Theosophical Society in Buffalo

March 2011--Schedule of Readings

2011-03-01T22:40:00.015-05:00

1st
Theosophy as the Masters See It Clara M. Codd
Part III. Lodgework: I. The Three Great Qualities Needed,
ii. Discretion
PP. 184-216

8th
The Solar System Arthur E. Powell
Chapter XXV. Products of the Moon Chain, XXVI.
The Building of the Earth Chain
PP. 145-163

15th
Esoteric Astrology
Pisces

22nd
The Divine Plan Geoffrey A. Barborka
Chapter XII. The Doctrine of Universal Knowledge: “Eros=Fohat,” “Summary of the First Proposition,” “The First Logos—The Second Logos—The Third Logos,” “Pre-Manifestation and the Logoi in the Stanzas of Dzyan”
PP. 495-509

29th
Open Discussion

Subliminal Humor

2011-02-27T18:11:00.006-05:00

A hungry spiritual seeker stops by the Theosophical restaurant- café in Wheaton and asks the waiter for something bold and aggressive, tasty and spicy, liberating and enlightening.

The waiter takes the order and comes back.

The spiritual seeker tastes the dish and complains “this is nothing like what I ordered, it’s BLAND."

The waiter whispers “come back in a few months, we’ll be under different management hopefully with a better chef."

harmony through conflict

2011-02-11T19:02:00.001-05:00

February 2011--Schedule of Readings

2011-02-11T16:10:00.003-05:00

1st

Theosophy as the Masters See It Clara M. Codd
Part III. Lodgework: I. The Three Great Qualities Needed,
i. Loyalty
PP. 171-184

8th

The Solar System Arthur E. Powell
Chapter XXIII. The Moon Chain: Sixth Round, XXIV. The Moon Chain: Seventh Round
PP. 133-144

15th

Esoteric Astrology
Aquarius

22nd

The Divine Plan Geoffrey A. Barborka
Chapter XII. The Doctrine of Universal Knowledge: “Sat-- Be-Ness--The Great Breath,” “Parabrahman—The One Reality,” “Adi-Buddhi or Adi-Buddha,” “Mulaprakriti—Pre- Cosmic Root-Substance,” “Spirit and Matter: Two Aspects of the Absolute,” Fohat—“The Most Important Character in Esoteric Cosmogony”
PP. 485-494

Sidereal Astrology

2011-01-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

One of our meetings every month is dedicated to the study of the astrological sign ruling at the time. We take this as a chance to welcome the influences of the sign as well as its ruling planet and reflect upon our relationship to the macrocosmos in general. For the past 3 years or so, we have been using the sidereal system as opposed to traditional Western, or tropical astrology. The sidereal system, which is used by some Western astrologers and by all Jyotish astrologers, uses the dates that the sun is actually in an astrological sign instead of the well-known dates that we are all familiar with. Our reason for making the transition from tropical to sidereal astrology was based on the fact that tropical astrology uses dates that trace back to Babylonian times which are off by a bit less than a month because of the precession of the equinox. We prefer to use dates that correspond to the actual, observable heavens. Interestingly enough, this has become a very current topic of discussion in the mainstream media (see links below). Many people are shocked to find out that the zodiac sign with which they have always identified is not accurate; some may even be relieved or reject this change. In any case, it is worth reflection.

Here is a wheel chart that compares the two systems and includes a third ring that delineates the dates that the sun is actually in the individual sign, which is not often 30 days:

What we haven’t dealt with yet at our lodge is whether or not to include Ophiuchus in our yearly astrological rotation. What do you think about the inclusion of the 13th sign? It may make some sense when the lunar year is considered. How does this change our theosophical system and understanding of numerology, if at all?

