BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.
DAY
|
TIME
|
DETAILS
|
Fri 3
|
6.00 pm
|
Theosophical Readings followed by Discussion
|
Sun 5
|
10.00 am
10.30 am
|
Bharat Samaj Pooja
BTF Council Meeting
|
Fri 10
|
6.00 pm
|
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
|
Sun 12
|
10.30 am
11.00 am
|
To gather for Ritual preparations
Mystic Star Ritual
|
Fri 17
|
6.15 pm
|
Theosophical Readings followed by Discussion
|
Fri 24
|
4.30 pm
6.00 pm
|
Blavatsky Lodge Managing Committee Meeting
Members’ Meeting - Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
|
Sun 26
|
10.45 am
|
Maitreya Round Table
|
Fri 31
|
6.00 pm
|
Theosophical Readings followed by Discussion
|
Tues 7, 14,21,28
|
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.6
|
|
March
2017
|
Because Jesus Christ was human, He rose again.
Remarkably. Jesus of Nazareth was the only disciple who took all the
Initiations up to Adeptship in a single physical life. His Immortality was
based on His Divinity. Great Love of God is always experienced by humans with
Great Pains, Sorrows and Suffering. Man has to conquer his lower nature and
transcend to the level of the Spirit. The Reality of the Resurrection has given
mankind hope for a better future beyond. Hallelujah.
CONTENTS
Quote Good Friday
|
Cover
|
News
& Notes
|
2 - 4
|
‘Bro. D. P. Sabnis’
First International Convantion
|
5
|
‘Today’s Education’
by Vidisha Poonja (Student)
|
7 - 9
|
Form for Ex Gratia Help to Ganpat
|
11
|
BTF & Lodge Programmes March 2017
|
10 - 12
|
NEWS & NOTES
BRETHREN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE TO AN
APPEAL FOR MEDICAL AID FOR GANPAT: At the Support Convention on 3rd January 2017
an appeal was made for Medical Aid for Shri Ganpat Jadhav’s emergency surgery
expenses. Ganpat, according to our Senior
Members, in his own ways as a Blavatsky Lodge Attendant, has served the Masters
for 50 years. The Aid collected was enough to pay his surgical expenses of
Rs.38,096/-. Thank you Brethren (names
follow) for caring for Ganpat: Shernaz Vatchha,
Meherangiz Baria, Amy Antia, Parvez Gandhi, Navin Kumar, Mahazaver & Rustom
Dalal, FrenyPagdiwalla, Kashmira Khambatta, Aban Patel, Ruby Khan, Jasmine
Cawasji, Arni Narendra, Zeena Rastomji, Dhariya, Aban Amroliwalla, Ketayun
Irani, Navaz Dhalla, Noor Baig, Bhupendra Bhatia, Roy Mathews, Kerman Patel,
Dhananjay Singh Kabir, Manjula Kanabar, Hirani Ahmed & Khosrav Pavri.
Ganpat has served Bombay
Theosophical Federation also. He has recently retired as Blavatsky
Lodge TS Attendant due to advancing age of more than 70 years
and frailty of health, making it difficult to serve any longer. GANPAT’S SAVINGS
ARE VERY MEAGRE TO PROVIDE HIM A LIVELIHOOD. Hereby
we appeal to Brethren of all Nine Lodges of BTF to give their
kind donations to help Ganpat and his ailing wife in his post retirement
period. Please issue your cheques in
favour of ‘BLAVATSKY LODGE T.S.’ and send it along with the Donation Form given on Page No.11 of this Bulletin duly filled in, giving Address and PAN Card
Number of the donor. With the
Receipt 80G Exemption Certificate will be given by Blavatsky Lodge T.S.
*********
TALKS ON ZOROASTRIANISM AT VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE - Compiled by Bro. Zinoo Master
On 15th November Sis. Meher Contractor speaking on ‘Hormuzd Yasht’ at
Vimadalal Bilia Lodge said that the Avesta Literature is divided into 5 groups
viz. Yasna, Vispred, Vanidad, Yasht literature and Khordeh Avesta. Ýasht literature includes 22 Yashts.
The word Yasht means worthy of being worshipped and Yasht is a litany [praise]
to a particular Yazata [Holy One].
