The Society

Mini–interviews First Quarter 2012

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.

 


Robert Ellwood

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

My name is Robert S. Ellwood.  Although originally from the Midwest, I have lived in southern California for over forty years.  I have been a member of the Theosophical Society since 1976.

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

I am active in the Ojai Valley lodge of the T.S.   At various times I have been president both of this lodge and earlier the Los Angeles Lodge, and have served a term as vice president of the T.S. in America.

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

I first learned about the Theosophical Society, although I had heard of it vaguely before, in surveying religious and spiritual movements in the Los Angeles area in the late 1960s. At that time I visited meetings, and gradually my interest deepened until I joined.

4.   What does Theosophy mean to you?

I first felt spiritual kinship with Theosophy because, as a professor of world religions at the time with many questions about religious diversity, I felt the Theosophical understanding of the religions, as each an expression of the Ancient Wisdom presented by a master of the wisdom for a particular time and place, seemed more right to me than that of any other perspective of which I knew. Later I found the idea of world spiritual evolution very meaningful as a counter to often-depressing world news, and still later that the concept of the inner planes was very valuable in understanding myself.

5.  What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?

My favorite Theosophical book is The Masters and the Path by C.W. Leadbeater. When I first read it, as my first full-length Theosophical book, I was struck by its clear, vivid writing and how its dramatic perspective contrasted with the usual sort of academic, philosophical, and religious books. That feeling has remained with me.   

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

I think the challenge to Adyar (and all other) Theosophy is to update our life, image, and organization to resonate with the 21st century, especially the mindset of young people who increasingly think of themselves as spiritual but not religious. We have an opening here, since Theosophy sees itself in the same way, but often our massive buildings, institutional structures, and emphasis on meetings, lectures and old books give an impression of being no different from what seems outdated in religious institutions as well. We need to separate the message from the structures sufficiently the recover the vitality and immediacy of early Theosophy, by using many media and being as democratic and informal as possible while maintaining the core message about the Ancient Wisdom, spiritual evolution, and the inner planes, under the guidance of the Great Souls.   

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

The transition alluded to above is what I wish for the future of the Theosophical movement.

Adyar, Where Do We Go from Here?

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

"Theosophy has to fight intolerance, prejudice, ignorance and selfishness, hidden under the mantle of hypocrisy. It has to throw all the light it can from the torch of Truth, with which its servants are entrusted. It must do this without fear or hesitation, dreading neither reproof nor condemnation. Theosophy, through its mouthpiece, the Society, has to tell the TRUTH to the very face of LIE; to beard the tiger in its den, without thought or fear of evil consequences, and to set at defiance calumny and threats. As an Association, it has not only the right, but the duty to uncloak vice and do its best to redress wrongs, whether through the voice of its chosen lecturers or the printed word of its journals and publications—making its accusations, however, as impersonal as possible.  But its Fellows, or Members, have individually no such right. Its followers have, first of all, to set the example of a firmly outlined and as firmly applied morality, before they obtain the right to point out, even in a spirit of kindness, the absence of a like ethic unity and singleness of purpose in other associations or individuals. No Theosophist should blame a brother, whether within or outside of the association; neither may he throw a slur upon another’s actions or denounce him, lest he himself lose the right to be considered as a Theosophist.” (H. P. Blavatsky, Collected Writings 7:174-5)

[Last year I published an open letter on a good friend’s web-site in both English and Spanish. The developments within the Adyar group, especially after the most recent International Convention, where no European members were invited to speak, and the General Council meeting held prior to that Convention made me decide to rewrite the letter as a short article. I love India. In spite of its serious environmental and infrastructural problems, with the city of Chennai rapidly moving up and strangling the compound, I love the Headquarters of the TS at Adyar, have dear Indian friends, and respect the Indian Section and all its members].


Luxury apartment-buildings right across the Adyar River are moving up and can be seen from Leadbeater Chambers on the estate of the TS

Helping our Neighbor and Promoting Theosophy – Part five

An experiment of the Theosophical Society in Israel in offering some Theosophical principles to the public in simplified and practical form.

