1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Barbara Bradley Hebert. I am from the United States, specifically Covington, Louisiana. I have been an “official” member of the Theosophical Society since 1976; however, I am a third generation Theosophist, so I feel as if I have been a member all of my life!
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve in many capacities. From the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s, I had the privilege of working on the staffs of the National Headquarters, Olcott, in Wheaton, Illinois, and the Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai, California. In our local area, I belong to the Covington Lodge and have served in a number of different positions. On a national level, I have served on the Board of Directors for the Theosophical Society in America for about 12 years and currently serve as the National Vice President.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
As mentioned previously, I am a third generation Theosophist, so I have always known about the Society and felt as if I were a part of it. My family raised us (my sisters and my cousins) to look at life from a Theosophical perspective, to ask questions, and to find answers that felt “right” to us.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy provides the guideposts through which I endeavour to live my life.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
I have two favourite Theosophical books! I can’t choose just one! They are: At the Feet of the Master and The Voice of the Silence. Both are small books yet full of so much wisdom and depth. Both can be read daily and yet the reader can always learn something new and gain greater insight into self and the world.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
The Ancient Wisdom is always relevant; however, as man-made institutions, it is essential that we continue to grow and evolve so that our ability to share this magnificent message remains relevant and can be understood.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
My wish for the future is that we, as seekers on the Path, learn, practice, and model the basic tenets of the Ancient Wisdom known in our world today as 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.