There are seven Amesha Spentas
(AS) (CWL refers to them as Planetary Logoi) and 26 Yazatas are
Helpers of the 7 AS. Hormuzd Yasht is a litany to Ahura Mazdaa (AM) praising
His Glory and His luster. Hormuzd Yasht consists of 32 paras, but really ends
at para 23, the remaining being fragments of
Bahman Yasht.
*In paras 1 & 2, Lord Zarathushtra asks
AM which “Mathra Spenta” (Holy/Sacred Word) gives courage, glory, health, etc.
The Lord AM replies in para 3 and 4 “Names of AS”.
*In paras 5 and 6, Lord Zarthushtra asks as to which of the names
*In paras 5 and 6, Lord Zarthushtra asks as to which of the names
Is greatest, best, effective, etc. In paras 7 and 8, AM gives His 20 names which are in fact attributes of
God.
Sis. Meher said that we must recite these names with utmost faith and gratitude to the Lord for giving us these Holy Names *Paras 9
Sis. Meher said that we must recite these names with utmost faith and gratitude to the Lord for giving us these Holy Names *Paras 9
to 11 mention the efficacy of these Names. By
reciting and repeating these names we express our love for AM and are able to
conquer our shortcomings, obtain spiritual strength and become one with our
Higher Consciousness. In these paras AM says that if you recite these names and
sing my praises, I will give you my Help [through Sarosh Yazad] and Joy
(Anand) and defend you against all evil powers (Hate, jealousy, greed etc.)
*Paras 12 to 15 list some more names (attributes) of AM and para 16 to 19 list
the efficacy of these names. She said that speculation on the mystical powers
of the names of God is common among Orientals. Dastur (High Priest) Noshirwaan
wrote 101 names and Dastur Marzban another 125. *In paras 20 to 23 there are
sundry invocations. In paras 24 to 26 AM says that I have created with my
Wisdom the remaining 6 AS: Bahman (Vohu Mano – Good Mind), Ardibesht (Asha
Vahishta), Sherevar (Kshthra Vairya – Strength of God), Asfandarmad (Spenta
Armaity), Khordad (Ahurvatat) and Amardad (Ameretat – Immortality). With my
Wisdom I have created this World and It will remain till I WILL it. *In paras
30 to 32, we praise the Ushidaren Mountain – Highest Intelligence of AM,
Gaokaren, the Tree of Faith and Love, Asmo Khanvant, the first disciple of Lord
Zarthushtra and the Wisdom which arises from Purity and Righteousness.
On 18th January Bro. Rustom C. Chothia spoke on “Evil” at Vimadalal Bilia Lodge. He
said that we have to fight and overcome the all the internal evils we have:
1. Selfishness [Swarthipanu] 2.Vanity, Pride [Abhiman] 3. Envy, Jealousy [Adekhaai] 4. Wrath, Anger [Gusso] 5. Lust [Vishya Vasna] 6.Greed [Lobh] 7. Hatred [Dhikkar] 8. Grudge [Vair] 9. Deceit [Thagai] 10. Ungratefulness [Nagunai].
1. Selfishness [Swarthipanu] 2.Vanity, Pride [Abhiman] 3. Envy, Jealousy [Adekhaai] 4. Wrath, Anger [Gusso] 5. Lust [Vishya Vasna] 6.Greed [Lobh] 7. Hatred [Dhikkar] 8. Grudge [Vair] 9. Deceit [Thagai] 10. Ungratefulness [Nagunai].
***************************************************
Only as you live Theosophy can you spread Theosophy. It is not our words, it is our life, that affects people…. Our lives, if they are unselfish, pure, loving and helpful, are the best propaganda of Theosophical ideals; It is not good to talk Theosophy unless we live what we talk. – Annie Besant
Only as you live Theosophy can you spread Theosophy. It is not our words, it is our life, that affects people…. Our lives, if they are unselfish, pure, loving and helpful, are the best propaganda of Theosophical ideals; It is not good to talk Theosophy unless we live what we talk. – Annie Besant
MY FIRST INTERNATIONAL TS
CONVENTION, ADYAR
by
Bro. Dattaram P. Sabnis, Past President of Blavatsky Lodge
May maiden visit to Adyar to attend the
December 1999 International Convention was an additional ‘Bonus’ in my quest to
attain the highest knowledge. (DPS explains ‘Bonus’: I realized the mistake of
not stepping into the Blavatsky Lodge 50 years back as a college student and
remorse for the loss of 50 years’ precious Theosophical Knowledge)
At first sight, I felt that the Theosophical
complex at Adyar was nothing but a ‘Heaven on Earth’. With rich nature,
greenery maintained in the extensive complex, the presence of rare species of
royal birds visiting the complex everyday and ‘The Voice of Silence’ pervading
all over the complex, I almost fell in love with Adyar and decided to stay back
to attend the School of Wisdom workshop. The workshop covering the ‘Masters and
the Path’, The World Religions and five books written and explained by Prof. Dr.
