Monday, August 21, 2017

Programme for September 2017


Programme for September 2017
BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007
    Tel: 23685026   (M): 9821459504   (M): 9819334333


DAY                                      
TIME                        
DETAILS                                                      
 Fri  1
   4.30 pm
   6.00 pm
Managing Committee Meeting
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Sun   3
  10.00 am
  10.30 am
  11.30 am
Bharat Samaj Pooja
BTF Council Meeting
Blavatsky Lodge AGM
Fri    8
   6.00 pm
Mystic Star Ritual
Fri   15
   6.00 pm 
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Fri    22
   6.00 pm
Theosophical Readings
Sun  24
10.45 pm
Maitreya Round Table  
Fri   29
6.00
Theosophical Readings
Tues 5,12,19, 26
   5.45 pm
Study class – ‘The Masters & The Path’ by C.W. Leadbeater.




THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER 2017

CONTENTS

Quotes of  Mahatma Gandhi
Cover 
News & Notes
    2 - 4
‘Why God made Families’
Poem by Sis Freny Paghdiwala
       4
‘A Step Forward’ by Shri  Pradeep Gohil
    5 - 6
BTF & Lodge Programmes September 2017
    7 - 8

NEWS & NOTES

REVISED INDIAN SECTION TS ANNUAL DUES

APPLICABLE FROM 1ST OCTOBER 2017

As per Circular of General Secretary Shri Pradeep Gohil

  1. Entrance Fee (one time): Rs.100/-
  2. Annual Membership Dues: Rs.150/-
  3. Annual Married Couple Dues: Rs.225/-
  4. Annual Dues for members below 25 years: Rs.75/-
  5. Annual Dues for Unattached members: Rs.150/-
  6. Life membership Dues: Rs.3000/-
  7. Indian Theosophist Subscription – for Members: Rs.30/-

   Subscription for Non-Members: Rs.50/-

  1. Indian Theosophist Long Term (15 years) Subscription for Members: Rs.300/-

Indian Theosophist Long Term (15 years) Subscription for Non-Members: Rs.500/-

  1. Lodges will have discretion to fix the Lodge Fees.



Brethren of all Lodges of BTF please note that the Indian Section Dues have to be paid according to Revised Dues starting with the year October 2017 – September 2018.

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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.

"CALL TO MEMBERS OF BLAVATSKY LODGE TS FOR AGM on 3-9-2017:

DEAR SISTERS/BROTHERS,

AS ALREADY NOTIFIED ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF BLAVATSKY LODGE, AND AS ALREADY INTIMATED THROUGH INDIVIDUAL NOTICES THRU POST AND EMAIL THE AGM OF BLAVATSKY LODGE IS SCHEDULED ON THE 3RD SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 11.30 A.M. AT BESANT HALL, THE BLAVATSKY LODGE. MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE AGM TO MAKE THE GATHERING A SUCCESS. AFTER THE MEETING THERE WILL BE POOLED LUNCH.SUPER SENIOR MEMBERS OVER THE AGE OF 75 YEARS WILL BE GIVEN TAXI FARE OF RS 200/-.



THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE ANNUAL AUDITED ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN PUT ON THE NET AND CAN BE SEEN BY CLICKING ON THE LINK GIVEN BELOW:




BRETHREN BLOCK THE DATES FOR THE BTF 86TH ANNUAL SESSION to be held on 13th, 14th & 15th October 2017: The Chief Guest will be Mr. Pradeep H. Gohil, the new General Secretary, Indian Section Theosophical Society. The Opening of the Annual Session on Friday 13th Oct. and Second day session on Saturday 14th Oct. will be in the evenings at Blavatsky Lodge TS. On Sunday 15th Oct. there will be a Full Day Session at Juhu Theosophical Colony. Bus Service for Juhu Session will be there. Registration for Juhu Session (including Bus charges): Rs.100/- Register your names early with: Blavatsky Lodge Assistant Sis. Asha Tel: 23685026 or Dr. Ajay Hora (M):9820302371.

 The detailed programme of the Annual Session will be announced in BTF Bulletin of October 2017.



NATIONAL SEMINAR AT GUNTUR 3-5 NOVEMBER 2017 at Sri Krishna Lodge under Rayalseema Federation, Andhra Pradesh on Theme ‘Progress of Humanity lies in the growth of the Soul’: Federations are invited to send 2 members to attend the seminar which will be in English conducted by National Lecturers Prof. C. A. Shinde, Dr. R. V. Vastrad. & other speakers. Registration is Rs.300/-. EST Camp will be on 6-7 November 2017for which no

 Registration, but donations will be accepted. Contact Person – Secretary Sri M. Kodananda Rama Rao (M):9885041577

SHANTI LODGE TS celebrated 71st Foundation Day on 22-6-2017 with a Musical Programme. Sis. Freny Paghdiwala and Sis. Navaz Dhalla had organized a video of Flying Dutchman Andre Rieu playing and conducting a Concert at Albert Hall, London. The meeting ended with Refreshments.



