KEYNOTE “ADYAR EXTENSION” by Tim Boyd, International President

Report of Activities of the TS worldwide during 2022-23 

1. Art Exhibition:

Sculptures and Paintings by Artist Hemalatha

2. Surendra Narayan Archives exhibitions:

The Spirit of Adyar, A Journey into the Past

Radha Burnier, A Multi-faceted Leader

1. Olcott Education Society (OES)

Vocational Training Centre, Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School, and Social Welfare Centre welcome you to view and buy articles made by the students.

2. Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary (BMAD)

BMAD cures animals of all kinds. Launching two new Ambulances will take place.

Meeting of Indian Section Council Members only

At the Headquarters building

1 The Renaissance of Art in Adyar: Paintings of Florence Ada Fuller

Exhibition of conserved paintings by Adyar Conservation Laboratory

2 Blavatsky Museum - permanent exhibition of historic iyems

Hon'ble Justice M. M. Sundresh, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, will deliver the Besant Lecture.

When an identity is lost, a race is destroyed with its cultural ethos and the values. It is not the race that suffers but the humanity as a whole. Theosophical Society not only recreated the pride in the Indian way of life, but also contributed to the development of the world through its exhibition of Dharma. At times it requires a third party to reinvent one’s own culture. Dr. Anne Besant is more Indian than anyone else. She not only restored the vision of ancient India but also created a space for its leadership.

Reception with snacks near Admin building produced by the Karnataka Theosophical Federation Canteen.

New Year's World Music Concert

Global Rhythms – Blueprint of a New World
Artistic Director - Srinivas Krishnan

Award winning vocalists

Sachin Shankor Mannath

Vidushi Vishruthi Girish

Anirudh

Ikshika Sarode

Accompanying musicians

Jai Ganesh (electronic keyboard)

Radhakrishnan (electronic percussion)

Parthasarathy (percussion)

Sound & Light:  Prism Sound

Ritual of the Mystic Star

6:00 Bharata Samaj Puja at the Temple of Light

6:00 Silent walking meditation by Ven. Olande Ananda Thera. Gather before 6 AM at LBC.

6:00 Yoga and Pranayama by Vimal Chand. Blavatsky Bungalow up, meditation room.

Speakers are Richard Sell, Isis de Resende, Gerard Brennan

1. Richard Sell, New Zealand

"Understanding an Explorers Mind"

While being more connected than ever in history before, we can still feel lonely and isolated in a crowd. Often ‘Real’ connections are not being made so readily. Do we truly see who the people around us actually are, do we know who we ourselves are? Do we look at humanity as a whole with eyes of spirit and see the Oneness of all and have we questioned our place in the world and indeed the cosmos?  Are we such explorers? Through the practice of discernment and seeking to understand, we can cultivate an explorer’s mind. This type of mind questions, enquires, and seeks to understand the world we live in and our place in it – it seeks an ever-deepening understanding of the ‘Soul’s journey’ and who we truly are. This can lead the seeker inward only, towards Self-realisation and enlightenment, that which is the true goal.

2. Isis de Resende, Brazil

"The Science and the Art of Living"

The theme of this panel “Exploring and Understanding”, reminds me of an article of HPB called “The Science of Life”. There some very interesting things are said, starting from the question: “What is life?” and the answer that the science of her time gave, is a very materialistic one. HPB argues that microscopes can never bring about new horizons, analyzing only the shell, because the flame is different from the piece of wood that temporarily serves as fuel. Our personality, the material part of ourselves brings only the possibility of accumulating experiences.

When we talk about life, the important thing is not where it comes from, but how we live it. It is a question of Exploring and Experiment. The curious thing is that the more we live only for the satisfaction of the Personality the less life and bliss we get, and strangely enough renunciation brings more life and bliss.

Why does looking for one’s happiness bring less happiness when renouncing our worries about ourselves brings more happiness? Because the heresy of separateness is the source of unhappiness and overcoming this heresy is an art, we have to learn how to do it.

