Please join us for a walk through Lomaland’s Theosophy Community, culture and history
Temple of Peace doors at SD History Center
Announcing Ongoing Class/Seminars for 2023 on:
“Revisiting Visionary Utopia”
The Lomaland Theosophical Community 1897 - 1942
Theosophy in Contemplative Community, Education and the Arts in San Diego.
The Academy and Temple of Peace at Lomaland c1915
The Lomaland Theosophical community (1897-1942) was an extraordinary confluence of views and elements: spiritual and humanist, metaphysical/ mystical and practical/mundane, progressive and traditional, which intersected within its ‘perennial wisdom’ basis during the forty five years of its lifespan. This was all encompassed within the vision of its founder, Katherine Tingley, “to make Theosophy intensely practical”.
Please join us and guest speakers, in exploring this unique community during 2023, with in depth presentations on the history, culture and thought of one of the foremost spiritual community endeavors in American history. During these monthly presentations throughout 2023, we will share overviews of the community’s culture, values and thought through its art, music, dramatic productions, literature and theosophical beliefs. Upcoming zoom presentations with question and answer:
March 15, 2023 from 10 am PST to 11:30 am - Lomaland Cultural Overview
April 2, 2023 from 10 am PST to 11:30 am - Art, Music, Drama
April 19, 2023 from 10 am PST to 11:30 am - Raja Yoga Education
These classes can be accessed via zoom. Email me for the zoom link:
- Ken Small
Drama - Midsummer’s Night Dream - Lomaland 1922
We will be using our book (2022):
Revisiting Visionary Utopia: Katherine Tingley’s Lomaland 1897-1942 by Kenneth Small as the primary reference text for these ongoing presentations.
Additional recommended reading:
California Utopia: Point Loma 1897-1942 by Emmett Greenwalt (pdf available)
Class cost: Donation basis. Text cost additional.
For more information on 2023 class times, zoom access, in person attendance and other details please contact:
Ken Small -
Sponsored by: The Enso Project (a 501c3, California nonprofit corporation)
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“Revisiting Visionary Utopia”
The Lomaland Theosophical Community 1897 - 1942
Theosophy in Contemplative Community, Education and the Arts in San Diego.
(Published by The Theosophical History Journal - James Santucci editor)
260 pp 150+ illustrations
“In 1898, the Society was renamed the Universal Brotherhood and Theosophical Society with Mrs. Tingley serving as its “Leader and Official Head.” The direction that she took reflected her activism in applying Theosophical principles, principal of which was the advancement of an educational program known as “Raja Yoga,” which in turn emphasized an integration of physical, mental, and spiritual training. Those who resided in the community were expected to acquire proficiency in various areas of the sciences and arts. Most were expected to engage in more practical pursuits required by the community’s needs, such as agriculture and horticulture, in addition to engaging in community outreach programs that reflected Theosophical principles, notably dramatic and musical productions. As to be expected, publication of the community’s Theosophical teachings and activities occurred principally through its written tracts and ongoing research. The range of activities is quite impressive as illustrative in Greenwalt’s California Utopia. What follows in the present volume is a confirmation of the contributions of an extraordinarily talented community not only to the local environs of San Diego but also to the nation.”
“While there are many publications that highlight various aspects of the Theosophical community in Point Loma, this work attempts to offer a more comprehensive and extensive overview of its contributions to the arts, education, music, and drama among other pursuits.”
James Santucci from the introduction[i]
Ken Small and Robert Ray, director of special collections, during the Lomaland exhibit at SDSU.
ORDERING INFORMATION:
For ordering and payment information please contact:
Kenneth Small -
260 pp150+ illustrations - $30 plus postage
Also check out Theosophy Forward's NOTABLE BOOKS 56 HERE
[i] Kenneth Small. Revisiting Visionary Utopia: Katherine Tingley’s Lomand 1897-1942-Theosophy in Contemplative Community, Education and the Arts in San Diego. Published by The Theosophical History Journal, James Santucci.