Version: October 10, 2004
In the Inner Temple of thy Heart, on the Mystic altar of Compassion wrought therein of essences distilled of holy aspiration, of anguished prayers, of sacrificing Love and Service of countless lives in eons past, burns a Living Flame of Life fed by the quenchless Love of God, commingled with the fragrances of thy noblest ideals of Beauty, Truth, and Service to all thine Other Selves, and uniting thee with the Divine in all creatures throughout the Seven Worlds of Being.
If thou wouldst keep the noxious weeds of self from choking life's pure stream `twixt thee and God, then each day offer thou thyself on that Altar Flame of Sacrifice in the Inner Temple of thy Heart, whatever be the pain, so that the dross of all thy lower selves be burned away, leaving thee each day an Image true and splendid of the Shining One within -- Thine Own True Self Divine.
Convention 2002 marks the one hundred third time that we have met together to celebrate the Unity of all life. Our goal is service to humanity on all planes. Some are able to give of their time and energy directly, others through diligent inner work, but all with motives based in compassion and commitment.
Convention serves to focus our ideals and aspirations. We renew ourselves in the Master's love. We honor the connections between all forms of life by every thought, word, and deed during each day of our lives, knowing that we must be the things we believe in. Only as we put them into action do they glow with the Light and Love of God. We have been granted guidance and directions in rich abundance, being asked in return simply to use them to the best of our ability with all our heart and mind.
This is the heart of Convention, leading to the hearts of all. May this force of Love, Light, Joy, and Peace sustain us in the days to come.
- Eleanor L. Shumway
Guardian in Chief
August 3-11, 2002
At 10:00 a.m., many residents of the community gathered to clean and polish the University Center, Temple, and Hiawatha Lodge.
The Noon Healing Service was conducted by Zelma and George Colendich.
At 7:00 p.m., the community gathered in Hiawatha Lodge for the informal opening of Convention. The Guardian in Chief, assisted by Damian Rollison, Zelma Colendich, Irm Balogh, George Colendich and Chris Thyrring, read Temple material regarding the Iroquois League and the mission of Hiawatha, paying tribute to the ensouling force behind Hiawatha, the American Indians, and the lessons we might learn from them. It is not suggested that we live as they did 500 years or more ago. Rather, it is stressed that the ability to walk lightly upon the land, to honor each other for the qualities that each of us can bring to the group, and to live in harmony with the forces of Mother Nature are some of the contributions the American Indians make to our consciousness.
This program closed with the reading of "In the Lodge of the Red Star":
"In the Lodge of the Red Star we have met and renewed our allegiance to the Tribes -- to the Warrior Forces of the Universal Chief of Life. His war lance is the flaming sun. His Peace Pipe is the silvery moon. His lance has points as many as the sands of the sea, and no one can escape them. When the Great Chief lights his pipe at night and passes it to his brothers, the Star Men, great rings and wreaths of light glow in the sky. This is the voiceless Chant of Peace that bears to the Great Spirit the message that all is well with his world children. And the Great Spirit lights another star with love; another soul glows with the fires of hope and faith in the Master Chief, whose songs of life and sweetness fill the cabins of the tribes."
-- Hiawatha
Everyone sang Bless This House, accompanied by Nashoma Carlson. The program that followed included songs by Linda, Damian, and Zoe Rollison and Annie and Will Dunbar, with enthusiastic participation by the audience, after which everyone enjoyed treats and visiting.
The Guardian in Chief, Eleanor L. Shumway, officially opened the 103rd Convention in the Blue Star Memorial Temple:
I want to extend to all of you a warm welcome to the formal opening of the 103rd Convention of the Temple of the People. Dr. Dower, co-founder of the Temple and our second Guardian in Chief, clearly expressed what happens during Convention in terms of forces when he wrote: "Our yearly convening creates a magnetic matrix through which the forces of the Masters radiate to all points of the compass to members on the outside and, through them, to the world of humanity. Those who are here are charged with this force and, when they go away to their homes, they carry the force with them and radiate it in terms of force and light independent of any religious or philosophical truth they may carry otherwise. There is a time in the orbit of each planet in the solar system when it is nearest to the Sun. So these yearly conventions bring members nearest to the Temple Sun, to the Masters who energize our work." It is our work this week to absorb the rays of that Sun, that we might radiate those forces in our daily experience, nurturing everyone we encounter as we give expression to this Holy Spirit. In such giving, we nurture ourselves as well.
The congregation then stood to sing the Convocation Hymn, Gitche Manito the Mighty, accompanied by Nashoma Carlson.
The Guardian in Chief invoked the blessings of the Great White Lodge on all proceedings:
"In the name of the Great White Lodge and by the power vested in me as the Guardian in Chief of the Temple of the People, I hereby open this 103rd Annual Convention by invoking the guidance and blessings of the Powers that rule the destinies of worlds and races, the Brothers of the Fire Mist, the Dhyan Chohans and Dhyani Buddhas, and the Masters of Love and Wisdom, on all proceedings and all who participate in person or in spirit in the Convention for the benefit of all humanity, promoting the Brother/ Sisterhood of all Creation."
The sacred charge, Warriors of Light, was sung by Damian Rollison, accompanied by Nashoma Carlson. The congregation joined for the final part of the charge.
