1) "The Common Ground on which Responsible World Citizens Stand"

Mr Pradeep Gohil, President of the Indian Section of the TS

1. The world which is divided into nations for ease of management and proper administration is also the cradle of war and destruction. As responsible citizens of the world, we should not allow that to happen.

2. Mr J. Krishnamurthy had said "I am the rest of mankind and I am totally responsible.

3. All of us are personally and severally responsible for what is happening in this interconnected world.

4. Cause of destruction in the world is the fact that our beliefs have become stronger than love.

5. We are the World and the World is within us.

6. If we can transform ourselves, we can transform the world.

7. If there is to be peace in this interconnected world, it is our responsibility to be peaceful ourselves.

8. There are a number of challenges and responsibilities of Global citizens.

9. The idea of Global Citizenship has to be given a lot of importance in the interconnected world.

10.True Globalization is in every one's interest.

2) Brahmavidya Ashrama

Mrs Erica Georgiades, Director of the School of the Wisdom

This presentation will focus on the history of The Brahmavidya Ashrama, today known as The School of Wisdom, founded by Annie Besant, Krishnamurti, and others in 1922.

Symposium on Responsibility

1. "Realizing the Relationship"

Shikhar Agnihotri, India 

Why is Compassion called the law of laws? Why is Love-Wisdom considered the most important qualification on the path of discipleship? Why are the Adepts often referred to as Masters of Love-Wisdom-Compassion? Why is Self-Realization given so much importance in every spiritual discipline across the planet? And Why is the realization of Universal Brotherhood so significant that its strong assertion can be observed not only in every theosophical literature including the Mahatma Letters or The Secret Doctrine but also in the three objects of the Theosophical Society? What is THAT Relationship? For this and much more, kindly attend the session in person at Adyar theatre or online via zoom or youtube.

2. "Knowing Being Doing"

Vibha Saksena, India

Responsibilities stem from the roles we assume. Roles emerge from the relationships we share. What we ‘do’ to shoulder our responsibilities, is influenced by our ‘being’ or inner nature, which in turn, evolves as we gain clarity in ‘knowing’ our relationships. This short talk focuses on how relationships help in our spiritual evolution, culmination of which is the ultimate purpose of Life.

3. "Altruism and Regeneration: the Responsibility We Have for One Another"

Stephen McDonald, National President of the TS in Australia

This talk will discuss the significance of altruism and regeneration by using the symbolism of the lotus as an analogy.  It will draw upon Theosophical perspectives about both of these principles and their importance in bonding our lodges as centres for spiritual regeneration.

After the talks

Informal Discussion Groups

For Indian Section Council members only

Social Welfare Centre (SWC) and Vocational Training Centre (VTC) present cultural activities at SWC near the main gate.

Choose which workshop you like to join. You can change the workshop next day if you wish.

1. "Mini" School of the Wisdom (SOW)

"Theosophy and Ecology: Practical Wisdom for Living in the Contemporary World"

The three days workshop focuses on practical ways to broaden and deepen our sense of self beyond the narrow ego to an identification with all living beings. 

Moderator: Erica Georgiades, Director of the School of the Wisdom

Venue: Adyar Theatre

1st January: Linda Oliveira

(2nd January: Radha Raghunathan)

(3rd January: Pradeep Gohil)

2. Chanting workshop

Facilitator Ms Jaishree Kannan, TS Adyar

Venue: Headquarters Hall

Delegates attending all the 3 sessions would be able to chant a Shanti Mantra or two at the end of 3rd session. The leader recommends the ancient Vedic way of learning chanting which is by complete listening. Hence there would not be any written material required nor does it require any stationery ( paper, pen, pencil etc.) Let there be peace by chanting the Shanti Mantra.

