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SATURDAY 5 AUGUST - Theosophical Society in Englandtheosophicalsociety.org.uk/.../07/Summer-School-Programme-2017.pdf · each containing the essence of Divine Wisdom or Theosophia

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SATURDAY 5 AUGUST

14.00 onwards Arrivals and Registration

19.30 Welcome by the Chairman. Preview of study groups & workshops

SUNDAY 6 AUGUST

07.00 - 08.00 Yoga

09.30 - 09.40 Meditation (daily)

09.45 - 10.30 The Western Esoteric Tradition. Noeline HartAt the heart of the Western Mysteries is the 'Hermetica'; a collection of ancient manuscripts named after the author Hermes Trismegistus. From ancient Eypt to classical Greece and Rome, then throughout the whole of Europe, these wisdom teachings spread. They sparked the Renaissance and gave birth to numerous Spiritual paths . . . each containing the essence of Divine Wisdom or Theosophia. 10.40 - 10.45 Notices (daily)

11.15 am - 12.30 Study groups A: Sunday to Tuesday (synopses on page 6)1. The Path of the Sun – Cosmic and Human. Susan Bayliss2. Transformation in Myth: The Hero Quest. Robert Kitto3. The Mahatma Letters. Tony Maddock and Janet Hoult4. Soul Centred Astrology. Wanda Sellar

14.30 - 15.30 Free time or choose from the following workshops1. Reincarnation, Karma and the Birth Chart. Ted CapstickDo you know why you specifically have incarnated as this personality? Do you know what your Soul wants you to achieve in this life-time? Do you know what personal karma you need to resolve in this life-time?Are you aware of any spiritual karma that the Soul wants you to address? All these questions and more can be answered from your natal or birth chart. We can discuss these issues with those particpants who would like an answer to such questions in addition to their own issues. 2. Chi Kung. Mike HallThe 3 Treasures of Taoist medicine are essence, energy and spirit. Chi Kung will strengthen your immune system to balance all three. Unlike the western medicine, Chi Kung allows you to take a holistic approach and lets you take charge of your physical, mental and spiritual well being.3. Healing for – Your Body, Mind and Spirit. Veda Hutchinson1 hour of ‘ME’ time – for complete relaxation, balancing the ‘Whole You’.4. ES Meeting (members only).

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16.15 - 17.15 The Blavatsky Lecture - A Multitudinous Universe: The Blavatsky Lecture at 100. Michael Gomes The Blavatsky Lecture, unique among theosophical presentations, will be achieving its centenary in 2018. Historian Michael Gomes will present an overview of this prestigious series, examining its wide array of subject matter, and revealing what it tells us about the development of Theosophy and society in general.

19.30 - 20.30 The Face of Service - Theosophical Order of Service. Nancy SecrestA look at the work of the 'T. O. S' around the world since its founding in 1908.

21.00 - 21.30 Meditation

MONDAY 7 AUGUST

07.00 - 08.00 Yoga 09.30 - 09.40 Meditation

09.45 - 10.30 From Death to Immortality – the Message of the Katha UpanishadBhupendra Vora

The 'Katha Upanishad' is a deeply mystical Upanishad that deals with the transient and the Eternal. It refers to the attractions of the world that bind the soul to the cycles of birth and death (Preyas) and the endeavours which lead to the realisation of the Eternal (Shreyas). In an interesting dialogue between the Lord of Death and the aspirant Nachiketas the question of life and death are explored.

11.15 - 12.30 Study groups A (as Sunday)

14.00 - 15.30 Theosophical Order of Service Annual General Meeting

14.30 - 15.30 Free time or choose from the following workshops1. Reincarnation, Karma and the Birth Chart. Ted Capstick2. Chi Kung. Michael Hall3. Healing for – Your Body, Mind and Spirit. Veda Hutchinson4. ABC of Sanskrit. Terri KingAn introduction to Sanskrit with a light-hearted look at the pronunciations of the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. We will also focus on pronunciations and definitions of key Sanskrit words in The Secret Doctrine. Handouts will be supplied together with reference to Judith Tyberg’s book ‘Sanskrit Keys’ and the ‘Theosophical Glossary’ by 'H. P. B.'