The Master's Message to the Convention was then read by the Guardian in Chief:
THE MASTER'S MESSAGE TO THE 2002 CONVENTION
My children:
Over the years I have told you countless times that you must observe how far-reaching is the influence of nearly any apparently insignificant action and how that influence practically never ceases to exist. Thus must you ever bear in mind the importance of little things. Each must, however, judge his or her own actions in the Light of the Higher Self. No one can do it for another. No one must do it for another. Once again we meet together, heart to heart, on inner and outer planes in Convention. You have the opportunity once more to be renewed in the waters of Life that ever flow from us to you.
As in countless years gone by, I repeat: Know you not I am always with you? Although I will never forsake you, I must trust you to try your own strength, to put into decisive action all that we have taught you. This is your responsibility. Now is the time when we expect you to stand without support; when we plan to turn to you for help in the distressing circumstances of everything that besets humanity at large. Our work is with all humanity, and we need your help. In your daily, hourly practice of the principles of occult living, you generate an energy that We use in our work. We charge you to pay close attention to how you demonstrate your grasp of what we have given you, and your motives for such demonstration.
I charge you to walk lightly when you cross the path of another, whether it be diametrically wrong to your own sense and comprehension or not. When you do so, you walk the more securely on the path of your own choosing. No one has the power to throw discouragement or reprimand upon you because you have not moved according to another's formula, unless you, yourself, permit it by your attitude of negation. Each to his or her own method, so long as you are honest, sincere, and actuated by the qualities of obedience, defense, and devotion to the principles to which you have obligated yourselves in the highest and holiest ideal of service to your brothers and sisters. Your first and last thought each day must be that of holding together as one family, one consciousness, one heart, and one mind, with personality lost in the ocean of love and service.
Again, I repeat that more than you know of value has been accomplished by you through your self-discipline, helpful, courageous, and brotherly attitude one to another, and the general sharing of responsibilities and efforts. It is not dramatic deeds that count in time of crisis, either nationally, universally, or individually. It is duty well cared for, distress eased in seclusion, love administered in faith, and compassionate silence that conquers all. Tactfulness is but another name for kindness, and embodies justice through finer sensibilities. These are the elements that enlarge the consciousness, that make it possible for us to use you, to draw upon you for reinforcement, day or night, sleeping or waking, when the call of need rings out, summoning us for relief and succor. This is what you ofttimes feel when your natural forces are low. You will learn to brace and reinforce yourselves, if you will but study the techniques we have lavished upon you. Be patient, and remember that true growth is always slow growth, and you must not lose faith in yourselves, each other, or in the Love which has loved us all into being.
Another important point I would put before you before leaving is the one upon which I have laid stress time and time again: that of your conduct, your daily voice and tone of living, toward one another. It may seem overemphasized to you. You may think your acts and words should be understood by each other after long years of comradeship together and permit of certain gruffness, familiarity and crudity. It should not be so. If you cannot apply the spiritual qualities, if you cannot give that loving voice, the understanding helpfulness to one another with whom you have worked and associated in season and out, under fire and torment, as well as in hours of gladness and ecstasy, how can you expect to feel the soothing hand of the Christ upon your own brows or hear the joyous voice of spiritual happiness within your hearts and souls? We administer justice, the seed of which must be planted in your own minds and hearts and lived out in your lives.
With this admonition I leave you, knowing that deep within your hearts lies the earnest desire to mount to the Throne of Life by love, simplicity, and purity of living. Now you must assimilate what has been given you for your benefit, encouragement, and guidance. Hearken well that you may hear the song the stars are singing, and which will fall clearly upon your inner ears if you can but still the waves of outer emotion, and the turbulent waters of the lower spheres.
My blessings and love to you. Peace be to you, joy and power as well, to win in all that is before you.
Your Father-Brother, Hilarion
The congregation then sang Creeds Disappear, Hearts Remain, accompanied by Nashoma Carlson. The service was concluded with the Feast of Fulfillment.
The Noon Healing Service was conducted by Eleanor Shumway and George Colendich.
At 1:30 p.m., the community gathered at the Hiawatha Lodge for a potluck luncheon.
At 7:00 p.m., the Sunday evening meditation meeting was held in the Temple, conducted by Margaret Thyrring and Ron Carlson.
At 8:00 p.m., Temple members and friends gathered around a campfire at on the Central Home grounds and celebrated with songs and stories and roasted marshmallows.
The Noon Healing Service was conducted by Linda Rollison and Chris Thyrring.
At 7:00 p.m., the Temple officers presented their annual reports in the Temple and the Guardian in Chief gave her Address.
Report of the Treasurer
Temple study involves discussion of many abstract qualities, and as abstract as any is the Temple Treasury. Finding effective words and concepts is a challenge as we attempt to describe the intangible. However, where words may fail to fully embody a concept, other means may transmit their presence quite forcefully. One example is the power that flows into this room every Convention Sunday during the singing of Warriors of Light. No matter who has the honor and duty of filling this space with the tenor vibrations of that call to Be With Us, that individual transmits something greater through themselves, and invariably, the back of my neck and the hairs on my arms shiver to attention, while my heart and eyes fill with the sense of connection to this work, this place, and the divine resources we call the Temple Treasury.
The four Temple Officers are responsible for nurturing and protecting particular inner aspects of Temple life. Last week we sat in meditation with the Guardian in Chief to prepare this place and ourselves for the influx of Convention impulses. Within that quiet, the Central Altar gradually turned to light, expanding and merging with these walls into one great gem, faceted, revealing the depth and light of the Great Spirit. As the image refined, each polished facet reflected the essence of individual Temple members, disciples responsible for the clarity and purity of their particular aspect of the gem. Beyond my range of view were disciples not yet met, as well as others I couldn't see, all working together, consciously committed to assuring the clarity of the light emanating from deep within the this great faceted Temple Heart.
