ITC Naarden

Bharatanatyam Dance: The Call of the Beloved
2026-06-28 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/Amsterdam) | Besant Hall, Meentweg 9, Naarden, Noord-Holland, 1411 GR, Netherlands
‘The Call of the Beloved’
Leela Samson and Bhavajan Kumar
Sunday 28 June 2026 – RESCHEDULED DATE
“The core philosophy of the Indian arts is the human soul’s longing to connect with the divine. Many compositions in Bharatanatyam embody this call of the beloved, where the beloved represents the ultimate truth.”
With this, Leela Samson and Bhavajan Kumar invite us to their dance performance, The Call of the Beloved. Last year, Bhavajan introduced us to Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form elevated to an art by Rukmini Devi Arundale and later further refined by her student, Leela Samson. Bhavajan is one of Leela’s gifted students. This year, the two return together to the ITC to bring Bharatanatyam back to the stage. Prepare for the transformative beauty of this sacred dance. We warmly welcome you to a very special evening at the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden.
Date: Sunday, 28 June 2026
Place: Besant Hall, ITC Naarden
Doors open: 19:30
Event starts: 20:00
Tickets: €25 per person
Get your tickets here: https://www.itcnaarden.org/bharatanatyam-dance-special/

The School of the Wisdom Naarden (SOWN) - The Yoga-Sūtras of Patañjali
2026-08-17 16:00 - 2026-08-21 12:00
The School of the Wisdom of the Theosophical Society (Adyar) is dedicated to fostering deep study, reflective inquiry, and inner transformation grounded in the perennial wisdom tradition. It offers members of the Society an opportunity to approach Theosophy as a living path of insight, discernment, and wisdom.
The School originated as the Brahmavidyā Āśrama, founded in 1922 by Annie Besant, J. Krishnamurti, James H. Cousins, C. Jinarajadasa, and other prominent members of the Theosophical Society. After a period of inactivity, it was reactivated in 1949 by Jinarajadasa under the name The School of the Wisdom. Since then, it has continued to offer programmes for members of the Theosophical Society Adyar worldwide, at the international headquarters of the Theosophical Society in Chennai, India.
We are now inaugurating The School of the Wisdom Naarden (SOWN), in accordance with the wish of the International President of the Theosophical Society, Tim Boyd, and under the directorship of Erica Georgiades. The SWN will offer concise yet profound programmes designed to inspire reflection, awaken intuitive understanding, and uplift the human spirit, while remaining faithful to the living wisdom tradition at the heart of Theosophy.
The School in Naarden is open for TS members and all those with a serious quest for the subject, so we warmly invite you to join us for the inaugural programme of SOWN, launching in 2026.
Click here to register

