Text of Resolutions passed by the General Council of the Theosophical Society
Freedom of Thought As the Theosophical Society has spread far and wide over the world, and as members of all religions have become members of it without surrendering the special dogmas, teachings and beliefs of their re- spective faiths, it is thought desirable to emphasize the fact that there is no doctrine, no opinion, by whomsoever taught or held, that is in any way binding on any member of the Society, none which any member is not free to accept or reject. Approval of its three Objects is the sole condition of membership. No teacher, or writer, from H. P. Blavatsky onwards, has any authority to impose his or her teachings or opinions on members. Every member has an equal right to follow any school of thought, but has no right to force the choice on any other. Neither a candidate for any office nor any voter can be rendered ineligible to stand or to vote, because of any opinion held, or because of membership in any school of thought. Opinions or beliefs neither bestow privileges nor inflict penalties. The Members of the General Council earnestly request every member of the Theosophical Society to maintain, defend and act upon these fundamental principles of the Society, and also fearlessly to exercise the right of liberty of thought and of expression thereof, within the limits of courtesy and consideration for others. Freedom of the Society The Theosophical Society, while cooperating with all other bodies whose aims and activities make such cooperation possible, is and must remain an organization entirely independent of them, not committed to any objects save its own, and intent on developing its own work on the broadest and most inclusive lines, so as to move towards its own goal as indicated in and by the pursuit of those objects and that Divine Wisdom which in the abstract is implicit in the title ‘The Theosophical Society’. Since Universal Brotherhood and the Wisdom are undefined and unlimited, and since there is complete freedom for each and every member of the Society in thought and action, the Society seeks ever to maintain its own distinctive and unique character by remaining free of affiliation or identification with any other organization.
VOL. 138 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2016
CONTENTS
The Open Door 6 Tim Boyd Remembering Joy Mills 9 Stephan A. Hoeller Tribute to Joy 13 Linda Oliveira Joy-ful Memories 15 Nelda Samarel Joy Mills: Remembrance 19 Annine Wycherley Encounters with Joy Mills 21 Anne Johnstone Reflections on Joy 23 Dorothy Bell In Tribute to Joy Mills 25 William Wilson Quinn (continued)
Editor: Mr Tim Boyd
NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to:
Cover: Joy Mills (9 October 1920 – 29 December 2015) in her 20s and 90s. She held the positions of National President (NP) of the Theosophical Society in America for three terms, international Vice- President of the TS for two terms, and NP of the TS in Australia, among her many other responsibilities. ______This journal is the official organ of the President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky, 1879. The Theosophical Society is responsible only for official notices appearing in this journal.
3 Contents
Joy in the Twilight Years 29 Elena Dovalsantos Thinking of Joy 32 Pablo Minniti Remembrances of Joy 33 Steve Walker Photo Inserts 35 Joy Mills: An Evolutionary Journey 43 Cynthia Overweg At the Feet of a Mentor: Fragments of an Ageless Joy 47 Dialogue with a Young Student Memories of Joy Mills 51 James W. Peterson The Joy Mills I Knew and Loved 54 Adelle Chabelski
SMALL GEMS 56 Maria Parisen Beverly Champion Lakshmi Narayan Mary Jo Kokochak Brenda Knight Carol Nicholson A Sense of Direction 59 Joy Mills Convention Programme 61 International Directory 64
4 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Founded 17 November 1875 President: Mr Tim Boyd Vice-President: Dr Chittaranjan Satapathy Secretary: Ms Marja Artamaa Treasurer: Mr K. Narasimha Rao Headquarters: ADYAR, CHENNAI (MADRAS) 600 020, INDIA Vice-President: [email protected] Secretary: [email protected] Treasurer: [email protected] Adyar Library and Research Centre: [email protected] Theosophical Publishing House: [email protected] & [email protected] Editorial Office: [email protected], Website: http://www.ts-adyar.org
The Theosophical Society is composed of students, belonging to any religion in the world or to none, who are united by their approval of the Society’s Objects, by their wish to remove religious antagonisms and to draw together men of goodwill, whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire to study religious truths and to share the results of their studies with others. Their bond of union is not the profession of a common belief, but a common search and aspiration for Truth. They hold that Truth should be sought by study, by reflection, by purity of life, by devotion to high ideals, and they regard Truth as a prize to be striven for, not as a dogma to be imposed by authority. They consider that belief should be the result of individual study or intuition, and not its antecedent, and should rest on knowledge, not on assertion. They extend tolerance to all, even to the intolerant, not as a privilege they bestow but as a duty they perform, and they seek to remove ignorance, not punish it. They see every religion as an expression of the Divine Wisdom and prefer its study to its condemnation, and its practice to proselytism. Peace is their watchword, as Truth is their aim. Theosophy is the body of truths which forms the basis of all religions, and which cannot be claimed as the exclusive possession of any. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible, and which demonstrates the justice and the love which guide its evolution. It puts death in its rightful place, as a recurring incident in an endless life, opening the gateway to a fuller and more radiant existence. It restores to the world the Science of the Spirit, teaching man to know the Spirit as himself and the mind and body as his servants. It illuminates the scriptures and doctrines of religions by unveiling their hidden meanings, and thus justifying them at the bar of intelligence, as they are ever justified in the eyes of intuition. Members of the Theosophical Society study these truths, and theosophists endeavour to live them. Everyone willing to study, to be tolerant, to aim high, and to work perseveringly, is welcomed as a member, and it rests with the member to become a true theosophist.