Our most important Temple work, as individuals and as a group, is "preparation of a place where it might become possible for the overshadowing Christ to enter and send forth the message which the world has waited for so long." The architecture of this building was intentionally designed to symbolize that place by representing the radiant center, or heart, that is connected to the core of all atoms of matter, beings, and systems of life. It is the point through which the Master's force flows, and during Convention, the richness of the Temple Treasury -- the Teachings, the compassion, the unity, the spiritual tools given for our use -- radiate through this Heart of a room and into the world for all to share.
The vivid, clear light of the Master then shines out through the architecture of our own hearts and lives. It is our privilege to serve as disciples, acting to give and receive the touch of God with our fellow travelers on the path as we grow and attain spiritual maturity. Our effectiveness is in direct proportion to the alignment of our individual actions with the Greater Will: that is, becoming One in this work and One in the Heart of God, which is "the container of the Divine in all things and creatures, and therefore of the divine" in each of us.
During Convention, we prepare ourselves and our hearts to shine our light out of the darkness and into all we do and think. This demands commitment to the Laws of life and, as Master Hilarion wrote, "unified endeavor and faith in each other and the common purpose." How best for us to transmit the essence of the Temple Treasury? Our unified hearts are the facets, and our deeds the means through which the gifts of God are reflected into the world. Therefore, let our lives speak. Let our lights shine. Let our hearts be one with all others. Be with us.
-- Marti Fast
"Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."
These words of the Master Jesus, spoken in the Garden of Gethsemane to Peter, who drew his sword and struck a servant of the high priest and smote off his ear, when they came with lanterns and torches and weapons to arrest Him, may stand as memento for the past Temple year, 2001-2002. It was during that fatal year that America was attacked with most devilish instruments of terror, killing thousands of noncombatant men, women and children; that year, when the seed of Ishmael outraged his hand against the seed of Abraham; that year, when blood brother drew sword upon blood brother, when the son mutinied against the father, and the daughter uncovered the shame of the mother; when the hereditary enemy reaped full harvest, and the curse of separation reigned supreme, when revenge was revenged by revenge, and hate with its package came, and the daily excuse dominated all the news of this dark star, "HE did it. I am innocent, only reacting and defending myself, now stop it or else it's payback time!" And even the chosen ones, friends and blood kin from time immemorial, considered each other in demeaning light, while Rabbi's words sank into oblivion: "But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, `Thou fool,' shall be in danger of hell fire."
No man can safely mock this commandment of the Great Master Jesus, whether or not he understands or not its underlying occult and scientific truth, the fallacy of the belief that the separation of bodies extends to souls. "Only the realization of the essential unity of all things, all people, will unseal the ears and eyes of the soul, and finally bring about the annihilation of suffering." We are all one, even our religions are one, and what seems to be dividing us is all due to exoteric distortions, the "human" or lower element smuggled into it by those who either feared the giving out of the whole truth or wanted to oppress their fellow man in the name of a Moloch. But more and more people realize, with every passing day, the essential oneness of all humanity. Electronic fiery lives that connect us all, ever deepen our consciousness of the inseparableness of mankind, the Son, the Christ in manifestation. The legends of all nations about the fallen angels are about us, and we can be purified and return to our original natural state only by exerting the same amount of energy that we used up to accomplish that fall during the Third Race, as described in Blavatsky's book.
Despite all appearances, the Lodge has accomplished more since 1928, the year of fulfillment, and also during the past twelve months, than our imagination can ever dream of. While victory on inner planes had been achieved seven decades ago, the Avataric force must finally impress itself on the lowest subplane of the physical, until "all men behold him." The history of mankind since 1898 convincingly shows how serious a mistake it would be to relegate the Avatar, with the Jews' Messiah, with the Buddhist Maitree-Buddha, with the Christian Second Coming, to a mere person or individual, for the Avatar is in reality the mightiest of all group souls, a manifestation of the Central Spiritual Sun.
Out of the suffering of the two World Wars that were triggered by Mammon, the powerful bride of the Beast, that turned man against man to battle for possession, the vision of a world of Brotherhood, of nations working together as one family was born, taking shape in the League of Nations in 1919, and in the United Nations in 1945. The history and demise of the League of Nations, instigated by one or more major powers subverting it or resigning from its membership, has brought home the lesson that there is either cooperation, Avataric unity in expression, among nations, or there will be an instantaneous retardation into a free-for-all of the jungle, with the nations of the world again falling at each other's throats, all culminating in a world-wide conflagration that, given the power of the weapons of mass destruction in the third Millennium, would surely annihilate all mankind, and may in addition even trigger the deflection of the earth's axis.
The more convoluted, unsolvable, desperate and controversial the present world situation seems to be, the more there is this change of consciousness of the people. Unheard of heroism and selflessness has been shown amidst the most terrible danger, and the children of Upasika since 1875 were the spear bearers of the battle that has been and will be won. Eyes that saw only dictates of the lower self, Mammon, have been made to see; the eyesight of the man that was born blind, restored. The unity of all religions has been discovered, with the fact that religion is science, and science religion. More and more people urge the coming together of every kind of people of good will, regardless of sex, color, creed, or political views. The great and immortal beauty of uniting ourselves in one common bond is advanced, discussed, demanded by ever more millions.
