Author Archives: Betty

Studying the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali

Posted on by

Introduction

This study guide offers a pathway into yoga studies, specifically through the study of the short, enigmatic verses of a classical text called the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. The purpose of the study guide is to encourage the exploration of the Yoga Sūtras, knowing that the insights gained can be helpful, perhaps vital, components of your spiritual journey.

Many Westerners know the word yoga through classes in the physical postures, yet Patañjali only briefly mentions postures (āsana). Yoga postures are useful for many people and have a place, but they are not the chief or only practice of yoga. If you are a practitioner of postures, you may also have some knowledge of breathwork, ethics, and intent. Think of your practice up until now as a gateway into a more profound experience.

Continue reading →

Linda W. Phelps, 1942–2019

Posted on by

Linda Phelps described herself as a student of Theosophy, Alice Bailey, and Ken Wilber. As a member of the Portland, Oregon Lodge, she served as Theosophical Order of Service liaison and inspired everyone with her activism and passionate devotion to service.

Linda also was a talented writer and speaker and worked throughout her life to promote political and social causes. Some of her articles appear on this website. Before her passing, she completed writing a book on the spiritual path, awaiting publication. Linda was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Hidden Wellsprings of Renaissance Genius

Posted on by

Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
April 22, 2:00 PM  •  Presented by Patricia Fulbright

Leonardo, Dante, Cervantes, Shakespeare, Newton – their brilliant achievements remain benchmarks of human excellence. These giants are children of the Renaissance, an intellectually dynamic era illuminated by masterpieces of ancient Greek and Roman thinkers whose works, once thought lost to the West, were rediscovered and celebrated. Yet another almost forgotten inheritance empowering Renaissance ideas, values, and visions sprang from an array of Hermetic, alchemical, and Sufi wisdom traditions. Continue reading →

Tapping Into the Universe of Zero-Point ‘Free Energy’!

Posted on by

Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
April 8, 2:00 PM  •  Presented by Steve Herrington

We’ll first run through an overview of the basic history of the last 150 years of the evolution of alleged “free energy” devices and ideas – from the work of the mysterious John Keely (who Madame Blavatsky wrote about so extensively in her classic book The Secret Doctrine), the iconic, super-genius inventor Nikola Tesla, and the mystical early 20th century, implosive energy scientists Walter Russell and Viktor Schauberger. Continue reading →

The Importance of Meditation

Posted on by

Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
April 1, 2:00 PM  •  Group Study

Fundamentals of Theosophy: Meditation should not necessarily be equated with concentration, but, instead is a method of gradually opening our higher minds on a daily basis to connect to the One, Unified, Absolute Reality. The main obstacle to achieving realization of our True Self is our day-to-day identification with the impermanent, physical planes of our existence (like our bodies, our emotions, and our cursory, fleeting thoughts) as being “real” or permanent. Please join us for a discussion of the various types of meditation and the importance of its practice.

How the Mission of the Mother of the World Informs the New Era

Posted on by

Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
March 25, 2:00 PM  •  Presented by Ursula Velonis, Ph.D.

Nothing is more relevant during times of transition and chaos than refining one’s understanding of the mission of the Mother of the World. Central to its meaning is the idea of “spirit-creativeness” endowed by the Feminine Principle. In its more evolutionary sense, it declares the New Era as the “Age of Woman.” This message is to inspire the awakening of spirit-creativeness in all people. The key is to seek inspirational insights, messages and signs of higher consciousness and its Source. Continue reading →

Tarot and the Fantasy of Egypt

Posted on by

Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
March 18, 2:00 PM  •  Presented by Michael S. Howard

Ancient Egypt was an object of fascination in Western Europe even before the first known record of the tarot in 1440, but it wasn’t until 1781 that anyone declared it to be originally Egyptian. The result was a flowering of the “Egyptian” tarot, an unveiling as it were of its secrets, assisted by images based on actual finds in Egypt. Mr. Howard will give visual examples and then turn to the tarot before 1781 for further allusions to Egypt, not because the tarot originated there, but to satisfy those fascinated by that civilization. Special attention will be given to the goddess Isis. Continue reading →

Reincarnation

Posted on by

Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
March 4, 2:00 PM  •  Group Study

Fundamentals of Theosophy: Several ancient religions, philosophies, and schools of thought, including Theosophy, accept the concept of Reincarnation as a logical alternative to just having one chance, or life cycle, to “get it right” on the spiritual plane. As expressed in the Third Proposition of Theosophy, each of us, as “sparks” of the Divine, must embark on an obligatory pilgrimage, or journey, through many cycles of incarnations in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Do we retain any memories from these past lives? If so, how do they manifest in our present life? Please join us for a group discussion on this very significant topic.