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[[File:Geoffrey Farthing.jpg|2-px|right|thumb|Geoffrey A. Farthing]]
<br>
'''Geoffrey A. Farthing''' was an English lecturer and writer who was very active in the [[Theosophical Society (Adyar)|Theosophical Society, Adyar]]. He served the [[Theosophical Society in England]] in many capacities, including a term as General Secretary. He also was a member of the Executive Committee of the European Federation for a number of years, and as a member of the Society's General Council.
 
== Early life and career ==
 
Geoffrey Farthing was born at Heaton Mersey near Manchester in Lancashire, England on December 10, 1909. He was educated at boarding schools at Eastbourne and Buckinghamshire, where he was quite happy. Raised as a  devout Anglican, he became dissatisfied with the Church as a teenager and read many books in a quest for understanding. He happened to read the "Initiate" volumes by [[Cyril Scott]], which referred him to publications of the Theosophical Society. He began his higher education at London University, but became apprenticed at a large electrical engineering works near Manchester. He attended night school at Manchester College of Technology, and studied [[Theosophy]] in his spare moments. He made the acquaintance of an Indian gentleman who gave him another view of religion, spurring further study.


In his career as a Chartered Electrical Engineer, Mr. Farthing was employed by the Central Electricity Board and the Yorkshire Electricity Board. He said he worked "nearly all my life with the nationalized industry in Yorkshire. I was in charge of about 100 shops, service centres as they were called, of contracting (wiring factories, shops and homes), advertising shows and distribution, appliance testing, repair and reconditioning, etc." His parents weres not sympathetic to his interest in Theosophy.


[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
== Introduction to the Theosophical Society ==
[[Category:Leaders|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
[[Category:Lecturers|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
[[Category:Writers|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
[[Category:TS Adyar|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
[[Category:Military|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
[[Category:Engineers|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
[[Category:Nationality British|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]


== Early life and career ==
While Mr. Farthing knew the name Theosophical Society from publications, he had no contact with members until the late 1920s.


Geoffrey Farthing was born in England on December 10, 1909, and was educated at two boarding schools. He began his higher education at London University, but became apprenticed into engineering. He attended night school at Manchester College of Technology.  
<blockquote>
At the end of the 1920’s when work was very scarce I very fortunately got a job in London. There was then a severe depression. A whole series of `coincidences’ eventually took me to the Theosophical Society in London with its wonderful library. From that I borrowed many books for a few years and began a longish process of self-education in Theosophy. It got more and more thrilling the more I knew about it.


In his career as an electrical engineer, Mr. Farthing said he worked "nearly all my life with the nationalized industry in Yorkshire. I was in charge of about 100 shops, service centres as they were called, of contracting (wiring factories, shops and homes), advertising shows and distribution, appliance testing, repair and reconditioning, etc." He never married, and his family was not sympathetic to his interest in Theosophy.
One day my enthusiasm for my new-found subject got the better of me and I invited an old school friend to come to the Theosophical Society to hear a lecture given by a well-known theosophical lady on ”The Masters”. This was in Besant Hall at the back of 50 Gloucester Place. It was the occasion of an Easter Convention which the Society at that time held regularly. The speaker was oddly dressed in a green gown with yellow lightning flashes across it and large triangular-shaped sleeves which she theatrically showed off at every opportunity. It was ludicrous and my friend and I got the giggles. We tried to suppress our laughter but we really could not. Eventually an usher came up to us and said that even if we did not want to listen to the lecture, others did, and would we mind going out. That was my first acquaintance with the Theosophical Society. Thereafter I thought nothing would induce me to join!<ref>"About the Author," Gunnar Larson Web page. [http://www.livet.in/aboutGAF.htm]</ref></blockquote>


