1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Isolde Sueltemeyer. I was born in Germany and have been a member for almost 60 years.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
My contribution consists of giving lecture presentations at national conventions and different lodges and centres both in Europe and Australia. Being a musician, my special interest is the spiritual side of art, music in particular.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
My mother was an ardent Theosophist, and for many years lodge meetings took place in our home, which I happily attended from a very early age. I became a member in 1958 at the age of twelve.
We regularly spent our holidays at the Naarden Centre, the Netherlands, where the Liberal Catholic Church and the Round Table in the old Besant Hall made a deep impression on me as a young girl. There I contacted a sense of the Sacred. And it was inspiring for my whole life to meet and get to know great Theosophists like Sri Ram and Rukmini Devi Arundale!
In 1962 we emigrated to Australia and lived at the Manor Centre, among many outstanding Theosophists like Helen Zahara and Geoffrey Hodson.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
As I grew up in a Theosophical environment, Theosophical thought and attitudes form the foundation of my life.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
My favorite book is The Voice of the Silence by H.P.Blavatsky, as I find myself returning to it again and again. It represents the essence.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
There are and always have been challenges on different levels in the Society. However, it seems paramount to truly keep the flame of brotherhood vibrant among our members and friends. The rest will follow.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
Let us wish and work for mutual inspiration and understanding between members, sections and the different societies within the Movement, so it can continue to radiate!
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.