The Society

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.

Please note that the mini-interview at the end is actually a “maxi” interview. Members of the Vasanta Youth Lodge in Adyar have done fine job making the interview a joint effort.

James Colbert - USA

Sally was President of International Theosophy Conferences from 2008 – when ITC began as a formal organization – through 2011. She was the principle moving force for ITC when it was informal. That is, she brought together Theosophists in 2004 in San Diego, in 2006 in Julian, and worked for the 2007 conference in Petaluma, California. She was also the editor of the International Theosophy Magazine.

Sally came into Theosophy when she was five years old through the United Lodge of Theosophists.  Her early years in Theosophy were deeply treasured. As a young woman she studied Vedanta, Catholicism, Christian Protestant Bible Study, and always was involved with Buddhism.  She then rediscovered her Theosophical roots.

Sally’s life was a triumph of going through some of the most painful periods that anyone could encounter.  She experienced a devastating illness and for a time lost her children, but she recovered and was fully able to nourish them. She was proud that her daughters are now highly successful adults. Sally was raised by a mother who suffered from severe depressions and who probably died by taking her own life. She helped her mother to the end. Sally truly knew the exigencies of life’s pain, giving her a compassion and understanding for who all who suffer.

She reached out to all Theosophists inviting them towards unity. Her vision of ITC was to bring all Theosophists together. This was her dream. She communicated this with the arts through prose, music, and poetry. Her smile and laughter were infectious. She was loved by so many – especially by her husband.

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.

Edi Bilimoria

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

My name is Edi Bilimoria; I live in England and have been a member for 36 years.

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

No, because I have just resigned from the TS. Previously I was very active in England and recently in Australia where I was Education Coordinator for the Australian Section for two years.

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

By being inexplicably drawn to an advertisement I saw at Tottenham Court Road Station in London about the Theosophical Society’s bookshop opposite the British Museum (this was of course in the grand days of the English Section, now long past).

4.    What does Theosophy mean to you?

In the same way that Newton’s Laws of Motion explain the fundamental mechanical laws governing all physical matter in motion, so theosophia explains the spiritual laws that underpin life at all levels; as well as showing a path to transform book knowledge of those laws to their actual realization and direct experience.

5.    What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?

1. The Notebooks of Paul Brunton.
2. The original writings of Ramana Maharshi
3. The Heart of Religion by P. D. Mehta
4. The Secret Doctrine

Of these the Brunton Notebooks are in my opinion by far the most important. It is a CRIPPLING WEAKNESS of classical theosophical literature that whereas the grand scheme about Cosmos and Man is set out in eloquent detail there is virtually nothing at all on the PRACTICAL STEPS needed to embody these truths in our daily lives (other than a few early books by Annie Besant, and in the Voice of the Silence, which is hardly a book for the neophyte). There is no guidance on the ‘tools and techniques’ to convert the high level vision into ones daily experience. Interminable sermons and platitudes on unity and brotherhood achieve nothing other than throwing a smokescreen of glamour. What the Brunton teachings do is to make the individual face himself. Self-Inquiry: The Search for Self is vastly more important than occult theory on karma, or rounds and races or the principles of man.

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

To act as an active hub and focus for the worldwide Theosophical movement instead of being an isolated ivory tower detached from and totally unconcerned about the welfare of Theosophical sections in the rest of the world. For this to happen there would have to be a massive updating of the organization based on modern (not 19th century) management principles; and an even greater degree of goodwill and motivation.

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

To live up to (not merely talk about) its motto: ‘There is no Religion (dharma) Higher Than Truth’. This means putting the whole emphasis on inquiry rather than preaching a set of doctrines by H. P. B. or anyone else.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gaspar Torres

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

Gaspar Torres, originally from Cuba, living at the Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai, California since May 2011. March 11, 2012, was the 55th anniversary of my TS membership.

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

I have been active in the TS since my early youth. In my original Lodge and Section, the Dharma Lodge of the Cuban Section, in Matanzas, I have helped in every way and held all their Board posts. In the Cuban Section I was National President and National Treasurer for several terms. I have made presentations at Adyar, in the Caribbean Basin, for the Inter-American Theosophical Federation and Krotona, and have contributed to the work of other TS Sections, Centers, and Lodges internationally. Since last November I have also been actively participating twice monthly in the Logia España, the Spanish-speaking branch in North Hollywood, giving talks as requested.

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

I was born into a Theosophical family, so I have heard about Theosophy since my childhood.

4.    What does Theosophy mean to you?

Theosophy is the Divine Wisdom transmitted to Humanity through the symbols and allegories that the human mind is capable of understanding.

5.    What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?

The Secret Doctrine by H.P.B., because it is the best and most practical synthesis of Theosophy, if we accept Master K.H.’s words about the writing of this book in one of his letters to A.P. Sinnett.

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

I believe that the biggest challenge, not only of The T. S. Adyar, but of all the organized forms of spiritual help to Humanity, is to maintain the purity of the original purposes of the Founders without any kind of bias or mixture of these purposes with worldly interests.

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

Understanding between all branches of the Theosophical Movement and their reunification in the original purpose of disseminating Theosophy without criticism of or resentment toward any form or opinion of participating individuals or branches.

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

Unity in Compassion

Ever since Theosophy Forward appeared on the Internet three years ago now, its call for unity has been evident. When it began in March 2009, there was urgent need for another and more positive outlook on Theosophical affairs since the Adyar organization was facing great challenges at the time. The TS Adyar, like many other Theosophical or spiritual organizations, is still facing challenges and Theosophy Forward’s pointer function has hopefully led to a growing awareness for the need of a shared platform where all of us can meet.

Mandala of Compassion

H. P. Blavatsky’s presentation of Theosophy and our understanding of it is the ground on which we come together. Although there may be differences in our elucidation of Theosophy, those differences should never drive us apart but instead challenge us to truly perform the art of listening, while setting aside worn-out prejudices.

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

Theosophy Forward (www.theosophyforward.com ) is an independent, unaligned Web site dedicated to the presentation of Theosophy on a basis that is acceptable to all branches of the worldwide Theosophical movement and to the general public.

Theosophy Forward is not an official organ belonging to any organization; hence it solely expresses unofficially the opinions of its contributors.

This Web site, which is supported and produced by private individuals, does not compete with any of the other excellent Theosophical publications, either in print or online and certainly does not seek to replace them. It respects all such outlets and freely acknowledges that every Theosophical organization has a right (indeed, a duty) to sponsor publications that embody that organization’s unique view of Theosophy, which is a valuable contribution to the worldwide movement.

Theosophy Forward follows the modern version of a Chinese motto: “Let a thousand flowers blossom.”

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.