Stephan Hoeller
Weekend

Synchronicity: A Mysterious Connecting Principle of Life and its Meaning

January 18 – 20Friday 7:30 – 9 pm, Saturday 10 – noon, 2 – 4 pm, Sunday 10 – noon

One of the most intriguing and at the same time least explored discoveries of a psycho spiritual nature is the principle of synchronicity. Discussed for the first time by CG Jung in 1952 and described as “a causal connecting principle” of events in human experience, it has a profound bearing on many areas of endeavor and knowledge, from the physical sciences (as recognized by Nobel-prize winning physicist, Wolfgang Pauli), to parapsychological phenomena as well as divination, alchemy, and prophecy. Dr Hoeller will clarify the nature of synchronicity and its workings in several borderline disciplines.
Series, $50, Single session $15

Stephan Hoeller, PhD, has been a member of the Theosophical Society for over 50 years, and is president of  the  Besant  Lodge  of  Hollywood.  He has taught esoteric  subjects  internationally  and  has  authored  books  on CG  Jung,  Gnosticism,  Kabbalah,  and  kindred  subjects. His teachings on Jung’s Red Book are well known among students of Jung’s work throughout the world. Dr Hoeller is also a Bishop of the Ecclesia Gnostica, a church of Gnostic descent and tradition, and continues to lead a Gnostic parish in Los Angeles.

Pablo Sender with Partners in Theosophy Faculty
TS Members Intensive, One Week

“The Voice of the Silence”: A Way of Self-Discovery

January 25 – February 1
Friday 7:30 – 9 pm, Saturday 10 – noon, 2 – 4 pm
Sunday – Friday 10 – noon
(Likely afternoon sessions Monday and Wednesday)

HP Blavatsky’s The Voice of the Silence is a small book in size, “Dedicated to the Few” by its author. However, it has become a Theosophical classic that has inspired generations of seekers. The three “Fragments” that compose the book deal with the aspirant’s spiritual  awakening and the treading of the path of compassion and service, shunning that of individual liberation. In this intensive seminar, the mentors of the Partners in Theosophy Program will present deep and practical teachings found in this important text. Some topics to be explored are self–knowledge, the paramitas of perfection, meditation in the heart, the path of compassion, and more. Speakers for the week include Barbara Hebert, Maria Parisen, David Bruce, Nelda Samarel, Robert Ellwood, and Pablo Sender.

•    Registration for this program is open only to Theosophical Society members.
•    The workshop is offered as a full series only, no single sessions.
•    Pre-registration is required.
•    Donations are welcome.

Faculty for The Voice of the Silence: A Way of Self-Discovery.

Pablo Sender, PhD, has been a member of the Theosophical Society since 1996. He has lived and worked at the international headquarters of the TS in Adyar, India, at the national center of the TS in America, and is currently residing in the Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai, California. He has presented programs and retreats in India, Europe, Oceania, and the three Americas. He writes for many Theosophical journals and is the author of The Evolution of the Higher Consciousness. Visit his website at PabloSender.com.

David Bruce has served as national secretary of the Theosophical Society in America since 2010. He is responsible for scheduling national speakers for local groups, managing the TS National Lodge, supervising the prison program, and recording the minutes of the TSA Board of Directors meetings. David also served as TSA director of education from 2003 – 2010.

Robert Ellwood, PhD is emeritus professor of religion at the University of Southern California. He has served as vice president of the Theosophical Society in America, as director of the School of the Wisdom at the TS international headquarters in Chennai, India, and has presented inter- nationally for the Society. He has published widely both professionally and in theosophical journals, and authored books on comparative religion and theosophy.

Nelda  Samarel,  EdD,  retired  nursing  professor,  is  a long-time student of the Ageless Wisdom. She has been director  of  the  Krotona  School  of Theosophy,  a  director of the Theosophical Society in America, and on the executive board of the Inter–American Theosophical Federation. Dr Samarel presents internationally and has numerous publications.

