Programme for November 2018

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

DAY	TIME	DETAILS
Fri      2	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
Sun     4	10.00 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja
Fri      9	6.00 pm	SACRED JOURNEYS with Readings and Discussion on  ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Parmahansa Yogananda’ - conducted by Bro. Arni Narendran
Tue 13	5.45 pm	Interative Session by Shri Damodara Chaitanya, ChinmayaMission (Bro.Janardana Sherigar)
Fri     16	4.30 pm     6.00 pm	SACRED JOURNEYS with Readings and Discussion on  ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Parmahansa Yogananda’ - conducted by Bro. Arni Narendran
Satur17	6.00 pm	FOUNDATION DAY Meeting jointly with BTF
Fri     23	4.30 pm    6.00 pm	BTF Council Meeting BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya’s presentation on ‘My Experience of Strategic Planning Meeting at Bhowali’ (BTF & Lodge Officers & Members do attend)
Sun   25	11.45 am	Maitreya Round Table
Fri    30	4.30 pm    6.00 pm	Blavatsky Lodge MC Meeting Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
Tues 6, 13,20,27 ------------------	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 88

—

No.2

–

November 2018

HELENA P BLAVATSKY & HENRY S OLCOTT

The Theosophical Society was officially formed in New York City, United States, on 17 November 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, William Quan Judge, and others. It was self-described as "an unsectarian body of seekers after Truth, who endeavour to promote Brotherhood and strive to serve humanity. After a few years Olcott and Blavatsky moved to India and established the International Headquarters at Adyar, in Madras (now Chennai).

CONTENTS

Cover – HPB & HSO (Foundation Day)	Cover
News & Notes – BTF at Marathi TF Conference	2 - 3
Dr. Annie Besant’s Birthday Meeting	4 - 6
Thus Spake The Light Bringers	7
Dani Competition Group 1 – First Prize Poem	8 - 9
Dani Competition Group 2 – First Prize Poem	9 - 10
BTF& Lodge Programmes November 2018	10 - 12

BTF PARTICIPATION AT MARATHI FEDERATION 87TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – Impressions shared by Bro. Vinayak Pandya: The 87th Annual Conference of Marathi Theosophical Federation was convened at Brahmachaitanya Hall, Dombivili, Dist Thane Sep 28 to Sep 30, 2018. The Theme of the said convention was “To be a Nucleus of Universal Brotherhood”. The Convention was chaired by Mr Tim Boyd, President of Theosophical Society.

BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya and Sis. Malati Pandya attended on Inaugural and Concluding Day. Special Invitee Speaker Dr. Ajay Hora and Sis. Urvi Hora had attended on Second & Concluding Day. Sis. Mona & Bro. Nilesh Mehta and Bro. Bhavesh Pandya attended on Concluding Day.

The Convention was inaugurated by Lightning the Lamp. Ms Kashmira Sarnobat sang Mantras in praise of Saraswati and Guru. All Faith Prayers were said and described beautifully by Brothers Vinay Thakur, Jitendra Thakur and Shrikant Jog. Sister Archana Joshi skillfully anchored the entire Convention. Sis. Neeta Raje read messages received from across the country.

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

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. VinayakPandya.  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.

A profound inaugural speech was delivered by Brother Vinay Thakur, President of Marathi Dombivli Theosophical Lodge. This was followed by address on schedule of the programme by Brother Nandkumar Raut, President of Marathi Theosophical Federation.

Mr Tim Boyd, International President of Theosophical Society gave the formal Presidential Speech which was awe inspiring with insightful wisdom and marked by simplicity, which all could understand. Mr Tim Boyd commented on Brotherhood asking participants to imbibe brotherhood in daily life.

Mr Sudhindra Sarnobat, Chief Invitee Guest, CEO of SMS Foundation and CEO, ISOURCE, Pune gave a wonderful speech on “Spirituality for Youngsters.”

This was followed by inspirational speeches by Special Guest Speakers Dr Ajay Hora, Mr R V Vastrad, International Lecturer Bellary Karnataka and Mr Chandrakant Shinde, National Lecturer & Librarian, Adyar.

Brother Jitendra Thakur gave speech expressing thanks and appreciating the addresses delivered by Chief Guests and Invitees.

There was a Debate on “Nucleus of Universal Brotherhood” chaired by Brother A P Lokhande, President of Nagpur Theosophical Society.