The understanding dawns upon us that none of us can be happy as long as there is but one single one of us in misery. The undying truth is seen that love is greater than punishment and man-made justice. The eternal verity is preached from the rooftops that there is but life, life, everywhere, even to carven stone, and that we must and can take care of every rock, plant, animal or electron, all of these but on their way to becoming human, mind you, a much higher-evolved humanity than what we at present are capable of cognizing, and that we can treat them all as our own children. He who distinguishes between himself and any vessel of dishonor will not be able to join himself to any vessel of honor, said HPB, and let us learn from this that no matter what the world does to us, we must give love in return. This is the law of unity that all mankind discovers now. It is being translated into making peace between, and working together with, those forces that were seen hopelessly antagonistic but yesterday.
Progressives discover that there is virtue in conservatism that ever upheld puritan morality and the sacredness of marriage laws; conservatives realize that there is a deep need for sociological and political reforms that protect and help the weak and weary, those who are ill and unfortunate, who cannot survive without help from others. Capitalists understand that production and profit are inseparable from truly humanitarian and enlightened labor unions that make it possible for employees to participate in a company's decision-making process, as is already the case in many parts of the civilized world. Women realize that they have the power to wield a world, to give birth to a new race, and that they do not have to give in to the whims of inane and impure man, by permitting themselves to get dragged into sensual relationships of slavery where, for a mess of pottage, the semblance of material safety, they have to submit to prostitution worse than the most pernicious wage slavery, and that they can and must resent male oppression that even dares to drive them into the madness of getting disfigured and mutilated by cosmetic surgery for the pleasing of man's lower desire.
Politicians wake up to the fact that lasting peace means brotherhood among nations, and that the United Nations must be sponsored and supported by each and every man, woman and country. Europeans, Americans, Asians realize that all must equally submit to the decrees of this bond of nations, and its newly constituted International Criminal Court, that no nation could or should have immunity from the persecution of war crimes or crimes against humanity, for no nation is higher, no nation is lower. We are ever one, and whenever we think the opposite, we are always entangled in the web of Maya, the curse of separateness. Those who fought but yesterday for the possession of the Holy Land, and thought, perchance, that the bloody butchery of the Crusades should be repeated even in the 21st century, are urging their governments to sit down with their former opponents together, the Muslim, the Christian, the Jew, to make heard the words on all sides, "Come let us reason together," instead of the words, "Come let us battle for possessions."
This light from Messiah, the Avatar, shall never diminish. It will but ever increase, enfolding, as it were, each human heart, showing in the most unexpected places and moments the need to stand up and say, "Come, friend, let us make peace, for we are one, and whatever you may have done to me, it was truly but myself who really did it to myself, for I have seen my fallacy when I thought that my suffering was caused by another. All that I suffered in the seeming from your hand, was truly but my own. Let us love one another. Let me -- place my heart upon your own that we may be welded together as one. Let nothing come near to disturb these days of the great peace, that sacred peace in which the soul grows as does the Holy Flower upon the still lagoons."
May this Love and Light ever more manifest in the hearts of mankind now and in the days to come.
-- Istvan Balogh
Report of the Inner Guard
Good evening. Once again we gather for our Temple Convention. We have experienced a year of both tremendous lows and awe-inspiring highs. We are bombarded continuously with information. Much of this information is tragic and heart-rending. We can hardly help feeling great sadness, frustration, anger and maybe even hopelessness. Along with all the endless current information thrown at us, we have some pretty special books, messages, pamphlets, and fellow-humans to balance our daily lives.
The following quotes are particularly meaningful to me:
Master Morya tell us: "In every circumstance are contained different possibilities, but the mind must be directed toward the Light."
W. Q. Judge advises: "The fundamental doctrines of Theosophy are of no value unless they are applied to daily life. To the extent to which this application goes, they become living truths -- quite different from intellectual expressions of doctrine. The mere intellectual grasp may result in spiritual pride, while the living doctrine becomes an entity through the mystic power of the human soul."
Roberta Shumway reminded many of us, on many occasions: "Where lies the greatest shadows, there also will you find the brightest light."
What can this mean to each of us in these trying times? Is it possible to delve into our Temple treasure chest of information and find comfort and balance? We can consciously choose the way of Brotherhood and the Golden Rule. These are simple words, as well as simple concepts. To my way of thinking, these words and concepts encompass all.
In keeping with Judge's thoughts, we need to lower ourselves from our lofty thoughts and get on with everyday life. This brings us right in the face of self-responsibility for every aspect of our lives: thoughts, actions, spoken words, and choices we make. We can operate in our daily life, honoring our self-responsibility, by listening often to our very own small, still voice. Be still and listen. What are we going to do with what we hear? We are going to slow down and make room for our brothers and sisters. We are going to reach out a hand to our neighbors. We are going to choose Brotherhood and the Golden Rule over all other options. We are going to set shining examples for every person we meet. We are going to choose kindness.
Shall we try to walk this path together in the year to come? Thank you.
-- Margaret Thyrring
Report of the Outer Guard
Warriors of Light! Warriors of Truth!
I salute you in the name of the Great White Brotherhood!
The position of Outer Guard symbolizes the responsibility to the masculine aspect -- the protecting, questing, balancing force, and the Outer Guard qualities are in all of us.
Until we can learn to be true to our Higher Self, true to our plighted words, we can make no great advance on the ladder of life, for the foundation-stone underneath that ladder is Loyalty and, without Loyalty, life has no meaning.
