It seems almost a miracle that for a century and a quarter we have been meeting together — members of different nationalities, with differing religious and cultural backgrounds, speaking different languages — but together, with a common purpose and a shared direction. I warmly welcome all the members present here, united once again at this Convention by our deep interest in humanity's progress towards wise and harmonious living. Do not our continued joint endeavours and aspirations signify that the stream of inspiration which began to flow in the last quarter of the nineteenth century has not run dry; that it is still invigorating and illuminating the minds of a certain proportion of the members of the Society, if not all the members? We must be grateful for the privilege of sharing that refreshing flow of spiritual energy, which came through the Founders of the IS and the many stalwarts and outstanding theosophists who followed them. But most of all we are beholden to the Elder Brethren who have been our compassionate friends, inspirers and guides. Let us offer them our devotion and service, unworthy though these may be, knowing that all unselfish work to accelerate the spiritual progress of humanity receives their approval.

Around the declared Objects of the TS, a worldwide nucleus has been formed of men and women who perceive that without a basis of universal brotherhood, mutual trust and understanding, there cannot be an atmosphere conducive to moral and spiritual growth. However, we also need dynamic leadership within the Society at all levels, to spread the teaching and the influences necessary for a radical change in the human mind. A nucleus within the nucleus must exist, manifesting the qualities of a spiritually expanding consciousness. I believe that now is the time to take measures to ensure that such a core is alive and active to steer the Society in its given task, which is human regeneration.

The statement that Theosophy is altruism or pure philanthropy should be like a beacon light to illumine the path of such members. Altruism is not an idea or even an ideal to follow; it is an experience, a deepening awareness of the truth of non-separateness. It must not be thought of as a distant or dramatic change that may occur in the future. It must be alive in the present in the form of a profound concern for the spiritual regeneration of humanity. Swami T. Subba Rao pointed out that a self-abnegating, self-forgetful devotion to the religious (or spiritual) good of humanity is like a talisman which safeguards the pilgrim on his path to knowledge and service. Such a quality is acquired and nourished by individuals through the realization that in the many activities of everyday life there are unending opportunities to develop altruism. At the Feet of the Master advises: 'Be always ready to offer help where it is needed, but never interfere.' Every one of us can do a few things, humble though they may seem, which are not self-concerned, but express care for others, and thus cultivate a different kind of mind. When asked by a young student why we should plant trees, Krishnamurti gave an interesting answer. He did not say that it is better for the earth, or that trees invite rain, or give shade. These and other reasons exist, as of course he knew. His reply was that if you care for a plant or a pet, look after it, attend to its needs with affection, you learn to slip out of the normal attitude which is one of self-preoccupation. When you plant a tree and watch it, nourish it, take trouble over it, it gives you the feeling — not an intellectual idea — that you are a part of the earth. When you have a pet — a dog, a cat, a bird, or a horse — something you care for and take care of, when you brush it, comb it, see that it does not catch a disease, you love it and it loves you and so you have that feeling of loving something other than just yourself. This helps to break down concern for yourself.

For members of the TS there are wonderful opportunities to sacrifice the self in order to carry out something which is of general benefit. It may be an offering of time, capacity, energy or money without the desire for benefit to oneself. The Jataka tales relate in quaint fashion the past lives of the Buddha and teach that central to the attainment of enlightenment is the sacrifice of self. When concern for self governs a person's life (including concern for his own family, friends or community) rather than the general good, there is immense danger of being a wreck on the Path, because the one serious obstacle to spiritual progress is egoism. It is also an obstacle to true service.

How many members of the TS are ready to make even a beginning in this direction? Alas, only a few, as testified by the fact that in every part of the world, though the harvest is plentiful, the labourers are few. What made HPB, HSO, Annie Besant and others distinguished theosophists and outstanding servants of humanity was their self-abandonment in doing the work of the Society as directed by their Teachers. Annie Besant wrote:

The core of the Theosophical Society must be constituted of members who embody the pure altruism of 'Not for myself, but for the world I live'. New members, and other members who have not grasped this, must be helped to realize steadily that this is the hallmark of members, not necessarily at the beginning, but as they progress into accepting responsibility for the work. Then many of the problems that arise in relationships, in dealing with property and so forth, which are the results of egoistic thinking, will cease to exist.

