Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Programme for November 2017



BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007

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

DAY
TIME
DETAILS
 Fri    3
   6.00 pm
 Study of the book ‘The Masters & The Path’ CWL
Sun    5
  10.00 am
Bharat Samaj Pooja
Fri    10
   6.00 pm
   6.15 pm
Mystic Star Ritual
Dr. Darayus Umrigar’s Talk ( in Lobby)
Fri    17
   6.15 pm 
 Foundation Day Meeting jointly with BTF
Fri    24
   6.00 pm
Theosophical Readings
Sun  26
10.45 pm
Maitreya Round Table  
Tues 7,14,21, 28
   5.45 pm
Theosophical Readings








Bombay Theosophical Bulletin
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF
 THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION



Volume 87
    
     No.2
           
 November  2017 




No man has a right to say that he can do nothing for others, on any pretext whatever. – A cup of cold water given in time to a thirsty wayfarer is a nobler duty and more worth, than a dozen of dinners given away, out of season, to men who can afford to pay for them. No man who has not got it in him will ever become a Theosophist; but he may remain a  member of our Society all the same. We have no rules by which we could force any man to become a practical Theosophist if he does not desire to be one.



Key to Theosophy, p 239



CONTENTS

Quotes of  Helena P Blavatsky
Cover 
News & Notes
    2 - 3
Universal Brotherhood  by Kiara D’souza
    4 - 5
My Ambition in Life by Marisa Kapadia
    5 - 6
BTF & Lodge Programmes November 2017
    7 - 8

NEWS & NOTES

Dr. ANNIE BESANT’S BIRTHDAY MEETING jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge on 1st October 2017 morning at Besant Hall:

The Meeting was opened with recitation of the Prayers of All Religions & the Universal Prayer and opening words by Blavatsky Lodge Vice President Bro. Navin Kumar attuning Brethren for the reverential meeting. 

BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya said that Dr. Annie Besant was the biggest Contributor in the Theosophical Society. She spread theosophy at the Adyar Campus, Varanasi and the Banaras University. She saw to it that her goal is achieved. She never said “I do not have time”.  Let us not say we do not have time.

Sis. Ruby Khan mentioned that Dr. Annie Besant was the 2nd International President and described her as a diamond Soul. Dr. A.B. authored 300 books and pamphlets. She had done remarkable work including Women’s Rights and stressed on Right Citizenship.

Sis. Jasmine Cawasji read about Girlhood from the Autobiography of Dr. Besant. Looking back today AB said over her life, through all the blunder and the blind mistakes, and clumsy follies had been this longing for sacrifice to something greater than the self. And so with all those whose ears were opened to the wailings of the great orphan Humanity; they were less to be praised for helping then they would be to be blamed if they stood aside.

Bro. Navin Kumar said that Dr. Besant is known to us through her books. A.B. contributed a lot for India. She started the Masonic movement. TOS was also started by her. Bro. Kumar thanked Sis. Aban Patel taking up the book “Man Whence How & Wither” and taking pains in writing notes and drawing diagrams.

Sis. Aban Patel thanked her husband Bro. Pervez Patel who is also a member of Blavatsky Lodge, for full support in making it possible for her to take up the book “Man Whence How & Wither”. She mentioned that Bro. Navin Kumar was her mentor. Sis. Aban read about Annie Besant’s speech in Gujarati from the book H  Blavatsky, Col. Olcott, Annie Besant, C W Leadbeater Na Jivan Na Ajod Prasongo by Harjivandas Kalidas Mehta.  Sis. Aban Patel translated in English about Annie Besant. She said AB was a dynamic woman, a diamond soul and had the Masters blessings.

Sis. Deeepa Kapur said she had brought greetings from TOS Tanzania which was founded in 1908. She said that most members were elderly in the lodges and they were worried as to why the youths did not become members and attend lectures. Sis. Deepa gave the youths some project work which the youth did so well that they were declared the best Youth Group. The youths were between the age group of 13 and 35.