The Theosophist 5 The Open Door The Open Door
TIM BOYD
IN the years that I have been involved address as she departed to Adyar to serve with the Theosophical Society (TS) I have as the international Vice-President for the attended sessions of many types with Joy newly elected John Coats. To a twenty- Mills — lectures, workshops, conven- year-old neophyte to the theosophical tions, planning meetings, board meetings, movement she seemed iconic and out lunches, dinners, and breakfasts. In my of reach. early years in the TS I would be sitting The early 1970s, when I first came in the audience listening and feeling in contact with the TS, was a time just challenged and inspired by the things she past the crest of a wave of great social shared. As time passed I was introducing unrest in the United States. The Vietnam her at the occasional conference or War, civil rights, the hippie movement, meeting. And in later years we shared and a wave of assassinations of visionary the podium together. Sometimes when leaders had a profound impact on the talking about Joy and my relationship youth of the nation. Not just outside the with her I would comment that having TSA, but inside as well, young people first met Joy in 1974, I necessarily fell were actively advocating for change. Joy into that category of one of her “newer” served as President throughout all this friends. It was inevitable that someone turbulence. During this time there was an whose Theosophical life began in 1940 active Young Theosophists (YT) group. and whose travels on behalf of the TS Although I do not remember any of the took her to more than 50 countries would specific issues that seemed so important have friends and students of all ages at the time, I do remember a sense among scattered around the world. some of the young members that the My relationship with Joy began as desired changes and appreciation for a student and admirer. At the time of the contributions of youth were coming our initial meeting she was serving as too slowly. president of the TS in America (TSA). I remember Joy encouraging the YT My first visit to the summer national group to develop their ideas and to work convention was her last year as president. within the TSA, not to isolate ourselves. In the large tent that was erected for each At one point she agreed for the YTs to year’s gathering she gave her farewell present a kind of open house at the Olcott
6 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 The Open Door national headquarters. The afternoon’s With the passing of time my role activities included such things as a within the TS was changing. Unlike many “psychic fair” and a rock concert which other fields of study, the life of the student some of the headquarters’ staff described of Theosophy seems to require action. as “destroying the vibration of the Olcott The result was an increasing activity and center”. It had to be a trying time for Joy, greater responsibilities, until a time came but somehow she had confidence that when I was asked to join the national board there was value in providing a forum for of directors. This was new territory. Help- the YTs to express themselves. Through- ing locally was fine, but this seemed like out this period, Joy was firm, but fair. a quantum leap in commitment. Feeling By the time she returned to the US from a little overwhelmed, I did the obvious. her six-year stint in Adyar, I was beginn- I sought out Joy’s advice. She had been ing to become grounded in the teachings in this exact situation, and could give and the life of a Theosophist. The awe counsel that was grounded in her own I had felt for her started to become re- experience. Talking to her put things into placed by a measure of understanding for perspective. The main thing she stressed the things Joy wrote and spoke about. And was the beauty of “the work”, the sacred- whether it was her freedom from the ness and privilege of being able to do demands of her previous lofty and de- that work at any level, but that greater manding positions, or my own growing responsibility also required greater dedi- comfort with Joy as a person, not merely a cation. She was so understanding and wise representative, I began to feel a sense encouraging. I left her feeling a renewed of ease in her presence. From this point commitment. onward Joy became a multi-layered, ever In H. P. Blavatsky’s “Golden Stairs” deepening, fascinating person to me. there is a passage that speaks of the impor- There is a saying that “we don’t see tance of being ready “to give and receive things as they are; we see them as we advice and instruction”. Theoretical are.” Whatever level of our conscious- advice has value, but can never be the ness we are operating from, colors the same as the counsel that comes from world around us. A corollary experience hard-won life experience. As the posi- is that there are people who, when we tions I was called upon to occupy within find ourselves around them, they bring the TS changed, the number of people out a different side of us. In their pres- in the world who could advise, having ence we feel enlarged. Somehow just actually served in those positions, nar- being near them makes us feel like bigger rowed down to just one — Joy. Only people, and we see the world in a different she had been TS in America Director, way. These are the ones we seek out, the Vice-President, President, international ones who, even thinking of them, lifts us Vice-President, and for a brief time up. Joy was like this. following John Coats’ death, though
December 2016 The Theosophist 7 The Open Door technically not president, she had taken ence, that you will be given the strength on the role of head of the TS. At every and inner fortitude to meet whatever step she was unfailing, unstinting, and challenges (and there will be many!) truly loving in her counsel. arise!” I share below a few pieces of her “Blessings of the Great Ones be with advice about the TS taken from con- you!” versation and correspondence. It speaks “Sending you thoughts that you will for itself. know what it is right to do at this juncture.” “Bring to the office a true dedication “I have been most fortunate, truly and a commitment to the ideals that have privileged, in being able to give myself guided the work through all the years!” to the work of the Society in whatever “. .. dedication to the Society and its capacity I was called upon to serve. Not mission ... I feel, means everything! many have had so fortunate a life, and I I feel certain the scope of the work has am truly grateful. To use Clara Codd’s increased since I held that office (TSA words, it has been truly a ‘rich life’.” president), but I also know, from experi- “Look for the open door.” ²
We must, then, ask the serious questions: “Are we ready to move in a radically new direction? Are we, as individuals, prepared to undergo in ourselves that kind of transformation which will bring about a genuine transformation in the world — a transformation that will inevitably bring about a new vision?” Today, all other kinds of thought are out- moded; all other ways of thinking are unthinkable. To explore such questions implies also a willingness to probe deep into our own natures. For, to understand ourselves is to understand the world of which we are so intimate a part. By our very nature we are world- creating; but we have become world-destroying — a fact which the present day ecological movement is making apparent. Joy Mills
8 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Remembering Joy Mills Remembering Joy Mills Reflections on a life within the changing face of Theosophy
STEPHAN A. HOELLER
ON 29 December 2015 there passed who moreover was capable of exercising from this earthly incarnational state one discipline and authority. Her extensive of the luminaries of the branch of the contribution to the theosophical philoso- perennial esoteric tradition, known phy was the result of her great familiarity since the late nineteenth century as with her subject and of her clear and Theosophy. To this matrix of alternative rigorous thinking. In an age where spirituality, most of her long and pro- opinions tend to outnumber concepts ductive life was dedicated. If one were and precepts, her ideas and ideals were to write a contemporary sequel to the formulated and expressed in clear and book Meetings with Remarkable Men unambiguous terms, which were ground- (and Women), there would have to be ed in knowledge wedded to insight. Such included a long chapter dedicated to Joy were the qualities that enabled her to Mills. Among her remarkable distinguish- navigate the turbulent sea of spiritual, ing marks one must include her ability to intellectual, and cultural change which intuit the spiritual needs of our time and rendered the twentieth and twenty-first to recognize the desirability of a trans- centuries as among the most perilous valuation of the theosophical worldview of history. to respond to these needs. It is in view of In order to gain a better appreciation this latter circumstance that this small for Joy Mills, one needs to understand essay has been written. some of the challenges impinging upon Joy Mills was trained as a school- the theosophical psycho-spiritual am- teacher, and although her chosen career bience during her lifetime. was replaced by her long service to the By the middle of the twentieth century cause of Theosophy, she never quite lost Theosophy was in a state of transition. her persona of a classroom teacher. She The exciting and heady days of Dr Annie was not only a lecturer, but an instructor, Besant and Bishop C. W. Leadbeater were
Dr Stephan Hoeller is Professor Emeritus of Comparative Religion at the College of Oriental Studies in Los Angeles, California, and Regionary Bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica. He has been a TS member for over sixty years, having published several Quest Books, and has been a National Lecturer for the TS.
