BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007
Tel: 23685026 (M): 9821459504 (M): 9819334333
DAY
------------------------ |
TIME
-------------------------- |
DETAILS
----------------------------------------------------------- |
Fri 4
|
6.00 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
|
Sun 6
|
10.00 am
10.30 am
11.30 am
11.45 am
|
Bharat Samaj Pooja
BTF Council Meeting
Experimental Sunday Meeting In Memory of
Shri Ganpat Jadhav.
Gospel of the Holy Twelve by Bro. B. Redwood
|
Tues 8
|
6.15 pm
|
White Lotus Day Meeting jointly with BTF
|
Fri 11
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Mystic Star Ritual
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (in Lobby)
|
Fri 18
|
6.00 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
|
Fri 25
|
4.30 pm
6.00 pm
|
Blavatsky Lodge MC Meeting
Theosophical Readings
|
Sun 27
|
10.45 pm
|
Maitreya Round Table
|
Tues 1,
15, 22, 29
|
5.45 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL BULLETIN
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF
THE BOMBAY
THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION
Volume
87
|
—
|
No.8
|
–
|
May 2018
|
Dhammapada
Verse 20
Appampi ce samhita bhasamano
dhammassa hoti anudhammacari
raganca dosanca pahaya moham
sammappajano suvimuttacitto1
anupadiyano idha va haram va
sa bhagava samannassa hoti.2
dhammassa hoti anudhammacari
raganca dosanca pahaya moham
sammappajano suvimuttacitto1
anupadiyano idha va haram va
sa bhagava samannassa hoti.2
: Though he recites only a little
of the Sacred Texts (Tipitaka), but practises
according to the Dhamma, eradicating passion, ill will and ignorance, clearly
comprehending the Dhamma, with his mind freed from moral defilements and no
longer clinging to this world or to the next, he shares the benefits of the
life of a bhikkhu
(i.e., Magga-phala).
CONTENTS
Quote Dhammapad Verse 20
|
Cover
|
News & Notes
|
2 - 3
|
‘Random Thoughts & Observations in Daily Life’ by Sis. Thrity
Dalal
|
4 - 5
|
International Order of the Round Table
|
6 - 10
|
BTF& Lodge Programmes May 2018
|
11 - 12
|
NEWS & NOTES
SHANTI LODGE JAMSHEDI NAVROZE
MEETING on 22nd March 2018 had a Talk by Mrs. Meher Contractor on ‘Tir Yazad’. She said, ‘Tir Yazad’ is one of the
four protective Stars of the Cosmos in the East. It is known as ‘the Rising
Star’ and is usually seen early in mornings before Monsoon. In prayers it is
addressed as ‘Rayomand Khorehmand Teshtar Tir Yazad’, which means ‘Divine
Intelligence, which is Glorious’.
Tir Yazad has the speed of a Spiritual Arrow with which, fighting neighbouring
rulers, the territory of ancient Iran was decided. Tir Yazad is connected with
Knowledge, Health - especially of eyes, the process of Rain and dispelling
evil. When invoked to fight evil, Tir Yazad blesses us with physical speed,
illumined mind, spiritual strength and divine irrigation of purifying healing
water for good of all Creations. It is called ‘Ratu’, the Leader of all Stars. His travel
from East to West signifies journey of soul from physical to spiritual world. Sis. Ratamai Peer spoke about greatness
of Tir Yazad’s boon of life giving Rain.
Mrs. Goolrukh Khambhatta sang ‘Monajats’,
devotional Parsi Gujarati songs. After the meeting all enjoyed
refreshments.
*************************************************************
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.
BLAVATSKY LODGE WORKSHOP
ON ‘RHYTHM & DANCE’ was conducted
by Sis. Zeena Rastomji on 23rd & 30th March 2018. She said Rhythm is in every atom, in nature’s working and even in
heartbeat of every living being. Dancing is a rhythmic movement with music.