3. Gerard Brennan, Australia

"Seeking and Knowing"

Gerard cannot come to Adyar, so the Moderator will read his talk

We know that embarking on a spiritual journey can often be truly transformative. This invariably involves the seeker ‘exploring’ and ‘understanding’ the great truths at the heart of creation. With an open mind and a pure heart we seek to rediscover our true nature and over time begin to glimpse something of that peace deep inside all of us. So together let’s embark on a little journey that compels us to embrace a greater sense of knowing who we really are.

Lecture 1:

Understanding Universal Intelligence

by Dr Deepa Padhi, Vice-President of the TS

Lecture 2:

“Intelligence: the Foundation of All Life"

by Mr Stephen McDonald, President of the Australian Section

"Inaugural Address" by the Guest of Honor Tim Boyd, Intenational President

"State of the Indian Section Address" by Pradeep Gohil, President of the Indian Section

For TOS India Executive members only

At the Headquarters building

1. The Renaissance of Art in Adyar: Paintings of Florence Ada Fuller

Exhibition of conserved paintings by Adyar Conservation Laboratory

2. Blavatsky Museum

Permanent exhibition of historic items

At the Library building

1. Art Exhibition:

Sculptures and Paintings by Artist Hemalatha

2. Surendra Narayan Archives exhibitions:

The Spirit of Adyar, A Journey into the Past

Radha Burnier, A Multi-faceted Leader

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

1 Workshop at Blavatsky Bungalow upstairs y Sonal Murali

"Theosophical Education –The Inner Flowering"

Theosophical education explores how to nurture the inner being and how to awaken the spark within.

A child is young only in body but may be wiser than adults around him/her, a being who is to be understood before being helped. Each child is an individual with his/her unique abilities in extraordinary ways and has come into this world to express that being in the best possible manner. We are unaware of the spiritual germ, the creative nebulae, within the child.

The theosophical approach to education is to see that the uniqueness of each child is celebrated, drawn out and given wings to express freely in myriad ways. In this session we will explore how theosophical education views the child and what inner flowering means.

2 Workshop at Headquarters Hall by Jaishree Kannan

"Chanting"

Delegates are requested to attend both the sessions. 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 Workshop at Blavatsky Bungalow Hall led by World Federation of Young Theosophists

"An Exploration of the Seven Rays"

Esoteric Philosophy tells us that the universe is composed of seven distinct energies called in the Theosophical teachings as the seven rays. These rays serve as the building blocks of the universe in any particular place or time.

In a similar manner human beings are also composed of these same seven rays. In esoteric psychology, each body or vehicle may be composed of a particular ray. As human beings, we are all composed of all seven rays but there will be one or two which will be most predominant.

By knowing which rays are most predominant we are able to know more about ourselves and our spiritual path. This workshop aims to explore this concept of the seven rays as it applies to our personalities. Helping us to know more about ourselves through our dominant rays.

Public lecture by Prof. Rajaram Nityananda

The basic laws governing the very small – atoms – and the very large – the observable universe – have been in place for a hundred years. What has changed dramatically over the last fifty years is the range of applications and the depth of understanding of these laws. Equally, this quest has exposed the limitations of just the laws in understanding our everyday world, which lies between these two extremes. New concepts like entanglement, emergence, information, now dominate the theoretical side of the discussion.

On the experimental side, the richness of materials and biological systems has dramatically changed both science and technology. On the observational side, the discovery of planets like our own around stars like our own raises questions about our own sense of uniqueness. Evolution, both on earth and in the universe, is a major subject of investigation. This overview of how the study of nature is playing out today should raise many matters for contemplation and for discussion among us as humans.

BEAT - Bank Employees Art Troop

Spirited team of 28 singers, 3 musicians

Variations and variety in singing

Multilingual

Won awards overseas

SKIT BY B.T.F.