Here are some links to articles that discuss this situation, starting with a Wikipedia article on sidereal astrology:

Sidereal Astrology

Space.com article about precession and affect on zodiac
Recent article from TIME about precession and zodiac changes

TIME article about Ophiuchus

Image sources:

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/665/ZodiacWheel.jpg; http://www.lunarplanner.com/siderealastrology.html

The Secretary's Visit to Olcott

2011-01-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

Entrance Gateway to Olcott

At the beginning of August this past summer, I was in the Chicago area and decided to visit National Headquarters in Wheaton on my way back to Buffalo. I had never been there, and neither had many of our members, so I took pictures to share with our group when I got back in order to illustrate the experience. I was very impressed by the beauty of the building and must commend Betty Bland and the entire staff responsible for the upkeep of Olcott. It is truly a place worthy of representing Theosophy in America, from the mural in the entrance to the relics, the art, the photographs and the warm and receptive staff, it is a place of many treasures. I had the privilege of speaking with and being guided through the building by Michelle Barry, who gave me an extensive tour. I also had the pleasure of meeting Betty Bland and several other members of the staff. Thank you all for being so warm and welcoming!

Images : Danielle Carlo Secretary of the TS in Buffalo and Betty Bland, August 2010; Mural detail; Olcott façade in shadows.

January 2011--Schedule of Readings

2011-01-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

4th

Theosophy as the Masters See It by Clara M. Codd
Part II. The Work: V. The Principles to Guide Us in All Our Work
PP. 160-167

11th

The Solar System by Arthur E. Powell
Chapter XX-XXII. The Earth Scheme of Evolution
PP. 116-132

18th

Esoteric Astrology
Capricorn

25th

The Divine Plan by Geoffrey A. Barborka
Chapter XII. The Doctrine of Universal Knowledge: “How the One Becomes the Many,” “The First Fundamental Proposition,” “A List of Equivalent Terms”
PP. 477- 485

harmony through conflict

2011-01-01T16:26:00.000-05:00

As We Head into Autumn, Reflections on Summer

2009-10-04T22:01:00.000-04:00

The Theosophical Society in Buffalo’s summer program was crowned with a visit from Susan and John O’Neill on August 11. We were all so pleased to meet them and have them join in our theosophical discussion of the causal body. Their gracious visit was an important moment for our lodge to reflect on the theosophical community at large, specifically the Northeast Federation, and verify our desire to become more actively involved and connected. Just as we hope to continue hosting guests from other lodges, and look forward to another visit from the O’Neills, we will continue to take part in events hosted by other Federation lodges such as the Symposium on H.P. Blavatsky and The Secret Doctrine, which was held in New York City on September 20^th, and at whichrepresentatives of the Buffalo Lodge were present. We also plan to take part in a Pumpkin Hollow retreat next Spring or Fall.

Our thanks again to the O’Neills for renewing the spirit of brotherhood within the Federation.

AUTUMNAL SESSION 2009

2009-10-04T21:55:00.000-04:00

The Theosophical Society in Buffalo continues the study of the Ancient Wisdom. Every Tuesday at 7:00 PM, we begin with the inspirational prayers and the healing service. This is followed by a scheduled program pre-selected by the membership. Science, Philosophy, and Religion form a trinity which guides the work the society has set before itself. Our continuing study of Man, the Microcosm, Astrology, the Macrocosm and the Esoteric teachings of all the great religions are the foundational jewels that open the door to other occult and philosophical discussions. All are welcome to attend and are encouraged to participate in the open discussions. It is the duty of all members in good standing to attend the meetings. Our group consciousness merged together in unity radiates thoughts beneficial to all in attendance.

“Our philosophy… is preeminently the science of effects by their causes and of causes by their effects.” --Master K.H.

Autumn 2009 Members Program Schedule

2009-10-04T21:52:00.000-04:00

October

6^th The Ageless Wisdom of Life Clara M. Codd

Chapter 17: Education in the Light of Occultism

13^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter XXIX: Memory of Past Lives

20^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Libra

27^thThe Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 9: The Doctrine of the Rounds:

3. The Relations of Rounds and Spheres

4. Relation of the Rounds and Watchers

November

3^rd The Ageless Wisdom of Life Clara M. Codd

Chapter 18: Sex Relations in the Light of Occultism

10^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter XXX: The Ego on His Own Plane

17^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Scorpio

24^th The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 9: The Doctrine of the Rounds:

5. The Relation of Rounds and the After –Death States

6. The Relation of Rounds and Principles

6.a. Fifth Rounders

“The world was not made in a day…Let evolution take its course naturally—lest we make it deviate and produce monsters by presuming to guide it. --Master M

news letter

2009-09-16T10:28:00.000-04:00

In progress

Summer Session 2009

2009-07-08T21:09:00.000-04:00

"Physical man is but the highest development of animal life."