Discourses were delivered by various members of Theosophical Society across Maharashtra over three days of the convention viz: (1) Brother T K Patil, Sangli (2) Sister Manisha Puntambekar, Dombivli (3) Brother A S Sonone, Akola (4) Sister Yogini Gokhale, Dombivli (5) Dr Smita Mehetre, Nagpur

(6) Mr Chillal, Sangli (7) Mr Vinayak Pandya, Bombay Lodge (8) Mr Prabhakar Joshi, Nagpur Lodge The old stalwart of Thane Theosophical Lodge Mr Bhise graced the convention with the words: ‘We are blessed by Late Brother Divakar Anant Ghaisas (Appa) & Ascended Masters without whom the Convention would not have been a success.  We are grateful to them for their benedictions.

DR. ANNIE BESANT’S BIRTHDAY MEETING

on 1st October 2018 evening at Besant Hall

jointly by BTF & Blavatsky:

The Meeting was opened with the Prayers of All Religions and the Universal Prayer. BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya in Opening Address said: We have gathered to fondly remember and be inspired by Magnificent Lady Dr. Annie Besant. Gandhiji did not agree with her for Independence movement, but he greatly admired AB for her work for humanity of India.  With her magnanimity she had given away the College started by her to Shri Madan Mohan Malavia for founding Banaras Hindu University. Development & Expansion of Adyar is thanks to AB. She believed in Freedom of Thought and she let JK go his way. When she gave talk in this very Besant Hall, it was not only full but people were standing on road to listen

Bro. Navin Kumar speaking on Annie Besant’s Vision for India read out extracts of the section ‘The Coming Aryan Empire’ from the book ‘Annie Besant - Builder India’s Magnificent Future’: * Two views of India’s future have been put forward: one that India is effete and is passing into decay, to vanish as Babylonia and Egypt have vanished; the other, that she has a future greater than her past, and is destined to rise to a peak of dazzling glory, the Heart of the  greatest Empire that the world has yet seen. She said “It is the second of these two views that I have been doing my best to popularize as an inspiring ideal during the last seventeen years, and it was for the helping of the realization of this ideal that I joined hands with others to found our beloved Central Hindu College.”

*In the nineteenth century the time had come for a more sympathetic mutual understanding between East & West, between the elder and younger Branches of  the Aryan Family, and for this The Theosophical Society was founded: it was sent to bring to the West the forgotten spiritual knowledge of the East. It was sent to recall to the East the memory of its own treasures to revive Aryan ideals and to bring to it the accumulated treasures of western learning to knit together its warring elements into a single nation and above all to blend into one the eldest and the youngest children of the Aryan Race. When the Union is accomplished, when the field is ready ten Vaivsvata Manu will send hither the master Intellects of humanity to raise the people composed of the best elements of His race to a dazzling height of glory and the great Aryan Empire will stand revealed. (from October 1910, Central Hindu College Magazine) (Note: The Central Hindu College founded by Dr. Annie Besant was with magnanimity given away by her to Shri Madanmohan Malavia to form Banaras Hindu University)

Sis. Aban Patel with her lucid speech enacted the scene of Dr. Annie Besant meeting Madam H. P. Blavatsky. Memorable dialogues in Dr. Annie Besant’s words were shared by Sis. Aban: Mr. William Stead gave into my hands two large volumes, “Can you review them? My young men all fight shy of them, but you are quite mad enough on these subjects to make something of them.” They were the two volumes of ‘The Secret Doctrine’ written by HPB. I wrote the review and asked Mr. Stead for an introduction to the writer. I received the most cordial note bidding me to come to 17, Lansdowne Road …. A figure in a large chair, before a table, a voice vibrant, compelling: “My dear Mrs. Besant, I have so long wished to see you’ and I was standing with my hand in her firm grip and looking for the first time, in this life, straight into the eyes of HPB…….. When we rose to go and for a moment two piercing eyes met mine with a yearning throb in the voice: “Oh! My Dear Mrs. Besant, if you would only come among us.” I said a polite goodbye. ‘Child”, HPB said to me long after “your pride is terrible. You are as proud as Lucifer himself.” ……After a day or two I went again to Lansdowne Road to ask about the Theosophical Society. HPB looked at me piercingly and asked “Have you read the report about me of the Society for Psychical Research?” “No. I never heard of it so far as I know?” “Go and read it and if, after reading it, you come back – well.”. I borrowed a copy of the Report and read and re-read it…. I flung the Report aside with a righteous scorn….Next day I signed an application to be admitted as fellow of the Theosophical Society. On receiving Diploma, I betook myself to Lansdowne Road, where I found HPB alone. I went over to her, bent down and kissed her but said no word. “You have joined the Society?” “Yes” “you have read the Report?” “Yes” ”Well?” …I bent down before her and clasped her hands in mine, looking straight into her eyes “My answer is will you accept me as your pupil and give me the honour of proclaiming you my teacher in the face of the World?” Her stern set face softened, the unwanted gleam of tears sprang to her eyes, then with dignity more than regal, she placed her hand upon my head, “You are a noble woman. May Master bless you.”