When there is an altruistic spirit, there is also universality of outlook. All distinctions which previously appeared important — my nationality, my family, my religious community and so on — fade into the background. A deeper awareness of the equality and the sanctity of everything that lives fills the consciousness.

It is the anchorage in universality and altruism that makes the TS an authentic instrument for regeneration. New members may not realize that the wisdom we call Theosophy flowers when consciousness is imbued with the benevolence of universality. Sometimes enquirers ask: What benefit will I get by joining the Society? And the reply may be: You will receive a magazine free, you will have the use of the library, or something similar. But they need to be led to ask 'How can I serve?', instead of 'What can I get?' Who can help such members? Only those who have themselves matured in the direction mentioned and who take upon themselves the task of shedding some light on the path of Theosophy for beginners.

The TS will be the foundation stone of future religions as it demonstrates how a deep religious awareness can exist without the trappings, superstitions and divisive doctrines of the conventional religions. This means that HPB's statement that Theosophy is not a religion, but 'religion itself, unencumbered by dogmas, exclusive customs and practices, must become manifest in the lives of many members.

In order to move forward into a new era of work, we must also re-emphasize the importance of delving into the nature of life, its deep purposes and meaning. The real theosophist is not a person who thinks he knows, but one whose mind is open to the truth about life from whatever source it comes. It was not for nothing that one of the Great Ones said: Take a hint from whatever source it comes, sermons may be given even by stones. If we took this seriously, there would be an end to attitudes of intolerance, fanatical or dogmatic commitment to converting others to the 'right point of view', which is of course presumed to be one's own point of view, or to exercise authority in spiritual matters.

The Lord Buddha is reported to have spoken very profound truths to those who were prepared for it, and in a simple way to simple people, knowing that it is against the laws of Nature to use force. The Enlightened Ones never impose their will on anyone, but help each one to blossom inwardly, at his own pace, according to his own nature when the time is right. Well-intentioned missionaries who try to convert others to their view lack a basic understanding of the laws of life. All religions have to a lesser or greater extent suffered and made others suffer by imposing the belief that others are not on the right path, while they themselves are. This has been at the root of bitter conflicts and many other evils. The TS exists to remedy the situation, and not to aggravate it by making out that within its fold only there is truth. Our work is to encourage people to undertake a journey to truth.

Many people do not realize that there are depths to existence and that life holds a mystery which, when unravelled, confers supreme felicity; therefore they live at a superficial, illusory level, ignorant of their ignorance. To dispel ignorance, one may present certain thoughts and ideas at the intellectual level, like showing a map to a traveller, but it is the traveller who has to decide how to proceed, and even whether he wishes to proceed.

An atmosphere of open-minded enquiry into truth and of profound respect for the freedom of every individual to grow inwardly as well as outwardly in his own way, at his own pace, is fundamental to TS work. It ensures the TS has qualities that are essential for humanity's progress, and will make peace and harmonious relationships a reality on earth. It is our duty as members to see that our Lodges encourage serious exploration into the mystery of life and the deeper levels of consciousness. The concealed meaning in every life-form, the transcendental purpose of cosmic processes, the justice, love and harmony that underlie everything that happens in the universe and form the basis of evolution — all such aspects of theosophical understanding need to be delved into and grasped in depth as part of our earnest study of Theosophy. When HPB said that Theosophy is not for lazy people, undoubtedly it referred to such deeper understanding and the consequent quality of living, not merely to conceptual, mechanical acquaintance, or even mastery, of the contents of theosophical books. Competence in expounding theosophical ideas intellectually, even if they come from the highest sources, is not a true criterion of progress. Often it only produces the illusion of possessing knowledge and leads to conceit and a sense of superiority over others. What the Upanishad-s called higher knowledge — experiential awareness of the eternal, the real, the sacred — is a gift received by one who is wholly devoted to the quest for truth and therefore never takes it for granted that he knows.

Thirdly, the TS should help to create a strict sense of responsibility for oneself — for one's sorrows, progress and everything else. Quoting from Kiu-te, HPB mentions in an article that for spiritual progress one of the qualifications is 'unswerving faith in the Law of Karma, independent of any power in Nature that could interfere — a law whose course is not to be obstructed by any agency, not to be caused to deviate by prayer or propitiatory exoteric ceremonies.' Ignorance on this crucial matter makes people resort to pseudo-gurus, superstitious religious instructions and belief in labelling oneself with comforting denominations such as Christian, Muslim, or Hindu.

