Toronto Theosophical Society

Planned Start Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Wednesdays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Ongoing
Where: Toronto Theosophical Society, 792 Glencairn Ave, Toronto, ON
Format: In-person (Zoom considered for special circumstances)
Main Text (free PDF): Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is by H.D.G. Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Physical books are available in exchange for donation.

This weekly study group offers an opportunity to explore the Bhagavad Gita, one of the foundational texts of Vedic philosophy, through sustained reading, reflection, and thoughtful dialogue.

The Bhagavad Gita addresses fundamental questions of consciousness, duty, freedom, and the nature of reality. Presented as a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and Sri Krishna, it offers insight into paths of knowledge, devotion, and action—and examines how these integrate within human life and spiritual development.

The approach will be:

• Textual study combined with open discussion and inquiry
• Exploration of Vedic philosophy, cosmology, and psychology
• Question-and-answer format to support understanding
• A complete picture of the cultural and spiritual context

This group is suitable for:

• Those new to the Bhagavad Gita or Vedic philosophy
• Students continuing their study of Eastern spiritual traditions
• Anyone interested in consciousness, ethics, and the structure of reality
• Participants seeking grounded philosophical inquiry alongside spiritual exploration

No prior background is required—only openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with the material.

***

About the Teacher
Radhikatma Prabhu is a disciple in the Brahma Sampradaya, one of four authorized Vedic lineages. He received second-level initiation from his spiritual master, Tamal Krishna Goswami, who was a direct disciple of H.D.G.A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the scholar and teacher who brought Vedic knowledge to the Western world and founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Radhikatma Prabhu spent many years studying and practicing in Israel, Europe and India, where he received training in Vedic rituals and holds the traditional status of Brahmin. During his formation, he worked closely with Tamal Krishna Goswami, who in addition to his spiritual leadership was an accomplished academic, holding a B.A. in Religious Studies and a Ph.D. from Cambridge University, where he authored nine volumes of scholarly work. This period of close service deepened Radhikatma Prabhu's understanding of both the devotional and philosophical dimensions of the tradition.

He brings to this study group both the authenticity of traditional lineage transmission and the ability to make these teachings accessible and relevant to contemporary students seeking to understand Vedic philosophy and apply it.

Thursdays, September 17 – December 17, 2026 | 7:30 PM
In-person & via Zoom (hybrid)
Facilitator: Sophia Barna, M.Ed., M.S.W.
Location: Toronto Theosophical Society, 792 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, ON (Basement Room)
Join online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89232571956?pwd=4IauecL584tvh0PzMoumdTTFOTFa79.1

“Embodied Conscious Living” is a weekly experiential program that bridges the study of consciousness with the practical realities of everyday life. Rooted in the Map of Consciousness developed by David R. Hawkins and A Course in Miracles (ACIM), this program invites participants to move beyond theory into lived, embodied awareness. The embodiment dimension is central to the program: activities such as singing, chanting, and dance and movement meditations are designed to engage the body directly, helping participants avoid emotional and somatic bypassing.

Together, we explore what it means to live “in the world, but not of it” — grounded, present, and engaged, while rooted in higher awareness.

The Map of Consciousness serves as our reference point. Each meeting focuses on a specific state of consciousness, blending study and practice so participants not only understand these states intellectually, but also learn to embody and live them in daily life.

In addition to the Map of Consciousness, A Course in Miracles (ACIM) provides a complementary framework for the program. ACIM offers practical spiritual principles for transforming perception, cultivating forgiveness, and recognizing the inner guidance of love and truth. Its teachings emphasize the shift from fear to love, the release of judgment, and the practice of conscious choice in every moment.

Our gatherings are grounded in the states of Love, Joy, and Gratitude, corresponding to the elevated energy field of 540 on the Map of Consciousness. From this frequency of openness and lightness, we come together to uplift, inspire, and grow in awareness — individually and collectively.