Sis. Ruby Khan speaking about Diamond Facet Soul - Dr. Annie Besant conveyed her messages for Spotless Action, Love & Brotherhood.

Sis. Navaz Dhalla spoke about Dr. Annie Besant’s life; her greatness as Orator, Author, Clairvoyant, Crusader for upliftment of women & grooming of youth and Visionary for India – her Motherland;- and starting institutions like Son & Daughter of India, TOS, Co-Freemasonic Order & Scouts movement in India.

Sis. Zeena Rostamji said that ‘Four Beautiful Lines’ speak of the sensitivity and encompassing love of Dr. Anni Besant. Sis. Zeena explained the inspiring Four Lines of The Universal Prayer ‘O! Hidden Life’ composed by Dr. Annie Besant.

Bro. Vinayak Pandya sang Late Sis. Bana Mehta’s favourite Bhajan ‘Bhajan Hari nu Gao’. The Meeting ended with recitation of Sanskrit Prayer.

          THUS SPAKE

         THE LIGHT BRINGERS

This should never be forgotten, nor should the following fact overlooked. On the day when Theosophy will have accomplished its most holy and most important mission – namely, to unite firmly a body of men of all nations in brotherly love and bent on a pure altruistic work, not on a labour with selfish motives – on that day only will Theosophy become higher than any nominal brotherhood of man. This will be a wonder and a miracle truly, for the realization of which Humanity is vainly waiting for the last 18 centuries, and which every association has hitherto failed to accomplish.

-       Letter 1 from H.P. Blavatsky 1888  To Second Annual Convention, TS in America

The real Theosophical Society is an indivisible unit, animated by an individual life! Its Soul is the love of truth, its vital principle is kindness, and it dwells in a world above the material, where no enemy can touch it. It depends for its manifestation on earth upon an appropriate vehicle, and the first condition necessary in that vehicle is that it shall be a united whole.

-       Applied Theosophy and Other Essays H.S. Olcott

(Both Quotes Courtesy: The Theosophist April 2018)

  Dani Elocution Competition 2018

Trees Mother Earth’s Generous Gift

Poem by Nenita Wells dedicated to the people

who are actively working in the conservation of our forests and the beautification of our environment.

Subject: Trees Our Best Friend

By

Master Jai Bellare of Bombay Scottish School

First Prize Winner of 5th – 7th Standard Group

Oh tree, you open up your generous hand

Jutting out outstretched like holding a wand

Upon your branches nesting birds building

Assured of comfort weary wings living

Oh tree, you provide them place to dwell

New flock ready to chirp and sing away

Calling with their melodious notes so well

And dreams of places to fly so far away

Oh tree, you let them stay in your arms and welcome

Cooling, nourishing their daily wanting safe home

Sheltering them from sun’s harshness thrown

The coldness and dampness of the rain pouring down

Oh tree, your shadows lend comfort to creatures who long

Resisting the unending turbulence of life furious, strong

Like a river’s current, sweeping, tugging, tagging us along

As we remain steadfast in our quest for peace here we belong

Oh tree, your crown is an image of a king standing strong

His throne and kingdom’s freedom defended lifelong

Like a trained fighter vigorously blocking every blow

Until your bruised branches and leaves begin again to glow

Oh tree, your trunk, your roots anchored to the ground,

Giving reassurance of the strongest kind of foundation bound

As sure- footed as a mountain goat climbing until food found

From a Nature’s treasure chest blessings on earth abound

Oh tree, a generous Mother Earth’s gift

God, the Great Provider to mankind so swift

With kindness, abundance for everyone to enjoy

To protect, preserve, conserve, and not to destroy

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

Cell Phones

 By

Isaac Rodrigues of Bombay Scottish School

First Prize Winner of 8th – 10th Standard Group

Subject: Mobile – A Boon or Curse

 Thank God I don’t live in my Granny’s day

Where there were no cell phones on which to play,

I can’t imagine just what I’d do

With those minutes of waste that I’d accrue!

For now there isn’t a moment to spare.

I can text while I put on my underwear

From the moment I wake till the moment I sleep

I won’t have to be bored- I can chat, post and tweet!