As part of the song goes, "Go forth to battle with the powers of darkness, armed with the Sword of the Spirit of God, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Helmet of Eternal Truth."
-- Ron Carlson
Address of the Guardian in Chief
One of our founding Temple members, John Varian, always expressed in his prose and poetry the essence of much of what the Temple is about. Browsing through the Artisans of the 1920s, I came across this poem which struck a resounding note for Convention, 2002:
Balance
Who stands between the light and dark,
And, undismayed, transmits the light, transmutes the dark;
Who stands in life, who stands in death,
in love and tranquil peace;
Who, meeting sin and pain and purity,
lights all with love and wisdom's sympathy;
Who, through the horrors in the house of man,
is not dismayed, but loveth on --
He is a God-man coming to his own,
He is a pathway for the Peace,
He is a roadway for the feet of Christ,
He is a jewel in the heart of God.
One short month after the last Convention, on September 11, 2001, life as we knew it altered dramatically. Since then as a nation we have been struggling with new concepts of ourselves, our safety, and our ideas of how to stand undismayed between the Light and the Dark. And yet, eleven months later, we might look around at our daily life and ask, "Has life really altered much?" If one travels by plane, the lines are longer, and the security checks increasingly tighter. In some cases, mail takes a bit longer in transit. On TV, there is an unending supply of experts at nearly any time of the day or night analyzing all the thoughts, words and deeds of foreign countries and their leaders. In actual fact, we are in a war-time mode. Even so, on the surface for most of us, life just goes on.
However, in our real world -- the inner world where the essential essence of each of us is anchored -- much has been challenged. As disciples, we are being asked to stand alert between the light and dark, transmitting the light and transmuting the dark in ways that are increasingly more focused, more conscious. Now, more than ever before, we must be conscious of our inner prayer work in active relationship to our outer actions, as well as of our responsibility to all the units of humanity. In His message to the Convention, the Master charged us to put into action all we have been taught in order to be of more effective use in the work of the Great White Lodge.
We have the constant, complex challenge of living these wonderful teachings, taking these high ideals and transmitting them into our daily life, and then transmuting our reactions into Light. How can we reconcile the ideals of "Brother/Sisterhood" and "Love Thy Neighbor" with a neighbor who has a noisy dog, or doesn't keep the yard as neat and tidy as we think they should? How can we honor the privilege of living at this radiant Center? How can we reconcile living at this radiant Center with plumbing that doesn't always work, with doors that stick and roofs that leak? How can we help each other when we all cling so fiercely to being absolutely independent? Are there any easy answers?
Often I am asked, "How are the Temple and Halcyon getting along?" I am sometimes tempted to answer with, "Well, several homes need new roofs, the water system crawls along, some people don't and/or won't even speak to each other, we ought to spend several thousand dollars taking care of very old trees, some services in the Temple are very lightly attended, and I often wonder if anyone pays much attention to anything besides this being a neat place to live." Such an answer would be, from one perspective, very true. And yet, from a broader, longer-in-time, much more inclusive view, this is not really an adequate answer at all. Being specific, life here might be best viewed as a very intricately choreographed ballet, each dancer moving in perfect harmony back and forth, in and out of the spotlight, the music sometimes very discordant, sometimes quite melodic, but always fitting the story. Such a story contains periods of rest and activity, of dark and light, of love and hate, of help and hindrance. Each dancer may improvise within a narrow framework, never leaving the plan of the choreographer completely, although the dancer may feel as if he or she has complete freedom.
So passionately do I believe in this pattern of the dance of Life that, when I am asked how the Temple and Halcyon are getting along, I say, "We are doing fine! Things seem to be changeless, but are always changing. We all have challenges in our lives, and we are all meeting them to the very best of our abilities." And I know with certainty that the roofs will be fixed, the water system will serve us yet another day, each tree that needs care will eventually get it, just enough people come to Temple services and classes, and each person is paying all possible attention to their own as well as their neighbor's needs. The physical plane, which is our current classroom, is where we are learning to do by doing, ever more consciously, however slowly, using the magnificent inner tools we have been given.
Within the context of the Temple I include all members, here at the Center as well as many other places, such as Virginia, New York, California, Louisiana, England, Iceland, Germany, Russia, Italy, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, and Australia. Everyone everywhere has a slightly different view of the Temple and how it operates in their own daily life. No matter where we are geographically, the Temple and the Master's love is the golden cord that binds us together -- not to constrict us, but to fill us with assurance and security as we fulfill our side of the partnership.
We are bound to the principles to which we have pledged ourselves, and we are trusted to have the self-responsibility to carry out those principles in our daily living. As Master Hilarion said yesterday, "it is not dramatic deeds that count in time of crisis," but rather "duty well cared for, distress eased in seclusion, love administered in faith, and compassionate silence that conquers all."
We may yearn to live in isolated, peaceful seclusion, apart from the stress of the physical plane, but deep down we know such seclusion is no test of our strengths, and no way to develop new strengths and move onward. We cannot fool ourselves that somehow we have safety and protection from Life's trials through our membership in this organization. We are presented with the tools for safety and protection in the Temple Teachings, but we must take them into our spiritual and physical hands and hearts and use them actively.
It has always been this way since the founding of the Temple 104 years ago. We tend to view those early days as the perfect days, with the early members, filled with idealism and love, coming here to build a new community closely attuned to the high force of the Masters. However, this is not so, as careful reading of the early Artisans tells us.
