The Banyan Tree

The Banyan Tree

“The Banyan tree, with its sprawling branches and intricate network of aerial roots, holds a revered spot in the heart of various cultures across the world. Known for its majestic presence and longevity, the Banyan tree is often seen as a symbol of life, growth, and rebirth. Different cultures have interwoven their stories and beliefs around this remarkable tree, connecting it to the cycles of life and the concept of regeneration.”

– Mythology Worldwide

Photos: TS Adyar, Banyan Tree Shop, fair use.

Left: Great Banyan Tree in Adyar-Chennai, at the headquarters of the Theosophical Society
Right: Logo of The Banyan Tree Shop and Library

Banyan Tree Principles – The first three are fashioned out of the Three Objects of the Theosophical Movement; the next three are akin to some of the stated Aims of the Institute of World Culture in Santa Barbara in their Declaration of Interdependence and are also very much in line with the aims and goals of the Lomaland Community’s (1897-1942) School of Antiquity. The seventh and last reflects what all of us on the Vancouver Roots and Shoots Panel have shared in the way of thinking of our enterprise as an offering of trusteeship for future generations. 

1. to create and foster a community of seekers who aspire to serve as a nucleus of universal acceptance, solidarity and reverence in the service of Humanity and of Great Nature, now and into the future
2. to facilitate the study of ancient and modern philosophy, religion and science and their respective “growing tips” in the service of All Peoples and the Good Earth
3. to explore the developing spiritual intuitions and soul-powers latent within all human beings and in their correlations to the wonders of Nature, visible and invisible
4. to provide an attractive, welcoming environment for people to browse, read, study and conduct research into the voluminous literary contributions of theosophical roots, shoots, limbs and branches
5. to offer a community forum for uplifting lectures, workshops, study-classes, book-signings, poetry readings and storytelling as well as musical and artistic performances
6. to support young people of all genders, persuasions, cultures, ethnicities and races in their continuous growth in non-violence of mind, generosity of heart and harmony of soul
7. to attract and encourage forward-looking trustees of the library and bookstore’s precious and priceless resources who will joyously curate, preserve and pass them on to the Aquarian beneficiaries of the future 

Photos: The Banyan Tree Shop, fair use.

• To ‘preserve them for the future’ where they serve as the cultural and historical record to be available to upcoming generations

• For current study and learning opportunities: the view that in the future, they would provide a collection of current and past expressions of the wisdom traditions, as seeds, the potential for new expressions in the future.
• In the present consolidated collections in an accessible location open the door for current inquirers and Perennialism wayfarers to have the experience of coming and studying these historical, cultural and inner resources.
• They have the potential to enhance and act as a drawing ‘focal points’, tangibly showing a greater tradition that assists in bringing to life the inner dimensions of the spiritual inquirer.
• The collection consists of authors and writers from all of the branches and shoots of the Theosophical Movement. 

Photos: TS Adyar, Banyan Tree Shop, fair use.

Right: Jonathan Colbert – The Banyan Tree Director

Lina Psaltis (1928-1980) Collection is a notable addition to the overall Banyan Tree library, contributed and curated by her son George Psaltis. Lina Psaltis worked closely assisting Boris de Zirkoff with work on the compiling, proofreading and editing of the Blavatsky Collected Writings from the mid 1960’s through the 1970’s.

She authored Dynamics of the Psychic World (published by TPH Wheaton 1972), a compilation of core writings on the path of inner development from Blavatsky’s writings. Her library of approximately 1200 volumes consists of classical writings from later 19th and early 20th century theosophy, world religions and philosophy with notable collections on Hinduism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The Kenneth Small Lomaland Archive and library are also now currently housed within the Banyan Tree library. (Formerly at San Diego State University 20216-2020.) The archive is overviewed in the Theosophical History Occasional Papers edited and published by Prof. James Santucci: Revisiting Visionary Utopia: Katherine Tingley’s Lomaland 1897-1942. This collection consists of approximately 1500 volumes of Theosophical, world religions, philosophy etc., in addition to the Lomaland archival documents, photographs and recordings. 

Several more book donations of key titles and authors have been received and are most appreciated. As the library develops, more space is being made available within the Theosophy Building for expanding the Banyan Tree with its spreading branches and shoots for additional books which are most welcome. 

Photos: Ken Small, The Banyan Tree Shop, fair use.

Inquiries, support and volunteers are most welcome to assist us in co-creating the Banyan Tree as a repository of Global Wisdom for the future.

1. Email from Kenneth Small of March, 4, 2026.
2. Febr. 16, 2026, Theosophy Forward: NOW OPEN, The Banyan Tree – Theosophical Resource library, archive and bookstore 
3. Website of The Banyan Tree

Our Point Loma/Tingley Portal: www.katherinetingley.com