I can Skype on the road while I’m driving to work,

Or get on You Tube to watch Miley smirk.

On lunch break I’ll sort through my email’s spam,

And post pics what I ate on Instagram!

Sitting on a toilet’s no longer a bore,

I’ve got Candy Crush Saga, Farmville and More!

So productive am I that it makes my head spin,

But at least I don’t have to wait idly and grin!

My buddy and I Facebook in our seats,

While we wait for the waitress to bring us our treats

The people in the next booth are doing the same,

So I assure you, we are perfectly sane.

And then while we eat we check our phones,

In response to the growing number of notification tones!

But alas, it appears that my battery’s draining,

Only 7.7 percent is remaining.

Just one last Selfie before it quits,

I wonder how many “likes” it will get!

As I plug my phone in, I think of poor granny,

Who lived in a time before cell phones were any?

At work, or at home, or out on a date,

I’m so glad I don’t have to be bored while I wait!

And with that thought, I turn down the sheets,

Put on my jammies and de-sock my feet.

As I and my doggie snuggle in bed

Pictures on Google dance in my head.

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

Poetic Observation of Dani Elocution Competition Judge

Dr. Francesca Aranha

The Dani Memorial Inter-School Competition 2018

               Began with participants upteen

Parents, Teachers, students & Guests filled the hall

              To hear the 36 elocutors, take their call

The six varied topics divided in groups two

              17 schools participated from near and far off too

Some of you were expressive, some monotonous & sing-song

              But hats off to you for excellent memory & recall

It was a pleasure to hear the participants’ opinions & views

              Though a few of you forgot and needed a cue

Kids, communication skills are the need of the hour

              This participation of yours will take you afar

We four Judges enjoyed judging and giving you a ear

              Theosophical Society & Junior Red Cross

              Thank you for having us here

BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES NOVEMBER 2018

FOUNDATION DAY 17th November 2018 at 6.00 p.m. jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge in Besant Hall

1.ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical Colony, Juhu, Mumbai 400049. Contact Ananda Lodge Secretary Sis. ZenobiaKhodaiji (M): 9820308163 or Ananda Lodge Representative to BTF Sis. AnjooNarain (M): 9820132473 for Meeting of November 2018

2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007     Tel: 23685026   (M): 9821459504   (M): 9819334333

DAY	TIME	DETAILS
Fri      2	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
Sun     4	10.00 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja
Fri      9	6.00 pm	SACRED JOURNEYS with Readings and Discussion on  ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Parmahansa Yogananda’ - conducted by Bro. Arni Narendran
Tue 13	5.45 pm	Interative Session by Shri Damodara Chaitanya, ChinmayaMission (Bro.Janardana Sherigar)
Fri     16	4.30 pm     6.00 pm	SACRED JOURNEYS with Readings and Discussion on  ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Parmahansa Yogananda’ - conducted by Bro. Arni Narendran
Satur17	6.00 pm	FOUNDATION DAY Meeting jointly with BTF
Fri     23	4.30 pm    6.00 pm	BTF Council Meeting BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya’s presentation on ‘My Experience of Strategic Planning Meeting at Bhowali’ (BTF & Lodge Officers & Members do attend)
Sun   25	11.45 am	Maitreya Round Table
Fri    30	4.30 pm    6.00 pm	Blavatsky Lodge MC Meeting Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
Tues 6, 13,20,27 --------------	5.45 pm -----------------	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’ -------------------------------------------------------------------

3. CENTENARY LODGE: 

 Please contact Sis. NajmaDewan (M): 9987204038 for meetings

4. JYOTI LODGE: Contact Bro. TaralMunshi, 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

JYOTI LODGE: Contact Bro. TaralMunshi, 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.

Thurs1,15,22,29 8	Study of ‘Thought Power’ by Dr. Annie Besant Bhai Beej – Lodge closed

6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: Sis.  SoonooVesuna (M): 9619339787

Wed  21

5.30 pm

Theosophical readings guided by Sis. SoonooVesuna at her residence Vijay Niwas, 4th Floor, Sleater Road

7 & 8 VASANTA LODGE & GANESH LODGE:C/O Mrs. Gita S. Parikh, GokulAnand Building, 4th Floor, Dattatraya Cross Road (M):9920384140

Wednesday 7 (Deepawali- Lodge closed), 14, 21 & 28 Meetings at 6.30 pm.

9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE: Family House, Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014

5.45 pm. Healing Rituals.