December 2016 The Theosophist 9 Remembering Joy Mills over, owing to the demise of these pivotal had sprung up duplicating these teach- figures. The once-expected World Teacher ings, so that the theosophical versions (J. Krishnamurti) was now an inde- were now merely part of a widespread pendent teacher, altogether on his own. set of common ideas. In addition, owing A number of brilliant persons still carry- to the unavoidable attrition caused by ing the torch lit in the Besant era were deaths, the membership of the Theo- traveling over the world proclaiming sophical Society (TS) was decreasing. the message. Ernest Wood, Geoffrey In the early years of our presence in Hodson, C. Jinarâjadâsa, Rukmini Devi the Theosophical Society, both Joy Mills and a few others came to the USA regu- and I frequently were the youngest in larly and continued to inspire and inform. many a theosophical crowd, most mem- Among them, Joy Mills was particularly bers having joined in the exciting years proud of having met Dr Henry T. Edge, of Besant, Leadbeater, and Krishnamurti; a prominent member of the Point Loma they were now in their declining years. Theosophical Society, and one of the There was also a certain, at times some- very few people still living who had met what excessive, attachment of many H. P. Blavatsky in past years. members to the numerous Sanskrit terms In fact, Blavatsky (HPB) was a some- found in much of our literature, which what distant shadow on the theosophical tended to strike visitors to our programs horizon in the second half of the twentieth as somewhat odd. Through all these century. Her Secret Doctrine was cer- developments, Joy Mills remained a tainly present in all lodge libraries, and stalwart worker for the cause, fulfilling her Voice of the Silence served as a fa- many functions both administrative and vorite meditation text, but the bulk of educational in the TS in American. theosophical literature consisted of the The changing times brought new many books of Besant and Leadbeater, developments as well as changes in and the teachings embraced by most of leadership. The international Presidents the members were found in these works. Jinarâjadâsa and N. Sri Ram, after hav- In many lodges, the credo consisted of ing served Theosophy with distinction, a kind of trinity of doctrines, namely, departed the earthly realm, to be replaced Reincarnation, Karma, and Evolution; by the charming and urbane figure of teachings that served as inspiring replace- John B. S. Coats, who soon requested ments for eternal heaven and hell taught Joy Mills to come to India and become by much of Western religion. his Vice-President. To the great regret By the late nineteen fifties and sixties, of many, President Coats suffered an the teachings which excited 19th century untimely death, and Joy Mills returned minds were waning in the public aware- from India to the United States. Shortly ness, having lost the appeal of novelty. after her return, the present writer Also, numerous spiritual organizations had a lengthy conversation with her in
10 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Remembering Joy Mills California. It was evident that she had cate of her convictions just noted. Often undergone a veritable sea change. She one had to read between the lines of her stated quite openly that she had come to essays and catch the subtle messages the insight that contrary to the views of woven into her lectures to discern the many theosophists, the approaches to the “new Joy” as contrasted with the one of spirituality of India and other Eastern yesteryear. Yet the signs were present for cultures were not superior to the appro- all to see. The present writer repeatedly aches of the West, and that it would be heard her state in public that The Secret beneficial for many theosophists if they Doctrine was a myth, as against the no- explored avenues of Western esotericism, tion that it was fact. Similarly, she stated particularly the spiritually oriented psy- openly that the “Stanzas of Dzyan” (of chology of the late C. G. Jung. The Secret Doctrine), like all creation In the course of our conversation she myths, had a depth-psychological mean- also stated that the sources of much of ing, in terms of the birth of conscious- HPB’s work were based on the three ness. Informed by the insights of Jung, she interrelated ideologies of Hermeticism, agreed with the poet Goethe that “all things Neoplatonism, and Gnosticism. These transitory but as symbols are meant”. views expressed by Joy Mills were met Although circumspect and diplomatic with signal approval by the present in her utterances and writings, Joy was writer. One needs to keep in mind that engaged in the transvaluation of the under- beginning with the Founders, who chose standing of the theosophical philosophy the name of the new Society by adopting in terms of myth, symbol, and metaphor. the term coined by Ammonius Saccas, (When in 1982 my book The Gnostic the founder of Neoplatonism, there have Jung was published, she commented on always been advocates of the Western it most favorably, and was fond of quoting esoteric tradition in the Theosophical the title of its Epilogue “The Once and Society. One of the most impressive Future Gnosis”.) She was often distressed statements in this regard was made by by the phenomenon of what her col- the theosophical author and lecturer, league, John Algeo, called “Theosophical Dr Alvin B. Kuhn, when he stated, “We Fundamentalism”. When for a time she need not to go back to Blavatsky, but became the General Secretary of the back with Blavatsky to Plato and the Australian Section of the Society, she sages!” From the time of her return enjoyed the freewheeling and undog- from India, Joy Mills, along with her matic spirit of that country, which of close friend Virginia Hanson, became an course was also present in the Australian avid reader of the writings of Jung, and theosophical membership. Her afore- of the then recently published Gnostic mentioned close friend, Virginia Hanson, gospels from Nag Hammadi. shared in much of Joy’s orientation. Joy Mills was not a vociferous advo- Shortly before her death, Ms Hanson
December 2016 The Theosophist 11 Remembering Joy Mills (herself very much of an archetypal wise theosophical fold. The internal com- woman) confided to me that the spirit- ponent of this force consists in the ually most important book she ever read discovery and publication of certain was The Gospel of Philip, from Nag esoteric writings of H. P. Blavatsky, Hammadi. When in 2009 the previous- edited and elucidated by the valiant and ly concealed “Red Book” (Liber Novus) expert theosophical historian Michael of Jung appeared, Joy was the only per- Gomes (The Secret Doctrine Commen- son in the Krotona community in Ojai, to taries, The Unpublished 1889 Instructions, own a copy (in addition to the Krotona 2010, and Esoteric Instructions, 2015). Library). She also studied it daily. These writings indicate that HPB had The present small essay, now nearing a vital interest in promoting a certain an end, is in the nature of a personal kind of gnosis (not a popularized for- statement. This author, being Joy Mills’ mulaic set of teachings, but a method of junior by a decade, has lived through the obtaining inner knowing). same time period as she, as an active One may deduce from these writings member (though never an official) of the that HPB’s Theosophy was not intended Theosophical Society. During the latter as a belief system, but as a program of decades of the twentieth century, in part spiritual insight. This internal ambience with Joy’s help, this author toured as a has as its corollary an increasingly pow- lecturer for the Society in Australia and erful movement in the culture (both New Zealand, as well as parts of Europe. academic and popular) that is based on There as well as in the United States he the discovery in the late twentieth century found the Theosophical Society at a cross- of the Nag Hammadi Gnostic library. roads. On the one hand, the teachings At this early part of the twenty-first cen- once popular in the nineteenth and earlier tury, Gnosis is in the air in many places. twentieth centuries are still present, but There are those of us in the Theosophical have lost their lustre. The so-called New spiritual milieu who welcome this phe- Age adopted and also frequently bowd- nomenon. Joy Mills was one of these, lerized the original message of Theo- and the present writer, in gratitude to her, sophy, and it is also now showing a great participates in welcoming this spirit deal of wear and tear. Happily, a certain of the times, within which the changing third force (a tertium quid) is making its face of Theosophy is destined to play appearance both within and outside the an important role. ²
We are weaving the fabric of our lives “beneath the karmic eye”, unaware that the same law of karma not only binds us to the wheel of pleasure and pain, but can also set us free. Joy Mills
12 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Tribute to Joy Tribute to Joy
LINDA OLIVEIRA
ONE of the most well-known members of the Theosophical Society (TS) in recent decades has been Joy Mills, who passed peacefully on 29 December 2015 at her home in Ojai, California. Her fame may be due in part to the amount of travel she undertook globally for the TS. Joy mentioned at one stage that, apart from the then International President, Radha Burnier, she had travelled the most exten- sively throughout the TS world, visiting some fifty countries. Having joined the Society on 15 August 1940, Joy eventually became the acting National President of the American Joy Mills at the TS in America Summer Section of the TS from 1965 to 1966, Gathering, Olcott, 2005 and served as its elected National Presi- dent from 1966 to 1974. During that sophy in Ojai, California. Later on, she time she founded Quest Books, a line of was elected National President of the theosophically inspired books for the Australian Section of the Society, serving commercial, popular market. This finally in that capacity from 1993 to 1996, and ceased operations only in November last finally ‘retiring’ back to Ojai afterwards. year. Joy served the TS further, this time The T. Subba Row Medal, instituted as International Vice-President at Adyar in 1883, is awarded to members of the from 1974 to 1979 under the then Inter- Society who have made outstanding national President, John Coats. From contributions to theosophical literature 1980 until 1992 she became the founding and understanding. One of the first recip- Director of the Krotona School of Theo- ients of the Medal was H. P. Blavatsky.
Mrs Linda Oliveira is a long-term member of the Theosophical Society, National President of the Australian Section, and former international Vice-President of the TS.