16.15 - 17.00 The Historical Path to Theosophy. Leslie PriceIs it possible through historical enquiry to reach our spiritual goal? Madame Blavatsky from her earliest theosophical writings gave much attention to the history of the cosmos, of humanity, of civilisations and religions, and to the esoteric stream behind them. Colonel Olcott, in his inaugural address, noted the historical significance of the 'TS' itself. Both external and internal history can teach us much. But as with other paths, there is both exaltation, and suffering, as we slowly move from illusion to truth.

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19.30 - 20.30 Video Presentation Damon ScothernAn audio-visual cross-genre selection of entertaining clips from the web.

21.00 - 21.30 Meditation

TUESDAY 8 AUGUST

07.00 - 08.00 Yoga 09.30 - 09.40 Meditation

09.45 - 10.30 So Many Paths that Wind and Wind. Cynthia TrasiMuch has been written about ‘the Path’, ‘the Two Paths’, and numerous others. Where can we suppose these paths start and where do they lead us? The speaker will discuss these questions, hopefully without getting lost on the way!

11.15 - 12.30 Study groups A (as Sunday)

14.00 Outing to Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wolverhampton (National Trust)

19.30 - 20.30 Public Lecture at Hillscourt Conference Centre The Benefits of Theosophy. Michael Gomes Theosophy has been described as having many aspects, which include theory and practice. There is also its beneficent aspect. This presentation will look at the benefits of Theosophy – social, ethical, spiritual, as revealed in its teachings.

21.00 - 21.30 Meditation

WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST

07.00 - 08.00 Yoga 09.30 - 09.40 Meditation

09.45 - 10.30 The Path of Discipleship. Michael van BurenUltimately, each person unfolds their own unique Path, however, the Inner Founders of the Theosophical Society introduced and still offer the path of hastened Attainment, through discipleship and the Ancient Mysteries, to those willing to prepare themselves for this inestimable help.

11.15 - 12.30 Study groups B: Wednesday to Friday (synopses on p6) 1. The Secret Doctrine. Pam El-Hosaini2. Musings on the True Theosophist’s Path. Wayne Gatfield3. The Path of Return: Building the Body of Light. Noeline Hart4. The Yoga of Wisdom, the Yoga of Action & the Yoga of Devotion. Bhupendra Vora

14.30 - 15.30 Free time or choose from the following workshops

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1. Reincarnation, Karma and the Birth Chart. Ted Capstick2. A Life Transforming Exploration – the Human Design System. Gilly CzerworkaThe Human Design System synthesizes aspects of the ancient and modern sciences. It links astrology with the archtypes found in the Chinese 'Book of Changes'. Your personalised HD chart identifies your true self’s underlying nature, personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, dynamics and in-built chemistry in order to find out exactly what works for you. Workshop 1. Get to Know your Unique Path3. Chi Kung. Michael Hall4. Cycles of Eternity. Tim WyattThese workshops are based on Tim Wyatt’s new book, 'Cycles of Eternity: An Overview of the Ageless Wisdom'. They will be dynamic, interactive sessions and look in the widest terms at the key ideas which make up the Ageless Wisdom or Theosophy. This is suit-able for both beginners and seasoned Theosophists. Workshop 1. Ideas Beyond Time

16.15 - 17.00 Mme Blavatsky’s Occult Doctrine of Emanation. Janet LeeThe Secret Doctrine reveals the science of emanation as the cosmological principle of flow. But, for non-scientists on a human level, why is emanation necessary for us spiritually and psychologically? And how is this communicated to us through the creative arts? This illustrated talk will try to elucidate, and suggest some ideas of how we may emanate joyfully and fruitfully.

19.30 - 20.30 Theosophical Forum various speakers A panel of knowledgeable members will answer previously submitted questions.