3. Science and Compassion workshop

Facilitator Mr Janne Vuononvirta, General Secretary of the Finnish Section

Venue: Library, Conference Hall

1st January: The Power of Compassion

(2nd January: Compassion for Oneself)

(3rd January: Compassion for Others)

Compassion is in the core of every true spiritual tradition. During the past decades a growing body of scientific research on compassion has emerged. This scientific knowledge can help us to deepen our understanding of the value of compassion in our personal lives and in the world in general. We can frame compassion as a set of skills that can be developed and trained. In this workshop we investigate together the connection between theosophical and scientific understanding of compassion and the practices how to built the skills of the heart.

4. World Music and Dance workshop

Facilitators from LEAP Boundary Breakers Choir of World Music

Venue: Blavatsky Bungalow downstairs.

The Choir's facilitators will teach some easy singing and easy choreography. You can join also just watching and supporting the efforts. In the evening program at 7:30 PM, the group with participants will perform together what they have learned.

Dr James Tepfer

United Lodge of Theosophists in Santa Barbara, California, USA

What does it mean -- in the classical sense -- to ‘spiritually individuate’, to become a self-determining, creative contributor to the uplift of the whole of society? To the whole of mankind? In what way can our deeply felt sense of responsibility for the spiritually, intellectually, and economically impoverished of the globe ignite a subtle heart-fire within us that summons the progressive incarnation of our radiant, immortal individuality? Finally, what life-long lessons can we extract from the transformational impact of exceptional statesmen such as Lincoln, Eisenhower and Mandela -- harbingers of the “universal civilizations” of the future? All of these crucial questions will be explored and telling historical examples cited for the sake of clarifying our understanding of wise and responsible acts of compassion.

Global Rhythms World Music & Dance Ensemble

Artistic Director - Srinivas Krishnan

featuring

Abinav Sridharan, Nidhi Saraogi, & Sharan Moolathara

Embar Kannan & Vijay Natesan,

Shrikar Varadarajan & Gokul Shyamsundar

Varshaa Ramesh & Sundaresan Pandurangan

with

Kriti Venkatesh, Meera Krishnasankar, Vaibhav Krishna, Samrutha SB, Shwetha Anand, and Laasya Anand

& 

LEAP Boundary Breakers Choir (from BVM Adyar, Sprouts Montessori, & Adyar Theosophical Academy) 

New Year's Day Concert

SUNDAY January 1, 2023

7.30 PM at Adyar Theatre

After successful presentations at our conventions at Varanasi and Adyar, as well as several destinations including IIT Madras, Columbia University, Miami University, CRPF and Kala Ghoda festival, the LEAP Boundary Breakers are set to rock at TS Adyar on January 1, 2023 

Puja conducted by Sis. Chandrika Mehta

At the Bharata Samaj Temple, which is called Temple of Light.

Presentation by Nancy Secrest, TOS International Secretary, USA / Resident at Adyar, India

Theosophical Order of Service in India will gather together.

All delegates are welcome to attend.

You are welcome to visit ATA and meet some senior children who come to the school for any interaction, and to take visitors through the display of their work.

ATA is opposite the Library Gate, at Besant Garden side.

Choose which workshop you like to join. You can change the workshop next day if you wish.

1. "Mini" School of the Wisdom (SOW)

"Theosophy and Ecology: Practical Wisdom for Living in the Contemporary World"

The three days workshop focuses on practical ways to broaden and deepen our sense of self beyond the narrow ego to an identification with all living beings. 

Moderator: Erica Georgiades, Director of the School of the Wisdom

Venue: Adyar Theatre

(1st January: Linda Oliveira)

2nd January: Radha Raghunathan

(3rd January: Pradeep Gohil)

2. Chanting workshop

Facilitator Ms Jaishree Kannan, TS Adyar

Venue: Headquarters Hall

Delegates attending all the 3 sessions would be able to chant a Shanti Mantra or two at the end of 3rd session. The leader recommends the ancient Vedic way of learning chanting which is by complete listening. Hence there would not be any written material required nor does it require any stationery ( paper, pen, pencil etc.) Let there be peace by chanting the Shanti Mantra.

