Theosophy and the Convention

I had a rewarding week at the annual convention of the Theosophical Society in Melbourne and it gave me much to think about. There were opportunities to socialise with like-minded people. The vegetarian food was delicious. We were treated to 2 concerts (a classical string quartet and a jazz trio) and had a bus outing to Geelong, Port Lonsdale and Queenscliffe. Every day began at 6.30 with Qigong and meditation. The rest was filled with lectures and workshops but in between lecture sessions I even had time to lie on my back and read, and wander down to Lygon Street for coffee and cake. Wow!

Some of the lectures were amazing and one inspired me to tell my family and friends just what Theosophy is and why I like it. I realised that it probably is a bit of a mystery for two reasons. Firstly, I am not often asked what Theosophy actually is. Secondly, I am not very good at explaining. One lecturer said that it is hard to explain because there is no “mission statement”, no “code of beliefs” and no “dogma”. The Toowoomba Theosophical group (where I used to go) has just produced their first newsletter and in it I found this definition which I like.

Theosophy is the wisdom underlying all religions & it offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible & demonstrates that justice & love guide the cosmos. Its teachings aid the unfoldment of the latent spiritual nature in the human being, without dependence or fear. The word "Theosophy" means "Divine Wisdom". It refers to the great truths which derive from the cumulative testimony of countless generations of sages & seers. It also provides a framework within which we may search for these truths to gain insight into the meaning & purpose of life. Theosophy has been called the Ancient or the Ageless Wisdom, the Wisdom-Religion or the Wisdom-Tradition, & the perennial philosophy.

In this society there have been and still are many octogenarians who are spritely, serene and of sound mind. My friends and I were wondering whether it was the vegetarian/alchohol-free diet or the seemingly serene state of mind that makes them look wonderful and to live long.

The society is guided by three “objects”. The first is “to form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood (sic) of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour”. This is an object that is dear to my heart. All seekers of truth or of answers to life’s big questions are welcome. Nobody is allowed to force their ideas on anybody else.

The second “object” of the society is “to encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science”. Members are asked to “study the ideas (contemporary writings as well as Asian and pre-Christian religions and philosophies) in the light of common human experience and reason.” We have some eminent scientists in the society who keep us on our toes with contemporary science, medicine and anthropology.

The third “object” is to investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being.” One wise octogenarian said that he now thought the latent powers meant latent powers of forgiveness and love etc.  There are others who have different ideas and they are free to have them.

I have been seeking answers for a very long time and at eleven years old was handed an answer on a plate. By the time I was 30, I realised that there could not be one answer, and that no God, whatever that is, could “create” a whole world and then give the one true answer to one selected people. I have to thank my brother Phil for opening my eyes in 1975 with a copy of ‘The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran, which was the beginning of my new journey, and to Keith who introduced me to the name “Theosophical Society” in the cover of some of his books.

Photo Details

1. Heather, Carole and I waiting for people to arrive for a lecture.

2.Heather, Rosemary and Carole at Geelong, on Port Melbourne.

3. Professor Victor Gostin giving a lecture at Queenscliffe on the ancient geology and formation of Port Melbourne. (After I took the photo  and heard a little, I am ashamed to admit I went shopping and bought a blouse.)

4. The Andy Pobjoy Trio on our last night. Although I am not a great jazz fan, this group was wonderful in that they gave us music that especially suited the older ones and would you believe it, many of all ages were freely dancing. Andy is such a competent pianist, flautist and saxophonist, and singer. I envy his "no-music' easy flow of his hands over the music.