Our Work - Arend Heijbroek
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- Published: Monday, 04 March 2013 21:29
Arend Heijbroek – The Netherlands
Work at the International Theosophical Centre (ITC) in Naarden
When compared to the past, the work at the ITC has changed a lot. What remained is a combination of practical and spiritual work in an increasingly complex environment.
One of the official statements of the ITC says “Any stay at the Centre is meant to promote quietness of mind, peace and a harmonious life”. This statement seems quite contradictory to the day to day experience of the workers. Life and work on the ITC often seems like a dynamic boiling pot. At the same time we aim to be true to our principles. A TS centre is Theosophy in action, learning from apparent paradoxes. An overview of our work.
The three residents of St. Michael’s house – the main mansion at the ITC – need to be constantly available. Painters and contractors collect keys and need to be informed about specifics of the work to be done. A range of meetings take place at the house, while workers / visitors may stay overnight.
Radha Burnier visiting the ITC- Naarden in 2012, surrounded by residents and workers
Tenants, both groups and individuals, come to collect the keys of the buildings they rented for their activities. Clear appointments with these tenants need to be made in advance, while they get an invoice afterwards according to the use of rooms etc. The buildings need to be checked frequently to see whether they are cleaned and otherwise ready to receive the groups. In our climate that includes timely activating the central heating. New groups go through a careful scrutiny to see whether their work is along the spiritual lines of the ITC. This alone is the work of several volunteers.