Curiously, even members who should know better lament the fact that large crowds resort to so-called teachers who offer them gratifications, rewards and dependence. The TS would have nothing to lament if it remains true to basic principles, one of them being that justice (another name for the Law of Karma) is of the very stuff of the manifested worlds, and that ultimately virtue alone helps anyone to obtain what is good, spiritually as much as materially. Therefore it has been officially proclaimed that there is no authority in the TS, neither the Masters nor their advanced pupils, whom we may tend to depend on for progress. The only authority that can truly help any person to advance spiritually comes through inner awakening and the sensitivity of an unselfish nature, growing wider and deeper with a feeling of universal compassion.

In presenting these thoughts, I wish to draw attention to the importance of the TS maintaining its intrinsic character, and remaining a focus for radiating higher influences. Ours should not be only a Society for distributing books, organizing lectures or intellectual studies and fraternizing in the ordinary sense of the term, however necessary these may be. The future of the Society will depend not on outer success in these activities, but on re-presenting the values
and truths of the inner world of reality.

*    *    *
Life is constantly passing from the visible to the invisible regions and returning here again and, inevitably, every year some of our valued workers, who have done a stint on the physical plane, pass to higher worlds to rest and recuperate. Among those called away this year was Mrs Gool K. Minwalla, whose dedicated service for the TS, for bettering social conditions, and for Montessori education earned her universal respect. She was a pillar of the Society in Karachi and Pakistan, but also known in several other parts of the world. In New Zealand, Mr J. G. Patterson also held a pre-eminent position as a lecturer, writer and counsellor. He was at various times General Secretary of the New Zealand and Australian Sections, and Resident Head of the Manor Centre. His book The Mysteries of Existence has had wide circulation. Another veteran who passed away was Mr Seymour Ballard, loved and appreciated for his work in the TS in America, in the Puerto Rican Section, in Adyar and in England. He was the Assistant Editor of The Theosophist for several years and later active in the English Section. Dr Hugh Gray was another distinguished member who served as General Secretary of the English Section and at the Adyar headquarters as International Secretary. His career included membership of the British Parliament and teaching in the School of African and Oriental Studies of London University.

At Adyar we miss the presence and participation of Mr K. Visvanathan, member of the International Executive Committee for several decades and also of the General Council in later years. His ability in matters of administration and finance was much valued at the international headquarters. Mr C. S. Raghavan was a Professor of Mathematics who was on the Committee of the Indian Section after retirement, and later worked at Adyar. His deep knowledge of Theosophy, utter devotion and self-effacing nature made him an inspiration to members. The Australian Section lost Mrs Edna Jenks, a wise, energetic, dedicated member, whose abilities extended to many areas.

Despite these losses and the difficulty in finding replacements, work continues. The Indian Section's membership has once again risen, from 13,413 to 13,918. Mr P. K. Jayaswal, who was elected General Secretary last year, mentions that more than one thousand members had to be dropped from the rolls owing to non-payment of annual dues. Everywhere, at the level of Lodges, Federations and the Section headquarters, there is need for efficient workers who are theosophically well versed and ready to give of their time and talents to the cause. This is the condition in other Sections also. In proportion to the total number of members, too few are willing to step out of their own little circle ready to serve where called and fill gaps in the body of the Society.

The Indian Section headquarters attracts to its special functions and lecture programmes many distinguished speakers from the universities and other learned bodies in Varanasi. A department for the propagation of Theosophy, with a wide range of aims, was recently set up. Every year, study camps take place at the headquarters, as well as in other parts of India. Early in November this year about one hundred members attended the week-long study of Annie Besant's In the Outer Court which I conducted. The International Secretary, Miss Mary Anderson, led the studies at Adyar at Easter time on the theme 'Great Religious Teachers'. A team of National Lecturers toured the country and spoke on a variety of theosophical subjects. The General Secretary also visited a number of Lodges.

New initiatives were taken to create a website, improve the Section's magazine and facilitate the presentation of theosophical material with the help of slides in English, Hindi and Telugu, prepared by Prof. K. V. K. Nehru. Books were translated and published in several Federations. The sale of books by the Indian Bookshop has gone up, and through participation in a variety of book fairs a wider public was reached. There is much more to be achieved, of course, not only to take Theosophy out to the world, but also to improve the quality of the work.