Lesson 5 (out of 5 lessons)

Believe in Yourself – Finding Self-Esteem and Inner Power

At our fourth meeting we investigated the topic of mindfulness in depth and engaged in additional, related life skills: We practiced concentration which is a skill that assists our being attentive and mindful. We experienced situations of listening to another and to ourselves, in a way that only our attention can enable. You are invited to share your experience from these exercises and any insights you may have acquired during the week related to these topics.

Today we will further delve into the topic of listening to ourselves – as a way to regain our belief in ourselves; inner observation as a tool to find a sense of worth and power within us... To believe in ourselves is to trust ourselves and to live with a sense of Self-Worth.

Editorial

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

The call for Theosophical unity is getting stronger every day. It seems, however, that some Theosophists have difficulties in understanding what exactly is meant by “Theosophical unity.” Those who haven’t had the opportunity to really get to know Theosophical organizations other than their own, often think that "their" Society is the only valid one, and that others have gone astray. But progress is made: instead of turning away from each other, Theosophists from various traditions are actually in dialogue. Although, in the past, previous attempts to come together failed, now, in the twenty-first century, there is mutual respect, and awareness of common responsibility is dawning. The Theosophical movement is one, and the various traditions are its representatives; the Theosophical house is big enough for all of them.

Some time ago, Dorothy Bell, an Australian member of the TS-Adyar, presented an important document entitled “Roots and Shoots.”


Dorothy Bell

Dorothy Bell completed degrees in arts and education at the University of Melbourne and at the University of New England in Australia, and first visited America in 1990 as a Fulbright scholar. Since joining the Theosophical Society in 1999, she has lectured at TS conferences in the United States, New Zealand, India, and Australia. She is also a Reiki master.

Mini–interviews November – December 2011

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.


Antonio Girardi


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

My name is Antonio Girardi. I came into contact with the Theosophical Society in 1978 when I was 26. I became a member of the Italian Section in 1980.

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

Since I joined the T.S., I have always been an active member of the Theosophical lodge in my town, Vicenza and then a member of the Executive Committee of the Italian Section. I became General Secretary in 1995.

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

I came into contact with the T.S. after reading a book on Theosophy and the Theosophical Society (La Dimensione Umana by prof. Bernardino del Boca). I immediately contacted the writer, who was a Theosophist, and since then we had a large number of meetings in which we shared mutual knowledge and friends in the spirit of Universal Brotherhood without distinction.

4.   What does Theosophy mean to you?

Theosophy has been the only real revolution of my life because it linked some inner feelings I had since I was a child to the dimension of knowledge and insight.

5.    What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?

I have a special fondness for The Voice of the Silence, which contains three fragments transcribed by H.P. Blavatsky. It’s an esoteric text of highly symbolic value that helps us better understand other Theosophical books, such as The Secret Doctrine.

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

I am convinced that the Theosophical Society still has a considerable task to fulfil. After influencing the evolution of human consciousness throughout the 19th and 20th centuries by introducing the concepts of: Universal Brotherhood without distinction; the Unity of Life and Service; and inspiring cultural and scientific approaches of a systemic and holistic nature, the T.S. is now called to demonstrate some “good practices” with regards to its Three Aims. The role of Adyar is fundamental to make this happen increasingly better. Indeed, Adyar not only represents the history of the T.S. but also its unity and paradoxically even its future. Adyar is the place of fraternal experimentation in an intercultural international atmosphere. It’s a bridge connecting tradition both to present action and the Theosophical dream for the future. For such reasons Theosophists from all over the world should repeatedly return to Adyar in order to support its work, acknowledging its fundamental value on the plane of unity.

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

For the above-mentioned reasons I am convinced that the Theosophical Society will have a great future. This will be possible if each one of us keeps in mind that “the future of the Theosophical Society is also in our hands”. It will depend on our work and enthusiasm as well as on our fraternal positive actions; the work of service with the Theosophical Order of Service; the interaction with the world of science (in particular regarding neurosciences); the world of culture; and on the circulation of the Theosophical literature. Finally, we should never forget that the seed of Brotherhood able to germinate the fruits of the Platonic ideals of Beauty, Good and Truth lies in the evolution of the individual consciousness.

