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.
Please note that the mini-interview at the end is actually a “maxi” interview. Members of the Vasanta Youth Lodge in Adyar have done fine job making the interview a joint effort.
Abraham Oron
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Abraham Oron, I live in Israel and I am a member since 1978.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I am lecturing and organizing the work of the TS in Israel. We have one lodge consisting of 80 members and about 3000 sympathizers with whom we are in touch. We have 5 study groups which are open also to non-members. Here are some of the activities which we offer to the public:
• An introductory course of Theosophy named: “Meditation Theosophy and Self Transformation.”
• A course of 12 sessions on the emotional nature of man in which we give Theosophical and Buddhist perspectives on dealing with harmful emotions.
• A workshop consisting of 5 sessions named “Helping our neighbor” which provides tools and insights for gaining inner peace. The study material for this workshop can be found on Theosophy Forward’s website.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I learned about Theosophy through an advertisement in a vegetarian magazine, about 3 years after I had been following a transcendental meditation course and meditating regularly. At the time I was desperately in search for spiritual books and that particular advertisement mentioned a library. So I went to one of their meetings which I did not find very interesting, but the library which contained mainly Theosophical books in English interested me very much, so I joined as a member on the spot. Now I seem to be like the biblical king Saul who as a common villager went in search for his lost mares but found a kingdom. I searched for books but I found the ocean of Divine Wisdom.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy for me is the hope for a better world and a better life for humanity. It brought so much light into my life, and I deeply feel that this light and profound knowledge should be made available to all, by making it clear, simple and practical. We can make Theosophy much more understandable if we avoid using complex jargon while introducing Theosophy to the public or to beginners.
Theosophy can be made more interesting and practical if we could start by teaching some of the principles of Theosophy through subjects such as: meditation, the power of thought, Theosophical values for understanding our emotional nature and coping with harmful emotions and basic Theosophical teachings which help in understanding intuition and its development. If we would like to make Theosophy vital in creating a better world, we would have to avoid using too many abstract expressions; those should be kept for a later stage.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
I like books which inspire for a deeper understanding of the principles of spiritual life and Self Realization: Light on the Path, The Voice of the Silence, Practical Occultism, and Letters from the Masters of Wisdom. I study these books again and again together with the Bhagavad-Gita, Vivekachudamani (The crest jewel of discrimination by Shankaracharia) and the Dhamapada by the Buddha.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?
To be more involved and creative in preparing a dynamic leadership which can present Theosophy in new and inspiring forms, emphasizing the practical side of Theosophy in making life and relationships more meaningful and harmonious.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
That the rich treasures of knowledge and wisdom in the TS will find ways to the hearts of the younger generation.
Ed Abdill
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
Ed Abdill from New York City. I’ve been a member of the TS since 1959.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I am active in the NYTS and the Theosophical Society in America. I lecture for the Society throughout the United States and internationally. I wrote The Secret Gateway – Modern Theosophy and the Ancient Wisdom Tradition to give a contemporary overview of Theosophical philosophy.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I learned about Theosophy from a Spanish language teacher in 1955. For a conversation exam I spoke about an essay I wrote in high school on comparative religion. Next day she gave me a pamphlet written in Spanish. It was about Theosophy. More on this is in a preface of The Secret Gateway.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy means everything to me. It appeals to my mind and heart, and while it has, in Blavatsky’s words, not solved the riddles of the universe, it has lifted a corner of the veil. I take to heart H. P. B ’s warning that we cannot expect to “get it” in words. The words appeal to “the higher faculties,” toward truth that can flash on the mind as insight.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
The Voice of the Silence is my favourite because it appeals to spiritual Intuition. Some of its poetry would make Shakespeare jealous.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?
Perhaps the biggest challenge to the TS Adyar and all Theosophical organizations is find ways to help people understand that Theosophical principles are practical, common sense, and applicable in daily life. The didactic method was used in the past and still has some use, but the challenge is to help people focus their minds in such a way that they get flashes of understanding within themselves. It seems to me that is the only way Theosophy can become a living force in the world, a force that is not a creed but a guide to harmonious living.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
My fervent wish is that by living the life required to come to the wisdom we might be a beacon to others and lead them to richer and fuller lives.
