Of Theosophy and Telugu Federation

I Satya Sundaram

The Centenary Celebrations of the Telugu Federation, Theosophical Society, were arranged on 21st, 22nd, & 23rd March, 2021 at Jetty Grand Hotel, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Federation President was Mr K S Ramachandra Rao, the Secretary was Mr G Subrahmanyam. The theme of the Conference was "Transformation from Fragmentation to Wholesomeness".

In these days of evanescent values and moral turpitude, theosophy alone can provide a conduit to transformation of a parched society. The task is not easy because of the insouciant attitude of the public towards theosophy or divine wisdom.

A theosophist has to maintain a learning mind, and a helping mind. Given the vicissitudes of life, a stoic attitude to life is necessary. Swami Vivekananda had said that there is a solution to every problem. Theosophy shows the right path to the beleaguered humanity. However, no member can impose his or her teachings or opinions on other members. But demagogues lack prescience and pragmatism. There is leadership crisis. The deleterious dimensions of a fragmented mind are discernible. Hence, theosophy strongly believes in Universal Religion and Universal Brotherhood.

The sagging status of Indian society can be attributed to evils like aggrandisement, arrogance, anger, prejudices, violence against women and politics sans principles. Man's avaricious proclivities have created not a few formidable problems like climate change and COVID-19.The disintegration of the institution of family is a disaster.

Delivering the Inaugural Address, Mr. Mandali Buddha Prasad, Ex-Dy Speaker, Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Assembly, has observed that education alone can transform man. He regretted that children today concentrate on things that are banal, thus wasting precious time.

Mr N C Krishna (National Lecturer, Indian Section) of Hyderabad, spoke on "The Way to Wholisticity". Man has to share with others all the good qualities of human beings. Compassion is the key to enlightenment. Man's deportment is also dominated by prejudices and negative thinking. Theosophy promotes clarity, simplicity, austerity and diversity. Man has to eschew selfishness. The ultimate aim of human life should be Sarvodaya—welfare of all. Fixed notions should be replaced by flexible thoughts.

Mrs M Lakshmi (Federation Lecturer) of Visakhapatnam gave a lecture on "Fragmented Mind-Global Mind". She observed that for those who are broadminded, the entire world is a family. She said the fragmented mind is a product of selfishness. Mr. S. Rangaiah Chetty, Advocate, Bellary, delivered a Lecture on "Reach of Human being to Oneness". He observed that man has to move from material wants to non-material world and from diversity to unity.

Mr A I Basava Raj Reddy (Former President of Rayalaseema Federation) of Bellary, delivered a Lecture on "Pure Love Embraces Wholesomeness." The interests of the body are different from those of the mind. Dr P Ramakrishna of Jiddu Krishnamurty Study Centre of Visakhapatnam spoke on "Loneliness and Aloneness". He has said that technology is no doubt important, but it has to be handled properly. Otherwise, it may create problems like conspicuous consumption and wasting time on things that are irrelevant.

Mr N Durga Prasad (Federation Lecturer) of Vijayawada spoke on "Understanding". He said fragmented ideas and incomplete knowledge do not contribute to understanding of a phenomenon. A person's will power can accomplish great things.

Mr S Venkateswara Rao (Federation Lecturer) of Machilipatnam delivered a Lecture on "Fragmentation of Thoughts has to transform for Wholesomeness". He declared that a fragmented thought/mind is a threat to the individual and to the society at large.

Collection of rare information/photos is an uphill task. Telugu Federation has done a commendable job by publishing a valuable souvenir. It contains rare information about the history of Telugu Federation, the valuable services rendered by scholars to theosophy in this region. It also contains essays on founders and other leaders of theosophical society, and the history of Telugu Monthly, Divyajnana Deepika.

E-mail: satyasundaram@yahoo.com]

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Vol. 53, No. 43, Apr 25 - May 1, 2021