Barbara Hebert, PhD, president of the Theosophical Society  in  America,  is  a  third–generation  Theosophist who  has  held  local  and  regional  positions  throughout her 40 years’ TS membership. As an adjunct professor at Southeastern Louisiana University in the health and human services department, she also served as executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center – Hope House and maintained a private mental health practice. She now presents internationally for the Society and writes regularly for The Quest, the American Section’s journal.

Maria Parisen, director of Krotona School of Theosophy, also serves on the Institute’s Board of Directors. A TS member since 1969, during her many years with the Detroit TS she also served on the governing Boards of the TS in America and  the  Theosophical  Order  of  Service.  Maria has presented programs and retreats internationally and compiled the Quest anthology, Angels and Mortals: Their Co-Creative Powers.

Nelda Samarel
Four Mornings
“The Mahatma Letters”: Questions of Good and Evil, God, and Matters of Life and Death

February 5 – 8
Tuesday – Friday 10 – noon

The correspondence between two Englishmen and their Adept Teachers, published as The Mahatma Letters to AP Sinnett, is one of the classics of Theosophical literature. In this seminar, we will explore the origin and nature of the letters and examine some of the teachings they contain. We will specifically examine what is often referred to as the most controversial of the letters dealing with the concepts of evil and God. We also will explore the Mahatmas’ teachings about after–death states.
Series $50, Single session $15

Nelda  Samarel,  EdD,  retired  nursing  professor,  is  a long-time student of the Ageless Wisdom. She has been director of  the  Krotona  School  of Theosophy,  a  director of the Theosophical Society in America, and on the executive board of the Inter–American Theosophical Federation. Dr Samarel presents internationally and has numerous publications.

Peggy A Heubel
Four Mornings

Reflections on the Immanence of God

February 12 – 15
Tuesday – Friday 10 – noon

How might we perceive here and now the divinity all around us? As human beings, we seem to be separate from all other beings and all things.  This feeling of detachment is natural in the early course of evolutionary progress but must, as we strive for spiritual maturity, be overcome.  Recognition of the oneness of the indivisible nature of all things must become a reality in thought, word, and deed – a change in mindset. How do we reconcile the differences between a transcendent deity who, by definition, is separate from ourselves and that which is said to be the very core of all existence?
Series $50, Single session $15

Peggy A Heubel retired nine years ago from a thirty-year career in law enforcement. She was already an active theosophist during this time, having joined the Society in 1977 with a keen interest in human potential as exemplified in the masters of wisdom. She is currently president of the Theosophical Society of the East Bay in northern California, a member of the theosophical camp, Far Horizons, a mentor for the Society’s Prisoner Correspondence Program, and a Board member of the Theosophical Order of Service.

Robert and Richard Ellwood
Weekend

Light & Music from the Inner Planes:  The Clairvoyance of Geoffrey Hodson

February 15 – 17
Friday 7:30 – 9 pm, Saturday 10 – noon, 2 – 4 pm, Sunday 10 – noon

Geoffrey Hodson (1886-1983), prolific Theosophical writer and speaker, was particularly well known for his clairvoyant perceptions of devas and nature spirits, of thought–forms associated with music, and of the human aura. In this class we will survey the life and thought of Hodson, including his esoteric interpretation of the Bible, but focus especially on his books The Kingdom of the Gods, The Fairy Kingdom, and Music Forms, together with his recorded lecture, The Aura. Richard will provide powerpoint interpretations of Hodson’s stunning colorful visions of those secret kingdoms, and also appropriate music to go with Music Forms, while Robert offers spoken commentary.
Series $50, Single session $15

Robert Ellwood, PhD is emeritus professor of religion at the University of Southern California. He has served as vice president of the Theosophical Society in America, as director of the School of the Wisdom at the TS international headquarters in Chennai, India, and has presented inter- nationally for the Society. He has published widely both professionally and in theosophical journals, and authored books on comparative religion and theosophy.

