF TS
Jotted
down by Late Bro. Jalbhai P. Sanjana
on
14th December 2003
Shared by Jalbhai’s
Daughter Sis. Thrity Dalal
Typed from hand written
notes by Sis. Aban Patel
[This is not just a historical record; it speaks of Theosophical
Journey of 71 years of Bro. Jalbhai Sanjana,
who lived Theosophy – Editor]
In
undivided India there was a province, named Bombay Presidency. In that province
was a city named Baroda. I
was staying with my relatives. A family friend Fardoonji Mehta talked about
T.S. and gave me one book to read. It was “Talks on At the Feet of the Master”
by G.S.Arundale. I then went to Rewa Lodge and after a few months became member
in October 1944. The Lodge was
meeting on Sundays, with devotional song by a member in the beginning and with recitation of
“Oh! Hidden Life” at the end. Main speakers were two senior members,
Dhansukhlal Mehta and Chhotabhai Sutaria. They were hardly taking any notes and were well versed in TS
literature and passing knowledge and enthusiasm to others. There were several
youths also. Bharat Samaj Puja and Mystic Star Ritual were performed once a
month. There were a few lady members also, mostly, wives, daughters,
daughters-in-law of male members. Chhotabhai Sutaria conducted study class on
“Seven Principles of Man” by A.B. on week days, especially for youths. Drama on
life of A.B. was performed in Morbi Theater. The following were the main
visitors:
(a)
Vanishankar Bhat. He was attending every
International Convention and was touring for two months whole of Gujarat in his
enthusiastic and devotional way creating an atmosphere of the connection. He
also conducted study classes at several places in Gujarat.
(b) Harjivanbhai Mehta was the most practical exponent of Theosophical Teachings in Gujarat.
He generally toured various Lodges once a year. Several of his books are
re-printed and are available for sale at comparative cheaper rates.
(c)
Rohit Mehta ad Shridevi
Mehta. The
couple does not need any introduction. Bro. Rohit was then International
Secretary. He subsequently became General Secretary of Indian Section, Varanasi,
for many years and toured throughout India, giving many lectures. He also wrote
several books which are
available for sale at comparatively reasonable rates. Sis. Shridevi Mehta
always accompanied him with musical instruments and sang devotional and
semi-classical songs.
In addition to the above, Bhupatbhai
Mehta, Indumati Mehta and youths from Bharuch were also the visitors. I had
also gone several times to Surat, Ahmedabad and participated in TS and allied
activities.
Mumbai Shanti Lodge: After some years,
in December 1947, I was transferred to Mumbai. One day I read at Dalal Estate
name of Shanti Lodge Board. I went there and joined Shanti Lodge in 1948. I was
surprised to see many lady members and was shy in the beginning. The Lodge was
meeting in the residence of Banubai Bhamgara, who was always sympathetic and
cooperative with all. Bro. Peshotan Pavri, the main founder of the Lodge was
also coming. He had just completed in English “Theosophy for Youths” and
started writing in Parsi Gujarati “Moovela pachhal mahetam” and “Poonarjanam”.
Sis. Motan Sukhia was conducting musical and garba classes which were quite
popular. I was much impressed by talks of Mehra Dhalla and her various
activities. I was also impressed by the emotional talks of Jalbhai Billimoria,
joyous talks of Sohrab Karaka and humorous talks of Jamubhai Dani.
I had my first training as Lodge
Secretary under Mehra Dhalla, who was the President. After the demise of
Banubai Bhamgara, the Lodge continued meeting at the same place for some time.
Afterwards, it was shifted to Khorshed Avari’s residence at Dalal Estate. Later
it was shifted around 1985 to Bro. Rustom Dalal’s residence, Sleater Road, as
at present.
Unity Youth Lodge, which was previously
meeting at Seva Sadan, came over to Banubai Bhamgara’s residence. There were
harmonious relations between the two Lodges. Some of the members in both the
Lodges were marriageable age. Nature worked its way and several marriages took
place, including mine. Bro. Rohit Mehta attended some of the marriage
ceremonies and remarked several times that “Shanti Lodge” is “Shadi Lodge”.
After Banubai’s demise, the Unity Youth Lodge shifted to Blavatsky Lodge
premises as at present.