3. Science and Compassion workshop

Facilitator Mr Janne Vuononvirta, General Secretary of the Finnish Section

Venue: Library, Conference Hall

(1st January: The Power of Compassion)

2nd January: Compassion for Oneself

(3rd January: Compassion for Others)

Compassion is at the core of every true spiritual tradition. During the past decades a growing body of scientific research on compassion has emerged. This scientific knowledge can help us to deepen our understanding of the value of compassion in our personal lives and in the world in general. We can frame compassion as a set of skills that can be developed and trained. In this workshop we investigate together the connection between theosophical and scientific understanding of compassion and the practices how to build the skills of the heart.

4. Learning and Growing with Transformative Education

Facilitator: Sonal Murali, Director of Adyar Theosophical Academy

Venue: Blavatsky Bungalow Upstairs

The main flaw of education today is that ‘a lot is taught but little is learnt or understood’. And that little has little relevance in life later on. At Adyar Theosophical Academy, we believe for education to be meaningful, it must be transformative. The emphasis is on immersive learning, through hands-on discovery and usage of all senses, guided by the principles of respect, responsibility and community. The theosophical approach to education is to see that the uniqueness of each child is celebrated, drawn out and given wings to express in myriad ways freely. In our tranquil campus, we see the transformative journeys of our teachers and students, learning from and in nature. Join us, as we share inspiring stories from our experience of learning and growing through Transformative Education.

Sri M

Spiritual teacher, social reformer, educationist, author, and global speaker

Wisdom of the Ancients – The talk will draw from the knowledge and insights from the ageless scriptures – the Vedas and the Upanishads that remain relevant even today for people seeking to explore consciousness and find their true identity.  

Besant Lecture is a category of memorial lectures that started in 1947. The subjects of this category are related to religion, spirituality, the culture and welfare of India, or the progress of humanity, and will be open to the public.

Pedro Oliveira will lead us to learn theosophical interests from the Society's history through the Quiz.

The history of the Theosophical Society was written by the lives of unique individuals but also by members around the world, for more than 147 years.

In this history there were outstanding achievements, moments of soul-searching, and many acts of selfless service that contributed to make the soul of our society robust, vibrant and ready for its next step in the evolution of the world. This Theosophical quiz will explore some of such moments.

In typical Theosophical tradition, the results of the quiz will be uploaded, effortlessly, into the greatest server of all: the Akashic Records!

An interview between Douglas Keene (Vice-President of TS in America) and Shravan Krishnan (Coordinator of Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary, BMAD).

Interviewer is Patrizia Calvi (Secretary of the TS in Italy).

Douglas Keene has been working as a doctor in rural northwest Alaska, training native doctors in Lesotho, and something more for human good.

Shravan Krishnan is the successful coordinator of Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary, animal rescuer, activist, and everything for good for animals' wellbeing.

The Panel discussion is on the theme of the Convention. Panelists will give a short presentation on the subject after which the moderator will lead the discussion with the panelists.

Speakers are

Deepa Padhi, International Vice-President of the TS, India; she will also act as the moderator

Enrique Reig, President of the Inter-American Theosophical Federation, Mexico

Narendra Shah, General Secretary of the TS in East&Central Africa, Kenya

After the talks

Discussion groups

Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School presents cultural activities

Choose which workshop you like to join. You can change the workshop next day if you wish.

1. "Mini" School of the Wisdom (SOW)

"Theosophy and Ecology: Practical Wisdom for Living in the Contemporary World"

The three days workshop focuses on practical ways to broaden and deepen our sense of self beyond the narrow ego to an identification with all living beings. 

Moderator: Erica Georgiades, Director of the School of the Wisdom

Venue: Adyar Theatre

(1st January: Linda Oliveira)

(2nd January: Radha Raghunathan)

3rd January: Pradeep Gohil 

2. Chanting workshop

Facilitator Ms Jaishree Kannan, TS Adyar

Venue: Headquarters Hall

Delegates attending all the 3 sessions would be able to chant a Shanti Mantra or two at the end of 3rd session. The leader recommends the ancient Vedic way of learning chanting which is by complete listening. Hence there would not be any written material required nor does it require any stationery ( paper, pen, pencil etc.) Let there be peace by chanting the Shanti Mantra.

