Public
Lectures and Events BackPublic
Lectures and Events Back
All events are held in the lodge (in the same building as Quest Bookshop and the lending library), at:
717 Broadway Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 323-4281
ˇSuggested
Donation is $5.00 - $10.00, except some special events
ˇAll Sunday Lectures start at 4:00pm - special events
scheduled as noted
ˇParking may be difficult so allow extra time for arriving
ˇSunday Morning Meditation: 2nd & 4th Sundays, 10 am -
OPEN TO ALL!!
The Theosophical Society in Seattle 717 Broadway East Seattle, Washington 98102 (206) 323-4281 invites you to enjoy its Public Lectures, Workshop & Sunday Morning Open Meditation
Your Donations are important to us. They literally keep the heat and lights on and make it possible for us to show some appreciation to our speakers who donate their time when presenting our programs. No one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Yet we ask you to be as generous as you can be within our expanded "suggested" range of $5- $10 for a lecture and $40 -$60 for a day long workshop. Thank you!
Public Lecture
Series - September - December, 2002
Suggested Donation $5-$10 -
All lectures at 4:00 pm
SEPTEMBER
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Sunday, September 15
UNITY: CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Sue Prescott
The concept of unity implies living together as one. Cultures from around the
world all have teachings that uniquely express this through myths, legends,
mores and customs. Sue will explore the commonalities as well as the diverse
forms in which this value has been taught, communicated and lived. Sue is a
social worker, therapist, theosophist and author of Realizing the Self Within.
Sunday, September 22
WORLD MEDITATION ENSEMBLE
(previously known as the Samsara Meditation Ensemble)
Our lives are breathing through the sounds we make and hear. World Meditation
Ensemble promotes peace by weaving textured tapestries of sound from exotic
instruments and voices used in world spiritual practices, with playfully
peaceful and subtle soundscapes of nature. Instruments range from ethnic to
elemental and assist the mind's journeying between the worlds and into deeper
realms of the psyche. The audience is encouraged to join by toning and
harmonizing during indicated passages.
Sunday, September 29
MEDITATION
Swami Bhaskarananda
President of the Vedanta Society in Western Washington and a senior monk in the
Ramakrishna Order, Swami Bhaskarananda is also the author of a book on
meditation. In this presentation he will share some of the meditative paths
available to us; the deeper purposes of meditation; and will discuss obstacles
along the way. Opportunity to practice will be included.
Sunday, October 6
BEFRIENDING YOUR DEMONS: PERSONAL GROWTH AS A SHAMANIC PATH
David M. Alderman
The process by which we expand our awareness into new domains is archetypal to
all human beings; it has remained constant since the first shamanic trance tens
of thousands of years ago, and informs all effective mythology. The process of
Receiving the Call, Crossing the Threshold of Initiation, and Returning to Daily
Life with a Boon for the World - sometimes referred to as the Hero's Journey -
informs our most recent spiritual paths as well as our most ancient. David will
demonstrate the indelible resonance between the mystic paths of the past and the
processes of depth psychology. Jean Houston has called his book (High Country:
the Solo Seeker's Guide to a real Life) "A brilliant and ebullient journey
toward a new way of being."
Sunday, October 13
COMPASSIONATE LISTENING: A JOURNEY OF HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Andrea Cohen
Compassionate Listening is a powerful tool for reconciliation that can bring new
insight and deep healing for both the listener and the one being listened to.
Join filmmaker and Compassionate Listening trainer Andrea Cohen for a showing of
the stunning 35 minute documentary Children of Abraham, followed by an informal
talk about Compassionate Listening. Andrea will also talk from first-hand
experience about two Compassionate Listening projects: Mideast Citizen Diplomacy
in Israel/Palestine; and CPL's first German/Jewish Healing Project taking place
this fall in Germany.
