Introduction Jan Nicolaas Kind.
On Sunday May 24, I received word that Carolyn Dorrance had sadly passed away a day earlier after a short illness. I was fortunate enough to get to know her when we both served on the Board of ITC and came to know her as a stalwart worker for Theosophy. Well-versed and straightforward Carolyn would hold her theosophical principles high. In 2016, as a student of the United Lodge of Theosophists in Santa Barbara, California, she visited the Headquarters of the Theosophical Society in Adyar, India where she partook in the International Convention there and was a speaker during a forum discussion. Carolyn was open and broadminded, but always loyal to what she truly believed in. She is no longer with us, we ought to thank her for what she did and was, wishing her a peaceful transition.
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The interview, although published on Theosophy Forward some years ago, is still very actual. Carolyn talks about herself, ideals and ideas in a very genuine manner. The photo accompanying it is the original one that came with the first publication.
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a student with the ULT?
My name is Carolyn Dorrance. I was born in the state of Massachusetts in USA and primarily lived there until I graduated from Mount Holyoke College. After traveling in Europe and the Middle East, studying in New York City and teaching in Virginia, I moved to Santa Barbara, California to complete my academic studies. There I discovered Theosophy. I have been an Associate of the United Lodge of Theosophists for forty-three years.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Group and if so, what do you do?
Among my activities at the ULT in Santa Barbara are giving Sunday night talks and participating in and sometimes leading study classes. For the last few years I have served as the coordinator for the production of the quarterly journal Vidya and helped organize in Santa Barbara a forerunner of the annual ITC conference in 2005.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the ULT?
Soon after becoming a student at the University of California in Santa Barbara, I was given a program card for the new ULT study group. After some hesitant, abortive efforts, I attended a talk given by Nandini Iyer and heard her explain some ideas that I had thought about when I was 17 and never had mentioned to anyone. I was immediately “hooked” and continued my introduction to Theosophy under the tutelage of Nandini and her husband, Raghavan Iyer. I signed the associate card a few months after the study group became a Lodge.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy means connection – connection with the Masters of Wisdom and the great galaxy of sages, adepts and teachers who offer a pathway to the understanding of what is true and good, -- connection to the initiators of the modern Theosophical Movement, H. P. Blavatsky and William Quan Judge, -- connection to contemporary students and teachers who keep alive the current of Theosophia so that all who seek and sift a teaching that enlivens one’s insights can develop self-knowledge and experience brotherhood in a community of like-minded learners.
Theosophy means peace – the peace of knowing that there is a teaching that nurtures the inner Self and guides one’s choices so that one isn’t awash in options and anxieties thrown up by the shadows and illusions of the lower mind.
Theosophy means challenges – the challenge of learning vast and complex metaphysics from The Secret Doctrine, -- the challenge of developing self –knowledge and meditative discipline, -- the challenge of learning to understand and interact with others in a way that expresses real solidarity.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
I find that each Theosophical book becomes a favorite in one’s cycles of study. Never will I forget the lengthy “time outs” to study The Secret Doctrine and related literature. Currently, my “favorite” is The Friendly Philosopher with its collection of letters, talks and essays of Robert Crosbie. His elucidation of Theosophical teaching is clear, inspiring, philosophically to the point and full of supportive advice relevant to contemporary life. Reading just one paragraph can take the mind to awareness of the Spirit that unites all and nurtures all. In breaks from the busy engagement in the practical duties of life, Mr Crosbie’s teaching reminds us that there are no “breaks” and that everyone we encounter is part of the community of mankind.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the Theosophical organizations are facing at the moment?
The biggest challenge for Theosophical organizations is to offer in a relevant and uncompromising way the core teachings of Theosophy while innovating the methods of that offering. In a way, Theosophical organizations are challenged by the success of the Theosophical movement. Theosophical teachings are everywhere, and seekers of truth may find intimations of truth, spiritual experience and moral guidance in a variety of groups and settings. The philosophical study of theosophical ideas may not appeal to those attracted by more active psychic or ritualistic practices, some of which may be quite shadowy. Mankind is now offered a rich feast of spiritual and social teachings in a “New Age” of competing claims. But each student must sift through these offerings and experiment with their practical value. This process of sifting and developing self-chosen paths for the assimilation of true ideas will go on slowly and invisibly for decades, indeed for centuries without certain confirmations of its results. Meanwhile dogmatic movements create violent environments in which personalities are intimidated and the promise of soul thought is hidden.
Small groups of students engaged in formal meetings within Theosophical organizations may seem isolated and irrelevant to the great unfoldment of Self-consciousness and the new opportunities for individual growth and interaction. Yet that steady persistence in the concentrated study of Theosophy even by a few and the effort to apply these teachings in daily life will, we are assured, place stepping stones for many others in the path of true self-realization and encourage the experience of human solidarity.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I would wish that the original teachings of Theosophy be preserved and successfully disseminated all over the world. I wish that all participants in Theosophical organizations and study groups get to know one another in truly fraternal ways while recognizing the different ways in which various organizations contribute to the mission of the Theosophical movement. I wish that students of Theosophy would learn more about the ancient and persistent expression of Theosophia in civilizations of the past. Most importantly, I wish that Theosophy would contribute significantly to the reduction of violence in our contemporary world.
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An article that appeared on Theosophy Forward, written by Carolyn Dorrannce entitled “ Biography of Nandini Iyer” . Click HERE
