Krotona School of Theosophy, Ojai CA
Winter 2009
Nurturing the Soul in the Contemporary World
Patron tickets include admission to all events of the term except the programs in Spanish: Winter, $300 (if purchased separately $340); Winter and Spring combined, $450 (if purchased separately by program, $575; by term, $500).
Priority registration for accommodations will be given those students registering for two or more weeks. Priority registration for Winter program ends December 15.
To order audio-recordings of these programs please contact the School 805 646-1139 or shelly@krotonaschool,org
Ed Tick
Weekend Intensive Workshop
Dream Healing: Restoring the Soul of Medicine
Jan 16 - 18
Fri 7:30 - 9, Sat 10 - noon, 2 - 4, Sun 10 - noon
For two millennia the ancient Greek tradition of Asklepian dream healing has been elucidating healing principles and practices that became the roots of the western medical and psychological traditions. Asklepios, the god of healing, and the early physicians, Hippocrates and Galen, were the foundational figures of the healing tradition in the West that gave us the original soul-based psychotherapy. Through lecture, discussion, experiential exercises, and dream work, participants will explore these foundational mythic and historical figures. Their contemporary application will be shown in the mythic, spiritual, and naturopathic origins of medicine and psychotherapy, the ancient shamanic and psycho-medical uses of dreams for healing, and the principles and practices contained in these roots.
Series $35, Single session $10
Edward Tick, PhD, holistic psychotherapist and transformational healer, specializes in using psycho-spiritual, cross-cultural, and international reconciliation practices to bring healing to veterans, seekers, communities and nations. As Founding Director of Soldier’s Heart: Veterans’ Safe Return Programs, Dr Tick leads international educational, healing, and reconciliation journeys to Greece and Viet Nam. He has authored almost 100 articles in psychology, holistic health, mythology, spirituality, literature, philosophy, culture, and travel, and four books, including War and the Soul, 2005 winner of ForeWord Magazine’s Best Psychology Book award. Dr Tick is on the faculty of Wisdom University and Sage College.
Ed Tick
Two-Week Workshop
War and the Soul
Jan 20 - 30
Tues - Fri 10 - noon
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with its multitude of disabling symptoms, affects astronomical numbers of individuals, especially veterans of past and current wars. We will use a spiritual approach to understanding and healing PTSD, examining the inner world of combat and its universal dimensions as revealed through world history, mythology, archetypal psychology, and cross-cultural perspectives. Exploring PTSD as a massive soul wound, we will discuss psycho-spiritual interventions that restore wounded dimensions of soul. Together we can understand the spirituality inherent in war and how to use that spirituality to heal our veterans and our society. Series $65, Week $35, Single session $10
Edward Tick, PhD, holistic psychotherapist and transformational healer, specializes in using psycho-spiritual, cross-cultural, and international reconciliation practices to bring healing to veterans, seekers, communities and nations. As Founding Director of Soldier’s Heart: Veterans’ Safe Return Programs, Dr Tick leads international educational, healing, and reconciliation journeys to Greece and Viet Nam. He has authored almost 100 articles in psychology, holistic health, mythology, spirituality, literature, philosophy, culture, and travel, and four books, including War and the Soul, 2005 winner of ForeWord Magazine’s Best Psychology Book award. Dr Tick is on the faculty of Wisdom University and Sage College.
