International Theosophy Conferences Inc. organized an impressive event in the mountains of Julian, California, on August 11–14. Julian is a small but picturesque town about one-and-a-half-hours drive from San Diego.
The theme of the conference was “The Heart of Wisdom, a Concurrence of Science and Spirituality from a Theosophical Perspective.”
During four days, Theosophists from various traditions and different parts of the world listened to excellent speakers and exchanged ideas covering a wide range of topics, such as Theosophical publications, Theosophy and health, Theosophy, education and youth, Theosophy and science, and meditation and mysticism.
Representatives of the Theosophical Society, Point Loma (The Hague), the United Lodge of Theosophists, the Adyar Theosophical Society, and two independent Theosophical groups, underscored the urgent need for Theosophical unity.
Group photo taken after the closing of the event
It was touching and encouraging to observe that a true and respectful exchange took place. Theosophists from different traditions got together on the basis of mutual respect, thus putting brotherhood into practice.
Unity within and between Theosophists is indispensable if Theosophists want to make the world know that Theosophy exists. The various traditions are a fact, being respected bodies that have earned their legitimate place under the sun. There may be differences in approach, with a colorful diversity, but instead of focusing on those variations, Theosophists meeting on this unique platform can start looking at what unites them, sharing their responsibility, and paving the way for future generations.
Last year, Jim Colbert, one of the organizers of the Julian meeting, wrote the following in an article published on Theosophy Forward: “Our flaw has been disunity among Theosophists, and this flaw may have limited the power of Theosophical ideas to take firmer roots. Today seems to be a new time, with a new spirit bringing Theosophists together. One can sadly read of the many attempts towards greater unity in the past and the many plausible reasons it never took hold. Why our time is different is not clear. But it is.”
Bob Dylan’s epic sixties song “The Times, They Are A-Changing” seemed to be applicable again, and all those who were present in Julian sensed that fresh and inspiring energy.
For the Theosophy Forward photo gallery of the Julian event, click here.
This year all roads led to Julian; in 2012 all roads will lead to the Adyar Theosophical Society in America’s headquarters in Wheaton, Illinois, where next year’s meeting of the International Theosophy Conferences Inc. will be held, at an estate named for the President-Founder, Olcott.
You will be informed about details later on this site.
The wonderful grounds of Olcott
In 2012 all roads will lead to Olcott in Wheaton
At Olcott: Portraits of the three main founders in the corridor on the ground floor