NATIONAL CAPITAL 2016 PROGRAM
Members’ Meeting: 11 PM
Public Meeting: 12 PM
January
Jan 9 The Constitution of Man A human being is much more than a body and a brain. Vladka Shikova will present the Theosophical understanding of man, his many vehicles and sheathes and his capacities.
Jan 16 Differentiating between Mental Illness and Spiritual Experience (c) 2013 Join us for a presentation by special guest psychologist and shamanic healer Monika Lonely Coyote that gives a short background of psychological illnesses, focusing on Axis I & II (DSM-IV), and compares symptoms with the symptoms of Visionary Spiritual Experiences. Video examples are used to help participants discuss different symptomology, and Monika give options to friends, clergy, and family for referring people to appropriate service providers. NOTE: Due to the ongoing need for differentiation between the two concepts, and continued research, this presentation is on its way to becoming a book, with a Checklist for Clergy, mental health practitioners, etc. Stay tuned!
Jan 23 Reincarnation in Daffodils Julia Rogers will discuss the idea of reincarnation in its broadest possible sense – the upward cycle of progressive living and learning in all the kingdoms of nature—not just the human kingdom.
January 30 Jung and the Lost Gospels – Book Discussion The “Lost Gospels” refer to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library, both discovered in the Middle East in the 1940s. As Dr. Hoeller shows, early scholars feared (correctly) that the new documents would reveal information that might detract from Christianity’s claims of uniqueness. Indeed, the Lost Gospels both contradict and complement accepted tenets. Indeed, the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi Library both contradict and complement accepted tenets of the Old and New Testaments. This corresponds to Jung’s call for a renewed appreciation of the ancient Gnostic tradition, which, as Dr. Hoeller states, is “the one and only tradition associated with Christianity that regarded the human psyche as the container of the divine-human encounter. Join us for a stimulating discussion of the book.
February
February 6 The Eleven Powers of the Ten Directions Part I Yogis have long been aware that human needs can be fulfilled and achieved with the application of concentration. Special guests Swamis Abhipadananda & Jyotir Vakyananda will talk about the eleven powers needed to break through obstacles and the three primary stumbling blocks to this: the desire to use powers selfishly and not in service to humanity, the inability to hold one-pointed attention, and the lack of self-knowledge of our own imbalances.
February 13 What is Consciousness? (DVD Screening) What is consciousness? Where does it come from? How does it arise? Consciousness is a popular topic in today’s world with all manner of spiritual literature, magazines, tv documentaries, scientists and theorists all trying to determine what it is. In this presentation author and Quest magazine editor Richard Smoley gives a working definition of consciousness that helps dispel much of the confusion surrounding its understanding.
February 20 The Eleven Powers of the Ten Directions Part II Yogis have long been aware that human needs can be fulfilled and achieved with the application of concentration. Special guests Swamis Abhipadananda & Jyotir Vakyananda will talk about the eleven powers needed to break through obstacles and the three primary stumbling blocks to this: the desire to use powers selfishly and not in service to humanity, the inability to hold one-pointed attention, and the lack of self-knowledge of our own imbalances.
February 27 The Meaning and Method of the Spiritual Life In the heart of our nature we human beings are divine—that is the great reality on which all the beauty and powers of human life depend. It is only as “the Christ is born in man,” to use the Christian symbol (there are others) that the truly spiritual life begins. We will read and discuss copies of an article by Annie Besant.
March
March 5 The Mahatma Letters, an Introductory Lecture The Mahatma Letters capture much of the Masters thoughts and motivations in instigating the foundational writings by H. P. Blavatsky and formation of the Society, founded to be a channel for their work. Jon Knebel, Theosophical National Lecturer has immersed himself in the Letters and is able to offer significant clarity and insight into their meaning.
March 12 Eyes of the Soul: The Science of Seership (DVD Screening) A presentation by Kurt Leland at the 129th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America explores clairvoyant investigation, what psychology can tell us about the soul and in what ways, if any, it can help us on the spiritual path.
March 19 Founders of the Theosophical Society: William Quan Judge Continuing our series of talks that shed light on how and why the Society was established, join us for a presentation honoring William Quan Judge – the third Founder of the Theosophical Society, whose spiritual struggles, self-denial and untiring zeal serve as an inspiration for all of us who toil wearily along the spiritual path.
April
April 2 The Four Elements in Astrology This presentation will cover the four elements in astrology, how they represent different energies within us and the three qualities for each element.
April 9 Apollonius of Tyana The story of Apollonius, whose life parallels that of Jesus in remarkable ways, is a little-known chapter in the early days of the Christian era. This great mystic and reformer had a simple approach to religion that 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 their own religions rather than the form. Many devotees considered him divine. Join us for a presentation on this great figure.
April 16 Group Karma Roundtable Discussion Descriptions of karma typically involve only individual karma, and end with a statement that there is also “group karma” but without any elaboration. Bill Katzenstein will present the results of research he has done on the subject, and lead a discussion of how our membership in various groups may intersect with our own personal karma.
April 23 The Theosophical Movement after HPB The Theosophical Society was one of the most innovative and important organizations in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Bringing ideas of global unity and respect for all religions into the international dialogue, many of the world’s most notable citizens were involved and influenced. After HPB’s death in 1891, however, the Society broke into different fractions, some of which continue to be an important part of the Theosophical Movement today. Vladka Shikova will discuss the history of the Theosophical Movement after 1891 and how it evolved to its present.
