Chair of the Council

In June 2003, for the first time the EFTS organized a seminar in Winterthur. This initiative was a follow-up to the International President’s visit to the Swiss Section in 2002 together with the EFST Chairman. Meant for the German-speaking region of Switzerland, it took place in a hotel in the town and gathered a limited number of members and sympathizers. The theme explored was Ecology: Spiritual Perspectives. The Vice-Chairman, Elisabeth Schmidt, took an active part in the organizing and contacting members. As an adjunct to the main programme, a presentation of the recent scientific work on the memory of water was arranged. Contacts are now kept for further work.

Still in June, due to Aryel Sanat’s cancellation and at the request of the Finnish Section, I contributed to its Summer School at Kreïvila, speaking on the theme ‘Our membership in the TS ’. The School was well attended, with lively valuable exchanges of reflections in a warm-hearted atmosphere. The section has a special history testifying to a fruitful and harmonious assimilation of spirituality, art, and living—with Nature and within people’s consciousness.

The Centenary of the European Federation was celebrated from 18 to 20 July at the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden, Holland. The motto of the gathering was ‘Strengthening the Link’. More than 100 participants attended, one or two of them for only part of the time, hailing from the following 19 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, England, Germany, Holland, Italy, the Republic of Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the Ukraine, the USA and India.

The main speakers were the International Vice-President, Dr John Algeo, the International Secretary, Miss Mary Anderson, and the Chairman of the European Federation (who is also the then Chairman of the Council of the International Theosophical Centre). Their subjects respectively were: ‘The Link, the Nucleus and the New World’, ‘The EFTS, a Short History and Reminiscences’ and ‘The Vertical Link of Past and Future’. In addition, 16 members from different countries gave short talks or contributed to symposia, their subject being the motto of the gathering. [All the texts will be gathered into a commemorative publication.]

Excellent choices of recordings of beautiful classical and modern music were played preceding and following the various events. The lighter evening programmes consisted of a ‘Theosophical Quiz’ coordinated by Diana and Michel Chapotin (New-Zealand and France) and cultural presentations by representatives of various countries, coordinated by Monica Ostelius and Ing-Britt Wiklund (both from Sweden). These occasions proved that Theosophists can be both serious and capable of humour at the same time.

Each participant received a number of commemorative gifts, among them a Summary of the History of the Federation (by Mary Anderson) in booklet form, and a book on The Vegetarian and Vegan Way of Life, promoting non-violent food.

Every morning, at the opening of each session, a candle was lighted and the Mantram of Unity was recited by all participants, giving a solemn note to the gathering. Indeed, this unique event strengthened the links between Theosophists hailing from different parts of Europe and the world. It was an outstanding demonstration that Theosophical Europe is as alive as ever.

Immediately after the celebrations, a session of the School of the Wisdom at Naarden covered the theme Theosophy and Buddhism. The School was conducted at relatively short notice by the International Secretary – Miss Mary Anderson – and myself, replacing Prof. Aryel Sanat. On alternative days ‘The Buddha’s Teachings in the Light of Theosophy’ and ‘The Mahachohan’s Letter’ and ‘The 1900 Letter to Dr Besant’ were dealt with. Talks were followed by discussions and questions and answers. Four groups worked in English, Dutch, Slovene and Russian. About 50 to 60 persons from eleven countries attended the School.

In August the Italian Section—under the coordination of its General Secretary, Antonio Girardi, assisted by the Section Secretary, Patricia Calvi—organized the Summer School of the Pays Latins, held at our Naarden Centre, with the theme ‘To Live to Benefit Mankind’. Among the 40 participants, there was an important Italian delegation. Members came also from Belgium, France, Spain, and Switzerland, and all participated studiously and joyfully. On that occasion, the ITC gained a number of new Friends of the Centre.

During the Centenary Celebration, the Scottish delegation, represented by its Organizing Secretary, Mr Martin Lowe, issued an invitation to the EFTS Chairman to visit Scotland in the autumn to conduct some programmes. Thus in October I was pleased to visit Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh, giving a short programme at the Lodge in each of the three towns. It was a happy occasion to meet with members, workers and contributors of the Regional Association in their own land.

From 6 to 10 November, I was in Ljubljana for some programmes, including the seminar on H.P.B.’s Meditation Diagram. Fifty members attended the Seminar, coming from Ljubljana, Maribor, Koper, Celje, Zagreb and other towns in Croatia. There was attentive participation and lively and relevant interaction. In addition, there were also some informal meetings to discuss the work. The atmosphere was warm-heartedly fraternal. These opportunities of meeting together are very encouraging, and will make it possible for the right spirit of inquiry to grow with active brotherly cooperation.

In January 2004 the Executive of the EFTS met at the Naarden Centre for the winter session. Amongst other matters, the organizing of the European Congress took a prominent place in the work, and its theme, venue, and conditions of the logistics were defined.

In November 2003 and February 2004, I conducted two weekend Seminars in Brussels. Both completed a cycle of studies on Buddhism in the light of Theosophy, emphasizing the sharing of the basic teaching of Gautama the Buddha – such as one has heard – as well as the understanding of the same through the light of Theosophy. It was well attended with interest and attention. Exchange of points of view was alive and encouraging.