Thurs    1	5.45	Healing Ritual
Thurs    8	6.00	Bhai Beej – Lodge closed
Thurs  15	6.00	Study of ‘The Masters and the Path’
Thurs  22	6.00	Lodge Members’ Meeting
Thurs  29	6.00	Theosophical Readings

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

Price: Rs. 1/-                                                  Annual Subscription: Rs. 10/-

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

Hundreds of tons of earth and stone have to be excavated

by means of hard labour before even one diamond is discovered.

Do we give even a fraction of this labour

and search for the diamond of Truth?

-        Mahatma Gandhi

                From ‘The Essence of Gandhian Thought’

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

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.

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF

 THE BOMBAY THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION

Volume 88

—

No.2

–

November 2018

HELENA P BLAVATSKY & HENRY S OLCOTT

The Theosophical Society was officially formed in New York City, United States, on 17 November 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, William Quan Judge, and others. It was self-described as "an unsectarian body of seekers after Truth, who endeavour to promote Brotherhood and strive to serve humanity. After a few years Olcott and Blavatsky moved to India and established the International Headquarters at Adyar, in Madras (now Chennai).

CONTENTS

Cover – HPB & HSO (Foundation Day)	Cover
News & Notes – BTF at Marathi TF Conference	2 - 3
Dr. Annie Besant’s Birthday Meeting	4 - 6
Thus Spake The Light Bringers	7
Dani Competition Group 1 – First Prize Poem	8 - 9
Dani Competition Group 2 – First Prize Poem	9 - 10
BTF& Lodge Programmes November 2018	10 - 12

BTF PARTICIPATION AT MARATHI FEDERATION 87TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – Impressions shared by Bro. Vinayak Pandya: The 87th Annual Conference of Marathi Theosophical Federation was convened at Brahmachaitanya Hall, Dombivili, Dist Thane Sep 28 to Sep 30, 2018. The Theme of the said convention was “To be a Nucleus of Universal Brotherhood”. The Convention was chaired by Mr Tim Boyd, President of Theosophical Society.

BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya and Sis. Malati Pandya attended on Inaugural and Concluding Day. Special Invitee Speaker Dr. Ajay Hora and Sis. Urvi Hora had attended on Second & Concluding Day. Sis. Mona & Bro. Nilesh Mehta and Bro. Bhavesh Pandya attended on Concluding Day.

The Convention was inaugurated by Lightning the Lamp. Ms Kashmira Sarnobat sang Mantras in praise of Saraswati and Guru. All Faith Prayers were said and described beautifully by Brothers Vinay Thakur, Jitendra Thakur and Shrikant Jog. Sister Archana Joshi skillfully anchored the entire Convention. Sis. Neeta Raje read messages received from across the country.

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

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. VinayakPandya.  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.

A profound inaugural speech was delivered by Brother Vinay Thakur, President of Marathi Dombivli Theosophical Lodge. This was followed by address on schedule of the programme by Brother Nandkumar Raut, President of Marathi Theosophical Federation.

Mr Tim Boyd, International President of Theosophical Society gave the formal Presidential Speech which was awe inspiring with insightful wisdom and marked by simplicity, which all could understand. Mr Tim Boyd commented on Brotherhood asking participants to imbibe brotherhood in daily life.

Mr Sudhindra Sarnobat, Chief Invitee Guest, CEO of SMS Foundation and CEO, ISOURCE, Pune gave a wonderful speech on “Spirituality for Youngsters.”

This was followed by inspirational speeches by Special Guest Speakers Dr Ajay Hora, Mr R V Vastrad, International Lecturer Bellary Karnataka and Mr Chandrakant Shinde, National Lecturer & Librarian, Adyar.

Brother Jitendra Thakur gave speech expressing thanks and appreciating the addresses delivered by Chief Guests and Invitees.

There was a Debate on “Nucleus of Universal Brotherhood” chaired by Brother A P Lokhande, President of Nagpur Theosophical Society.

Discourses were delivered by various members of Theosophical Society across Maharashtra over three days of the convention viz: (1) Brother T K Patil, Sangli (2) Sister Manisha Puntambekar, Dombivli (3) Brother A S Sonone, Akola (4) Sister Yogini Gokhale, Dombivli (5) Dr Smita Mehetre, Nagpur

(6) Mr Chillal, Sangli (7) Mr Vinayak Pandya, Bombay Lodge (8) Mr Prabhakar Joshi, Nagpur Lodge The old stalwart of Thane Theosophical Lodge Mr Bhise graced the convention with the words: ‘We are blessed by Late Brother Divakar Anant Ghaisas (Appa) & Ascended Masters without whom the Convention would not have been a success.  We are grateful to them for their benedictions.

