Materialistic science on its own simply cannot explain the mysteries of human consciousness. It urgently needs to be extended to include more subtle levels of reality such as those perceived by mystics. At this extraordinary public meeting, distinguished speakers with both scientific and mystical expertise will examine the works of Rudolf Steiner, Alice Bailey, Emanuel Swedenborg and H.P. Blavatsky, and assess how these writers' inner understanding of the nature of consciousness might shed light on today's debate on the emerging science of consciousness.

This event is the first of its kind to be arranged jointly between the Anthroposophical Society, the Lucis Trust, The Swedenborg Society and The Foundation for Theosophical Studies.

CONFERENCE DETAILS (see also our website)

9am - 6.30pm, Thistle Hotel, Victoria, 101 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1 COST: Only £20 (including tea and coffee) and £28 with lunch (some bursaries available on application)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

SPEAKERS

Prof. Ian J. Thompson, MSc, PhD, FInstP, CPhys, is Professor of Physics at the University of Surrey. A researcher in theoretical nuclear physics, Ian was born in New Zealand, and has worked at Manchester, Bristol, Copenhagen and Notre Dame Universities before coming to Surrey University. He has long been investigating the foundations of quantum physics and discrete degrees in mind and nature, following ideas developed from Emanuel Swedenborg, with the aim of forming a new Theistic Science that integrates revelation and scientific knowledge.

Dr. Edi D. Bilimoria, DPhil, FIMechE, CEng, works as a Consultant Engineer for the transport, petrochemical, construction and oil and gas industries. He has been Project Manager and Head of Design for major projects such as the Channel Tunnel, London Underground systems and offshore installations. Edi is a keen musician and an ardent student of Theosophy. He is Chairman of the Theosophical World Trust for Education and Research. His overall philosophy is the integration, dissemination and practical application of spiritual wisdom from all sources both East and West, from sciences as well as the arts and religions, into a unified and undivided whole. Edi has published several papers on science and the esoteric philosophy. He is the author of Mirages in Western Science Resolved by Occult Science and he is currently preparing a book on Newton's deep forays into alchemy, religion and mysticism.

Nick Thomas was trained as an electrical engineer in the Royal Air Force, subsequently serving as an engineering officer for 16 years. Then he did research in conjunction with Lawrence Edwards and John Wilkes on the practical application of projective geometry. This was followed by three years as a Program Manager with Nortel after which in 1985 he became full time General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain. He discovered Rudolf Steiner's work while at school and has been a student of it ever since. His major research interest is the development and application of Steiner's discovery of negative space to bridging natural and spiritual science. He lectures widely on this and other anthroposophical subjects.

Laurence Newey came to the Lucis Trust after discovering the Alice Bailey teachings at an early age. He is an officer of the Lucis Trust and an administrator in the Arcane School - a correspondence school of meditation, study and service as a way of life.

David Lorimer is Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network, Chair of Wrekin Trust and Vice-President of the Swedenborg Society.

THE SPONSORS

The Swedenborg Society was founded in 1810 to translate, publish and sell the works of Emanuel Swedenborg. It has been in continuous existence ever since. Email: swed.soc@netmatters.co.uk Web: www.swedenborg.org.uk

The Foundation for Theosophical Studies is a registered educational charity which exists for the purpose of advancing education and also promoting study and research in the fields of comparative philosophy, religion and science - the latter being particularly concerned with the laws of Nature and the psycho-spiritual faculties and potentials in Man. E-mail: theosophical@freenetname.co.uk Web: www.theosophical-society.org.uk

The international activities of the Lucis Trust are dedicated to the establishment of right human relations. They promote the education of the human mind towards recognition and practice of the spiritual principles and values upon which a stable and interdependent world society may be based. The motivating impulse is love of God, expressed through love of humanity and service of the human race. Email: london@lucistrust.org Web: www.lucistrust.org

The Anthroposophical Society was founded by Rudolf Steiner to promote a new kind of spiritual science, with applications in education, medicine, agriculture, architecture, the arts and the sciences. This involves a new approach to spiritual research where the soul uses modern scientific faculties to underpin the spiritual activity employed. Email: rsh@cix.compulink.co.uk