Twenty years after the Temple came into being, John Varian, having been there from the beginning, wrote that he remembered the first Convention where, "ignorant we were of each other and very dimly knowing why we came -- great dreams were there of harmony and light, with deep misunderstandings latent behind." He goes on to say that people came and went; a few were constant to the dreams; but the testing forces searched their powers, and misunderstandings and discord were always there. However, comradeship and love were growing into life, even though the opposing forces of hate, suspicion, and bitter words were always there -- ever testing, testing. There came a time when a silent Peace came into the group, they knew again their brother and sister by their side, with words of love, friendship and respect.
He ends with: "Years have passed onward, full of differences, and Misconception still must have its chair. But each year as we come, we come more close, the Peace is deeper and the Love unfolds; and we pass onward stronger in the day, and we pass onward deeper in the night. I am remembering back to the first meeting; ignorant we were of each other, and very dimly knowing why we came."
Eighty-four years after this was written, I see that everything is still the same -- only the faces are different; the outer circumstances may have changed, but we still stand between the forces of Love and Comradeship, as well as those of Misconception and Misunderstanding, as we endeavor to become "God people coming to our own, pathways for the Peace, roadways for the feet of Christ, jewels in the heart of God."
As you all know, a board of seven Temple Officers is appointed each year. As Guardian in Chief, I meet regularly with them on matters concerning the Temple and its real work: that of trying to embody here on the physical plane the truths of the inner planes, our real home. These officers are Inner Guard, Outer Guard, Scribe, Treasurer, and three Delegates-at-Large. Each office symbolizes a certain aspect or facet of the Temple work. The office of Inner Guard symbolizes the responsibility to the feminine aspect of manifestation -- the nurturing, connecting, indwelling spiritual force. The position of Outer Guard symbolizes the responsibility to the masculine aspect -- the protecting, questing, balancing force. The position of Treasurer symbolizes the responsibility to our storehouse of spiritual treasure filled with the jewels we have been given to use, to care for and enhance. The position of Scribe symbolizes the responsibility to the records of our aspirations, hopes, and faith and the flow of these to and from all human hearts and minds. The Delegates-at-Large are chosen from those Temple members who live away from the Center who are meeting the challenge of putting these teachings into daily practice without the outer group support and daily meetings that we enjoy here at the Center. For the 2002-2003 year, the Inner Guard will be Margaret Thyrring; Outer Guard, Ron Carlson; Scribe, Istvan Balogh; Treasurer, Marti Fast. The Delegates at Large are Amber Kastros in Carmel, California; Arlene Seaton in London; and Manfred Gronau in Hamburg, Germany.
With renewed gratitude for the privilege of being here together in this very sacred place, may all of us walk together in Love, Light, Joy, and Peace.
-- Eleanor L. Shumway
At 5:00 a.m., many community members and guests went to the high dunes to watch the sunrise and eat a picnic breakfast.
The Healing Service at noon was conducted by Marti Fast and Istvan Balogh.
At 1:30 p.m., Chris Thyrring led a group of members and friends to Gopher Glen in See Canyon and then to the Avila Fruit Barn, where many wonderful fruit concoctions were procured.
In the University Center at 5:30 p.m., the regular study class was held. Special readings from the Temple archives were presented.
At 6:30 p.m. a potluck dinner was held in the Hiawatha Lodge, after which Mindee Thyrring presented a slide show of her photographic work, entitled "A Snowboarding Photo Shoot."
At 11:00 a.m., a special children's program was conducted by Ivan Ulz in the University Center.
The Noon Healing Service was conducted by Barbara Ricardo and Willy Gommel.
At 1:30 p.m., members and friends gathered at the Central Home to go on a Garden Walk, led by Ron and Nashoma Carlson, touring various community members' gardens, ending at the Colendich's for Tea in the Garden.
Again after sunset, there was a community campfire near the Central Home, with fellowship and singing.
At 10:00 a.m., Social Science Talks were held in the Temple, with the theme of "The Temple: It takes all of us!"
The Temple of the People -- it does indeed include us all, each of us with different strengths and weaknesses and working together to build a unified whole. Based on self-responsibility, all of us form the Guardian Wall of the Temple. We are not asked for superhuman deeds -- in fact the Master, in the message to the Convention, spelled it out very clearly when he said, "It is not dramatic deeds that count in time of crisis, either nationally, universally, or individually. It is duty well cared for, distress eased in seclusion, love administered in faith, and compassionate silence that conquers all. Tactfulness is but another name for kindness, and embodies justice through finer sensibilities."
This morning gives us the opportunity to express our individual points of view within the unity of the Temple, beginning with heartfelt greetings from members and friends in England, Russia, Germany, California, New York, Illinois, and Florida.
-- Eleanor L. Shumway
Guardian in Chief
It takes all of us as Temple participants to maintain harmony, unity, and right action. Our prayers and aspirations, experienced every day, help to promote peace and good will. Every thought, word and deed contributes to sisterly/brotherly fulfillment. It takes all of us to work together as well as to communicate effectively.
We are Temple Stones in the great pyramid of life. Each Temple Stone helps to make a perfect pyramid. Each soul seeking light and truth helps in the scheme of life forces. Daily, hourly, effort to think in a positive manner adds to God-consciousness on the inner and outer planes of the Temple work.
Every time we extend a sincere and loving hand, hug others, and pray for our sisters and brothers, we are able to practice brotherhood. To reach out to help others in need helps to strengthen our inner self. To listen to the Christ within is the key to spiritual growth.