ERRETA: Please refer to BTF Bulletin August 2017 Page No.6 paragraph 2 of ‘Note’ under article ‘Theosophical Education’. We regret a typographical mistake by which instead of ‘TOS Mumbai, India’ printed was ‘TS Mumbai, India’.



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WHY GOD MADE FAMILIES

 Sis. Freny F. Paghdiwala



God made the World, a wonderful place

Blessed with Beauty and filled with Grace

He made for us this special home

With mountains, forests and fields to roam



Then to provide the finishing touch

He gave us people who love us so much

Parents who care, who guide and teach

Children with tiny hands to reach



Brothers and Sisters to always share

The tears and laughter or just be there

God made Families to help the world to grow

So His everlasting LOVE would show

A STEP FORWARD



Shri Pradeep H. Gohil

General Secretary, Indian Section Theosophical Society

(Chief Guest of BTF 86th Annual Session October 2017)

Courtesy: The Indian Theosophist July 2017



A question that is often debated in Theosophical circles is whether education comes under the umbrella of Theosophy. I know of well-known Theosophists, who have reached high positions in the administration of TS, have questioned whether education falls under any of the three objectives of Theosophy. Our International President, Mr. Tim Boyd, recently answered this very directly by saying “education falls under all the three objectives of Theosophy”. 



When an international language like English is taught in the primary classes, it can act as a channel for understanding Internationalism. A student can come to know his neighbours across the world more and more creatively through Geography. Moral Science in the school can teach the child about altruistic and universal brotherhood concepts. It can infuse how humankind is one without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, color or national origin. Cooperation and unity of man and nature can be derived from study of Ecology, Animal Psychology and behavior, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Biology and Genetics. Understanding beauty, order and harmony in Nature and applying ethics for unity of man along with his responsibility to Nature can be developed from contributions for Music, Fine Arts, Literature and Harmonics. A child should be taught to talk about “Our World” more than my country, or my state or my city. Our ancient Rishis taught these concepts very well. It is from this that the catholic schools have picked up the teaching of Moral Science. If one sees a larger picture of such education, is it not falling under our first objective?      

Similarly, when universal principles of Metaphysics, study of comparative religions of the world, inter-religious and inter-cultural movements for unity and understanding, the essential unity of religions, etc. are taught in the school one can be sure that the second objective for Theosophy is being achieved.



Finally, when students are taught Parapsychology, Yoga, Mysticism, and Physiology of man and learn about the latent capacities in Man- the spiritual nature as studied from all religions and philosophy, the individuals with expanding consciousness and unlimited capacities and activities and the operation of the universal laws - aren’t we satisfying the third objective of Theosophy?



Mr. B.N. Swarup of U.P. Theosophical Federation wrote in the July 1971 issue of the “The Theosophical review”:  

“Scientific knowledge besides giving a new meaning and deeper understanding of spiritual truths also provides the medium of instruction for putting across philosophic ideas in a form which bring them within the comprehension of boys and girls of school age and also of the adult population….It will be worthwhile to start an Institute where education may be imparted on these lines”.



Dr. Annie Besant has summarized the true object of education as follows:

“To train the body in health, vigour, and grace, so that it may express the emotions in beauty and the mind with accuracy and strength; to train the emotions to love all that is noble and beautiful; to sympathize with the joy and sorrows of others; to inspire to service; to find joy in sacrifice for great causes and for the helpless; to feel reverence for all who are worthy of it and compassion for the outcaste and the criminal; to evolve and discipline the mind in right thinking; in right discrimination, in right judgement and in right memory. To put all this, in a single sentence - to make the man a good citizen for a free and spiritual commonwealth of Humanity”.



This will certainly be a step forward in the practice of Theosophy.

BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES SEPTEMBER 2017

1.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 September 2017

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

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

DAY                         
TIME                              
DETAILS                                                           
 Fri  1
   4.30 pm
   6.00 pm
Managing Committee Meeting
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Sun   3
  10.00 am
  10.30 am
  11.30 am
Bharat Samaj Pooja
BTF Council Meeting
Blavatsky Lodge AGM
Fri    8
   6.00 pm
Mystic Star Ritual
Fri   15
   6.00 pm 
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Fri    22
   6.00 pm
Theosophical Readings
Sun  24
10.45 pm
Maitreya Round Table  
Fri   29
6.00
Theosophical Readings
Tues 5,12,19, 26
   5.45 pm
Study class – ‘The Masters & The Path’ by C.W. Leadbeater.

