1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Hannes, I come from and live in Sweden and I have been a member of TS for three years.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I am not active in the Swedish TS Adyar-section on a regular basis, but I make separate contributions every now and then, for example at the Christmas gatherings, being a part of the entertainment, like playing the harp, arranging furniture before and after events, or doing the dishes and other small but important tasks like that. I have much going on in my life, with both work and university studies, but I try to help as much as I can when I have the opportunity. I also take part in study groups in both the Adyar-group as well as in the Swedish U.L.T.-group. I’m also a member of the World Federation of Young Theosophists as the representative for Sweden.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
My partner had been a member in TS Adyar for a long time when we first met, and it was through him I learned about Theosophy. Until then I had been some kind of a spiritual searcher who had yet to find his place, but when I learned about Theosophy, I felt that this was what I had been looking for the whole time.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy and its various vehicles for me are open-minded communities where I can explore my beliefs without being affected by dogmatism, and at the same time meet like-minded people from different countries and cultures. I really appreciate the freedom of thought idea, and how science, philosophy and theology are blended together, instead of being opposites.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
At the Feet of the Master by Jiddu Krishnamurti because there is a lot of wisdom expressed in simple words on just a few pages. It's also easy to relate it to my practical everyday life. I also appreciate the works of Pablo Sender, like Evolution of the Higher Consciousness: An In-depth Study into H. P. Blavatsky's Teachings. Pablo does a great job explaining difficult concepts.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
The average age among members is quite high and it is difficult to attract younger people, at least in Sweden where I live. Sweden is very secularized, so it's a high threshold to start talking about things like Theosophy and the numerous conceptions of life with people I meet in my everyday life.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I would like to see more collaboration between the various theosophical organizations, like Adyar, Pasadena, U.L.T etc. I think we have more similarities than differences!
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.