Gabriele Uhlein
Weekend Program
Hosting the Holy: The Art of Sacred Conversation
Jan 30 - Feb 1
Fri 7:30 - 9, Sat 10 - noon, 2 - 4, Sun 10 – noon
“In the beginning was the Word” opens the gospel of St John. Come explore with us the power of language, the energetics of conversation, and the transformative spirit alive in words spoken aloud in a circle of intention and blessing. Using contemporary research from both psychology and spirituality, this workshop is an opportunity to hone the skills of sacred conversation: to deepen and refine our life by listening with the heart, by breathing with the spirit, and by practicing a soul-speech that promotes peace and cultivates disarming hospitality. The intimate connection between divine conversation and prayer also will be explored. Come prepared to practice soul-conversation and to be delighted by grace. Series $35, Single session $10
Gabriele Uhlein, OSF, PhD, Franciscan sister, theologian and artist, is an evocative presenter. Internationally known for her refreshingly practical perspectives in the Franciscan family, she is dedicated to recovering and celebrating the spiritual legacy of St Francis and St Clare in a contemporary context. Sr Gabriele has served both as a province councilor and Formation Director in her own international Franciscan congregation. Her latest project is the development of a spiritual ministries collaboration that integrates interior deepening, holistic healing modalities, and the creative arts. Sr Gabriele also is an avid gardener. Most early summer mornings, you’ll find her in the garden, praying with no less than a watering can or a trowel in hand.
Gabriele Uhlein
Four-Morning series
Glory Be! Discovering Christianity’s Sturdy Mystical Roots
Feb 3 - 6
Tues - Fri 10 - noon
Come find food for your soul through the rich heritage of the mystical prayer in the Christian tradition. With colorful and inspiring examples from the lives of the saints, the purpose of living a mystical life will be examined, not so much for “heaven’s sake”, but for the sake of living soul-full lives that are holy and whole, here and now. Using Christianity’s mystical roots as a starting point, and concluding with an invitation to integrate contemplative soul-work into everyday life, we will explore the meaning of the holy in a fragmented and often chaotic world. Come prepared to be amazed at the Christian mystical lineage, and to see prayer and spiritual practice in a wholly new (old) way! Series $35, Single session $10
Gabriele Uhlein, OSF, PhD, Franciscan sister, theologian and artist, is an evocative presenter. Internationally known for her refreshingly practical perspectives in the Franciscan family, she is dedicated to recovering and celebrating the spiritual legacy of St Francis and St Clare in a contemporary context. Sr Gabriele has served both as a province councilor and Formation Director in her own international Franciscan congregation. Her latest project is the development of a spiritual ministries collaboration that integrates interior deepening, holistic healing modalities, and the creative arts. Sr Gabriele also is an avid gardener. Most early summer mornings, you’ll find her in the garden, praying with no less than a watering can or a trowel in hand.
Heng Sure
Weekend Program
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Minds: Buddhist Song and Story
Feb 6 - 8
Fri 7:30 - 9, Sat 10 - noon, 2 - 4, Sun 10 - noon
The 2550 year-old teachings of the Buddha arrived in the West and history is repeating itself; wherever Buddhism has touched a new culture, continent, language, or generation, the Buddha's Dharma-teachings have transformed the new culture and also have been transformed by it. Here in the West will psychology make the biggest impact on the creation of American Buddhism? Or our bone-deep sense of rugged individualism? Or our orientation towards scientific proof? Will it be our technology? How will Buddhist music from Asia negotiate its encounter with Western sacred music, jazz, folk, and hip-hop? American Buddhist monk, Rev Heng Sure, will share songs and stories from his Buddhist music CD "Paramita: American Buddhist Folk Music." Series $35, Single session $10
Heng Sure, PhD, currently serves as Director of the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery. Fully ordained in the Mahayana tradition of Chinese Buddhism, Rev Heng Sure, a native of Toledo, Ohio, has dedicated his efforts to World Peace. He authored With One Heart, Bowing to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, a nine-volume journal of his peace pilgrimage, translated into Chinese and Vietnamese, and two volumes of correspondence. Rev Heng Sure teaches at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, represents Buddhism on the Global Council of the United Religions Initiative, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Interfaith Center at the Presidio.
