The Society

Editorial

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

Your editor’s desk

The Theosophical Society-Adyar is most definitely “on the move”, just as Theosophy Forward (TF) is. This E-magazine is seven years on the road now, doing its work serving, and time has gone by so very quickly. I often mentioned in talks and in my writings that TF’s conception in 2009 was wholly caused by pain and a deep frustration directly after the tumultuous 2008 election for International President of the TS-Adyar. Time had come to show the world that there is much more to Theosophy than skirmishes between members inside one of its vehicles, or some silly characters throwing mud around on internet forums. This magazine has always tried to transmit optimism and clarity while it has also offered a platform where all members, affiliates or students from the various Theosophical vehicles meet, by supporting the essential work of International Theosophy Conferences Inc. (ITC)

Foreword from the E-book:

Pearls of Joy is the title of this small booklet dedicated to the memory of Joy Mills, a great Theosophist, teacher and human being. Those who were fortunate enough to know her, work with her or study under her guidance will agree that words cannot describe this compassionate, wonderful and unforgettable Theosophical giant.

This E-book contains a unique in-depth interview with Joy and a number of quotations.

Joy served as President of the Theosophical Society in America from 1965–1974, and then as international Vice President in Adyar, India from 1974–1980. During 75 years of membership, Joy taught numerous courses, lectured in over 50 countries and authored several important books.

As a lecturer, with her recognizable and sonorous voice she excelled and was able to touch people’s hearts, whilst as a teacher she had the great gift to fully share with her students that what she herself had learnt over the many years of profound study.

Must sincerely thank Kathy Gann, Janet Kerschner and Anton Rozman for making this publication possible.

Jan Nicolaas Kind

Click on the cover to open the E-book

Here follows the adjusted version of the E-book, made suitable for Theosophy Forward the magazine.

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

My name is Warwick Keys, I live in New Zealand and I have been a Theosophist for 21 years, although I was teaching Theosophical understandings long before I joined the Society.

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

My name is Elly van Doorn and I was born and raised in the Netherlands, in the city of Arnhem. I have been a member of the Theosophical Society (TS Adyar) in Arnhem since the early nineties.

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

My name is Arni Narendran and I am from Mumbai. I joined the TS in 1976 at Chennai, after participating at the centenary convention, I was immediately assigned the task of a Manager at the International Youth Centre at the Adyar HQ which was established by the then President Bro John Coates along with the project initiator Bro Nathaniel Altman, a writer on Ahimsa, Vegetarianism, and Power Spots, who now lives in New York.

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

I am Carol Nicholson. I was born in Orange, New Jersey, which, incidentally, is also where Coronel Olcott was born. I live at Krotona in Ojai, California where I am the Quest Bookshop Manager. Separately, both of my parents found the TS when they were 18, so I was born into Theosophy. I became an active member in 1987.

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

Vicki Jerome, from – aha, now there’s a tricky question! I’m living in a rural area of Canterbury, near Christchurch, New Zealand, but like to say I’m from Wellington, my favourite city in NZ where I lived for 22 years and joined the TS at the start of 1978… but before that, lived in USA for 5 years (New York, then New Jersey) after 4 years at university in London, England… but originally (yes, I’m getting there!) from Nottingham, England (Robin Hood and all that!) – but wait, there’s more! Was born and spent the first 8 months of my life in Wales, UK. (No wonder I’m an intrepid traveller!)

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

My name is Minor Lile. I was born in Seattle, WA, USA, and have lived most of my life in this region, which is known as the Pacific Northwest. I currently live on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands on the Salish Sea in the NW corner of the United States. I joined the Theosophical Society in 1989 in Seattle.

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

My name is Leonie Van Gelder. I was born in Vancouver, Canada, lived in Sydney, Australia for some years growing up, and have lived in the US since 1971. Currently I live with my husband, Minor Lile on Orcas Island in Washington State, not far from Seattle. I have been a TS member for 42 years.

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

Jan Nicolaas Kind

This issue of Theosophy Forward is stacked with many articles of interest and especially the category GOOD NEWS has a great number of entries this time, go there and have a look around. You’ll notice that there is much we can be proud of; our movement is certainly in motion but obviously much work is to be done still.

This issue continues with another tribute in “We Remember”, this time dedicated to a distinctive and dedicated Theosophist from Iceland, Einar Adalsteinsson. Iceland is a wonderful country and its relative small population is not only creative but also interested in various forms of spirituality. Check out our category THEOSOPHY.

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

My name is Michiel Haas, English speaking people say Michael, it is much easier to pronounce. I’m from the Netherlands. In my youth I was a member of the young Theosophists, then I had my wild period and quit the TS membership. Later I came back as a member. All by all I guess I have been a quarter of a century a member, maybe a little longer, but I have always been a Theosophist.

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

My name is Colyn Boyce. Born in Canada in 1951. After a brief career in radio broadcasting, in 1977 I went on holidays to England and have stayed - now living in Wickford, Essex.  I joined the Vancouver Lodge of the TS Adyar group in 1969 and transferred to the English Section in 1981.