Louisville Esoteric Society

Join us Wednesday May 27, 2015 at 6:30 PM for “The Divinity of Numbers and Metaphysics:  A Tool for Discovering Truth”

In this meeting, we’ll continue our study of Philosophy by learning about Pythagoras and his theory about the divinity of numbers.

Pythagoras and his followers proposed that there is a substance in the Cosmos that transcends physical matter and that the structure behind this transcendence is numbers. There’s a great line spoken by Christopher Walken in a movie where he plays the Archangel, Gabriel. We’ve all heard the line before, but Walken’s delivery of it makes it especially memorable, “See you kids. Study ya math. Key to the Universe.” Pythagoreans believed and taught that mathematics, is indeed the key to understanding everything in the Cosmos, including our own existence. They also taught that mathematics is the basis for all harmony and all discord. It is believed that Pythagoras developed or at least formalized the musical scale, using the harmony heard by the human ear as the basis.

What is there? What is reality? Can we know? Do minds actually exist? Are thoughts real? How do we go about answering questions such as those? Pythagoreans believe that Metaphysics is the best tool for discovering the answers. Metaphysics has two branches, ontology and epistemology. Ontology is the branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion. We’ll learn about both methods and how metaphysics can be helpful in our individual search for Truth.

Note:  Don’t be concerned about the reference to math in the description. No math problems will be harmed (or, solved)  in the making of this presentation!! This presentation will lay the groundwork for other Philosophical topics in the future such as Plato’s Search for Truth!

Hope you’ll join us!

All sincere seekers are welcome.  $10 for pay-as-you-go attendees; No charge for LES pre-pay Members.

Click here for location, map and directions

Join us Wednesday May 13,  2015 at 6:30 PM for “What’s an Esoteric to do?” presented by John Pickard.

Those of us who seek truth, the mysteries of the universe, hidden teachings, and spiritual enlightenment inevitably face a unique challenge:

How do we, as esoteric adherents, cope with living in a world so apparently overrun with negativity, raw materialism, ignorance and sometimes pure “evil“?

How do we pursue and focus on “light” when surrounded by so much “dark“?

Can (or should) we simply ignore the negative and only focus on the positive?

As members of the human community, but seeking below the surface for answers, where should our focus be?

What’s our role and approach while here on this orb?

Do the answers to these questions vary for different esoterians?

We’ll watch a brief video about this challenge then have an open panel discussion of all attendees, giving everyone a chance to share their challenges, wisdom and approach. What works for you? What doesn’t? What challenges have you personally faced on your journey?  Come share, listen and learn among your fellow light workers.

All sincere seekers are welcome.  $10 for pay-as-you-go attendees; No charge for LES pre-pay Members.

Click here for location, map and directions

LES Prep-Pay Members are asked to join us Wednesday April 22,  2015 at 6:30 PM for a casual social gathering and business meeting.  We’ll have food, drink and good conversation in Bakery Square’s courtyard (weather permitting, and in our meeting room if raining).

We look forward to seeing you and engaging in good conversation!

Click here for location, map and directions

Join us Wednesday April 8,  2015 at 6:30 PM for “Thinking Our Way to Sickness, Pain and Death: How Our Thoughts Undermine Our Health”
Presented by Professor Keith Lyle.

Many people view sickness, pain, and death as inevitable biological phenomena that occur quite independently of what we might think about them.  But psychological research challenges that notion and reveals surprising links between mind and health.  In this talk, Professor Lyle will describe those links and discuss the many ways our health might benefit from the proper mindset.

Keith received his PhD in Psychology from Yale University in 2005.  He’s currently an Associate Professor of Psychological and Brain Processes at the University of Louisville, where he teaches courses on Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Processes, and Human Memory. His research interests include memory enhancement and eyewitness memory.  He also studies personality, with an emphasis on authoritarianism and mental flexibility.