DR. ANNIE BESANT’S BIRTHDAY MEETING

on 1st October 2018 evening at Besant Hall

jointly by BTF & Blavatsky:

The Meeting was opened with the Prayers of All Religions and the Universal Prayer. BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya in Opening Address said: We have gathered to fondly remember and be inspired by Magnificent Lady Dr. Annie Besant. Gandhiji did not agree with her for Independence movement, but he greatly admired AB for her work for humanity of India.  With her magnanimity she had given away the College started by her to Shri Madan Mohan Malavia for founding Banaras Hindu University. Development & Expansion of Adyar is thanks to AB. She believed in Freedom of Thought and she let JK go his way. When she gave talk in this very Besant Hall, it was not only full but people were standing on road to listen

Bro. Navin Kumar speaking on Annie Besant’s Vision for India read out extracts of the section ‘The Coming Aryan Empire’ from the book ‘Annie Besant - Builder India’s Magnificent Future’: * Two views of India’s future have been put forward: one that India is effete and is passing into decay, to vanish as Babylonia and Egypt have vanished; the other, that she has a future greater than her past, and is destined to rise to a peak of dazzling glory, the Heart of the  greatest Empire that the world has yet seen. She said “It is the second of these two views that I have been doing my best to popularize as an inspiring ideal during the last seventeen years, and it was for the helping of the realization of this ideal that I joined hands with others to found our beloved Central Hindu College.”

*In the nineteenth century the time had come for a more sympathetic mutual understanding between East & West, between the elder and younger Branches of  the Aryan Family, and for this The Theosophical Society was founded: it was sent to bring to the West the forgotten spiritual knowledge of the East. It was sent to recall to the East the memory of its own treasures to revive Aryan ideals and to bring to it the accumulated treasures of western learning to knit together its warring elements into a single nation and above all to blend into one the eldest and the youngest children of the Aryan Race. When the Union is accomplished, when the field is ready ten Vaivsvata Manu will send hither the master Intellects of humanity to raise the people composed of the best elements of His race to a dazzling height of glory and the great Aryan Empire will stand revealed. (from October 1910, Central Hindu College Magazine) (Note: The Central Hindu College founded by Dr. Annie Besant was with magnanimity given away by her to Shri Madanmohan Malavia to form Banaras Hindu University)

Sis. Aban Patel with her lucid speech enacted the scene of Dr. Annie Besant meeting Madam H. P. Blavatsky. Memorable dialogues in Dr. Annie Besant’s words were shared by Sis. Aban: Mr. William Stead gave into my hands two large volumes, “Can you review them? My young men all fight shy of them, but you are quite mad enough on these subjects to make something of them.” They were the two volumes of ‘The Secret Doctrine’ written by HPB. I wrote the review and asked Mr. Stead for an introduction to the writer. I received the most cordial note bidding me to come to 17, Lansdowne Road …. A figure in a large chair, before a table, a voice vibrant, compelling: “My dear Mrs. Besant, I have so long wished to see you’ and I was standing with my hand in her firm grip and looking for the first time, in this life, straight into the eyes of HPB…….. When we rose to go and for a moment two piercing eyes met mine with a yearning throb in the voice: “Oh! My Dear Mrs. Besant, if you would only come among us.” I said a polite goodbye. ‘Child”, HPB said to me long after “your pride is terrible. You are as proud as Lucifer himself.” ……After a day or two I went again to Lansdowne Road to ask about the Theosophical Society. HPB looked at me piercingly and asked “Have you read the report about me of the Society for Psychical Research?” “No. I never heard of it so far as I know?” “Go and read it and if, after reading it, you come back – well.”. I borrowed a copy of the Report and read and re-read it…. I flung the Report aside with a righteous scorn….Next day I signed an application to be admitted as fellow of the Theosophical Society. On receiving Diploma, I betook myself to Lansdowne Road, where I found HPB alone. I went over to her, bent down and kissed her but said no word. “You have joined the Society?” “Yes” “you have read the Report?” “Yes” ”Well?” …I bent down before her and clasped her hands in mine, looking straight into her eyes “My answer is will you accept me as your pupil and give me the honour of proclaiming you my teacher in the face of the World?” Her stern set face softened, the unwanted gleam of tears sprang to her eyes, then with dignity more than regal, she placed her hand upon my head, “You are a noble woman. May Master bless you.”

Sis. Ruby Khan speaking about Diamond Facet Soul - Dr. Annie Besant conveyed her messages for Spotless Action, Love & Brotherhood.