Richard Ellwood is a Krotona resident and director of technology of Besant Hill School in Ojai, CA, a residential high school whose founders included notable theosophists. Formerly, he worked as a computer programmer for the Theosophical Society at its Wheaton, IL headquarters. Richard currently helps maintain the web site and other technology projects at Krotona.

John Cianciosi
Four Mornings

Buddha-Dharma: The Path to Liberation

February 19 – 22
Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 12:30 pm

That the Buddha realized enlightenment may be inspiring, but what is of greater importance is the fact that we all have the potential to achieve enlightenment by “knowing and seeing” the true nature of existence. Out of compassion for humanity, the Buddha outlined a very clear, systematic, and practical course of training which can be followed to realize the unconditioned through direct experience. The Buddha did not want us to believe in the Truth, he wanted us to realize it. His teachings are a call to action. We will explore the essential teachings and see how to implement them. Topics to be covered include: the four noble truths, dependent origination, transcendental dependent origination, and bhavana: systematic cultivation of meditation.
Series $50, Single session $15

John Cianciosi, a student of the late Venerable Ajahn Chah, was ordained a Buddhist monk in 1972 and served as spiritual director of monasteries in Thailand and Australia. He is author of The Meditative Path and is currently the director of public programs at the Theosophical Society in America’s national headquarters in Wheaton, IL.

Ravi Ravindra and Priscilla Murray
Friday Evening – Saturday

From Siddhartha Gautama to the Buddha

March 29 – 30
Friday 7:30 – 9 pm, Saturday 10 – noon and 2 – 4 pm

Based on the generally accepted narration of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, we will explore how he, born as a prince, was transformed into the Buddha, an Enlightened Being undertaking to set the wheel of Dharma in motion for the welfare of other searchers. During the workshop we hope to explore the experience of the various temptations and threats brought by Mara. We will try some relevant exercises to understand the famous remark of the Buddha: “Look within, you are the Buddha.”
Three sessions $45, Single session $15

Ravi Ravindra, PhD, is professor emeritus at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, where he taught in the departments of physics, philosophy and comparative religion. He has authored many papers in physics, philosophy and religion and several books, including Pilgrim Soul; The Gospel of John in the Light of Indian Mysticism; The Wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras; and The Bhagavad Gita: A Guide to Navigating the Battle of Life.

Priscilla Murray has a BSc in mathematics, MA in philosophy and a PhD in education. Now retired, she has taught at all levels of education from primary school to the post–graduate level.  She was the associate editor of the eight–volume series The Inner Journey: Views from the Great Traditions.

Ravi Ravindra
Eleven Weekday Mornings

The Journey of Transformation

March 19 – 22, 26 – 29, Tuesday – Friday 10 – noon
April 2 – 4, Tuesday – Thursday 10 – noon

The one single lesson of all the scriptures and sacred writings is that unless searchers undergo a radical transformation of the whole of their being, they cannot come to the Truth or God or the Real. In this course we will explore the various steps and stages of transformation as understood in the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian sacred literature and in the teachings of a few modern sages such as Blavatsky, Krishnamurti and Gurdjieff. The journey begins with an impartial self-inquiry, gradually leading to an increasingly willing submission to the Cosmic Intelligence pervading the vast universe.
Series $138, Single session $15

Ravi Ravindra, PhD, is professor emeritus at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, where he taught in the departments of physics, philosophy and comparative religion. He has authored many papers in physics, philosophy and religion and several books, including Pilgrim Soul; The Gospel of John in the Light of Indian Mysticism; The Wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras; and The Bhagavad Gita: A Guide to Navigating the Battle of Life.