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         P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’
14
Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’
21
Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’
28
Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’

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.   Tel: 24185510

5.45 pm. Healing Rituals.

Thurs    7
6.00
Talk by Bro. Keki Palkhiwalla
Thurs  14
6.00
Theosophical Readings by Bro.Zinoo Master
Thurs  21
6.00
Theosophical Readings by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz.
Thurs  28
6.00
Talk by Sis. Meher Contractor



Description: Image result for good thoughts





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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)


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MCM
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ANNUAL REPORT


BLAVATSKY LODGE

The Theosophical Society

7, French Bridge, Chowpatty, Mumbai 400007. Tel: 2368 5026



notice

                                                                            Date:1-08-2017



Dear Sister/Brother,



The 137th  Annual General Meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S. will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday,  3rd September, 2017, in the Blavatsky Lodge premises when your presence is earnestly solicited.



Yours fraternally,





Jasmine Cawasji

HON. SECRETARY

AGENDA



1.      To read the circular convening the Meeting.

2.      To read and confirm the minutes of the last Annual General  Meeting held on 07th August 2016.

3.      To receive and adopt the Managing Committee's Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2017.

4.      To receive and pass the audited Statement of Accounts of the Lodge and Book Depot, as on 31st March 2017.

5.      To appoint Honorary Auditors for the year 2017-2018 and fix their honorarium.

6.      To invite suggestions and views of members to spread Theosophy, increase membership of TS and make the Blavatsky Lodge, more vibrant and active.

7.      Any other matter with the permission of the Chair.

PS:
The General Body meeting will be followed by lunch for members. Senior Members of age 75 years or above will be reimbursed taxi fare up to  Rs.200/-. All members are requested to confirm participation to the Lodge Assistant, Sister Asha (Phone 022
2368 5026) as soon as possible to facilitate lunch arrangements.



ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2017



We pay our homage to the Masters and the Great White Brotherhood for their invisible guidance and assistance.





MEMBERSHIP:

We invite new members to attend our Rituals of Mystic Star, and the Maitreya Round Table as also the meetings held on Tuesdays and Fridays.





MEMBERSHIP DETAILS
Regular
Associate
Total
LIFE MEMBERS



   As on 1-4-2016
52
1
53
   Transfer from Ordinary Members
3

3
   Expired
2
          -
2
Life Membership Suspended
Bro. A.M. Naik
1

1
Transfer from Federation
1

1
   As on 31-3-2017                         
53
         
54

ORDINARY MEMBERS



   As on 1-4-2017
   (Including Associate Members)
85
6
91
   New Members
9

9
   Renewal of Membership
-
-
-
   Expired
3
1
4
   Resigned
1
-
1
   Lapsed

-

   Transfer to Life Membership
3
-
3
   Transfer from other lodges
-
-
-
   As on 31-3-2017                               
84
5
89

TOTAL MEMBERS (as on 1-4-2017)
   137
         5
142



Orbituary : Sis Bana D. Mehta, Life member and past President of Blavatsky Lodge and a Council Member of Bombay Theosophical Federation having served TS for 52 years passed away to Light Eternal on 11th July 2016.

Bro.Fali Cooper, one of our oldest members, was a very erudite student of Theosophy. He passed on to Light Eternal on 14-9-2016.

Sis. Perin Gustasp Karkaria, Blavatsky Lodge member of 48 years passed away on 16th October 2016.

Sis. Avan Shroff, Blavatsky Lodge Member of 62 years passed away on 3-11-2016. A gentle devoted TS Member & Co-Freemason of High Degree.



Managing Committee: At the Annual General Body meeting held on 07th August 2016, the following members were elected unanimously as Office-Bearers and Members for the years 2016-18.

President                                 Sis. Kashmira Khambatta

Vice-President                         Bro. Navin Kumar.

Hon. Treasurer                        Bro. Arni Narendran

Hon. Jt. Treasurer                     Sis. Ruby Khan

Hon. Secretary                          Sis. Jasmine Cawasji

Hon. Jt. Secretary                   Sis. Nawaz

MEMBERS                               Bro Rustom Dalal                       

Sis. Aban Patel
Bro. Noor Baig

                                                Sis. Freny Pagdiwala   

                                                Bro. Roy Mathew

                                                Bro. Rustom Cooper



Following Sub-Committees were formed:

Library Sub-Committee:

Sis Kashmira Khambatta (Hon. Librarian),
(Asst. Librarian Bro.Arni Narendran, Bro.Roy Mathews

Book Depot Sub-Committee:

Sis Freny Paghdiwalla (Book Depot Manager), Sis Nawaz Dhalla, Bro. Arni Narendran.

Housekeeping Sub-Committee:

Sis Nawaz Dhalla, Sis. Ketayun Irani, & Sis. Jasmine Cawasji.

