The Theosophical Society President Radha Burnier has stressed the need for leading a life of simplicity.
“We are proceeding headlong materially, but very few human beings realise that this may lead to grave disaster. The environment cannot accept human activity, however foolish, beyond a certain level.”
Annual conference
Speaking at the 134th annual convention of the Theosophical Society, which got under way at its International headquarters in Adyar on Saturday, she said this was needed as humanity was meant to progress along spiritual and not material lines.
“We have to share this planet with animals, birds, insects, plants and the earth itself. Are we really willing with all our hearts to live a simple life, to share with all creatures and turn our thoughts and hopes to the future, which will be one of realisation, at the physical level of Universal Brotherhood?” she asked.
Ms.Burnier said this was not an idle question.
“We have to live in this world, and we must face the problems it poses, which have now become problems that mankind is creating,” she added.
She called upon the members of the Society to be different and not be carried away by what happens in the world.
She said their way of life must be pure and unselfish and disinterested as it can be.
“We need to be real Theosophists, and not merely members of the Theosophical Society.”
Over 1,300 delegates are participating in the six-day conference.
Book exhibition
Concurrently, the Theosophical Publishing House is organising a book exhibition cum sale of books of the Adyar Library and Research Centre, Quest Books and those of the Theosophical Publishing House.
Incense sticks, CDs, greeting cards and wall calendars are also on sale.
Society vice-president Linda Oliveira, Secretary Kusum Satapathy and Treasurer Keshwar Dastur were among those who participated in the convention.