Heng Sure
Four-Morning Program
The Path of the Bodhisattva
Feb 10 - 13
Tues - Fri 10 – noon
Bodhisattvas, "Awakened Beings," as they appear in the Buddha's teachings, have inspired people to lead selfless, wise, and compassionate lives for centuries. The Path of the Bodhisattva reaches its fullest expression in the Sutras (Scriptures) of the Mahayana tradition. Those texts are now in English and accessible to contemporary seekers of insight. During this program, specific chapters of the Avatamsaka (Flower Adornment) Sutra will be examined, emphasizing the power of the Buddha's vision of the Bodhisattva Path to bring healing light and spiritual connections to a world that often seems broken and meaningless. The program will be illustrated with stories from a late 1970s California coast peace pilgrimage. Series $35, Single session $10
Heng Sure, PhD, currently serves as Director of the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery. Fully ordained in the Mahayana tradition of Chinese Buddhism, Rev Heng Sure, a native of Toledo, Ohio, has dedicated his efforts to World Peace. He authored With One Heart, Bowing to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, a nine-volume journal of his peace pilgrimage, translated into Chinese and Vietnamese, and two volumes of correspondence. Rev Heng Sure teaches at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, represents Buddhism on the Global Council of the United Religions Initiative, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Interfaith Center at the Presidio.
Nelda Samarel and Eneida E Carbonell
One-Week Program
Key Concepts in Theosophy and Theosophical Literature
Feb 17 - 20, Tues - Fri 10 - noon
The Secret Doctrine
Feb 20 - 22, Fri 7:30 - 9, Sat 10 - noon, 2 - 4, Sun 10 - noon
The Mahatma Letters
In the early theosophical literature, a metaphysical doctrine was promulgated concerning cosmic and human origins. Said to be derived from an ageless wisdom tradition, that doctrine embodies principles fundamental to the theosophical worldview. During this week, we will examine those basic concepts as they were presented in The Secret Doctrine, The Mahatma Letters, and a few other early texts. This program is intended for those new to Theosophy and will also provide a review for more experienced students.
Entire series $65, Tues - Fri or Fri eve, Sat & Sun $35, Single session $10
Nelda Samarel, EdD, RN, a long-time student of the Ageless Wisdom, is Director of the Krotona School of Theosophy and Western District Director of the Theosophical Society in America. A retired professor of nursing and a researcher, she has been practicing and teaching Therapeutic Touch since 1980. She has numerous publications, and presents internationally.
Eneida Elena Carbonell is a long-time student of theosophy. Previously a staff member at Krotona Institute, she currently teaches high school mathematics. Through theosophy, Eneida has been on a search for the meaning and purpose of life and what it means to live a theosophical life. She is President of the Logia España in Los Angeles.
Joy Mills
Krotona School Invitational (application required*) PROGRAM FULL - REGISTRATION CLOSED
The Relevance of Theosophy and Theosophical Literature in the Contemporary World
Feb 23 - 28
Mon - Sat, 10 - 12; some afternoon and/or evening sessions
An intensive study/workshop for members of the Theosophical Society who are familiar with the foundational literature including The Mahatma Letters and The Secret Doctrine.
We will address such questions as: Why should we encourage the study of our early literature? How can we make these works relevant to our lives today? Why is it important to know something about the history of the Society? Participants will be asked to formulate additional questions that are important for the vitality of the Society in today’s world and to share ideas in response to those questions. It is anticipated that some of these ideas may lead to the development of programs and activities of benefit to the Society’s general work. Donations welcome.
*Registration for this program is open only to Theosophical Society members and requires application, with acceptance based on evidence of previous studies of the foundational literature, and subject to availability of accommodations. Applications may be obtained by phone, fax, or e-mail to the Director, Krotona School of Theosophy. Completed applications are due by Jan 15.
Joy Mills, MA, world-renowned teacher for the Theosophical Society, has held numerous positions within the Society, including President of the American and Australian Sections; International Vice President; Director, School of the Wisdom, Adyar, India; and Director, Krotona School of Theosophy. She has authored and edited numerous books, and her articles appear in theosophical journals throughout the world.