The Yoga-Sūtras of Patañjali As a Science of Self-Knowledge – A Theosophical Approach with Ricardo Lindemann, PhD.
Patañjali
Patañjali is a name traditionally associated with one or more authors of classical Sanskrit philosophy, whose historical identity remains uncertain. Several works are attributed to this name, most notably the Yoga Sūtras, a foundational text of the classical yoga tradition.
The Yoga-Sūtras
The Yoga-Sūtras of Patañjali constitute a foundational text of classical yoga philosophy and open with one of its most well-known and significant aphorisms, Yoga-Sūtra I: 2: “Yogaś cittavritti-nirodhah” stating that yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. When the mind is still, the true Self is revealed.
The Programme
This theoretical–practical programme offers a profound and experiential introduction to the Yoga-Sūtras of Patañjali as a living science of self-knowledge and inner transformation. Rather than approaching yoga merely as a physical or wellness discipline, the course presents it as a complete philosophical and ethical system aimed at the cessation of suffering and the awakening of consciousness.
Grounded in both classical yoga and Theosophical perspectives, the programme explores nine essential techniques described by Patañjali for overcoming distraction, inner conflict, and mental fragmentation—conditions that are particularly relevant in the fast-paced and overstimulated world we inhabit today. Participants will engage in reflective dialogues on the Yoga-Sūtras and its deep resonances with core Theosophical teachings, including the Laws of Karma and Reincarnation, the evolutionary journey of the soul, and the gradual unfolding of self-knowledge.
According to Patañjali and many ancient sages, spiritual ignorance (avidyā) is the root cause of suffering and moral confusion. Liberation, therefore, is not achieved through belief, but through discernment, ethical living, and sustained inner practice. The path of yoga is presented here as an integrated discipline, beginning with Preliminary Yoga and unfolding through ethical self-restraints and observances (yama and niyama), postures, breath regulation, sense withdrawal, concentration, contemplation, and ultimately states of deep inner stillness and insight.
This programme is especially valuable for seekers who wish to deepen their understanding of yoga beyond technique, for Theosophists interested in practical applications of perennial wisdom, and for all who seek clarity, inner stability, and a meaningful framework for spiritual growth. It offers not only study, but orientation—a compass for living consciously and responsibly on the path of inner evolution.
A wide range of books and commentaries on the Yoga Sūtras is available today. Within the Theosophical Society, one of the most in-depth and influential commentaries on this work was written by Dr I. K. Taimni. His book, The Science of Yoga, is widely regarded as an authoritative and highly valuable interpretation of the Yoga Sūtras. In the Netherlands, this commentary has been published under the title The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali and has remained a bestseller for many years, being extensively used in various yoga schools.
Literature
A wide range of books and commentaries on the Yoga Sūtras is available today. Within the Theosophical Society, one of the most in-depth and influential commentaries on this work was
written by Dr I. K. Taimni. His book, The Science of Yoga, is widely regarded as an authoritative and highly valuable interpretation of the Yoga Sūtras. In the Netherlands, this commentary has been published under the title The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali and has remained a bestseller for many years, being extensively used in various yoga schools.
RICARDO LINDEMANN, PhD
Ricardo has been a TS member in Brazil since 1979, is a civil engineer, and in 2021 wrote his PhD in Science of Religion,“The Yoga-Sūtras as a Science of Self-Knowledge”, based on Patañjali. He taught at the School of the Wisdom, Adyar, in 1996, 2011 and 2024.
Daily Schedule
Monday August 17
16.00 arrival
18.00 dinner
20.00 evening programme – 1
Tuesday August 18
8.00 meditation – 1 (Yoga-Sūtra I: 32 – 34)
8.30 breakfast
9.30 welcome day visitors and coffee
10.00 Lecture – 1 Yoga: What is it and why is it necessary?
12.30 lunch
14.00 Lecture – 2 Nine Techniques to Overcome Distractions (I)
18.00 dinner
20.00 evening programme – 2
Wednesday August 19
8.00 meditation – 2 (YS I: 35 – 37)
8.30 breakfast
9.30 welcome day visitors and coffee
10.00 Lecture – 3 Nine Techniques to Overcome Distractions (II)
12.30 lunch
14.00 Lecture – 4 The Yoga Philosophy and the Importance of Self-knowledge
18.00 dinner
20.00 evening programme – 3
Thursday August 20
8.00 meditation – 3 (YS I: 38 – 39)
8.30 breakfast
9.30 welcome day visitors and coffee
10.00 Lecture – 5 The Path of Liberation in the Yoga-Sūtras
12.30 lunch
14.00 Lecture – 6 Investigating the Laws of Nature in Yoga and Theosophy
18.00 dinner
20.00 evening programme – 4
Friday August 21 morning
8.00 meditation – 4 (YS I: 23 – 28)
8.30 breakfast
9.30 Wrap-up; Comments, Questions and Answers, departure.
Costs
Registration fee
Full SWN: €150 for T.S. members and €175 for non-members
Day visitors: €45 per day
Vegan Meals
Full SWN: €175
One full day: €47 per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Lunch only: €17
Accommodation (prices are per person for the full SWN)
Crystal House – single room: €200
Crystal House – 2 pers. room: €160
Lotus House – single room: €210
Lotus House – 2 pers. room: €190
Cottage – single: €230
Cottage – 2 pers.: €165
The flyer of this event can be viewed below or click here to download it directly:
SWN Program August 2026

