- What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Elena Bessie Camplone, I come from Pescara, a charming town on the Adriatic coast in Abruzzo, a beautiful Italian region. In my city unfortunately there are no theosophical groups, so in 2014 I joined the TS as an independent member, remaining in the occult mode for five years. I read magazines and books but I didn't know anyone. In 2019 I finally started to actively participate, also thanks to the general increase in digital media that we have seen in recent years.
- Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
Now I am happily active, collaborating on some projects with the group of young theosophists such as the audio journalist or the theosophical calendar and at the beginning of this year. I was involved in giving a couple of talks for the theosophical group in Turin
- How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I have shown interest in spiritual issues since I was a child, in my researches I became aware of the existence of TS. Reading their principles and purposes I felt in perfect harmony with them, they described exactly what my feelings have always been. I thought I had found what I was looking for all my life, so I decided to call for information and I was immediately welcomed as an independent member
- What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy represents the search for Truth that can be perceived embodying the principles of the TS and also thanks to the study of the precious texts that theosophical literature offers. It is a bright beacon that can illuminate our Path. The study of Theosophy is a precious means we have, it helps us to stay in the plane of Being trying to develop our intuition as much as possible, to grasp our reality which is unique, unknowable and immutable, subject to the law of karma and changes in consciousness,
- What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
My favorite book is undoubtedly The Voice of Silence by HPB. In our modern society, mental capacity and moral power are dissociated and the integration of head and heart is the central and fundamental teaching of The Voice of the Silence. It has a very special effect on me, whenever I feel sad or in trouble, I just open a page at random and it gives me a pearl of wisdom that lights up my thoughts and raises my vibration.
- What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
I think the biggest challenge that TS is facing right now is to create unity in this time when separation and the tendency towards materiality are at their peak. But it’s precisely in moments of maximum friction that the strength to reverse the course is found. The task of the Theosophists is not only to recognize moral principles, but also to apply them, the general rules to be followed, I believe, are sister- and brotherhood and Service.
- Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
What I hope for the future of the TS is that it "becomes like the fixed star in the highest sky, shining from the depths of space for everyone, except for itself, giving light to everyone and not taking any from anyone" to quote the words of HPB in The Voice of Silence. Hoping that more and more people become aware of the unique reality in which we live and decide to embody the principles of the TS, dedicating themselves with determination to serving and helping others, not to boast about it, but by acting without speaking, examining ourselves in the light of our inner Ego, training and developing the Anthakarana rainbow bridge.
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.