The Society

EDITORIAL

Details: Published: Monday, 04 March 2013 19:23

Jan Nicolaas Kind -- Brazil

Is my Blavatsky better than yours?

It seems that within our circles some hardliners are still trying to prove that they have invented the wheel. Some have divided the Theosophical landscape into those who know and those who lie. There are those who are exclusively connected with the truth, whatever truth that might be, and those who are forever on the loose.

On one social networking site, readers are constantly treated to patronizing and abominable exposes by a moderator who apparently has appointed himself as the conscience of the TS Adyar, while elsewhere some website authors and their editors have the tendency to proclaim whatever it is they feel like proclaiming. Their articles and editorials are stuffed with the well-known model verbs like “must,” “have to,” “should,” “ought to,” and “shall.” They present themselves as the good shepherds watching over the flock.

EDITORIAL

Details: Published: Monday, 10 December 2012 03:00

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

Jan Nicolaas Kind

It seems to me that some Theosophical social networking sites are experiencing a kind of identity crisis. One should never generalize, there are exceptions of course, but a number of moderators are clearly maneuvering themselves into a self-appointed superiority position and they also have become increasingly intolerant towards those who hold views different from theirs. Contributors are banned, ridiculed or even demonized if their views don’t resonate with the views of the moderators; so much for freedom of thought, Theosophy and its principles.

Mini–interviews Fourth Quarter 2012

Details: Published: Sunday, 02 December 2012 19:37

Opinions and ideas expressed in the mini-interviews are exclusively of those who are being interviewed. They don’t necessarily represent the ideas and opinions of the compilers of Theosophy Forward.

The responses of the interviewees are not edited for content. Some contributors give short answers to the questions while others touch upon the subject more elaborately.

Monica Maghiar

1.    What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Monica Maghiar. Originally from Romania, I'm now living at Madre Grande Monastery in Dulzura, California. I'm a member of the Paracelsian Order, a Theosophical group. I joined the International Theosophical Conference four years ago in Petaluma.

2.    Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?

I'm a monk and also Secretary of the Monastery. We emphasize both healing and teaching. I actively assist other monks and friars in maintaining a sacred space conducive to authentic spiritual progress. We find it a common challenging endeavor and we encourage others to join our efforts.

3.    How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?

I first learned about The Paracelsian Order from the Abbott, John Drais. I listened to him reading The Voice of the Silence on a CD. He communicated a remarkable energy I had rarely encountered before. When I contacted him, I learned this was part of an entire path for altruistic self-development open to everyone. Theosophy! He invited me to review similar works at Madre Grande's library. I followed his advice, and my son and I began full-time residency there in 2006.

4.    What does Theosophy mean to you?

Theosophy provides wisdom that enables us to live life to the fullest. It accomplishes this by showing us how to utilize every moment in service to others and to our highest aims. Its teachings are extraordinary tools by which we learn how to share our spiritual progress with others while still respecting their unique personalities and opinions. In this way, humanity's brotherhood is not simply acknowledged but concretely supported.

5.    What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?

The Voice of the Silence. It is incredibly comprehensive, unfolding so many subtle and yet powerful insights. For me, it has become a manual for successful living.

6.    What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?

Without a doubt, its biggest challenge lies in continuing their work toward unifying the Theosophical movement worldwide.

7.    Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?

I hope it strengthens its determination and thereby acquires the power to create more Theosophical schools.

Editorial

Details: Published: Tuesday, 02 October 2012 18:22

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

Jan Nicolaas Kind

The meeting of International Theosophy Conferences held August 9-12 at Olcott in Wheaton, IL, USA, was an overwhelming success. As with the previous ones, last year’s meeting in Julian was also a striking example, it became indisputably clear that Theosophists from the various traditions are fully capable to meet one another respectfully on a shared platform. Delegates and organizers have good reasons to be energized and inspired, looking out for the 2013 New York meeting with great optimism.

Mini–interviews Third Quarter 2012

Details: Published: Saturday, 29 September 2012 20:43

Opinions and ideas expressed in the mini-interviews are exclusively of those who are being interviewed. They don’t necessarily represent the ideas and opinions of the compilers of Theosophy Forward.

The responses of the interviewees are not edited for content. Some contributors give short answers to the questions while others touch upon the subject more elaborately.

Phyllis Ryan

1.    What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Phyllis Ryan. I am from California and currently live in San Diego. I am a member of both the United Lodge of Theosophists and The National Theosophical Society and have been affiliated with a Theosophy group for many years.

2.    Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?

I am an active volunteer with The San Theosophists, affiliated with the United Lodge of Theosophists or ULT. We provide a Theosophical library and book store, which is open six days a week. We also hold weekly Theosophical meetings. From 1994 until 2006 I worked in various capacities on Theosophy, a periodical journal published by Theosophy Company, Los Angeles.

3.    How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?

My first contact with Theosophy was in 1983. At the time, I would light heartedly tell friends I was looking for Emerson with metaphysics. The director of my son’s school suggested I might enjoy a local study group she had heard of held at an individual’s home. She was not sure exactly what it was, however. I soon found myself in Wylda Dade’s living room. Wylda was a long-time member of ULT and held Theosophical meetings in her home. After one meeting I was hooked! I had discovered Emerson’s Oversoul along with its metaphysical basis. This was in Bellevue Washington in the Seattle area, where I studied until returning to my native California in 1991. During that time, I was an avid visitor of the wonderful Quest Book Shop in Seattle, often spending an entire day perusing its shelves.

4.    What does Theosophy mean to you?

Theosophy completely resonates with my inner self and provides a window for viewing my life and the world around me. Its philosophical basis allows me to see ideas, people, and cultures via an avenue of synthesis. Theosophy presents the “age-old” method of correspondence and analogy, leading to synthesis and hence Unity. For me it is akin to an Ariadne Thread, through which we weave our individual life tapestries.

5.    What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?

Undoubtedly, my favourite Theosophical book is Blavatsky’s Secret Doctrine. The Secret Doctrine provides a metaphysical basis for understanding the cosmos and its relationship to humanity, the Microcosm. In this way, we discover ourselves to all be “Children of the Stars”. I must also include Mabel Collin’s Light on the Path, as it has offered me invaluable understanding on the transformation of human nature.

6.    What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?

The biggest challenge for all Theosophical groups, I think, within the Movement is to make relevant the timeless ancient doctrines in the contemporary world. Developing “language” (not exclusively Theosophical), which assists us in illustrating Theosophical concepts as they manifest in today’s world. Ways that show how humanity has the inherent ability to evolve throughout the cycles. Understanding the world from a larger perspective is critical to overcoming the destructive emotions of fear, anger and hatred among our diverse cultures. Theosophy is an “idea language” and requires skilful application. As Theosophical students, learning to do this seems to me a priority for our times. When we truly develop this skill, we become able to hear “the other” in their language be it verbal or not. It is then we can respond compassionately having listened with the heart.

7.    Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?

An increase, in very real ways, to see human solidarity surpassing human selfishness.