### ✨A Potluck for the Body, Heart, Mind & Soul🌈

Each session is designed as a holistic experience — nourishing all dimensions of being:

• 🕊️ Food for the Soul: Guided meditation, self-reflection, and self-inquiry
• 🧠 Food for the Mind: Lectures, presentations, and meaningful group discussions
• 💃 Food for the Body: Embodied practices (movement and dance meditations), singing, chanting
• 💗 Food for the Heart: Love-centered connecting and sharing

### 🌸What to Expect

Together, we will explore different states of consciousness through:

• Lectures and presentations
• Guided meditation
• Self-reflection
• Group discussions
• Movement and dance meditation
• Singing and chanting

### 🎒What to Bring

1. 🌈Coloured clothes — each week a specific colour (ROGVAIV rainbow sequence: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). This is an encouraged part of the experience, not mandatory.
2. 🧣Silk or large dancing scarf/veil
3. 📓Notebook, journal, or paper with pens, crayons, markers
4. 💖Your highest vibrational presence in love, joy, and gratitude

This is a space where learning becomes lived experience — where insight meets embodiment.

To uphold universal brotherhood without distinction and freedom of thought, all elements of the evening are invitational. Participants may opt out of any component and still be welcome, as long as we engage with one another respectfully.

This is a participatory series with optional components. In keeping with TTS values, you are welcome to opt in or opt out of any element, and the central expectation is mutual respect.

### 🗓️ Fall-Winter 2026 Schedule

12 sessions, Thursdays at 7:30 PM (October 1 is a break — the facilitator will be away)

• September 17 — Red 🔴Opening session
• September 24 - Orange 🟠
• October 1 - (Break, facilitator away)
• October 8 - Yellow 🟡
• October 15 - Green 🟢
• October 22 - Blue 🔵
• October 29 - Violet 🟣
• November 5 - Red 🔴
• November 12 - Orange 🟠
• November 19 - Yellow 🟡
• November 26 - Green 🟢
• December 3 - Blue 🔵
• December 10 - Violet 🟣
• December 17 — Closing session 🌈

### Reference Texts

1. Hawkins, D. R. (2012). Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House.
2. Foundation for Inner Peace. (1976). A Course in Miracles. Mill Valley, CA: Foundation for Inner Peace.
3. Barna, S. (2025). Flying Home: Soul Stories for the Little One Within. Toronto: LightPath Publishing.

### About the Facilitator:

Sophia Barna is an educator and facilitator with a long-standing interest in the relationship between inner life and everyday life: how spiritual principles become livable, embodied realities rather than abstract ideas. Her work bridges consciousness research, reflective inquiry, and practical methods for self-observation and inner transformation. Her background includes graduate training in education and social work, and advanced professional training in EMDR.

In “Embodied Conscious Living,” she draws on the Map of Consciousness (as developed by David R. Hawkins) and the spiritual psychology of A Course in Miracles, inviting participants to explore themes such as presence, perception, forgiveness, and the cultivation of love, joy, and gratitude through shared practice and dialogue. Her facilitation style is heart-centered, clear, and experiential, with space for participants to learn through reflection, discussion, and embodied exercises.

Important distinction: While Sophia’s clinical experience, education, and skills shape how she holds the space and communicates, this series does not constitute EMDR therapy, psychotherapy or a clinical solution for mental or emotional problems. It is a group experience offered in the spirit of service and public learning, and it should not replace care from a licensed provider in a private and confidential therapeutic relationship.

In-Person | Starts at 8:00 PM (Doors open at 7:30 PM) | Drop-In
Current material: The Yoga of the Christ by Murdo MacDonald-Bayne M.C., Ph.D., D.D. (sequel to Beyond the Himalayas)

This weekly discussion group offers a reflective and open space to explore themes of mysticism, spirituality, and inner transformation through selected writings and talks by Jiddu Krishnamurti, Annie Besant, Alice Bailey, and other thinkers whose work invites deep inquiry into consciousness, freedom, truth, and the nature of self-understanding.

Rather than promoting a particular belief system, the group emphasizes shared reading, thoughtful reflection, and respectful dialogue.
Participants are welcome to engage at their own pace—whether through listening, contemplation, or open discussion.