Keith joined LES back in 2011 for a fascinating presentation and discussion. At that time, he shared with us the results of some precognition experiments he had conducted at U of L’s psych lab, based on the experiments designed by Daryl J. Bem – Psychology Professor Emeritus at Cornell University. Professor Bem reported in late 2010 that his experiments had scientifically proven for the first time the existence of precognition. More recently Keith has become interested in studying the connection of how our thoughts directly impact our health,  and will share with us some of the conclusions being reached by both himself and other researchers in this field. He will also share some information on the  correct mindset that may benefit our health.

Please join LES as we welcome Professor Keith Lyle for another fascinating presentation and discussion.

All sincere seekers are welcome.  $10 for pay-as-you-go attendees; No charge for LES pre-pay Members.

Click here for location, map and directions

Join us Wednesday March 25, 2015 at 6:30 PM for “CITIZENFOUR”.

CITIZENFOUR is a real life thriller, unfolding by the minute, giving audiences unprecedented access to filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald’s encounters with Edward Snowden in Hong Kong, as he hands over classified documents providing evidence of mass indiscriminate and illegal invasions of privacy by the National Security Agency (NSA).

Poitras had already been working on a film about surveillance for two years when Snowden contacted her, using the name “CITIZENFOUR,” in January 2013.  He reached out to her because he knew she had long been a target of government surveillance, stopped at airports numerous times, and had refused to be intimidated. When Snowden revealed he was a high-level analyst driven to expose the massive surveillance of Americans by the NSA, Poitras persuaded him to let her film.

CITIZENFOUR places you in the room with Poitras, Greenwald, and Snowden as they attempt to manage the media storm raging outside, forced to make quick decisions that will impact their lives and all of those around them.

CITIZENFOUR not only shows you the dangers of governmental surveillance—it makes you feel them. After seeing the film, you will never think the same way about your phone, email, credit card, web browser, or profile, ever again.

All sincere seekers are welcome – there will be no charge for attendees.

Click here for location, map and directions

Join us Wednesday March 11, 2015 at 6:30 PM for “Following Peace Pilgrim on a Trek For Truth” presented by Logan McCulloch.

Peace Pilgrim was (and is) an inspirational human being.  She saw through the external façade that most of us identify with as our “reality”.  She is one of those many sages throughout history, who upon realizing her/his true infinite nature attempted to consciously communicate that Truth to others through the masterpiece of Life expressing.  It would seem that ever increasing numbers of human beings all over Mother Earth are remembering aspects of that same inner Truth.  What if we could identify and share the stories of some of these inspiring souls, and embrace our own inner strength, courage and creative nature on a community pilgrimage?  We could simply walk across America to explore the power of the human heart.

Join us for a discussion about the inspiration and intention behind the upcoming Trek For Truth, a 5,000 mile walk from the Atlantic to the Pacific on the American Discovery Trail.  The lives of people like Peace Pilgrim, Nikola Tesla, and Royal Raymond Rife invite us to expand our sense of the possible.  We intend to seek out and share true stories and information intended to expand and empower each of us.

Our Trek For Truth mission statement is:
Awareness, Empowerment and Freedom Thru Fear-less Communication

All sincere seekers are welcome.  $10 for pay-as-you-go attendees; No charge for LES pre-pay Members.

Click here for location, map and directions

Join us Wednesday February 25, 2015 at 6:30 PM for “Philosophy -The Beginning.”

We’re celebrating 4 years of LES at this meeting! Join us for champagne and cake as we celebrate our past success and toast the future of LES!

In this meeting we’re going to watch the first two lectures in a series called “The Great Ideas of Philosophy.” Each lecture is approximately 30 minutes long and is taught by Professor Daniel N. Robinson PhD, a member of the philosophy faculty at Oxford University, where he has lectured annually since 1991. He is also Distinguished Professor, Emeritus, at Georgetown University, on whose faculty he served for 30 years. He was formerly Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, and has held positions at Amherst College and at Princeton University. He is the author or editor of more than forty books.