The School of the Wisdom Naarden (SOWN) - Silent Retreat
2026-10-27 16:00 - 2026-11-01 15:00
An Exploration into Insight – Living Consciousness in the move
Silent Retreat 2026 with Tran-Thi-Kim-Diêu
Click here to register
After the sheer conscious materialism of the 19th century with all its consequences, there was a hard struggle in the 20th century to get out of darkness through attempts of spirituality. Many pretentious efforts resulted in spiritual materialism, mistaking shimmering shadows for rays of sunlight… The first quarter of the 21st century hopefully leads the human mind to healthy doubt by bringing it back to fundamental questions of which some are impossible to answer. This retreat proposes to participate in the human mind’s endeavour to move above the discursiveness of duality and beyond theoretical knowledge to reach Insight.

Tran-Thi-Kim-Diêu
Postgraduate degree at the University of Montpellier (France) in Pharmaceutical Engineering, trained in human psychology with applied astrology to serve as a counsellor in life orientation. Kim-Diêu is currently General Secretary of the French Section of the Theosophical Society (Adyar), Former Chairperson of the Council of the European Federation of Theosophical Society (EFTS), and a former Chair of the Council of the Naarden International Theosophical Centre (ITC).
About the ITC
Welcome to the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden (ITC), a place of deep historical and spiritual significance for the theosophical movement in Europe. In 2025 the estate was donated by Mary van Eeghen; Annie Besant accepted in the name of the Masters. The Centre has since served as a peaceful natural environment for theosophical study, reflection, and service. The presence and inspiration of key figures of the Theosophical Society—such as Annie Besant, George and Rukmini Devi Arundale, and Jiddu Krishnamurti—have shaped it. As you walk through the grounds, halls, and gardens, you are invited to sense the continuity of a work dedicated to Universal Brotherhood, inner transformation, and the Oneness of Life. We hope your stay here inspires reflection and helps you feel more connected to the living spirit of Theosophy.
The ITC is regarded as an ashram, carrying a distinctive and sacred atmosphere. All activities held here are oriented toward the higher aspects of life and the Source of Wisdom and Love, and the Centre is therefore associated with subtle spiritual energies. Visitors are kindly asked to respect and help preserve the tranquillity and contemplative character of this unique environment. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are therefor not permitted on the campus, and all meals served are vegan.
Library
The extensive library in Besant Hall is open all days during the SWN.
Week schedule
Tuesday 27/10
ARRIVAL in the afternoon
Wednesday 28/10
1 WHAT IS RELIGION?
WHAT IS SPIRITUAL GROWTH?
Discovering Sanatana Dharma, the incessant
revelation
Thursday 29/10
2 GLIMPSES ON THE CONCEPT OF EVOLUTION
Friday 30/10
3 H.P. BLAVATSKY – reviving occult positivist Knowledge,
AND J. KRISHNAMURTI – moving beyond, towards Insight
Saturday 31/10
4 LEARNING DOUBT
Sunday 01/11
5 CONSCIOUS LIVING THROUGH A CONSTANT DIALOGUE WITH ONESELF
Applying one’s understanding: living a righteous life based on universal ethics and mystical values
CLOSING after lunch
SILENCE outside the sessions and during meals
Daily schedule
Tuesday October 27
16.00 (4 pm) ARRIVAL
18.00 Dinner
20.00 (8 pm) OPENING
Wednesday 28/10 – Saturday 31/10
8.00 MEDITATION
8.30 Breakfast
10.00 TALK, Q&A, PRACTICE
12.30 Lunch
14.00 PRACTICE, MEDITATIVE INQUIRY
18.00 Dinner
20.00 SHORT MEDITATION
Sunday November 1
8.00 MEDITATION
8.30 Breakfast
10.00 TALK, Q&A, PRACTICE
12.30 Lunch
14.00 CLOSING
Click here to register
