- What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
Hello, greetings. My name is Hilary Lillie. I was born in Athens, Greece and after many years of travelling now live in Devon, England.
- Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I have been involved with Theosophy since the late 1970's but formally joined the Society in 1998. I was for many years an unattached member and enjoyed nice visits to Wembley Lodge in North West London thank you to Mr. Jashbai Amin. I also was in Camberley Lodge in Tekels Park and am now happily a member in the North Devon Center. I have no formal role at the center but very much enjoy the talks that are given and the discussion afterwards.
- How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I first came into contact with Theosophy as a teenager when I happened across an abridged version of The Secret Doctrine with an introduction by Christmas Humphreys in the local library. I was only able to read a few chapters but it was enough! A whole world had been presented to me offering glimpses of a great vision and outlook on life. I started to find other Theosophical writers who were mentioned and I remember reading C.W. Leadbeater's The Inner Life and putting the book down and realizing my whole life outlook had just been altered forever! I resolved at that point as well to become a vegetarian and have been ever since.
- What does Theosophy mean to you?
For me Theosophy has permeated my whole existence. The ideas of the Unity of Life, the Love which pervades the whole Universe, the laws of Karma and perfect justice and the Hierarchy of Beings whose whole motivation is to help mankind in our process of becoming one with the Divine Source is, and remains, a sublime revelation. It is my touchstone for all conduct and dealings in everyday life.
- What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
My favorite Theosophical book is C.W. Leadbeater's The Inner Life. There are so many I could have chosen but this one, literally, changed my life forever so I am rather fond of it.
- What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
I think the biggest challenge to the T.S. today is to retain the core teachings of Theosophy but at the same time to continue the openness to new ideas and research as well. It is a balance that needs to be right and to give the opportunity to as many people as possible to reach these teachings and ideas as in many ways the T.S. is a gateway for many to so much more.
- Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
For the future of the Theosophical Movement I would wish for courage to stand upright in our ever changing world and for the Society, as it already does, to embrace all the possibilities of information technology we now have at our disposal to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to become Theosophists.
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.