Ken Small
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Ken Small and I grew up in the area of San Diego, California called Point Loma. I am not a member of any particular TS and facilitate the 'Point Loma School of Theosophic Perennialism', www.pointlomaschool.com for study and classes in the Theosophic Perennialism, which is the successor organization to Point Loma Publications.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
Through the 'Point Loma School of Theosophic Perennialism', www.pointlomaschool.com we host discussion groups and study in the Blavatsky and Theosophic Perennialism of the Point Loma tradition. Additionally I express my 'theosophic' effort in teaching meditation and mindfulness through Zen and Buddhist groups at Enso Meditation in San Diego and other groups. In my view, Theosophy met the interests and needs of the late 19th century with what was at the time, revolutionary teachings on karma and reincarnation. Today's dynamic exploration and need is in the arena of understanding the nature of consciousness and also the very practical need to have tools to ameliorate our own stress and suffering. Meditation is relevant and offers solutions and understanding in both of these areas and Theosophic Perennialism has deep insights to offer here.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
My parents and grandparents were ‘Point Loma’ Theosophists, so I grew up immersed in the broad context of theosophy. I realize now, that there was perhaps an added openness of inquiry due to fact that my parents and their large global Theosophical network of friends and associates were all no longer associated with any particular Theosophical society. Being exiles due to the fragmentation of the Point Loma society because of conflicting leadership claims after de Purucker's death, they were all in a sense quite free of organizational constraints. They manifest a rather unusual and continuous Theosophic creativity, which can be seen in the writings and work of this loosely associated group of de Purucker's closest esoteric students. (e.g. de Zirkoff, Iverson and Helen Harris, Gordon Plummer, Geoffrey and Ila Barborka, Emmett Small, Helen Todd, Elsie Benjamin etc.) For example, this organizational freedom opened the door to a great deal of positive Theosophic collaboration especially with the Adyar society during the late 1960's through mid-1980's.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
I find resonance with Blavatsky’s expansive idea where she says:
'Vaughan offers a far better, more philosophical definition. "A Theosophist," he says--"is one who gives you a theory of God or the works of God, which has not revelation, but an inspiration of his own for its basis." In this view every great thinker and philosopher, especially every founder of a new religion, school of philosophy, or sect, is necessarily a Theosophist.'
I think it is important to always remember Blavatsky's broad and generous view! It is also summed up in the Theosophical motto: “There is no religion higher than truth”.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
Blavatsky's The Voice of the Silence I feel for myself, is still the most pivotal book in all Theosophical literature, because it opens the door to the practice of meditation and also the way of compassion and ideal of the Bodhisattva. It could be called a manual of the ethics for inner development, which is the inner 'fuel' that drives the Theosophical Movement.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?
Certainly it could be easily stated: 'All the Theosophical organizations are ingrown and rather toxic', but however true, this is too simplistic. The heart of the matter is in all of us. So to always remain clear that 'I' am the 'biggest challenge' and to keep in mind: "How do we authentically challenge ourselves?" I think this is the only real question and that all the organizational questions are quite secondary.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
It appears that there has been at times, in the historical dynamics of Theosophy, the tendency to lapse into, either, mere metaphysical descriptive replication from the past or follow the incomplete delusions of personal revelation. I would hope that the Theosophical Movement will be able to maintain its root source which can guide it through this inauthentic tendency to externalize the genuine 'inner light'.
Mahendra Singhal
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Mahendra Prakash Singhal. I was born in the State of Uttar Pradesh, India and I became a member of TS on December 31, 1978.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I was President of the Besant Theosophical Lodge from 1998 until 2011 and President of the Delhi Theosophical Federation for three periods. As President of the Delhi Federation I created a financial corpus of Rs. 500,000/- from individual donations to provide for its self-sufficiency. Was also General Secretary of the Indian Section from 1993 until 1998. From 2012 onwards I’m serving as International Vice President of the Theosophical Society, Adyar.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I was married into a Theosophical family and that brought me in contact with Theosophy .