December 2016 The Theosophist 13 Tribute to Joy Joy Mills was a devoted student of sophical lecturer and teacher, and at these HPB’s teachings and expounded on times she seemed to be in her element. them for many years through her books Possessed of an infectious passion for and lectures. In recognition of her valu- the study of modern Theosophical clas- able literary contributions, the General sics, she had a deep understanding of Council awarded her this prestigious them, accompanied by an open-minded Medal in 2010. spirit of enquiry. Her Secret Doctrine Through her books, Joy explored classes demonstrated this. For example, fundamental questions of existence in the once during a class at Springbrook she light of the Wisdom Tradition. Her works represented an abstruse aspect of Cos- included Living in Wisdom: Lectures on mogenesis in the form of a diagram. One The Secret Doctrine, From Inner to Outer student suggested a different kind of Transformation: Lectures on The Voice diagram for the same concept and she of the Silence, One Hundred Years of immediately said something to the effect Theosophy in America, Entering on the of, ‘Yes, you could look at it that way Sacred Way: A Psychological Commentary too!’ Her view of Theosophy seemed to on Light on the Path, The Human Journey: be always expanding, always reaching Quest for Self-Transformation, and Re- out more widely and more deeply. flections on an Ageless Wisdom: A Com- Whenever she taught, she would take mentary on The Mahatma Letters to A. P. those who had the good fortune to be in Sinnett. At the time she was awarded the her classes on that journey for a while. Subba Row medal, Joy also had to her At the same time, she was well acquainted credit twenty-two DVDs and seventy- with many contemporary publications three CDs containing her theosophical of relevance to her explorations. presentations over a period of many On a personal note, I benefited greatly years. Numerous articles of hers have in 1981 from an invitation by Joy to appeared in The Theosophist and other study and live at Krotona for the best journals around the world. An online part of a year while she was the School’s search of her name in the Union Index Director. This early opportunity, along of Theosophical Periodicals (Australian with Joy’s encouragement, were two of Section website) brought up a remarkable the pivotal factors which resulted in my 663 records. long-term commitment to the TS and Apart from her achievements — and the study of Theosophy. May she have they were many — Joy was a great Theo- a well-deserved rest. ²
The purpose of the Objects is clear, to remind us constantly of why we are here, not just as members of this Society, but as men and women walking the ways of humankind toward the gods. Joy Mills
14 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy-ful Memories Joy-ful Memories
NELDA SAMAREL
JOY Mills is known throughout the cil; and distinguished recipient of the theosophical world as an extraordinary T. Subba Row Medal for her outstanding student of the Ageless Wisdom tradition. contributions to theosophical literature. Having authored numerous books and Much more can be (and has been) said countless journal articles, she was an about these accomplishments. In remem- internationally sought-after teacher for bering Joy, rather than speak about those almost the entirety of her seventy-five- aspects of her life of which we all are year membership in the Theosophical aware — writer, speaker, mentor, admin- Society (TS). Her accomplishments are istrator, and innovator — I would like to astounding and she had a remarkable share some more personal, lesser known ability to excel in whatever she chose aspects of Joy’s life, hoping that all who to undertake. so loved and admired this great lady will Her contributions to the Society are come to better know and appreciate her. well known and include, in addition to Having enjoyed a twenty-six-year her writing and teaching: her presidency close friendship — the last sixteen years of the Theosophical Society in America as next-door neighbors — Joy and I spent during a very difficult time in the history many hours together speaking about of the United States, when the civil rights life’s more serious matters, including movement was front and center; presi- life, death, theosophy, religion, and phi- dency of the TS in Australia, the only losophy, as well as the many everyday National President in the Society who topics friends normally would share: was ever requested to come from another family, love, food, politics, and more. TS Section; international Vice-President You name it and we covered it! of the Society; member of the Krotona One of the very remarkable things Institute of Theosophy Board of Trust- about Joy was that she always strived to ees, serving continuously for 35 years; make the teachings a reality in her life. longest standing continuously serving She would often recall earlier times and member of the Society’s General Coun- actions in her life, wondering whether
Mrs Nelda Samarel, Ed.D., R.N., formerly director of the Krotona School of Theosophy and Board member of the TS in America, is now on the Board of the Inter-American Theosophical Federation.
December 2016 The Theosophist 15 Joy-ful Memories she could have done better. For example, moments in life such as concerts, dining she relived decisions made as National out, watching her television game shows, President of the Theosophical Society in and playing games with friends, her life America, questioning whether she had was totally committed to the TS. This was done the “right” thing, attempting to deter- a conscious commitment and not taken mine how she could have been more lightly. Not too many years after joining effective. She strived for insight into her the Society, Joy received a marriage own actions, hoping to learn and to grow proposal from a gentleman friend and from every experience, in the end always fellow member. Realizing that she could taking comfort in knowing that she had only serve one master well, she turned done her very best, whether it was in down the proposal in favor of devoting her writing, teaching, administrative her life to the Society, maintaining work, or playing bridge or scrabble. She her friendship with her would-be suitor never did anything half-heartedly. until his death many years later. It is As an extraordinary student of the not possible to know how many of us Ageless Wisdom, Joy shared much more benefited from this self-sacrificing than her academic understanding. She decision. And when we think of the time understood not only the complexities of in which Joy made this decision, it is even the theosophical doctrine, but synthesized more remarkable. The 1940s was a time and assimilated the teachings, digesting when women married and became wives and incorporating them into who she was. and mothers to be supported by their It was so much more than “doctrine” to husbands; the independent woman was her; for Joy it was a way of life, some- an anomaly and had to be both confident thing for which to strive, a living Theo- and brave, characteristics that certainly sophy. It was only through “living the life”, describe Joy Mills. as she loved to say, that she was able to Moving to Olcott, the national head- inspire countless seekers worldwide. quarters of the TS in America, to join the Most of us saw Joy as a serious student staff there in 1940, Joy knew she had in her role as teacher and mentor, but she found her spiritual home. In the mid- also had her fun side. We spent many 1940s she moved to Seattle to teach hours together at the TS international high school, living there with two close headquarters in Adyar shopping and friends Vera Reichers and Gwen Garnsey, often getting into our fair share of trouble also members of the Society. While in together, then laughing uncontrollably Seattle, Joy continued to work for the TS about it afterwards. She enjoyed the there. After a few years she returned to afternoons we spent together in her room Olcott, remaining a full-time worker for or in mine, discussing our earlier lives the Society for the rest of her life. while eating lots of potato chips. In her later years at Krotona, where Although Joy enjoyed the lighter Joy lived continuously from 1980 until
16 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy-ful Memories her death in 2015, with the exception only Never once, in all our years of conver- of the three years she lived in Australia sation, did she ever mention the topic as National President of that Section, she of poetry. was visited by countless Society members In a closet, tucked away with old and nonmembers who appreciated her photos and college textbooks, I found a vast wisdom. Even in her waning years, book of handwritten poetry. One im- she never refused a requested visit, mediately could see that this was some- always making herself available to sea- thing very special. Originally a brown or soned and new seekers alike, to inspire, rust-colored cloth cover and faded by answer questions, assist with study, or to seventy-five years of shelf life, it was just chat. The range of her visitors was meticulously covered with plastic, as vast and included old friends, grand- would be expected of Joy. The cloth children of friends, high school students, cover was embossed with a dove sur- TS officers seeking her wisdom, and rounded by an olive-branch circle. It was Ojai neighbors who simply wanted to be a book of blank pages, now brittle with in her presence. the passage of time, of the type usually Joy was a many-faceted woman. Dur- thought of for journals, diaries, or special ing the months following her transition notes given to her in 1941 as a Christmas to the higher life, I had the honor of going gift from her dear college friend, Caroline through her belongings, including not Tess, later Caroline Ross. only her personal effects, but her lecture Over the next several decades, Joy notes, files, and hundreds of books. filled that cloth-covered journal with Having no idea of her affinity for poetry, original poems. In going through other I was surprised to see the great number documents, I learned that she studied of such books, including works by well- poetry in college. Following are two of known authors such as T. S. Elliott, Walt her approximately 190 original poems: Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Edna St. Vincent Millay, New Year — 1944 along with some who were lesser known. Although none of the books were an- The morn was crystal — white and clear. notated or underlined, as was Joy’s habit “More radiant than the sun am I” — in her later years when reading anything The frost lay still, on every branch of interest to her, it was obvious that the A sphere of luminous, reflected light; books were well read. One almost could “Purer than the snow, subtler than the feel the enjoyment that was derived in Aether is the self” — in silence came some past time from those well-worn The flight of mystic wings, pages. Although I learned that Joy en- The VISION and the cry, joyed poetry, I had no idea that she, The burst of sound — the Seeker’s Voice: indeed, was a poet in her own right. “I AM THAT SELF: THAT SELF AM I.”
