Programme for December 2017

BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007

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

DAY	TIME	DETAILS
Fri     1	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
Sun    3	10.00 am   10.30 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja BTF Council Meeting
Fri      8	6.00 pm    6.15 pm	Mystic Star Ritual Dr. Darius Umrigar’s Talk ( in Lobby)
Fri    15	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
Fri    22	6.00 pm	Theosophical Readings
Sun   24	10.45 pm	Maitreya Round Table  invites TS Brethren & Friends for  ‘Christmas Ceremony’
Fri    29	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
Tues 5,12,19, 26	5.45 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’ And Practice of Line Dance (for Support Convention)

THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL BULLETIN

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF

 THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION

Volume 87

—

No.3

–

December  2017

CONTENTS

Quotes of  Christmas	Cover
News & Notes	2, 10 & 11
BTF 86th Annual Session Report	3 - 10
‘Experiences of TS’ by Late Jalbhai P. Sanjana	11 - 17
Support  Convention  & Lodge Programmes December 2017 – January 2018	18-20

NEWS & NOTES

THE 142ND INTERNATIONAL TS CONVENTION

31st December 2017 – 5th January 2018

Theme

From Teachings to Insight: The Altruistic Heart

There will be Guests of Honour & Public Speakers, Lectures, short talks, symposia, panel discussion, Q & A session, cultural programmes and youth forum right after Convention ends.

Registration: Rs.200/-

Indian Style Accommodation Rs.350/-

Canteen charges Rs.1100/-

Package Price Rs.1650/-

Contact Convention Officer for Registration, Accommodation and for Indian Money Transfer on

E-mail: tsadyarconvention@gmail.com

Address: The Theosophical Society, Adayr

Chennai 600020

Money Transfer particulars are available with BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya & Secretary Sis. Mahazaver Dalal

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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.

BTF 86TH ANNUAL SESSION OCTOBER 2017

The 86th Annual Session of The Bombay Theosophical Federation held on 13th, 14th & 15th October 2017 was graced by Shri Pradeep Gohil, General Secretary Indian Section TS as the Chief Guest. The Theme of the Session was ‘Spiritual Life & Education’.

Opening Day Session - Friday 13th October 2017

at Besant Hall of Blavatsky Lodge TS

The Annual Session was opened in the evening with Lighting of the Lamp by Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Gohil and recitation of The Prayers of All Religions & the Universal Prayer. BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya welcomed the Chief Guest and introducing him said, ’Shri Pradeep Gohil comes somewhere close to versatile personality of Dr. Annie Besant. He is a Chemical Engineer with Master of Management Studies, MS in Plastics and LL.B. After studies & 10 year career in USA he shifted to his native place Bhavnagar.  He is working with various companies, as a visiting Faculty, has started a management school and is a Trustee of Educational and other

institutions. He was associated with rehabilitation of victims of Kutchh Earthquake. Son of Bhavnagar Lodge President, he has led Bhavnagar Lodge in its most difficult time. He has served Gujarat Theosophical Federation, is a member of Indian Section Council and now he is unanimously elected as General Secretary of Indian Section TS.’

Shri Pradeep Gohil in his Opening Address on ‘The Spiritual Life’ said we are all seekers. Each seeker represents the ideal and the real.  The ideal is self-transcendence and the real is God’s all pervading Consciousness. One can become the torch-bearer of infinite Truth and the harbinger of God-Vision within us and without. Three keys for Spiritual Living are –

(1) Acceptance of imperfections on a physical level and to know that spiritual being exists and will continue to progress (2) ‘Be present’ and  learn to become aware of each breathing moment and how it affects (3)  Learn to love Inner Being and to live within giving up material attachments & conditioned beliefes.  Compared to Religion, Spirituality has one’s own experiences, it makes one free & brave, lets one discover Truth, it unites Religions, does not make one  dependent on any belief, it applies karma & does not accept it as punishment. Spirituality lets one create one’s own path. A spiritual life is not inconsistent with a practical life, i.e. with material & worldly success. A man can earn money in an honest way and leading spiritual life use it for wellbeing of others.