== Military service ==
== Military service ==
Line 24: Line 23:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
He was to serve five years in various capacities in military Communications. He had always had an interest in radio. As a result of this he spent much of his early time in the Forces teaching and training other people in telecommunications, and although he became Commanding officer of a special technical unit towards the end of the war, he never saw active service abroad.
He was to serve five years in various capacities in military Communications. He had always had an interest in radio. As a result of this he spent much of his early time in the Forces teaching and training other people in telecommunications, and although he became Commanding officer of a special technical unit towards the end of the war, he never saw active service abroad.
<br>
The point of this diversion is that during the five years of army service his interest in matters 'theosophical' was totally suspended. It was as if the light had been switched off. He had no interest whatever in all the things that had up till then been so enthralling. However, with the end of hostilities in Europe his interest suddenly flared up and by an odd quirk of fortune he found himself in very comfortable circumstances with no serious duties, billeted comfortably in a nice house with a servant looking after his needs, so that he could and did spend many hours every day reading [[The Secret Doctrine (book)|The Secret Doctrine]]. This lasted for one year.<ref>"About the Author," Gunnar Larson Web page. [http://www.livet.in/aboutGAF.htm]</ref> </blockquote>


The point of this diversion is that during the five years of army service his interest in matters ‘theosophical’ was totally suspended. It was as if the light had been switched off. He had no interest whatever in all the things that had up till then been so enthralling. However, with the end of hostilities in Europe his interest suddenly flared up and by an odd quirk of fortune he found himself in very comfortable circumstances with no serious duties, billeted comfortably in a nice house with a servant looking after his needs, so that he could and did spend many hours every day reading The Secret Doctrine. This lasted for one year.
A book by [[Paul Brunton]] and an acquaintance with [[John B. S. Coats]] renewed his interest in the Society, and after the war he joined the local TS lodge in Leeds.


He was then demobilized and returned to civilian life in Leeds where he joined the local Theosophical Lodge, having in the meantime become a member of the Theosophical Society [Adyar]."
== Theosophical work ==
<ref>'''????????????'''[http://www.livet.in/aboutGAF.htm]</ref>
 
</blockquote>
The Leeds Lodge quickly discovered that Mr. Farthing was very knowledgeable about the [[Theosophy|Ancient Wisdom]], and particularly the esoteric teachings of [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]]. He was recruited to lecture, beginning a speaking career than spanned many countries and sixty years.  


== Theosophical work ==
Over the years, he held most positions in the [[Theosophical Society in England]], including a term as General Secretary. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the [[European Federation]] for a number of years, and also served a term as a member of the Society's [[General Council of the Theosophical Society]] at Adyar, India.


Mr. Farthing was a founder and director of the [[European School of Theosophy]], and frequently lectured at its annual study week that convenes all over Europe. In 1974 he was invited to deliver the prestigious [[Blavatsky Lectures|Blavatsky Lecture]] at the Annual Convention of the English Theosophical Society on [http://resources.theosophical.org/pdf/BL_1974_Farthing_Life_Death_and_Dreams.pdf "Life, Death and Dreams"].<ref>Geoffrey A. Farthing, "Life, Death and Dreams," Blavatsky Trust Web page. [http://www.blavatskytrust.org.uk/html/booklets/life%20death%20dreams_1.htm] Reprinted by The Theosophical Society in England in 1974; revised and reprinted in 1995.</ref>


The nonprofit organization that he founded, [[The Blavatsky Trust]], continues to disseminate the writings of H. P. Blavatsky.


== Term as General Secretary ==
== Term as General Secretary ==
Line 39: Line 42:
Mr. Farthing has said this of his service as General Secretary in the English Section:
Mr. Farthing has said this of his service as General Secretary in the English Section:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
I was President of the T.S. in England from 1969 to 1972. During this time I let it be known quite openly that I was a Master/H.P.B. man; this was not acceptable to the generality of members. There was a strong Church and Masonic faction in the Society, the members of which eventually got together and voted me out of office. This was a considerable blow to me as I had given up my job - quite a lucrative one and of some influence - to come and work for the Society. Being voted out was a hurtful experience but in a way it was a blessing. I was free of all other duties and could get on with my study and my writing.<ref>????????[http://www.livet.in/aboutGAF.htm]</ref>
I was President of the T.S. in England from 1969 to 1972. During this time I let it be known quite openly that I was a Master/H.P.B. man; this was not acceptable to the generality of members. There was a strong Church and Masonic faction in the Society, the members of which eventually got together and voted me out of office. This was a considerable blow to me as I had given up my job - quite a lucrative one and of some influence - to come and work for the Society. Being voted out was a hurtful experience but in a way it was a blessing. I was free of all other duties and could get on with my study and my writing.<ref>"About the Author," Gunnar Larson Web page. [http://www.livet.in/aboutGAF.htm]</ref></blockquote>
</blockquote>


