Programme for April 2017

BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 -  French Bridge, Mumbai 400007

    Tel: 23685026   (M): 9821459504   (M): 9819334333

DAY	TIME	DETAILS
Sun     2	10.00 am   10.30 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja BTF Council Meeting
Fri       7	6.00 pm	Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Fri    14	5.45 pm    6.15 pm	To gather for Ritual preparations Mystic Star Ritual
Fri    21	6.00 pm	Members’ Meeting - Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Sun   23	10.45 am	Maitreya Round Table
Fri     28	4.30 pm         6.00 pm	Blavatsky Lodge Managing Committee Meeting Members’ Meeting for Readings & Discussion
Tues 4, 11,18,25	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.7

–

April  2017

CONTENTS

Quote  Gautama Buddha	Cover
Appeal for Ex Gratia help for Ganpat	2  -  3
Adyar Day Meeting & Blavatsky Lodge Wrap Up Session on ‘Patanjali Yoga sutra’	3  -  6
Was C.W.Leadbeater born in 450-550 B.C.?	6  -  7
‘The Power of Prayer’ by Dr.  L. J. D’Souza	8  - 10
BTF & Lodge Programmes April 2017	11  - 12

NEWS & NOTES

BRETHREN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE TO AN APPEAL FOR EX-GRATIA HELP FOR GANPAT printed in BTF Bulletin of March 2017 to send donations to Blavatsky Lodge TS. The septuagenarian loyal and faithful worker Ganpat has just retired after serving at Blavatsky Lodge for over 50 years. He has served BTF also. The initial donations were received from about 30 members. Their names were mentioned with grateful thanks in March 2017 Bulletin. The stream of donations has continued from earlier & new donors. Our most sincere thanks to Brethren, Lodges  & Sympathizers: The Donors are: Vasanta Lodge and Brethren: Navin Kumar, Lily Nariman, Cyrus Pastakia, Pervin Pastakia, Kashmira Pastakia, Jasmine Cawasji, Kashmira Khambatta, Janardan Sherigar, Arni Narendran, Katy Bhagat, Rustom Dalal, Mahazaver Dalal and Freny Paghdiwala.

"Little drops of water, little grains of sand

  Make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land. 

  Little acts of kindness, little deeds of love

  Make this earth like the heaven above."

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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.

Remembering the old saying we request other members of the TS in Mumbai or elsewhere in India to consider making one small donation for helping Ganpat.

As indicated earlier the donations should be by crossed Cheques in favour of "Blavatsky Lodge T.S." with donor’s name, Pan Card Number and stating 'for Ex Gratia Help for Ganpat' at the back of the Cheque. The Donation Form was printed in March 2017 Bulletin. It will be available from Blavatsky Lodge Assistant Sis. Asha (Tel: 23685026). The Receipts with 80G Exemption will be issued to the donors.

The amount so collected will be passed on to Ganpat in staggered installments in consultation with him.

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ADYAR DAY MEETING Jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge on 17th February 2017 evening in Besant Hall: The Meeting was opened with the Prayers of All Religions & the Universal Prayer. BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya was in the Chair with Blavatsky Lodge President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta. Bro. Viayak Pandya opened the Meeting explaining the significance of Adyar Day. He added that it is a day to be tuned with gratitude to the Masters’ place Adyar. Sis. Kashmira Khambatta conducted the Meeting.

Sis. Ruby Khan speaking on Adyar Day said that Adyar with its beauty is a Sacred Lagoon. She spoke about how Adyar was developed with H.Q., other buildings and other TS activity buildings. It is a day to remember and thank ALL who have worked for spreading Theosophy and serving Theosophical Society.

Sis. Aban Amroliwalla speaking about extra ordinary qualities of Col. H. S. Olcott said before Col. H.S. Olcott met Madame H.P. Blavatsky, he heard a call from another world and answered it with his unquestioned commitment to the Masters. HSO, an American, made India his home and continuously working for realization of human unity he became a true citizen of the world. He became a National Hero of Sri Lanka for reconciliation of all schools of Buddhist thoughts. The Occult Hierarchy used HSO as the Chief Organizer & Executor of TS and encouraged him with their material presence. Master KH writes, ‘Him we can trust under all circumstances, and his faithful service is pledged to us come well, come ill…..where can we find an equal devotion?”

Bro. Khusrov Pavri paid tributes to Giordano Bruno, an early incarnation of Annie Besant. Giordano was a great orator, writer and philosopher. For the Truth he spok,e he was declared atheist and was burnt alive. It is said that he went to a higher plane in a Chariot of Fire.