Nelda Samarel
Weekend Workshop
Therapeutic Touch: Healing Based on Theosophy and Science
March 6 - 8
Fri 7:30 - 9pm, Sat 9 - noon, 2 – 5, Sun 9 - noon
Therapeutic Touch (TT), a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices, is neither faith-healing nor “laying-on of hands,” but is a method of healing based on the theosophical worldview and on science. TT is particularly effective in bringing about a state of deep relaxation, decreasing physical and emotional stress, relieving pain, accelerating healing, and generally increasing well-being at all levels: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. The technique is gentle, simple to learn, and can be used very effectively with people of all ages. Participants will gain an understanding of the underlying principles of TT, explore the validating research and, through supervised practice, learn beginning skills in the technique. Series $45, no single sessions
Nelda Samarel, EdD, RN, a long-time student of the Ageless Wisdom, is Director of the Krotona School of Theosophy and Western District Director of the Theosophical Society in America. A retired professor of nursing and a researcher, she has been practicing and teaching Therapeutic Touch since 1980. She has numerous publications, and presents internationally.
Spring 2009
Nurturing the Soul in the Contemporary World
Patron tickets include admission to all events of the term except the programs in Spanish: $200 (if purchased separately, $235).
Priority registration for accommodations will be given those students registering for two or more weeks. Priority registration for Spring program ends March 15.
To order audio-recordings of these programs please contact the School 805 646-1139 or shelly@krotonaschool,org
Amit and Uma Goswami
Weekend Exploration
Consciousness, Yoga Psychology, and Nurturing the Soul
April 17 - 19
Fri 7:30 - 9, Sat 10 - noon, 2 - 4, Sun 10 - noon
A paradigm shift in science is evidenced by the rediscovery, within science, of God and soul, accounting for the increasing popularity of yoga, promising to connect us to both the soul and to God. The Goswamis will discuss the scientific rediscovery of the soul and God within the framework of new science’s “soul nurturing,” and introduce the principles and practices of yoga psychology needed for the nurturing of our soul connection. Series $35, Single session $10
Amit Goswami, PhD, quantum physicist featured in the movie What the Bleep Do We Know, adroitly integrates philosophy, cosmology, religion, and psychology to create a new way of thinking about religion and science. In his book, The Visionary Window: A Quantum Physicist’s Guide to Enlightenment, Goswami goes beyond Fritjof Capra’s work in seeing how consciousness affects matter and demonstrates how the power of spiritual practice can be explained through the principles of physics.
Uma Goswami, MD, has practiced child psychiatry in Bangalore, India, for 12 years and is a pioneer of yoga psychology. During the course of her practice, Dr Goswami, an international lecturer, has conducted her own research on the transformation of emotions using yoga therapy, and has a forthcoming book on the subject. She is also an accomplished dancer of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance of India.
Amit and Uma Goswami
Two Week Program
Nurturing and Evolving Our Soul Connection:
A View from Quantum Physics and Yoga Psychology
April 21 - May 1
Tues - Fri 10 - noon
A scientific rediscovery of soul and God has led to the new “physics of the soul.” The Goswamis will explore the scientific techniques of yoga psychology for nurturing the soul and restoring dignity to the human birth, as well as the techniques for communing with the soul. They also will delve into the development of soul nurturing emotions and transformation from mind to supermind. Series $65, Week $35, Single session $10
Amit Goswami, PhD, quantum physicist featured in the movie What the Bleep Do We Know, adroitly integrates philosophy, cosmology, religion, and psychology to create a new way of thinking about religion and science. In his book, The Visionary Window: A Quantum Physicist’s Guide to Enlightenment, Goswami goes beyond Fritjof Capra’s work in seeing how consciousness affects matter and demonstrates how the power of spiritual practice can be explained through the principles of physics.
Uma Goswami, MD, has practiced child psychiatry in Bangalore, India, for 12 years and is a pioneer of yoga psychology. During the course of her practice, Dr Goswami, an international lecturer, has conducted her own research on the transformation of emotions using yoga therapy, and has a forthcoming book on the subject. She is also an accomplished dancer of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance of India.
