1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is André LeBlanc, and I live in the city of Laval, near Montreal, where I was born. I have been a member of the Theosophical Society since 2012, but I have been studying Theosophy for about forty years.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Association and if so, what do you do?
Yes, I am active. I am the president and secretary of the Satya Lodge of Montreal. I am also a regular contributor to the ATC’s French-language magazine, Le Porteur de Lumière (The Light Bearer).
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
From the age of 21, I was actively looking for answers about the meaning of existence. The advertisement of a conference of the Theosophical Society in a French magazine greatly aroused my interest. I then began to read many books by the pioneers of the TS (HPB, Besant, Leadbeater, …). I had found my Way.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy is now the foundation of my life. The base on which my existence rests. I found there what neither science nor any religion could give me: an explanation of Life that does not rest on beliefs, dogmas, or on a vision that is too narrow or materialist, but rather on observation, reasoning, experimentation, and intuition.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
Annie Besant's book The Ancient Wisdom has long been my favorite book. It is a clear, inspiring exposition, and covers all the basic teachings of Theosophy. But now it are the writings of H.P. Blavatsky, such as The Secret Doctrine, that are my reference. It requires much more effort to understand, but is highly stimulating to the intuition.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
Since the founding of the TS, an ever-increasing number of spiritually inclined movements have emerged. Most have drawn inspiration from the teachings of the TS. But many of these movements active today have seriously altered and distorted the original message. The greatest challenge facing the TS today, in my opinion, is to distinguish itself from other movements (not all of which are bad), to assert the value of the original message, and to bring truth seekers back to this path.
7. From July 23 till July 27 2025 your association is hosting the 12th World congress in Vancouver. What are your expectations, and is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
On a personal level, this will be my first time attending a Theosophical Congress of international scope. I am very much looking forward to meeting Theosophists from all over the world. It will be a great moment for me, and it will allow me to see how other Theosophical sections and organizations operate, which may help me in my work as lodge president.
As for the future of TS, I would obviously like to see its influence spread further throughout the world. For this to happen, however, there would need to be more openness on the part of science, and more members involved in spreading its teachings. It is for humanity that Theosophy has been made public in its modern form, but it is up to humanity to make its own choices. We must be patient and never forget that we are working for the future.
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.