Chair of the Council

Dear Friends,

The School of the Wisdom at Naarden was conducted by Prof. Krishna during six days from 11 to 16 May on Exploring the teaching of Krishnamurti. From 30 to 40 participants - among them some sympathizers - were present. They came from Holland, Belgium and France. The daily programmes began with a main talk by the speaker in the morning, followed by questions and answers. In the afternoon, a videotape of Krishnamurti was shown prior to a discussion session. Despite varying participants (some could not attend the whole School), the atmosphere was serious and nicely focused. Prof. Krishna led the discussion in a methodical way, going step-by-step into the subject. The School was well appreciated.

The weekend EFTS seminar with the Portuguese Section took place in Lisbon on Theosophy and Science with 30 members and sympathizers coming from Lagos, Evora, Porto, and Lisbon. Two main talks were presented by the General Secretary, Mr Licio Correia, and myself. Mr Correia opened the seminar recalling the positive steps that had been taken by the Section in strengthening the links with the International Society in Adyar (of which each Section is an integral part) and in developing cooperation with the European Federation. He emphasized the importance of ethics in daily life, pointing out that science and knowledge would not bring about real growth to humanity without ethics. With a view to synthesizing the subject, I suggested considering the complementary aspects of Science and Theosophy, as well as the need for Theosophical ethics within science itself. Nine speakers from various parts of Portugal enthusiastically shared their points of view in three symposia. A session of questions and answers and groups of discussion were lively coordinated. All participants were eager to understand and share.

The Portuguese Section is now consolidating, helped by an active core of dedicated voluntary workers. They came from Lisbon, Evora, and Porto and took advantage of the occasion to continue organizing the European Congress to be held this September, for which groups of translators and interpreters have already been chosen. Organizing the European Congress in Porto should strengthen the current trend to establish the Portuguese Section on a long-lasting and fruitful course - from which the whole Society will benefit. Let us contribute - in one way or another - to this process.

With good wishes and kind regards,

Enclosures

To all recipients:

• Chairman’s Report for the year 2003-04
• List of activities
• Registration form for the European Congress (with amended contact address)

Please send in your national report (if not already done) to be enclosed to the next issues of the Newsletter .