Spirituality calls us to be “inclusive” — to treat everyone we encounter with understanding and acceptance, if possible, and especially those quite different from ourselves, for whatever reason. But inclusiveness may be more difficult in Portland than in other cities, especially the inclusiveness that involves different races and peoples. Continue reading
Author Archives: Betty
Olympian Hermes: God of Fortune, Travel, and Knowledge
Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
April 30, 3:00 PM • Presented by Patricia Fulbright
Ancient Greeks honored Hermes as “the friendliest of gods to men and most generous giver.” He sometimes offers us good fortune with unexpected rewards and recognition: a bonus or promotion at work, first prize in a game, good luck in love matters. But this mercurial god might instead favor the thief, robber, cheat, or con artist. Hermes conveys messages from the gods to humans and guides travelers, particularly those souls on their journey from earth to the realms of Hades. Continue reading
Pythagoras
Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
April 9, 3:00 PM • Presented by Morelle Forster
Pythagoras, the Adept, was one of the truly great figures of history. Most of us know very little about him, and what we do know about him is usually confined to scattered bits of information — his philosophy, his ability with numbers and his formulation of ‘that theorem’, his music, and his birth in Samos. Very few of us have a more comprehensive view of him, e.g., the power of his intellect and heart, his marriage, his school, his educational methods, and his influence on government. Continue reading
Meditation
Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
April 2, 3:00 PM • Group Study
Fundamentals of Theosophy: It has been said that prayer is when we talk to God, and meditation is when God talks to us. By quieting the “monkey mind,” the lower mind that flits constantly between details and attachments of our daily lives, we can strengthen the higher mind to help us realize our true spiritual being. A steady practice of meditation can increasingly shift our focus from the physical plane to the higher planes to help us achieve this Realization. A discussion of various types and importance of meditation will be beneficial for neophytes and experienced meditators alike.
Power of Thought
Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
March 19, 3:00 PM • Group Study
Fundamentals of Theosophy: An early member of the Theosophical Society wrote that thought “is a power possessed by all, but intelligently used as yet by few.” Thought by itself can be used positively or negatively and is one of the ways we generate karma. Today’s group study discussion will center on the nature and effects of thought.
Developing Spiritual Wisdom
Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
March 12, 3:00 PM • A video with Pablo Sender
In this video, Pablo Sender explores going beyond concepts to directly experience the spiritual life. He explains that while the teachings help to change our perspective, we must raise our consciousness to a region that is beyond the senses in order to discover the innate wisdom of our spiritual nature. Theosophy teaches that there is just one universal consciousness and that each of us expresses only a fraction of that greater universal Self. We must transcend our physical, emotional, and mental natures in order to directly know that greater life.
Brotherhood
Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
March 5, 3:00 PM • Presented by Barbara Hebert
Unity is the first Object of the Theosophical Society, but it can be difficult to live in harmony with others. In today’s program we will explore the meaning of unity (brotherhood/sisterhood) and discuss ways in which we can implement its practice into our lives. Our world today, more than ever, impels us to delve into this topic and its actualization in our daily lives. Continue reading
Living Spiritually in a Difficult World
Saturday Workshop
March 4, 9:30 AM • Presented by Barbara Hebert, Ph.D.
A study of the Ancient Wisdom can provide insight and practical guidance to help us with the challenges of living in our world today. This interactive presentation will review some of the challenges we face as well as some of the teachings and methods offered by the Ancient Wisdom that may support us in living more spiritually. Continue reading
Megaliths and the Prehistoric Past
Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
February 19, 3:00 pm • Presented by Robert Caldwell, M.Sc.
Megaliths, or Great Stones, represent the remaining links to prehistoric civilizations. Great Stone Age structures are found world wide, and, while many have been destroyed, there remain thousands of astounding prehistoric structures at which to marvel and contemplate. Continue reading
The Art of Dying
Sunday Afternoon Public Programs
February 12, 3:00 pm • Presented by Christine Maitland, Ph.D.
How can death be practiced? No one has returned from the experience to guide us, although there are people who report near death experiences. What is death? Is there anything that survives it? These questions have intrigued thinkers of all times. There are many ideas and beliefs about the afterlife, i.e., eternal life in heaven/hell, reincarnation, nothing at the end of physical life. Continue reading