Uma Goswami
Dance Performance & Lecture
Bharatanatyam, Classical Indian Dance, Yoga, and Mysticism
April 19,
Sun 7:30pm
Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form revived in the 1930’s by Rukmini Devi, a well-known theosophist. Radha Burnier, International President of the Theosophical Society, has performed this form of dance professionally. The lecture will include the history and spiritual symbology of Indian dance, its esoteric meaning, and explanations of mudras and postures seen in the performance and their connections with yoga. This special program will be entertaining, delightful, and educational. $10
Uma Goswami, MD, has practiced child psychiatry in Bangalore, India, for 12 years and is a pioneer of yoga psychology. During the course of her practice, Dr Goswami, an international lecturer, has conducted her own research on the transformation of emotions using yoga therapy, and has a forthcoming book on the subject. She is also an accomplished dancer of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance of India.
Kira Ryder
Afternoon Yoga Series
Dates and times to be announced
While Amit Goswami opens our minds and Uma Goswami opens our hearts, Kira Ryder will teach yoga techniques to help us open our bodies in an series of afternoon sessions designed to complement the Goswamis’ morning classes. Tight spots in the body may be used as our guides to help us unravel that which is keeping us small. Through gentle stretches and focused breathing we will cultivate awareness and hone our ability to feel the immensity of our beings. These yoga techniques will help increase our capacity for love. The sessions are suitable for all ages and abilities; no experience is necessary. Wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel. Donations welcome.
Kira Ryder, recently named by Yoga Journal as one of the "Top 21 under 40 yoga teachers shaping the future of yoga in America,” takes inspiration from the incredible beauty and magic of the Ojai Valley. Her primary teachers include Erich Schiffmann, Paul Grilley, and Uma Goswami. Kira’s style emphasizes cultivating awareness and developing the trust to follow the inner rhythms. The owner of Lulu Bandha's Yoga Home in Ojai, Kira loves to learn and is continually amazed by the power of Yoga.
Maria Parisen
Weekend Retreat
The Mystery of Sacrifice
May 1 - 3
Fri 7:30 - 9, Sat 10 - noon, 2 - 4, Sun 10 - noon
The Law of Sacrifice is a compelling power in nature, calling forth the best in every creature. In its deepest religious sense, sacrifice is giving of ourselves and also receiving in a sacred manner. Such an exchange is participation in the self-sacrifice of God, through which all beings grow together in love. The spirit of sacrifice makes every action holy and creative. Our retreat includes shared inquiry, meditation, and silence in the beauty of Krotona’s springtime. Donations welcome.
Maria Parisen, MSN, RN, resident of Krotona, is a retired rehabilitation nurse who leads workshops and programs on meditation, the spiritual life, and healing. A national lecturer for the Theosophical Society, she also has taught and practiced Therapeutic Touch for many years. She is the compiler of the anthology Angels and Mortals.
Maria Parisen
Four-Morning Series
Teacher and Disciple: An Uncommon Love
May 5 - 8
Tues - Fri 10 - noon
Throughout our lives, spiritual guidance comes in many ways and forms. As our religious path becomes clearer we may find ourselves drawn to a spiritual teacher for training and service. Together we explore the essential qualities of both spiritual teacher and disciple, as we reflect on the purpose and on-going challenges of this unique partnership. Resources will especially include the writings of HP Blavatsky and The Mahatma Letters to AP Sinnettt, with related materials on discipleship and spiritual community. Series $35, Single session $10
Maria Parisen, MSN, RN, resident of Krotona, is a retired rehabilitation nurse who leads workshops and programs on meditation, the spiritual life, and healing. A national lecturer for the Theosophical Society, she also has taught and practiced Therapeutic Touch for many years. She is the compiler of the anthology Angels and Mortals.
