WHAT IS ITC?
The International Theosophical Conferences (ITC) indicates its aims, and methods in the purposes and two declarations found on its website. Beginning as informal gatherings for tea and conversation, Theosophists from various traditions discussed the Teachings in mutually helpful and supportive ways. In time, it became clear that a platform for such discussions would be a valuable addition to the many Theosophical activities that various traditions and groups already provide. ITC calls itself a platform and not an institution because it does not espouse any particular approach to Theosophy and its teachings. Rather, it is a forum, a center, where all Theosophists, however affiliated or independent, may share their various understanding of Theosophy.
Such sharing amongst all Theosophists is based on those teachings that all can agree on—fundamentally the writings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, who, following the instructions of her Masters, unveiled teachings that can occupy a student’s thinking, reflecting, and practice for a lifetime, and doubtless for lifetimes to come. The platform offered Theosophists is not a place for debate, nor for judging the worth of a stream of Theosophical teachers and students who have descended from, and are loyal to, H.P. Blavatsky and her Teachers, the Masters of Wisdom. Such efforts at discernment are for each Theosophist to make for oneself. In its aim of providing a platform for mutual sharing of Theosophical understanding of the teachings and the world, ITC’s Board of Directors is elected by its members, and consists of individuals from all major Theosophical traditions, including independent Theosophists unaffiliated with any Theosophical institution.
ITC is scrupulously dedicated to remaining a platform, a forum, for all Theosophists. ITC’s business is conducted by the Board. It consists of arranging an annual conference devoted to a particular Theosophical theme, finding presenters on that theme from all Theosophical traditions, and occasionally publishing the material presented in book form, as well as maintaining a website with video recordings of every presentation made at conferences since 2014. Members suggest themes for conferences. In the spirit of sharing, presenters are not identified by affiliation. All Theosophists are invited to become members, and any member may stand for election to the Board. The website provides the information and form needed to become a member, and elections are announced to members well in advance of the time to vote.
The spirit of ITC is that of mutual sharing and support of all Theosophists, however situated and affiliated. That spirit is the universal brotherhood that constitutes the real nature of humanity and, indeed, underlies and pervades the entire cosmos.