1, What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Sagi Sree Hari Varma, I am from India and have been a member for around a year. I am a member of the Adyar Lodge.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I am moderately active for the in-person events as I do not live in Adyar currently. But I do attend the online sessions now and then. I primarily work actively with the Young Theosophists group by following the Youth Conventions and helping with filming and editing content for both the conventions and the monthly WFYT Podcasts titled “Theosophical insights”.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
My journey into Theosophy hasn’t been a straightforward one. I knew of and read Jiddu Krishnamurthy for many years now. Through him, I was aware of the existence of TS. But it was one happenstance visit to a TS lodge in Los Angeles near my university, that I was first introduced to TS and came in contact with the society.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy to me means freedom. Freedom in one’s quest towards becoming a better person through self-discovery. Freedom to follow one’s path or to follow a trodden path in that journey. The ancient Indian teachings talk about how “Satsang -Good accompaniment” is one of the pillars of the spiritual journey. And for me, Theosophy is an essence of the path of Satsang and I have found my Satsang in the Theosophical Society Especially the Youth Federation of Theosophists, where I found company with many likeminded people with whom I can share this important journey.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
It has to be The Secret Doctrine, although I am still discovering the depths of the book with time. It was the first book on theosophy that I read and it’s a monumental work I believe as I do not think there was any other book at the time that came closer to it in terms of a collective synthesis of ideas from many spiritual movements from all across the world.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
In one sentence - involvement of YOUTH. I believe the future of any great movement hinges on the shoulders of it’s youth. It’s been a challenge for TS for many decades and I am glad there is a renewed Youth Movement now with the WFYT(World Federation of Young Theosophists).
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I hope more and more young people get inspired by the Theosophical Teachings.
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.