Lecture 1- is entitled “From the Upanishads to Homer,” and begins with a brief description of what philosophy is. The translation of the word philosophy is love of wisdom; and wisdom comes only in Truth. To be a student of philosophy we are morally bound to go wherever Truth leads. Philosophy confronts three problems in the search for Truth – Knowledge (What is knowledge and how do we obtain it?); Conduct (What kind of life should one live and what actions represent moral conduct?); and Governance (What is wise governance?) Philosophers seek answers to all three of these questions.

The first lecture continues by pointing out contrasts between Eastern and Western philosophies. The Upanishads from India taught there is an Universal Soul or Cosmic Atman of which humanity and all living creatures are a part. Greek philosophers taught that humanity was separate from the Gods who created the Universe; and that human fate was entirely different from that of the Gods. They further taught that human life is filled with irony – that often the very attributes which motivate an individual’s code in life result in the eventual downfall of the individual.

Lecture 2 –  entitled “Philosophy – Did the Greeks Invent It” continues showing the contrasts between Eastern and Western thought, and provides information on how the Greek philosophy developed and spread in the Western world.  The Greeks believed that philosophy earns its Truth by working for it – that Truth depends on evidence. Without evidence there is no Truth. Without Truth there is no Wisdom. To reach Truth, one must remain skeptical and challenge even the most fundamental of beliefs.

Both lectures refer to Homer and the Iliad. Most of us learned about Homer and read some parts of the Iliad in high school Literature Class. Those of us who pursued degrees in the Humanities delved deeper in college. Time  has a way of stealing or at least blurring some knowledge from past learning. Some useful links are included below if you would like a refresher course on Homer, and why the Iliad is such an important key to understanding the mindset of antiquity. The information in these links is far from complete. If you’re interested in researching further you’ll find other links on the Internet – some to  various translations of the complete works of Homer.  Also included is a link with information about the Upanishads.

Note:  It is NOT necessary to explore these links to understand and enjoy the lectures. You’ll enjoy and understand both lectures even if Homer, the Iliad and the Upanishads are all unknown to you. The links are included just in case you want to learn more about the topics discussed in the lectures. Professor Robinson is engaging and does a great job of laying a basic foundation of philosophy in these two lectures. (He also bears a remarkable resemblance to one of our founders. You can decide who when you watch the lectures.) We’ll have time after each lecture to discuss any thoughts that arise while watching, or to share additional knowledge.

LES was founded on the idea of discovering Truth. In the past we’ve sometimes meandered from our original intent and will do so in the future, which is fine. This presentation, however, is consistent with the original intent of exploring ways to discover Truth.  Hope you’ll join us!

Useful links:

Homer

The Iliad

Upanishads

All sincere seekers are welcome.  $10 for pay-as-you-go attendees; No charge for LES pre-pay Members.

Click here for location, map and directions

We regret that we must cancel the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 11.

The meeting topic originally scheduled for February  11, “Philosophy – The Beginning“, along with the LES 4th Anniversary Celebration, has been rescheduled on February 25.

Mark you calendars now. We look forward to seeing you then!

Please join all LES Members in extending our deepest sympathy to Jim Patterson and his family for the loss of his beloved Father.

Join us Wednesday February 11, 2015 at 6:30 PM for “Philosophy -The Beginning.”

This meeting marks the 4th anniversary of the first official LES meeting. Join us for champagne and cake as we celebrate the past 4 years and toast the future of LES!

In this meeting we’re going to watch the first two lectures in a series called “The Great Ideas of Philosophy.” Each lecture is approximately 30 minutes long and is taught by Professor Daniel N. Robinson PhD, a member of the philosophy faculty at Oxford University, where he has lectured annually since 1991. He is also Distinguished Professor, Emeritus, at Georgetown University, on whose faculty he served for 30 years. He was formerly Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, and has held positions at Amherst College and at Princeton University. He is the author or editor of more than forty books.