December 2016 The Theosophist 17 Joy-ful Memories
Untitled Illinois, in a volume to be released in the July 1944 spring of 2017. It is of particular interest that among Love has no certain limits, Joy’s books was the classic by René Knows no confine — Daumal, Mount Analogue, along with a Else I should package biography of the author. According to This heart of mine. Daumal, there are three great approaches to truth: philosophy, especially Plato’s No hand could hold it dialectic; the “initiation” of the occult Nor hand deny tradition properly understood; and poetry A gift so simple: as a means of achieving sacred know- My heart and I. ledge. The complete works of Plato, Of all the dreams along with several books of commentary, That may come true, had a prominent place among Joy’s books, This heart holds dearest and she always had a strong interest in These for you: ritual and the occult. The only part of Daumal’s “truth trinity” that had not been The joy of peace evident in Joy’s literature collection was Bestowed by One the poetry. That is no longer so. Who guides and watches It was Joy’s wish to pass peacefully Till all is done; in her own bed, at home in her beloved The joy of beauty Krotona. Her wish was fulfilled. A short Present here while after being made comfortable by In the heart that knows her dear friends, Anne Johnstone and The Master near; Mary Jo Kokochak, she drew her last breath at 10:35 am on 29 December 2015. The joy of love She was asleep as she slipped quietly and Now found complete uneventfully into the higher life. In the heart of Him My immense gratitude to have ex- In Whom all lovers meet. perienced the wisdom and friendship of this grand lady of Theosophy is shared Joy’s poetry, spanning from 1939 to the by countless others. Let us carry forward 1990s, is being published by the Theo- all that we have gained from experiencing sophical Publishing House in Wheaton, Joy Mills’ presence. ²
We dare not become merely arm-chair theosophists, speculating about Parabrahman and pralaya, the nature of maya and the composition of the skandhas. Speculation must give way to knowledge; knowledge must be transmuted into compassion. Joy Mills
18 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy Mills: Remembrance Joy Mills: Remembrance
ANNINE WYCHERLEY
SEVERAL years ago Joy Mills told me following and marking notes in her copy. how she and Virginia Hanson read books We would stop and Joy would indicate together. Virginia would read one page reference points in HPB’s other writings. and Joy the next. Joy suggested we could I feel a deep gratitude to Joy for evok- do the same. Study together. We started ing a deeper enthusiasm for study and and I realized the vast interest Joy had gaining more knowledge and practice of not only in Theosophy but philosophy, the Wisdom Teachings. Getting to know religion, science, psychology, healing, Joy as a friend started on two long road ritual, music, politics and games like trips we took together, one to Indralaya, bridge (along with Shirley Nicholson, a Theosophical Society (TS) camp on Jane Evans and Zella Balsh), and tennis. Orcas Island, WA, and the other to “The We decided to start with a Tibetan Ozarks” TS camp in Arkansas. teaching, namely Dzogchen — “Great Joy enjoyed travelling by car and Perfection” — by H. H. the Dalai Lama, she was the best GPS (Global Position- then went on to Meditation on the Nature ing System) anyone could wish for. We of the Mind, by a professor in Santa never got lost. I learned about the history Barbara — José Ignacio Cabezón. The of this country for she was a great histo- Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by rian. She loved this country with the big Sogyal Rinpoche was next. We started to trees, the oceans, the lakes, the deserts read the big Red Book by C.G. Jung in and the majestic mountains and the ever- March 2012, and after many months we changing scenery. She loved Nature. decided to meet twice a week to increase At Indralaya we met a Tibetan, Sogyal the time to finish the book. (She would Rinpoche who especially wanted to meet have loved Stephan Hoeller’s views on Joy, for he knew of the name “Blavatsky” the illustrations). The Secret Doctrine from an entry in one of the Dzogchen Dialogues followed. It was like sitting in monasteries in Tibet and he was wonder- a class with HPB. Our most recent read- ing if Joy too was able to do “miracles” ing was Isis Unveiled Volume 1. By then and “magic” like HPB. I was mostly reading but Joy was closely She told me about her trips to various
Ms Annine Wycherley, a long-term member of the TS in America, works at the Krotona School of Theosophy and was a close friend and companion of Joy Mills for many years.
December 2016 The Theosophist 19 Joy Mills: Remembrance countries, and having to eat different ceremonies with dignity and accuracy em- foods, and was very grateful for a homeo- bodied the aspects of Wisdom, Strength pathic medicine to help her cope with the and Beauty. after-effects. On our trips she was very As a travelling lecturer she had to settle happy just eating simple food for break- into any accommodation, sometimes de- fast, lunch and dinner. She loved having lightful and sometimes challenging, as a strawberry waffle with maple syrup and many can vouch for. Having told me many cream, and a coffee late in the company stories of these experiences she said that of friends. She had a very good appetite. it would make for an interesting book. She told me that many years ago Had she ever thought of it? She said she she travelled with Virginia and two other had, and would call it (for fun), The Beds TS members to Scotland and Ireland. I Have Slept In. Catchy topic! There, in one of those places, she had a Joy Mills was independent but not “remembrance” of a past incarnation. At based on rigidity and immobility. She times I would notice that she was aware always kept abreast of the times, and of the invisible worlds by her expression, changed with it. She had an unswerv- or there would be a special fragrance in ing directive, the inner law of her being the room. which determined her actions. (I Ching She was a great ritualist. Performing Hexagram 32 —Hêng / “Duration”) ²
The essence of friendliness is sympathy, even an empathy. In friendship, there is a predisposition to listen and to understand the other. This quality of friendliness goes to the very root of right relationship. From friendliness to compassion is a natural movement of the heart. To be a friend to all that lives means that one is compassionate, caring, one to whom all life is precious. The one who is full of friendliness and sympathy naturally feels compassion for all who suffer. There needs to be an unqualified compassion, a natural flow outward. Once total friendliness and compassion flower, we begin to lose our sense of possessiveness. Joy Mills
20 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Encounters with Joy Mills Encounters with Joy Mills
ANNE JOHNSTONE
MY first encounter with Joy was one a card system, and she even continued of finding her rather formidable. During correspondence with relatives of friends the 1980s, a TS member was introducing who had already passed on! her during a national convention and he Joy fiercely maintained her indepen- dared to analyse her philosophy. She dence even when her physical abilities quickly interjected and told him to “get started to wane. We were ‘firm’/honest on with the job in hand” or words to that with each other when we needed to be, effect. She was certainly not lacking in and she was always grateful to the friends assertiveness! of Krotona and Ojai who helped to keep At Krotona, I got to know Joy much her in her own home. It was remarkable better in the last seven to eight years how people who were twenty, forty, and of her life, when my relationship was sixty years younger than Joy, continued more of a helper/nurse, overseer, some- regular visits for conversation, scheduled time computer/printer technician, safety study, and general helpfulness. Joy kept officer, and companion to appointments track of her appointments/engagements, and shopping when needed. Our conver- graciously accepted help and never dis- sations often were about articles she had cussed contents of conversations. My read in the latest magazines, newly favorite time with Joy was during the published Quest Books, or gifts. She was evenings, when we could discuss any an avid reader/crossword puzzle fan until concerns, which were often injected with about a week before she left us. Her some humor. competitive nature surfaced when she Just a few weeks before she transi- watched game shows on television with tioned, it was obvious that Joy would need her caregivers or visitors — all to keep “live-in” help. She kept mentioning Mary the brain supple! But what impressed Jo Kokochak’s name enough for us to me most was that she would write to know that this was the person Joy knew well over 100 people each year during could be possibly available to help. When December, keeping track of everyone via Mary Jo confirmed she would be able to
Ms Anne Johnstone is a long-term member of the TS in New Zealand and the USA. A registered nurse, she has been the Registrar at the Krotona School of Theosophy in Ojai, California, for many years.