21.00 - 21.30 Meditation

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST

07.00 - 08.00 Yoga 09.30 - 09.40 Meditation

09.45 - 10.30 The Masters as Ideals and Facts. Barry ThompsonIn the ‘Key to Theosophy’ H P Blavatsky had to contend with the idea that the Masters were some form of ‘male mermaid’, and later ideas from other sources may not have been much of an improvement. We will examine what the original sources have to say.

11.15 - 12.30 Study groups B (as Wednesday)

14.30 - 15.30 Free time or choose from the following workshops1. An Art Practice. David Maddrell. (14.00 - 15.30). By allowing our imagination freedom of expression through the interplay of colour and texture, line and form, insightful discov-eries may become made apparent. All materials will be provided. Limited to 12 places2. The Human Design System. (2). Energy Exchanges. Gilly Czerworka3. Healing for – Your Body, Mind and Spirit. Veda Hutchinson4. Cycles of Eternity (2). Life on Earth & the Human Project. Tim Wyatt

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16.15 - 17.00 A Free-thinker’s Guide to the Galaxy: The Search for Truth. Tim WyattWe don’t know the full truth – and our strength as Theosophists is that we readily admit this. We know that wisdom unfolds with experience and struggle. Truth is always fragmentary. And we are all works in progress. And this is why we as custodians and elaborators of the Ageless Wisdom need to be at the vanguard of free-thinking.

19.30 - 20.30 Classical Musical Presentation Jenny Baker Celebrating the many aspects of the human voice from the sacred to the secular and from folk song to opera.

21.00 - 21.30 Meditation

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST

07.00 - 08.00 Yoga 09.30 - 09.40 Meditation

09.45 - 10.30 Blavatsky’s Esoteric Instructions. Michael GomesTowards the end of her life, H P Blavatsky drew together a group of students to whom she gave special instructions. Michael Gomes, editor of a new edition of this material, will cover the presuppositions necessary for understanding these instructions and deal with some salient points.

11.15 - 12.30 Study groups B (as Wednesday)

14.30 - 15.30 Free time or choose from the following1. An Art Practice. David Maddrell. (14.00 pm start) 2. Yoga Nidra. Jenny BakerComplete relaxation that energises and uplifts the spirits3. The Human Design System. (3). Know Your Shadows. Gilly Czerworka4. Cycles of Eternity (3). Infinite Cycles. Tim Wyatt

16.15 - 17.00 Logos – Source and Goal of all Existence. Petra MeyerIn Secret Doctine I, p574, H P Blavatsky quotes Subba Row who wrote, that seven distinct rays radiate from the Central Spiritual Sun. All Adepts and Dhyan Chohans are therefore divisible into seven classes, being guided, controlled, and overshadowed by one of the seven manifestations of the divine Wisdom, which obviously means there must be several paths to the same goal. Entering the divine Brotherhood is by bringing oneself within the influence of the Spiritual Light of one’s own Logos.

19.30 19.30 - 20.30 Quiz Night Damon Scothern and Pam EvansA chance to demonstrate general knowledge + theosophical concepts and personalities.

SATURDAY 12 AUGUST

Departure after breakfast

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STUDY GROUPSThe Path of the Sun – Cosmic and Human. Susan BaylissThe Ancient Teachings revealed on the instruction of the Mahatmas, tell us it is through the Four Maharajas’ that our five senses may awaken to the hidden truths of Nature. The group will explore this Wisdom, the role of celestial beings, the mystery of the human soul and our journey of transformation: 1. The four guardians of the world. 2. The seven principles of nature3. Aspects of human consciousness

Transformation in Myth: The Hero Quest. Robert KittoH P Blavatsky in Isis Unveiled wrote of myth as a universal method of teaching. Pre-eminent in mythology are tales depicting the hero journey. We consider Apuleius’ The Golden Ass, a mythic quest, which studied in the light of Theosophy, and Jungian psychology, symbolises the journey of the soul, and the transformation of thoughts and feelings in a quest for spiritual consciousness.