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
I get a compass of life from its teachings and laws of life. I learn that life’s development has limitless possibilities only if we take ourselves in hand with definiteness of purpose (Self-Realization) and deliberateness of action with perseverance, determination, confidence and hard work.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
My favourite book is The First Principles of Theosophy by C. Jinerajadasa. The book is largely based on observations and experiences of the author; the concepts are illustrated by diagrams. It has all the material in its 15 chapters a reader needs to get a basic idea of Theosophical principles and march ahead if he wishes to do so.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?
The biggest challenge is to make Universal Brotherhood a reality among those members who do not live Theosophy. Presently very few study seriously, they contemplate little and practice seldom. So the challenge for TS Adyar (as an organization) is to understand this issue seriously and devise innovative methods to inspire members to live Theosophy. It means first finding sufficient competent people who will teach others rigorously.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I wish more members would become serious students of Theosophy, contemplate deeply on is concepts and principles and practice them in daily life.
Marijn Gijsbers
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Marijn Gijsbers, Marino for those who are not Dutch. I am from the Netherlands and I have been a member of the TS Point Loma for about 10 years.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I am a member of the Dutch board of the TS Point Loma organisation and work with a group of fellow members preparing and presenting conferences, both nationally and internationally.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
Someone who worked with a client asked if I knew the story of Plato’s cave. After an interesting conversation he invited me to a public lecture. The gentleman who introduced the speaker started by emphasizing to the audience the importance of not just believing what would be presented, but to investigate it’s truth in our own lives. That was such a different tone from anything I had seen or heard before that it really got my attention. I took the two courses that the TS Point Loma offers, ‘think differently’ and ‘wisdom of life’ to continue that investigation. It did not take long to realise that I had ‘come home’, so I joined.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy means many things to me. First and foremost it means purpose. Since adolescence I was fascinated by the world behind the ‘phenomena’. I never seemed to be able to find answers to my many questions that satisfied my intuition or seemed logical, until I found Theosophy (and Theosophy found me). Always fond of travelling and discovering new horizons I was quite aware of the suffering of mankind. It had taken quite a few years to figure out why we as mankind often screw up so badly. When I came to what I thought were the root causes, the obvious next question was: how can we improve, how can we grow, together? The answers I also found in Theosophy. Theosophy changed and refined my perspective on many things, thus becoming more and more a way of life.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
Until I read this question I never thought of any one particular book to favour over others.
I guess now The Voice of Silence by H. P. Blavatsky and many of the writings of G. De Purucker are the ones I most often consult and find tremendously inspiring.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?
Since I am not a member of TS Adyar, let me answer that question in general.
The challenge in my perspective for members of all Theosophical organizations is threefold:
1) to go beyond the mental exercise and make Theosophy a living power by constantly finding ways to apply it to our everyday lives
2) to keep the windows to the world open and find ways to share this incredible wealth of wisdom, in language, examples and solutions that people understand, for mankind badly needs it
3) to realise that our similarities are so much greater than our differences. So many Theosophical organizations serving the same noble cause. Can we find a way to work together, acknowledging, even embracing our differences as a living example of Brotherhood? The efforts set forward by the International Theosophical Conferences, this website and quite a few others are promising.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
For it to remain a beacon of light in troubled times, which is only possible if its’ torch bearers keep the link unbroken.
