Initiation—Then and Now

Initiation is one of the most intriguing and mysterious subjects encountered among the teachings of the Theosophical Society, suggesting that there are various steps and stages by which to gauge our spiritual development. Yet, historically, such teachings have been among the most likely to be misunderstood and misused and the least likely to affect our daily lives in any practical or recognizable way.

In this program, we’ll examine the subject of Initiation from several perspectives. First, we’ll probe the term itself, looking into its various uses and meanings to come up with a working definition. Next, we’ll examine the subject of “Initiation Then,” covering the teachings presented in the Mahatma Letters and the writings of H. P. Blavatsky, as well as those of Annie Besant (The Masters) and Charles W. Leadbeater (The Masters and the Path).

In “Two Paths or Three?,” we’ll investigate the frequently described “Path of the Mystic” and “Path of the Occultist” and probe the question of  whether there might be a third path. It seems that Mystics are drawn to develop the Will (Atman) and Omniscience; Empaths to develop the Heart (Buddhi) and Omnipresence; and Seers or Occultists to develop the Mind (Manas) and Omniscience. “Initiation Now” will discuss ways to make Theosophical teachings on Initiation relevant to our daily lives by cultivating what Besant called “The Mind of the Master.”

This is an experiential program, involving periods of discussion, questions and answer, and meditation. On two of the evenings, there will be a special program entitled “In the Twilight,” whose purpose is to create a safe space for building community through sharing our inner lives, experiences on our personal spiritual paths, whether mystical, empathic, visionary, or otherwise.

Here is basic schedule for the weekend:

• Program Schedule and Guidelines
• Q&A on Clairvoyance

• What Is Initiation?

• Initiation Then (Blavatsky, Besant, and Leadbeater)

• Sharing the Inner Life (Preparation for “In the Twilight”)

• Initiation–Two Paths or Three? (The ways of Mystics, Empaths, and Seers)

• Deva Walk on the Land

• In the Twilight (An opportunity to share your inner life, in safety, with others)

• Initiation Now (What does it mean in daily life?)

• Meditation (Which path are you on?)
• Q&A on the meditation
• Sharing about the program experience

• In the Twilight (Reprise)

• Breakfast and farewells

Program Fees:

Program fees are all-inclusive and cover accommodation, food, and program specifics. Participants may choose their accommodation type (Plumbing, Non-Plumbing, RV/Tent)  and may select to work on daily staff (3 hours commitment per day) for a substantial discount.
See Accommodation Types Here: Plumbing/RoundHouse   Non-Plumbing   RV/Tent
In the table, Std-regular; DS-Daily Staff

Registration Instructions:

NOTE:  Single occupancy plumbing cabins are no longer available.  As of the moment, the only plumbing options that remain are:
* In the Roundhouse, private room.  Shared common space/baths.  Very cozy space with views of the sound.
* Shared plumbing cabins, also along the waterfront.  Semi-private.  (There is a slight chance you might end up without roommates, but not guaranteed).

1. You may register one or more persons in a single registration. To register more than one, select multiple persons for your accommodation type.
2. You have an option of making a donation to Indralaya as part of your registration.
3. On checkout, please indicate if you are a “friend of Indralaya” (if you are not you can become one by selecting this option) – this will confer a 5% discount on your camp fees.

Cancellation Policy

1. Free cancellation until April 30 – $0
2. Cancellation fee May 1 – May 23 = $50
3. Cancellation fee after May 23 – $100