4:00 – 6:00 PM
Welcome from ITC Officers
- Greetings from around the world
- Introduction of program with the theme of Theosophy and Social Responsibility
- Readings from “The Great Master’s Letter”
- Plenary Discussion led by President Eugene Jennings on the significant Influence of “The Great Master’s Letter”
Recommended reading:
The Great Master’s Letter
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Dinner
7:30 PM
The Stanzas of Dzyan as presented in The Secret Doctrine. Keys to the understanding of human nature and their challenging correlation with Social Responsibility.
— Martin Leiderman
Recommended reading:
The Stanzas of Dzyan
Summing Up – Secret Doctrine, Vol. I, pp. 269-285
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Plenary Session: H.P. Blavatsky’s ideas on Social Responsibility
Three speakers offer their perspectives on H.P.B. and her messages of social responsibility followed by questions and discussion.
Recommended reading:
Let Every Man Prove His Own Work
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 – Noon
Study Circles: the “Three Fundamentals”
In order to demonstrate that Social Responsibility is a core-element in Theosophical teachings, the study circles are to approach the various topics in the light of the writings of H.P. Blavatsky and the “Three Fundamental Propositions” as presented by her in The Secret Doctrine.
Question: How do the “Three Fundamentals” provide a philosophical foundation for and spiritual understanding of the practice of social responsibility?
Reading:
Three Fundamentals
Noon – 1:15 PM
Lunch
1:15 – 2:30 PM
Study Circles: Discussion of Philosophical Concepts
Various topics and readings from The Secret Doctrine and other writings of H.P. Blavatsky will be explored to discover how they support a theosophical foundation for engaging in social responsibility.
Question: How would you explain to newcomers the relevance of your chosen topic to the understanding of social responsibility?
Topics and readings:
Sound, Speech and Creativity
The Allegory of the Fall
The Ascending Cycle
Cycles, Karma, Reincarnation and Responsibility
The Cornerstone of Future Religions
The Four Golden Links and Theosophical Duty
Transforming Alienation Into Brotherhood
2:30 – 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 – 4:20 PM
Dialogue: Various Approaches by Theosophical Groups to the Study of The Secret Doctrine
Three speakers from different theosophical “traditions” will explain how they approach, teach and interpret The Secret Doctrine. Questions and discussion will follow their presentations.
4:20 – 5:00 PM
Plenary Harvest: What have We Learned Today?
The study circles on Friday are focused on principles related to social responsibility that we can find in the teachings of H.P. Blavatsky and specifically in the Three Fundamentals. During the Plenary Harvest the following questions will be discussed:
- What ideas offered in the Three Fundamentals give a foundation for engaging in social responsibility?
- How would you explain to newcomers the relevance of the topic you studied this afternoon to the understanding of social responsibility?
5:00 – 7:30 PM
Recreation, conversation and dinner time
7:30 – 9:00 PM
Illustrated Talk: Astronomy and Meta-Astronomy
With the help of the Hubble Space Telescope, and multiple space probes, modern scientists have made remarkable discoveries towards understanding our universe. However, the more we learn, the more questions seem to arise and multiply. In this talk, the findings of modern science will be explored along with the powerful insights provided in The Secret Doctrine about the deeper mysteries of the universe.
9:00 – 10:00 PM
Refreshments, music and conversation
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Plenary Session: Why are we our Brother’s Keeper?
Three speakers address this question and indicate what theosophical teachings offer philosophical, ethical and practical perspectives on this question. General discussion will follow the talks.
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 – Noon
Study Circles: Discussion of Various Modalities for Engaging in Social Responsibility
The Study Circles will identify specific principles and modalities that might guide students in the theosophical practice of social responsibility. The theosophical perspectives on science, philosophy and religion might be considered.
Question: How can we apply the teachings discussed in the study circles wisely? How and why is Theosophical teaching particularly needed in contemporary efforts to practice social responsibility?
Topics and readings:
The Influence of Wise Beings
Noetic Spirituality in Action
Theosophical Education and Raja Yoga
Our Responsibility to Children
What Our Society Needs Most
Deeper Dimensions to Justice
The Cornerstone of Future Religions
Noon – 1:15 PM
Lunch
1:15 – 2:30 PM
Study Circles: What can we do?
Study Circles on different topics continue discussion, seeking a deeper understanding of the link between principles and the practice of social responsibility. Some overlap of topics with previous study circles.
Question: How can we apply the teachings discussed in the study circles wisely? How and why is Theosophical teaching particularly needed in contemporary efforts to practice social responsibility?
Topics and readings:
Non-Violence in Action
Helping Nature With Reverence
Healthy Approaches to Medicine and Healing
The Ethics of Scientific Research
Transforming Alienation Into Brotherhood
Theosophical Approaches to Reducing Suffering and Poverty
Cycles, Karma, Reincarnation and Responsibility
2:30 – 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 – 3:45 PM
The Opportunities and Challenges of Using New Technologies
Demonstration of new technologies and information sources that could be used effectively to spread the teachings of Theosophy will be offered.
3:45 – 5:00 PM
Plenary Harvest: What have we learned and what can we do?
The study circles on Saturday focus on Theosophical realities and practical actions that could implement social responsibility. In the Plenary Harvest the following questions will be discussed:
- Are we our Brother’s keeper and why?
- How can we apply the teachings discussed in the study circles wisely?
- How and why is Theosophical teaching particularly needed in contemporary efforts to practice social responsibility?
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Recreational and conversation time
Dinner
7:30 – 10:00 PM
Classical Indian Music Concert
Refreshments, music and conversation
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Practical Applications of Theosophical Social Responsibility
“A Theosophist is Who Theosophy Does.” Several illustrations of the application of Theosophical teachings for the sake of social responsibility will be shared.
• Gandhi on Theosophy, Modern Civilization and Social Reform
• The Aims and Activities of the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS)
• Inspiration from the Parliament of World Religions
• Katherine Tingley’s and Nicholas Roerich’s Work for Peace
• Dharma: Education and Human Rights
• Responding to End of Life Issues
10:30 – 10:55 AM
Dialogue
Sharing our thoughts of what we have learned, what has inspired us, and how we might practice social responsibility.
10:55 – 11:00 AM
Closing
Concluding High Note: Reading from the Rig Veda
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Annual Membership Meeting