### About the Current Material

The Yoga of the Christ by Murdo MacDonald-Bayne (Military Cross, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Divinity) is the sequel to Beyond the Himalayas, in which MacDonald-Bayne recounts his encounters with spiritual Masters during his travels to Tibet. In this sequel, he brings those teachings to bear on the life and message of Christ — presenting Christ's teachings not as doctrine or theology, but as a living yoga: a path of inner union, direct experience, and conscious alignment with the Divine. Non-sectarian in spirit, the work treats Christ's wisdom as universally accessible to anyone sincerely seeking truth, regardless of background or tradition.

A free PDF is available at: https://www.drmac.co.za/PDF/TheYogaOfTheChrist.pdf

While there is no requirement to commit before attending, the intention is to gradually build a group of participants who are interested in returning regularly and engaging sincerely with the material and the group process. Newcomers are very welcome, and those who feel drawn to ongoing study are warmly encouraged to continue attending.

This is a drop-in group, and no prior background or preparation is required.

All are welcome. Come as you are, reflect together, and take part in a spirit of openness and mutual respect.

(Please note there is no WhatsApp communication system for this group, and no online or hybrid option at this time — this is an in-person group only.)

What Is Buddhism? Exploring Wisdom, Compassion, and the Path to Inner Peace
🗓️ Sunday, September 20, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM EDT (doors open 6:55 PM)
📍 In person: Toronto Theosophical Society, 792 Glencairn Ave, Toronto, ON M6B 2A3
💻 Online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84270468992?pwd=4zCYipzRdRgsubISPaMWjBU9iuNQZv.1
💸 Free and open to the public — everyone welcome

Join us for an Open Heart Lecture with Jason Simard (Tenzin Gawa) in person or online.

Jason Simard's presentation offers an accessible introduction to Buddhism and its relevance to modern life. He presents Buddhism not simply as a religion, but as a practical path for understanding the mind, developing compassion, and cultivating lasting inner peace. The talk explores the Buddha's fundamental teachings on the causes of suffering and happiness, emphasizing that our experiences are shaped largely by our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Through mindfulness, ethical living, and meditation, Buddhism provides methods for developing greater self-awareness and emotional balance. Jason highlights how these teachings remain valuable in addressing contemporary challenges such as stress, anxiety, and the search for meaning and purpose.
The presentation also examines what makes Buddhism unique among spiritual traditions and how it can complement other religious or philosophical paths. Rather than requiring blind faith, Buddhism encourages personal inquiry and direct experience. Jason outlines the gradual path of study, reflection, and meditation available to beginners, emphasizing the importance of learning from qualified teachers and engaging with a supportive community. He offers practical guidance for those interested in exploring Buddhism, demonstrating how compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness can be integrated into daily life. Ultimately, the talk presents Buddhism as a universal and practical approach to personal growth, emotional well-being, and the cultivation of a more meaningful and compassionate way of living.

About the speaker:
Jason Simard, known by his monastic name Tenzin Gawa, is a Canadian Buddhist monk, teacher, and founder of the Paramita Centre in Montreal. His interest in Buddhist philosophy began in 2000, and in 2002 he became a student of the Tibetan Buddhist master Lama Lobsang Samten, under whose guidance he continues to study and practice.

Jason began teaching introductory courses in meditation and Buddhist philosophy in 2006. In 2010, he founded the Paramita Centre in Montreal to make authentic Tibetan Buddhist teachings accessible to modern Western students. He later expanded these activities to Ontario and helped establish the Paramita Centre Toronto, which officially opened in 2019. Through these centres, he has taught students in both French-speaking and English-speaking communities.

His monastic training includes ordination with Geshe Dawa in 2010, taking monk's vows with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2014, and receiving full monastic ordination in 2018. He regularly travels to India to continue his studies with respected Tibetan Buddhist teachers.

Today, Tenzin Gawa teaches meditation, Buddhist philosophy, and Buddhist psychology, emphasizing the practical application of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom in everyday life. His mission is to help people develop greater inner peace and understanding through the timeless teachings of Buddhism.