Building Supervision Sub-Committee:

Bro. Rustom Dalal, Sis Nawaz Dhalla and Rustom Cooper

Programmes Sub-Committee:

Sis Aban Patel, Sis. Jasmine Cawasji and Bro. Roy Mathews

The President and the Hon. Secretary are ex-officio members of all the Sub-Committees.



Managing Committee Meetings: The details about members’ attendance at the meetings are as under:



No. of meetings attended by the Managing Committee Members
(August 2016 – March 2017)

    [Out of 9 meetings]

President
Sis. Kashmira Khambatta
    7
Vice President
Bro. Navin Kumar
    9
Hon Treasurer
Bro. Arni Narendran
    8
Hon Secretary
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
    9
Hon Jt. Treasurer
Sis Ruby Khan
    8
Hon. Jt. Secretary
Sis. Nawaz Dhalla
    7
Member
Sis. Freny Pagdiwala
    2
Member
Sis Aban Patel
    8
Member
Bro. Roy Mathews
    8
Member
Bro. Rustom Dalal
    5
Member 
Bro Noor Baig
    5
Member
Bro Rustom Cooper
    7

LODGE MEMBERS’ MEETINGS, THEOSOPHICAL TALKS & DISCUSSIONS which took place during the year, included:

Members’ Meetings:

Members’ meeting were held on Fridays. Bro. Arni Narendran rendered a series of talks at the lodge  entitled “Demystifying Patanjali” and the wrap up session was held at Aarey Milk Colony.

·        Sis. Aban Patel conducted study classes on ‘Man Whence How and Whiter’

·        Study sessions were held on ’48 Lives of Alcyone’ which were jointly conducted by Sis.Nawaz Dhalla, Bro. Berthram Redwood and Sis. Kashmira Khambatta with special inputs by Bro. Navin Kumar.

·        Yoga sessions held on Tuesdays by Sis. Shernaz Watchha an exponent of Iyengar Yoga.

·        The Mystic Star Ritual in memory of late Sis. Dhun Bottlewalla was held on Sunday 12th June 2016 in Besant Hall. Sis. Navaz Dhalla organized the Mystic Star Ritual of June 2016 in her memory.

·        On 8th July, ‘Great Experiences of the Lives of HPB, H.S. Olcott, Annie Besant & C.W. Leadbeater’ from Gujarati Book of Harjiwandas Kalidas Mehta  was read by Sis Aban Patel.

  • Commemoration Meeting for Late Sis. Bana Mehta was held jointly by BTF, Blavatsky Lodge & Shanti Lodge on Friday 29th July 2016 at 6.00 p.m. at Blavatsky Lodge.
  • On 12th August 2016, discussions on the talks of Sis. Shivani (Brahma Kumari) by all the members present.

Allied Activities:

·        Bharat Samaj Pooja on 1st Sundays of every month.

·        Mystic Star Ritual on 2nd Friday or Sunday of every month.

·        Maitreya Round Table on 4th Sundays of every month.

Red Letter Days were celebrated jointly with B.T.F. through talks, readings and audio visuals as under:

1.      White Lotus Day meeting of BTF was jointly celebrated by Anand Lodge and Blavatsky Lodge at Juhu Theosophical Colony on 8th May 2016.

2.      Dr. Annie Besant’s Birth Anniversary on 1st October 2016 was celebrated jointly by BTF and Blavatsky Lodge in Besant Hall. There was a symposium on her life, personality and contribution for humanity at Besant Hall

3.      Foundation Day Meeting on 17th November 2016 at Blavatsky Lodge at 6 pm.

4.      Adyar Day on 17th February 2017 at Besant Hall

Special Ceremonies which took place included the following:

WESAK BLESSINGS OF LORD BUDDHA conducted on 20th  May 2016 by Bro Keki Palkhiwalla in Green room.

CELEBRATIONS OF THE MAITREYA ROUND TABLE held on 22nd May 2016 with performance of the Wesak Ceremony along with their Annual Meeting.

ASALA POORNIMA MEETING was held on Friday 15th July and was conducted by Bro. Zinoo Master. Sis. Navaz Dhalla had prepared a traditional table with Diva near Lord Buddha’s statue.

 Christmas Ceremony by Round Table on Christmas Day 25-12-2016 morning at Besant Hall: The beautiful ceremony conducted by Officiating Knight Rashna Jehani was to herald Good-will & Cheer with Hymns ‘Abide with Me’, ‘Away in a Manger’ & ‘O!

PAVRI’S Book "Theosophy Explained in Questions and Answers” added to Jalbhai CD Library‏ by Bro. Navin Kumar.