Sis. Kashmira Khambatta, President of Blavatsky Lodge in a short talk shared her thoughts and a lecture by Dr. Annie Besant on ‘The Spiritual Life’ from The Lotus Journal.

Membership Appreciation Mementos & Certificates were presented by the hands of the Chief Guest to members with membership over 40 year and 60 years.

Second Day Session - Saturday 14th October 2017

at Besant Hall of Blavatsky Lodge TS

The Second Day Session was opened with the Universal Prayer. BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya welcomed and introduced the Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Gohil. He also welcomed Junior Red Cross Maharashtra Chairman Rtn. Godrej Dotivala & Volunteers and students of Dani Elocution Competition. Dani Elocution Competition was organized jointly with Junior Red Cross Maharashtra.

Shri Pradeep Gohil in his talk ‘The Spiritual Outlook on Education’ said that a practical step has to be taken to utilize the synthesis of Science and Spirituality for a programme of Integrated Education. There is no one definition of the spiritual outlook. The method of approach could be that the unfolding of the spiritual outlook must be from the very beginning of schooling. The original thinking of students has to be encouraged with spiritual instructions with emphasis laid on purposeful living. Knowledge of Theosophical principles should be spread among Parents & Teachers as that will remove the Generation Gap. Quoting J Krishnamurthi said, “Education in the true sense is helping the individual to be mature and free, to flower gently in love and goodness …. it is a way of discovering our true relationship to things, to other human beings and to nature.” Shri Gohil gave seven principles of the spiritual outlook for students of the future to face the world with greater spiritual strength.

Bro. Navin Kumar, Vice-President of Blavatsky Lodge in his Short Talk said Chinese Tea is a Spiritual Ritual. Theosophical Three Absolute Truths & Three Objects, Four Nobel Truths and the Eightfold Path and Law of Duty & Law of Sacrifice all guide one for spiritual life. Right attitude for Spiritual Life has to be developed from family life at all stages of life.

Sis. Aban Patel, BTF organizer of Jamubhai & Suryaben Dani Elocution Competition 2017 speaking to students said whatever is divine is spiritual. Theosophical Teachings guide to inculcate spirituality in children. TS Founder Col. H. S. Olcott had established the first school for panchams in 1894. Dr. Annie Besant had donated a college established by her to found the Banaras Hindu University. TS President George Arundel was an educationist. The Founders of TS had realized great power of Spirituality in India. Spiritual education of today’s students will strengthen Spirituality of India.

Dani Elocution Competition First Prize Winners’ speeches received applause from all. Junior Group Winner Marisa Kapadia of Queen Mary School spoke on ‘My Ambition in Life’ and Senior Group Winner Kaira D’Souza spoke on ‘Universal Brotherhood’.

Dani Elocution Competition Prizes and Merit & Participation certificates were given to students by Shri Pradeep Gohil.

Third Day Session - Sunday 15th October 2017

At Juhu Theosophical Colony for Full Day

Brethren from South & North Bombay and of Juhu Theosophical Colony gathered in the midst of refreshing beauty of Theosophical Garden Society. After Breakfast the Full Day Session was started with the uplifting Bharat Samaj Pooja performed by Bro. Navin Kumar and Bro. Vinayak Pandya.

BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya welcomed and introduced the Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Gohil. He expressed BTF’s thanks to the Vasanta Theosophical Co-operative Housing Society for their warm hospitality and generous sponsorship for 86th Annual Session. He invited Dr. Ajay Hora to share his TS Journey over 66 years. His mother had wanted a Theosophist to be born and Ajaybhai has lived up to his Late Mother’s wish. He was blessed to come in contact with International Presidents since the Third International President George Arundale. His Parents’ guidance has helped him to live Theosophy.

Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Gohil speaking on ‘The Source of Spiritual Energy’ said Modern Spirituality includes a belief beyond the known and observable realm, personal growth, a quest for a sacred meaning, religious experiences or an encounter with one’s own ‘Inner Dimension’. Explaining ‘Spiritual’ and ‘Energy’ he said that inspiration has to come from within. As JK says energy should not be wasted in conflicts & fragmentation. Physical as well as psychological energy with a mind that is immensely clear, logical, healthy, undistorted and heart that has no sentiment whatsoever & no

emotion but has the quality of abundance of love & compassion. Primary energy crisis on Earth today is the spiritual energy crisis. If this is solved, no other energy crisis would exist.

Membership Appreciation Mementos & Certificates to others were presented by the hands of the Chief Guest to members with membership over 40 year and 60 years.

The 86th BTF AGM, with 44 members, chaired by President Bro. Vinayak Pandya conducted the business of adopting the Minutes, Secretary’s Annual Report 2016-2017 and Audited Accounts year ending 30th June 2017. Resolutions for the Leaders and Devoted Workers were passed. President conveyed Marathi Theosophical Federation’s invitation to their Annual Session of September 2018 with International President Tim Boyd as the Chief Guest at Kalyan, Mumbai. It was decided that some of BTF members will attend one day to meet Mr. Tim Boyd. President announced that next year BTF will plan Adyar visit of BTF Brethren for International Convention 2018-2019.

Blavatsky Lodge Book Depot with Sis. Freny Paghdiwala and her team had a sale of TS Books of Rs.2,500/-.

Post Lunch Symposium on ‘Spiritual Life & Education’

 It was mainly with young speakers. Bro. Dhruv Narayan of Ananda Lodge said watching life of his Grand-Father and listening to his Father reading Theosophy, he was inspired to study Theosophy. Theosophy teaches Truth of life. Man has latent powers and with conscious efforts he can spiritually progress. Essence is one. There should be non-sectarian education. He explained the significance of TS Emblem.

Bro. Nimit Mehta of Ananda Lodge said to expand our intellectual, practical & spiritual knowledge are needed. One for All and All for One has to be realized.

Bro. Raghevanda Jha of Unity Youth Lodge narrating a true story stated in Sis. Manju Sundaram’s article conveyed that a small boy, who was contemplating to understand God, had spiritual awakening listening to Kabir’s Doha. His message was that even an inspirational song can be a source of spiritual education.

Bro. Farhad Dalal of Unity Youth Lodge interacting with young & seniors conveyed that today with even nursery children using Mobile, interconnectivity has increased, which can be used to spread spirituality in an interesting way. Sports & Technology trigger the driving force within. Instead of young being drawn to terrorism, as Dalai Lama has said, meditation  taught to them from the age of 8 year will take them to path of spirituality. Education gives confidence and reading & analytical approach makes one think beyond.

Bro. Bhavesh Pandya of Kadoli Lodge, Gujarat speaking in Hindi said one’s life is one’s Teacher. Circumstances and incidents of Lord Buddha’s life had led him to his spiritual quest. Latent spirituality flowers with life experiences and one goes ahead on one’s own on the Spiritual Path.

Sis. Mahazaver Dalal of Blavatsky Lodge sharing three observations of her travel conveyed that spiritual education is not confided to teaching sessions. Interaction with Nature and His creations touches the sensitivity of human mind& heart and has its own lessons of spirituality. Encourage children to experience oneness with nature and to learn to love & care for humans and all His creations.

Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Gohil was happy to present Diplomas to young members and to listen to their ideas. Summing up symposium he said, a pure life with pure heart will take one ahead. Today science has realized and teaches spirituality. As International President Tim Boyd has said Three Objects of TS are source of spiritual education.