3. Science and Compassion workshop

Facilitator Mr Janne Vuononvirta, General Secretary of the Finnish Section

Venue: Library, Conference Hall

(1st January: The Power of Compassion)

(2nd January: Compassion for Oneself)

3rd January: Compassion for Others

Compassion is in the core of every true spiritual tradition. During the past decades a growing body of scientific research on compassion has emerged. This scientific knowledge can help us to deepen our understanding of the value of compassion in our personal lives and in the world in general. We can frame compassion as a set of skills that can be developed and trained. In this workshop we investigate together the connection between theosophical and scientific understanding of compassion and the practices how to built the skills of the heart.

4. Learning and Growing with Transformative Education

Facilitator: Sonal Murali

Venue: Blavatsky Bungalow upstairs

The main flaw of education today is that ‘a lot is taught but little is learnt or understood’. And that little has little relevance in life later on. At Adyar Theosophical Academy, we believe for education to be meaningful, it must be transformative. The emphasis is on immersive learning, through hands-on discovery and usage of all senses, guided by the principles of respect, responsibility and community. The theosophical approach to education is to see that the uniqueness of each child is celebrated, drawn out and given wings to express in myriad ways freely. In our tranquil campus, we see the transformative journeys of our teachers and students, learning from and in nature. Join us, as we share inspiring stories from our experience of learning and growing through Transformative Education.

Dr Ravi Ravindra

Prof. Emeritus, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

A central idea of the Vedic tradition is that the whole manifested universe emanated from Brahman, which the Upanishads describe as ekam evādvītīyam (one only, without a second).”  Consequently, in the Indian spiritual teachings the emphasis is on oneness of all there is, but in the Abrahamic teachings the emphasis is on the uniqueness of each creature. In the Indian teachings sticking to one’s individuality is a mark of ignorance, whereas in the Abrahamic spirituality an awareness of individuality coveys a sense of responsibility. 

In my presentation I will address the issue of the good as well as the undesirable consequences of an exclusive emphasis either on oneness of all beings or on uniqueness of each creature.

Evening of classical dance by Dancer-Choreographer Malavika Sarukkai

1. "I am because we are: a dynamic link"

Catalina Isaza-Cantor, Colombia, Resident in Adyar

We are constantly creating our own reality, and we also build each other, sometimes without realising it. We are not isolated individuals: movement and relationship are inherent to our existence. What is the nature of that relationship? What connects us and at which levels? Why do we feel separated from each other? How do we deal with it? Is there something beyond that?  Let us explore together these and other aspects of this dynamic relationship.

2. “Bringing Interconnectedness into Every Moment of Our Daily Life”

Francis Lim, Singapore

3. “Dwelling in union with the Divine”

Sara Ortega van Vloten, Spain

Questions from the delegates given during the Convention are gathered for prominent theosophists to answer with their wisdom. They are

Tim Boyd (USA/Adyar), Marcos de Resende (Brazil), Pedro Oliveira (Australia) and a Lady

For Indian Section Council members only

New Members will receive their Diploma from the International President Tim Boyd who will also give a welcoming address to the new members.

All are invited to attend and support this admission.

World Federation of Young Theosophists (WFYT) presents itself and questions can be asked

Reports from the discussions and workshops

Tim Boyd

International President of the Theosophical Society

The conditions we face in the world and in our individual lives are the result of our choices. Whether it is the practice of science, or traditional religion we have divided the world and lost a sense of interconnection. Our long history of choices based on a partial view has created both strong challenges and a rising awareness of alternative possibilities. Wholeness is a choice, a need, and the truth of who we are.

Closing words by the President

Vote of Thanks, Convention Officer