Robert Ellwood made me still richer.
One day, from the School of Wisdom we were
taken to a guided tour to see the activities going on in the TS Complex and it
was a real eye-opener. We were taken to see the Olcott School, The Theosophical
Publishing House, the HPB Hostel, the Social Welfare School and other places
and we could see what ‘Great Work’ is going on at these places and that too
very silently. One must make it a point to visit these places during the Annual
Convention.
Bouquets to our Sisters and Brothers at Adyar.
But
words are precious and often fragile vehicles not only for thought but for the
aspirations of the heart; they can convey not only mundane meanings that get us
about in the world and relate us to each other, but also the hunger of the soul
and the beauty of the spirit in their reaching out to that moreness which
remains forever indefinable and therefore unspeakable. - “O Hidden Life…” Joy Mills
TODAY’S EDUCATION
By Ms. Vidisha Poonja, S.Y.
LL.B. student
& Applicant for Minoo
Mullan Memorial Inter-Collegiate Elocution Competition 2017
India
today has the second largest higher education network in the world. The Central
or State governments set up universities in India by means of legislation.
Colleges are established either by the state government or private
bodies/trusts. All these colleges are affiliated to some university or the
other across India. Education is the imparting and acquiring of knowledge
through teaching and learning especially at school or similar institution.
The
earliest educational processes involved sharing information about gathering
food & providing shelter, making weapons & other tools. Before the
invention of reading and writing people lived in an environment in which they
struggled against natural forces, animals & other humans. To survive, these
pre-literate people developed skills that grew into cultural and educational
patterns.
Modern
day education is aided by a variety of technology, computers, projectors,
internet and many more. Everything that can be simplified has been made
simpler. Science has explored every aspect of life; there is much to learn and
more to assimilate. Internet today provides abysmal knowledge; there is no end
to it. One can learn everything he wishes to. New inventions and discoveries
have revealed the unknown world to us more vividly. Once a new aspect is
discovered, hundreds of heads start babbling over it, and you get a new dogma
from hearsay. Not only our planet, but also the whole universe has become accessible.
Now
we have good and learned teachers to impact us with the knowledge they have.
Presently our education system is based on making us the best in our area of
interest to help us reach our goals more easily. We are grasping more of
fact-based knowledge. What we learn helps us in our career and in our
profession. Professionalism is deep rooted in our society now and education
makes us so. Even an infant these days goes to a kindergarten and a little
grown, mentally and physically, is promoted to Montessori.
Well
that is the positive side, but every story has two sides:
Of
all the virtues our education system has developed into mere schooling. Now,
new trends are being developed which are far more a baloney than boon. The
history of Indian education has its roots in the ancient ages where they
followed the Gurukul system - a system where the students resided in the house
of their teacher until the teacher felt that he had imparted all that he could.
The subjects taught varied from Sanskrit to scriptures to mathematics,
metaphysics and the knowledge attained would be passed on to the future
generations. However, this system was changed during the colonial era when the
British set up schools that followed curriculum confined to subjects such as
mathematics, science and so on. While ancient system included more interaction
with nature, modern system was more classrooms oriented.
Every
established system in the country always attracts severe criticism. The Indian
education system especially has been the target of many allegations from
students, parents and teachers. Students think they are overburdened, teachers
think they are not paid enough, and parents want their children to get 99.99
percent marks. Where does the buck stop?
Yes,
in recent times there have been some steps taken on education reforms, but
there needs to be a lot more. Many IB schools across India are trying to bring
in interactive education and we laud that immensely but the evil of rote
learning is yet to be wiped out from a majority of Indian schools. Ever heard
of students mugging up balanced equations? This is one fundamental change that
needs to come about in our Indian education system.
Another
grave issue that we Indians are dealing with is ‘Reservation’. Reservations are
nothing but means to prosper vote banks of politicians. They are hindering the
country’s growth, development and competency in all aspects. However,
reservation for women at university and school level is a thing necessary. The
Constitution of India provides for a casteless and classless society, then why
Reservations for upliftment of each and every caste in the education sector?