PUBLIC TALKS AND OTHER PROGRAMS held were:

SUPPORT CONVENTION 2016-2017, Jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge At Besant Hall, Blavatsky Lodge.



Blavatsky Lodge Entrance, Lobby and Besant Hall were decked with Christmas decorations by Sis. Navaz Dhalla to welcome Brethren & Friends. Support Convention 2016-2017 was held to be in tune with the 141st International Convention at Adyar from 31st December 2016 to 5th January 2017. The Convention was opened in the morning with the Prayers of All Religions and the Universal Prayer. To attune all to the Convention Theme ‘Beyond Illusion: A Call to Unity’ the Mystic Star Ritual was performed. This beautiful ceremony with its Spiritual Teachings leads to a feeling of Oneness. During the ceremony, Sis. Navaz Dhalla shared an article on the significance of the Mystic Star Ritual. Blavatsky Lodge President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta read out the Presidential Address of International President Tim Boyd delivered at the Convention Opening on 31st December 2016.

Cultural Evening on Tuesday 3rd January 2017: The participant Brethren,Members & Friends interested in Music gathered in the evening in Besant Hall. Master of Ceremonies Sis. Aban Patel on behalf of the Bombay Theosophical Federation and Blavatsky Lodge TS welcomed all and wished them a Happy New Year. The Universal Prayer led by Blavatsky Lodge President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta was recited. Sis. Shernaz Vatcha recited Gayetri Mantra, explained the meaning of the Sanskrit Mantra and spoke about different adaptations of three parts of AUM.

The Round Table Group sang their opening processional hymn - Mirabai’s Bhajan ‘Mane Chakar Rakhoji’. The Group, with Sis. Freny Paghdiwala on piano, had its eldest member Sis. Amy Antia and youngest member little Arish Engineer.

Sis. Navaz Dhalla’s song ‘Tomorrow Belongs to Me’ with Sis. Freny Paghdiwala on piano gave hope and inspiration to all.

Bro. Dhanajay Singh shared his experiences of attending a ‘Self Transformation’ workshop with Sufi & Zen Meditations at Osho’s Centre in Dharamshala, North India. Dhananjay added that Osho valued Theosophical books, but wants the members to practice the Teachings.

All were spell bound, when Mrs. Silloo Shroff, at a ripe old age of 82, in her melodious ever young theme voice sang Pankaj Mallik’s ‘Tere Mandir ka Hun Deepak Jal Raha Hai’ and Jyuthika Roy’s ‘Jogi Mat Ja, Mat Ja’, the song for which she had received an Award.

Bro. Taral Munshi recited his Hindi poem making Brethren conscious about their role as TS members. The theme’s wordings were: Theosophy ka matlab hai itna sada, Insan kare insane se Insaniyat ka Vada’.

Bro. Khosrav Pavri with song ‘Bada Nam Karega, Aisa kam karega’ depicted high hopes of all Fathers.

Blavatsky Lodge Vice-President Bro. Navin Kumar surprised everyone with his Magic tricks.

Bro. Rustom Dalal gave the message of peace & love with Kishore Kumar’s song: ‘Aa, chalke tuzeh mein lake chalu, Eak aise Gagan ke tale, Jahan gum bhi na ho, aansoo bhi na ho, Bus pyar hi pyar pale’

An original French song written in 1945 in the aftermath of World War 2 – ‘La vie en Roze’ meaning ‘Life in Pink’ was beautifully sung by Sis. Zeena Rastomji.

Sis. Kashmira Khambatta with PP presented ‘Quotes of Leaders’. There were inspiring & guiding quotes of J. Krishnamurty, H. P. Blavatsky, Annie Besant, C. Jinarajadasa, John Coats and G.S. Arundale.

Sis. Ratamai Peer, a Teacher of Zoroastrian Religion  rendered a song ‘Namun chhun tane Pak Paravardegar’

Bro. Navin Kumr on Mouth Organ lilted everyone with a nostalgic old time favourite ‘Yeh apna dil to aawara’

Sis. Navaz Dhalla, with Sis. Freny Paghdiwala on piano, invoked blessings for Blavatsky Lodge & its Building with the song ‘Bless This House’.

Bro. Navin Kumar with his wife Lataji gave a surprise item dancing the  ‘Last Waltz’.

Mrs. Dowlat Dhalla on piano regaled all with medley of Favourite Christmas and other songs.

Former Director General of Police Mr. Chowdhry and Mrs. Chowdhry with classical fervour sang a duet ‘Jab Deep jale aana, Jab Sham dhale aana’.

MC Sis. Aban Patel touched the hearts of all with the story of a little boy singing ‘You are My Sunshine’ for his unborn sister When sister was born sick and doctors had given up hope of reviving her, he sang it again and brought her to life with the song. The song was rendered by Sis. Jasmine Cawasji and beautifully woven into the story by MC.