Sis. Navaz Dhalla spoke about Dr. Annie Besant’s life; her greatness as Orator, Author, Clairvoyant, Crusader for upliftment of women & grooming of youth and Visionary for India – her Motherland;- and starting institutions like Son & Daughter of India, TOS, Co-Freemasonic Order & Scouts movement in India.

Sis. Zeena Rostamji said that ‘Four Beautiful Lines’ speak of the sensitivity and encompassing love of Dr. Anni Besant. Sis. Zeena explained the inspiring Four Lines of The Universal Prayer ‘O! Hidden Life’ composed by Dr. Annie Besant.

Bro. Vinayak Pandya sang Late Sis. Bana Mehta’s favourite Bhajan ‘Bhajan Hari nu Gao’. The Meeting ended with recitation of Sanskrit Prayer.

          THUS SPAKE

         THE LIGHT BRINGERS

This should never be forgotten, nor should the following fact overlooked. On the day when Theosophy will have accomplished its most holy and most important mission – namely, to unite firmly a body of men of all nations in brotherly love and bent on a pure altruistic work, not on a labour with selfish motives – on that day only will Theosophy become higher than any nominal brotherhood of man. This will be a wonder and a miracle truly, for the realization of which Humanity is vainly waiting for the last 18 centuries, and which every association has hitherto failed to accomplish.

-       Letter 1 from H.P. Blavatsky 1888  To Second Annual Convention, TS in America

The real Theosophical Society is an indivisible unit, animated by an individual life! Its Soul is the love of truth, its vital principle is kindness, and it dwells in a world above the material, where no enemy can touch it. It depends for its manifestation on earth upon an appropriate vehicle, and the first condition necessary in that vehicle is that it shall be a united whole.

-       Applied Theosophy and Other Essays H.S. Olcott

(Both Quotes Courtesy: The Theosophist April 2018)

  Dani Elocution Competition 2018

Trees Mother Earth’s Generous Gift

Poem by Nenita Wells dedicated to the people

who are actively working in the conservation of our forests and the beautification of our environment.

Subject: Trees Our Best Friend

By

Master Jai Bellare of Bombay Scottish School

First Prize Winner of 5th – 7th Standard Group

Oh tree, you open up your generous hand

Jutting out outstretched like holding a wand

Upon your branches nesting birds building

Assured of comfort weary wings living

Oh tree, you provide them place to dwell

New flock ready to chirp and sing away

Calling with their melodious notes so well

And dreams of places to fly so far away

Oh tree, you let them stay in your arms and welcome

Cooling, nourishing their daily wanting safe home

Sheltering them from sun’s harshness thrown

The coldness and dampness of the rain pouring down

Oh tree, your shadows lend comfort to creatures who long

Resisting the unending turbulence of life furious, strong

Like a river’s current, sweeping, tugging, tagging us along

As we remain steadfast in our quest for peace here we belong

Oh tree, your crown is an image of a king standing strong

His throne and kingdom’s freedom defended lifelong

Like a trained fighter vigorously blocking every blow

Until your bruised branches and leaves begin again to glow

Oh tree, your trunk, your roots anchored to the ground,

Giving reassurance of the strongest kind of foundation bound

As sure- footed as a mountain goat climbing until food found

From a Nature’s treasure chest blessings on earth abound

Oh tree, a generous Mother Earth’s gift

God, the Great Provider to mankind so swift

With kindness, abundance for everyone to enjoy

To protect, preserve, conserve, and not to destroy

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

Cell Phones

 By

Isaac Rodrigues of Bombay Scottish School

First Prize Winner of 8th – 10th Standard Group

Subject: Mobile – A Boon or Curse

 Thank God I don’t live in my Granny’s day

Where there were no cell phones on which to play,

I can’t imagine just what I’d do

With those minutes of waste that I’d accrue!

For now there isn’t a moment to spare.

I can text while I put on my underwear

From the moment I wake till the moment I sleep

I won’t have to be bored- I can chat, post and tweet!

I can Skype on the road while I’m driving to work,

Or get on You Tube to watch Miley smirk.

On lunch break I’ll sort through my email’s spam,

And post pics what I ate on Instagram!

Sitting on a toilet’s no longer a bore,

I’ve got Candy Crush Saga, Farmville and More!

So productive am I that it makes my head spin,

But at least I don’t have to wait idly and grin!

My buddy and I Facebook in our seats,

While we wait for the waitress to bring us our treats

The people in the next booth are doing the same,

So I assure you, we are perfectly sane.

And then while we eat we check our phones,

In response to the growing number of notification tones!