April 30 Jung and the Lost Gospels – Book Discussion The “Lost Gospels” refer to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library, both discovered in the Middle East in the 1940s. As author Dr. Stephan Hoeller shows, early scholars feared (correctly) that the new documents would reveal information that might detract from Christianity’s claims of uniqueness. Indeed, the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi Library both contradict and complement accepted tenets of the Old and New Testaments. This corresponds to Jung’s call for a renewed appreciation of the ancient Gnostic tradition, which, as Dr. Hoeller states, is “the one and only tradition associated with Christianity that regarded the human psyche as the container of the divine-human encounter”. Join us for a stimulating discussion of the book.
May
May 7 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 powers of human life depend. It is only as “the Christ is born in man,” to use the Christian symbol (there are others) that the truly spiritual life begins. We will read and discuss copies of the article by Annie Besant.
https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/42-publications/quest-magazine/1517-the-meaning-and-method-of-the-spiritual-life
May 14 The Two Ingredients of Meditation We will discuss the two “ingredients” to meditation about which there is general misunderstanding. To find out what these ingredients are, we will leave a seat open for you!
May 21 Hellenic Oracles The Oracle of Delphi is, rightfully, the most famous oracle of the Ancient Greek world, but there were quite a number of other oracular cults in ancient Hellas as well. As part of her work as a priestess of Apollon, Gwendolyn is working with Him to found an oracle in the nation’s capital. As part of her preparatory work, she has conducted extensive research on Hellenic oracles. This workshop provides a summary of the historical research with commentary on applicability for today.
Summer Study
June – Sept
We will be studying “The Hidden Side of Things” by C.W. Leadbeater
June 11 Annual Meeting & Elections – Introductory, Chap I & II
June 25 Chap III, IV & V
July 9 Chap VI, VII, VIII & IX
July 23 Chap X, XI, XII & XIII
Aug 6 Chap XIV, XV & XVI
Aug 20 Chap XVII, XVIII & XIX
Sept 10 Chap XX, XXI & XXII
Sept 24 Chap XXIII, XXIV & XXV
October
October 1 The Pursuit of Happiness “Be happy and you will be good.” — Was Krishnamurti misquoting the old saw or stating a profound truth? Julia Rogers will present a Theosophical understanding of happiness (and how it differs from pleasure).
October 8 Pioneers of the Theosophical Society: Annie Besant Continuing our series of talks on the early pioneers of the Theosophical movement, we will discuss Annie Besant: activist, author, orator, educator, stateswoman and Second President of the Theosophical Society. Described as a “Diamond Soul” for her many-faceted character, she was controversial in her own day and age and remains so in our own. Many, however, regard her as a paragon of altruism and self-sacrifice on behalf of mankind. What lessons can we learn from Annie Besant’s life that can help us along our own spiritual quest? Join us to find out a little more about this early Theosophical pioneer.
October 15 Keepers of Wisdom: Profiles of Uncommon Courage (DVD Screening) Students of esoteric lore owe a deep debt of gratitude to those brave souls who kept the wisdom tradition alive by demonstrating “dauntless courage” and “a courageous endurance of personal injustice.” From Socrates and Hypatia of Alexandria to Giordano Bruno and Mme. Blavatsky, these sturdy souls paid a heavy price while paving the way for others.
October 22 The Theosophical Movement and Education Theosophy (or Divine Wisdom) refers to the universal Ancient Wisdom underlying all religions, philosophies and science. How does the intellectual study and daily practice of Theosophy relate to modern education and the development of oneself? Join us for a presentation to learn more about the involvement of the Theosophical Society in education and educational institutions.
October 29 Ascended Masters and Their Teaching Part I Ascended Masters are believed to be enlightened being who have reached a high-level of spiritual development. This first talk will discuss the role of these beings and the significance of their teachings for our planet in light of the composition of the Hierarchy of Heavens and the place of the Divine Mother (Akasha) and the Divine Father (Asun).
November
November 5 Relationships Krishnamurti said, “We have only one problem—relationships.” Julia Rogers notes that even if it’s only one, it seems to be a big one. She will not try to solve it, but will present various aspects of it for general discussion. Participants are invited to share their own perspectives.
November 12 Karma and Healing From his twenty years of evolving personal healing experience, John Calvello gives some startling observations on the subject of healing others, which should help both people and animals, to recover from some of their ailments. Alongside this, he will intersperse this subject, with excepts from a Theosophical view on Karma.
November 19 The Art of Living Many of us give little thought to how we live our daily lives. Yet the attention and intention that we bring to even the most mundane of everyday duties has profound implications for our spiritual growth and well-being. What is the art of living and how can we apply it to our own lives? Join us as we explore this important topic.
November 26 Closed for Thanksgiving
December
December 3 Rudolf Steiner Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher, mystic, author, natural scientist, scholar and social reformer. He is well-known as the founder of Anthroposophy – an esoteric spiritual movement with roots in German idealist philosophy, Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, and Gnosticism. His teachings exerted an influence in various areas of life including education (Waldorf schools), art (eurhythmy), architecture (anthroposophical architecture), medicine (anthroposophical medicine), and agriculture (biodynamic farming).
December 10 Krishnamurti and the Theosophical Society “Discovered” by Charles Leadbeater and nurtured by Annie Besant, Krishnamurti developed a strong bond with the Theosophical Society in India. Nevertheless, in his later years, he distanced himself from the Society and followed his own path. Despite the controversies surrounding the break up with the Society, Krishnamurti significantly contributed to the TS in the fields of philosophy, religious studies, Buddhism and general science.
December 17 Ascended Masters and Their Teaching, part II Ascended Masters are believed to be enlightened being who have reached a high-level of spiritual development. This second talk will discuss their teachings on the spiritual evolution of humans and the help they receive from exceptional teachers such as Saint Germain and Jesus. It will also present the “I AM” Movement – an offshoot of theosophy in the 1930s, which is still active today.
December 24 Closed for Christmas
December 31 Closed for New Years