Bombay Theosophical Federation

6:00 Bharata Samaj Puja at the Temple.

6:00 Silent walking meditation by Ven. Olande Ananda Thera. Gather before 6 AM at LBC.

6:00 Yoga and Pranayama by Vimal Chand. Blavatsky Bungalow up, meditation room.

Puja conducted by Chandrika Mehta

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

Panel discussion with

Marcos de Resende, Brazil

Trân-Thi-Kim-Diêu, France,

Chally Romero, Philippines.

Moderator Krista Umbjarv, France

Facilitated discussion groups

For Members of the Indian Section Council only

General Body meeting. 

For Members of the Association only

'Wonderscape':

An exhibition of ATA primary & middle school student explorations.

At the Headquarters building

1. The Renaissance of Art in Adyar: Paintings of Florence Ada Fuller

Exhibition of conserved paintings by Adyar Conservation Laboratory

2. Blavatsky Museum

Permanent exhibition of historic items

At the Library building

1. Art Exhibition:

Sculptures and Paintings by Artist Hemalatha

2. Surendra Narayan Archives exhibitions:

The Spirit of Adyar, A Journey into the Past

Radha Burnier, A Multi-faceted Leader

Interview of Ven. Olande Ananda Thera, Venerable Buddhist Monk (Sri Lanka)

Interviewer is Patrizia Calvi (Italy)

In August 2023 an Art Conservation Laboratory was established in Adyar to conserve, preserve, and exhibit paintings from the last century. The Convention will have an exhibition of some of the rich collection of conservated paintings. Conservation project work continues.

This panel will illuminate the importance of restoring art. The panelists are part of the Art Conservation project of Adyar.

Theosophy and Art: Origins and Horizons" is a journey into art and Theosophy. 

Panelists

1. Origin: Elif Kamisli, Turkey

Elif Kamisli will offer a rich historical backdrop and the importance of safeguarding Theosophical art for future generations.

2. Conservation work: Anupama Gaur, India

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.

3. Horizons: Erica Georgiades, Greece

Erica Georgiades will highlight the innovative ways in which art can be integrated into the Theosophical work, encouraging a dynamic dialogue between Theosophy and creative expression, and propelling uncharted depths of Theosophical and artistic exploration.

Unfortunately, the Play "Universal consciousness: Life, Death & Everything in Between”, is cancelled due to illnesses.

Instead, we will watch a movie or a documentary.

6:00 Bharata Samaj Puja at the Temple.

6:00 Silent walking meditation by Ven. Olande Ananda Thera. Gather before 6 AM at LBC.

6:00 Yoga and Pranayama by Vimal Chand. Blavatsky Bungalow up, meditation room.

Theosophical Order of Service (TOS)

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

2. DANCE GROUP: Sri Arunodayam Home for Mentally Challenged Destitute Children

Dialogue between Tim Boyd and Trân-Thi-Kim-Diêu.

"Theosophical Work and Universal Intelligence"

Opening and closing remarks, Chairperson Deepa Padhi

Meaning of Illumination from Within, Vinay Patri

How to get the Illumination from Within, Harsha S.S. Sonthi

Advantages of having Illumination from within, Adi Keshav Shastri

Difficulties in Getting Illumination from within, Mitalini Choudhury

Consciousness as Source of Illumination, Harshvadan Sheth

Annual General body of the TOS India

TOS = Theosophical Order of Service

Reports from the regions

At the Headquarters building

1. The Renaissance of Art in Adyar: Paintings of Florence Ada Fuller

Exhibition of conserved paintings by Adyar Conservation Laboratory

2. Blavatsky Museum

Permanent exhibition of historic items

At the Library building

1. Art Exhibition:

Sculptures and Paintings by Artist Hemalatha

2. Surendra Narayan Archives exhibitions:

The Spirit of Adyar, A Journey into the Past

Radha Burnier, A Multi-faceted Leader

Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School presents cultural activities.

