Marie Harkness—Northern Ireland

Ten years ago we entered a new century and a new millennium, the Aquarian Age, no doubt attended by a flux of higher forces and energies. This promises to be an era of noble aspiration and focus and the developing use of higher mind. Life today is moving at a frenetic pace, with greater expectations and ever new advances in science and technology, such as the Web, now providing us with fast and immediate worldwide communication.

For Theosophy to continue as an effective force, we must constantly keep in touch with the initial impetus given at the inception of the Society, of the Masters' strength and full blessing through their instruments H. P. Blavatsky and H. S. Olcott. The precious nuggets given out then are as important to us now as they were then—even more so: first, the realization that "There is no religion higher than truth"; second, the three Objects, which are to be understood and practiced; and third, but especially important, freedom of thought.

Ed Abdill – U.S.A

Each of HPB's major works has a dedication page, but only The Voice of the Silence is dedicated "To the few." Who are those few?

At the very beginning of fragment one of The Voice, we read: "Having become indifferent to objects of perception, the pupil must seek out the rajah of the senses, the Thought Producer, he who awakens illusion. The Mind is the great Slayer of the Real. Let the Disciple slay the Slayer."

Would many care to read further? Moreover, would more than a few understand and try to do what is asked, especially when we are told of the dangers and self-sacrifice required to reach the goal?

Theosophical theory suggests that there is an evolutionary process going on in three different states: physical, mental, and monadic (or spiritual). Many of us may assume that physical evolution has more or less come to an end. We do not see any new and more highly developed creatures evolving out of human beings. When it comes to mental evolution, the theory is speaking of the human mind, called the human soul by HPB In the third fundamental proposition of The Secret Doctrine, Blavatsky tells us that before the human state, evolution proceeds passively. No individual effort is required for plants and animals to evolve. However, we human beings do not evolve further without "self-induced and self-devised efforts." If we do not have an "indomitable determination" to discover the source of our own being, and if we do not have a heart full of compassion, we are doomed to live many lives walking a metaphorical tread mill that takes us nowhere.

Dorothy Bell – Australia

In the context of the teachings of the Wisdom Tradition, we can make Theosophy a living force in our world by walking the talk, living the truth as we see it, in other words, by being who we already are. The challenge is there, waiting for us to move through all the blockages that the mind has created to prevent the acknowledgment and outward expression of our divine nature, which is our spiritual birthright. In a world increasingly engulfed in negativity and darkness, where true compassion and respect for fellow travelers is rarely seen, the need is urgent.

So what does this mean? My mind wandered to the trail-blazing H. P. Blavatsky, who, in a world so different from our own, brought the teachings of the Ancient Wisdom out of the East and into the West and onto the turf controlled by the churches. I recall words from a popular English ballad by Alfred Noyes: "And the highwayman came riding– / Riding–riding– / The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn door."

Betty Bland – USA

Member support, in all its forms, is so very important to the future of the Society, but without the support of two very important funds we would not be where we are today. The first, The Kern Foundation (KF), is often misunderstood both in its scope and operation. KF and TSA are two independent entities with mutual purposes. KF was established by Herbert A. Kern, Sr., in 1959 as a legacy bequest to create an independent foundation, managed by bank trustees, with his two sons, John C. Kern and Herbert A. Kern, Jr., as individual trustees. In addition John Kern was named as advisor to advocate for the needs of Theosophy. The first of several stipulations of the KF trust document is that “Funds should not be used for the construction or reconstruction of buildings.”

The basic objective of the KF, as specified in the trust, “is to aid spiritual enlightenment of as many people as practical by exposing them to the theosophical philosophy.” At the time of creating the KF Mr. Kern felt that one of the ways his aims could best be accomplished was by assisting the TSA with special emphasis on reader activities. Without that support the TSA’s publishing enterprises could not have achieved their current levels of outreach to the public and would not continue to exist.

Herbert Kern’s older son John has served as family advisor since the inception of KF. He is an appreciated advisor, encourager, and long time friend of the Society. His presence has been and is invaluable in challenging the National Board and staff to try innovative approaches and to strive for excellence in all programs. KF encourages, but never dictates or establishes policy; it never attempts to develop programs of its own, but always acts as a supportive partner, providing financial assistance for selected TSA activities. Although KF is an important resource, it has only a certain amount of funds, certainly less during stringent economic downturns such as the current crisis. The Society has been blessed over the years with the support and challenges the KF has provided.

Mary Anderson – England

‘Living Theosophy’, as Dr Algeo has pointed out, can be interpreted in two ways: as Theosophy that is alive and as living in a Theosophical way.

Could we say that it is up to us to keep Theosophy alive and a living force by living it?

When we think or speak of making Theosophy a living force in our world, does ‘we’ mean the Theosophical Society or the members in general, or is this question addressed to each one of us? After all, the Society is not an abstraction but is made up of its members, and moreover all members are free to make their own decisions on how to make Theosophy a living force in their lives. Yet, if we are serious, our decisions as Theosophists – and also our actions and our whole attitude – will be based spontaneously on what the Theosophical philosophy means to us personally.

If we have understood Theosophical teachings – each of us after our own fashion and in all seriousness – our lives will be affected. Indeed, Theosophy is a philosophy, a teaching, but it is also a way of life in the light of that teaching.