Rhythm gives beats and melody enhances the beauty of music. Zeena explained
about music, musical instruments and scales with 2 to 12 beats. She
beautifully demonstrated dancing with different beats. Her key message
was to respond to music in one’s own way with confidence, but to keep time with
Rhythm.
BLAVATSKY LODGE SUNDAY
MORNING MEETING on 1st April 2018 with Sis. Deepa Kapoor: Sis. Deepa greeted all with “Jambo Rafiki”, i.e. “Hello
Dear Friends” in Kiswahili, the native language of the land where she
grew up. She conveyed Greetings of Bro.
Narendrabhai, GS of East & Central Africa Section compris9ng of 4 countries
– Kenya, Uganda, Zambia & Tanzania. She also conveyed greetings of Tanzania
AGS and Leaders of Ladies Group & Youth Group. In her presentation she
spoke about vibrancy of their TS and
Biennial TS Conventions, TOS activities and the bond of TS Brotherhood
across two shores of Indian Ocean. She recollected stalwarts like Bro. J.D.
Shah, Bro. Harkishan Shah, Bro. Amubhai Raval and her parents Manjulaben &
Tribhovan Kanabar, who have been active workers of Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai
also. Even her Mother Lodge is Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai. She spoke about varied
projects of TOS and the way her daughter Malaika with students of 9 countries
trekked to the base of Mt. Everest to raise funds for heart surgery of babies
in Tanzania. In the end a film specially
prepared by her husband Runjiv covering activities since 1960 was shown. (For details see next Bulletin Sis. Deepa
Kapoor’s article)
OBITUARY: Blavatsky Lodge’s Caretaker
and Attendant Shri Ganpat Jadhav, who had served to Lodge with devotion and
commitment over 50 years passed away on
12th April 2018. May his soul rest in peace.
RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS
IN DAILY LIFE
By Sis. Thrity
Dalal
When we are in a room where there is a CCTV, we immediately become conscious of all our actions- the way we
sit, behave, talk, etc. Why cant this be the case always? Because when we are
alone we think no one is watching so we can relax our guard. Is that our true
nature or is it the former? We are constantly trying to be what we are not – we
want to make an outer image of ourselves to others-. Hence the concept of no
one is watching so you can be yourself. This is a delusion as we are constantly
being watched – not by any outside agency but by our own inner consciousness.
Then why the façade?We are on our best behavior in front of people we want to
impress!! Can this “best behavior” be a reality? Self observation reveals the
constant tug of war between your inner and outer self. Does it actually matter
what others think of us? Others are already clouded by their own impressions
about themselves and us- that’s their version of the situation.
Why is it so important to leave a “good” impression on others? Is it the unconscious response of the inner self to what is
perceived to be what we should be? This constant tug of war between Reality and
Unreality is the root cause of all the distortions of thought and actions in
daily life.
So, can thought be subdued or completely eliminated? When you think of what Krishnaji (J. Krishnamurti) said, the
Observer and the Observed are the same – we have heard this several times . I
have been fortunate to have attended several of his discourses along with my
parents and grandmother, when I could barely understand what he was trying to
convey. But what has stuck in my mind is this- is it possible to completely
quieten the mind so that no thought intrudes our psychological reaction to
situations?
Is it possible to have no reaction at all when, for instance you are
faced with an argument? You may have to put
your views across but without your mind taking sides – only to dwell on what is
right. The opposite person also thinks his view is right. So is it possible to
have an overview and empathize with his views? See things from his perspective
so that the whole argument appears futile? May be.
Most of the matters which disturb the mind are irrelevant. Right from my childhood I remember my father, Bro. Jal Sanjana,
always saying “Nothing matters much… Most things matter not at all”. This
phrase has also stuck in my mind. Always people have told me that I think of
other peoples’ point of view and hence appear to be meek and submissive. But I
know that empathizing with surroundings gives a wider perspective of life – on
the variedness of life...yet the Unity of Life.
