An Open Heart

A Collection of Talks and Writings by

John B.S. Coats

Sixth International President of the Theosophical Society

An Open Heart contains a selection of the writings and speeches of John Coats from the 1940s through the late 1970s, along with biographical information and rare historical photographs. John Coats was known for his affable personality, kindness and sense of humor, yet he was also a serious student of Theosophy and an articulate and inspiring writer and speaker. His speeches and writings reflect both his scholarship and his unswerving devotion to the Theosophical Society, and especially the first of its Three Objects: Universal Brotherhood.

Table of Contents

Editor’s Foreword                                                      
1. One World One Life                                                
2. Theosophy Holds the Key                                        
3. Spirit of the Founders                                              
4. The Theosophical Way of Life                                         
5. What is a Nucleus of Universal Brotherhood?  
6. The Wisdom of the World Awaits                                                                                    
7. Human Evolution and Destiny                                 
8. The Seed of Synthesis                                               
9. On Vegetarianism                                                    
10. The Search Within                                                    
11. A Happy New Year                                              
12. Planning for Tomorrow                                        
13. Closing of the Centenary Convention, 1975        
14. An Interview with John B.S. Coats                      

Appendices
About John B.S. Coats                                                 
Autobiographical Notes                                              
Letter to Members                                                                                                                                                                                                           In Memory of Our Brother John                                 

About the Author

John Balfour Symington Coats (1906 – 1979) was a leading member of the Theosophical Society, an organization founded in 1975 that is dedicated to promoting the unity of humanity; fostering religious and racial understanding by encouraging the study of religion, philosophy, and science; and furthering the discovery of the spiritual aspect of life and of human beings.

Born in Scotland, John Coats joined the Theosophical Society in the early 1930s and served the organization in various capacities, including international lecturer, conference organizer, leader of the World Federation of Young Theosophists, General Secretary (President) of the Theosophical Society in England, President of the European Federation and finally International President (1973 – 1979).

An Open Heart by John B.S. Coats. Gaupo Publishing / Kindle Direct Publishing, February 2025.

Trade paperback edition (6" x 9", 184 pages): $12.95. Kindle e-book edition: $5.95. ISBN 979-8-3108856-0-8

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