OJAI VALLEY LODGE – Established 1927
Jon Fergus
Based on HPB’s statement that the ethics carried out in the Theosophical Society are to be found in the systems of the world’s great reformers, we will engage in a summary exploration of those ethical systems. The aim will be to better understand the nature of those ethics and their application to 21st century life. Jon is a Canadian student of Theosophy, whose focus of study is the teachings of HP Blavatsky & WQ Judge.
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October 22nd (meditation & study 6:00, meeting 7:00) Members Study
Self-Culture in the Light of the Ancient Wisdom — Book Study & Discussion
Chapter 5: Control, Purification, and Sensitization of the Physical Body
Within the limitations under which we work there are still vast possibilities of progress and advancement open to us. The first step in bringing the physical body under our control is to separate ourselves in consciousness from it and realize that we are the master of this body.
October 15 (meditation & study 6:00, meeting 7:00) Members Study
Self-Culture in the Light of the Ancient Wisdom — Book Study & Discussion
Chapter 4: The Constitution and Functions of the Physical Body
It is important to realize very clearly the function of the physical body. The proper attitude to adopt is to consider it as an instrument of the soul for its work here on the physical plane. An instrument that should be kept in order, treated and developed in such a manner that it is able to perform its specific functions with the highest degree of efficiency.
October 8th – Meditation & Study 6:00 PM, Introduction to Theosophy 7:00 PM
The Technique of the Spiritual Life
Chapter One: Introduction to Meditative Inquiry
On the second Tuesday of the month we will facilitate an Introductory Theosophy discussion on The Technique of the Spiritual Life by Clara Codd utilizing the study guide written by Maria Parisen. Tonight, we will begin with the Introduction to the book and the practice of Meditative Inquiry.
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October 1st – Public Talk – Meditation 6:00 PM, Lecture 7:00 PM
Freedom, Free Will and Responsibility
Gerry Kiffe
What does it mean to be truly free? In what ways are we trapped and confined but perhaps do not acknowledge it? Do we really have “Free Will” or is it an illusion or is it the Freedom to choose? What is the role of Responsibility on the spiritual path; are we our brother’s keeper? These are the questions we will pursue with a general discussion session to end the meeting.
Gerry has been involved in Theosophy since 1974, he shares his time and energy giving talks and participating in many Theosophical groups from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.
(Please bring refreshments to share).
No Cost – Donations Appreciated
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Pablo Sender
Theosophical teachings indicate that the ultimate source of suffering is a misunderstanding of who we really are. Therefore, for any practice to be effective in bringing a state of peace and harmony, it must lead to a greater realization of our true nature.
September 16, 2019
Dear Members,
Just a quick email to ready ourselves as things get underway for this year’s time together.
I’ve attached an article by CW Leadbeater, “The Hidden Side of Lodge Meetings,” and ask that you read it over before the start of the year. It gives reason, explanation, and direction to our Members Study meetings; which are the 3rd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
Dana Hachigian will be sending out weekly email reminders of the happenings at our Lodge and the other associations of the TS.
Check out our website – www.ojai.theosophical.org and our Facebook page Theosophy Ojai Valley – Lisa Love and Pablo Minniti will post information and updates on these sites.
Rochelle Voirol has put together the brochure – it is also attached below. Our first meeting is September 24 at 7:00 p.m. Take note that starting in October, our meetings will begin with an optional mediation and silent study of the materials for that evening meeting – starts at 6:00 p.m., and the lecture, discussion and study meetings start at the regular 7:00 p.m. You do not have to attend the earlier activity to join us for the latter one.
Let us know if you need any help with finding books for the Introductory Theosophy (The Technique of the Spiritual Life by Clara Codd and corresponding Study Guide by Maria Parisen) or the Members Study (Self Culture by IK Taimni).
IF you have any other questions or comments, send them our way, we’d love to hear from you and look forward to the coming year.
Many thanks and much love, Michele 🙂
September 7, 2019
Dear Members,
Below you will find the format for our weekly meetings and the study book for our Members Study.
The 1st Tuesday of the month will be a Public Lecture. The brochure is almost ready and will be sent out as an email attachment.
The 2nd Tuesday of the month will be for the Introductory Theosophy using Maria Parisen’s study guide to Clara Codd’s book The Technique of the Spiritual Life. A link was sent for the digital copy in the previous email. Please let us know if you would like a printed copy of the Study Guide – the cost of the guide will be $10.
On the 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month, we will hold the Members Study meetings, in which as a group, we will engage in a deeper exploration into theosophical teachings. The members voted to study IK Taimni’s book Self Culture in the Light of Ancient Wisdom. We will focus this year’s study on Part 2 of the book. Pablo Sender will introduce us to and cover Part 1 of Taimni’s study, on September 24th at 7:00 p.m.
The Taimni book is out of print. However, we have some copies here on loan from the Olcott Library in Wheaton. The Krotona Library has a few copies and below is a link for the digital copy, thanks to Theosophy World. You can also find copies for sale online. The book has two other titles, and can be found as such: Self-Culture: Problem of Self-discovery and Self-realization in the Light of Occultism and A Way to Self-Discovery. If you need help obtaining a copy, please reply to this email and we will be sure that everyone who wants a copy can get one. Link: https://www.theosophy.world/sites/default/files/ebooks/Singapore/Self%20Culture%20in%20the%20light%20of%20Occultism_IKT.pdf
We look forward to the start of a new Lodge year with the Membership as we deepen our spiritual awareness together.
Fraternally,
Dana Hachigian – Corresponding Secretary
On behalf of the Ojai Valley Lodge we wish to thank you for your interest in studying Theosophy with us. We look forward to your attendance and participation in the upcoming year. As a reminder we meet on Tuesdays from October through May.
We are pleased to offer the following. Click on a link to learn more.
Introductory Theosophy Talks – Open to all members of the public.
Members Only Meetings – Members only at these events. Want to become a member? Feel free to contact us.
Public Events – Open to all members of the public
Special Events – Held on Thursdays, open to all members of the public.
FIRST MEETING – Sept 24th – Lodge Meeting Only – 7:00 PM
TUESDAYS, starting October 1st:
6:00 pm – Meditation
6:20 pm – Meditative Reading to prepare for evening discussion
7:00 – 8:00 pm – Lodge Meeting
1st Tuesday – Lecture
2nd Tuesday – Intro to Theosophy
3rd & 4th – Members Study