At the request of the French Section – and following the first well-attended seminar reserved for TS members in April 2003 – I conducted two other seminars at the Paris headquarters. Both were reserved for TS members and gathered around 20-25 fellows coming from the provinces and the capital. In November 2003 many speakers from the Section, including a historian researcher and myself, presented the eclectic theme ‘Glimpses on the History of the Theosophical Movement’. In March 2004 the zetetic theme of ‘The Voice of the Silence’ gathered serious students in sessions of deep exploration into the teaching.

The Italian Section is as dynamic as ever. The annual Seminar – organised in the springtime together with the EFTS since 1991 – continues to attract members and sympathizers from all over the country. In March 2004 the EFTS Seminar, jointly with the Italian Section, gathered 100 participants in Montecatini; among them, 60 were members from different parts of Italy and several towns of Slovenia. This lovely site had already hosted the World Congress in the 1950s, of which many Theosophists keep a vivid memory.

The theme explored, Consciousness, Meditation, and Renouncement to the fruit of action, covered understanding and action on the spiritual path – in short, the spiritual itself. In addition to the two main talks (given by the General Secretary, Mr Antonio Girardi, and myself), various speakers shared their points of view in several symposia. Many discussion groups explored the theme and a session of questions and answers considered practical aspects of life in relationship with consciousness.

The Portuguese Section, after a time of difficulty and doubt, is now speedily recovering. This has been possible thanks to the enthusiasm and good-willingness of a core of indefectible workers. Working together has been in effect for some years, with the format of an annual seminar and constant communication from both sides. The current Council of the Portuguese Section is now working together closely with the European Federation.

At the end of May, the EFTS Seminar with the TS in Portugal took place in Lisbon. The theme explored was 'Theosophy and Science'. Thirty participants were present. Two main talks and three symposia were occasions for speakers from abroad, Porto, Evora, and Lisbon to express enthusiastically their views on the subject. Workers from the EFTS and Portuguese Section also took advantage of this meeting to deal with parts of the organizing work for the European Congress in Porto, to be held in September. Let this Congress be a beautiful occasion for each of us to express our solidarity towards our brothers (and sisters) in Portugal.

During the year (from June 2003 till May 2004), I visited the Naarden Centre (ITC) several times. The project of starting a Study and Research Centre at the ITC is in its very beginnings. The Centre library has been reorganized to make it more rational and convivial for users. In the summer, the Presidential Representative in Russia, Mrs Nina Veligon, spent a few months at the Centre to give help and to deepen her studies.

After having been in charge for eight years, I withdrew from the Chairmanship of the Centre last November, and Mrs Elisabeth Raven has taken over in that post. The two bodies (EFTS and ITC) are independent but working together under the great banner of Theosophy and serving the TS. As Chairman of the European Federation and Councillor of the ITC, I have been requested to continue organizing Theosophical activities at the Centre, particularly the School of the Wisdom at Naarden. In this work, I am largely assisted by Fay van Ierlant (a former EFTS Executive member and a dedicated worker). Prof. P. Krishna graced the School in May 2004 with an exploration into the teaching of Jiddu Krishnamurti. The sessions were much appreciated.

For the first time, the Icelandic Section will have its Summer School at the ITC in June 2004.

The year witnessed the loss of several dedicated workers. From Belgium, Mr Reynold Welvaert, treasurer of the Section, passed on in November 2003. He was known by his great interest in the teachings of Krishnamurti. In January 2004, Mrs Helen Gething passed away. She was the daughter of Wallace Slater, and was above all a great dedicated servant of Theosophy. (A tribute to her was published in the May issue of Adyar’s The Theosophist). In March, Arthur van der Stok, a permanent resident at the Naarden Centre, and a lifelong theosophist died. Recently, Geoffrey Farthing passed over at the age of 94. A former Executive member of the European Federation and founder of the School of Theosophy and Blavatsky Trust, he is author of several books and valuable study texts. He was honoured by the Subba Row Medal granted by the General Council of the Adyar Theosophical Society. Of him, students of Theosophy will have a memory of a real gentleman of wide knowledge and refinement, and ever eager to share his understanding with others.

All forms incessantly appear and disappear like waves over the ocean. Likewise, births and deaths on earth bring to us and take away from us people, colleagues, friends, relatives, and our own forms. Yet something remains. Beyond all forms, ideas, doctrines, all dharmas, when all is dissolved, only goodness or love-compassion remains, because it is the essence of the whole Universe.

I would like to express my great appreciation to all Executive Members and Councillors who have given their fraternal help and support. My warm thanks go to Ermanno Vescia – who has during many years offered his attentive support – and to Elisabeth Schmidt for her warm-hearted and wise advice, as well as for her unwavering help.

My deep gratitude is felt towards relatives and friends, near and far, who have constantly offered their material and moral assistance to make the work lighter and more pleasant. May the fruit of our actions benefit all sentient beings in bringing about goodness and love.