== Writings ==
== Later years ==


Mr. Farthing wrote extensively about Theosophy. In 1996, he was awarded the [[Subba Row Medal]] for his significant contribution to theosophical literature.  
During the 1980s and 1990s, Geoffrey was a regular course leader at annual residential weekends exploring [[The Secret Doctrine (book)|The Secret Doctrine]], held at [[Tekels Park]], Camberley, Surrey. He took an active part in the Theosophy/Science weekends held each year within the English Section. On April 6, 2001, he retired from the Executive Committee after 40 years' work, and was awarded a silver goblet in recognition.<ref>"Retirement of Geoffrey Farthing," ''Insight'' 43.5 (Sep-Oct, 2001), 16.</ref>


Books written by Mr. Farthing are described at the Blavatsky Trust Website, with links to each text online.<ref>
Geoffrey Farthing passed away in 2004. He never married.
"Geoffrey A. Farthing," Blavatsky Trust Website [http://www.blavatskytrust.org.uk/html/nf_bt2.htm]</ref> They include:


* Theosophy - What's it All About?
== Writings ==
* When We Die ...
* Life, Death and Dreams
* Exploring the Great Beyond
* Theosophy, the Wisdom Religion
* Deity, Cosmos & Man
* When We Die
* The Etheric Double? The Far-Reaching Effects of a False Assumption
* After-Death Consciousness and Processes
* Modern Theosophy Origins & Intentions - a Trilogy
* Theosophy: The Truth Revealed
* Aspects Of Divine Law
* Theosophy: Its Beneficent Potentialities
* The Right Angle [http://www.theosophical.ca/books/RightAngle,The_GFarthing.pdf]


Mr. Farthing wrote extensively about Theosophy. In 1996, he was received the [[Subba Row Medal]], awarded in 1995, for his significant contribution to theosophical literature. Many books, articles, and lectures by Mr. Farthing are available online at the [http://www.blavatskytrust.org.uk/html/nf_bt2.htm Blavatsky Trust Website], [http://hpb.narod.ru/lib.htm The Theosophy Library] and other sources.


<blockquote>
Dozens of articles are listed in the [[Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals]] under [http://www.austheos.org.au/cgi-bin/ui-csvsearch.pl?search=Geoffrey+Farthing&method=all&header=field4 Geoffrey Farthing]. Some of the more significant include:
A lifelong student of Theosophy, Geoffrey was one of it's finest minds and became one of it's all time greatest exponents. He studied Theosophy for some 60 years, lecturing in many countries. He held numerous positions in the Theosophical Society in England including General Secretary (1969-72). He served a term as a member of the Society's General Council at Adyar, India and was a member of the Executive Committee of the European Ferderation for a number of years. He was a director of the European School of Theosophy and its annual study week convened all over Europe was the occasion of some of his finest lectures and where he shared some of his deepest insights into the nature of the Esoteric Philosophy.
* "The Extraordinary Story Behind Isis Unveiled." ''The Theosophist'' October 1998. Availble at [http://hpb.narod.ru/IsisStory.htm The Theosophy Library].
* "The Etheric Double? The Far-Reaching Effects of a False Assumption." ''The Theosophist'' November 1996, [http://hpb.narod.ru/EthericDoubleFalseAssumption.htm The Theosophy Library] and [http://www.katinkahesselink.net/metaphys/etheric.htm Katinka Hesselink website].
* "Some Thoughts on Conditioning." ''The Theosophist'' April 2001. Available at [http://hpb.narod.ru/conditioning.htm The Theosophy Library].
* "Theosophy: Its Beneficent Potentialities." (2001 Blavatsky Lecture). [http://www.blavatskytrust.org.uk/html/a_blavatsky_lecture_2001.html Blavatsky Trust], [http://www.theosophical-society.org.uk/html/insight_articles/blavatsky_lecture_2001.html Theosophical Society in England], and [http://hpb.narod.ru/TheosPotentialities.htm The Theosophy Library]


