The Indo-Pacific Federation of the Theosophical Society (IPF) holds a conference every three years. In 2004 it was hosted by the Singapore members, in 2007 by the Philippines in Manila and the conference just held was in conjunction with the International Convention of the TS at Adyar in Chennai, India from 26 to 31 December 2010. These conferences need to be experienced to truly understand their unique magic. Many brothers and sisters from member countries and cultures come together for a few days every three years. The warmth and friendly atmosphere, the meeting of old friends and making of new ones is the highlight of these events which take place between talks, discussions, workshops, entertainment and outings.

In December we were fortunate to be able to come together at Adyar, India, our Theosophical home. For many of our Indo-Pacific members this was their first visit to Adyar and an experience of the International Convention. It was amazing to have 36 members come from Singapore, who all wore their bright yellow ‘theosophically branded’ shirts to the opening, along with a large group from Indonesia. There were several from Malaysia, The Philippines, Australia and Sri Lanka as well as New Zealanders, Sandy Ravelli (TSNZ National President), Vicki Jerome (IPF Secretary) and John Vorstermans (IPF President). A very large number of Indian members were also present. Altogether over 1,400 people registered for the gathering.

The Indo-Pacific Federation had its business (Council) meeting at the end of the convention, attended by the delegates and friends. Each member Section president is a Council member of the IPF. Representatives of some of the larger lodges in countries where there is no Section were invited to attend and speak at the meetings. We also welcomed many observers who could speak and share their ideas during our gathering. Mrs Linda Oliveira, the International Vice-President of the TS also attended.

The meeting re-elected John Vorstermans as the Federation’s President for a further three-year term and elected Chong Sanne, the President of the Singapore lodge as Vice-President. Vicki Jerome was also re-elected as Secretary.

There was a great deal of discussion on what the Federation would focus on over the next three years. Below are some of the items that are at the top of our list.

• In an effort to promote theosophy in countries where there is currently no presence and recognising the Internet as a powerful tool for this today, we plan to convert our website to a multi-lingual site with a focus on Chinese (Mandarin) and Vietnamese. Other languages will also be used as translators become available.

• To translate several books into Mandarin and make these available through the website as E-Books (such as At the Feet of the Master which has already been translated) or as extracts with the option of purchasing the book itself.

• To facilitate speakers to travel around some of the Sections and Lodges in our regions each year over the next three years.

• To continue to publish newsworthy information on our website for member Sections.

• To look at the possibility of bringing several people together to host events in Sections which are currently struggling or have potential.

• To develop interactive study courses made available through our website. These will be audio/visual with components for the student to have an interaction with a learning system to deepen their understand of the course they are focused on. We hope to be able to develop these courses in several languages. All this depends on working with people who speak the different languages and have a good background in Theosophy.

Being at our International Headquarters was of course a special experience. Leadbeater chambers has been repainted and looks magnificent. Many of the other buildings have also been painted giving the whole place a fresh feel. Walking through the estate is really a meditative experience as one goes down the path between the Adyar Theatre and Leadbeater Chambers for our meals – a pleasant 20-minute stroll. The pace of life is quiet with long periods between sessions where one can talk with new friends or reflect on what is going on around.

Dr Sunita and C.V.K. Maithreya, who recently visited New Zealand, were also great Indian hosts. They took many of the Indo-Pacific delegates for a two-day trip to Pondicherry before the convention started and again took another bus full of us on a trip to some of the temples at Mahaballipuram, south of Chennai. We are grateful for their kindness.

The next conference is to be hosted by the Indonesian members who have chosen Bali as the place for the conference in 2013. This will be a great place for us all to come together again as it is easy for everyone to get to and a gentle, friendly place to spend time. We will advertise when this will happen as soon as possible, so you can keep the dates free. Please watch our website for details: http://www.ipf-ts.org.