Navin B. Shah
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Navin B. Shah. I am from Nairobi, Kenya and I have been a member of the TS for 47 years (since 1966)
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
Yes, I am active at both, Lodge and Section level. I am the current Hon. Treasurer of Nairobi Lodge which is the premier lodge in East & Central Africa. I was previously Lodge Chairman. I am the current General Secretary of our Section. I have held this position since 2007, 6 years now. I play an active role in all aspects of TS admin work as well as the Theosophical side, including editing of newsletters, souvenir issues, etc.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
If my memory serves me right, I first came in touch with Theosophy in 1959 when I was in the final class at High School in Mombasa at the Kenya Coast, where I was born and did my primary and secondary schooling, when I went to listen to the well-known Indian Theosophist, Rohit Mehta. I had no further contact with Theosophy till 1966 when our Section's Convention was being held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. I had not been to Dar-es-Salaam before and thought it would be good to travel with the Nairobi delegates and see Dar-es-Salaam. It was at this Convention that I became a member of the T.S. Incidentally, it was also in Dar-es-Salaam, in 2007, that I was elected to the position of General Secretary of our Section.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy means a lot to me. It has given me insights into real purpose of our coming into this world, about evolution and relationships. I have become more tolerant and understanding of people as to why they behave as they do. Theosophy, to cut it short, means the whole world to me and I count myself as a very lucky person to have found Theosophy. But then let me stop here, as you know, one can write a whole chapter on this question.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
That, in a way, is a tough question, but still I shall try and name one book that I like to read often (I carry the small book in my car also) - so my favourite Theosophical book is: At the Feet of the Master by J. Krishnamurti (called Alcyone). The book has set out all that we need to follow in this life to live/conduct our life such that it will take us on the Right Path. It has set out 4 virtues that we should develop for a virtuous life: Discrimination, Desirelessness, Good Conduct and Love.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?
TS at Adyar has its own admin and related problems - due to perhaps not being willing to adapt to changing times and also not open to well-meant suggestions for change. Several suggestions have been made to the International President to change certain clauses of the International T.S. Constitution to make them 'user friendly', remove ambiguities to make interpretations of election rules easy to follow - and there is also the lack of open dialogue by the President with those who raise issues. It is like shutting out all communication. These are my views and I do understand that I am coming from my limited understanding. But then this is where we, the lesser knowing people in the scheme of things, look for frank guidance for a clearer way forward. In short, there is a NEED FOR CHANGE with changing times. Nomination of Additional Members should be open to all the General Secretaries rather than that being just a prerogative of the President.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
Yes, certainly. I would wish, for the future of the Theosophical Movement, that it spreads to every home and people understand its main pillars of Karma, Reincarnation, Evolution and also learn to respect all religions and know one's own religion/belief better, so that we have a better world to live in – devoid of unnecessary wars in the name of religion and control of resources in the hands of a few.
Sandy Ravelli
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Sandy Ravelli from the NZ Section and I have been a member of the Theosophical Society since 1995.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
At present I am actively involved as the National President of the NZ Section.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I was studying Maori Spirituality for a Social Work degree. One day whilst visiting my mother I read in a newspaper about a lecture to be given on Maori Spirituality by one of our treasured and long term members of the NZ Section. Whilst I did not gain any further insights on the topic I did become excited about meeting people who had a curiosity about life and were happy to talk about topics and beliefs that mirrored my own inner thoughts.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
It is a way of life. It gives me a framework that helps me see the connectors between all of life and life’s systems.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
I really like Geoffrey Barborka’s book The Divine Plan. Whilst I enjoy HPB’s expression of the wisdom traditions through Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine and the depth they offer, Barborka writes closer to today’s language clarifying what H. P. B. wrote in parable or analogy. To me there are many books that explore individual aspects of life’s wisdom but the books I have mentioned allow me to delve as deeply as I wish for those complex answers to life’s mysteries.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?
The biggest challenge to me is that as an organization we need to stand tall in the Wisdom Tradition. At the same time we need to move forward with the clarification that comes from our evolutionary development of individual and collective oneness. The challenge is to continue to further explore the connection of the written word to our own inner and outer natures.
I believe we need to avoid any dilution of the teachings through our own laziness in exploring the emotional, mental and spiritual levels of our being in relation to the depth of the teachings that have been offered. Mind through memory has been the hallmark of development throughout many Theosophical centers, whereas we need to focus on the engagement of the whole of the person. We should avoid any sense of elitism ‘that we are the grandmother of the new age’ whatever that may mean. As an organization, there seems to be a crystallization which prevents us recognizing that there are many scientific and psychological discoveries that relate to Theosophy, discovered by people who are not members of the organization.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I would like to see the Theosophical Movement stand tall in being and sharing those truths that are the basis of Theosophy. I would wish that we would acknowledge the other holders of the incredibly helpful and wonderful information of the wisdom tradition. That will allow us to avoid any sense of separateness and come closer to fulfilling our first object to form a nucleus of brotherhood.