Special Musical Performance
Cármelo de los Santos
An Evening of Music for Violin
May 9
Sat 7:30 PM
The wise ones have said that "Life is a Song ... that there is a deeper harmony in every human heart..." Music is a language of harmony which can be communicated to the soul in its inner and outer movement of conscious connection with the inner and outer life. This performance is an opportunity to connect with the universal concepts of Bach, the gracefulness of Kreisler, the depth of Ysaye, the humor of Ridout, and to the virtuosity of Paganini. Join us in the transformative power of music to elevate our state of consciousness and to share common inner experiences. $10
Cármelo de los Santos, DMA, has performed as soloist with major orchestras in Brazil and South America, as well as the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall with the ARCO Chamber Orchestra, both as a soloist and conductor. He has numerous awards to his credit, including international competitions in Portugal, Argentina, and Brazil, as well as in the US. His recordings include many programs for radio and television. Dr. de los Santos, originally from Brazil, is currently Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
Terezinha Kind
Four-Day Program
Psychological Aspects of Our Spiritual Growth
May 12 - 15
Tues - Fri 10 - noon
HP Blavatsky pointed out that our spiritual development depends on the unification of mind and heart, and through realizing the essential divinity within each of us. Thus, evolution in the theosophical sense means progressive growth in at least three aspects of our nature: the spiritual or monadic; the psychological-intellectual, or human; and the physical-etheric. Our evolution now is focused in the psychological realm, which means that transformation comes through the mind. Therefore, to grow spiritually, we need to examine the mind to find out how it operates. In this 4-morning program we will explore aspects of our spiritual development, taking into consideration the complex septenary constitution of humans and the three streams of evolution: spiritual, psychological, and physical. Series $35, Single session $10
Terezinha Kind, from Brazil, is President of the Inter-American Theosophical Federation. She lectures extensively in English and Spanish for the Theosophical Society throughout the world. Before retirement, she worked as a lawyer and as a clinical and organizational psychologist for the government of Brazil and for the Organization of American States.
Terezinha Kind
Weekend Program
Is There a Path to Truth?
May 15 - 17
Fri 7:30 - 9, Sat 10 - noon, 2 - 4, Sun 10 - noon
Ever since J Krishnamurti made his famous declaration, “Truth is a pathless land,” inquirers have contemplated this subject. According to Krishnamurti, certain questions should not be answered promptly, but pondered over and meditated on for hours, days, years, perhaps even lives. A moment of awakening comes for a seeker when the longing for Truth, for becoming wiser, more loving and compassionate, and for serving others turns into a living, guiding force in one’s life. The long journey toward such an awakening only can start with the first step, here and now. Series $35, Single session $10
Terezinha Kind, from Brazil, is President of the Inter-American Theosophical Federation. She lectures extensively in English and Spanish for the Theosophical Society throughout the world. Before retirement, she worked as a lawyer and as a clinical and organizational psychologist for the government of Brazil and for the Organization of American States.
Terezinha Kind
Programa del Fin de Semana
¿Hay un Sendero Hacia la Verdad?
(This program will be in Spanish only)
Mayo 22 – 24 Viernes 7:30 - 9, Sábado 10 - 12 y de 2 - 4, Domingo 10 - 12
Desde que J Krishnamurti hizo la famosa declaración, “La Verdad es un camino sin Senderos,” los buscadores de la verdad han contemplado este tema. De acuerdo con Krishnamurti, hay ciertas preguntas que no deben ser contestadas apresuradamente, sino que ponderarse varias veces y meditarse por horas, días, años y quizás inclusive por varias vidas. Llega un momento en que el buscador despierta cuando el deseo por la Verdad, por llegar a ser más sabio, más amoroso y compasivo y por servir a otros se convierte en una viviente fuerza y guía en la vida de uno. El largo viaje para llegar a ese despertamiento puede solo comenzar con el primer paso, aquí y ahora. Seminario completo $35, una sola sesión $10
Terezinha Kind es del Brasil y es Presidenta de la Federación Teosófica Interamericana. Ella imparte numerosas conferencias tanto en Ingles como en Español para la Sociedad Teosófica por todo el mundo. Antes de retirarse, ella trabajo como una abogada y como una sicóloga clínica y organizativa para el gobierno del Brasil y para la Organización de Estados Americanos.