Geoffrey was awarded the International Theosophical Society's highest award 'The Subba Row Medal' in 1996 for his outstanding contribution to theosophical literature.
The books include:
</blockquote>
* '''''After-Death Consciousness and Processes'''''. Part 1 Available at [http://hpb.narod.ru/AfterDeathConsciousnessA.htm The Theosophy Library] and Part 2 at [http://hpb.narod.ru/AfterDeathConsciousnessB.htm The Theosophy Library].
* '''''Aspects Of Divine Law'''''. Available at [https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/AspectsOfDivineLaw_GFarthing.pdf Theosophical Federation] and [http://hpb.narod.ru/AspectsDivineLaw.htm The Theosophy Library].
* '''''Deity, Cosmos & Man''''' Part 1 Available at [http://hpb.narod.ru/DeityCosmosMan-Book1.htm The Theosophy Library] and Part 2 at [http://hpb.narod.ru/DeityCosmosMan-Book2.htm The Theosophy Library].
* '''''Exploring the Great Beyond'''''. Available at [http://www.blavatskytrust.org.uk/html/the_great_beyond/great_beyond_contents.htm Blavatsky Trust]. 
* '''''Life, Death and Dreams'''''. 1974 This is the printed version of the 1974 Blavatsky Lecture, and is available digitally from the [http://resources.theosophical.org/pdf/BL_1974_Farthing_Life_Death_and_Dreams.pdf Olcott Library].
* '''''Modern Theosophy Origins & Intentions - a Trilogy'''''.
* '''''The Right Angle'''''. Available at [https://cdn.website-editor.net/e4d6563c50794969b714ab70457d9761/files/uploaded/RightAngle%2CThe_GFarthing.pdf Canadian Theosophical Federation]. Blavatsky views on the history of [[Freemasonry]].
* '''''Theosophy: The Truth Revealed'''''. Available at [http://www.blavatskytrust.org.uk/html/articles/truth%20revealed.htm Blavatsky Trust]
* '''''Theosophy - What's it All About?'''''.
* '''''Theosophy, the Wisdom Religion'''''.
* '''''When We Die''''' Available at [http://hpb.narod.ru/WhenWeDie.htm The Theosophy Library] and [http://www.wisdomtraditions.com/ Wisdom Traditions].


<blockquote>
== Additional resources ==
Geoffrey Farthing was born in England on 10 December 1909; educated conventionally at two boarding schools; matriculated London University, but became apprenticed into engineering, attended night school at Manchester College of Technology of which he became an Associate; served six years in the Army in the Royal Signals, leaving the service as Major.
* '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3bz72lf0lI "The Uniqueness of Theosophy"]''' was presented at the [[European School of Theosophy]] in 1983.


Geoffrey joined Leeds Lodge of The Theosophical Society in England (Adyar) in 1945. With his background of reading it was soon discovered by the Lodge members that he was knowledgeable enough to start giving lectures, and this he did almost as soon as he joined. Since then he has lectured in many countries around the world and held most positions in the Theosophical Society in England, including a spell as General Secretary (1969 - 72). He served a term as a member of the Society’s General Council at Adyar, India, and was a member of the Executive Committee of the European Federation for several years.
== Notes ==
<references/>


During the 1980s and 1990s, Geoffrey was a regular course leader at annual residential weekends exploring The Secret Doctrine, held at Tekels Park, Camberley, Surrey. He has taken an active part in the Theosophy/Science weekends held each year within the English Section and continues as a tutor in the European School of Theosophy, of which he is a founding member. In the 1970s, Geoffrey set up a sister organization - Blavatsky Trust - whose aim is to disseminate knowledge of the writings of H. P. Blavatsky
== Additional resources ==