The Finale was a Bharat Natyam programme by five students of Sis Namita Bodaji of Juhu Theosophical Colony. All were spell bound watching beautiful dances starting with Ganesha Vandana and ending with Vande Matram. They were thanked with presentation of Theosophical Books

Recipients of Membership Appreciation Mementos

& Certificates are:

Sr. No.	Recipient’s Name	Lodge	Years
1	Late Sis. Pilloo Garda	Ananda	79 years
2	Late Dolly J. Sajana	Shanti	71 years
3	Sis. Amy Antia	Blavatsky	69 years
4	Bro. Govind Singh	Ananda	68 years
5	Bro. Khurshed Sanjana	Shanti	68 years
6	Bro. Rusi Toddiwalla	Blavatsky	67 years
7	Sis. Katy R. Bhagat	Blavatsky	66 years
8	Dr. Ajay Hora	Vasanta	66 years
9	Sis. Gool Cooper	Shanti	65 years
10	Sis. Perviz Cooper	Shanti	63 years
11	Sis. Kanta Singh	Ananda	61 years
12	Sis. Ruby D. Sinor	Blavatsky	40 years
13	Bro. Ram Kalra	Blavatsky	40 years
14	Bro. Sumit Kanabar	Blavatsky	40 years

GENERAL SECRETARY SHRI PRADEEP GOHIL’S VISITS of BTF NORTH & SOUTH MUMBAI LODGES:

*On Monday 16th October 2017 Meeting of Anada, Centenary,  Ganesh, Jyoti and Vasanta Lodges of North Mumbai was held at Ananda Lodge, Juhu Theosophical Colony. It was an interactive meeting with General Secretary Shri Pradeep Gohil & BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya to discuss how to increase young membership and how to vitalize activated Ananda Lodge’s administration and Study of Theosophy. There was good fellowship over refreshment.

*On Tuesday 17th October 2017 Meeting of Blavatsky Lodge, Shanti Lodge, Unity Youth lodge and Vimadalal Bilia Lodge of South Mumbai was held at Shanti Lodge, C/o Bro. Rustom Dalal’s Residence. General Secretary Shri Pradeep Gohil & BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya with interactions encouraged members to come up with suggestions for increasing & retaining membership quickly, Economic  dispatch of ‘The Indian Theosophist’, need of hard copy with e-copy which will facilitate wider and quicker cost free circulation, formation of E-Lodge for members from Jammu-Kashmir to Kerala, need to spread Theosophy with Street Plays, to organize a TV Channel to spread Theosophy, to spread understanding of Second & Third Objects of TS, to appreciate Science confirming Clairvoyance findings and to realize that as one teaches one learns the most. Bro. Navin Kumar presented to Shri Pradeep Gohil a copy of Sis. Aban Patel’s Manual with her notes of a study of ‘Man, When, Whence & Whither’ she had conducted at Blavatsky Lodge. Late Sis. Bana Mehta’s compilation of inspiring songs, Bhajans, Dohas and songs with TS themes, composed by her in Gujarati titled ‘Sarasvati Vandana’ was released by Shri Pradeep Gohil and as per Late Sis. Bana Mehta’s wish the book was presented to Blavatsky Lodge. Youngest Member Master Prince Patel encouraged by his teacher Sis. Soonoo Vesuna read out a passage from ‘At the Feet of the Master’.

 Note: Members interested in Late Sis. Bana Mehta’s book ‘Sarasvati Vandana’, please contact Sis. Mahazaver Dalal (M):9833131216

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SHRI H. K. SHARAN’S new Hindi Book: ‘SIDDHARTH KA JIWAN – SAHASTRA PRASHNA AUR UTTER’ – ‘Life of Siddharth –Thousand Questions & Answers’: This book has Siddharth’s life up to he got enlightenment. Originally it was written in Sinhali language by Bhante Kotaneluve Punnanand. Next it was translated in English by Padmasiri Gunavardana. Later Bro. H. K. Sharan was requested to translate the book in Hindi. When the book was released he thought of Brethren of Bombay and made the copies available with Blavatsky Lodge Book Depot. The book is for sale for Rs.100/- per copy.

