Another very good book is coming your way. It is a wondrous tale for all who care for and are spiritually connected with the beautiful ADYAR CAMPUS in Chennai-India, entitled 11 Years of changes at the Adyar Campus 2015-2025, written by Michiel Haas. The book is currently in production, and it will be released later this year. In Theosophy Forward’s Reading Room you will receive updates regarding price and publication date, so stay tuned!
Some books are about the content. This is about the vision, the love, the devotion, and the journey. It is about collaboration, and clarity regarding what can be done and at times, what must be postponed. It is about friendship, it is about restoring a vehicle and body for Theosophical gatherings, sharing’s and service. In the words of Michiel Haas, “our tale was originally to be told to the participants of the 2025-2026 International Convention in the Adyar theatre. Helma and I were going to be present there, and she was very much looking forward to this occasion … in spite of our careful planning and preparations it wasn’t to be. Close to our departure date, Helma suffered a severe brain hemorrhage and shortly after she sadly passed away”. Thence, from a planned presentation, this journey of love and work was transformed into a book highlighting the journey for all to share in themselves. It allows one to share in the sense of the words of Helma and Michiel, and we believe Tim as well, when these efforts can be referred to as “A bond with the Master’s home”.
This work gives a brief insight into the 11-year restorative effort and transformational journey involving the peoples, events, and history, working on the grounds of the Adyarian Campus from 2015 through 2025. A campus having its origins in the early history of the Theosophical Society and continuing on to the present. And because of the vision and hope of initially three persons, being enabled to continue on into the future as a vehicle for Universal Brotherhood and Sisterhood as well as for the keeping alive of the teachings of Theosophy. Those three are Tim Boyd, Helma Kuit, who sadly passed before the initial phases were completed, and her husband Michiel Haas.
It begins with their meeting and sharing of a vision, hope, determination and love, supporting the living dream behind the purpose and reason for the Adyar Theosophical Campus of learning, and in some ways of spiritual initiation.
The book takes us through the wins and losses, the happiness along with the struggles endured during the efforts and work of restoration. One example which stands out is the early joy in the construction of the theatre tent roof, which took just about a year to complete, only to have nature destroy it in short time through heavy rains and strong winds in June of 2016. Yet this did not stop its reconstruction and rebirth again but only helped make a better one that might sustain even greater winds and forces of nature.
We continually are given an inside perspective on the planning, the joining of diverse forces through different people, views, companies and approaches, all of which centered around the restoration and improvement of the Adyar Campus.
We are given a view concerning the renovations of the Blavatsky Bungalow, Leadbeater’s chambers, and the relocation process of the Headquarters’ Archives. Along the way we are constantly reminded of nature’s voice, presence, and need for careful attention in regard to the ability to work according to her demands. This is reflected in the need to be mindful of the humid climate and its impact upon the materials needed to design both structure and infrastructure.
In reconstruction and relocation, we are able to share in some of the unexpected discoveries of unsuspected artwork found on the campus as well as other items of beauty.
We are able to share in the development and birth of new projects such as the Adyar Theosophical Academy, the Art Conservation Project, as well as the revitalization of the plant nursery, and the establishment of a regional animal hospital.
We could go on, but we’d rather you experience this book for yourselves. The pictures of the changes before and after, the views of the campus, its wildlife and greenery, along with the anecdotal stories shared, will definitely bring light to the reader’s heart. Instead of hearing it at a conference you can keep it on your bookshelf as part of the history of the Adyar Campus. It will help one further believe in the good that can come from a dream, a vision, love, devotion and determination. Hopefully you will also quietly sense the invisible hands behind the scenes that are always waiting to help efforts for the movement.
This edition of Notable Books was compiled by Eugene Jennings.