Sunday, October 20
THE THEOSOPHICAL TRADITION FROM PORPHYRY TO BAADER
Dr. Andrei Vashestov
Little known as these names may be to us, they represent a tradition of
"theosophical" thought stretching from Greek Neoplatonists through
medieval & renaissance times to the Esoteric and Neoplatonic traditions in
the 17th & 18th centuries, a time of intense interaction between Hermeticism,
Speculative Alchemy, Paracelsism, & Neoplatonism. Western Esoteric thought
& Christian mysticism were influenced. Andrei's work traces an uninterrupted
link in "theosophical" thought.. His early research & Ph.D. was
from Moscow University, later work at Temple University. Andrei is published
author & teacher, able to research original writings in 9 languages.
Sunday, October 27
TIBETAN NUNS: WOMEN OF COURAGE
Susan Curington
Four years ago, Susan captivated us with slides and stories of the little known
story of Tibetan nuns who risked all in fleeing Tibet to follow their practice.
Susan has maintained contact and connection with these nuns and will update us
on their stories. Well known as workshop and retreat facilitator at Indralaya,
Cloud Mountain and retreat centers throughout the Northwest, Susan brings unique
understandings to her presentations
Sunday, November 3
HINDU DIETIES OF INDIA
Andrew Barker & Christina Zubelli.
Hinduism is distinctive among the major world religions for having a myriad of
gods and goddesses each having thousands, even millions, of fervent devotees. We
will look at some of the most well known gods and goddesses, their attributes,
mantras, and powers. Christina is completing her Doctoral degree in South Asian
Religions and is an experienced language teacher. Andrew is a regular presenter
whose experiential approach to meditation, poetry, and music have enlivened many
outstanding Sunday programs.
Sunday, November 10
NEW DIMENSIONS OF CONSCIOUSNESS: AN EXPERIENTIAL LEAP INTO MULTI-FAITH PRACTICES
Rabbi Ted Falcon; Jamal Rahman; Rev. Rod Romney - A Day-Long Workshop (
Pre-registration essential)
(See detail below)
Sunday, November 17
THE INSPIRED HEART:AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
Jerry Wennstrom and Marilyn Strong
In 1979, Jerry Wennstrom, a rising star in the New York art world, destroyed his
paintings, gave away possessions and money, and began consciously to empty
himself of his identity. By letting go of resistance and remaining attentive to
life, he was led to the heart of the miraculous. During this gathering Jerry
will share his remarkable and inspirational story beginning with a 30 minute
Parabola documentary -- In The Hands of Alchemy: The Art and Life of Jerry
Wennstrom. He will answer questions & speak openly about his experience. His
story is personal & archetypal, with gifts & implications for anyone
courageous enough to trust in their own path. The event will open and close with
music led by Jerry's wife, singer and teacher Marilyn Strong.
Sunday, November 24
RADICAL DREAMING; USING YOUR DREAMS TO FREE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF AND CHANGE YOUR
LIFE
John Goldhammer
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious
life" asks poet, Mary Oliver. Radical dreaming is a new approach to dream
interpretation for people who wish to explore and resolve this universal
existential dilemma. John's presentation will use examples of dreams to
illustrate this approach; the potential of dreams as life-changing for the
individual and to have social impact for society and the planet. His book with
the above title will be published next year.
DECEMBER
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Sunday, December 1 NO PUBLIC PROGRAM. WE ARE PAINTING!!!
Sunday, December 8
FUNDAMENTALISM: A WORLD WIDE SPIRITUAL PROBLEM
Stephan A. Hoeller, Ph.D.
In this lecture, Dr. Hoeller will explore the shadows of both Islamic and
Christian fundamentalism and will suggest remedies for both. Dr. Hoeller will
draw on his experience of nearly 20 years as an academic teacher of comparative
religious studies (See also Saturday's seminar on Gnosticism)
Sunday, December 15
THE SOLSTICE TRADITION
Willamay Pym
In what has become a December tradition, we gather to hear stories of the world
wide, historical, and mythical celebrations of the special time of year. This
subject has long been a source of fascination for Willamay and these annual
presentations include new and familiar stories.
Sunday, December
22nd
Special Solstice Meditation - Open to all
Make a center of peace in your busy holiday schedule and join us in our
traditional meditation in celebration of the winter solstice.