Helping our Neighbor and Promoting Theosophy – Part four

An experiment of the Theosophical Society in Israel in offering some Theosophical principles to the public in simplified and practical form.

Lesson 4 (out of 5 Lessons)

Practicing Attentiveness, Concentration and Mindful Listening toward Ourselves and Others

In the earlier sessions we learned how to be attentive to a situation we are in, to let go of tension and to release negative thoughts and emotions. We saw that when we are aware of our bodies, emotions and beliefs and observe them empathically, we can bring calm to ourselves and improve the quality of our lives. In the last session we especially concentrated on controlling our thoughts.

We learned how to transform our negative thoughts and habits to positive ones. You were asked to begin such a process during the past week. You are invited to share your experiences.  The objective of our session today is to deepen our understanding and experience of being attentive, focused and mindfully listening to ourselves and others.

Editorial

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil


Jan Nicolaas Kind

It seems to me that lately many Theosophists are beginning to recognize that the Theosophical movement as a whole is undergoing a transition. While in some quarters there is sheer discontent and frustration, resulting in turning away from the movement, in other quarters one sees enthusiasm and renewed inspiration.

On the one hand, some complain that many in the movement are as deaf and dumb as a box of rocks, while memberships and subscriptions to Theosophical magazines are cancelled; on the other hand, particularly among younger Theosophists, interest in the core teachings is increasing rapidly.

On the downside of this transition, it remains annoying that self-appointed protectors of the cause still try to breathe new life into old conflicts, constantly repeating themselves, forwarding half-truths and lies, and claiming to be the upholders of genuine truth. On the upside, it is plain that many others have concluded that these particular individuals and their messages in fact are insignificant, so their voices are rapidly fading away.

Mini–interviews September – October 2011

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.

 

Gary Kidgell

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

Gary Kidgell, Dundee, Scotland. I have been a member of the Theosophical Society since 1994.

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

I am currently the Organising Secretary for the Scottish Section. I have previously been president of the Dundee Lodge for a period totalling eight years. I have recently presented a DVD entitled ‘The Inner Journey’ which has been distributed to national TS presidents throughout the world.

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

I came into contact with the Theosophical Society through a suggestion by a local member to form a Lodge in Dundee. At the time I was running a metaphysics group focussing primarily upon the works of Dr Douglas Baker, Alice Bailey, Madame Blavatsky and other authors whose work is rooted in the wisdom teachings.

4.    What does Theosophy mean to you?

I consider it my life’s work to study and teach Theosophy. I consider the first object of our society to be as noble an objective as that of any organisation on the planet as it is based upon the realisation that we all emanate from the same divine source and that we shall all ultimately return there having fulfilled the objectives of our long evolutionary sojourn.

5.    What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?

It is tempting to offer an answer of the ‘too numerous to mention’ writings as I have derived so much inspiration and insight from any of the works based on the classical teachings which I have read. However, I shall state here Madame Blavatsky’s, The Voice of the Silence and Mabel Collin’s, Light on the Path as their contents are so profoundly inspiring and each offer something new to ponder upon each time that I revisit any of their contents.

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

In my opinion I consider the biggest challenge for the TS is to enhance both the vitality and the visibility of our organisation worldwide.

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

Other than the achievement of universal brotherhood, I believe that there is a pressing need for the wisdom teachings to be promulgated amongst all who are willing and able to receive them as potentially they can transform our world if they are applied to areas of life such as religion, science, politics, economics etc.

Editorial

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil


Jan Nicolaas Kind

Nowadays life is hardly possible without computers and it is an increasingly virtual environment that we are creating. We can become a virtual member of an organization, we meet virtual friends on Facebook or other social Networking sites, and we can read EBooks on a PC or tablet. We can visit virtual libraries and virtually take books from a shelf, and we can even enter virtual meditation rooms if we choose to do so.