The other big Section we have is the TS in America with 5,166 members. While the Indian Section has more than four hundred Lodges, in the US a large proportion of members are unattached, or have contacts only in the virtual world of computer communication. Last July, after Dr John Algeo retired, having done the maximum of three terms, a new National President, Mrs Betty Bland, and other Officers were elected.

These two big Sections are steadily growing, while there is a drop in membership in most of the small Sections. This must be taken as a warning, because a small national membership has less resources and chances of taking the necessary initiative to grow. Before the membership of a Lodge, Section or any other body falls too low, vigorous action must be taken to reverse the trend. Serious consideration about what kind of action is needed must be given by Lodge and Section Committees.

Reverting to the TS in America, the 'National Lodge' members, some of them 'at large' and others attached to Lodges or study groups, have been steadily supplied with study material; for example, courses on the Bhagavadgita and The Key to Theosophy. Such study programmes for those who do not or cannot attend Lodge meetings may be worth having in other countries also.

The policy of publishing Wisdom Tradition Books and of putting more theosophical material in the Section's journal The Quest is being continued. A variety of audio-video material is available for members; national lecturers are travelling to every part of the country, linking the headquarters with members and Lodges, and delivering lectures. At 'Olcott' itself, there are many lectures, seminars and other programmes throughout the year.

In a parting message Dr Algeo highlights the need for volunteer workers, programmes for children and young people, and the development of a coherent and comprehensive curriculum of theosophical study, meditation, service and living. These points are applicable all over the theosophical world: sustained effort needs to be made in every area to inspire and train members to be voluntary workers, and to introduce Theosophy, in a suitable form, to people of different temperaments, ages, levels of education and so on.

In Canada, although the Lodges and Study groups are separated by huge distances, sufficient contacts to create a sense of unity are being maintained. The former Canadian Federation is now officially called the Canadian Theosophical Association and registered as such with the authorities. The Organizing Secretary has done much to ensure that all Lodges have proper Rules in accordance with those of the Canadian Theosophical Association and the International Society. Their magazine The Light Bearer now includes pages in French to cater to the considerable French-speaking population in eastern Canada. A number of pamphlets recently prepared, as well as the website, will be used to disseminate information, and already new members are coming in. They hope to qualify for Section status in the not too distant future.

The General Secretary of the English Section, which continues to lose members, reports that average attendance at public meetings has increased. At the London headquarters, besides lectures, seminars and workshops, regular courses are being given on The Secret Doctrine and other themes. The summer school attracted over one hundred students. Other events took place at weekends in the Tekels Park Estate at Camberley, and also at other places.

The Scottish Convention was held in Perth and initiatives have been taken to form new Lodges. Development has been impeded by the inability of the members to co-operate. The International Society has attempted to bring greater order in their affairs and understanding among members, for which purpose Dr John Algeo and Mrs Ali Ritsema travelled to the country, met the members and offered advice.

Two important events in Europe during the year were the centenary celebrations of the Italian and German Sections, which took place in Assisi in May and in Berlin in July respectively. I was present at both of them and so were a few other guests from outside these countries. The Assisi Convention attracted about 250 participants; and a large historical exhibition showing the growth of the Section in spite of the intervention of war and political uncertainties was much appreciated. The Italian Section has been growing steadily, unlike many others on the European continent. There are 71 Lodges and 1,384 members, out of which 252 are unattached. The General Secretary visited many of the Lodges. As before, several seminars were organized with good attendances. The TOS supported the Eastern European Fund, the Olcott Memorial School at Adyar and the TOS in Pakistan. The German Section's celebration in Berlin had as its theme 'Discovering the Unending'. Here too an exhibition was organized. About one hundred participants, including a few from other countries, made the event truly international. Both these occasions have been reported in detail in The Theosophist.

In Finland, public lectures were presented in many cities; lectures were also given in two Estonian towns. The summer school in Kreivila had Miss Mary Anderson speaking on the great spiritual teachers of humanity. Various other activities took place there, such as sending to members three Newsletters in the year along with an article for individual study. Translation work is going on steadily and attempts are being made to make Theosophy widely known.

Work in Scandinavia is proceeding as usual; in Sweden their summer school was on 'holism', and in the autumn a mini-school was held in Stockholm dealing with the spiritual search in Christianity, Islam and Tibetan Buddhism. In Norway there are only 33 members while in Denmark there are 25. Iceland has a larger membership and has many more activities.