December 2016 The Theosophist 21 Encounters with Joy Mills stay and help her, Joy and I had a con- a privilege to witness this, and a gift that versation on what we had learned from I will always remember. I am sure her our relationship over the last few years. constant zest for inquiry kept her alert I had learned how to attend to my own for so long. mother in a better way and felt I had done From a book given to Joy as a Christ- my best when she transitioned. Joy said mas gift, I remember Mary Jo and I tak- that through this process together, and ing turns reading to her poems by Mary that of other people helping her, she Oliver that she loved to listen to. The had learned patience (or more patience). poems included themes about “The Jour- Mary Jo appeared a week later and their ney”, “The Gift”, and “Love”. From the rapport was one of a loving relationship. book Felicity, this is one of the poems I am not one to talk about or dwell on read to Joy: phenomena, though this event was sig- Roses* nificant for me. During the night, Mary Everyone now and again wonders about Jo and I were taking four-hour shifts to those questions that have no ready sit with Joy. I was with her during the answers: First cause, God’s existence, early hours of the morning with a low what happens when the curtain goes down light on. As I looked at her, it occurred and nothing stops it, not kissing, to me that her face looked like a younger not going to the mall, not the Super Bowl. version of Joy, perhaps in her thirties or forties. (I have since learned that this is “Wild roses,” I said to them one morning: a fairly common occurrence, when the “Do you have the answers? person ‘transcends’ in the happiest time And if you do, would you tell me?” of their life.) This incident lasted only for The roses laughed softly. “Forgive us”, a short while, and I understand it is often they said, “but as you can see, a very temporary thing. But it was such we are just now entirely busy being roses.” ______* Mary Oliver, Felicity, Penguin Press: New York, NY, 2015, ISBN 978-1-59420-676-4. See also: http://philiphclark.com/mary-olivers-felicity
We have been given magnificent aims to set before ourselves. The purpose of the Objects is clear; to remind us constantly of why we are here, not just as members of this Society, but as men and women walking the ways of humankind toward the gods. Joy Mills
22 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Reflections on Joy Reflections on Joy
DOROTHY BELL
IN reflecting on Joy Mills’ great service tion. She often joked about writing a to the Theosophical Society (TS), one book titled The Beds I have Slept In, as would say that strongly-held personal a TOS fundraiser. Such experiences beliefs — combined with the desire of the obviously tested her courage, health and soul — developed the necessary strength commitment. In recounting these stories to sustain her dedication and sense of and others from times of adversity and duty. Through her lectures and writings difficulty, an underlying acceptance of we experienced her great love of know- kârmic and dhârmic responsibility always ledge and Theosophy and the breadth and seemed to quietly prevail — accom- depth of her understanding of the Wisdom panied by an obligatory sense of humour. teachings. We observed in particular, her She enjoyed telling stories about the deepest admiration, appreciation, and earlier days and the initiatives of a dedi- respect for HPB and the Mahatma known cated band of workers in the American as KH, and all their work in laying Section whose zeal and enthusiasm were foundation teachings for the future of even translated into rousing lyrics to the humanity. We also witnessed her ever- tune of Onward Christian Soldiers. How- ready willingness to share her knowledge ever, their title was Onward with Blavatsky! informally, in helping others understand In a more serious vein, one story from the teachings that were complex, abstract, a South American tour many, many years and unfamiliar — in particular, responses ago, gives some insight into her com- to those innumerable e-mail requests for mitment to the “great work” in which she assistance and guidance. was engaged in the context of the Divine Her teaching had taken her around the Plan. ... While travelling through a globe to TS groups in different countries, section of the Andes, she experienced cultures and continents. There were many a powerful vision from — as she called stories she could tell about the hair-raising it — the “way distant future”. She em- challenges encountered on arduous travel phasized an overwhelming sense of schedules, extreme climates, assorted “feeling-knowing” that came with the modes of transportation and accommoda- vision. What she saw was a glimpse of
Ms Dorothy Bell, BA, MEd., is a member of the TS in Australia, serving on their national executive committee and education unit. Has given theosophical programs and published articles internationally.
December 2016 The Theosophist 23 Reflections on Joy what could come to pass as conscious- scales of the Divine Plan are mind- ness expanded into new dimensions and boggling, she was not concerned with a truly new humanity — embodying that time; she was concerned with cons- new consciousness — came into being. ciousness and the critical condition of She knew that this new humanity humanity in which we now live. Her referred to what we call the 7th ray or work, from this perspective, was an “racial” type in our present fourth opportunity to plant seeds for a “new “round”, and that this was the ultimate continent of thought”, for a new and far development of consciousness for this distant humanity that she knew in every particular cycle in our evolution. This fibre of her being — not believed, or consciousness was not simply of whole- hoped, or prayed for — would come into ness or of oneness, but one infused with existence ultimately. A loyal sense of Wisdom, with knowingness, with true duty derived from this centre. Love, with bliss, and with confidence. She also saw the importance of where And what she brought away from this the seeds were being planted, and recog- experience was a profound conviction nised the need to do everything possible that because there needed to be room for to minimize the efforts of the weeds to that kind of consciousness to come into take over. For even when the seeds of existence — even millions of years in the compassion and love, beauty and wisdom “far distant future” — it was important are planted, weeds may come up in their now for seeds to be planted. midst. She would often say, we are to be Joy often spoke of KH’s teaching good gardeners — vigilant and discerning. about the development of a mind that It can be said that Joy aligned her could “embrace the universe”. The ne- vision and work with the vision behind cessity to plant seeds now for their the establishment of the Society and possible manifestation in a million years’ its intended work — the transformation time — and possibly through ourselves of consciousness and building a new in different vehicles and guises — con- continent of thought. The First Object of fuses our brain consciousness. Our minds the Society implies transformation to a are programmed on Earth towards im- spiritual consciousness. The motto or mediate outcomes or results in the near mission of the Theosophical Order of future or “in our lifetime”. Service embodies the Love that signifies This experience contributed to Joy’s a spiritual consciousness, centred in the appreciation of the “time element” which compassionate Heart. It is our challenge operated “in and out of time” in the Divine to work towards planting seeds in our Plan of the evolution of consciousness. own unique ways and by being vigilant In all probability, it also contributed and discerning gardeners. significantly to her expanded sense of Thank you, Joy. You have so earned dhârmic duty. And even though the time your freedom. ²
24 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 In Tribute to Joy Mills In Tribute to Joy Mills
WILLIAM WILSON QUINN
For, to work for mankind is grand, its recompense stretches beyond this brief dream of life into other births.1 Mahatma Morya
FOR over 75 consecutive years, Joy remuneration is somewhere on the level Mills was a member of the Theosophical of what most monks and nuns earn in Society (TS), having joined in 1940 their respective religious vocations. The at age twenty. For all but seven of those spiritual remuneration, however, is an- 75 years, she was either an exemplary other matter; by the standard of spiritual employee and leader within the TS, currency, so to speak, whose ledger may or fully involved and occupied — in only be recorded in âkâºa, Joy Mills her “retirement” years — continuing the was likely a millionaire many times over. work she did during her tenure in Joy’s sizable contribution to this work is executive positions of the TS in the best understood in light of her extra- United States, in India, and in Australia. ordinary capabilities and talent as an These remarkable sums of years, 75 innovative executive. Those who knew or years of membership in the TS and 68 worked with her will acknowledge that years of full-time and active service in her talents at motivating her co-workers, the cause of the spiritual upliftment of managing operation systems, organiz- humanity, speak forcefully to the fact ing new ventures, and problem-solving, that such service was the primary drive would have allowed her to rise to the top of her being, and that her work and the executive levels of any major corporation years she spent at it stand as a paradigm or governmental entity. Yet she chose of selflessness. to devote her substantial talents to the This legacy was selfless because the spiritual upliftment of humanity, thereby TS is not an organization where one goes forfeiting the many material comforts to work to become wealthy. Indeed, for that those talents, applied to such other anyone who has ever worked as an careers, would have afforded. It is in this employee of the TS knows, the material context that the principle of sacrifice
Dr William Wilson Quinn is a long-term member of the TS in America, having served as Editor of their journal and as Associate Editor at TPH (Wheaton). He has degrees in Divinity and the Humanities.