1 Workshop at Blavatsky Bungalow upstairs by Sonal Murali

"Education for Life: The Art of Living and Learning"

We are all students of life and the learning never ceases. It is an ongoing process. Children have their active subconscious mind which like a tree has the power to gather its food from the surrounding atmosphere. Every day the child is searching to understand something, to grasp a piece of life.

An Educator’s role is an interface for child to explore the inner and the outer spaces. Like life itself, education is not an isolated process instead it is a collaborative journey. In a holistic approach, both the teacher and the student are learners. They are equals, there is no hierarchy there and no psychological authority. Rabindranath Tagore said that the primary objective of education is to enable the preservation of the perfect symphony between one’s life and the world outside.

School is not preparation for life. School is life itself. In this session we will explore how school can be the place to learn the art of living and learning.

2 Workshop at Headquarters Hall by Jaishree Kannan

"Chanting"

Delegates are requested to attend both the sessions. 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 Workshop at Blavatsky Bungalow Hall by World Federation of Young Theosophists 

"Art as a Language of the Universal Intelligence"

At this Workshop we would like to invite you to explore and understand the Universal Intelligence through art and creativity. After a moment of inspiration where some poems of esoteric character will be offered to you accompanied by music and images of artwork, we will invite you to share poems (your own or those that inspire you) or to express your vision with brush and colors!

Mr Joss Brooks, Veteran Australian Ecologist, Pitchandikulam Forest Auroville

This talk is about responsibility for where we are. I came to Tamil Nadu 55 years ago, a starry-eyed refugee from the 60's and joined the pioneers in the community of Auroville near Pondicherry, starting the work to heal and restore the eroded, barren landscape. In the early 70's I would come to the Theosophical Society campus to meet friends and collect seeds. One could still swim in the Adyar river........, In Auroville a garden forest emerged as we learnt the art of landscape transformation. As our passion and confidence grew, we began to teach restoration ecology in schools and institutions of Tamil Nadu. We were also asked over the years to restore lakes and plant forests, sharing the lessons we had learnt in Auroville. Changing the Adyar Creek from piles of building rubble and garbage into an urban Wetland Park was one such work we have done ............. The Adyar estuary is a jewel in the story of Chennai. A vision is there that the Theosophical Society Garden campus could be a beacon in its path to Restoration. It is there, full of the accumulated wisdom and aspirations of thousands of seekers waiting to create a training place for a new breed of gardeners, spiritual ecologists, who will work over the next years to bring cleanliness, beauty, balance and peace to the huge catchment of the Adyar river... Can we invoke a transformation so that we can swim again in clean water and that the community of Chennai and the world can truly celebrate our role as a species......

Sharing by the Delegates and Adyar Choir

Vinay Kumar Patri as the moderator

6:00 Bharata Samaj Puja at the Temple.

6:00 Silent walking meditation by Ven. Olande Ananda Thera. Gather before 6 AM at LBC.

6:00 Yoga and Pranayama by Vimal Chand. Blavatsky Bungalow up, meditation room.

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

Short lectures on Advaita and Universal Intelligence

1. "Universal Intelligence is to Know the Field and the Knower of the Field — An Advaitic Perspective Based on Śrīmad Bhagavadgītā 13.2"

Dr Radha Raghunathan

The term ‘Universal Intelligence’ suggests that it is present in all beings, at all places and at all times. One simple definition of Universal Intelligence in the Upaniṣads is that it is ‘Brahman’. And the Upaniṣads declare that the knower of Brahman ‘becomes,’ rather ‘is’, Brahman Itself. More so, “This Self is Brahman.’ Yet, our experiences, especially as helplessness, grief and sufferings, show that we remain ignorant about the nature of this Universal Intelligence and its free availability. Then, how are we to understand this Universal Intelligence and tap it whenever we need it?

