1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
Andrie Levey-Bates , North Vancouver, B.C. I joined the American Theosophical group over 22 years ago and the Canadian Association over 17 years ago.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Association and if so, what do you do?
I’m currently the President of the Vancouver lodge with a dedicated team.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I “lived” Theosophy since I was 10 years old, attending programs in Indralaya on Orcas Island. The gratitude for getting amazing opportunities to be one with Theosophy and meet talented presenters and being part of a community is precious. Then I joined the north American groups later.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Travelling the Path of enlightenment with giving service to others and the environment, treating everyone equally, looking thoroughly at scientific research which keeps getting more exciting especially with the latest discoveries in quantum physics, being open to possibilities, being curious, having an inquiring mind, reading and listening to others and their experiences, working through karma and being grateful and positive in life!
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
Scott Nearing’s Living and Loving the Good Life. as it is a great example of how he lived his life in a theosophical manner right down to the dying process which he controlled and he was fortunate to have the help of others.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
I think Theosophy is such a critical way of living and is so needed in this changing world with climate change and political unrest. Keeping Theosophy modern is important and Pablo Sender has done excellent works making the levels of consciousness easier to understand and apply. Growing the base of theosophists around the world and keeping the amazing projects of service continuing.
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?
To welcome the world to celebrate the 150th year of the Society and the 100th year for Canada (CTA). To cultivate unity with this large gathering of inquiring minds who enjoy discussions, hearing speakers and work towards the goal of shaping the future. The setting is inspiring and the chance to honor First Nation speakers and dancers will be special. Sharing the history of Theosophy through the latest technology films will be fun. Focusing on incorporating the ancient wisdom, universal knowledge with modern Theosophy to have a brighter future while examining approaches, environmental concerns, compassion for all, how to best be open and aware, connected to others, with tools like meditation practices, etc. So excited to share this incredible part of the world with so many people with such a critical topic!
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.