RESPONSES FROM MEMBERS OF THE VASANTA YOUTH LODGE, Adyar – India
The Vasanta Youth Lodge after a meeting
Responses from Neena Swatika
President – Vasanta Youth Lodge
Member – Vasanta Round Table
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Neena Swatika (24) and I am from Chennai. I have been a member of The Theosophical Society since 2010.
2. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I came to know about the Society from my father Mr. Rajalingha Rajah. Subsequently I got to know more about the Society during my internship at the Adyar Library and Research Centre, The Theosophical Society, Adyar.
3. What does Theosophy mean to you?
To me Theosophy is an ocean of knowledge which has helped me find answers to questions unanswered in life.
4. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
Among the Theosophical books I have read, The Masters and The Path by C. W. Leadbeater is my favourite book because this was the book that gave me a new insight to Theosophy. It helped me understand the underlying principles that govern life.
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After the Round Table Ceremony
Responses from Harish Sridhar
Treasurer & Past President – Vasanta Youth Lodge
Past Secretary – Vasanta Round Table
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Harish Sridhar (25). I live in Adyar, Chennai. I have been a member of the Theosophical Society ('TS') since 2009.
2. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I came to know about the TS through my school mate - Ms Upasika Maithreya; who is a 6th generation Theosophist.
3. What does Theosophy mean to you?
To me, Theosophy is the answer to all the questions around us. It is larger than religion as it encompasses every aspect of mankind.
4. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
My favourite book is At the feet of the Master. The language is lucid and the book though not voluminous, gives you everything you need to follow for betterment of not just yourself but the entire world around you.
Responses from Chaganti Upasika Maithreya
Committee Member & Past President – Vasanta Youth Lodge
Past Leading Knight – Vasanta Round Table
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Chaganti Upasika Maithreya (25). I live in Chennai and I have been a member of The Theosophical Society for nearly 15 years now.
2. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I have had the good fortune of being born in a family of Theosophists. My sister and I are sixth generation members of The Theosophical Society. We have grown up with the value systems that form the crux of Theosophical teachings.
3. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy in its literal sense is ‘Divine Wisdom’. To me Theosophy is like a beacon of light. It has helped me at every stage in my life. The values I have learnt have helped me become a better person. It has taught me to be true to myself and to others. It has made me contemplate on the reason of my existence and on how I could lead a meaningful life. It has also taught me to be tolerant and understanding. The choices we make define who we are and I think the Theosophical teachings have always guided me in these choices. It has also taught me not to judge people by the choices they make.
4. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
My favourite book is At the Feet of the Master by Alcyone. It is the first book I read and the teachings have stayed with me. The learning from the book is like a spiral staircase. At every stage in life it reveals new insights to the seeker. It reinstates the simple values that guide our lives. It is also a book that I have given to a number of friends who have now become members of The Theosophical Society.
Responses from Chaganti Aditi Maithreya
Vice President – Vasanta Youth Lodge
Leading Knight – Vasanta Round Table
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Chaganti Aditi Maithreya. I am 19 years old and I am doing my Bachelor of Science degree in Visual Communication from M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai. I have been a member for close to a decade now.
2. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
My family is one of the oldest in The Theosophical Society. I am a 6th generation member of The Theosophical Society. I am blessed to be born into this wonderful organisation and to be able to grow in it since my childhood. I first learnt about Theosophy from my father. As a child he explained the meaning of that word in simple terms to a 4 year old, the time I joined the International Order of the Round Table.
3. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy is a kind of system which helps me understand the meaning behind the beliefs of various religions and many unexplained phenomena in nature and powers of men. Through its books, it creates an innate morality in me that helps me in various instances of life.
4. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
My favourite theosophical books are At the Feet of the Master and The Light of Asia. The former for its simple yet meaningful teachings for everyday life. It seems to convey a different meaning every time it is read. The latter because of the beauty with which it has been written. The story and teachings of the Lord Buddha go beyond the words in the book and go on to create vivid images.
Responses from Arvind Srikanthan
Committee Member & Past Vice President – Vasanta Youth Lodge
Member – Vasanta Round Table
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
I am Arvind Srikantan (23) from India and I have been a member for 3 years.
2. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
Through a friend of mine who was a member in the society and introduced me.
3. What does Theosophy mean to you?
A way of life which tries to accept that science and religion can be intertwined.
4. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
At the Feet of the Master, the first book I read and the book has had a profound impact on the way I look at things.
Responses from Yugesh R.V.
Member – Vasanta Youth Lodge
Member – Vasanta Round Table
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
Yugesh RV (22), I'm from Delhi and I have been a member of the TS for 6 months now.
2. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I came to know about the TS through my mother.
3. What does Theosophy mean to you?
To me, Theosophy means a deep spiritual knowledge of humanity and the universe, and how we can use this knowledge for our (personal as well as mankind as a whole) spiritual growth and benefit.
4. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
I haven't been able to read any books on Theosophy yet. I had read a bit of The Key To Theosophy (simplified version) to familiarise myself with Theosophy and it was not hard to follow.
Responses from Hariharan
Auditor & Past Vice President – Vasanta Youth Lodge
Past Leading Knight – Vasanta Round Table
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Hariharan (25). I am from Chennai. I have been a member of The Theosophical Society for many years now.
2. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
My dad works here so that's how I came into contact with the Society.
3. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy: how to enjoy your life without causing harm to others.
4. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
My favorite book is At the Feet of the Master... Teaches how to handle and carry ourselves in any situation.
Responses from Rahul Sridhar
Committee Member – Vasanta Youth Lodge
Secretary – Vasanta Round Table
1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
I’m Rahul Sridhar (18), from Chennai. I have been associated with the Theosophical Society for the past 3 years.
2. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
The school I went to was a stone’s throw away from the TS headquarters. I passed by it for years wondering what it was, who the people living inside were and what it would take to be allowed inside. To my surprise, it was my brother, through an acquaintance, who had introduced to me to the world of Theosophy.
3. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy, to me, is a way of life. It helps me understand the laws of the universe better. By that, I'm not suggesting that everyone has to put in hours studying books to imbibe the wisdom Theosophy has to offer. We learn to be compassionate and we learn to be tolerant. It makes us understand our own religion better. I remember reading someone who said, "Theosophy has made me a better Muslim".
4. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
My favorite Theosophical book is At the Feet of The Master by J. Krishnamurti (Alcyone). This book treats on the four qualifications for enlightenment: Discrimination, Desirelessness, Good Conduct and Love. The size of the book may fool you, but there’s meaning in every word. It isn’t religion specific, it’s easy on the words for anyone seeking enlightenment and it can be carried around easily.
Note: We decided to answer the following questions as a group.
5. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
We are a part of the Vasanta Youth Lodge at The Theosophical Society, Adyar and the Vasanta Round Table. We are also a part of World Care Way. The youth group carries out its activities under the banners of the Vasanta Youth Lodge, the Vasanta Round Table and World Care Way.
Down to Earth - Eco-Workshop for schools conducted by World Care Way
• We have regular lodge meetings. We have experts lecturing us on various subjects in relation to Theosophy. We have group discussions and exhibitions as part of our meetings. We had an interesting display on August 12, 2012 on the life and teachings of Madame Blavatsky. We also meet informally for study classes.
The books we have studied include selected parts of The Mahatmas Letters, The Key to Theosophy and At the Feet of the Master. We have also had interaction on subjects including Karma, biographies of Theosophical leaders and Theosophy in the contemporary world.
We have actively collaborated with the Madras Theosophical Federation in organising an out-reach programme at the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras where 16 papers were presented by students from different colleges. The format was that of a ‘debate through presentation’. The students were briefed about Theosophy and The Theosophical Society before the programme.
