The Society

INTRODUCTION 

Your editor loves books, real books;  books you need to hold in both your hands and open, books in which you can make notes, books of which you can actually “smell” the pages. Yes,  I am old fashioned, and I am quite happy to be like that, a book is a book, and any electronic, handheld device, tablet  or advanced computer even cannot in any way compete with books….. “The Real Thing.” 

Interior of the Olcott Memorial Library

There are many precious Theosophical libraries all around the world. Think of the Olcott Memorial Library in Wheaton, Illinois, at the headquarters of the TS in America, the Krotona Library, in  Ojai, California, the Campbell Theosophical Research Library in Sydney, Australia or the Adyar Library and Research Centre (ALRC), at the International Headquarters in Chennai, India.

The Krotona Library and reading room

This may come as a surprise to you, but the one in Amsterdam, the  Netherlands, founded in 1899 , is certainly one of the oldest , largest and most probably the finest esoteric library in Western Europe. Paying it a visit is a breathtaking experience, so, if you are in the vicinity of the Tolstraat 154 in Amsterdam, make an effort to go there. For those who are interested in visiting this Library click HERE 

Part of the Theosophical Library in Amsterdam.: the well utilized administrative section and the theosophical bookstore function here

Saskia  Campert, her husband Maurits and members of the ever-active theosophical Centre in the beautiful Dutch province of Zeeland made that effort. Saskia was kind enough to write her account of their visit below.  (Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil)

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 Program for Saturday November 15

Engaging universal trusteeship for future generations

The Banyan Tree Opening - The Theosophical Movement’s Interconnected Roots and Shoots

The Banyan Tree

“The Banyan tree, with its sprawling branches and intricate network of aerial roots, holds a revered spot in the heart of various cultures across the world. Known for its majestic presence and longevity, the Banyan tree is often seen as a symbol of life, growth, and rebirth. Different cultures have interwoven their stories and beliefs around this remarkable tree, connecting it to the cycles of life and the concept of regeneration.”

– Mythology Worldwide

Go to the store by following this link: https://thebanyantreebookstore.com

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1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

John Algeo, from the U.S.A. I joined the T.S. at the age of 17 in 1947.

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1.     What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Eugene Jennings, and I am currently residing in the Pennsylvania area. I have been affiliated with the New York City ULT since the mid 1970’s until 1988. Thereafter I relocated to the California area and affiliated with the Los Angeles ULT until 1999. From 1999 to current I have reconnected with the New York City ULT.

[note from the editor: Jon, a formidable friend and deep student sadly passed away, much too early, in July 2023]

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My label and my story? My name is Jon Knebel and I currently live in the western suburbs of Chicago. I have been a member of the TSA for maybe fifteen years.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is John Kern. My father became a member of TSA in the 1920s; I joined on my return from WW II `in 1946. My wife and I live in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Betty Bland

1.    What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Betty Bland; I have been a member for over 41 years and have recently completed a nine year term as national president of the Theosophical Society in America.  For retirement my husband David and I relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where we are settling in, working on house and yard.

Compiled by Jan Nicolaas Kind  

Photos (TF) by Michiel Haas

A memorable event took place at the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden, the Netherlands. This magnificent and without a doubt “sacred” centre celebrated its centennial between August 22 and 24, while during that same weekend, it was commemorated that the founding of the TS took place in New York 150 years ago.

In the September issue of Centre News, the e-Magazine of the ITC, you’ll find a nice write-up about 100 years ITC.

To read all about the “centennial” celebrations, click on the image below

Barbara Hebert -- USA 

What a wonderful shot, Barbara and her "most recent"  grandchild Jackson 

Thank you for allowing me to share a personal reflection regarding he 12^th World Congress of the Theosophical Society held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in July 2025. The World Congress also celebrated the 150^th anniversary of the Theosophical Society and the 100^th anniversary of the Canadian Association. With almost 400 attendees from across the world, the Congress allowed us to visit with old friends, to meet new friends who quickly felt like old friends, and to contemplate the thoughts and ideas shared with us by fabulous speakers. We were able to come face to face with others that we had only seen and known online in various classes and programs. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together in a beautiful setting while celebrating the longevity of our organization, an organization which has had a significant impact on the world.

Maintaining Fidelity to the Founders' Vision: there is always a risk of diluting core teachings. I believe the core teachings should always be the foundation, the corner-stone of all TS efforts; that the Society should never lose sight of them. 

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Peggy Anne Heubel.  I was born in Oakland, California, USA, and raised in the Raleigh County, West Virginia, USA. I have been a member of the TS since 1976.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS? 

Andrew Barker, from Seattle, Washington, and I have been a member of the TSA since at least 1983.