Isis Unveiled I

MEMBERS PROGRAM SCHEDULE Summer 2009

July

7^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter XXV: The Ego and His Investment

14^th The Ageless Wisdom of Life Clara M. Codd

Chapter 12: Where Are We After Death? The Process of Dying

Chapter 13: Where Are We After Death? The Psychic World

21^st The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 8: The Doctrine of the Races, The Fifth Root

Race, The Sixth Root Race

28^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Cancer

August

4^th The Ageless Wisdom of Life Clara M. Codd

Chapter 14: Where Are We After Death? The Heaven World

Chapter 15: Sleep and Dreams

11^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter XXVI: The Ego and the Personality

18^th The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 8: The Seventh Root Race

Chapter 9: The Doctrine of the Rounds, The Inner Rounds

25^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Leo

“The Earth is a satellite of the Moon.”

Esoteric Astrology

Cycles of Return

2009-01-14T15:09:00.000-05:00

In "The Way of the Disciple" by Clara M. Codd, there is a story about the past lives of the Masters:

I also wonder if the Master Rakoczy was the mysterious Archduke John who disappeared during or after the war, at sea, it was said. I once read the memoirs of one of the Austrian Arch-duchesses, and she describes there a mysterious mission that she undertook for him. There was a photograph in an old "Illustrated London News" of the Emperor Franz Joseph washing the feet of twelve poor men on Maundy Thursday. Around him stand the court, among them two Knights of Malta, (of which the Master was once Grand Master as Count Hompesch) in their white cloaks. The Master is very clearly to be distinguished as one of them. His great confrere, the Master Jesus, is said now to live amongst the Druses in Mount Lebanon. The Druses are a more or less secret body and have monasteries in very inaccessible places. They have a secret faith, somewhat allied to Christianity, believing that divine manifestations come at intervals, and they are abstainers from wine and tobacco. There is a portrait of this Master, precipitated by H.P.B., which now hangs at Adyar.

This brings me to the point of this post. The Buffalo Lodge has been approached by the Knights Of Malta to be one of its outpost stations and to share our building. At this very moment, one of the Knights attends our meetings every Tuesday. I am told that they go as far back as the Crusades. We in the Lodge believe that nothing happens by coincidence. This is happening while our Lodge is being blacklisted by Headquarters and gives us great comfort to feel the presence of the Order, (There are different groupings, or Orders, of the Knights. This one that chose us is called the 'Swan.’) and helped convince me that the Masters are real and that they never abandoned us.

Something to Ponder

2009-01-03T00:03:00.000-05:00

"He who deprives any of his fellows of the light, the good, the help, the assistance he can wisely give them, and lives for the accumulation of material things, for his own personal gratification, is the real robber; and he who steals from his fellows the precious possession of character by slander, and any sort of misrepresentation, is no less a thief, and one of the most guilty kind."
from Practical Occultism

How do you interpret this quote in the context of the Theosophical Society in America today?
Is this the path upon which the Theosophical Society in America presently finds itself?
What do you think?

WINTER SESSION 2009

2009-01-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

MEMBERS PROGRAM SCHEDULE

January

6^th The Ageless Wisdom of Life Clara M. Codd

Chapter 3: Who Are We? The Soul

13^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter XIV: Methods and Degrees of Individualization

Chapter XV: Functions of the Causal Body

20^st The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 8: The Doctrine of the Races, The First Root

Race

27^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Capricorn

February

3^th The Ageless Wisdom of Life Clara M. Codd

Chapter 4: Who Are We? The Spirit

10^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter XVI: Composition and Structure

Chapter XVII: Causal Thought

17^th The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 8: The Second Root Race

24^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Aquarius

“The Present is only a

mathematical line which divides

that part of Eternal Duration

which we call the Future from

that part which we call the Past.”

Secret Doctrine

Autumn 2008 Program

2008-10-14T00:43:00.000-04:00

AUTUMN SESSION 2008

“Our philosophy… is preeminently the science of effects by their causes and of causes by their effects.” --Master K.H.