Bro. Navin Kumar showed a documentary on Dr. Annie Besant. He showed how Dr. Besant helped the women working in the Match Factory in poor light and used deadly chemicals. She improved the working conditions. HPB the founder of TS wrote a book ‘The Secret Doctrine’ and gave it to Dr. Besant to read. AB found the answers she wanted to know about the pain and suffering. In 1894 she moved to India. She had a vision for India’s freedom. Dr. Annie Besant passed to peace on 20th September 1933. An ardent believer of truth her epitaph read, “I tried to follow truth”.

Sis. Kashmira Khambatta spoke briefly about Dr. Besant’s children. They were separated from her. The moment they were old enough to free themselves, they came back to her. Both children treaded in her steps as regards their views of the nature and destiny of man, and joined in their bright youth the Theosophical Society of which, after so many struggles she won her way.

The meeting ended with the Sanskrit prayer recited by all members present.

                          (Compiled by Sis. Kashmira Khambatta)

UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD

By

Kiara D’Souza – Std. X of Christ Church School, Byculla

Winner of 1st Prize in Group 2 (8th to 10th Std)

of Jamubhai & Suryaben Dani Elocution Competition 2017



“We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools” said Martin Luther King Jr.

Swami Vivekananda in his lecture at Chicago starting from 11th September 1893 gave a call for Universal Brotherhood. He said that the man on this earth has continued too long to be fanatic about insisting that his religion alone was true and other religions being false had no right to exist. As long as this situation persists there can be only bloodshed in the name of religion and no brotherhood which, the practice of religion should actually bring about, would be possible.



Swami Vivekananda’s speech is relevant even in modern times. Indeed, when we hear news of brother killing brother, ethnic cleansing and other such news, it sends shivers down one’s spine. What kind of society have we progressed into? Have we progressed? Why has intolerance increased? Why do we exploit each other? We belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions of the world. So why then do we see this violence, intolerance and hatred towards our brethren?



Swami Vivekananda said and I quote “Sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendants, fanaticism have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled this earth with violence, drenched it often with human blood, destroyed civilizations and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not for these possible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time has come…”



Indeed the time has come to break down barriers of caste, creed, and religions and unite as one family. Universal brotherhood calls for all human beings to be treated as equals. There is no place for persecution or intolerance, it recognizes the divinity in every man and woman and it is centered in aiding humanity to realize its own true divine nature. Manmade barriers must be broken and we must embrace universal brotherhood if we want peace in this world.



“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined non conformists who are dedicated to Justice, Peace and Brotherhood” said Martin Luther King Jr.      



******************************



MY AMBITION IN LIFE

By

Marisa Kapadia – Std.VII of Queen Mary School, Grant Road

Winner of 1st Prize in Group 1 (5th to 7th Std)

of Jamubhai & Suryaben Dani Elocution Competition 2017



When I was a child I vividly remember how Uncle Subramanium would make frequent visits to our house and while dipping Marie biscuit in hot tea ask me his all time favorite question, “So baby, what do you want to be when you grow up?” And very promptly I would have a new answer every time: DOCTOR, TEACHER, AIR-HOSTESS, SINGER, ACTOR and what not.



Well years passed by and it dawned to me that the “ambition of my life” could be anything, but the question is, will it help me to make that Small Change in this Big World? I got my answer through the very inspiring speech of a retired US Navy Admiral, William McRaven, where he says how the night from NAVY SEAL training’s hell week taught him how with sheer discipline an individual can make a small change for better world.   



