Articles
| The Second and Third Objects of the Theosophical Society as Related to the First From Mr. Keightley’s talk in 1890 Universal Brotherhood is not only the foundation stone of the Theosophical Society, but literally the essence of its second and third objects – the life-giving spirit in them all. Without this grand and sublime ideal, the study of ancient religions, sciences and philosophies would lose its noblest and purest charm. Without it, the pursuit of the third object would be either altogether meaningless, or if in any degree successful, it would lead to the most disastrous consequences. NOV 2017 |
Kinship & Community by Diana Dunningham-Chapotin When I was young, I thought of Theosophists as being a pretty serious, studious bunch of people, who didn’t have the time to get very far away from their books and Lodge meetings. But as I gradually came to know hundreds of members throughout the world, I realized many are deeply involved with hands-on service as a part of their spiritual practice. JUNE 2017 |
Motive Is Everything In this article, Tim Boyd, International President of the Theosophical Society states “The fact is that our motivation colours everything that we do – all of our thoughts and actions…While there are countless methods that are said to assist on the road to enlightenment, the only one that seems to guarantee a safe journey is an awareness and elevation of motive.” MAR 2017 |
Inaugural Address: National Conference on Theosophical Education by Bro. Chittaranjan Satapathy From the early days of the modern theosophical movement, which started with the establishment of The Theosophical Society in 1875, its pioneers have taken a great interest in education per se and the right kind of education in particular. JAN 2017 |
Changing the World Through Love – Uma Bhattacharyya We all dream of a better life in a better society. However it has become difficult to go through a complete day without becoming disillusioned, disappointed and drained by the selfishness surrounding us. Uma Bhattacharyya eloquently expresses eternal truths that help us to purify ourselves and thus purify the world. OCT 2016 |
Service and Spirituality – Vincente Hao Chin, Jr An orientation towards service is the natural flowering of the spiritual life. But the reverse is also true: an orientation towards service is a pathway towards spirituality. JUNE 2016 |
How Does Your Garden Grow? – Betty Bland Using the analogy of caring for houseplants, Betty Bland points out that consistency in applied spirituality serves the purpose of watering our seeds of aspiration. Just as good intentions alone do not provide the sustenance needed by the plant, so do our spiritual roots starve if we only prefer to think good thoughts without putting them into action. MAR 2016 |
The Influence of the Theosophical Society on World Thought – Bhupendra R. Vora Bhupendra R. Vora writes about the influence of the Theosophical Society on world thought, especially in combating racial segregation in Africa and in Kenya in particular. DEC 2015 |
Gender Issues in a Changing World – Deepa Padhi This talk was given by the Vice-President of the Theosophical Order of Service Odisha region, India and President of the TOS Mahabharat group, at the 2014 Adyar Convention. With changing times the role of women in society has acquired new dimensions, but there are many issues that challenge women even now in the 21st century. SEPT 2015 |
Bringing Change to East Africa – Usha Shah This article is a talk given by Usha Shah, MBE, convenor of the TOS in Kenya at the International Convention of the TS at Adyar, December 2014. JUNE 2015 |
A.O. Hume in The Hindu 2015 – This article is reprinted from the January 25, 2015 issue of The Hindu. Its author, S. Muthiah, writes about our very own A. O. Hume, calling him “The Father of the Congress,” and about other prominent theosophists of the day. The article highlights the connection between Indian independence and the Theosophical Society. MAR 2015 |
Living Water by Betty Bland …in addition to the polar icecaps, there may have been large bodies of water on Mars. Many of the formations on the surface appear to be dried lake or ocean beds. If this is true, and Mars did indeed have vast amounts of water, where are the lakes or oceans now? Is what happened to the water something that could potentially happen to our own vast bodies of water? DEC 2014 |
Theosophy in the Counselling Profession Over the years, we have interviewed Theosophists about how they apply theosophical principles in their jobs. In this article, Barbara Bradley Hebert of Covington, Louisiana, who is a member of the National Board of the Theosophical Society in America, answers a similar question. Barbara is a college counsellor. SEPT 2013 |
Service as Sacred Labour – Dorothy Bell By way of definition – service as ‘Sacred Labour’ is the work of the sacred from within us to the sacred within another. We are part of the One Life – the living but hidden Reality that underlies our existence on earth. We are divine seeds, never been born, never will die, but experiencing a temporary time zone in which to grow. DEC 2013 |
Service as Sacred Labour – by B.L. Bhattacharyya When we work to benefit others simply because it is the right thing to do, when we give spontaneously, without premeditation, purely with the intention of relieving another’s suffering, then we are acting altruistically. We are engaging in sacred labour. SEPT 2013 |
There is Wisdom in Action – Carolyn Harrod – In this world of manifestation, we cannot avoid action. Every thought and feeling, every choice to speak or remain silent, to walk away or become involved, to meditate or try to influence political decisions, is an action. The question for ourselves is: Are they choices imbued by the attributes of our spiritual transformation into ‘knowers of wisdom’ and therefore choices that will benefit humanity and all life? JUNE 2013 |