December 2016 The Theosophist 25 In Tribute to Joy Mills arises as a core component of the self- can be described as a life of complete lessness that was illustrated by the entire devotion to the work of spiritual edu- life of the being we knew as Joy Mills. cation, if not illumination, of humanity, Joy was both a strong leader, and a and of propagating the immemorial kind, compassionate leader. In certain and immutable primordial truths of the unenlightened models of leadership, philosophia perennis. She was not only whether corporate, governmental, or a deep student of the works of HPB, but political, “strong” leaders are viewed as also of the literary benefaction in the form needing to be ruthless and indifferent to of letters by Adepts of the spiritual injustice resulting from their unilateral hierarchy of humanity, about which she decisions that affect those who are being published several commentaries and led. But that describes pseudo-strength, studies. Joy’s devotion and fidelity to this not real strength. Real strength, in the mission were further aided by additional form of strong leadership, is character- tools — her keen intellect and her skill ized by being a model that others seek as a writer. Based solely on the writings to emulate and being a person others she selected to comment upon and willingly follow — one whose attributes elucidate — The Secret Doctrine, Light are certainty, optimism, resoluteness, on the Path, The Voice of the Silence, fairness, and unfailing energy, all working The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett in tandem with empathy and compassion — it seemed clear that there was a in situations where those are needed. reciprocity between the profound content Strong leadership does not occur, how- of these works and Joy’s consciousness ever, without strength of character. This, and Inner Person. It was as if, in her too, was yet another of Joy’s strengths — living and being, she was in many ways she was principled beyond reproach, a breathing expression of the priestlike fair to the level of the law of compensa- principles that those works convey, as tion (karma), courageous in the face of they apply to one’s leading a spiritual life. difficult challenges and adversity, and The preceding observations about Joy an exemplar of what the Pali Buddhist are those of a perceptive witness. As a texts call metta, usually translated as young man in my mid-twenties, I arrived loving-kindness. at Olcott in Wheaton, Illinois, in early These of Joy’s principal attributes 1973, directed by my supervisors to — selflessness, sacrifice, strength, and undertake various editorial responsibi- courage — were among the basic tools lities. Joy was, at that time, President of that she had at hand to bring to her life’s the TS in America, and I began work mission. This mission was the same as there under the direction and tutelage of that of those many teachers and bearers two exceptional women — Joy and her of light, greater and lesser, who preceded beloved friend Virginia Hanson. While her, most notably H. P. Blavatsky. Joy’s Virginia was my immediate supervisor
26 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 In Tribute to Joy Mills in editing work for both the monthly thoroughly and her listener instinc- journal, then called The American Theo- tively, and thus adjusted the level of her sophist, and the Theosophical Publishing explanation accordingly, so there were House, as President, Joy was the super- few of any age or level of understand- visor of us both. I soon realized, given ing who failed to understand her as she this situation, that through my daily and would teach or explain these principles close work engagement with Virginia, to them. In addition to her clarity, she was I was necessarily drawn into a closer re- patient and non-judgmental. She usually lationship with Joy than would have wore a smile, as well. If necessary, she occurred without Virginia’s presence, would repeat herself, and even search for and for that I am to this day grateful. new and other examples and metaphors Her friendship with Virginia gave me an that might resonate with her listener until, opportunity to get to know Joy in a way finally, she could see in the mind of her that I otherwise might not have had. listener the grasping of the idea or ideas Joy, like Virginia, became for me a she was conveying. She was, in short, tutor and a mentor, and reached out a kind and gentle in her approach, not just hand to assist this young man toward to people she supervised and taught, but living a life similar to the one she lived — to everyone with whom she came in one of unconditional devotion to the contact for any reason. mission, the work, that the Adepts began While for Joy the TS was the organ- through the auspices of HPB and Col izational focus and primary vehicle of Henry S. Olcott. Through discussions her life’s work, I believe she would not with Joy, often with Virginia, about support an account of her life or life’s the relationship of this mission and the work that neglected to mention her Society’s editorial policy, which inter- strong and abiding devotion to Masonry. sected at nearly every level, my view Joy was a member of an organization of what I did was steadily clarified, and typically referred to as Co-Freemasonry. my knowledge of the core principles It is probably more accurate to say she of theosophia grew exponentially in was a leader in that organization as well, contrast to its growth before I arrived at being a 33rd degree Mason. Yet again, Olcott. I observed in the context of these Joy became for me a tutor and a mentor, discussions, occurring regularly in her until I was initiated myself into Co- office or the editorial offices, or at meals Masonry in Sirius Lodge, “in the Orient” in the dining hall at Olcott, the character of the headquarters building at Olcott. and some of the characteristics of Joy During the year-and-a-half that Joy and that I still clearly recall. I both lived and worked at Olcott, she In her explanations of often subtle would, as needed, assume her Masonic esoteric principles, she was first and role and assist and teach those new to foremost clear: Joy knew her subject Masonry, and from that I was able to
December 2016 The Theosophist 27 In Tribute to Joy Mills benefit as much if not more than I did attempt to avoid bringing any attention in my engagements with Joy acting at all to her virtues and contributions, exclusively in her TS capacity. This is consistent with the spiritually profound because Masonry is a ritual and avowed- principle of “self-naughting”. Ironically, ly sacred institution. As a member of this would be yet another of Joy’s virtues Sirius Lodge, watching Joy in these one could add to the list. Better, then, to ritual roles provided a new dimension let wiser men summarize by speaking to for me to understand who she was, and Joy’s virtues and contributions. “Courage to understand the basis of her positive and fidelity, truthfulness and sincerity, influence on those immediately around always win our regard,” 2 wrote Koot her. In open Lodge and full regalia, Joy Hoomi Lal Singh (KH), and by this stand- was a magnificent Mason, and when she ard Joy Mills would stand a far better ruled the Lodge, she did it with a firm chance than most to win the regard of and flawless execution of ritual and a KH, and probably his Brothers as well. masterful understanding of the sacred, Their blessings are also likely to be upon esoteric Masonic principles and symbols. Joy because, after 68 productive years How does one summarize a tribute to dedicated to the TS, she can certainly be Joy’s virtues and her contributions to acclaimed to have worked “for the cause”. the upliftment of humanity? I believe if As to this cause for which Joy worked I were to begin a list of them here, Joy 68 years, KH said elsewhere, “Be true, would have been the first to point to what sincere, and faithful. Work for the cause she saw as her own deficiencies in an and our blessings will ever be upon you.”3
Endnotes 1. Jinarâjadâsa, C., comp. Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom. 2nd Series. Chicago: The Theosophical Press, 1926, p. 110, letter 51. 2. Jinarâjadâsa, C., comp. Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom. 1st Series (7th Ed.). Adyar: Theosophical Publishing House, 2011, p. 85, letter 41. 3. Jinarâjadâsa, C., comp. Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom. 2nd Series. Chicago: The Theosophical Press, 1926, p. 127, letter 64.