I hereby quote his speech:

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you make your bed, it will give you a small sense of pride and encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed also reinforces the fact that the little things in life matter, if you can’t do little things right, you’ll never be able to do big things right. To pass SEAL training there are a series of long swims that must be completed. One is the NIGHT SWIM. Before the swim the instructors joyfully brief the students about all the species of sharks that inhabit the waters of San Clemente. They assure however that no student has ever been eaten by a shark. And you are also taught if the shark begins circling your position, stand your ground, do not swim away. Do not act afraid. If a shark hungry for the midnight snack darts towards you, then summon up all your strength and punch him in the snout, he will turn and swim away. There are lots of sharks in the world, if you wish to complete the swim, you will have to deal with them. In the next task, there were six boat crews of seven men each. I was in the boat with tall guys, but best boat crew we had was made up of little guys, the munchkin crew, from every corner of the nations in the world. The big men in the other boat crews would make good-natured fun of the tiny little flippers, the munchkins wore on their tiny little feet. But somehow, these little guys always had the last laugh. Swimming faster than everyone else and reaching the shore much before the rest of us. SEAL training was a great equalizer. Nothing mattered but your will to succeed. They out paddled, out ran and out swam all other boat crews because they had the power of hope. In fact, the power of just one person is enough to change the world.



Washington, Lincoln, King, Mandella and even the young girl from Pakistan- Malala. One person can change the world by giving people hope. So take some risks, step up when the times are the toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden and Never Ever Give Up. With this you would have changed the world for the better.”



Yes! And that’s my ambition in life!        



BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES NOVEMBER 2017



FOUNDATION DAY MEETING jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge on Friday 17th November 2017 at 6.15 p.m. in Besant Hall



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 November 2017



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

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

DAY
TIME
DETAILS
 Fri    3
   6.00 pm
 Study of the book ‘The Masters & The Path’ CWL
Sun    5
  10.00 am
Bharat Samaj Pooja
Fri    10
   6.00 pm
   6.15 pm
Mystic Star Ritual
Dr. Darayus Umrigar’s Talk ( in Lobby)
Fri    17
   6.15 pm 
 Foundation Day Meeting jointly with BTF
Fri    24
   6.00 pm
Theosophical Readings
Sun  26
10.45 pm
Maitreya Round Table  
Tues 7,14,21, 28
   5.45 pm
Theosophical Readings



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

  2
Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’
  9
Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’
16
Dr. Darayus Umrigar’s Talk (at Blavatsky Lodge)
23
Study of  P. Pavri’s Book ‘The Living Wisdom’
30
Theosophical Readings



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

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: C/O Mrs. Gita S. Parikh, Gokul Anand Building, 4th Floor, Dattatraya Cross Road

(M):9920384140

Wednesday 1 8, 15, 22 & 29 Meetings at 6.30 pm.



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

5.45 pm. Healing Rituals.

Thurs    2
6.00
Healing by Bro. Zinoo Master
Thurs    9
6.00
Theosophical Readings by Bro.Zinoo Master
Thurs  16
6.00
Theosophical Readings by Bro. Zinoo Master
Thurs  23
6.00
Talk by Bro. Keki Palkhiwalla
Thurs  30
6.00
Talk by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz



There is nothing greater in life than inspiration.  If you inspire people you are really fulfilling life, and the fulfilling of life is our goal.

Rukmini Devi

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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)




Blavatsky Lodge


THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY


7, French Bridge, Rangnekar Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai-400 007


Minutes of the Managing Committee meeting held at 4.30 pm on Friday, the 24th of November, 2017 at Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai.


The meeting chaired by the President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta began with the Universal Prayer.

Members Present: Bro. Navin Kumar, Sis. Jasmine Cawasji, Sis. Nawaz Dhalla, Bro.Arni Narendran, Sis. Ruby Khan

Leave of Absence: Bro. Noor Baig, Bro. Rustom Dalal, Sis. Ferny Pagdiwala, Bro. Roy Mathews, Rustom Cooper, Sis. Aban Patel

The deliberations of the Meeting were as under:

1. Confirmation of Minutes:

Minutes of the MC meeting held on 27th October, 2017, which were distributed to members at the meeting, were considered and confirmed.

2. Hon. Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer’s Report for the month of October 2017, was read by Sis. Ruby Khan and approved by the Managing Committee Members present.

There being no other business, the Meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.









Secretary                                                              President

(Jasmine Cawasji)                                      (Kashmira Khambatta)




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