MEMBERS PROGRAM SCHEDULE Autumn 2008

October

7^th Elementary Theosophy L.W. Rogers

Chapter XIV: The Forces We Generate

14^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter VIII: The Creative Hierarchies

Chapter IX: Group-Souls

21^st The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 7: 7.3 The Doctrine of the Seven Sacred Planets, 7.4 The Doctrine of the Universal Solar System

28^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Libra

November

4^th Elementary Theosophy L.W. Rogers

Chapter XV: Superphysical Evolution

11^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter X: Mineral Group Souls

Chapter XI: Vegetable Group Souls

Chapter XII: Animal Group Souls

18^th The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 7: 7.5 The Doctrine of the Relationship of the System, 7.6 The Doctrine of Cyclic Journeys

25^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Scorpio

“The world was not made in a day…Let evolution take its course naturally—lest we make it deviate and produce monsters by presuming to guide it.”
--Master M

Summer 2008 Program

2008-07-31T12:12:00.000-04:00

Summer 2008

“Occultism must win the day before the present era reaches… Saturn’s triple septenary of the western cycle of Europe --- before the end of the 21^st century A.D.”

Secret Doctrine

MEMBERS PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Summer 2008

August

5^th Elementary Theosophy L.W. Rogers

Chapter 11: Rebirth, Its Necessity

12^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter 2: The Field of Evolution

Chapter 3: The Coming Forth of the Monads

Chapter 4: The Formation of the Five Planes

19^th The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 7: The Doctrine of the Spheres

Doctrine of the Globes

26^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Virgo

September

^2nd Elementary Theosophy L.W. Rogers

Chapter 12: Why We Do Not Remember

9^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter 5: The Kingdoms of Life

Chapter 6: The Attachment of the Atoms, I. The Higher Triad

16^th The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 7: The Doctrine of Lokas and Talas

The Doctrine of the Seven Sacred Planets

23^rd Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Libra

30^th Open Discussion

TS international elections

2008-05-10T21:53:00.000-04:00

Is it the "duty"of the international sections to swear loyalty without question to the President?

Spring 2008 Newsletter

2008-05-05T22:28:00.000-04:00

THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
IN BUFFALO
70 Military Road
Buffalo, New York
14207.2835
876-8606
Theosophyinbuffalo@gmail.com

SPRING SESSION 2008
The Theosophical Society in Buffalo continues the study of the Ancient Wisdom. Every Tuesday at 7:00 PM, we begin with the inspirational prayers and the healing service. This is followed by a scheduled program pre-selected by the membership. Science, Philosophy, and Religion form a trinity which guides the work the society has set before itself. Our continuing study of Man, the Microcosm, Astrology, the Macrocosm and the Esoteric teachings of all the great religions are the foundational jewels that open the door to other occult and philosophical discussions. All are welcome to attend and are encouraged to participate in the open discussions. It is the duty of all members in good standing to attend the meetings. Our group consciousness merged together in unity radiates thoughts beneficial to all in attendance.

“Regret nothing; never be sorry, but cut all doubts with the sword of knowledge.” Master M

MEMBERS PROGRAM SCHEDULE Spring 2008

May

6th Elementary Theosophy L.W. Rogers
Chapter 7: Death

13th The Mental Body A.E. Powell
Chapter 30: Death of the Mental Body
Chapter 31: The Personality and the Ego

20th The Divine Plan Barborka
Chapter 6: The Septenary Law

27th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey
Gemini

June

3rd Elementary Theosophy L.W. Rogers
Chapter 8: The Astral Life

10th The Mental Body A.E. Powell
Chapter 32: Re-birth

17th The Divine Plan Barborka
Chapter 9: The Septenary Law

24th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey
Cancer

“Harmony is the law of Life, discord its shadow, whence springs suffering, the teacher, the awakener of consciousness.”
H.P.B.

Channeling

2007-05-17T10:05:00.000-04:00

Internet Channeling Mediums deception or revelation?

Chaos

2007-03-21T23:07:00.000-04:00

The Chaos Theory/new age nonsense?

What is Theosophy and who are the Theosophists?

2007-03-19T23:11:00.000-04:00