Then what is this constant conflict in our minds? We have often read..” Mind is the greatest slayers of the Real…O
disciple slay the slayer”. Easier said than done. That is the most difficult
thing to do. To undo thousands of years of conditioning through all sorts of
thoughts, circumstances, etc. We all carry a lot of psychological baggage with
us. But although old habits die hard, is it possible to, say, after a thought
criticizing someone occurs, you are alerted on these meandering thoughts
immediately? Yes that’s possible to begin with. Then you get a glimpse of the
“Peace that passeth understanding”. Practically, it means that we have to be
constantly alert to the workings of our mind and thoughts. It is definitely
possible to at least give it a try so that it slowly becomes our daily nature.
May be with time, it will become not our second nature, but our very nature
itself.
We all would have experienced the same at some point in our life. That beautiful moment when all thoughts
quieten down, one is at peace with oneself, even if it is for a fraction of a
second. But that moment stays with you- that experience stays with you, till
the next time you experience that quiet again.
INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE ROUND TABLE
Shared by Past Leading Knight Thrity Dalal
At Blavatsky Lodge Sunday Meeting of 4th March 2018
HISTORY:
An international Order for young people of all creeds and races.
Inspired by the Arthurian legends and with “Service” as its keynote, the modern
Round Table Movement had its genesis in London on July 25th, 1908, under the
aegis of the Theosophical Society (TS) and the direction of the Order’s Founder
and first Senior Knight, George Herbert Whyte (1879 -1917).
From its beginning, the Order of the Round Table found its
inspiration in the legends of the original Round Table, established by Arthur,
King of Wales, in the 7th century. The fame of the Knights of the Round Table
is based more upon their integrity, courage, and spiritual values; rather than
their skill as soldiers. The legend survived Arthur’s complete defeat in the
famous battle of Dartmoor, where Arthur was mortally wounded, Merlin made
prisoner, and the Knights of the Round Table disbanded.
Its purpose was and is to develop the
qualities of the soul and the spirit of brotherhood and chivalry among the
young. From its beginning, the Order has been open for both women and men. This
movement was one of the manifestations of the strong spiritual undercurrent
that inspired the Western world at the beginning of the twentieth century. Originally intended for boys and girls from thirteen years upwards,
it evolved from, and later absorbed into itself, the “Golden Chain” and “Lotus
Circle” organizations, which were for younger children, and therefore the
admission age was lowered. Prior to the amalgamation, Whyte had the
responsibility for all three movements.
The Lotus Circles had begun in the USA and in
1895 Annie Besant, then President of the TS, took advantage of the visit to
London of an American member of the Theosophical Society, Miss
Stabler, to ask for help in establishing one at the Society’s London
Headquarters in Avenue Road, St. John’s Wood. Some aspects of those Lotus
Ceremonies are still to be found in the Round Table workings, the most notable
being the Flower Ceremony. In 1899 the Golden Chain groups commenced in the USA
and their “Declaration of Principles” which begins, “I am a link in the Golden
Chain of love. . . .” is used today in some countries after the Bread and Salt
Ceremony and by individual members as part of a voluntary daily discipline.
The movement was enthusiastically supported by Annie Besant and
Charles Leadbeater, who had written to Herbert Whyte, “. . . it is one of the
noblest conceptions that I have seen, and I am very much pleased with it.”
Besant became the first Protector of the Order, serving in that capacity until
her death in 1933. Following the death of Whyte in 1917, Leadbeater became the
second Senior Knight for the ensuing sixteen years. Successors to that Office
have been George S. Arundale, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Ingrid Nyborg-Fjellander,
Philippa Hartley and Margaret Stagg (formerly Banyard). The first Chief
Secretary was Ethyl Whyte (nee Mallet), the wife of the Founder, who continued
in that capacity until 1930, becoming a Knight Counselor in 1936.
