1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
George Wester from Perth, Western Australia.
Been involved with the TS since the early 80’s, became a member in 1986
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
Yes: Various roles in the TS and TOS as and when the need arises and time permits.
Currently – Coordinator for TOS Perth, Secretary for the Australian National TOS, member of the TS Mount Helena Retreat Centre working group, and provide technical support at our Tuesday night members meetings. Occasional presentations / talks and workshop facilitation.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I got to know about Theosophy and the Theosophical Society through my wife and her father. It also turned out we were living about 1 kilometer down the road from the Mount Helena Retreat Centre. I got to know more about Theosophy and the Society through attending retreats and helping at the Centre.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
In one word – everything. For me it provides a comprehensive practical collation of the meaning and purpose of life, our existence and its evolution.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
Three, not just one: At the Feet of the Master by Alcyone, Light on the Path by Mabel Collins and The Voice of the Silence by H.P.Blavatsky.
Contained in these three little books is everything that is needed to be able to make meaningful practical progress on one’s spiritual journey. They are both simple and deeply profound in their content and effort in trying to live it is the essence of spiritual development.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
In one word – brotherhood (or alternatively UNITY or LOVE). Today’s society is still very much one of conflict and competition. For it to mature, it is to become a society of natural cooperation and caring. This is not just an individual challenge – it also needs to evolve in all our relationships and collective activities whether they are work, sport or play. The challenge for the TS is to be the practical expression of the philosophies it postulates to the world. The TS must express the first object of the society, not just in thought and word but also in deed. This to me is the great challenge that we, first as individuals, and then also as the Theosophical Society must face, master, and then naturally manifest as a full and complete practical expression of unity and love.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
Practical brotherhood – in both the individual and corporate (group or organizational) arenas.
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.