- What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Arturo Alonso Carmona Peláez, I am from Medellín, Antioquia department, the Republic of Colombia, South America
- Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
Yes, I am active in the La Montaña lodge of the Colombian section, and I have been its secretary for many years.
- How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
Since my childhood I have been searching for answers to the eternal questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going? From a young age I have been reading a lot, linking myself with different esoteric schools. One day in 1986 a lady who has already passed away, took me to the La Montaña lodge and I became a member there.
- What does Theosophy mean to you?
For me, it means Knowledge which can be applied, turning it into Wisdom, embarking myself to find the Truth and purpose for being in this incarnation.
- What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
It is At the Feet of the Master by J. Krishnamurti because it is concise, easy to understand and exceptionally practical.
- What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
We must apply the theosophical teachings in our daily lives, transforming them from theory into practice, through permanent and practical activities. Therefore, not only workshops and occasional seminars, but also offering a cohesive way of life that helps us to strengthen the quality of our spiritual life.
- Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
As a worldwide movement we must focus on a weighty transformation of the current lifestyle based on consumerism. This will make it possible to alter the physical bodies so that they are apt for receiving the highest energies and thoughts. The purpose is to change and go beyond our current way of doing things, which is a dark and vicious circle. It is clear that we need to outdo the ambitious conditionings of wanting more and more, either on the ordinary physical, or emotional and mental level.
That is why, using the motto “Serve with Wisdom and Love for a better world”, with some members of the Rainbow Lodge in Bogota an initiative was launched, based on three fundamental and simple principles: Food, Education and Health. This project aims at the implementation of an integral cooperative transformation; it’ll help to transcend, encountering the union with the soul.
From the editor:
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.