The Order spread quickly, and by 1920 there were Tables in England,
Australia, Holland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, France and
Egypt. Today it is active in 22 countries. In the 1920’s it was recommended as
one of the “side” activities of the TS, together with Co-Freemasonry, the
Liberal Catholic Church, the Order of the Star, and the Montessori movement. In
the early 1930’s it became an independent organization, while remaining in
close touch with the parent Theosophical Society as an affiliated body with
shared ideas and roots. The
ideals remain unchanged even though there have been some adjustments to the
form itself. It is intended to inspire youth
with a vision of the ideal life, and to inculcate the concepts of
the Brotherhood of all Life, the Great Law which governs our universe, and the
Quest for Truth as expressed in the allegorical tales of the Holy Grail and the
mythologies of east and west. That “Service” which is its keynote is offered in
the name of the highest ideal of each member, the King being the symbol of that
ideal, and since there are no limitations of race and creed, each is free to
clothe his or her ideal in the form most revered. Herbert Whyte wrote: “Let our
motto be ‘Follow the king.’ Who is the King? That we must each one of us find
out for ourselves, and we shall be free to choose, as long as our King is great
and wondrous and there shines about Him the glory of the Perfect Man. We
shall know Him as we begin to serve Him and shall find Him when, in years to
come, we have learned to serve Him well.”
AIM:
The spiritual aim is therefore to form an international young
Brotherhood, and to nurture the inner growth and understanding of young people.
OBJECTS:
Its Objects are as follows:
1. To create in the minds of the young a recognition of the unity of
people and of all living things.
2. To help the young to be useful and happy members of society.
3. To create conditions for harmonious living, and to promote, in
all ways possible, Universal Love and Compassion by encouraging the young to be
of service to all living creatures.
The
means of promoting those objects include ceremonial activities, study, and
involvement in ecological issues, self expression through arts and crafts,
social service, camps and group work. The Order expects its members to extend
their feelings of brotherhood to all, without distinction of race, religion,
sex, social rank, political opinion, etc ...
MEMBERSHIP:
The membership of the Order is composed of Pages, Companions,
Squires and Knights, the ages for the different ranks being:
Degrees
|
Age Group
|
Collar Colour
|
Values Learnt
|
Pages
|
4 to 10
|
Blue
|
Kindness
|
Companions
|
10 to 14
|
Green
|
Helpfulness
|
Squires
|
14 to 17
|
Purple
|
Courageousness
|
Knights
|
17 & Over
|
Crimson Red
|
Righteousness
|
In the degree of Page, the children are only expected to come and bring their joy. In the degree of Companion, the
children develop socially and learn about friendship. In the degree of Squire, young people become more pro-active and
bring the qualities of helpfulness and courage. In the last degree, the Knight is expected to learn to become the
right man in the right place i.e. righteousness.
The members work in groups
called Tables, each of which is led by a Leading Knight, who should be at least 25 years of age.
The international work is directed by the Senior Knight, the Chief Secretary, and the
International Senior Council. The responsibility for the work in each country
rests with their Chief Knights, with their National Councilor and with their
National Representative.
The Round table ceremonies are not religious. They are very simple, and may be performed by
children and adults of all ages. Round table members belong to many different
Religions and Cultures in the entire world and they try to live in harmony and
tolerance. Several activities take place after the ceremonial work.
THE KING:
The
modern Knights of the Round Table continue the search for the Holy Grail, but
in a more symbolic and ethical sense. The King represents the highest ideal one
can imagine: He is the perfect man, the ideal knight who has reached the fullness
of the stature of perfection. The Round Table, the wedding gift of Queen
Guenivere, represents harmony, equality among human beings, and all the caring
feminine forces of nature and the universe: this principle is called the Queen of heaven and earth.
