FALL PROGRAM 2026

October 3: Walk and Talk Theosophy (In-person meeting)

Details will be sent to DC Lodge members by email. If the weather is nice, we will plan to walk probably around 11:00 a.m. If it rains, we can meet at a museum.

October 10: Roundtable discussion on “What is a Nucleus of Universal Brotherhood?” by John Coats with author Nathaniel Altman

Nathaniel Altman published An Open Heart which contains a selection of the writings and speeches of John Coats from the 1940s through the late 1970s, along with biographical information and historical photographs.

John Coats was known for his affable personality, kindness and sense of humor, yet he was a serious student of Theosophy and an articulate and inspiring writer and speaker. His speeches and writings are both timely and practical, and reflect his passion, scholarship and unwavering devotion to the Theosophical Society, and especially the first of its Three Objects: Universal
Brotherhood.

October 17: “Transformation and the Journey of Becoming” by Chris Howard (Olcott Lodge)

What is our role in the evolution of humanity? How does one define transformation and evolution of consciousness in humanity? How do we apply the three pillars in our own transformation and the transformation of others? During this engaging presentation, Chris will interweave theosophical quotes with his own personal journey and recognizing the spark of the One Divine Life that connects us all.

October 24: “The Spiral Revealed – A Bridge Between Worlds” by Lucia Hodges

Spirals are everywhere — snail shells, whirlpools, pinecones — but what if they’re more than just beautiful patterns? Come explore clues pulled together from science, mysticism and ancient wisdom which show how spirals function as portals between different realms of existence. You’ll discover:

– Why the spiral is a universal architecture across many planes
– How spirals affect us physically, emotionally, and spiritually
– Fresh perspectives on them in your body, mind, and the cosmos
– How to work with spirals to elevate your awareness and inner growth

October 31: “Healing Oneself – Healing the World” by Manuela Kaulich (German Section)

Theosophical teachings confirm the importance of human development from the Outer to the Inner, from the Material to the Spiritual, from the Me to the We. Annie Besant’s mantra “O Hidden Life” is an example for the flow. “It sends forth successive waves of color, pulsing outwards from the speaker, if rhythmically intoned or chanted,” thereby reaching out to and connecting with the other, the Thou. Each of us can only work upon him or herself, develop him or herself, and become more conscious — thereby contributing to the healing of the Whole, the healing of our world.

November 7: “Latent Human Potential and the Role of AI in Society” by Hallie Stern (DC Lodge) (In-person meeting at a DC library)

The decisions we make today will determine whether AI serves as a tool to amplify human dignity or becomes a force that challenges it. Will we carefully construct our designs to reflect an ideal humanity? Or will the embedded black mirror of our creations warp our view of ourselves?

November 14: “A Humanistic Approach to AI Grounded in Virtue Ethics” by Gwendolyn Reece (DC Lodge)

In a moment in which AI is becoming ubiquitous and has such immediate ethical challenges —surveillance and privacy concerns, lack of transparency, the ability to create misinformation andtoxic content, etc. — we can lose sight of more fundamental ethical questions a confrontation with AI should force us to ask. Rather than beginning with evaluating the capabilities of AI, this
session argues we need to flip the script and deeply consider the question, “What is human work?” Once we understand the shape of truly human work, then we can determine which work is not human work and may be fruitfully and ethically outsourced to AI. Ideally, this will free up more time for humans to do human work.

This line of inquiry invites us to imagine a future in which AI becomes an integral part of our lives while serving humanistic goals. Creating such a future requires educational institutions to identify which human excellences/virtues we should prioritize. What habits will we need to develop so we may flourish in this future? Drawing on the literature from Virtue Ethics, especially Aristotle and Care Ethics (understood as a type of Virtue Ethics), this presentation encourages the development of a humanistic approach to AI.

November 21: Roundtable discussion on “Meeting Death as a Friend” by N. Sri Ram

This month, we honor N. Sri Ram, the fifth international president of the Theosophical Society, Adyar. He worked as an assistant to Annie Besant and served under three presidents. During his presidency, he quietly broadened and deepened the vision of the Theosophical Society, encouraging a forward-looking attitude to the work of the TS. He lectured all over the world and wrote several books which reflect that “the central truth to Theosophy is that there is a Unity behind all diversity.”

November 28: No meeting (Thanksgiving weekend)

December 5: Roundtable discussion about quotes (In-person meeting at a DC library)

Quotes will be sent to DC Lodge members by email a few days before the meeting.

December 12: Roundtable discussion on “Clear Vision and Sane Living” by Radha Burnier

This month, we recognize the tireless efforts of Radha Burnier to raise human consciousness. She joined the Theosophical Society in her early teenage years and was an active member, serving in various roles. She lectured extensively about human regeneration and the Objects of the TS. Radha Burnier served as the seventh international president of the Theosophical Society, Adyar, from 1980 until her death in 2013.