The Mahatma Letters. Tony Maddock and Janet HoultThe letters ‘written’ by Masters Morya and Koot Hoomi of the Himalayan Brotherhood provide a fascinating and slightly alternative perspective on the theosophical teachings. We will briefly introduce the letters (which were written to A. P. Sinnett and A. O. Hume, and are now preserved in the British Library), then look at excerpts showing some of the spiritual guidance which they contain.

Soul Centred Astrology. Wanda SellarExamining the zodiac signs from a Soul rather than a Personality viewpoint, as in stages of earthly experience and development of consciousness. Explaining also the difference between Personality and Soul astrology, the difference between Orthodox planetary rulers and Esoteric planetary rulers. How a chart may be examined from a Soul perspective. Students can follow the lecturers using their own charts.

The Secret Doctrine. Pam El-HosainiThis study is aimed at those who are hesitant to embark upon a real investigation of the SD. We will look at the background of the writing, the three fundamental propositions, the Proem and the content of each volume. There will also be a broad overview of some major theosophical topics. No prior knowledge is needed.

Musings on the True Theosophist’s Path. Wayne GatfieldThis study is based upon the article of the same name by W Q Judge – giving inspirational guidelines as to how would be Theosophists should conduct themselves in the world. It does not consist of dogmatic rules, but signposts that we can all follow. The study will use this text as a basis for discussion and interaction from the participants.

The Path of Return: Building the Body of Light. Noeline HartThese three workshops will explore the Kabbalah as a path to higher knowledge and the expansion of consciousness. 1. Introduction to the Kabbalah 2. Following the Serpent Path of Return 3. Kabbalah & Theosophy

The Yoga of Wisdom, the Yoga of Action & the Yoga of Devotion. Bhupendra VoraAccording to the Bhagavad Gita there are many paths that lead to the realisation of Brahman, but the principal ones are the Yoga of Wisdom, the Yoga of Action and the Yoga of Devotion. In this workshop the three paths are explored based primarily on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita but also considering the paths as revealed by other scriptures.

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SUMMER SCHOOL CHARGESAccommodation: Ensuite single/double £520 full board for the whole weekDay delegate charge £30 per day or £155 for the whole week to include all lectures, lunch, coffee & tea. The evening meal costs £15. Please order when booking. Inquiries: Call Jenny Baker on 07974 379979

MEAL TIMES Breakfast: 08.00 Coffee: 10.45 Lunch: 13.00 Tea: 15.45 Dinner: 18.00

BOOKSTALL: There will be a varied selection of books for sale some at discounts on standard prices

CDs/DVDs: The talks will be recorded in audio and video. CDs cost £4 each; videos are £6 each or £40 for the entire week. MP3s of the entire week cost £20.

NOTICES will be given daily at 10.40 following the first lecture

THE THEOSOPHICAL ORDER OF SERVICEThe T. O. S. is the service arm of the Theosophical Society, a world-wide organisation devoted to giving practical and humanitarian help by supporting small, ethical groups and charities. Money is collected through donations and fund-raising activities by members and sympathisers. Wherever possible, money is sent through local T. O. S. groups who make sure that it is spent effectively. Membership of the T. O. S. is currently £4 per annum. At this yearʼs school there will be a bring and buy stall and a raffle. Donations and subscriptions should be given to Greta Walker. For further information contact Cynthia or Atma

THE FOUNDATION FOR THEOSOPHICAL STUDIESThe Foundation is an educational charity formed to promote study of religion, philosophy and science; to undertake and promote research in the fields of the laws of nature and the powers latent in man; and to advance the recognition of the fundamental unity of all people through a knowledge of the theosophical principles of unity, evolution and perfectability.

For details of other activities throughout England, telephone 020 7563 9817 or send a stamped addressed envelope to the Foundation for Theosophical Studies,

50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA. www.theosoc.org.uk CharityNumber 1014648