1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
Linda Dorr, living in the Chicago suburbs for the last 20 years. I joined the TSA in 2014
2. How long have you been a member of your Section’s Board?
This is my third year.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I lived in Ojai in the early 1980s & a friend mentioned it. I heard Krishnamurti speak once, and later visited the Krotona library. I’d been interested in & reading about comparative religion since my teens, but when I attempted to read Manley Hall’s The Secret Teachings of All Ages (in my early 20s) it went way over my head. I did start studying astrology after having my horoscope read, along with continuing to study science. Wrote an undergrad thesis on science & mysticism (or intellect & intuition) as separate but equally valid ways of understanding the universe. It was a hit with humanities profs, not so much with science faculty. Ha! Decades later, my drum circle met in the Olcott Library in December of 2013. I got a library card a few weeks later, then joined the TS about six months after that.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
It makes sense out of so much that doesn’t otherwise hang together. Some of it was familiar to me from reading comparative religion, but it was familiar especially from many years as an Al-Anon member — the 12 Steps are universal spiritual principles that emphasize 1) acknowledging some kind of “higher power” that is spiritually bigger & smarter then we are, 2) taking an honest look at our own assets & liabilities, 3) making every effort to become better human beings, and 4) being of service to our fellow humans. Very theosophical. But I always had a hard time with the “God as we understand God” bit — I don’t understand God! The theosophical teaching about the 7 principles and our higher self is helpful.
5. This year, 2025, the Theosophical Society celebrates its 150th anniversary. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing and what is to be done in order to maintain the Society’s relevance in the years to come?
We’re in the Kali Yuga, when it seems most people have no interest in leading an ethical life. But there are still plenty of people who are searching for something more meaningful than piling up material goods and trying to be famous. How to reach them is the question. I think the effort to edit classic theosophical books to make them more palatable/understandable to 21st-century minds is VERY important. Also the many, many theosophical talks available on YouTube, from TS sections all over the world, is an excellent way to reach younger people who would rather watch a video than read. Subscriptions to the TSA’s YouTube channel have exploded since the pandemic — there is definitely an audience for this.
Also, I think we all just need to talk about Theosophy in our daily lives. I find lots of people are interested in it, even if they don’t seem to be the theosophical type, whatever that is. I have friends from rural areas who are self-described “red-necks,” but they’re smart, compassionate, and they’re willing to hear about Theosophy. Also people from my UU church, who are affluent, well-educated, and tend toward secular humanism, are often very interested.
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.
Mini-interviewws