Every act, every deed, and every word spoken and thought are Temple Building Blocks for working for the good of the whole. Each time that each of us serves planet Earth by practicing the Golden Rule, we help to protect this planet, and each other.
So, as Temple members and participants, each of us has the responsibility to become One with God and All Good. By realizing the presence of the Ascended Masters and Avatars, we are learning to live by the Ten Commandments of the Temple. Service, Brotherhood, Unity, Harmony, and Love are the true Golden Keys to God Reality and Wisdom.
-- Cecelia Page
It takes us all to learn that Love given is Love received.
It takes us all to respect our differences as the strengths that bind the whole.
It takes us all to learn that all life and matter is connected in marvelous complexity.
It takes us all to learn -- It takes us all.
-- Debra Rowlands
It takes all of us -- to get to where we're going. And where might that be? I don't think Halcyon plans on going anywhere soon. Can we be going somewhere without going anywhere? Where will the Evolution of Matter, Force, and Consciousness take us? Can that Force alone get us to the Promised Land?
From the Temple of the People to the Temple of Humanity, the Principles remain the same. It is through the minute-by-minute practical application of these Principles while living with these Evolutionary Forces that we discover our Path individually and together.
It takes all of us heading in a similar direction at some appropriate speed in some semblance of order, no matter the mode of transportation, for there to be a healthy flow of energy. Today we have common knowledge regarding the best practices when it comes to travel. However, we must endeavor to always remain alert for the sake of each other and ourselves, that these gifts of travel not be taken for granted.
Living Life certainly seems more complicated than driving down the highway, yet the Principles remain the same. One individual has to power to upset the Balance of the flow. Yet, we all have faith that arriving safely at our destination in a timely fashion is the motivation of the need behind everyone's behavior.
Thank God for needs. Necessity is the mother of invention. Needs are the seeds of our creative process. When will we need to care for our fellows as we care for ourselves? Can you even imagine a time when the need to do for others becomes as motivating as the need to rest or the need to feed ourselves?
Land, air, and sea are the foundations stones of travel. In conjunction with our needs to go from here to there, we have developed the tools and a spirit of cooperation that offers us the opportunity to go almost anywhere, alone or together. Religion, science, and economics are the foundation stones of Temple. As we travel from the unknown into the known, we discover that without true religion, honest science, and fair economics, we all can't get to the Promised Land together.
Here again, we can find the driving force of need and motivation propelling us along the multitude of paths available for our choosing. While it is true that personal freedom is the key to the Promised Land, we are discovering the true nature of the imbalance created by our obsessive pursuit of material wealth to the exclusion of our fellows. Although the driving force behind our transportation industry might be the pursuit of wealth, much can be learned from the cooperation required for us to travel together. Inconvenience and injury may result when one of us ends us stuck in the middle of the road -- yet we remain challenged, alert, and focused to practice patience, compassion, and endurance to see our fellow-travelers as our brother and sisters.
The discovery of spiritual treasures, loving ourselves and each other, climbing to the Mountain Top are the fruits of our efforts, when we continue to engage and honor the evolutionary forces with self-responsibility and a pure heart.
It takes all of us, everywhere, to get to where we will eventually be.
-- Rick London
It seems to me that the word unity can be rather deceptive. At first blush, it brings to my mind a great single force, seamless and unconquerable. Or perhaps a soccer team, each player with his own job, but all in uniform and working for the same visible goal.
In reality, I think unity is more like a 5,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that we are just beginning to put together, in the dark. Each of us has a different shape, a different direction, a different place; yet, despite our apparent disparity, if only one of us is lost, the rest shall remain incomplete.
Because of this final dependence on one another, hidden thought it may be at times, I feel it is so important to care for one another and honor our diversity lest we damage the final, divine picture of which we are privileged to be a piece.
-- Eva Ulz
The Sixth Rule of Discipleship admonishes us to treat every member of the Great White Lodge as if he were of blood kin.
This transcends the generalized messages we find in the prosody of song and the sweeping images of rhetoric.
The Sixth Rule of Discipleship demands that we place ourselves in the mirror with each other. And that mirror is the Temple, which takes all of us.
-- Ivan Ulz
The Healing Service was conducted by Nashoma and Ron Carlson.
At 12:30 p.m., a Picnic was held at Avila Beach. All met at the Temple and caravanned by auto to the beach. This excursion was led by Natasha Rykman and her son, Simon. Everyone brought their own lunches, but sunscreen was provided.
At 7:00 p.m., in the Temple, papers about "The Inner Orders" were presented.
At 8:00 a.m., breakfast was served in Hiawatha Lodge, hosted by Marla and Bill Lowman.
The Noon Healing Service was conducted by Zelma Colendich and Ron Carlson.
At 5:30 p.m., the Study Class was held in the University Center. The Guardian in Chief read papers from the Temple Archives.
At 6:30 p.m., a potluck was held in the Hiawatha Lodge.
The Healing Service was conducted by Margaret and Chris Thyrring.
From 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., "It's Playtime" was enjoyed at the Baloghs' home: cards, hot tub, board games and food were participated in by all who came.
At 10:30 a.m., the Temple Builders' Program was held in the Temple. The Guardian in Chief spoke of the Builders -- the children's department:
The candle lighting ceremony, the offering and offering prayer, as well as the Mantrams form the core of the ceremonial side of Builders. The content of the meetings takes many forms: games, stories, songs, projects with paint and paper, projects of community service, visiting and exploring different sites in the neighborhood, tea parties, and sharing experiences, concerns, and well as joys. All these furnish opportunities to practice, on the child's level, the principles of Brotherhood and the Golden Rule.