Sis. Aban Patel surprised all with her opening words ‘Bishop C. W. Leadbeater was born somewhere in 450 to 550 B.C. (Her explanation is narrated separately in this Bulletin. Do read.) And it is also true that after 2300 years later CWL was born on 17th February 1854 in London. He had joined TS in 1883 when he became an associate of Annie Besant. Though HPB had looked at him searchingly at the first meeting, he writes about her, ‘I wish I could convey to my readers some adequate conception of what she was to me and all who had come in close touch with her, the deep affection and intense enthusiasm which she evoked.’ Aban spoke about his clairvoyant discoveries which provided details of the occult effects of all that he could see with his inner eyes. She mentioned names of some of his 69 books. She added how blessed she felt with the opportunity to study CWL’s few books and to share her study with Brethren at Blavatsky Lodge.

Bro. Berthram Redwood, who had opportunities to listen to Shri J. Krishnamurthy said this Messiah was identified by CWL. The

Higher Intelligence had transmitted Divine Knowledge to JK. Whatever JK spoke was Theosophy. His life was a life of Love, Understanding & Respect for all Life. He spoke about Self-Knowledge and advised all ‘to be in Present’ always.

Bro. Navin Kumar showed a Video on Adyar, which was the recording of International President Tim Boyd’s PPP at an American Convention in January 2015. The video starting with maps of Adyar covered the landscape, HQ & other buildings, Shrines & Temples, Amphi Theater, Palm Groves & River Path, Nature in abundance with plants, birds, insects & animal lives, garden workers, International Convention, archival artifacts like HPB’s Cup and long term planning for 100 year old buildings of Adyar, which needed repairs.

The Diplomas were presented to New Members by BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya. The Meeting was ended with recitation of Sanskrit Universal Prayer.

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BLAVATSKY LODGE WRAP UP SESSION ON ‘PATANJALI YOGASUTRA’ at Aarey Colony on 18th February 2017: In beautiful Natural Surrounding of Aarey Milk Colony about 15 Brethren gathered again for one more interactive wrap up session. Bro. Arni Narendra, who had conducted the study of ‘Patanjali Yogasutra’ at Blavatsky Lodge opened the Wrap Up Session. He said: Yoga is a Science and believes in a Temple of Living God. Body is outside, Mind is inside and Soul connects the two. We are born to go through experiences to evolve with Self-Realization. Yogic practice started with stable mind, and overcoming agitation & negativity and concentrating on positive thoughts leads to Dharna, Dhyana and Samadhi, the ultimate realization of ‘Kevalya’ - ‘Sat Chit Anand’. Goal of life is the union of Atma with Parmatma. His talk was followed by sharing of spiritual experiences and information by Brethren Khurov Pavri, Rustom Cooper, Aban Patel, Aban Amroliwalla, Berthram Redwood & Navin Kumar. Not quantity, but quality of aspirants was emphasized. TS is a process of strict selection. One comes to TS by Divine Grace. While ES prepares its members for the 6^th Root Race the Co-freemasonry is really a preparation, millions of years in advance, for the 7^th Root Race wherein Beauty & Ceremonials will permeate all aspects of life. Sis. Shernaz Vatchha expounded on Shiva-Sutra. She said Shiva is the ultimate Reality with the Trinity comprising of Vishnu on his Right and Brahma on his Left. He is thought of also as ‘Rudra’. No one understands Shiva. His existence is beyond our thoughts. Shernaz had added that ‘Chit’ is Universal Consciousness. Live a good life, have compassion, respect & learn from others, overcome fear and practice going within to find the spiritual way.     -   Compiled by Sis. Navaz Dhalla

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WAS C.W.LEADBEATER BORN IN 450-550 B.C.?

Interesting Information shared by Sis. Aban Patel

At Adyar Day Meeting of 17-2-2017

Now close your eyes and go back to that era when in Greece the great Philosophers & Thinkers were born. C.W. Leadbeater in his book ‘How Theosophy came to me?’ in the very beginning writes: My first touch with anything that could definitely be called Theosophy was in the year 504 B.C., when I had the wonderful honour and pleasure of visiting the great philosopher Pythagoras, who in this incarnation is Master K.H. I had taken birth in one of the Eupatride families of Greece (Ancient Greek Nobility) at Athens. Pythagoras’ principal disciple was Kleineas, now the Master Dijwal Kul, who was exceedingly kind and patiently explained the system of Pythagorean Philosophy, doctrine of re-incarnation, etc. It was in a Greek island of Samos that we found Pythagoras, who was of very advanced age and very near his death. When I had to leave the old aging Pythagoras, the aged philosopher blessed me and said “We shall meet again”.