The concept of 27 percent reservation for the OBC’s was coined in the case of
Indra Sawhney v/s Union of India, popularly known as Mandal Commission Case.
Currently, as per the Government policy, 15% of the students admitted to
universities must be scheduled castes and for scheduled tribes there is a
reservation of about 7.5%. Other than this, the state Governments also follow
their own reservation policies respectively based upon the population
constitution of each state; so nearly 50% of the seats are reserved. The
general category people are left with only 50% of the seats. In my opinion
Reservations must be made on the basis of economic conditions. The kind of
reservation policy that our government follows does nothing but divides
Society; it is oppressive and leads to discrimination and conflicts between
different sections.
Scientists
and technologists are doing wonders in the fields of synthetics, electronics,
atomic energy and exploration of outer space. On one side, we have this
astounding progress in science: on the other hand; we are witnessing political
and economic chaos, national, racial and religious conflicts, and provincialism
and student unrest indicating the free play of divisive forces. How are we to
account for this contradiction-scientific advancement on one hand and
deterioration in human behavior on the other?
The
reason is alongside the growth in knowledge, ignorance is also growing.
Increasing number of persons are seeking education, not for learning but for
acquiring the means to gratify their desires. Education today has nothing
sacred about it. For most of my life; I have been taught to believe that the
secret to a successful life is to get outstanding grades. Slowly over the
years, however I have discovered this premise to be completely false.
Luckily, over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to immerse
myself in a variety of empowering perspectives and thus have come to understand
that we are 100% responsible for our lives and to recognize that education goes beyond just the
classroom.
In
conclusion I would like to point out a few changes that need to be brought
about in the Indian education system: focus on skill based education, reward
creativity, original thinking &innovation, get smarter people to teach,
implement massive technology infrastructure for education, re-define the
purpose of education system, effective deregulation, take mediocrity out of
system, personalize education-one size does not fit all, allow private capital
in education, make reservations irrelevant. Nelson Mandela once said,” Education is the
most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”
[Students like Vidisha are
looking for knowledge beyond the Class Rooms, which will unfold their Inner
Potential to develop themselves and will guide them for an approach to their
academic, professional and personal lives. Don’t you think Theosophy can help
them? If ‘Yes’, let us evolve presentations to share Theosophy with Youth. – Editor]
We need to use education to
create awareness of ethics and ways to work without emotions in order to lead a
happy life. Our modern education system would be improved if it included
training in how to deal with mind and emotions. And this should be done in a
secular way. That is what I wanted to share with you. –
His
Holiness the Dalai Lama
BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES MARCH
2017
1. ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical Colony, Juhu, Mumbai 400049. Contact Ananda Lodge Secretary Sis.
Zenobia Khodaiji (M): 9820308163 / Ananda Lodge Representative to BTF Sis.
Anjoo Narain (M): 9820132473 for March
2017 Meeting
2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.
DAY
|
TIME
|
DETAILS
|
Fri 3
|
6.00 pm
|
Theosophical Readings followed by Discussion
|
Sun 5
|
10.00 am
10.30 am
|
Bharat Samaj Pooja
BTF Council Meeting
|
Fri 10
|
6.00 pm
|
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How
and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
|
Sun 12
|
10.30 am
11.00 am
|
To gather for Ritual
preparations
Mystic Star Ritual
|
Fri 17
|
6.15
pm
|
Theosophical Readings followed
by Discussion
|
Fri 24
|
4.30 pm
6.00 pm
|
Blavatsky Lodge Managing Committee Meeting
Members’ Meeting - Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How
and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
|
Sun 26
|
10.45 am
|
Maitreya Round Table
|
Fri 31
|
6.00 pm
|
Theosophical Readings followed by Discussion
|
Tues 7, 14,21,28
|
5.45 pm
|
Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by
Sis Navaz Dhalla
|
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
Blavatsky Lodge
THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
7-A, RANGNEKAR MARG (FRENCH BRIDGE), NEAR CHOWPATTY, MUMBAI 400 007
OBJECTS OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
1.
TO FORM A NUCLEUS OF
THE UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD, WITHOUT DISTINCTION OF RACE, CREED, SEX, CASTE OR
COLOUR.
2.
TO ENCOURAGE THE
STUDY OF COMPARATIVE RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE.
