Prayers of Religions

Universal Prayer

Greetings from the Sections, Associations, Agencies

Invocation and opening by the International President

Group Photo

Address by the International President.

Report of the Theosophical Society worldwide from October 2023 until September 2024.

For years, I have been working to develop a basic spiritual practice, simple and easy to remember, but profound in its effects in supporting personal transformation through the development of unity consciousness (i.e., buddhi, in the form of universal brotherhood). The practice is: (1) Show up; (2) Be fully present; (3) Be kind to yourself and others (in thought, feeling, speech, and action); and (4) Find a step to take in (mutual) joy. This is a much-condensed version of teachings found (for example) in Annie Besant's The Laws of the Higher Life and J. Krishnamurti's At the Feet of the Master. It can be practically applied to any inner or outer experience, any relationship with others, and even to our study of Theosophy itself. The key is spontaneous joy, the feeling we experience whenever we take a step closer to unity consciousness, whether within ourselves or with others. Such joy is both the reward of and the incentive for further self-transformation--and I believe its pursuit is the most practical expression of Theosophy as a yoga of union with God.

1. “The Alchemy of Theosophy”

Linda Oliveira, TS Australia

Theosophical teachings can be of immense interest, but have they had a qualitative effect upon the way in which we live our life?  Perhaps even a transformative effect?

The spiritual unfoldment of a human being requires what we can regard as an alchemical process.  Alchemy has been commonly understood as a medieval form of chemistry, the chief aim of which is to discover how to turn ordinary, or base metals, into gold.  The production of gold was therefore a traditional function of an alchemist.  In time, alchemy become associated with the search for the universal solvent and the panacea. 

Madame Blavatsky described alchemy as the ‘chemistry of nature’.  She taught that it has three essential aspects:  cosmic, human and terrestrial.  In the human context, she equated the mysterious process of the transformation of lead into gold with the transformation of personality into pure, homogeneous Spirit.  She referred to the Soul [Manas] assimilating Spirit (Buddhi).  I would suggest that this is the very heart of human alchemy.   Through this rather mysterious process of assimilation, there is an emergence into the One Life.   In such a state, love is discovered as the only Reality – as Dante described it in The Divine Comedy (‘Paradiso’, 3): ‘Love, that moves the sun and the other stars.’

2. “Theosophy – The Philosopher’s Stone”

Mr Shikhar Agnihotri, Assisting Executive to GM

“Inaugural Address”, Tim Boyd, International President

“State of The Indian Section Address”, Pradeep Gohil, President, Indian Section

Treasurer’s Report, Bro Naryanan, Treasurer of the Indian Section

1. “Invoking the Future Garden”

Olcott Bungalow

If you want to walk, the Garden Walk to Olcott Bungalow starts at 2 PM.

Buses starts to go before 3 PM. 

Adyar Eco Development project

2. “Theosophical Education”

Blavatsky Bungalow upstairs

Sonal Murali, Director, Adyar Theosophical Academy

3. “Expanding Perspectives through Forum Theatre"

Blavatsky Bungalow downstairs

Yugesh Ramachandran, Facilitator, TS in India

Forum Theatre is a form of theatre performance/dialogue where the audience can also participate and be involved in the story

It usually explores a complex social issue or topic as follows -

1. A short scene is performed - without an ending

2. A moderator invites audience members to pause the performance wherever they wish, and suggest what the actors should say

3. Actors restart the scene - this time pausing whenever audience has suggestions

Art in Relation to Theosophy

Swedish artist Christine Ödlund will discuss her work in relation to the historical movement of Theosophy. She has previously engaged with the research network “Enchanted Modernities: Theosophy, Modernism, and the Arts c. 1875-1960”, which has generated several conferences and exhibitions on the topic. Ödlund will examine how theosophy has influenced artists in the past, such as Hilma af Klint and Wassily Kandinsky, and how their legacy can be traced to contemporary art; ultimately in the practice of Ödlund herself, and her artistic investigations of science, nature, mysticism, music, and their interrelations. Ödlund aims to explore what the arts can reveal about the complex relationships between Theosophy, modernity, and artistic culture—and why this approach remains significant today.

Devotional meeting is conducted at the Temple of Light

Can Theosophy be Transformation?

Dialogue between Tim Boyd and Pedro Oliveira

Talks on the theme of the Convention "Practical Theosophy and the Art of Self-Transformation"

1. Topic

Vighnesh R, TS in India, WFYT

2. Small Steps Matter

Merike Martsepp, TS in Estonia, WFYT

3. Inner Unfoldment and Theosophical Life

Svyatoslav Lipsky, TS in Russia

4. Topic

Catalina Isaza-Cantor, TS in Colombia, Resident in Adyar

Public lecture

Narthan Academy of Dance and Music

Presentation by Nancy Secrest

TOS International Secretary, USA / Resident at Adyar, India

Opening and closing remarks, Deepa Padhi as Chairperson

[1] Who am I?
Brother Milind Joshi                   

[2] How to Know Thyself
Sister Smitapragyan Patro

(3) Knowing is Loving
Sister Arunima Baruah

(4) Liberation by Renunciation
Brother M. S. Sridhara

[5] Self-Realisation through knowing Thyself
Sushma Srivastava

1. Elif Kamisli, Turkey

Divine Hidden in the Ordinary

Elif Kamisli will explore the role of art in unveiling the divine hidden in the ordinary, as highlighted in the collection exhibition presented at the Conservation Laboratory during the Convention. These paintings envelop the gaze of their creator; some depict intimate moments that create a space for self-reflection and contemplation, while others capture actions that express an organic flow of energy, celebrating the life force. In these works, the pursuit of spirituality intertwines with the simplicity of daily life, offering a new position on the connection between art and spirituality.

2. Anupama Gaur, India

Preserving the Legacy; the Art Conservation Project for TS Museum Art Collection

Anupama Gaur will offer a report on the ongoing restoration of the Adyar art collection, the meticulous processes involved in reviving decaying masterpieces and preserving their original splendour.

His Excellency Governor of Tamil Nadu has consented to give the Besant Lecture

Artistic sharing by the Delegates

Moderator Vinay Patri

Sabine van Osta, Moderato

Krista Umbjarv, TS in France

Richard Sell, TS in New Zealand

"Self- transformation through values"
Deepa Padhi, Vice-President of the Theosophical Society

Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School has a new school building at Besant Gardens.

We will have a dedication event with the delegates.

Invitation to the 12th World Congress in Canada July 2025.

Trailers

Update of the work of World Federation of Young Theosophists

Public Lecture by the International President

Closing words by International President, Tim Boyd

Vote of Thanks by Convention Officer, Shikhar Agnihotri