The Bombay Theosophical Federation:After sometime Mehra
Dhalla became Federation President and she made me Federation Secretary. During
her time Clara Codd and Geoffrey Hudson visited Mumbai and their lectures were
arranged, bringing Theosophy to public. For that purpose lectures on respective
religions were arranged in their premises, e.g. Christianity at YMCA at
Lamington Road. Several members attended these lectures. The Federation Office
Bearers went to all Lodges about twice a year and interacted with members with
a view to expand Theosophical work. This practice continues in some other
Federations even at present.
New Lodges: Round about Besant Centenary in 1947, several new Lodges were
opened. They were Centenary Lodge at Bandra, Radiance at Rustom Baug, Byculla,
and Jamshed Mehta at Cusrow Baug, Colaba. After some time Raja Lodge was opened
at Cumballa Hill, which was subsequently shifted to Sion. I am not quite sure
as to when Ghanshyam Lodge was opened at Ghatkopar. Then Jyoti Lodge was opened
at Goregaon.
Closing of the Lodges: During the last forty years
several Lodges were closed. Raja Lodge, Ghanshyam Lodge, Radiance Lodge and
Jamshed Mehta Lodge were closed. Besant Lodge was closed after seventy five
years of existence for want of accommodation.
During the last fifty years or so, the
Federation membership decreased from about 425 members to 375 members at
present. With Mohanlal Velji as Federation President, there was a second chance
for me to be the Secretary. He always encouraged me to take initiative and
stood by me through thick and thin. He revived Jyoti Lodge.
There were three important celebrations:
In 1975, there was T.S. Centenary Celebration. In 1979, there was Blavatsky
Lodge Celebration at Juhu. In 1981, there was Golden Jubilee of Bombay
Federation. Bro. Jayantilal Shah labored much to make these celebrations
successful.
The Members in Mumbai who influenced me:
- Minoo Mullan: He guided me in T.S. teachings, especially concerning E.S. His wife Navajbai Mullan was also an active member of T.S. and was conducting Lotus Class for children on terrace of Blavatsky Lodge. Both were teachers by profession. After the demise of Navajbai and Minoo Mullan, T.S. members collected some money and opened a fund namely Minoo Mullan education Fund, the interest of which is utilized for college students Elocution and Essay competition.
- Mehra Dhalla: She wrote several pamphlets on behalf of Vimadalal Bilia Lodge in Gujarati in connection with Besant Centenary Lodge. She was one of the founders of new Lodges, Centenary, Radiance, Jamshed Mehta and Unity Youth Lodge. She also invigorated Besant and Shanti Lodge. After her demise members collected money and started Mehran Dhalla Fund by Federation.
3. Jamubhai Dani:
He had the knack of making Theosophical teachings with relaxation and humor. He
had good literary faculty and wrote about 45 books, including Gujarati
translation of Theosophical books and many books for children. He was also
interested in garbas wherein he participated. His wife Suryaben was good in drawing, music and garbas. Both were
teachers and both inspired each other. After their death, members collected
money and made Jamubhai and Suryaben Dani Education Foundation. Interest from
the same is utilized for distributing note books to school children and for Inter-school Essay &
Elocution Competition for children.
- Jayantilal Shah: He was President of Bombay Federation for several years and was associated with Foundation in several activities. He was also a member of Blavatsky Lodge and in the Managing Committee and took keen interest in Library and Book Depot work. He introduced incense sticks in Book Depot. He was also member of Vimadalal Bilia Lodge, Dadar. He often came to Blavatsky Lodge and guided the members whenever required. He actively participated in T.S. Centenary, Blavatsky Lodge Centenary and Federation Golden Jubilee Work. He was a good organizer with patience and immense tolerance.
There were also many other good workers:
Among them, Sohrab Karaka, Freny Bulsara, Mani Sidhwa, Jalbhai Billimoria,
Rustom Alpaiwala, who started publishing Bombay Bulletin. Gulestan Jussawala,
(Juhu), Gulbanu & Tehmina Wadia (Juhu), Homi Shroff, Kanhyalal Agarwala
(Past Treasurer), Rustom Aria, Mohanlal Velji, Homai Toddywala, Cawsi
Bottlewala, Sam Cooper and many others.