But alas, it appears that my battery’s draining,

Only 7.7 percent is remaining.

Just one last Selfie before it quits,

I wonder how many “likes” it will get!

As I plug my phone in, I think of poor granny,

Who lived in a time before cell phones were any?

At work, or at home, or out on a date,

I’m so glad I don’t have to be bored while I wait!

And with that thought, I turn down the sheets,

Put on my jammies and de-sock my feet.

As I and my doggie snuggle in bed

Pictures on Google dance in my head.

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Poetic Observation of Dani Elocution Competition Judge

Dr. Francesca Aranha

The Dani Memorial Inter-School Competition 2018

               Began with participants upteen

Parents, Teachers, students & Guests filled the hall

              To hear the 36 elocutors, take their call

The six varied topics divided in groups two

              17 schools participated from near and far off too

Some of you were expressive, some monotonous & sing-song

              But hats off to you for excellent memory & recall

It was a pleasure to hear the participants’ opinions & views

              Though a few of you forgot and needed a cue

Kids, communication skills are the need of the hour

              This participation of yours will take you afar

We four Judges enjoyed judging and giving you a ear

              Theosophical Society & Junior Red Cross

              Thank you for having us here

BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES NOVEMBER 2018

FOUNDATION DAY 17th November 2018 at 6.00 p.m. jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge in Besant Hall

1.ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical Colony, Juhu, Mumbai 400049. Contact Ananda Lodge Secretary Sis. ZenobiaKhodaiji (M): 9820308163 or Ananda Lodge Representative to BTF Sis. AnjooNarain (M): 9820132473 for Meeting of November 2018

2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007     Tel: 23685026   (M): 9821459504   (M): 9819334333

DAY	TIME	DETAILS
Fri      2	6.00 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
Sun     4	10.00 am	Bharat Samaj Pooja
Fri      9	6.00 pm	SACRED JOURNEYS with Readings and Discussion on  ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Parmahansa Yogananda’ - conducted by Bro. Arni Narendran
Tue 13	5.45 pm	Interative Session by Shri Damodara Chaitanya, ChinmayaMission (Bro.Janardana Sherigar)
Fri     16	4.30 pm     6.00 pm	SACRED JOURNEYS with Readings and Discussion on  ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Parmahansa Yogananda’ - conducted by Bro. Arni Narendran
Satur17	6.00 pm	FOUNDATION DAY Meeting jointly with BTF
Fri     23	4.30 pm    6.00 pm	BTF Council Meeting BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya’s presentation on ‘My Experience of Strategic Planning Meeting at Bhowali’ (BTF & Lodge Officers & Members do attend)
Sun   25	11.45 am	Maitreya Round Table
Fri    30	4.30 pm    6.00 pm	Blavatsky Lodge MC Meeting Study of CWL’s book ‘Inner Life’ conducted by Sis. Aban Patel
Tues 6, 13,20,27	5.45 pm	Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’

3. CENTENARY LODGE: 

 Please contact Sis. NajmaDewan (M): 9987204038 for meetings

4. JYOTI LODGE: Contact Bro. TaralMunshi, 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

JYOTI LODGE: Contact Bro. TaralMunshi, 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.

Thurs1,15,22,29 8	Study of ‘Thought Power’ by Dr. Annie Besant Bhai Beej – Lodge closed

6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: Sis.  SoonooVesuna (M): 9619339787

Wed  21

5.30 pm

Theosophical readings guided by Sis. SoonooVesuna at her residence Vijay Niwas, 4th Floor, Sleater Road

7 & 8 VASANTA LODGE & GANESH LODGE:C/O Mrs. Gita S. Parikh, GokulAnand Building, 4th Floor, Dattatraya Cross Road (M):9920384140

Wednesday 7 (Deepawali- Lodge closed), 14, 21 & 28 Meetings at 6.30 pm.

9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE: Family House, Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014

5.45 pm. Healing Rituals.

Thurs    1	5.45	Healing Ritual
Thurs    8	6.00	Bhai Beej – Lodge closed
Thurs  15	6.00	Study of ‘The Masters and the Path’
Thurs  22	6.00	Lodge Members’ Meeting
Thurs  29	6.00	Theosophical Readings

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Price: Rs. 1/-                                                  Annual Subscription: Rs. 10/-

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Hundreds of tons of earth and stone have to be excavated

by means of hard labour before even one diamond is discovered.

Do we give even a fraction of this labour

and search for the diamond of Truth?

-        Mahatma Gandhi

                From ‘The Essence of Gandhian Thought’

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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.