Mr Farthing has written a number of theosophical books: In 1974,
"Geoffrey Farthing 1909-2004," Theosophy Cardiff Web page [http://www.cardifftheosophy.uku.co.uk/Farthing.htm]


<blockquote>
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
Geoffrey Farthing(1909-2004), author and international lecturer made the study of Theosophy, and in particular the esoteric writings of H.P. Blavatsky, his abiding interest for over 60 years. Geoffrey held most positions in the Theosophical Society in England including General Secretary (1969-72). He served a term as a member of the Society's General Council at Adyar, India, and was a member of the Executive Committee of the European Federation for a number of years. He founded The Blavatsky Trust, an educational charity, in England in 1974. In the same year he gave the prestigious Blavatsky Lecture at the Annual Convention of the English Theosophical Society on Life, Death and Dreams, and in 1996, was awarded the Subba Row Medal for his significant contribution to theosophical literature.  
[[Category:Leaders|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
 
[[Category:Lecturers|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
Geoffrey wrote numerous theosophical books including After-Death States and Consciousness; Deity, Cosmos and Man (1993); Theosophy, What’s It All About?; When We Die; and Exploring the Great Beyond. His most recent book is The Right Angle: H. P. Blavatsky on Masonry (2003).
[[Category:Writers|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
</blockquote>
[[Category:TS Adyar|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
</blockquote>
[[Category:Military|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
 
[[Category:Engineers|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
== Notes ==
[[Category:Nationality English|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]
<references/>
[[Category:People|Farthing, Geoffrey A.]]

Latest revision as of 00:55, 21 August 2020

Geoffrey A. Farthing

Geoffrey A. Farthing was an English lecturer and writer who was very active in the Theosophical Society, Adyar. He served the Theosophical Society in England in many capacities, including a term as General Secretary. He also was a member of the Executive Committee of the European Federation for a number of years, and as a member of the Society's General Council.

Early life and career

Geoffrey Farthing was born at Heaton Mersey near Manchester in Lancashire, England on December 10, 1909. He was educated at boarding schools at Eastbourne and Buckinghamshire, where he was quite happy. Raised as a devout Anglican, he became dissatisfied with the Church as a teenager and read many books in a quest for understanding. He happened to read the "Initiate" volumes by Cyril Scott, which referred him to publications of the Theosophical Society. He began his higher education at London University, but became apprenticed at a large electrical engineering works near Manchester. He attended night school at Manchester College of Technology, and studied Theosophy in his spare moments. He made the acquaintance of an Indian gentleman who gave him another view of religion, spurring further study.

In his career as a Chartered Electrical Engineer, Mr. Farthing was employed by the Central Electricity Board and the Yorkshire Electricity Board. He said he worked "nearly all my life with the nationalized industry in Yorkshire. I was in charge of about 100 shops, service centres as they were called, of contracting (wiring factories, shops and homes), advertising shows and distribution, appliance testing, repair and reconditioning, etc." His parents weres not sympathetic to his interest in Theosophy.

Introduction to the Theosophical Society

While Mr. Farthing knew the name Theosophical Society from publications, he had no contact with members until the late 1920s.

At the end of the 1920’s when work was very scarce I very fortunately got a job in London. There was then a severe depression. A whole series of `coincidences’ eventually took me to the Theosophical Society in London with its wonderful library. From that I borrowed many books for a few years and began a longish process of self-education in Theosophy. It got more and more thrilling the more I knew about it.

One day my enthusiasm for my new-found subject got the better of me and I invited an old school friend to come to the Theosophical Society to hear a lecture given by a well-known theosophical lady on ”The Masters”. This was in Besant Hall at the back of 50 Gloucester Place. It was the occasion of an Easter Convention which the Society at that time held regularly. The speaker was oddly dressed in a green gown with yellow lightning flashes across it and large triangular-shaped sleeves which she theatrically showed off at every opportunity. It was ludicrous and my friend and I got the giggles. We tried to suppress our laughter but we really could not. Eventually an usher came up to us and said that even if we did not want to listen to the lecture, others did, and would we mind going out. That was my first acquaintance with the Theosophical Society. Thereafter I thought nothing would induce me to join![1]

Military service

Mr. Farthing served six years in the Army in the Royal Corps of Signal (Royal Signals), attaining the rank of Major. When war broke out in 1939, he was called up immediately, since he had previously joined the Territorial Army (Volunteers).