In the Dutch Section The Secret Doctrine and The Divine Plan are being studied as part of a national programme. The summer school took place at the Naarden Centre in July on the theme 'The Dynamics of Wholeness'. Publication work and the sale of books at various fairs and during events in Naarden are regular activities. In Belgium there were serious problems owing to differences over property matters. Peace has been restored as some members of the Board resigned, and normal activities are going on. It is proposed to have a study group in Flemish, as a proportion of the population uses that language, and to revive the Order of Service. Visitors included the International President, Prof. P. Krishna and Prof. Aryel Sanat.

In the French Section regular activities take place in Paris and Marseilles, while Lodges in other towns are active periodically. Apart from their magazine a number of other publications are brought out every year. The Theosophical Order of Service is very active. The report from Spain says that there are 322 active members, and their summer school was attended by 190 members and non-members. The General Secretary visited several Lodges. In Portugal routine work seems to go on. The brief report received is not from the General Secretary. In Greece, we are told, they made progress in reprinting The Key to Theosophy. Lectures and discussions on theosophical themes are going on steadily.

Austria, Slovenia and Hungary all have small numbers of members. In Slovenia they concentrated their studies on the constitution of man and preparation for yoga. Several members from Slovenia attended the Italian Section's centenary celebration and the School of the Wisdom held in Naarden. They are trying to collect archival material going back to 1920, when Theosophy was introduced into the country. The yearly gathering in Austria was devoted to the teachings in the Mahatma Letters. Members and sympathizers met during the year in three Hungarian towns. Only one study group is active, discussing theosophical subjects. Attempts are being made to organize a monthly public lecture in Budapest.

The Presidential Representative in Russia reports that their study groups work seriously on such books as the Bhagavadgita and At the Feet of the Master. A summer school with twenty-five participants took place in July in the Ural mountains on the theme 'Creating Character'. Vegetarian meals were served. In Moscow a three-day seminar was held in September, and in August Miss Mary Anderson visited the Ukraine and conducted two seminars and gave several lectures. Some members from Russia and the Ukraine took part in the School of the Wisdom at Naarden.

The Convention of the Southern African Section was held in the countryside, with the aim of strengthening mutual relationship instead of listening to lectures. It is reported to have been a success. The membership has risen from 287 to 324. Their TOS undertook such tasks as counselling, making donations to worthy organizations, peace prayers and the rehabilitation of young drug addicts. The General Secretary and his wife visited some Lodges and met many members, while the Assistant General Secretary was able to meet the officers of the West African Section during a visit to Ghana.

In West Africa they conducted a course for workers on 'Death and After' in their School of the Wisdom. A weekend seminar at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi on the subject of Theosophy had a good attendance. There has been a decline in the number of members because of lapses due to inability to pay, but the annual dues were increased all the same, and a beginning was made to create an investment fund with contributions mainly from four members. A first floor is being constructed over the present headquarters building in Accra, Ghana. Theosophical books have been selling well. The General Secretary visited some Lodges and reports that they have advertised in a widely-circulated newspaper how Theosophy can help us to be more responsible for our thoughts, words and deeds, be more content at a deep level, and maintain the nobility of character appropriate for human beings.

In Togo, the Organizing Secretary visited the Lodges and spoke to members. The economy is in a poor state, and only half the number of members pay dues. One of them broadcast programmes for six months on a private radio, propagating vegetarianism and speaking on karma and reincarnation as well as giving readings from At the Feet of the Master. They are negotiating terms for continuing these broadcasts. The Ivory Coast is in turmoil, the economy is breaking down and the TS is in a crisis.

In Mexico five seminars were organized to coincide with the National Council's meetings, clarifying different points for the Council Members and Lodge Presidents. Two series of lectures were arranged at the national headquarters. The annual conference of the members in the Caribbean area took place in Merida, Yucatan, in October, with good participation. There was also a business meeting of the Inter-American Federation in Merida, when Mrs Terezinha Franca Kind was elected President of the Federation in the place of Mr Alfredo Puig. All the year round at Bogota, Colombia, there were lectures and courses, especially a meditation course based on books by theosophists. Twice a year they publish selections of theosophical articles from various magazines. Activities were channelled along four lines, namely education, training, environment and finance. In neither of these reports have we received information of what goes on outside the capital city.