The Builders have been an important focus for the Temple over the years. Although the numbers have ranged from twenty-five or thirty to none, the importance of providing a place for unfoldment and nurturing has always be foremost. Many people have served as teachers of the Builders, and all of us feel we have learned so much from the children.
Currently, Barbara Ricardo, Rita Moiseyeva, Elena Pletneva, Annie Dunbar, and Rick London meet with the children for a variety of lessons. It is very special for me to look around the room and see former Builders and former Builders teachers from years past, Builders who are now parents and grandparents, all representing that wonderful golden chain of experience, love, and history that binds us all so firmly together. As a child growing up in Halcyon, visiting in and out of different people's homes, I felt as if I had a large extended family, with interesting grown ups who treated me with respect and firmness, thereby giving me a definite sense of security and self-worth. No one preached "the Temple Teachings" to us -- they just were the teachings, each expressing the aspect that best fitted them. Given the tremendous challenges that face youngsters in today's world, I can only hope that our children feel the same sense of security.
-- Eleanor L. Shumway
Guardian in Chief
Over the last three Sundays our local newspaper reported on the history of the Temple of the People. Wow, I thought, an opportunity for more people to discover their connection with the Temple of Humanity.
To my surprise, when I asked the Guardian in Chief if she had planned this in time for the 103rd Convention, her answer was no.
While many spiritual organizations appear to go to great lengths to promote their beliefs to rest of the world, we know that the Truth must be discovered through experience, one moment at a time.
There are as many ways to discover the Temple Teachings as there are people on this earth. While my very own trials and tribulations brought me to the Temple of the People, the Temple Builders program seems to me the most pleasant way to discover the wisdom behind the Temple Teachings.
Can these Universal Truths even be learned without pain and suffering? Nurturing our children to become involved in Builders, without the incentives of punishment and reward, is a very tough assignment.
Yet from the Master's Message to this Convention I quote, "I must trust you to try your own strength, to put into decisive action all that we have taught you. This is your responsibility."
What and how our children learn about the Temple Teachings doesn't seem to be as important as trying to foster a lifetime appreciation for learning and living the true meaning behind the Temple Teachings and Universal Brotherhood Sisterhood.
-- Rick London
The Noon Healing Service was conducted by Marti Fast and Willy Gommel.
At 3:00 p.m., the annual Ice Cream Social at the home of Karen White and her son, Will, made a sweet ending to a very special Convention week.
At 7:00 p.m., the Convention Benediction Service was celebrated in the Temple.
CONVENTION GREETINGS
In the light of the Master's touch,
do we hear the call of our Souls
We feel the embrace of love
We hear the whispers of joy
We smell the perfume of peace
We taste the delicacy of freedom
And we seek to radiate this wonder
from our own centers
May all life receive the beauty of Universal Soul at Convention 2002.
With love from
Your Sisters and Brothers in London
--------------------------------------------------------
Dear Temple Brothers and Sisters Everywhere:
A great rain of spiritual influences falls on us in this special time of the Convention of the Temple of the People. Let us use this embrace of love, light, harmony and joy for deeds of faithfulness, for loyalty to one another, for Brotherhood in our thoughts, feelings, words, and deeds.
May we be able to radiate this wonder of love to our brothers and sisters and all beings in the Temple Centers and the whole world. For all this we ask in the name of Love and Brotherhood.
In Devotion, Gratitude and Love,
Your Sisters and Brothers in Germany
Temple groups: There are groups in New York City and London, England, as well as several in locations in Germany. Anyone wishing more information about these groups can call the Temple offices in Halcyon.
While Convention took place here at the Center, formal Convention proceedings also occured in London and in Berlin with the English and German Communities of the the Temple of the People participating.
Both groups sent warm greetings to the Convention here in Halcyon.
William Quan Judge Library serves Temple members, residents of Halcyon, and friends with an interest in Theosophy or who are doing research involving some of our special collections. Our library is staffed by volunteers; hours are Mondays, 9-11 a.m. and 6-8 p.m., and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Other hours are by appointment through the Temple office.
The University Center Gallery is open by appointment. Please call the Temple office at (805) 489-2822 for information. This year the exhibition consists of paintings by Harold E. Forgostein, fourth Guardian in Chief of the Temple. This exhibit, "The Refreshing Green of Nature," features both watercolors and oils depicting Harold's deep insights into the the world of nature about us. Also on display are many interesting articles and artifacts accumulated through Temple history.
The Temple Healing Service is held at 12:00 noon each day in the Temple. All are welcome to attend. A Meditation Meeting is held in the Temple on Sunday evening from 7 to 7:30.
Study Classes under the auspices of Temple Officers and various Temple Orders are held regularly in the University Center on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Sunday Services are held at 10:30 a.m. in the Temple. The Feast of Fulfillment (the Communion Service of the Temple) is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. The last Sunday of each month is a prayer and meditation meeting. Other Sundays are speakers' meetings. The public is cordially invited to all services.
Speakers in the Sunday services were: June 16: Chris Thyrring, Semper Fi, Dad; June 23: Debra Rowlands reading The Lodge Force and American History by Wenonah Varian; July 14: Eleanor Shumway, Temple Hands; July 21: Damian Rollison reading Our Heritage by Harold Forgostein; August 18: Eleanor Shumway, Convention 2002, Revisited.
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