NATIONAL CAPITAL 2009 PROGRAM

January

Self Knowledge in the Light of Theosophy, Part III, The Physical Body If you are following a spiritual path, be glad you have a body to practice in!  Only here, where the action is, can we learn to control our desires—certainly not during the passive condition after death.  Julia Rogers continues her series, giving us practical wisdom for taking control of our own development.

The Esoteric Path: Its Nature and Tests The occult (hidden) or esoteric (inner) path has always been available to students who have the unquenchable desire to serve spirit and the strength to seek it.  This lecture is based on the esoteric instructions originally given by G. De Purucker to the esoteric section of the TS. 

Blavatsky’s Tibet: A Travelogue Madame Blavatsky, the spiritual founder of the Theosophical Society and author of The Secret Doctrine, claimed to have trained in Tibet.  This past fall, the Theosophical Society in America sponsored a trip to Tibet.  Vladka Shikova and Joan Mitchie will share with us their memories and photographs of their Tibetan adventure.

February

Self Knowledge in the Light of Theosophy, Part IV, The Astral Body “Desire” is that aspect of universal outgoing, creative Energy which is at our human disposal.  Julia Rogers continues her series, giving us practical wisdom for taking control of our own development by understanding the nature of our vehicles, how they function and how we may perfect them.

The Divine Plan “A commentary on The Secret Doctrine,” The Divine Plan is a guide-book for those who wish to study that theosophical classic.  Presenting some of its most important ideas, Graciela Stukey offers a panoramic view of a divine and orderly universe.

The Mystical Heart of Islam Each religion has a keynote, some aspect of truth that is embodied more fully than any other, yet all religions speak to a universal truth.  A long-time student of Theosophy [the Divine Wisdom], will discuss Islam from this perspective.

Evolution It is common practice to juxtapose religion/spirituality with evolution and to see them as in opposition, but that is not necessary.  Dr. Aleksandr Smirnov will discuss Evolution and how it is not necessarily in conflict with the Divine Wisdom.

March

Karma: The Law of Action  Karma is one of the most important and most misunderstood concepts in the Divine Wisdom.  It does not mean that if someone has something unpleasant happen to them, it is because they did the same to someone else in a past life.   Understanding the Law of Karma gives us the power to take control of our own destinies.  Gwendolyn Reece will discuss this essential doctrine.

Esoteric Jupiter Renowned astrologer, Lynn Koiner, shares her wisdom.  Jupiter will be aligning in 2009 with Neptune, Chiron and the North Node in Aquarius.  In 2010, it will form a Great Conjunction with Uranus in both Pisces and Aries.  Jupiter has an esoteric interpretation and connection with the sign of Aquarius, the Heart Chakra and the New Group of World Servers.  This lecture will discuss the exoteric and esoteric interpretation of Jupiter and how this will influence these upcoming cycles.

Self-Knowledge in the Light of Theosophy, Part V, the Mental Body The human mind is the most wonderful thing in creation-and its habitual servitude to our desires can be our greatest challenge on the path to enlightenment.  We can meet that challenge by encouraging the mind’s inherent wish for Truth.  Julia Rogers will lead this discussion on the nature of the Mental Body.

The Esoteric School: Steps in the Initiatory Process  The occult (hidden) or esoteric (inner) path has always been available to students who have the unquenchable desire to serve spirit and the strength to seek it.  Initiation is the path one takes to accelerate evolution.  Gwendolyn Reece will discuss this topic based on the esoteric instructions given by G. de Purucker.

Blavatsky’s Tibet: A Travelogue  Madame Blavatsky, the spiritual founder of the Theosophical Society and author of The Secret Doctrine, claimed to have trained in Tibet.  This past fall, the Theosophical Society sponsored a trip to Tibet.  Vladka Shikova and Joan Mitchie will continue to share with us their memories and photographs of their Tibetan adventure.

April

Space and the Doctrine of Maya Continuing her series on the Esoteric Instruction, Gwendolyn Reece will discuss the occult teachings on space and the doctrine of Maya, sometimes called the doctrine of illusion.

Self-Knowledge in the Light of Theosophy, Part VI, The Causal Body The higher mind of abstract thought is the ” immortal body of light” of our Higher Self, who endures from life to life.   Julia Rogers will discuss our foothold in the universal, where we can see relationships-the vehicle of scientific generalizations and philosophical systems.

Blavatsky’s Bhutan In the mid-1800’s, Madame Blavatsky, a Russian woman of minor nobility, travelled extensively in the East and trained with some Mahatamas (Great Souls).  This past fall, Vladka Shikova and Joan Mitchie retraced some of her steps.  In this lecture, they share their memories of Bhutan.