The three Lodges in Costa Rica are also concentrated in the capital. The year 2002 was declared a year of renovation and integration among the members and Lodges. Several courses were given and study programmes conducted. A small number of members in Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador are holding the fort of the Regional Association in Central America. In Puerto Rico they had a basic course in Theosophy and a series of lectures by Mr Fernando de Torrijos from the USA.

The Cuban Section is trying to make self-transformation the core of its programmes. It is reported that an increasing number of young people are attending a basic course in Theosophy. The annual convention was on the theme 'The Essential Work of the TS'. Two study groups are at work on the teachings of Krishnamurti and of The Secret Doctrine. A summer workshop on J. Krishnamurti and the theosophical teaching was a notable success. The General Secretary of the Mexican Section and two other visitors provided much stimulation.

The Brazilian Section continues its broadcasts through three different television channels. One of them is the national channel, which reaches sixty million people, and the viewers of the theosophical programme are estimated to be nine hundred thousand. The publication of books in Portuguese is also an important activity. Owing to the difficult economic condition, there is a slight decrease of membership in this, the largest Section in Latin America.

Young members are taking responsibility for work in Argentina. They had their annual camp in silence, with young people from different cities participating. Summer and winter schools were held in the theosophical centre in San Raphael to discuss theosophy and the work of the TS, and to understand the implications of aspiring for discipleship. Emphasis on silence, pondering and study, alternating with talks and discussions, is being adopted as a means to deeper assimilation. Participants at gatherings have also shared the work of cleaning and cooking. The General Secretary and his Assistant visited many Lodges and study groups. As in other South American countries, economic problems made it difficult for members to pay dues, but this was made up by donations from others.

Resulting from visits by Mrs Terezinha Kind, activity has been started in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay. For the time being, Paraguayan members are attached to the TS in Bolivia, where study and training sessions, public lectures and youth activities, including yoga and nutrition programmes oriented to vegetarianism, were organized. The great event of the year was the purchase of a building for the TS with the help of the International Society. In Peru, the study group called Verdad has applied to be chartered as a Lodge, thus bringing the number of Lodges up to two. Selected articles, including the Watch-Tower Notes from The Theosophist, are translated into Spanish and given free to members. The TOS distributed suitable presents to children and books to prisoners. In Chile the four Lodges studied theosophical writings and organized public lectures and panel discussions in Santiago. Much publicity was done through advertisements, the web-page, and so on, in spite of which the number of members decreased slightly. In Uruguay also work continues to be concentrated in the capital city. The Lodges go on with their normal work, but no new members have joined.

Monthly public lectures in Karachi are said to have made an impact and brought the TS increasingly to the attention of citizens. The important theosophical days were commemorated and members' meetings and study took place. The Karachi Theosophist is distributed free of charge to members and other interested persons. The Lodge in Hyderabad (Sind) is being revived. In Sri Lanka projects are at a standstill, but we hope for improvement.

After a long time a new Lodge is being chartered in central Java. The Jakarta, Semarang and Sala Lodges welcomed a gift of books from the Netherlands, after the visit of Mrs Ali Ritsema last year, as most of the senior members are fluent in Dutch and not in English. Mr Pedro Oliveira visited Indonesia and spoke at the annual convention held in Sala in April, and lectured in Jakarta as well. Mr Matius Ali of Kreshna Lodge in Jakarta received a scholarship to attend the School of Theosophy in Springbrook, Australia. Two Indonesian members participated in the retreat on 'Self-transformation and Development' organized by the Singapore Lodge in Batam Island across the Singapore strait. A veteran member, Mr Soemardi, passed away; he had been a serious student of Theosophy and member of the TS for seventy years.

The Presidential Representative for South-East Asia laments the inability to communicate with the recently established four Lodges in Bangladesh. Singapore Lodge is the biggest in this area, with more than 200 members. It has been growing largely because of the untiring work of Mr and Mrs Chong Sanne, who present a varied and interesting programme of studies, lectures and discussions, supported by a News Bulletin. Two stalwarts of the Lodge, Mr Kwee Sim Kjiang and Mrs Rose Weerekoon, passed away recently. In Australia the first of two national workshops was held in June to explore the work in the country. The Section has 1,350 members spread over a huge area. The General Secretary, Mrs Linda Oliveira, and Mr Pedro Oliveira, Education Coordinator, spoke at many places, supported by other lecturers. Programmes were held in the several theosophical centres and more than one overseas lecturer toured the country. In her report the General Secretary says: 'Every small piece of worthwhile work we do for the TS in Australia contributes to the vibrancy of the greater whole (the International Society with its spiritual heart at Adyar) and the strength of our worldwide work.' If such a realization were to pervade all the units of the TS worldwide, our nucleus of universal brotherhood would be very strong; unfortunately, the global perspective is often overshadowed by immediate, local concerns.

