Cincinnati.—This Branch has been hard at work, and has had the benefit of several addresses and thorough explanations of hermetic doctrines from a well known and well versed theosophist.
Abridgements of Discussions.—The discussions and study of every member of the Society and of each Branch should not be kept exclusively to themselves, except when they may relate to necessarily secret matter, but ought to be made known in some way to all other members. To that end, the N. Y. Branch has issued the first of a series of leaflets for private circulation, containing abstracts of these discussions. They contain the ideas of many different people upon the subjects of Karma, Reincarnation, and other doctrines of Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.
All branches ought to contribute notes to this work, so that the leaflets may appeal to as many minds in the society as possible. If a central editor could be hit upon that would also be a good idea.
The Aryan Theosophical Society of New York.—Regular meetings have been held each week, since our last issue, two during this month being open ones, at which addresses were delivered and discussions had. On the 8th ult., the subject was that of evolution as laid down in theosophical literature, and at one meeting, the lecture was illustrated by reference to a famous carved temple roof in India, the blackboard being used for rough outlines of the design.
During the last month, the following books have been donated to the library of the Branch, by Bro. Edson D. Hammond: Ancient Mysteries Described (Hone, 1823); The Obelisk and Freemasonry (Weisse, 1880); Psychological Review (London), 12 Nos. 1882; 2 of 1883, when Review stopped. The library has now increased to over 125 vols. and has been considerably used by the members.
That subtle self is to be known by thought alone; for every thought of men is interwoven with the senses, and when thought is purified, then the self arises.—Mundaka Upanishad.
OM