He was to serve five years in various capacities in military Communications. He had always had an interest in radio. As a result of this he spent much of his early time in the Forces teaching and training other people in telecommunications, and although he became Commanding officer of a special technical unit towards the end of the war, he never saw active service abroad.

The point of this diversion is that during the five years of army service his interest in matters 'theosophical' was totally suspended. It was as if the light had been switched off. He had no interest whatever in all the things that had up till then been so enthralling. However, with the end of hostilities in Europe his interest suddenly flared up and by an odd quirk of fortune he found himself in very comfortable circumstances with no serious duties, billeted comfortably in a nice house with a servant looking after his needs, so that he could and did spend many hours every day reading The Secret Doctrine. This lasted for one year.[2]

A book by Paul Brunton and an acquaintance with John B. S. Coats renewed his interest in the Society, and after the war he joined the local TS lodge in Leeds.

Theosophical work

The Leeds Lodge quickly discovered that Mr. Farthing was very knowledgeable about the Ancient Wisdom, and particularly the esoteric teachings of H. P. Blavatsky. He was recruited to lecture, beginning a speaking career than spanned many countries and sixty years.

Over the years, he held most positions in the Theosophical Society in England, including a term as General Secretary. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the European Federation for a number of years, and also served a term as a member of the Society's General Council of the Theosophical Society at Adyar, India.

Mr. Farthing was a founder and director of the European School of Theosophy, and frequently lectured at its annual study week that convenes all over Europe. In 1974 he was invited to deliver the prestigious Blavatsky Lecture at the Annual Convention of the English Theosophical Society on "Life, Death and Dreams".[3]

The nonprofit organization that he founded, The Blavatsky Trust, continues to disseminate the writings of H. P. Blavatsky.

Term as General Secretary

Mr. Farthing has said this of his service as General Secretary in the English Section:

I was President of the T.S. in England from 1969 to 1972. During this time I let it be known quite openly that I was a Master/H.P.B. man; this was not acceptable to the generality of members. There was a strong Church and Masonic faction in the Society, the members of which eventually got together and voted me out of office. This was a considerable blow to me as I had given up my job - quite a lucrative one and of some influence - to come and work for the Society. Being voted out was a hurtful experience but in a way it was a blessing. I was free of all other duties and could get on with my study and my writing.[4]

Later years

During the 1980s and 1990s, Geoffrey was a regular course leader at annual residential weekends exploring The Secret Doctrine, held at Tekels Park, Camberley, Surrey. He took an active part in the Theosophy/Science weekends held each year within the English Section. On April 6, 2001, he retired from the Executive Committee after 40 years' work, and was awarded a silver goblet in recognition.[5]

Geoffrey Farthing passed away in 2004. He never married.

Writings

Mr. Farthing wrote extensively about Theosophy. In 1996, he was received the Subba Row Medal, awarded in 1995, for his significant contribution to theosophical literature. Many books, articles, and lectures by Mr. Farthing are available online at the Blavatsky Trust Website, The Theosophy Library and other sources.

Dozens of articles are listed in the Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals under Geoffrey Farthing. Some of the more significant include:

The books include:

Additional resources

Notes

  1. "About the Author," Gunnar Larson Web page. [1]
  2. "About the Author," Gunnar Larson Web page. [2]
  3. Geoffrey A. Farthing, "Life, Death and Dreams," Blavatsky Trust Web page. [3] Reprinted by The Theosophical Society in England in 1974; revised and reprinted in 1995.
  4. "About the Author," Gunnar Larson Web page. [4]
  5. "Retirement of Geoffrey Farthing," Insight 43.5 (Sep-Oct, 2001), 16.

Additional resources

"Geoffrey Farthing 1909-2004," Theosophy Cardiff Web page [5]