ACTIVITIES:
Members are involved in many kinds of activities, but they meet
regularly for ceremonial work. In recent years, ceremonies have been mostly
associated with religion. There are, however, many other fields of human
activity wherein ceremonies are used totally outside the scope of religion. As
far as we can remember, ceremonies have been a part of human social life. In
the Order of the Round Table, ceremonies are used to teach cooperation, promote
group work, and practice altruism. The Round Table ceremonies belong to three
major categories: The Core Ceremonies including
the admissions to the different degrees and the Bread and Salt ceremony that
commemorate the bonds of friendship. The
drama ceremonies i.e. the Zoroastrian Ceremony, Christmas Ceremony etc. and
The Symbolic Ceremonies i.e. the
Flower and the Bread and Salt, whereby a deeper symbolic understanding of the
universe around us can be obtained.
***************************************************
To set the Truth-Wheel whirling round
In this blind World I go to sound
The throbbing drum of deathlessness
-
Lord Buddha
(Shared
by Mr. Dinshaw Buxey)
BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES MAY 2018
WHITE LOTUS DAY MEETING jointly by BTF
& Blavatsky Lodge on Tuesday 8th May 2018 at 6.15 p.m. at Besant Hall
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 May 2018
2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007
Tel: 23685026 (M):
9821459504 (M): 9819334333
DAY
---------------------------- |
TIME
------------------------------ |
DETAILS
------------------------------------------------- |
Fri 4
|
6.00 pm
|
Study
of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
|
Sun 6
|
10.00 am
10.30 am
11.30 am
11.45 am
|
Bharat
Samaj Pooja
BTF
Council Meeting
Experimental Sunday Meeting In Memory of
Shri
Ganpat Jadhav.
Gospel
of the Holy Twelve by Bro. B. Redwood
|
Tues 8
|
6.15 pm
|
White
Lotus Day Meeting jointly with BTF
|
Fri 11
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Mystic
Star Ritual
Talk
by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (in
Lobby)
|
Fri 18
|
6.00 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
|
Fri 25
|
4.30 pm
6.00 pm
|
Blavatsky
Lodge MC Meeting
Theosophical
Readings
|
Sun 27
|
10.45 pm
|
Maitreya
Round Table
|
Tues
1,
15, 22, 29
|
5.45 pm
|
Study
of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
|
3. CENTENARY LODGE:
Please contact Sis. Najma Dewan (M):
9987204038 for meetings
4. JYOTI LODGE: Contact 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 Time: 6.15 p.m.
3
|
Study of
‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant
|
10
|
Study of
‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant
|
17
|
Dr. Darius H. Umrigar’s Talk (at Blavatsky Lodge)
|
24
|
Readings
from Surendra Narayan’s Book ‘Leave Your World and Come Into Ours’
|
31
|
Study of
‘Thought Power’ by Annie Besant
|
6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: Sis.
Soonoo Vesuna (M): 9619339787
Wed 16
|
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
Wednesday2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 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
3
|
5.45
|
Celebration of White Lotus Day
|
Thurs
10
|
6.00
|
Talk by Mr. Rustom Chothia
|
Thurs
17
|
6.00
|
Healing Ritual
|
Thurs
24
|
6.00
|
Talk by Mrs. Meher Contractor
|
Thurs 31
|
6.00
|
Study of ‘The Masters and the Path’
|
************************************************************
Price: Rs. 1/- Annual
Subscription: Rs. 10/-
********************************************************
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)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
MCM OF MAY 2018
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
MCM OF MAY 2018
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 25th May, 2018 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, Bro. Arni Narendran, Sis.Aban Patel, Nawaz Dhalla, and Sis. Ruby Khan.
Leave of Absence: Rustom Dalal, Sis. Ferny Pagdiwala, Bro. Roy Mathews and Bro. Rustom Cooper.
The deliberations of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC meeting held on 27th May 2018, which were Mailed in advance and distributed to members at the meeting, were considered andconfirmed.
2. Hon. Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report for the month of April 2018, 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.
Hon. Secretary President
(Jasmine Cawasji) (Kashmira Khambatta)