High Light of the evening was ‘the Line Dance’ choreographed by Sis. Zeena Rastomji with dancers Sis. Ruby Khan, Bro. Navin Kumar, Sis. Jasmine Cawasji, Bro. Arni Narendra and Sis. Navaz Dhalla.

The Finale was an  impromptu dance on the tune of Spanish song ‘Feliz Navidad’ i.e. ‘I wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my Heart’ by Sis. Jasmine Cawasji, Zeena Rustomji & the Dance Group.

Closing on 5th January 2017

After the Opening Ceremony the audience were shown a video clip of  Sis. Linda Oliveira’s Short Talk titled ‘Living from the Still Centre’.

The Support Convention was closed with words of appreciations by Bro. Navin Kumar.



IMPRESSIONS OF THE 141ST INTERNATIONAL T.S. CONVENTION at Blavatsky Lodge on Sunday 8th January 2017 morning: BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya, who with Dr. Ajay Hora & Sis. Urvi Hora had attended the Convention, said that it is always an unique experience to attend International Convention at Adyar, the Masters’ abode. In spite of havoc by a Cyclone, the Amphitheater was prepared and other arrangements made to receive the Convention Delegates. He briefed Brethren about Indian Section TS Council Meetings. Dr. Ajay Hora had chaired one of these Meetings, he further informed that the newly elected TS General Secretary  Mr. Pradeep Gohil   has accepted the BTF invitation to be Chief Guest for the BTF 86th Annual Session to be held on 1st, 2nd & 3rd October 2017. Bro. Pandya urged that more members from Mumbai should attend International Conventions.



REPORT OF THE 85TH BTF ANNUAL SESSION

4th, 5th & 6th November 2016

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



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



On 5th November evening at Blavatsky Lodge Dr. Satapathy in his address ‘Theosophy and the Upanishads’ spoke about similarities between Theosophy and Upanishads. He explained  four Mahakavya (big poem) with stories and the meaning of Upanishads i.e. Upa (coming closer) Ni (with humility) Shad (with quiet stable mind) with realization of one’s humbleness to learn from Guru. This is akin to ‘At the Feet of the Master’.

GRATITUDE:

The Blavatsky Lodge TS acknowledges with sincere thanks kind donations towards Corpus from:



(1)   Sis. Aban Patel Rs.5000/-

(2)   Bro. Navin Kumar Rs.20,000/-

(3)   Bro. Navin Kumar Rs.15,000/-

(4)   Bro. Khosrav Pavri Rs.1000/-

(5)   Sis. Jasmine Cawasji Rs.10,000/-

(6)   Sis. Kashmira Khambatta Rs.7,000/-

(7)   Bro. Kanubhai Shah Rs.50/-

(8)   Bro. Janardana Sherigar Rs.5,000/-

(9)   Bro. Ahmed Hirani Rs.1,000/-

(10)Bro. Akil Hirani Rs.1,000/-

(11)Bro. Godrej Panthaky Rs.10,000/-

(12)Bro. Rustom Dalal Rs.30,500/-

(13)Bro. Khosrav Pavri Rs.11,000/-

(14)Bro. Cyrus Pastakia Rs.5,000/-

(15)Sis. Pervin Pastakia Rs.5,000/-

(16)Sis. Kashmira Pastakia Rs.5,000/-



A long serving staff of Blavatsky Lodge Mr. Ganpat Jadhav retired from the service of the lodge. As a good will measure, the members of the Lodge collected Ex-Gracia funds for his medical and post retirement requirements. A sum of Rs.58,820/- was collected through individual contributions from the members of the Blavatsky Lodge.



The Bombay Theosophical Federation also made an appeal through its Bulletin for contribution towards Mr.Ganpat Ex-Gratia. A sum of Rs.96,600/- was collected as on 31-3-2017.



LIBRARY:

Books
Balance as on 1-4-2016
Purchased
(+)
Donated
(+)
Discarded
(-)
Balance as on 31-3-2016
English
10,923
--
2
--
10,925
Gujarati
  370
--
--
--
   370
Marathi
  264
--
--
--
   264
Hindi
  529
--
--
--
   529
Sanskrit
   44
--
--
--
    44
TOTAL
12,130
--
2
--
12,132



2. Library Membership:                            

     Nos.

Membership as on 31-3-2016                        25

Add: New Members                                        5

                                                                          

 Revival                                                            1

                                                                  -----

                                                                       31

                                                                    -----

Less: Lapsed/Expired/Transferred, etc.      -    6

                                                                 ------

Membership as on 31-03-2017                       25

                                                                 ====  



We greatly appreciate the services of our members and sympathizers in our project of rearranging the Lodge Library and for manning the Book Depot. Interested persons may contact Bro. Navin Kumar for volunteering their services.