Finding a Different Way – Part 3 – Pamela Zane Keys “..Over this last year, I have made myself ready to die by silently reviewing my past in the wakeful night hours, by telling those I love how much I value them, and writing stories that have been in my head for years…” MAR 2013 |
Finding a Different Way – Part 2 – Pamela Zane Keys “… I tried to will myself back to feeling well. I gave ‘thanks for all things’, as St Paul advised, which often lifted my spirits but the sense that every day I was wading through treacle was getting stronger and meant I often felt like just staying in bed and giving up….” NOV 2013 |
Finding a Different Way – Part 1 – Pamela Zane Keys “While we may think of the latent powers referred to in the Third Object of the Theosophical Society as extraordinary and spectacular, I have recently realised that they may also be small and outwardly indiscernible yet inwardly life changing….” AUG 2012 |
Theosophy in the Workplace – Linda Jo Pym Continuing a series of interviews with Theosophists about how they apply Theosophy in their jobs, we talk here with Linda Jo Pym, who for 36 years was a social worker in the state of Washington, USA… MAY 2012 |
The Occult Side of Service – Tim Marin In this article, Tim explores some of his thoughts on what it means to serve from an occult perspective, how service relates to who we are at the deepest level of being, and how, through the practice of self-culture, we can open up to our true nature – a limitless resource waiting to be discovered…. FEB 2012 |
The Theosophy of Service – by Dorothy Bell. Across this planet, in the name of the Theosophical Order of Service, many different activities are taking place. These acts of kindness are not random but reflect a general attitude – an attitude generated by that original impulse upon which the Theosophical Society was built to stand for Life and Light, for Unity and Harmony and for Sister-Brotherhood…. DEC 2011 |
Theosophical education from kindergarten to university at the Golden Link College The news that the Golden Link School in the Philippines was extending its programme to tertiary level triggered interest amongst members of the TOS around the world. Some asked about the theosophical content of the curriculum. Vic Hao Chin, in consultation with Ms Rekha Nahar, administrator of the kindergarten, primary and secondary divisions, replied with an explanation of how the College provides a theosophical education. (more.. ) OCT 2011 |
The Courage of Commitment – by Joy Mills Custom and habit may lead us into patterns of thought and action which, by their very repetition, seem to be lacking in freshness and spontaneity. Precisely because the theosophical philosophy presents us with a panoramic view of life, with great ideas whose grandeur dwarfs our normal petty concerns, we may often feel inclined to retreat into the security of a philosophical cave of speculation rather than confront the actualities of existence in terms of a positive commitment to action. To what extent can we become committed? AUG 2011 |
Theosophy in the workplace: A teacher’s perspective – If someone were to ask you how you apply Theosophy in your job, would you be stuck for an answer? Perhaps there is no direct application of its principles in your field. Yet, somehow, there is a level at which Theosophy has an influence on all you do, isn’t there? In this interview we ask Susan Skarsholt, a New Zealander who specialises in teaching deaf children aged three to six. JUNE 2011 |
A Divine Lunacy by Joy Mills The year 1995 marked the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. It was a year not only to commemorate a dream, but also to rejoice that in spite of its failures and weaknesses, there is still an organisation in existence that seeks to achieve a world without war. Appropriately, it would seem, in view of the tasks yet to be accomplished, 1995 was also designated the United Nations Year of Tolerance. For tolerance is needed, above all virtues, if we are to live together amicably on this beautiful small planet we call our home. APR 2011 |
True Theosophical Service by Dorothy Bell As a principle, altruism expresses the true root meaning of the words theos and Brahma — the motion of expansion from within outwardly, which is also associated with the outbreathing of the Great Breath. It means giving unconditionally to the whole from within outwardly. It realizes the wholeness and unity of all. And every movement of that realization of wholeness is open and generous and all-embracing. It is compassion, love, gentleness, kindness, and the full expression of who we truly are. (more…) FEB 2011 |
Love and Service: Twin Stars of Brotherhood by S.Sundaram It is a common observation that society in general is passing through a crisis resulting in confusion and disorder on several fronts. The individual is lost in the crowd, deprived of his sense of belongingness, with the result he feels no moral responsibility towards his fellow beings. DEC 2010 |
Paths to World Peace – Vladimir Loncar, of Wellington, New Zealand, long-time peace activist, shares with us his insights and asks our views…. If you were asked to bring about peace, how would you respond? What ideas could you come up with? … Vladimir passed away shortly after writing this article. We wish him peace. (More…) OCT 2010 |
Service as a road to awareness by Diana Dunningham Chapotin – … I was deeply disturbed by this experience. I realised that I needed to learn how to tap resources within that would enable me to focus on bandaging limbs patiently and gently… I wanted to understand how it was that widespread poverty was tolerated in a rich world… (more…) JULY 2010 |