Young Leadbeater, when he heard about the passing away of old Pythagoras, he wondered in what sense he could have meant these words. But when in this present incarnation he had the privilege to meet Master K.H. he recalled to his memory that scene of long ago when Master K.H. said, “Did I not tell you we should meet again?”

Almost after 2300 years later, Bishop Charles Leadbeater was born on 17th February 1854. CWL in his book writes that ‘may be owing to my exclusive devotion to the higher thought that I had an unusually long period in the heaven world just over 2300 years’. CWL further adds that when he arrived in this incarnation he had no definite memory of all that he had learnt. In his early life he knew nothing whatever of occultism or psychic matters. It all came later. He grew up at a time when people did not believe much in God and less so in life beyond death. He knew the answers but could not argue in his defense. He was a priest of the Anglican Church of England, but his interest in spiritualism/occultism caused him to end his affiliation with Anglicanism.

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‘A hundred times a day

I remind myself

That my inner & outer life are the result of

The efforts made by others

Both living & dead

And that I must

Exert myself as much as

I have received and am still receiving.’

Author Anonymous (1967)

Shared by Bro. Rustom R. Dalal

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Courtesy Dr. Luzito J. de Souza

Eminent Surgeon and Oncologist

From Prologue of his book

‘The Power of Prayer and The Mercy of God’

Some time ago I read a very touching article on “The Power of Prayer”. I have tried to verify its authenticity but have not yet been successful. However, it has a ring of truth and hence, I have produced it below:

Dr. Mark, a well known Cancer Specialist was once on his way to an important Conference in another city where he was to receive an Award in the field of Medical Research.

He was very excited to attend the Conference and was desperate to reach as soon as possible. He had worked long and hard, done his Research and felt his efforts deserved the Award he was about to obtain. However, two hours after the plane took off, the plane made an emergency landing at the nearest airport due to some technical snag. Afraid that he would not make it in time for the Conference, Dr. Mark immediately went to the reception and found that the next flight to his destination was well after ten hours. The receptionist suggested that he can rent a car and drive himself to the Conference city. It was only four hours away.

Having no other choice he agreed to the idea, despite his hatred for driving long distances. Dr. Mark rented a car and started his journey. However, soon after he left, the weather suddenly changed and a heavy storm began. The pouring rain made it difficult to see and he missed a turn he was supposed to take. After two hours driving he was convinced he was lost. Driving in the heavy rain on a deserted road, feeling hungry and tired, he frantically began to look for any sign of civilization. After some time, he finally came across a small tattered house.

Desperately he got out of the car and knocked on the door. A beautiful lady opened the door. He explained his predicament and asked her if he could use her telephone. However, the lady told him that she did not have a phone or any electronic gadget. She told the Doctor to come inside and wait till the weather improved.

Hungry, wet and exhausted, the Doctor accepted her offer and walked in. the lady gave him hot tea and something to eat. The lady told him that he can join her in prayer. Dr. Mark said that he believed in hard work only and told her to continue with her prayers. Sitting at the table and sipping the tea, the Doctor watched the woman in the dim candle light as she prayed next to what happened to be a small baby crib. Every time she finished the prayer, she would start another one. Feeling that the woman might be in need of help, the Doctor seized the opportunity as soon as she finished her prayer. The Doctor asked her what exactly she wanted from God and enquired whether God would ever listen to her prayers. He further asked about the small child in the crib for whom she was apparently praying. The lady gave a sad smile and said that the child in the crib is her son, who was suffering from a rare type of Cancer and there was only one Doctor Mark who could cure him. But she did not have money to afford his fee. And moreover, he lived in another far off town. She said that God had not answered her prayer so far, but added that God would create some way out some day, adding that she would not allow her fears to overcome her faith.      