DELHI:After my first stint in
Mumbai in early 50s, I was transferred to Delhi in 1958. The same aspect of
friendliness and family like atmosphere prevailed in Delhi as is elsewhere in
T.S. the main Lodge was Indraprastha
Lodge, meeting in premises of Indraprastha Girls High School. The Lodge was
founded by an English lady, who was a member of Theosophical Society, many
years ago. The Lodge was meeting on Sunday mornings as is the case in many
places in India. Majority members were men. Tatachary, Bhargava and Agarwal
were main speakers.
There was another
active Lodge. It was meeting in Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan in one room on ground floor. Bro. Bepin Behari and his wife Madhavi both friendly and relaxed
workers were arranging meetings. Once they arranged a series of lectures,
inaugurated by Babu Rajendra Prasad, first President of India, who gave the
first lecture. Other lectures followed. The lectures were printed by Bro. Bepin
Behari, probably himself meeting a considerable cost.
Yet another active Lodge in New Delhi was in S.S, Verma’s residence.
After retirement he went to Adyar, where he was in charge of Archives. He
wrote two books published by T.P.H.
After Delhi, I was transferred to Rajasthan, at several places. With
touring duty and heavy desk work, it was not possible to contact T.S. members as
one would like to do. Subsequently, I was transferred to many places in Gujarat
and Maharashtra and finally to Mumbai before my retirement. After my
retirement, I joined Blavatsky Lodge in January 1979 and on demise of
Treasurer, Kantilal Agarwal I became Treasurer. By grace of God and cooperation
of members the work is being carried out.
Teachings that attract me : The first object of T.S. “ To form a
nucleus of Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race,
creed, sex, caste or color”. Nucleus means a core, a central part of living
Center and not only an Intellectual Center. Universal Brotherhood implies
development of Love. At the Feet of the Master it is said
“…of all the qualifications, Love is the most important; for it is strong
enough in a way it forces him to acquire all the rest without which it would
never be sufficient”. For love to be
manifested, it has to move out of the groove of race, creed, caste, sex, or
color. An aspirant has to move out of these grooves, to enable love to
manifest. For recognizing these grooves, Swadhyay- self-learning/observation
and determination to move out are necessary.
Another way to manifest love is to be
charitable to the weaknesses of others and helping them, in whatever way we
can. Jesus Christ has stated “Greater Love hath no more than this, that a man
laid down his life for his friend”. Efforts are required to be made in both
ways – patience and perseverance.
In the Theosophist of September 2003,
the following is the quotation from Dr. A. Besant’s book- Wisdom of the Upanishad- “It matters enormously what you think. If
you think falsely, you will act mistakenly; if you think basely, your conduct
will suit your thinking. So, think your noblest, your highest. Think the best
you can and not the worst. Aim high, for higher the arrow is aimed, the higher
the mark it hits. Keep your own ideal lofty, while you keep your judgment of
others charitable, your ideals shall lift you and your charity shall raise your
fallen brother. For never yet did a man rise by being trampled on. Man only
rises by being loved in the midst of his sins and follies and as we deal with
our brethren, so do those who are above us deal with our outer selves”.
BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES DECEMBER 2017
SUPPORT CONVENTION 2017 - 2018
v
The 142nd International TS
Convention at Adyar will be from 31st December 2017 to 5th January 2018 with
the Theme: ‘From Teachings to Insight : The Altruistic Heart’
v
BTF & Blavatsky Lodge
Joint Programe of Support Convention at Besant Hall, Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai as
under:
Monday 1st January 2018:
5.30 pm.
Tea and snacks
6.00 pm.
Prayers of All Religions and the 142nd Convention
Inaugural Speech of International
President Tim Boyd
Tuesday 2nd January 2018:
5.30 pm. Tea and snacks
6.00 pm. Video clips from Adyar by Bro. Navin
Kumar
6.30 pm. PPPresentation by Mr. Byram Dhalla on ‘Drives of a Life
Time - A Journey to Remember’ covering his
adventures
of 45days From London to Mumbai
across continents of
Europe and Asia
Wednesday 3rd January 2018:
5.30 pm Tea and snacks
6.00 pm Cultural
Evening with songs, music, Magic show, Line
Dance etc. by Members &
Friends
Master of Ceremony Sis. Aban
Patel
Thursday 5th January 2018:
5.30 pm Tea and snacks
6.00 pm Mystic
Star Ritual
7.00 pm Closing of the Support Convention 2017-2018
ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical Colony, Juhu, Mumbai 400049. Contact
Ananda Lodge Secretary Sis. Zenobia Khodaiji (M): 9820308163 or Ananda Lodge
Representative to BTF Sis. Anjoo Narain (M): 9820132473 for Meeting of December 2017
2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007
Tel: 23685026 (M):
9821459504 (M): 9819334333
DAY
|
TIME
|
DETAILS
|
Fri
1
|
6.00 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The
Path’
|
Sun 3
|
10.00 am
10.30 am
|
Bharat
Samaj Pooja
BTF
Council Meeting
|
Fri 8
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Mystic
Star Ritual
Dr.
