Programme for March 2017

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.

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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

 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

 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].  

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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

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Price: Rs. 1/-                                         Annual Subscription: Rs. 10/-

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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

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 24^th 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 1^st 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)