The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 as an organization to promote the understanding of the unity of all Life, or World Brotherhood. Considering that this was the Victorian era, the founders of the Society were certainly ahead of the times. Theosophy has played a major role in bringing about increased awareness, worldwide, of metaphysical concepts, and the understanding that all religions are based on the same Truth. The various religious Teachers may have been different, but all of these leaders were essentially talking about the same principles.
Adyar has been the International Center of the Theosophical Society since 1882. Most of the buildings included in this post are over 120 years old. The property is situated on the Bay of Bengal (aka the ocean) and is a wondrous natural park in the midst of the city of Chennai, the 4th largest city in India. The Adyar Library and Research Center houses many very old manuscripts and is visited by scholars from all over the world in their research efforts. In the spirit of religious unity, there are throughout the grounds, temples honoring many of the major world religions.
Each year from November through January, the Society hosts a study course called The School of Wisdom. I am participating in the 2009 course, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to spend several months studying philosophy among world class scholars and spiritual teachers. The recent classes have focused on the Jnana Yoga wisdom of J. Krishnamurti.
The monsoons have taken a break, which means that now it is very hot. Imagine Miami in the summer without air conditioning! As I said earlier, heaven and hell can be the same place! For instance, a huge Thanksgiving feast may indeed seem like heaven going down but the resulting lethargy could be more similar to…… ! I hope you all have a happy and conscious Thanksgiving!! Love from steamy Chennai.
As always, click back and forth for a better view of the photos.
Anne Nowell 