Cynthia Overweg
Four Mornings

The Sermon on the Mount: A WisdomTeaching for the Modern World

April 16 – 19
Tuesday – Friday 10 – noon

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most powerful and influential wisdom  teachings  ever  given.  It was radical and revolutionary, and it challenged religious and secular authorities with its call for mercy, compassion, freedom from oppression, and spiritual unfoldment without the burden of dogma or the abuse of power. The teaching that Christ gave more than two thousand years ago is as meaningful today as it was then, perhaps more than we realize.  We have yet to understand the wisdom of what was said. The focus of this series will be on deeper insights into the eight Beatitudes, arguably the most beautiful, elusive and compelling portion of the Sermon. But we will also explore the entire text and discuss the spiritual and ethical values it conveys to our turbulent and violent world.
Series $50, Single session $15

Cynthia Overweg is an educator, writer and retreat leader. Her focus is on the interconnectedness of life and our shared aspirations to live in wholeness and peace. She has written many articles about the spiritual quest and is author of the forthcoming book, The Silence We Don’t Know. Cynthia’s work has won awards from the National Endowment of the Arts and the American Film Institute. For more info: http://www.cynthiaoverweg.com.

Cynthia Overweg
One Day Retreat

Renewal:  Finding Peace in Troubled Times

April 20
Saturday  10 am – 4 pm

Spring is a time of renewal. Flowers bloom with vibrant color, birdsong fills the air, and all of nature is alive with new energy and beauty. But does this renewal happen within us? Are we renewing our energy, vitality, and creativity? The noise and chaos of today’s world do not support our need for renewal, so it’s up to us to create a space where that can happen. This retreat is an opportunity for renewing your spirit and finding inner peace, no matter what goes on in the outer world. Join us in a supportive and quiet atmosphere where inner tranquility is lovingly welcomed like an old friend.

A box vegetarian lunch is available on Saturday or participants may bring their own vegetarian lunch.

Pre–registration is required.
Retreat,  $35
Lunch, $13

Cynthia Overweg is an educator, writer and retreat leader. Her focus is on the interconnectedness of life and our shared aspirations to live in wholeness and peace. She has written many articles about the spiritual quest and is author of the forthcoming book, The Silence We Don’t Know. Cynthia’s work has won awards from the National Endowment of the Arts and the American Film Institute. For more info: www. cynthiaoverweg.com

Sr Gabriele Uhlein
Four Mornings

Sainted Art: Giotto’s Life of  “St Francis of Assisi “ in 28 Frescoes

April 23 – 26
Tuesday – Friday 10 – noon

Mystical, magical and full of spiritual symbolism, the remarkable frescoes of Giotto in the great Basilica of St. Francis shine with spirit. Painted only 70 years after the saint’s death at a moment of great cultural shift, they tell a remarkable story. Join Sr Gabriele as she explores both the spiritual and artistic milestones these frescoes in Assisi represent. Be amazed at the contemporary synchronicities and the wisdom they offer for our own time of shift.  Each session will include meditation and conversation.
Series $50, Single session $15

Gabriele Uhlein, OSF, PhD Franciscan, spiritual psychologist and artist, Sister Gabriele has dedicated over 40 years to recovering and celebrating the experience and wisdom of the Christian mystics as well as the exploration and integration of contemporary spiritual thought, both East and West. Her classes range from contemplative meditation sessions to an in–depth exploration of on–going spiritual and communal transformation. She currently lives and works at the Christine Center in Willard, Wisconsin – a natural sanctuary for spiritual deepening and global transformation.

Sr Gabriele Uhlein
Four Mornings

Sensing the Living Light: The Unitive Visions of St Hildegard of Bingen in Image and Music

April 30 – May 3
Tuesday – Friday 10 – noon

The unique visions of St Hildegard inspired numerous medieval  mystics  and  continue  to  amaze  scholars  with their comprehensive and radical world-view. Using the 26 stunning illustrations from St Hildegard’s master–work “Scivias” and corresponding music composed in resonance with the “sound of heaven,” Sister Gabriele will explore the profoundly unitive perspective of this great 12th century woman.  Each session will include simple chanting–meditation and conversation.
Series $50, Single session $15


Gabriele Uhlein, OSF, PhD Franciscan, spiritual psychologist and artist, Sister Gabriele has dedicated over 40 years to recovering and celebrating the experience and wisdom of the Christian mystics as well as the exploration and integration of contemporary spiritual thought, both East and West. Her classes range from contemplative meditation sessions to an in–depth exploration of on–going spiritual and communal transformation. She currently lives and works at the Christine Center in Willard, Wisconsin – a natural sanctuary for spiritual deepening and global transformation.