OBITUARY: Sis. Khorshed Darukhanewalla, member of Shanti Lodge for 13 years passed away on 14-10-2017. To lead Theosophical Life, she used to get inspiration from her daily study of ‘At the Feet of the Master’.

Bro. Ram Mukherji, member of Ananda Lodge for 14 years passed away on 22-10-2017. He was an eminent Director & Script writer of Bollywood. He used to participate in BTF Sessions and meetings of the Vasanta Theosophical Coop Housing Society at Juhu Theosophical Colony. At the BTF 86th AGM held on 15th October at Juhu, Brethren had passed a resolution fondly remembering him & wishing him good health. Brethren were sorry to receive the sad news.

May the souls of our departed Brethren be blessed with peace.

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EXPERIENCES OF TS

Jotted down by Late Bro. Jalbhai P. Sanjana

on 14th December 2003

Shared by Jalbhai’s Daughter Sis. Thrity Dalal

Typed from hand written notes by Sis. Aban Patel

[This is not just a historical record; it speaks of Theosophical Journey of 71 years of Bro. Jalbhai Sanjana,

who lived Theosophy – Editor]

In undivided India there was a province, named Bombay Presidency. In that province was a city named Baroda. I was staying with my relatives. A family friend Fardoonji Mehta talked about T.S. and gave me one book to read. It was “Talks on At the Feet of the Master” by G.S.Arundale. I then went to Rewa Lodge and after a few months became member in October 1944. The Lodge was meeting on Sundays, with devotional song by a member in the beginning and with recitation of “Oh! Hidden Life” at the end. Main speakers were two senior members, Dhansukhlal Mehta and Chhotabhai Sutaria. They were hardly taking any notes and were well versed in TS literature and passing knowledge and enthusiasm to others. There were several youths also. Bharat Samaj Puja and Mystic Star Ritual were performed once a month. There were a few lady members also, mostly, wives, daughters, daughters-in-law of male members. Chhotabhai Sutaria conducted study class on “Seven Principles of Man” by A.B. on week days, especially for youths. Drama on life of A.B. was performed in Morbi Theater. The following were the main visitors:

(a)   Vanishankar Bhat. He was attending every International Convention and was touring for two months whole of Gujarat in his enthusiastic and devotional way creating an atmosphere of the connection. He also conducted study classes at several places in Gujarat.

(b)  Harjivanbhai Mehta was the most practical exponent of Theosophical Teachings in Gujarat. He generally toured various Lodges once a year. Several of his books are re-printed and are available for sale at comparative cheaper rates.

(c)   Rohit Mehta ad Shridevi Mehta. The couple does not need any introduction. Bro. Rohit was then International Secretary. He subsequently became General Secretary of Indian Section, Varanasi, for many years and toured throughout India, giving many lectures. He also wrote several books which are available for sale at comparatively reasonable rates. Sis. Shridevi Mehta always accompanied him with musical instruments and sang devotional and semi-classical songs.

In addition to the above, Bhupatbhai Mehta, Indumati Mehta and youths from Bharuch were also the visitors. I had also gone several times to Surat, Ahmedabad and participated in TS and allied activities.

Mumbai Shanti Lodge: After some years, in December 1947, I was transferred to Mumbai. One day I read at Dalal Estate name of Shanti Lodge Board. I went there and joined Shanti Lodge in 1948. I was surprised to see many lady members and was shy in the beginning. The Lodge was meeting in the residence of Banubai Bhamgara, who was always sympathetic and cooperative with all. Bro. Peshotan Pavri, the main founder of the Lodge was also coming. He had just completed in English “Theosophy for Youths” and started writing in Parsi Gujarati “Moovela pachhal mahetam” and “Poonarjanam”. Sis. Motan Sukhia was conducting musical and garba classes which were quite popular. I was much impressed by talks of Mehra Dhalla and her various activities. I was also impressed by the emotional talks of Jalbhai Billimoria, joyous talks of Sohrab Karaka and humorous talks of Jamubhai Dani.