We also request our members and sympathizers to devote some of their valuable time towards attending our study classes, programs & allied activities and assisting in programs, library, book depot, housekeeping and building maintenance. Interested persons may contact the Secretary or other Committee members.

Attached with the Annual Report are the Accounts for the year 2016-2017.





THE GOLDEN STAIRS



A clean life, an open mind,

A pure heart, an eager intellect,

An unveiled spiritual perception,

A brotherliness for all,

A readiness to give and receive advice and instruction



A loyal sense of duty to the Teacher,

A willing obedience to the behests of TRUTH,

Once we have placed our confidence in,

And believe that Teacher to be in possession of it;

A courageous endurance of personal injustice,



A brave declaration of principles,

A valiant defense of those who are unjustly attacked,

And a constant eye to the ideal of human progression,

And perfection which the secret science depicts—



These are the golden stairs

Up the steps of which the learner may climb

To the Temple of Divine Wisdom.





—H. P. Blavatsky



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The Annual Accounts for the FY 2016-17 can be seen at the link given below:


https://sites.google.com/site/blavatskylodgeauditas/2016-17

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BLAVATSKY LODGE T.S.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BLAVATSKY

 LODGE T.S. HELD ON 3rd SEPTEMBER, 2017 AT BESANT HALL OF THE LODGE.

The 137th Annual General Body Meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S held in the Besant Hall of the Lodge was commenced with recital of Prayers of all Religions and the Universal Prayer by Members present. A total of 40 members were present for the AGM against the required quorum of 18.

Bro. Janardana Sherigar, who has now donned the robes of an Acharya in the Chinmaya Mission  was requested to give an overview of the work Chinmaya Mission. Touching the subject briefly he agreed to address the Lodge on a suitable date and time

The Secretary Sis. Jasmine Cawasji welcomed the Members present for the meeting and read out the Minutes of 136th AGM held on  7th August 2016 .

Thereafter, the agenda items were taken up and the deliberations were as under:

1.     To read the circular convening the Meeting:

The circular dated 7th August 2017 convening the AGM which was circulated to members earlier, was reckoned as read.



2.     To receive and adopt the Managing Committee’s Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2015:

The President requested the Members to observe silence for a minute in honor of the Members who expired during the year under report while gratefully remembering the committed services rendered by them to Blavatsky Lodge in particular and Theosophical Society in general.



The President placed before the members the salient features of Annual Report including the programs and activities during the year under report. The following resolution was proposed by Sis Aban Patel, seconded by Khusrav Pavri and carried unanimously:

  “Resolved that the Annual Report of the Blavatksy Lodge TS for the year 2016-17 is hereby approved.”



3.     To receive and pass the audited statement of accounts of the lodge and the Book Depot, for the financial year ending on 31st March 2017:

4.      

The Hon Treasurer Bro. Arni Narendran highlighted the income and expenditure figures of the year and expressed the satisfaction that the financials of the lodge are in order to carry out its objects.



The following resolution was proposed by Bro.Navin Kumar and seconded by Sis. Zeena Rustomjee and carried unanimously:



"Resolved that the audited accounts for the year 2016-17 are hereby  approved"



5.     To elect honorary auditors for the year 2015-2016 and fix their honorarium:

The Vice President Bro. Navin Kumar mentioned that the current auditors, Kapasi and Associates, Mumbai, are doing satisfactory accounting work of the Lodge. He expressed that the Managing Committee is of the view that  Kapasi and Associates be appinted as auditors for 2017-18.

The proposal of the Managing Committee  was accepted unanimously by the General Body and the following resolution proposed by Bro. Rustom Cooper, seconded by Sis. Aban Patel and carried unanimously:



 “Resolved that R.T. Kapasi & Associates, Mumbai, be and is hereby appointed as the statutory auditors of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S. for the financial year 2017-18 at a remuneration of Rs 11550/- for the work."



Sis. Nawaz was requested by Bro. Navin Kumar to speak about the work she has been doing to keep this wonderful heritage building spic and span.

Sis. Nawaz Dhalla gave a short talk about her activities as a House keeping work, which was very much appreciated by the members present in the meeting. She was thanked by the AGM by a resounding applause.



6.     Bro. Navin Kumar extended the Vote of Thanks to all the Members present for coming to the AGM and for their efforts to make Blavatsky Lodge a more vibrant Centre of Theosophy.











HON.SECRETARY                                                                                                                                                               PRESIDENT



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BTF MINUTES

BOMBAY  THEOSOPHICAL  FEDERATION
Blavatsky Lodge Building, 7, RANGNEKAR  MARG,  MUMBAI  400 007.