Miss Diane Kynaston and Dr Anthony Pisano were guest lecturers in New Zealand. Dr Pisano discussed with members and the public the implications of genetic engineering in relation to the holistic world view. The General Secretary reports that during the year they focused mainly on the governance of the National Section. The membership is down to 1,036. Two new Lodges were chartered in the Philippines. The General Secretary conducted self-transformation seminars throughout the country, addressing government agencies, educational institutions, religious groups, private companies, the general public and others. It has been adopted as a course by some educational institutions. The TOS opened the 'Golden Link' school in Caloocan city.

It is doubtful whether the Lodge in Korea will sustain itself. In Israel, Covenant Lodge has gone on with members' meetings to discuss theosophical subjects, and also public programmes in a rented hall. They continue to spend a day every month in a natural environment for study and meditation. Miss Mary Anderson, International Secretary, conducted a weekend seminar on living Theosophy and gave several lectures.

I toured Europe last summer visiting eight countries. After a series of lectures in Brussels, I spoke at several places in Italy both to members and to the public. At the Naarden Centre there were two week-long sessions of the School of the Wisdom, the first on Self-knowledge and the second on the Bhagavadgita, with talks by me, followed by discussions and questions and answers. I also lectured at the French Section's convention and the Dutch summer school, making a brief visit in between to Estonia, where the lectures at the summer school attracted many people. In India, at the invitation of the Madras Federation, the Pune Lodge, Adyar Lodge, Delhi Federation, Marathi and Karnataka Federations, I directed study programmes or spoke at conferences. At the Indian Section headquarters, a week-long session on Annie Besant's In the Outer Court attracted members from several Federations.

The Vice-President, Dr John Algeo, was still engaged with the work of the American Section during much of the year, and with moving back from 'Olcott' to Georgia. Later, he and Mrs Algeo were in Toronto, Canada, for their conference, and in England, where he gave several lectures. We have been very happy to have them both at Adyar since early December.

Miss Mary Anderson toured Europe, beginning with Dublin and Belfast in Ireland, and proceeding to Tel-Aviv in Israel, then Finland, Slovenia, Croatia, and Cervignano in Italy. In Slovenia she lectured at four different places and spoke twice in Zagreb, Croatia. She also spoke at the centenary celebration in Germany and then visited Munich, Hamburg and Dusseldorf in Germany. For the second time, she travelled to Eastern Europe, giving seminars and lectures in Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk in the Ukraine. In India, she was able to speak only at the Utkal Federation Conference and at Adyar.

Among other lecturers who travelled internationally were Mr Pedro Oliveira, who lectured in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, which are part of the Indo-Pacific Federation of which he is the President. Miss Tran-Thi-Kim-Dieu, Chairman of the European Federation, travelled within Europe and in French-speaking Canada, and gave a course at the Krotona School of Theosophy. Professor Aryel Sanat lectured at some places in Europe, before directing the School of the Wisdom in Adyar.

There have been changes in the team of officers of the TS. Dr John Algeo was elected Vice-President of the Society from 1 January of this year. Miss Mary Anderson was appointed International Secretary from 21 January in place of Mrs Dolores Gago, who has been busy with the work of the School of the Wisdom. Mr Jan Kind, who was Officer-in-Charge of the Archives, relinquished his work for personal reasons, and a suitable archivist is now needed for directing the department's work, including the collection of new material, repair and restoration of fragile documents, cataloguing, computerizing and providing information to enquirers.

The Adyar Library was happy to welcome back Dr S. Sankaranarayanan, who returned to the Library when his health improved. The Director, Dr K. K. Raja, received an award from the Sanskrit Academy in Chennai. Publication work as well as services continue as usual. Among the new publications are: A Descriptive Catalogue of MSS on Astronomy and Mathematics by Dr K. V. Sharma; an English translation of the Vaishnava Upanishad-s by Professor A. A. Ramanathan; and an introduction to the Chandogyopanishad by Dr S. Sankaranarayanan. As usual, many scholars and other visitors from India and abroad came to this famous institution.