Michael Mendizza
Weekend

Fundamental Challenges:  Living the Insights Offered by J Krishnamurti

May 3 – 5
Friday 7:30 – 9 pm, Saturday 10 – noon and 2 – 4 pm, Sunday 10 – noon

Without  understanding  what  the  so-called  teachings  are, their fundamental intention, we remain like travelers in a foreign land without a map.  We will explore together:

•  “There are no teachings.” (J Krishnamurti) Then what are the teachings?
•  Two realities: A problem can’t be solved at the same level that of the problem was created.
•  Direct Experience vs Concept, Living in Insight
•  Only One Enlightenment.
•  The Problem of the “Self” Who Grasps? What Becomes?
•  Always Awakening, Complete Attention Without a Center.
•  It is always now. Now is all there is. How does this change how we conceive of our life and death?

The focus is not to interpret the teachings but examine, explore and discover what the teachings are. Source materials will be Always Awakening, The Buddha’s Realization Krishnamurti’s Insight, the new first–generation video series, and other materials.
Series $50, Single session $15

Michael Mendizza is an author, educator, documentary filmmaker, and founder of Touch the Future, a nonprofit learning design center.  Michael’s latest books are Always Awakening,  Buddha’s  Realization  Krishnamurti’s  Insight and Playful Wisdom, which describes the profound transformations adults and children can share during the first critical two years, an unprecedented study for new or returning fathers and mothers. Visit him at michael@ttfuture.org and http://www.alwaysawakening.com.

Saturday Evening Violin Recital
Carmelo de los Santos
Saturday May 18, 7 – 8 pm
Krotona Hall

We are delighted to welcome Carmelo de los Santos again to Krotona Hall.

Carmelo de los Santos , DMA, is one of the most respected and sought after Brazilian violinists of his generation.  He gained “celebrity status” in Brazil, at the age of 16, by winning its most prestigious music competition, the Eldorado Prize, in Sao Paulo. Since then he has been invited as guest soloist with major orchestras in Brazil and the Americas, has performed and taught in master classes and international music festivals, and collaborated with distinguished artists and groups.
Suggested donation $12. Students free
 
An associate professor of violin at the University of New Mexico, Carmelo’s repertory is extensive, spanning Baroque to Contemporary, and passing through all major concertos for violin and orchestra. He is also an advocate for Brazilian classical music, past and present.  A third-generation Theosophist, Carmelo lives in Albuquerque with his wife, Eugenia, also a violinist who teaches privately, and their nine year-old son, Arthur.

Gaspar Torres and Pablo Minniti
El Fin Semana

La Muerte a la Luz de la Teosofía

Mayo 17 – 19
Viernes 7:30 – 9 pm, Sabado 10 – 12 y de 2 – 4 pm, Domingo 10 – 12

Este seminario se adentrará en las grandes leyes de la Teosofía, especialmente cómo operan en la evolución de la conciencia, después de la muerte física, facilitando el constante ascenso del alma, tanto en las tres etapas de la vida, después de cada muerte, así como en todos los sucesivos ciclos de reencarnaciones del alma, todo ello regido por la Gran Ley del Karma.
Serie Completa $50, Una Sola sesiŏn $15

Pablo Minniti es miembro de la Sociedad Teosófica (ST) en América desde 1989 y fue presidente de la Logia Hispana en la ciudad de Nueva York. Reside y trabaja como voluntario en el Instituto teosófico de Krotona.

Gaspar Torres nació en un hogar teosófico en Cuba, se unió a la Sociedad desde joven, y fue Presidente de la Sección de ese país. Desde 2011 vive y trabaja en Krotona, y guía grupos de estudio por internet sobre las obras de HP Blavatsky, IK Taimni, así como otros temas y autores teosóficos.