Some of the members have helped the author during the publishing of the two books – ‘Theosophy, The Theosophical Society & its Founders’ and the Theosophical play based on the Mahabharata, ‘The Vision of Sanjaya’ authored by Chaganti V. K. Maithreya and staged on January 1, 2013 for the delegates to the International Convention. We also subsequently had an interactive session on the symbology in this play.
• We involve ourselves in various social service activities. A list of our activities is given below.
CLOTH BAG PROJECT
Plastic bags are a quick fix solution with long term negative consequences. To combat this, the youth started the ‘Cloth Bag Project’ in December 2009. The youth collect data on the negative impact of plastic bags and educates the public through presentations in schools, shops, etc. The group has designed cloth bags as an alternative to plastic bags that have now become an eco-fashion statement. The group has taken the assistance of underprivileged women to print motifs and messages on these bags. Thousands of bags have been sold.
The concept has been replicated by a youth group in Tanzania. A few other countries have shown interest in replicating this project.
PROMOTING ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
In 2004 the Asian tsunami struck our shores. The underprivileged women of the coastal community were victims of poverty, domestic problems and indebtedness. After the tsunami their problems were compounded.
The Theosophical Order of Service set up reverse osmosis plants along the coast & also set up two recycling projects for eco-friendly paper and other products.
The youth have been involved in:
1. Creating awareness about these eco-products both in India &∓ abroad.
2. Arranging training programmes for school children, where these underprivileged women train them to make eco- friendly products at a domestic level.
3. Designing products that are popular.
4. Mentoring these women in simple business concepts.
The outcome has been a win-win situation in a few ways:-
1. Now many people are sensitized & they collect waste paper for recycling.
2. Tsunami affected women, salt pan workers and many others of the underprivileged sections have found a source of income.
3. The women who had been victims of circumstances have now become entrepreneurs and manage cooperative societies which provide self-employment and manufacture these products.
SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN
In the wake of the notorious Delhi molestation & murder case, the youth carried out a signature campaign to request the President of India to declare December 29th as ‘Woman’s Honour Day’ with a series of programmes to create awareness, to spread the message of abstinence and to aim for the amelioration of women belonging to the weaker sections.
JUMBLE SALES
Jumble Sale
The youth collect reusable items from the locality and conduct Jumble Sales a few times a year for the underprivileged. These sales are timed to coincide with the free multi-disciplinary Medical Camps that are held by the Theosophical Order of Service, Chennai.
CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL & MEDICAL CAUSES
The youth helps in fund raising for any social or medical cause. The causes range from college fees to money for an accident victim.
VISITS ON FESTIVAL DAYS
Visit to old age home
The youth visit orphanages, old age homes, the Cancer institute and other such places on certain festival days. The members of the group contribute money and purchase gifts that will be of use to inmates. They spend time chatting with the inmates and also have sing-along sessions with them.
Visit to Cancer Hospital
DISASTER RELIEF
The youth actively participate in relief operations at the time of disasters. They collect old clothes and medicines that are sent to the disaster hit areas.
The Theosophical Order of Service, Chennai also has two significant projects. Seeing Eyes for Everyone [SEE] is a project which has screened thousands of cases &∓∓ provides total care that is free. The Safety Health & Energy [SHE] project is for providing overall health care. The youth have now shown interest in involving in these also.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS Adyar (as an organization) is facing at the moment?
We are finding it a challenge to reach out to young people in large numbers as there are many distractions. But we are happy to have made considerable progress in this area. We have used the social media to popularise Theosophy. We are also looking to have virtual interactions on the internet with members at mutually convenient timings. On many occasions members who have travelled to other places have spoken about Theosophy and interacted with like-minded organisations.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
The Theosophical movement has been and always will be very close to our hearts. We hope that many young people join our movement and we are able to popularise a study of Theosophy. We hope that the youth from various branches of The Theosophical Society from across the globe are able to network more effectively and share ideas on subjects of mutual interest.
We carry Theosophy in our hearts, so why don’t you all come to Adyar this year for the International Convention? This is our youth corner there and when you come we will tell you more about our activities; we’ll be waiting for you!