Preparation for the Spiritual Life
With Barbara Hebert and Jayne Fleener
4th Saturday of the month, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT
Join at any time!
Join us as we explore the teachings of Clara Codd’s The Technique of the Spiritual Life through a course created for the Online School of Theosophy by Pablo Sender. In these sessions, we will delve into preparing for the higher spiritual path, focusing on the development of willpower and the disciplined training of the body, emotions, and mind. Each unit includes additional materials and practical exercises to help students integrate the course teachings into their daily lives.
To get the most out of this group, we recommend signing up for the Online School of Theosophy. Registration is free and easy. Once you have your login and password, enroll in the course "Preparation for the Spiritual Life—A Practical Approach." There, you will find all the resources listed below and more. If you’re unable to do the additional reading, we encourage you to watch the videos before each meeting.
Study Guide: The Technique of the Spiritual Life Study Course
September 27, 2025
Study Guide: Chapter I - INTRODUCTORY, 2
Study Guide: Chapter II - THE PERSONALITY AND THE EGO, PART I, 7
Introduction to the Spiritual Life (video) https://youtu.be/EgWsL10NgYM
October 25, 2025
Study Guide: Chapter III - THE PERSONALITY AND THE EGO, PART II, 14
November 22, 2025
Study Guide: Chapter IV - THE PREPARATION FOR THE WAY—THE WILL, 21
Development of the Will, Part I (video) https://youtu.be/qo9XPs0LklY
December 27, 2025
Continue Unit: DEVELOPMENT OF THE WILL, PART II
Additional Readings: Wiki Article "Will" and "Development of the Will" by Franz Hartmann
Experiential Activity
January 24, 2026
Study Guide: Chapter V - THE PREPARATION FOR THE WAY—THE BODY, 28
Training of the Body (video) https://youtu.be/DvKrvpNe0jk
February 28, 2026
Study Guide: Chapter VI - THE PREPARATION FOR THE WAY—EMOTIONS, 34
Training of the Emotions (video) https://youtu.be/wA9z2Ku7pCE
March 28, 2026
Study Guide: Chapter VII - THE PREPARATION FOR THE WAY—THE MIND, 40
Training of the Mind (video) https://youtu.be/HNiO9vbXe3c
April 25, 2026
Study Guide: Chapter VIII - THE PREPARATION FOR THE WAY—SINS & VIRTUES, 47
The Ego (video) https://youtu.be/gQDt2mvWdvA
May 23, 2026
Study Guide: Chapter IX - THE WAY, PART I, 53
Study Guide: Chapter X - THE WAY, PART II, 62
Facilitators
Barbara Hebert, Ph.D., is a third-generation Theosophist who has been involved in local, regional, and national offices throughout her years of membership, including two terms as the National President of the Theosophical Society in America. She has also had a long career as a mental health practitioner and educator.
Jayne Fleener, Ph.D., is a Dean and Professor Emerita at North Carolina State University. Dr. Fleener is an active participant in several TSA lodges and study groups and is teaching for the Virtual Study Centers initiative of the TSA. She is currently a TSA Fellow, treasurer for the Theosophical Society Mid-south Federation, and co-coordinator for the Research Triangle Theosophical Society Study Group.
Program Format
This is a live, interactive online program. This program will not be recorded.
Join online via a Zoom link that will be emailed upon your registration. Please download Zoom for free at zoom.us/download and test your connection at zoom.us/test. For further information, check out www.theosophical.org/FAQ or email webinars@theosophical.org.