1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Bas Harpe, I’m from Amsterdam and I’ve been a member of the TS for about three years now.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I attend most of the lectures and some study groups at my lodge in Utrecht. Since I moved to Amsterdam I’ve been doing volunteers work at the Theosophical library in Amsterdam.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I first studied things like parapsychology and Noetic science as well as other occult doctrines. One day I read The Astral Plane by C.W. Leadbeater and I was immediately impressed. I started looking for other Theosophical literature and it felt like coming home, like reading things I’d known before. So after studying it for a few months I decided to look for a lodge in Utrecht. I attended an open night and found that very inspiring. It was the first time I was able to talk about concepts, the things I’d been studying for years, but on a really high level, and without being ridiculed. I really felt welcomed by these people and started attending the monthly lectures. After about half a year I became a member of the TS.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy to me means the never-ending hunger for truth. Theosophy means clarity and logic; it means being the best person you can be and helping others. Helping them also intellectually if you see them struggling with spiritual matters or questions about life, death, the universe and nature. It provides answers to so many things I’ve always wondered about. It’s about being on the right path. On top of all this, to me it’s definitely one of my biggest passions.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
I always have a hard time picking favorites if there’s so much to pick from. I like Blavatsky’s works above all others, especially The Secret Doctrine and Isis Unveiled. At the same time, I’m also into Bailey’s works.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
The ageing (and passing) of its members. The biggest challenge is getting it out there more, so the young will also find it. I’m sure a lot of spiritual people of my age with a more scientific mindset will come to love Theosophy like we do if they were only introduced to it.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I wish the Society to grow, a larger membership and I’d also like to see the differences between the different sections and Theosophical organisations to be put aside, so there can be more synergy.
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.