1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
I’m Upasika Maithreya. I live in Chennai. I have been a member of The Theosophical Society for 25 years now.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I’m a member of the Madras Theosophical Federation. I help organize meetings for the Vasanta Youth Lodge.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I learnt about Theosophy from my family. From a young age I have been exposed to it and have grown to respect it. I’m an eager student of Theosophy and hope to improve my knowledge on the subject over time.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy literally means Divine Wisdom. To me Theosophy means the teaching of brotherly love, harmlessness, right thought, right action and right livelihood. Theosophy has taught me to have an open mind and be more tolerant to views that are different from mine. It has taught me to have an enquiring mind and question respectfully when in doubt. It has also taught me to separate the real from the transient. Theosophy also explains the relationship between religion, philosophy and science. It sheds light on the origin of the universe and of man. It highlights the true purpose of life. It helps me understand the potential of human beings and the extraordinary feats we can achieve with love and honesty.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
I do cherish all the books I have read, but the book that has most recently made a mark is the Biography of Madame H. P. Blavatsky titled When Daylight Comes by Mr. Howard Murphet. It fills me with so much admiration and inspiration. It shows the dedication, strength and undying devotion of a person to the Cause. It is a very humbling read that at the same time inspires so much in me. Madame Blavatsky was a living example of someone who stood for truth and the Cause no matter the obstacles she faced. She was selfless in her journey and did what had to be done even in the face of ill health, resistance and slander. It also shows her perseverance to spread Theosophy to the world. These learnings are relevant even today.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
The biggest challenge the TS faces at the moment is that the non-members do not know what The Theosophical Society stands for. The young minds who enquire do not know of its existence. Old members have passed on and new members need to join in their place to keep the organization thriving.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I wish we continue to uphold the ideals of Truth, Universal Brotherhood, Love and Peace set forth by our founders. I hope we are able to reach out to different segments in society and help people by taking the aid of the tenets of Theosophy. I hope the membership of like-minded individuals grows from strength to strength. May we be able to heal the world one day at a time with kindness, love and peace fueled by the knowledge of ‘Theosophy’.
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.