All religions, faiths, philosophies and scriptures speak about Intelligence and its all-pervasiveness. Śrīmad Bhagavadgītā abounds with many methods of understanding and drawing from the Universal intelligence. Śrīmad Bhagavadgītā 13.2 suggests one method of understanding ‘Universal Intelligence.’ In it, Lord Kṛṣṇa says, ‘Knowing the Field and the Knower of the Field is considered by Me as Knowledge.” We shall try to understand this Knowledge, which in other words is Universal Intelligence, from an Advaitic perspective as shown by Śaṅkarācārya in his commentary to Śrīmad Bhagavadgītā.

2. “Advaita, self-Knowing and Universal Intelligence”

Sri Sankara Bhagavadpada

We all suffer because of an inherent dichotomy in our Divine architecture. We must be humble and honest enough to see that have that 'dark and sorrow-begetting energy' of the self on the one hand; and at a deeper level, we are verily already that Atma (primordial Awareness), Universal Intelligence and Love - all of which constitute our deeply nestled immortal Divine nature-but still to be discovered.

Firstly we must understand, the delusional process of duality (maya), its genesis, and the thousand ills which arise from it. That will legitimize our turning to Advaita, which is surely, the only available antidote for the deadly poisons of duality, separation, and sorrow.

The world teacher Sri. J. Krishnamurti (1895-1986) initiated a profound paradigm shift in the sphere of the spiritual and religious life: 'Inward Flowering through self-Knowing'. Invoking, this unheard-of self-Knowing, we have to discover how we may imperceptibly arrive at the doorstep of 'That', the primordial Reality, spoken of in the Upanishads provided we go to the very end of self-Knowing.

Our salvation will depend on whether we are able to genuinely discover that, 'That' primordial Reality, is already enshrined in the human spiritual heart. Likewise, whether we can actually discover that the Universal Intelligence, is also already enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the human spiritual heart. Significantly, this Indescribable Universal Intelligence, is worshipped in the scriptures as 'That', as Prajnya, as Mahadeva, as Mahavishnu, as the Father in Heaven, as Parabrahma, as our one and only Refuge, as Godhead.

In summing up, taking as a whole; both the culmination of self-Knowing in the 'Awakening of Intelligence' - as pointed out by the world teacher, Sri. J. Krishnamurti; - and the original Intention of the visionary founders of the Theosophical Society in 1875; we seem to be witnessing the magnificent completion of a Theosophical world symphony for world welfare. If each of us can turn inward, awaken to sorrow, understand that sorrow and bring the momentum of that sorrow to an end through self-Knowing; then I believe, we as Theosophists, as noble human beings will be adding our substantial share to building a saner, happier, more honest and compassionate world. This will be Loka Kalyana at its very best.

For Members of the Indian Council only

At the Headquarters building

1. The Renaissance of Art in Adyar: Paintings of Florence Ada Fuller

Exhibition of conserved paintings by Adyar Conservation Laboratory

2. Blavatsky Museum

Permanent exhibition of historic items

At the Library building

1. Art Exhibition:

Sculptures and Paintings by Artist Hemalatha

2. Surendra Narayan Archives exhibitions:

The Spirit of Adyar, A Journey into the Past

Radha Burnier, A Multi-faceted Leader

International President talks to the new members and gives them Diplomas

Reports from the workshops.

World Federation of Young Theosophists (WFYT)

Propagation Project, including the School of the Wisdom

Every person in every place in the world feels connected to the land – his or her land. This sense of connection has been the source of selfless lives, patriotic heroism, and inspired leadership. It has also been the source of the ongoing misery of war, hatred, separation, and distrust we see around us. Though challenging, there is another way of experiencing the land. Theosophist William Ross once used the term “A New Continent of Thought”. Mystics, Buddhist and Christian teaching speak of a “Field” within which we “Live, move, and have our being”. It is an attempt to describe a more profound “Land” that we can and do inhabit. 

Tim Boyd

International President of the Theosophical Society

Closing words by International President, Tim Boyd

Vote of Thanks by Convention Officer, Shikhar Agnihotri