Helping our Neighbor and Promoting Theosophy – Part three

An experiment of the Theosophical Society in Israel in offering some Theosophical principles to the public in simplified and practical form.

Lesson 3 (out of 5 Lessons)

How We Create the Difficulties in Our Lives

Thoughts and emotions are the basis for all our actions and deeds – "The final result begins with a thought.”

Everything we create is created first in our thoughts. Thought is the drawing board for planning a house and without it we couldn't even raise our arm. All the creations we see around us (table, airplanes, houses, paintings) are all the result of thought.

World War II Project

Message from Janet Kerschner – TSA Archivist


Janet Kerschner

Help me collect material for a book about the Theosophical Society and World War II. My particular interest is to show how Theosophists faced the realities of wartime, both on the home front and in combat. The international TS and national Sections embraced the Allied cause in what was considered to be a just war or a karmic necessity. Theosophists served in every branch of the American armed forces, and civilians provided massive support. Members in Europe and Java were persecuted and interned in concentration camps. During the postwar years, members in Europe received huge assistance from fellow Theosophists. I want to show both the uniqueness of Theosophists and their ordinary-mainstream-patriotic qualities. These are questions to ask Theosophists who experienced the war:
•    Were you a Theosophist before WWII? How about your family and friends?
•    How did you spend the war years?
•    Did you become a Theosophist, or did your understanding of Theosophy grow, due to the war?
•    Can you relate any stories that illustrate the Three Objects during the war - brotherhood, understanding of other religions, supernormal experiences?
•    Did you keep in touch with other Theosophists during the war, and what were their stories?
•    Do you know people who tried to maintain a vegetarian diet?
•    Do you know of Theosophists who were pacifists?
•    If on the home front, did you support the TOS and groups like Red Cross in projects to support servicemen, refugees,   and others in need?
•    If in combat, did you carry any Theosophical writings that helped to sustain you?
•    What was the effect of the war on your lodge or study group?
•    What happened to you in the postwar years?


Leaflets distributed by the TS among service men and women during WW II


C. Jinarajadasa in London in 1943

I would love to see photographs, correspondence, works of art and poetry, personal memoirs, newspaper clippings, and lodge papers that would help to illustrate the wartime realities of Theosophists.

Thank you for your help! Thanks also to the Kern Foundation for supporting this project.

Janet Kerschner,
(+) 630-668-1571 ext 353

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mini –interviews July August 2011

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.



Doreen Domb

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

My name is Doreen Domb. Originally, I am from western New York State; I have resided in California for 32 years (about 22 years in Los Angeles area, and currently, nearly 10 years in the Sierra Nevada foothills (Grass Valley) of Northern California.  Initially, I became a member-at-large - relative to the TS Adyar - while I was living in Sedona, Arizona during the mid-1980s. [LOGISTICS NOTE: Prior to first settling in California, I had lived and worked at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona, during spring-summer 1979.  Bypassing a very long story, I found myself living in Los Angeles by late summer 1979. I returned to Arizona in May 1985 - this time, Sedona - and became acquainted with a newly established local TS group in early 1986. I then became a TS Adyar member at the national level. I returned to Los Angeles in Spring 1986.] Back in Los Angeles once more, I set about searching for a locally established group in the area.  I was *fortunate to have discovered Los Angeles Lodge (TS Adyar affiliate) that – if memory correctly serves - William Judge had founded back in 1894. L.A. Lodge was later renamed the Los Angeles Center for Theosophic Studies (LACTS).  By late 1986/early 1987, I had become a local TS member as well as maintaining my national affiliation. I was quite active in LACTS, which encompassed study group participation, teaching some classes, and being an officer (Vice President; Publicity Director) during my 10 years or so with the L.A. group.     

*In hindsight, I realized that a Theosophical group particularly based in the source teachings/ teachers (HPB, the Mahatmas, Judge) was something for which I’d been searching for quite some time.