Lecture 1- is entitled “From the Upanishads to Homer,” and begins with a brief description of what philosophy is. The translation of the word philosophy is love of wisdom; and wisdom comes only in Truth. To be a student of philosophy we are morally bound to go wherever Truth leads. Philosophy confronts three problems in the search for Truth – Knowledge (What is knowledge and how do we obtain it?); Conduct (What kind of life should one live and what actions represent moral conduct?); and Governance (What is wise governance?) Philosophers seek answers to all three of these questions.

The first lecture continues by pointing out contrasts between Eastern and Western philosophies. The Upanishads from India taught there is an Universal Soul or Cosmic Atman of which humanity and all living creatures are a part. Greek philosophers taught that humanity was separate from the Gods who created the Universe; and that human fate was entirely different from that of the Gods. They further taught that human life is filled with irony – that often the very attributes which motivate an individual’s code in life result in the eventual downfall of the individual.

Lecture 2 –  entitled “Philosophy – Did the Greeks Invent It” continues showing the contrasts between Eastern and Western thought, and provides information on how the Greek philosophy developed and spread in the Western world.  The Greeks believed that philosophy earns its Truth by working for it – that Truth depends on evidence. Without evidence there is no Truth. Without Truth there is no Wisdom. To reach Truth, one must remain skeptical and challenge even the most fundamental of beliefs.

Both lectures refer to Homer and the Iliad. Most of us learned about Homer and read some parts of the Iliad in high school Literature Class. Those of us who pursued degrees in the Humanities delved deeper in college. Time  has a way of stealing or at least blurring some knowledge from past learning. Some useful links are included below if you would like a refresher course on Homer, and why the Iliad is such an important key to understanding the mindset of antiquity. The information in these links is far from complete. If you’re interested in researching further you’ll find other links on the Internet – some to  various translations of the complete works of Homer.  Also included is a link with information about the Upanishads.

Note:  It is NOT necessary to explore these links to understand and enjoy the lectures. You’ll enjoy and understand both lectures even if Homer, the Iliad and the Upanishads are all unknown to you. The links are included just in case you want to learn more about the topics discussed in the lectures. Professor Robinson is engaging and does a great job of laying a basic foundation of philosophy in these two lectures. (He also bears a remarkable resemblance to one of our founders. You can decide who when you watch the lectures.) We’ll have time after each lecture to discuss any thoughts that arise while watching, or to share additional knowledge.

LES was founded on the idea of discovering Truth. In the past we’ve sometimes meandered from our original intent and will do so in the future, which is fine. This presentation, however, is consistent with the original intent of exploring ways to discover Truth.  Hope you’ll join us!

Useful links:

Homer

The Iliad

Upanishads

All sincere seekers are welcome.  $10 for pay-as-you-go attendees; No charge for LES pre-pay Members.

Click here for location, map and directions

Join us Wednesday January 28, 2015 at 6:30 PM for “United States of Secrets: The Inside Story of the Government’s Mass Surveillance Program (part 2 of 2)“.

In United States of Secrets, FRONTLINE goes behind the headlines to reveal the dramatic inside story of how the U.S. government came to monitor and collect the communications of millions of people around the world — including ordinary Americans — and the lengths they went to as they tried to hide this massive surveillance program from the public.

Part one goes inside Washington and the NSA, piecing together the secret history of the unprecedented surveillance program that began in the wake of September 11 and continues today — even after the revelations of its existence by Edward Snowden.

Part two explores the secret relationship between Silicon Valley and the NSA, and investigates how the government and tech companies have worked together to gather and warehouse your data.

From the investigative team behind FRONTLINE’s award-winning Money, Power & Wall Street, United States of Secrets is the definitive history of domestic surveillance in a post-9/11 world. Part political thriller and part spy novel, the series is gripping viewing for those who want to understand the context of the Snowden affair — and what it means for all Americans.

We viewed Part 1 January 14 and now Part 2 will be shown on January 28. We’ll have plenty of time for a lively discussion afterwards!
** It’s not necessary to have previously viewed Part 1. **

All sincere seekers are welcome.  $10 for pay-as-you-go attendees; No charge for LES pre-pay Members.

Click here for location, map and directions