May

The Witness Within  Mystics seek a path of light–striving to remain aware of the witness consciousness that calmly observes, even in the face of difficult experiences or memories. This consciousness allows us to rise above the everyday, but more importantly, to live joyously in the everyday!  Swamis Abhipadananda and Jyotirvakyananda will share insights about how to develop this aspect of consciousness.

Seek Out the Way Joy Mills is one of the greatest living teachers of Theosophy.  “Seek Out the Way” is one of the first great commandments of spiritual growth.  In this video, Joy shares with us the path of seeking in the quest to find our own, particular, spiritual path.  Join us for video and discussion.

Akasha  Many of us have heard of the Akashic record, but rarely is the nature of Akasha really discussed and remains one of the greatest mysteries of the hidden wisdom.  Gwendolyn Reece will explore some of the teachings about Akasha conveyed to us by Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky.

June – September

Member’s Study:  The Voice of the Silence

September

At the Feet of the Master Together we will study this spiritual classic.  This week we will study chapters 1 and 2.  Please bring a copy.  It is available for free online either through google books or at:  http://www.atthefeetofthemaster.com

The Deeper Meaning of Tarot  Why do some people claim that the Tarot is a potent tool for inner transformation as well as a tool of divination? This talk will demystify the secrecy surrounding the Tarot.  The Tarot is best described as a metaphorical language that can lead you to your spiritual and creative center. Each of us is a product of our hopes, ideals, environmental experiences, and of the many images that arise from within. These are the images that Jung described as “archetypes.” In this talk Geraldine Amaral, author of Tarot Celebrations:  Honoring the Inner Voice,  will explore the connection between the Tarot archetypes and Jungian psychology.   The Tarot is one key that will unlock that wisdom and guidance within.  message from the rich NO experience with Tarot needed — but if you would like a powerful tool to explore the inner world this talk is for you.

At the Feet of the Master Together we will study this spiritual classic.  This week we will study chapters 3 and 4.  Please bring a copy.  It is available for free online either through google books or at:  http://www.atthefeetofthemaster.com

October

Psychic Self-Defense  Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt like you’ve been kicked in the stomach?  Have you ever had someone smile at you, yet feel strong anger directed your way?  Almost everyone is at least mildly psychic and for some their openness on the psychic levels can put them in danger of being overwhelmed by forces most of the modern world doesn’t recognize as existing.  Gwendolyn Reece will discuss the basics of psychic self-defense and self-care and how to transform this vulnerability into a source of compassion.

The Meaning and Method of the Spiritual Life In the heart of our nature we are divine—that is the great reality on which all the beauty and power of human life depend.  It is only as “the Christ is born in man,” to use the Christian symbol, that the truly spiritiual life begins.  Bring your ideas for a group discussion.

Apollonius of Tyana The story of Apollonius is a little-known chapter in the early days of the Christian era.   The great mystic traveled throughout the known world of that time, teaching a simple approach to religion which made him welcome in the temples of many different faiths.  Wherever he went, he instructed people to purify their lives and to seek the essence of religion rather than the form.  Many devotees considered him divine.  A lecture by Julia Rogers.

Shamanism Shaman is really a Tungus word, but it is most commonly used to refer to a particular type of spiritual specialist.  Gwendolyn Reece provides an overview of what shamanism is and the role of the shaman.

November

Making Meaning of Death: Life-Initiating Rituals Swamis Abhipadananda & Jyotir Vakyananda In traditional Western Christianity, November 1 is “All Saint’s Day”—a day which honors those who have attained, “the beatific vision.” What is the source of that beatific vision—that bliss? Yogis say that it is Consciousness itself. The maintaining of Conscious Awareness through the dying process of loved ones is one of life’s most transforming rituals, and it is the best preparation for maintaining Consciousness, and “beatific vision” throughout your own life and physical death.

Psychic Self-Defense – (Rescheduled) Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt like you’ve been kicked in the stomach?  Have you ever had someone smile at you, yet feel strong anger directed your way?  Almost everyone is at least mildly psychic and for some their openness on the psychic levels can put them in danger of being overwhelmed by forces most of the modern world doesn’t recognize as existing.  Gwendolyn Reece will discuss the basics of psychic self-defense and self-care and how to transform this vulnerability into a source of compassion.

December

Towards a World Without Poverty:  Progress, Problems and Spiritual Questions of International Development Aid  Bill Katzenstein will review efforts by organizations such as the UN and World Bank to help reduce global poverty since the early 1950s.  The evolution of development strategy, its issues, and related spiritual and moral concerns will be discussed.

Apollonius of Tyana The story of Apollonius is a little-known chapter in the early days of the Christian era.   The great mystic traveled throughout the known world of that time, teaching a simple approach to religion which made him welcome in the temples of many different faiths.  Wherever he went, he instructed people to purify their lives and to seek the essence of religion rather than the form.  Many devotees considered him divine.