Programme for May 2018

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’

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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

: 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.

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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.

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.

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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’

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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 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 25^th 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)