Stunned and speechless, Dr. Mark was in tears which were rolling down his cheeks. He whispered “God is Great”. And recollected the sequence of events – there was a malfunction of the plane, a thunderstorm hit, and he lost his way. And all this happened because God did not just answer her prayer but also gave him a chance to come out of the materialistic world and give some time to the poor, helpless people who have nothing to offer, but rich prayer!  [The above story about how a Visible Helper was guided by the Divine Grace, reminds us of Bishop Charles W. Leadbeater’s book ‘Invisible Helpers’  -  Editor]

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Statement of Ownership and other Particulars

FORM IV

Place of Publication                        Mumbai

Periodicity of Publication                             Monthly

Printer’s Name                                 Vijay Copy Centre

Whether citizen of India                 Yes

Address                                              48/A, Saidunnisa Building,  Sleater Rd.                                           

                                                            Opp. Grant Road Station (West)

                                                                 Mumbai 400007

Publishers Name                                               Rustom R. Dalal, The Editor of

                                                                 The Bombay Theosophical Federation

Whether Citizen of India                  Yes

Address                                                    7, French Bridge, Chowpatty

                                                                  Mumbai 400 007

 Editor’s Name                                         Rustom R. Dalal           

Whether Citizen of India                   Yes

Address                                                 C/o. Bombay Theosophical Federation

                                                               7, French Bridge, Mumbai  400 007

Name & Address of individuals who own the newspaper and Partners of

shareholders holding more than 1% total capital        N.A.

I, Rustom R. Dalal, the Editor of The Bombay Theosophical Bulletin,  hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge & belief.         

 Dated 5-3-2017                                                       Sd. R. R. Dalal  ( Publisher )

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“Whatever you are doing,

if and when you succeed,

will be a beginning

and not a completion.”

                                                            -  Sri Aurobindo

BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES APRIL 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 April 2017 Meeting   

2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 -  French Bridge, Mumbai 400007

    Tel: 23685026   (M): 9821459504   (M): 9819334333

DAY	TIME	DETAILS
Sun     2	10.00 am   10.30 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja BTF Council Meeting
Fri       7	6.00 pm	Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Fri    14	5.45 pm    6.15 pm	To gather for Ritual preparations Mystic Star Ritual
Fri    21	6.00 pm	Members’ Meeting - Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Sun   23	10.45 am	Maitreya Round Table
Fri     28	4.30 pm         6.00 pm	Blavatsky Lodge Managing Committee Meeting Members’ Meeting for Readings & Discussion
Tues 4, 11,18,25	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 (M): 9820187317

5. SHANTI LODGE: C/o Bro. Rustom Dalal, Vijay Niwas, 2nd Floor, Plot    5, Sleater Road, Mumbai 400007   Tel: 23800422

Thursdays at 6.15 p.m.                                        (M): 9833131216

6	Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’
13	Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (at Blavatsky Lodge)
20	Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’
27	Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’

6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: Sis.  Soonoo Vesuna (M): 9619339787

Wed  19

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 Dr. Ajay Hora, Kamla Sadan 1st Floor, Pherozsha Mehta Rd., Santa Cruz West, Mumbai 400054. (M): 9820302371 (M): 9892147659

Wednesday 5, 12, 19 & 26 Meetings at 6.30 pm.

9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE: Family House, Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014.   Tel: 24185510

Thurs    6	6.00	Talk by Ervad Darayesh R. katrak
Thurs  13	6.00	Talk by Mr. Rustom Chothia
Thurs  20	6.00	Lodge closed
Thurs  27	6.00	Lodge Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz

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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 ideas; for it is not good to talk Theosophy unless we live what we talk.  – Annie Besant

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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)

MINUTES OF THE MANAGING COMMITTEE MEETING

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 28th of April, 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, Arni Narendran, Rustom Cooper.
Leave of Absence: Bro. Noor Baig, Bro. Rustom Dalal,  Sis. Freny Pagdiwalla, Nawaz Dhalla, Sis. Aban Patel, Bro. Roy Mathews.
The deliberations of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC meeting held on 24th March, 2017, which were distributed to members in advance to facilitate careful reading beforehand, were considered and confirmed.
2. Matters Arising From The Minutes:
a) With regard to the staff working in the Lodge, the remuneration has been fixed for the year 2017-18 and has been approved by the committee.
b) After the Blavatsky Lodge Appeal, made by Sis. Aban Patel, The Lodge collected the sum of Rs.58,820/- collected towards Ganpat’s Welfare Fund.
c) Subsequently on the BTF Appeal, a sum of Rs.1,20,600/- has been collected, apart of which BTF has paid Rs.10,000/- directly to Ganpat and Rs.1000/- by some donors.
3. Hon. Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report for the month of March, 2017 was read and approved by the Managing Committee Members present.
There being no other matters, the meeting ended with thanks to the chair and  the universal prayer in Sanskrit.
4. A note about the new Retirement Benefit Policy , which was approved is attached.





Secretary                                                                                             President
(Jasmine Cawasji)                                                                                (Kashmira Khambatta)