Darius Umrigar’s Talk (
in Lobby)
|
Fri 15
|
6.00 pm
|
Study
of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
|
Fri 22
|
6.00 pm
|
Theosophical
Readings
|
Sun 24
|
10.45
pm
|
Maitreya
Round Table invites
TS Brethren & Friends for ‘Christmas Ceremony’
|
Fri 29
|
6.00 pm
|
Study
of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
|
Tues
5,12,19, 26
|
5.45 pm
|
Study
of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
And
Practice
of Line Dance (for
Support Convention)
|
3. CENTENARY LODGE:
Please contact Sis. Najma Dewan (M):
9987204038
4. JYOTI LODGE: C/o Bro. Taral Munshi, C/101, Building
No.19, New Mhada, Garden Hill C.H.S., New Mhada Colony, Behind N.P.A., Goregaon
(East), Mumbai 400065 (M): 9820187317
5. SHANTI
LODGE:
C/o Bro. Rustom Dalal, Vijay Niwas, 2nd Floor, Plot 5, Sleater Road, Mumbai 400007 Tel: 23800422 (M): 9833131216
7
|
Study of
‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant
|
14
|
Study of
‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant
|
21
|
Dr. Darius Umrigar’s Talk (at Blavatsky Lodge)
|
28
|
Study of
‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant
|
6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: Sis.
Soonoo Vesuna (M): 9619339787
Wed 20
|
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: C/O Mrs. Gita S. Parikh, Gokul Anand Building, 4th
Floor, Dattatraya Cross Road
(M):9920384140
Wednesday 6, 13, 20 & 27 Meetings at
6.30 pm.
9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE:
Family House, Parsi
Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014. Goolcher
Manjra Tel: 24185510
5.45 pm. Healing Rituals.
Thurs
7
|
6.00
|
Healing Ritual
|
Thurs
14
|
6.00
|
Talk by Bro.Zinoo Master
|
Thurs
21
|
6.00
|
Talk by Mr. Rustom Chothia
|
Thurs
28
|
6.00
|
Theosophical Readings
|
AGNI JAL BHOOMI
VAYU AKASH
FIRE WATER EARTH
AIR SPACE
Serve like the
warmth of FIRE
Serve like the
flow of WATER
Serve like the
solidity of EARTH
Serve like the
vastness of SPACE
Serve like the
power of AIR
SERVE!
Courtesy: Frame
on the wall of Hinduja Hospital
(Shared by Sis.
Mahazaver R. Dalal)
*************************************************************
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 22nd of December, 2017 at Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai.
The meeting chaired
by the President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta began with the Universal Prayer.
Members Present: Bro. Navin Kumar,
Sis. Jasmine Cawasji, Sis. Nawaz Dhalla, Bro.Arni Narendran, Sis.
Ruby Khan, Sis. Aban Patel
Leave of Absence: Bro. Noor Baig, Bro. Rustom Dalal, Sis. Ferny Pagdiwala, Bro.
Roy Mathews, Rustom Cooper.
The deliberations
of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation
of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC
meeting held on 24th November, 2017, which were distributed to members at the
meeting, were considered and confirmed.
2. Hon.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report for the month of November 2017, was read by Sis.
Ruby Khan and approved by the Managing Committee Members present.
3. Miscellaneus:
a) Hall Maintenance Charges hiked by Rs.500/- per turn from 1st
April 2018.
b) Rs.8,500/- to be reimbursed to Bro. Navin Kumar as per bills with Sis.
Navaz Dhalla.
c) Rs. 200/- each to Kishore and Vikas for extra cleaning work on the 2nd
floor of the Lodge.
There being no other business, the Meeting ended with a vote of thanks to
the chair.
Secretary
President
(Jasmine
Cawasji)
(Kashmira Khambatta)