Compassion and the Individual – by Tenzin Gyatso, The Fourteenth Dalai Lama …True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively…(more...) MAY 2010 |
Sensitive Dependence – By Betty Bland …In this world of the infinite, where it seems that nothing can be nailed down as absolute, we encounter an amazingly important principle: sensitive dependence upon initial conditions. This means that an infinitesimal difference somewhere earlier in an equation will make a major change in the outcome… (more…) MAR 2010 |
Insight from the Heart – By Dorothy Bell, TOS Mornington Peninsula Group, Australia. – A few years ago I trained as a volunteer worker at a Support Centre for men who had contracted the HIV/AIDS disease. It was a government-funded project and indeed many people opposed this funding and any support being given to people with this ‘self-imposed’ disease. My work was in the area of Reiki…. (more…) JAN 2010 |
Therapeutic Touch: Healing Based on Theosophy and Science – By Nelda Samarel Therapeutic Touch (TT) is quite familiar to many theosophists, and for good reason. Developed in the early 1970s by two life-long theosophists, TT is taught and practiced in Theosophical Society lodges throughout the United States and the world…. (more… ) NOV 2009 |
Can the TS and TOS Help in Conflict Resolution? – Vic Hao Chin … the vast majority of us feel powerless to stop national leaders, international bullies and multi-national corporations making economic and political decisions that will lead sooner or later to war. The TOS in the Philippines seems to have found ways for its members to contribute constructively to the reduction of violence in society…. (more… ) SEPT 2009 |
Lobbying from the Heart Is it feasible these days to further the spiritual evolution of humanity through national or local political involvement? Do you feel you can engage in truly theosophical service through this avenue? This article is an extract from an essay by Carolyn Cottom, known in the USA for her work in the Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign. … ( more…) JULY 2009 |
The Spiritual Basis of Service – Dr Sunita Maithreya “The true theosophist is the Philanthropist who — ‘not for himself, but for the world he lives.’…” reads a message from a Master of The Wisdom. Service without spirituality is like a mechanical form without a soul, while spirituality divorced from service is like a soul still seeking a form to express itself. Spirituality and service are symbiotic. … ( more…) MAY 2009 |
Bus Yoga – Pedro Oliveira It is very sad that the widespread car-culture has stopped many people in the world benefiting from the deep lessons that can be learned in bus travel. A bus, like many other situations in life, can become a veritable theosophical classroom…. (more…) |
Networking in India Against Animal Cruelty – Dr. C.V. Agarwal A retired Professor of Technology at Benares Hindu University in Varanasi, Dr. C.V. Agarwal is undoubtedly one of the TOS’s most devoted animal rights activists in India. Through the Beauty Without Cruelty movement, Dr. Agarwal and his team have organised a great number of successful (and less successful) campaigns against the exploitation and abuse of our fellow creatures…. (more...) |
Compassion: The Basis for Peace and Understanding – Radha Burnier … We will start by considering what compassion may mean. The word itself suggests a passionate feeling for what one comes into contact with. But what is meant by a passionate feeling? It surely refers to a feeling that comes from the oneness that we speak about in contemplating Theosophy…. ( more ) |
Saving Nature: In Praise of Frugality – James L. Bull … According to Wendell Berry, frugality may be appropriately paired with abundance. This notion may strike us as odd, in today’s commercial world—frugality and abundance? Properly considered, frugality is simply the sensible management of limited resources. It is through frugality that we can achieve sustainable abundance. All freedoms exist within boundaries, and sensible abundance takes into account the natural limits of resources. ( more ) |
What is Our Role in Education? – Rekha Nahar, TOS Philippines … Through the TOS, we have systematically undertaken projects to meet needs in health and nutrition, to develop livelihood skills, and so on. These projects help improve the material conditions of the underprivileged. Something more is necessary, however, something that addresses the selfishness and sense of separateness at the root of social problems. … ( more ) |
A Human Approach to World Peace – The Dalai Lama …Even in these modern times it is clear that one’s precious life is not safe. No former generation has had to experience so much bad news as we face today; this constant awareness of fear and tension should make any sensitive and compassionate person question seriously the progress of our modern world. … ( more ) |
Wings of a Dove – Deni Gross If you had to list some great concerns you have for the planet today, what would they be? The chances are that you would mention the lack of global peace amongst them. Yet most often we feel powerless to do anything about it, don’t we? So is there anything we can do to help build a safer planet? … ( more ) |
TOS in Chennai …The Olcott School, The H.P.B. Hostel, the Social Welfare Centre, the Besant Memorial Animal Welfare Dispensary… The Chennai TOS’s biggest challenge came when the tsunami hit on December 26, 2004… ( more ) |
Do you care about animals? – Dr Geetha Jaikumar The issue of animal welfare can be addressed from broadly three fronts: As always, we can begin with ourselves… our diet, our attire; our cosmetics… The second front is direct service… The third front for personal action is the creation of awareness about the widespread animal cruelty… ( more ) |