Public Workshop Series: September - December, 2002 Back
Saturday, October
19th
CREATING SACRED SPACE
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Transform your Environment From the Inside Out Using Principles of the Ancient
Arts of Feng Shui and Space Clearing
One-Day Workshop with Gisela Stehr
The premise of feng shui - the ancient Chinese art of placement - is that everything in the universe is made up of energy. There is an energetic connection between the physical and the metaphysical world. Your body is inseparably one with the whole universe, inseparably one with your environments. Changes in the outer world will effect your inner world. When your home and place of work are balanced and in harmony you experience great well-being. In this workshop we will explore the energetics of people, places and sites and how they resonate with each other. You will be introduced to the principles of feng shui and space clearing and given basic tools to apply to your home and office environment.
Suggested Donation: $40-$60 (Lunch included)
Pre-registration (323-4281) is requested due to limitations of space
Sunday, November 10
An Experiential Leap into Multi-Faith Practices
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
An All Day Workshop With Rabbi Ted Falcon; Jamal Rahman; & Rev. Rod
Romney
What if - in this time of increasing numbers of "de-churched", those dissatisfied with traditional and orthodox presentations of faith yet still filled with spiritual hunger - we were to bring our lives together into a common exploration and focus on spiritual development? How would that look? In families blended from a variety of traditions? For those who want rituals and practices without dogma and limitation? For those seeking to integrate a variety of practices into their own spiritual explorations? For those wishing to go deep into the roots of religion without submitting to external authority?
The three presenters - all deeply established in their own faiths - have also experienced the mystical union which underlies & unites all authentic traditions. They will share their personal journeys; help us to experience ritual in new & deeply personal ways; unite us in dialogue, music & chant; & respond to questions from audience members involved in their own search.
Suggested Donation: $40-$60 (Lunch included)
Pre-registration (323-4281) is necessary due to the popularity of the speakers,
the timeliness of the topic; and the limitations of space
Saturday, December
7th
GNOSTICISM: What do the Knowers Know?
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
A Seminar with Stephan A. Hoeller, Ph.D.
A one day seminar on the teachings, practices,
scriptures; the present activities and future prospects of the Gnostic
tradition. Gnosticism is a tradition that developed side by side with Judaism
and Christianity and came to constitute the core of the esoteric tradition of
the West. This seminar will be based in part of Dr. Hoeller's book, Gnosticism;
New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing released by Quest Book this
summer. Dr. Hoeller will sign copies of his book.
Stephan is a treasured seminar leader during his infrequent visits to Seattle.
He combines wit, compassion, deep scholarship and a personally profound
perspective. Born in Hungary & schooled throughout Europe, Stephan is a
member of the lecturing faculty of the Philosophical Research Society & is
Director of Studies for the Gnostic Society - both in Los Angeles. He recently
retired from his position as Associate Professor of Comparative Religions at the
University of Oriental Studies. Trained for the Roman Catholic priesthood, Dr.
Hoeller is currently a bishop of the Ecclesia Gnostica. He has been an
international speaker for the Theosophical Society. His numerous publications
include the following books: The Royal Road, The Gnostic Jung & the Seven
Sermons to the Dead, Jung & the Lost Gospels, and Freedom: Alchemy for a
Voluntary Society.
Suggested Donation: $40-$60 (Lunch included)
Pre-registration (323-4281) is necessary due to the popularity of the speaker,
lunch preparation and the limitations of space
Special SATURDAY NIGHT Concert
Series Back
In Support of the Lending Library
Suggested Donation: $10.00 per concert
October 5th 7:00 pm Brian Kimmel, Songs
of Secrets Told, Piano
October 26th 7:30 pm The Meridian Trio,
Classical Music
November 23rd 7:30 pm Stephen Thompson
and Nancy Lehwalder,
Jazz Piano and Song
Theosophical Lending Library (206)
323-4281
A Membership Library, Volunteer Run.
Open Saturday, Sunday & Tuesday, 1pm.- 6pm
Open Monday & Wednesday, Noon to 4pm
Quest Bookshop (206) 323-4281
Over 10,000 books in stock
Open at 11am Seven Days a Week