School of the Wisdom Classes 2007-08

7 January to 1 February 2008

Theme: ‘Theosophy, Science, and Esoteric Science’

Director: Mr Colin Price

SUBJECT: The relevance of Esoteric Science to current religious, philosophical and scientific ideas will be discussed. Theosophical teachings will be explored in depth under fourteen separate headings demonstrating how they form a coherent structure of knowledge which provides answers to many questions on the meaning of life and existence and the mystery of human consciousness.

RECOMMENDED READING: H. P. Blavatsky's The Key to Theosophy.

Mr Price is a retired research scientist, a lifelong Bible student and teacher, an international Theosophical lecturer, and General Secretary of the English Section of the TS since 1999.

3 to 15 December 2007

Theme: ‘Ancient Wisdom and Modern Insight’

Director: Prof. R. C. Tampi

SUBJECT: H. P. Blavatsky hoped: 'The day is not far off when Science will show a better appreciation of the Wisdom of the ancients than it has hitherto done' (The Secret Doctrine, I, 586). The purpose of the course is to take advantage of the recent insights of modern science for a clear understanding of the principles of Theosophy. The approach will be so chosen as to enable even those participants who do not have specialized knowledge of science to take active interest in the course.

RECOMMENDED READING: Shirley Nicholson's Ancient Wisdom -- Modern Insight and René Weber's Dialogues with Scientists and Sages.

Prof. Tampi is a retired Professor of English. He joined the TS in 1959 and has been an active member. He is also a National Lecturer of the Indian Section.

19 November to 1 December 2007

Theme: ‘Basic Theosophy and the Future of Man’

Director: Prof. C. A. Shinde

SUBJECT: The course will provide a clear understanding of the theme through an appreciation of its expression in 'The Three Great Truths', which are said to be absolute and at the same time as great as life itself, though simple as the simplest mind of man.

RECOMMENDED READING: 'The Three Great Truths' per Mabel Collins' The Idyll of the White Lotus.

Prof. Shinde is a retired Professor of Zoology. He has been an active member of the TS for many years, a National Lecturer of the Indian Section, and is currently Librarian of the Adyar Library and Research Centre.

5 to 17 November 2007

Theme: Fundamental Theosophical Principles

Director: Mrs Dolores Gago

SUBJECT: The purpose of the course is to clarify what is a Theosophical approach. The declarations of 'Freedom of Thought' and 'Freedom of the Society' will be analyzed. Some of the classes will function as a workshop.

RECOMMENDED READING: 'Freedom of thought' and 'Freedom of the Society' declarations (in article by John Algeo, The Theosophist, April 2007); and 'The Nature of Our Freedom' by Joy Mills (The Theosophist, March 2007).

Mrs Gago has been a member of the Theosophical Society for more than 50 years, having been General Secretary of the Uruguayan Section and a member of its National Committee. She was the international Secretary and is currently Secretary of the School of the Wisdom at Adyar