1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Ralph Hannon. I was familiar with Theosophy back in the 1960s, but became a card carrying member in 1976. Shortly after that, I became a life member.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
My activity began when Dora Kunz became the president of the TS in America. I was very active through her presidency (1975-1987) and for a number of years afterwards. Dora and I were co-editor of The Theosophical Research Journal, and I served on the executive board of the Theosophical Education and Research Foundation. I was a frequent lecturer at the national center (Olcott), gave seminars/workshops at Orcus Island, The Krotona Institute (Ojai, CA), plus other talks for various sections.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
The first book I read about Theosophy was The Masters and the Path by C. W. Leadbeater back in the 1950s.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
I’ve given various answers to this question over the years, but now I just consider the Three Objects of the Society as defining Theosophy.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
This has changed over the years, but the one book that I have read and re-read a number of times is I. K. Taimni’s Self-Culture which has been retitled A Way to Self-Discovery. This is the book that helped me understand Theosophy for the first time.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
I would say remaining consistent in striving for brotherhood in a world that seems very fickle at times.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I would like to see a world-wide movement toward our Three Objects with the TS leading the way.
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.