3.
TO INVESTIGATE THE
UNEXPLAINED LAWS OF NATURE AND THE POWERS LATENT IN MAN.
LETTER FOR DONATION
(Cheques should be payable in favour of – Blavatsky Lodge T.S.)
To:
The Hon. Secretary
Blavatsky Lodge T.S.
Dear Bro/Sister,
Having come to know that the Theosophical Society is composed of
students belonging to any religion, who are united by their sympathy with the
Society’s Objects, I wish to make a donation as per following details:
Donation (Rupees)
|
|
By Crossed Cheque
No.
Dated
|
|
Drawn on (Bank Name)
|
|
My Pan Card No. is
|
FOR THE PURPOSE OF
ADVANCING THE OBJECTS OF THE BLAVATSKY LODGE, THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY,
MUMBAI
|
EX
GRATIA HELP TO GANPAT
|
Brief details about
me are as follows:
Name
|
|||
Address
|
|||
Email-id
|
Phone/Cell No.
|
Place
|
Date
|
Signature___________________________________
5. SHANTI
LODGE:
C/o Bro. Rustom Dalal, Vijay Niwas, 2nd Floor, Plot 5, Sleater Road, Mumbai 400007
Thursdays at 6.15 p.m.
2
|
Study of A. E. Powell’s’s Book ‘The
Etheric Double’
|
9
|
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (at Blavatsky Lodge)
|
16
|
Study of A. E. Powell’s’s Book ‘The
Etheric Double’
|
23
|
Jamshedi
Navroze Celebration with talk by Mr. Rustom Chothia on ‘King Jamshed &
Others’ followed by
contributory refreshment. Please phone:23800422 to let us know you are coming
|
30
|
Study of A. E. Powell’s’s Book ‘The
Etheric Double’
|
6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: C/o Blavatsky Lodge
Wed 15
|
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 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Meetings at
6.30 pm.
9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE:
Family House, Parsi
Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014.
Thurs 2
|
6.00
|
Lodge Meeting by
Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
|
Thurs 9
|
6.00
|
Dr. Firdaus Shroff will speak on ‘Kindle the Spark Within’
|
Thurs
16
|
6.00
|
Talk by Mr. Rustom Chothia
|
Thurs
23
|
6.00
|
Sis. Meher
Contractor will speak on ‘Atash
Niyayesh’
|
Thurs
30
|
6.00
|
Lodge Meeting
by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
|
********************************************************
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)
MCM MINUTES FOR MONTH OF MARCH 2017
MCM MINUTES FOR MONTH OF MARCH 2017
Blavatsky Lodge
THE
THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
7, French Bridge, Rangnekar Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai-400 007
Minutes of the
Managing Committee meeting held at 5.00 pm on Friday, the 24th of March, 2017
at Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai.
The meeting chaired
by the President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta began with the Universal Prayer.
Members Present: Bro. Navin Kumar,
Bro., Sis Jasmine Cawasji, Sis. Ruby Khan, Sis. Nawaz Dhalla, Sis Aban
Patel and Bro. Roy Mathews.
Leave of Absence: Bro. Noor Baig, Bro. Rustom Dalal, Bro. Rustom Cooper, Sis.
Freny Pagdiwalla, and Arni Narendran
The deliberations
of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation
of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC
meeting held on 24th February, 2017, which were distributed to members
in advance to facilitate careful reading beforehand, were considered and confirmed.
2. Matters Arising From The Minutes:
a) The request of Mrs. Tushna
Dallas for extra hours for the use of
the Besant Hall at Rs.1200/- per hour on Wednesday and Thursday for examination
preparation was approved.
3. Hon.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2017 was read and approved
by the Managing Committee Members present.
4. Miscellaneous:
a) It was decided to give an extra turn to
Tushna Dallas on Tuesdays for the year 2017-2018.
b) An increment of Rs.400/- to Kishore Pardesi
and Ashalata Mhatre with all the allowances unchanged.
c) The
Besant Hall charges have been increased by Rs.500/- per turn. Managing
Committee noted for information.
d)
Blavatsky Lodge has taken Mr.Vikas Worlikar on its regular establishment
from 1st April 2017.
There being no other matters, the
meeting ended with thanks to the chair and the universal prayer in Sanskrit.
Secretary
President
(Jasmine
Cawasji)
(Kashmira
Khambatta)