Classes and Groups

PLEASE READ FOR CLASS INFORMATION

To protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff as the COVID-19 situation evolves, the Theosophical Society in America’s national headquarters (1926 N. Main Street and 306 W. Geneva Road in Wheaton, IL) will be closed until May 4, 2020 (check back or subscribe to our email list for updates). This closure affects all in-person programs, the Olcott library, Quest Book Shop, and the Theosophical Publishing House. We will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so. Visit our programs page to see available online programs and webcasts.

Mondays, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., June 1 to July 6 (6 sessions) 

Taoist mystics have practiced longevity exercises for millennia with the goal of prolonging life and ultimately achieving immortality. What are the philosophies and exercises that lead them to these practices? Part lecture and part practice, this class aims to demystify the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, the Tao, the five elements and more, and to teach the basic qigong exercises that lead to health and longevity. An ideal class for those new to Chinese philosophy, qigong and t'ai chi.

John Robertson has nearly 20 years of experience practicing and teaching t'ai chi ch'uan and qigong and is a student of Taoist philosophy. He is a Level 7 Certified Qigong Instructor with the World Ki Gong Club and a Certified Advanced Instructor and professional member of the National Qigong Association. John owns Seven Stars Martial Arts in Winfield, IL. For more, visit www.7StarsMA.com.

TS members: $80 • Nonmembers: $100

Register here

Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., April 22 – May 27 (6 classes)

We invite you to join with other seekers to learn about some essential Theosophical concepts in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Classes are not successive, so you can join at any point in the series. Participants will engage with the content of each class through meditation, discussion, and practical application.

Topics include:

April 22: Theosophy and the Ageless Wisdom (a basic introduction to the Society, its mission, ethic, and history)

April 29: Human Energy Fields (a discussion about the human constitution)

May 6: Reincarnation

May 13: Karma  

May 20: Power of Thought  

May 27: Meditation   

Donations appreciated.

Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., April 8 – May 27 (8 classes)  Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation this class is temporarily suspended. Check back soon for updates. 

This 8-week class will focus on two aspects of waking up: meditation and mindful attention in your everyday life. Each week we will look at a different aspect of meditation that will help develop a skilled attentiveness in your practice. We will then focus on an aspect of daily life to which you can bring mindful attention. This will include activities such as eating, listening, walking, and working with compassion and loving-kindness in action. We will spend part of one class on the grounds, weather dependent. 

Margaret McKenzie has been teaching meditation for the past 20 years. She is a senior Dharma teacher in the Kwan Um School of Zen.  Margaret taught meditation at the College of DuPage for 10 years and currently leads a student “drop in” meditation group at the college. She is also a licensed clinical social worker currently working at a local hospital.

TS members: $70 • Nonmembers: $80 • $90 at the door