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The School of Theosophy 2009


NEW ZEALAND 2009 SCHOOL OF THEOSOPHY.

3 April - 8 April 2009. Tauhara Centre, Taupo.
(Arrivals Friday 3 April, departures Wednesday 8 April after lunch)

THEME -  The Perennial Philosophy: Tools of Transformation

Dara Tatray picture
Dara Tatray, Principal Presenter

Dara Tatray  has been recently elected President of the Theosophical Society in Australia. She has gained a reputation for the depth and lucidity of her writing and spoken presentations. Dara delights in interactive group processes that stimulate learning in enjoyable ways.


"The Perennial Philosophy"  
is another term for the timeless wisdom often called Theosophia or Theosophy. It.is an integrated metaphysic, psychology and ethic based on the fundamental unity of all life. It is called “perennial” because of its age, its universality and its consistency, having existed in an unbroken line since time immemorial. It is also likely to remain long after current fads and fashions in philosophy have departed.

Its characteristic features include a sense of the sacred, an emphasis on contemplation and self-examination, and a feeling for the eternal. Above all else, it takes a stand on the side of unity, strongly suggesting that there is a unity to the world that is far more deeply real than the apparent diversity. This unity exists not just in a spiritual or metaphoric sense, but physically as well. It is the truth of matter just as it is the truth of spirit.

Programme Outline
The interactive morning sessions, supported by PowerPoint slides where relevant, will offer a brief historical overview and an outline of the key ideas of the Perennial Philosophy in its Eastern and Western variants, before going on to consider the nature of existence; the human constitution; the difference between thought and consciousness; and what is really meant by unity or the One. We will also explore the ways that this unity - the integrated state, the unified Heart of all - is the higher power one appeals to in the process of transformation and healing. This is, after all, a progression towards wholeness, and therefore ultimately the province of the One.

Time will also be spent examining H.P. Blavatsky’s contribution to the tradition; and the convergence of Theosophy and science on several of the above “perennial” themes.

Mornings will be devoted to the principal subject for the School, The Perennial Philosophy. Afternoons will feature noted New Zealand Theosophical presenters, and will explore Theosophical insights as they apply to everyday life, in a somewhat more relaxed format. The main headings for morning studies are:
  • Introductory slideshow
  • Historical Overview and Key Ideas
  • The Nature of Existence
  • What is a Human Being?
  • Thought and Consciousness
  • Transcendence
  • HPB’s Contribution to the Tradition
  • Summing Up
Afternoons will be in a slightly more relaxed mode, but still provide opportunity for real engagement with tools of transformation with their roots in the Perennial Philosophy. Four afternoon slots will facilitated by Victor Macgill of Dunedin, who says:

This experiential workshop looks at the newly developing sciences of chaos and complexity. We have tried to pretend that the rules of life are simple and that we can be in control.  Instead of avoiding and resisting uncertainty, we can use Chaos Theory and Complexity Theory to embrace it. Instead of controlling nature, we need to dance with her. The workshop will explore the underlying patterns that emerge when we are open to exploring chaos and complexity, that enables a new vision and a new understanding of reality to emerge that is consistent with the ancient wisdom.

Two afternoon slots will be facilitated by Murray Stentiford who will introduce simple practical tools to assist one's own process of transformation. The remaining afternoon times will be directed to what participants wish to work with, given the talents of the people gathered at the School.

Venue and Arrangements
Tauhara Centre is ideal  for the combination of work, relaxation, conversation and companionship that we find in the NZ Schools of Theosophy. For more information, please see the Registration Form on the link below.   How to find it map

Registration
Please print the Registration Form, fill it in, and post it with your cheque to

The Theosophical Society in NZ, 18 Belvedere Street, Epsom, Auckland 1051.

Enquiries:  Email hq@theosophy.org.nz  Phone 09 529-1743

The Perennial Philosophy - a Power in the Present

The information on this page is subject to refinement and variation prior to the actual event. 


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