We are all different individuals and our understanding of Theosophy may also differ in some respects, but what is important is that, if we are serious, Theosophy should spontaneously become ‘a living force’ in our lives. That living force will at times be felt by others.

If we look back on our first encounters with Theosophy, perhaps it was an article or a book that awakened our interest. But for many of us it may not have been the teachings in themselves that first awakened our interest – indeed perhaps awakened memories of something familiar (‘rang a bell’). It may rather have been an encounter with a Theosophist who was inspired by, and did his or her best to live according to, Theosophical principles, without wishing to impose them in any way on others.

Anton Rozman – Slovenia

Our title seems to imply that, if we are able actually to live Theosophy, we are on the way to make it a living force in our world. So, what kind of living is living Theosophy? Whether we understand Theosophy as a world view that gives meaning and purpose to life, as an Ageless or Ancient Wisdom about life, or as a way of life, we are dealing with life itself.

In her article "The Science of Life" (Collected Writings 8:243-9), HPB translates the following words of Count Leo Tolstoy: "The question inseparable from the idea of life is not whence life, but how one should live that life . . .  . But how do I cognize life in myself? . . . And when I speak of life, know that the idea of it is indissolubly connected in my conceptions with that of conscious life. No other life is known to me except conscious life, nor can it be known to anyone else." Further, "Our life, ever since we became conscious of it, is a pendulum-like motion between two limits. One limit is an absolute unconcern for the life of the infinite Universe, an energy directed only toward the gratification of one's own personality. The other limit is a complete renunciation of that personality, the greatest concern with the life of the infinite universe, in full accord with it, the transfer of all our desires and good will from one’s self, to that infinite universe and all the creatures outside of us.  The nearer to the first limit, the less life and bliss, the closer to the second, the more life and bliss. Therefore, man is ever moving from one end to the other . . . . THIS MOTION IS LIFE ITSELF. . . . A man who conceives life such as he finds it in his consciousness, knows neither misery, nor death: for all the good in life for him is in the subjection of his animal to the law of reason, to do which is not only in his power, but takes place unavoidably in him . . . . we know naught about the death of conscious mind, nor can we know anything of it, just because that conscious mind is the very life itself . . . . The life of man is an aspiration to bliss, and that which he aspires to is given to him. The light lit in the soul of man is bliss and life."

Warwick Keys – New Zealand

Theosophy – the Divine Wisdom teachings – offers real hope and a way through the troubled times we are now experiencing on planet Earth. The study and teaching of Theosophy is a prime motivation for many Theosophists and Theosophical groups. This is important work. However, it is only one part of the work.

People can learn about the Wisdom teachings, study and discuss them at length, as they often do, but it is the practice that counts and makes the difference. It is practising Theosophy – living Theosophy – that will change the world, not just studying the subject.

Madam Blavatsky emphasized three important aspects of Theosophy – study, meditation and service – with all three in balance. Most Theosophists enjoy the first aspect, study. In fact many focus almost entirely on it. The second aspect, meditation, gets less emphasis than it deserves. Meditation is the basis of the way to self-realization and more. In addition to personal meditation seeking inner silence, group meditation with a single united focus offers a way for Theosophists around the world to literally save the world in these tumultuous times. Such a meditation, focused on creating a better world, is now being actively promoted within the New Zealand section. It is an act of real service and is a practical aspect of living Theosophy.

The third aspect spoken of by HPB is service. This is where many of us do not measure up. Service is multifaceted. Service is the key to making Theosophy a living force in our world. True service means to live Theosophy, not just talk about it. We are all good at talking about such things, but how good are we at practicing what we preach?

To serve in this sense, i.e., to live Theosophy, is not an easy task. We need to transcend from where we are to another level of being to enable us to successfully accomplish this undertaking. To transcend in simple terms means ‘to go beyond.’ This means that we lift our consciousness and awareness to another level, a higher level. To transcend also means becoming objective rather than subjective. We see clearly when we are free from clouding emotion and personal desire or wishes. To accomplish this on a continuing basis allows us to truly serve and to truly live Theosophy.

MINUTES
of the
Meeting of the General Council of the Theosophical Society
held on Friday, 25 December 2009, at Adyar

PRESENT

Mrs Radha Burnier - President (in the chair) and proxy for Joy Mills,Ricardo Lindemann, East Africa and Mexico
Mrs Linda Oliveira - Vice-President
Miss Keshwar Dastur - Treasurer and proxy for Surendra Narayan
Mrs Kusum Satapathy - Secretary
Mrs DaraTatray - General Secretary, Australia and proxy for Greece and New Zealand
Mr Marcos L. B. Resende - General Secretary, Brazil and proxy for Argentina
Mr Jan Jelle Keppler - General Secretary, Belgium
Mr S. Sundaram - General Secretary, India
Mr Antonio Girardi - General Secretary, Italy
Mrs Helen Jamieson - Additional Member
Mr D. K. Govindaraj - Additional Member
Mr H. K. Sharan - Additional Member
Mr Sriram Panchu - Additional Member

Present as Observers by invitation:
Dr Dusan Zagar - Organizing Secretary, Slovenia
Mrs Agnes Gasemyr - Organizing Secretary, Norway
Mr Colin Price - England
Mr Aroon Parshottam - New Zealand
Mr Govert van der Wal - Netherlands
Maria Mengelt - Mexico
Patrizia Calvi - Italy

The list of proxies was read out as above.
The President welcomed those present.