The Theosophical Publishing House has been doing very well. Recently, a pharmaceutical company in Gujarat ordered about 2,000 copies of the Bhagavadgita text with Annie Besant's English translation, and other companies have also ordered considerable numbers of it through booksellers. After many years, the TS in England ordered a large quantity of Adyar Library books, back issues of the Library Journal and Adyar incense. The TS in America is always our best customer. TPH has appointed distributors in New Zealand and Singapore to cover South-East Asia. For the first time, enquiries have been received from Eastern Europe and Africa. All of our magazines are steadily gaining popularity and members can do much to increase circulation by introducing them to friends, relatives, libraries and institutions. The TPH participated in a number of book fairs.

New publications included The Science of Self-realization by Mr N. S. Marathey, an Indian member who was very well versed in Theosophy and Indian thought; The Human Journey by Miss Joy Mills; Consciousness: Its Nature and Action by N. Sri Ram, published long ago by the TS in England; an Indian edition of Whispers from the Other Shore by Dr Ravi Ravindra; and An Introduction to 'Occult Chemistry' by Dr M. Srinivasan. Among recent publications of books long out of print were Avatara-s by Annie Besant, and The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori. Fifteen other titles were reprinted during the year.

Professor Ravi Ravindra directed the School of the Wisdom once again from 7 January to 14 February on the theme 'J. Krishnamurti in the Light of Indian Philosophy'. There were students from Australia, Brazil, England, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland and the USA and, of course, from India. The students were helped to become familiar with the TS at Adyar and took part in the study of the Three Objects in the afternoons, coordinated by the School Secretary, Mrs Dolores Gago. The second session of the School on 'J. Krishnamurti in Theosophical History' was directed by Professor Aryel Sanat from 7 October to 29 November. There were eleven students from abroad and sixteen from India, with staff members and others participating in the morning sessions. The Director outlined how self-transformation has been at the heart of theosophical teachings from HPB to Krishnamurti. Afternoon sessions conducted by Mrs Gago were on 'Kriya Yoga and the Constitution of Man'.

The Olcott Memorial School and HPB Hostel are running well. A special programme has been started at our Vocational Training Centre, which is ably supervised by Mrs Lakshmi Narasimhan, under the auspices of the National Institute of Fashion Technology. Young women are being trained in our centre to tailor dresses in accordance with designs given by the Institute, using textiles recommended by them. This will teach them special skills and enable them to find profitable employment. The normal training in tailoring by our centre has also been very popular and there are many applications to join the courses. The Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary is almost self-supporting because of donations. Equipment is being purchased for an operation theatre. At the Scout Camping Centre more than 3,000 children, most of them scouts, had a good time in the beautiful environment of Adyar. The camping activities greatly benefit the boys and girls who normally live and learn in congested urban surroundings.

The programme of providing additional accommodation for Convention delegates to make their stay more convenient is almost completed. The wood of many trees that died because of water shortage has been utilized to make bedside tables, writing desks, and other necessary pieces of furniture. A lift has been installed in Leadbeater Chambers. The columns have been constructed for a new high-level water tank to replace the eighty-year-old steel tank after it was declared unsafe by experts. Work has progressed on various buildings needing renovation and replacement of electric wiring. There is a special programme to renovate Heritage Buildings, such as Olcott Bungalow, which are deteriorating. Substantial expenditure will have to be incurred to put them in good condition, especially the headquarters building.

It is essential for all of us to keep in mind that our activities — conferences, study classes, gatherings of every kind — are all ultimately intended only to teach us to live and to see through the veil of maya the hidden purposes of the universe. A life of universal brotherhood reflecting our deepening sense of oneness must gradually become our permanent state of consciousness. Quoting the Lord Buddha, who said, 'Hatred ceases not by hatred at any time', Annie Besant gave the following inspiring advice:

This teaches us that there are no circumstances which provide an excuse for acting otherwise than in complete brotherliness or, even better, in a wholly loving way. Without love, all action remains futile and the TS, as an instrument for the spiritual regeneration of humanity, must be a living association of people who constantly shed their
grievances and reactions, and are ready to practise unconditional love.