Theosophy and the Society in the Public Eye

Catherine Wathen – USA

The nineteenth century, everybody knows, was an age when faith was lost and scientific skepticism came to the fore. It was, after all, the age of Darwin, the saint of faithless skeptics. Yet, what “everybody knows” has been challenged in a recent book by Timothy Larsen: Crisis of Doubt: Honest Faith in Nineteenth-Century England (Oxford University Press, 2006). In this book, Larsen argues that the view of the century of Darwin as a time when faith was on the wane is wrong, or at least incomplete. He cites examples of skeptics who rediscovered faith in traditional religion and maintains that they represent a “crisis of doubt” in the secular values of skepticism.

In autumn there is a special light in the forest - the sun is still strong and many rays of light find their way through the treetops. But at the same time the shadows become darker, deeper and announce the dark winter season.

This seems to be especially the case in the Black Forest, where I came across this light-filled clearing on a hike about 1 hour before sunset …

ENLARGE all photos (full screen) by clicking on the small magnifier at the bottom of the right corner.

Joma, a fine and genuine artist

I share with my friends on Theosophy Forward the panels that I created for a series of artworks I did this year related to Christ Symbolism and how the Christ Energy appears to me as Light, which results in drawing what I can perceive with my inner vision. This first one is called CHRISTUS NOMEN SACRUM (The Sacred Name of Christ). It is a large panel: 100x50cm visible size and a golden frame:140x80cm, all done with golden-based ink pens and crystals. I had no concrete idea in mind, and simply concentrated on the Christ Energy, letting the drawing flow naturally, and when I had nothing more to draw, it meant that the piece was completed. I share both the original and illuminated versions.

David M. Grossman – USA

Footsteps ... on the Path? 

Thou canst not travel on the Path before thou hast become that Path itself - The Voice of the Silence

David is a dear friend who regularly contributes to Theosophy Forward with fine photo series, but also with excellent articles. Here is an overview of eight of them, especially written for TF. Click on the titles to go directly to the articles.

Our Unity - Some Reflections On Unity - Theosophy and the Arts, Texts and Contexts of Modern Enchantment - A Few Thoughts: Ideas, Action and Influences - Prometheus — Reclaiming the Fire - The Three Propositions - Living In Kali Yuga - A Case for Mythology - A Meditation on Mindfulness

Richard Dvořák – Germany   

Richard in action

We are all familiar with these special or sacred places, where one feels – well – “at home”, might be the best description, though we all might find different words to describe them.

The three photos were taken at such an amazing place, in the southwestern part of Germany. There is a group of very old European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) trees which form a ring around the top of a mountain peak called Häusleberg. It is approximately 1001 meters (3284ft) above sea level.

The circle of trees opens to the northwest and offers a dazzling view of a large valley from Kirchzarten to Freiburg. Sitting here at sunset gives one a sense of being protected by these magnificent trees, these ancient beings. I have always wondered: “how many people have they seen, how many scenes they must have observed over time? Human life seems so transitory in comparison.”

David M. Grossman – USA 

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David says: 

When I think of parks I think of refuge, a kind of respite in cities from cement, cars, businesses, buildings, noise  the rush of civilization. Parks are the lungs of a city. Grass, trees and plants, paths and birds, dogs chasing squirrels and oh yes people all kinds of people.

Public parks are democratic institutions where people from various walks of life, economic situations, races, religions and everything else share the same space, most often in a relaxed and pleasant way.

Politicians should have to spend at least one year in a park before taking office.    

The following photos were taken with the consent of the subjects, either directly or by a kind of silent agreement, an awareness they were being photographed. Some of the people I already knew, others meeting for the first time.

All are better off for spending time in a park.

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David M. Grossman meets Emelia, chapter two

Thew other day while walking through a sunlit New York park with my daughter, I noticed a small bent over person coming our way. I knew almost immediately that it had to be Emilia. It has been well over a year since I first met her.   I called to her, she instantly responded with the same warmth and radiance I remember, although she didn’t recall me at first.