2025 School of Theosophy

2025 School of Theosophy

Three Paths of Inner Unfoldment: Exploring Jnana, Bhakti & Karma Yoga

10 - 14 May 2025

 

Director of Studies: Juliana Cesano

 

OVERVIEW

The One Reality manifests through the many, ensuring countless possibilities of expression and experience. Consequently, the paths of return to Oneness are as diverse as life itself.

Discovering our inner temperament and the need to approach the spiritual life according to it is key to our growth. To feel completely at home in our belief and practice makes the spiritual life genuine and consequently real. If a spiritual path does not align with who we are, it doesn’t impact the inner worlds.

In the Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone of Hindu philosophy, three primary Margas or paths are presented:

- Jnana Yoga (the path of Wisdom)

- Bhakti Yoga (the path of Devotion)

- Karma Yoga (the path of Selfless Action)

While these paths only differ in their methods and not on their end and are complementary approaches to self-realization, each person naturally gravitates towards one of these paths more than the others. Recognizing this fact and aligning our life and practices with it can significantly impact our spiritual growth.

In this School of Theosophy we will explore the distinct characteristics of these three paths, discover through meditation and other practices which approach is currently most beneficial for each of us, and learn how to consciously integrate them all.

The 2025 School of Theosophy will be facilitated by Juliana Cesano from the USA.

Juliana is a third-generation Theosophist who has been actively involved with the Theosophical Society’s work for over 25 years. She currently serves as the National Secretary and Member Education Director of the Theosophical Society in America.

She is an international speaker, and her main focus over the past 15 years has been the transformational power of contemplative practices.

 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS SCHOOL

Foundations

• Undefining God
• The shape of longing
• Overview of the Seven Human Temperaments
• Dharma and the three major Margas
• Self-assessment exercise
• Practice: Foundations of a contemplative practice

The Path of Wisdom (Jnana Yoga)

• Characteristics of Jnana Yoga
• The processes of purification
• Acquiring higher knowledge
• The radiant mind (Manas-taijasi)
• Practice: Meditation on the nature of the Self

The Path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga)

• Characteristics of Bhakti Yoga
• The role of a personal deity or ideal
• Cultivating selfless love and surrender
• Forms of devotional practices
• Practice: Constant remembrance in the Heart

The Path of Action (Karma Yoga)

• Characteristics of Karma Yoga
• Selfless action as an offering
• Practicing non-attachment to results
• Practice: Life as an act of service

Integration

• Integrating Jnana, Bhakti, and Karma Yoga
• General Principles of Raja Yoga
• Practice: Creating a personalized spiritual practice plan

 

DATES

Saturday 10 May - Open 9:00am

Wednesday 14 May - Close 3:30pm

 

VENUE

Auckland Theosophical Centre (HPB Lodge) - 4 Warborough Avenue, Epsom, Auckland.

 

COSTS

Member Registration: $190

Non-Member Registration: $290

 

Registration includes morning tea, hot lunch and afternoon tea served daily (SAT-SUN-MON-TUE-WED).

Note: Dinner is not included.

 

REGISTRATION

Places are limited, registration closes on 27 April 2025 or earlier if full.

Registration is subject to approval by the National Office. Registration and payment does not guarantee acceptance to the event or member accommodation at Vasanta House. When your registration has been accepted, the registration fee is non-refundable.

Please select a registration option below.

Please note Accommodation is now full. Only registration without accommodation is available.