I had my first training as Lodge Secretary under Mehra Dhalla, who was the President. After the demise of Banubai Bhamgara, the Lodge continued meeting at the same place for some time. Afterwards, it was shifted to Khorshed Avari’s residence at Dalal Estate. Later it was shifted around 1985 to Bro. Rustom Dalal’s residence, Sleater Road, as at present. 

Unity Youth Lodge, which was previously meeting at Seva Sadan, came over to Banubai Bhamgara’s residence. There were harmonious relations between the two Lodges. Some of the members in both the Lodges were marriageable age. Nature worked its way and several marriages took place, including mine. Bro. Rohit Mehta attended some of the marriage ceremonies and remarked several times that “Shanti Lodge” is “Shadi Lodge”. After Banubai’s demise, the Unity Youth Lodge shifted to Blavatsky Lodge premises as at present.

The Bombay Theosophical Federation:After sometime Mehra Dhalla became Federation President and she made me Federation Secretary. During her time Clara Codd and Geoffrey Hudson visited Mumbai and their lectures were arranged, bringing Theosophy to public. For that purpose lectures on respective religions were arranged in their premises, e.g. Christianity at YMCA at Lamington Road. Several members attended these lectures. The Federation Office Bearers went to all Lodges about twice a year and interacted with members with a view to expand Theosophical work. This practice continues in some other Federations even at present.

New Lodges: Round about Besant Centenary in 1947, several new Lodges were opened. They were Centenary Lodge at Bandra, Radiance at Rustom Baug, Byculla, and Jamshed Mehta at Cusrow Baug, Colaba. After some time Raja Lodge was opened at Cumballa Hill, which was subsequently shifted to Sion. I am not quite sure as to when Ghanshyam Lodge was opened at Ghatkopar. Then Jyoti Lodge was opened at Goregaon.

Closing of the Lodges: During the last forty years several Lodges were closed. Raja Lodge, Ghanshyam Lodge, Radiance Lodge and Jamshed Mehta Lodge were closed. Besant Lodge was closed after seventy five years of existence for want of accommodation.

During the last fifty years or so, the Federation membership decreased from about 425 members to 375 members at present. With Mohanlal Velji as Federation President, there was a second chance for me to be the Secretary. He always encouraged me to take initiative and stood by me through thick and thin. He revived Jyoti Lodge.

There were three important celebrations: In 1975, there was T.S. Centenary Celebration. In 1979, there was Blavatsky Lodge Celebration at Juhu. In 1981, there was Golden Jubilee of Bombay Federation. Bro. Jayantilal Shah labored much to make these celebrations successful.

The Members in Mumbai who influenced me:

1. Minoo Mullan: He guided me in T.S. teachings, especially concerning E.S. His wife Navajbai Mullan was also an active member of T.S. and was conducting Lotus Class for children on terrace of Blavatsky Lodge. Both were teachers by profession. After the demise of Navajbai and Minoo Mullan, T.S. members collected some money and opened a fund namely Minoo Mullan education Fund, the interest of which is utilized for college students Elocution and Essay competition.
2. Mehra Dhalla: She wrote several pamphlets on behalf of Vimadalal Bilia Lodge in Gujarati in connection with Besant Centenary Lodge. She was one of the founders of  new Lodges, Centenary, Radiance, Jamshed Mehta and Unity Youth Lodge. She also invigorated Besant and Shanti Lodge. After her demise members collected money and started Mehran Dhalla Fund by Federation.

3.     Jamubhai Dani: He had the knack of making Theosophical teachings with relaxation and humor. He had good literary faculty and wrote about 45 books, including Gujarati translation of Theosophical books and many books for children. He was also interested in garbas wherein he participated. His wife Suryaben was good in drawing, music and garbas. Both were teachers and both inspired each other. After their death, members collected money and made Jamubhai and Suryaben Dani Education Foundation. Interest from the same is utilized for distributing note books to school children and for Inter-school Essay & Elocution Competition for children.