Minutes of the Fifth Meeting of Term 2016-2018 held on
Sunday 3rd September 2017 at 10.30 a.m. in Green Room of Blavatsky Lodge
          
In Chair: BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya

Council Members present were: Bro. Navin Kumar, Bro.Navin Patel, Sis. Kashmira Khambatta, Sis.Navaz Dhalla, Bro. Rustom Cooper, Sis. Keta Mody, Sis. Mahazaver Dalal, Sis. Goolcher Manjra and Sis. Aban Patel

Invitee Member: Bro. Ram Kalra and Sis. Zenobia Khodaiji
 
Apologies of Absence were received from: Dr. Ajay Hora, Sis.Urvi Hora, Bro. Rustom Dalal and Sis. Padmaben Mehta 

Members could not attend:   Sis. Anjoo Narayan, Bro. Taral Munshi, Sis. Archana Mumnshi, Sis. Najma Dewan and Bro. Farhad Dalal
 
1. Circular for the meeting was taken as read.
2. Minutes of the Fourth Meeting of Biennium 2016-2017 held on 6th August 2017, which were sent with the circular of the meeting, were approved and signed.

3. Business arising from the Last Minutes:
v Dani Elocution Competition 2017: Bro. Ram Kalra and Sis. Aban Patel reported about their meeting with Lady Engineer School Principal Mr. Errick Elavia.  Details to organise Dani Elocution Competition 2017 with Junior Red Cross Maharashtra were discussed and guidelines were given to Bro. Ram Kalra and Sis. Aban Patel to finalize the details with JRC Maharashtra.  Prize amounts for both Senior & Junior Groups were decided as  Rs.700/- First prize, Rs.500/- Second prize and Rs.300/- Third Prize. If need be more Tie or Consolation Prizes will be given. Participant’s Registration Fees of Rs.40/- will be shared by JRC & BTF. Snacks Boxes will be given to all by BTF. JRC will pay for the Banner and BTF will pay for the Merit & Participation Certificates. JRC would get 2-4 Judges and BTF will get 2 Judges. Sis. Zenobia Khodaiji was asked to arrange for BTF Judges. As Propagation & appreciation to present TS Books to Judges, JRC Committee Members & Volunteers and to all Participants. Bro. Navin Kumar was requested to have a small presentation or to say few words about TS. Sis. Aban Patel was asked to be the Master of Ceremony for the Opening Programme and the Competition. Sis. Navaz Dhala was asked to make necessary arrangements at Blavatsky Lodge and to organise snacks boxes and Refreshments for Judges. Though the expense would be more than available funds of Rs.7,445/- for Dani Elocution Competition 2017, the Council decided that the extra expense would be met from Propagation Fund of Rs.28,045/- or by Donations. The payment for the TS Books would be from the propagation Fund.

v BTF had received reimbursement cheque of Rs.21,370/- From Blavatsky Lodge TS from Dani Funds managed by them for printing of Dani Note Books for 2017.

4.  Secretary’s Report for 2016-2017 prepared based on BTF & Lodge activities covered by BTF Bulletins was approved.

5. The BTF Accounts for 2016-2017 prepared by Assistant of Bro. Vinayak Pandya, were approved to give for audit to BTF Auditor Sis. Thrity Dalal.

6. Planning of BTF 86th Annual Session October 2017:  
Theme & subjects of Talks received from Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Gohil were as under:
Theme – “Spiritual Life & Education”
Subjects of Talks: (1) The Spiritual Life – Opening Address
                                               (2) The Spiritual Outlook on Education – Second Day Address 
                                               (3) The Source of Spiritual Energy – Public Talk at Juhu Theosophical Colony
               Theme for Symposium decided by the Council: ‘Spiritual Life & Education’

               Preparations at Juhu Theosophical Colony: Bro. Vinayak Pandy’s request to The Vasanta 
               Theosophical Co-operative Housing Society was graciously honoured by them with continuation 
               of their generous sponsorship. BTF recorded thanks to VTCHS.

               Advance for 86th Annual Session: The Council sanctioned to give Rs.40,000/- to Dr. Ajay Hora   
               for Session at Juhu Theosophical Society and to give Rs.15,000/- to Sis. Mahazaver Dalal for 
               Opening & Second Day Sessions at Blavatsky Lodge & for Irani’s Bus Service charges for Juhu.

7. Bills to Pass:  General Bills: No. 1 to 4
                                       Dani Note Book Bill: No.1 

8. Any Other Business:
v The Council was informed about formation of Zonal Propagation Committee by Indian Sestion TS. BTF will be under West Zone with Chairman – Bro. Ashok Lokhande and Convener – Dr. Varsha Patel

A Meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks to the Chair.



Mahazaver R. Dalal
Secretary                                                                                                                                              President

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