4. Jayantilal Shah: He was President of Bombay Federation for several years and was associated with Foundation in several activities. He was also a member of Blavatsky Lodge and in the Managing Committee and took keen interest in Library and Book Depot work. He introduced incense sticks in Book Depot. He was also member of Vimadalal Bilia Lodge, Dadar. He often came to Blavatsky Lodge and guided the members whenever required. He actively participated in T.S. Centenary, Blavatsky Lodge Centenary and Federation Golden Jubilee Work. He was a good organizer with patience and immense tolerance.

There were also many other good workers: Among them, Sohrab Karaka, Freny Bulsara, Mani Sidhwa, Jalbhai Billimoria, Rustom Alpaiwala, who started publishing Bombay Bulletin. Gulestan Jussawala, (Juhu), Gulbanu & Tehmina Wadia (Juhu), Homi Shroff, Kanhyalal Agarwala (Past Treasurer), Rustom Aria, Mohanlal Velji, Homai Toddywala, Cawsi Bottlewala, Sam Cooper and many others.  

DELHI:After my first stint in Mumbai in early 50s, I was transferred to Delhi in 1958. The same aspect of friendliness and family like atmosphere prevailed in Delhi as is elsewhere in T.S. the main Lodge was Indraprastha Lodge, meeting in premises of Indraprastha Girls High School. The Lodge was founded by an English lady, who was a member of Theosophical Society, many years ago. The Lodge was meeting on Sunday mornings as is the case in many places in India. Majority members were men. Tatachary, Bhargava and Agarwal were main speakers.

There was another active Lodge. It was meeting in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in one room on ground floor. Bro. Bepin Behari and his wife Madhavi both friendly and relaxed workers were arranging meetings. Once they arranged a series of lectures, inaugurated by Babu Rajendra Prasad, first President of India, who gave the first lecture. Other lectures followed. The lectures were printed by Bro. Bepin Behari, probably himself meeting a considerable cost.

Yet another active Lodge in New Delhi was in S.S, Verma’s residence. After retirement he went to Adyar, where he was in charge of Archives. He wrote two books published by T.P.H.

After Delhi, I was transferred to Rajasthan, at several places. With touring duty and heavy desk work, it was not possible to contact T.S. members as one would like to do. Subsequently, I was transferred to many places in Gujarat and Maharashtra and finally to Mumbai before my retirement. After my retirement, I joined Blavatsky Lodge in January 1979 and on demise of Treasurer, Kantilal Agarwal I became Treasurer. By grace of God and cooperation of members the work is being carried out. 

Teachings that attract me : The first object of T.S. “ To form a nucleus of Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color”. Nucleus means a core, a central part of living Center and not only an Intellectual Center. Universal Brotherhood implies development of Love.  At the Feet of the Master it is said “…of all the qualifications, Love is the most important; for it is strong enough in a way it forces him to acquire all the rest without which it would never be sufficient”. For love to be manifested, it has to move out of the groove of race, creed, caste, sex, or color. An aspirant has to move out of these grooves, to enable love to manifest. For recognizing these grooves, Swadhyay- self-learning/observation and determination to move out are necessary.

Another way to manifest love is to be charitable to the weaknesses of others and helping them, in whatever way we can. Jesus Christ has stated “Greater Love hath no more than this, that a man laid down his life for his friend”. Efforts are required to be made in both ways – patience and perseverance.

In the Theosophist of September 2003, the following is the quotation from Dr. A. Besant’s book- Wisdom of the Upanishad- “It matters enormously what you think. If you think falsely, you will act mistakenly; if you think basely, your conduct will suit your thinking. So, think your noblest, your highest. Think the best you can and not the worst. Aim high, for higher the arrow is aimed, the higher the mark it hits. Keep your own ideal lofty, while you keep your judgment of others charitable, your ideals shall lift you and your charity shall raise your fallen brother. For never yet did a man rise by being trampled on. Man only rises by being loved in the midst of his sins and follies and as we deal with our brethren, so do those who are above us deal with our outer selves”.

BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES DECEMBER 2017

SUPPORT CONVENTION 2017 - 2018

v  The 142nd International TS Convention at Adyar will be from 31st December 2017 to 5th January 2018 with the Theme: ‘From Teachings to Insight : The Altruistic Heart’

v  BTF & Blavatsky Lodge Joint Programe of Support Convention at Besant Hall, Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai as under:

Monday 1st January 2018:

5.30 pm. Tea and snacks

6.00 pm. Prayers of All Religions and the 142nd Convention

               Inaugural Speech of International President Tim Boyd 

  Tuesday 2nd January 2018:

 5.30 pm. Tea and snacks

 6.00 pm. Video clips from Adyar by Bro. Navin Kumar

 6.30 pm. PPPresentation by Mr. Byram Dhalla on ‘Drives of a Life

                Time - A Journey to Remember’ covering his adventures   

                of 45days From London to Mumbai across continents of

                Europe and Asia

Wednesday 3rd January 2018:

5.30 pm  Tea and snacks

6.00 pm  Cultural Evening with songs, music, Magic show, Line

               Dance etc. by Members & Friends

               Master of Ceremony Sis. Aban Patel

Thursday 5th January 2018:

5.30 pm  Tea and snacks

6.00 pm   Mystic Star Ritual

7.00 pm   Closing of the Support Convention 2017-2018

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 December 2017

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

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

DAY	TIME	DETAILS
Fri     1	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
Sun    3	10.00 am   10.30 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja BTF Council Meeting
Fri      8	6.00 pm    6.15 pm	Mystic Star Ritual Dr. Darius Umrigar’s Talk ( in Lobby)
Fri    15	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
Fri    22	6.00 pm	Theosophical Readings
Sun   24	10.45 pm	Maitreya Round Table  invites TS Brethren & Friends for  ‘Christmas Ceremony’
Fri    29	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
Tues 5,12,19, 26	5.45 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’ And Practice of Line Dance (for Support Convention)

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  ‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant
14	Study of  ‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant
21	Dr. Darius Umrigar’s Talk (at Blavatsky Lodge)
28	Study of  ‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant

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.  Goolcher Manjra Tel: 24185510

5.45 pm. Healing Rituals.

Thurs    7	6.00	Healing Ritual
Thurs   14	6.00	Talk by Bro.Zinoo Master
Thurs  21	6.00	Talk by Mr. Rustom Chothia
Thurs  28	6.00	Theosophical Readings

  

AGNI JAL BHOOMI VAYU AKASH

FIRE WATER EARTH AIR SPACE

Serve like the warmth of FIRE

Serve like the flow of WATER

Serve like the solidity of EARTH

Serve like the vastness of SPACE

Serve like the power of AIR

                                    SERVE!

Courtesy: Frame on the wall of Hinduja Hospital

(Shared by Sis. Mahazaver R. Dalal)

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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 22^nd  of December, 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, Sis. Aban Patel

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

The deliberations of the Meeting were as under:

1. Confirmation of Minutes:

Minutes of the MC meeting held on 24th November, 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 November 2017, was read by Sis. Ruby Khan and approved by the Managing Committee Members present.

3. Miscellaneus:

a) Hall Maintenance Charges hiked by Rs.500/- per turn from 1^st April 2018.

b) Rs.8,500/- to be reimbursed to Bro. Navin Kumar as per bills with Sis. Navaz Dhalla.

c) Rs. 200/- each to Kishore and Vikas for extra cleaning work on the 2^nd floor of the Lodge.

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

Secretary                                                                                President

(Jasmine Cawasji)                                                   (Kashmira Khambatta)