The pivotal doctrine of the esoteric philosophy admits no privileges or special gifts in the human being, save those won by his own Ego through personal effort and merit throughout a long series of metem- psychoses and reincarnations. Joy Mills
28 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy In the Twilight Years Joy In the Twilight Years
ELENA DOVALSANTOS
JOY Mills was a friend to so many all ning, and effort were our responsibility. over the world. She was a friend to my However, she welcomed our questions on family too. I first met Joy more than thirty the SD, often preceded by a lighthearted years ago when she came to visit Manila warning: “I will give you answers, but they as guest speaker for the Indo-Pacific may not be the correct answers.” Federation Conference. I saw her again Sporadic visits with her became fre- years later on several visits to Krotona. quent visits and many hours spent in in- We would always exchange hugs and timate conversation. She had said “Come friendly greetings but did not speak anytime!”, and we did. She even gave much. Never in my wildest dreams then me a key to the house to make it possible. did I think she would become friend and It became evident she actually looked confidant in the twilight of her life. forward to our visits, as she enjoyed Before my husband Pablo Minniti and nothing greater than theosophical con- I moved to Krotona in 2011, we were versations, particularly on the SD. invited to join Partners in Theosophy — Sometimes I would walk into her house a mentoring program designed to support and she would be waiting to show me a members to deepen their knowledge and book or something on a topic that had become more effective in theosophical been going on in her head. Once it was work. Pablo and I decided it was a golden about skandha-s. She said, “We don’t talk opportunity to take on The Secret Doctrine enough about skandha-s. . . .” Another (SD). Joy was assigned to be our mentor time it was on Kashmir Shaivism: “You and this opened the door to a wonderful should read this book. It says every- friendship. thing is vibration .. .” When the book The After our move to Krotona, our project Secret Doctrine Commentaries (repub- to develop a study course on Anthro- lished as The Secret Doctrine Dialogues) pogenesis went into full swing. As mentor first came out, she read me the section it did not mean she taught us the SD or where H. P. Blavatsky said that “accidents helped us to do the project. The study, plan- are not ... preordained”. She seemed
Ms Elena Dovalsantos is a long-term member of the TS in America. She works as a volunteer and resides at the Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai, California.
December 2016 The Theosophist 29 Joy In the Twilight Years intrigued by that. Shortly after, she her to come to terms with the life that wrote an article for Quest magazine was. She spent most of her days read- on “Entangled Karma”. ing in her favorite chair by the big picture Joy was a mentor to generations of window that had a sweeping view of the theosophists. I have heard so many say meadow below Krotona Hill. She always that Joy was their teacher, something she had books and magazines next to her. seemed to enjoy hearing. As I was get- When her eyes got tired of reading, ting ready for my first SD presentation, she did crossword puzzles or electronic she advised: “Never be afraid that you games. Little wonder that her mind stayed do not know all the answers. No one clear and alert to the very end. can ever have all the answers. We’re Everyone knows that Joy travelled the all just students.” She was a gentle and world most of her life, visiting and lec- patient teacher but could also be strict turing in about 65 countries. When told, and direct where it mattered. In her last “Joy, you’ve had a remarkable life”, she years, when she could no longer give replied with a smile: “Yes, I managed to classes, she continued her commitment talk my way around the globe.” She not to serve as much as she could, even if it only loved traveling but she also loved was only to lend her presence to every driving, and when she could not drive class in Krotona. Even when she could anymore she delighted in being taken hardly walk anymore, she was grateful around. One favorite place was Solvang, for anyone who would take her in a a Danish town about an hour and a wheelchair. half’s drive from Krotona. And no trip to One teaching from Joy I would al- Solvang was complete without a stop at ways remember was a frequent statement Ingeborg’s shop for a box of dark choc- she made as she struggled in the final olate. Despite this occasional indulgence, months: “Spiritual progress can only be she was very disciplined — “Moderation made while in physical incarnation.” She is the key”, she would say. always said she was ready to go anytime, She received anyone who needed her. often even wondering why she was still Anytime I walked into her living room, being kept in this world, but she refused she would put down whatever she was to be bedridden and allow her body to reading and declare: “There she is!” She have its way. For as long as she was still was a great listener and confidant but, conscious, she forced herself to get up oddly, never offered me advice either — and out of bed: “I have no more energy as if to say I had to find my own way and and my legs can no longer support me decide for myself. I suppose for her to tell but I just refuse to give in, you know?” me what to do would have made it her That’s how willful and determined she karma, not mine. was. Mostly, she was content, grateful Though she seldom spoke of her for the peace in the last years that allowed family she did lament being given away
30 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy In the Twilight Years as a child. She was born Mary Joy members would paint something that Conger. Her mother died when she was represented themselves. Joy painted a young. Her father remarried but her chalice (the Holy Grail) superimposed on stepmother was unkind to her so her a cross at the top of a hill, flanked by father had her adopted by an uncle and two Masonic pillars (see below). She had aunt. That is how she got the last name it hanging above the door inside her “Mills”. She lost touch with her step- walk-in closet, a private reminder to sister and had no other blood relatives. herself each morning of the life she had “Krotona is my family. This is my home.” dedicated herself to. Some people called her their spiritual mother, but I never sensed much of a maternal instinct in Joy, probably be- cause of her past; however, a good friend to many she was. She loved to be hugged. She never spoke ill of anyone, and never encouraged conversation that criticized anybody. To her, “right action” meant being a “good friend”; speaking from the heart; and reaching out to those who may be lonely, suffering from a loss, looking for answers, or needing understanding; In the orginal, the chalice is golden, the cross in short, practising genuine brotherhood. dark brown, the pillars orange, the grass Joy was not perfect, but she did every- green, and the sky is blue thing in the best way she knew. Seventy- Her first love was theosophy; next five years — practically her whole life — were her books and her friends. Asked she gave in complete devotion to the what her Devachan would look like, she Masters and their cause. One day she told said: “I will have a very large library and all me a story of how, at one particularly my friends with me.” There was a light- challenging time during her years in ness and luminosity about her, and I was Wheaton, Virginia Hanson had tried sorry whenever our sessions came to an to diffuse the situation by organizing end. We wish we could be in your Deva- an introspective art session where staff chan, Joy. We love you and miss you!
In the truest sense, this is what it means to be a theosophist: not simply a member of the Society, but an authentic theosophist, a knower and a lover of wisdom, of truth, of beauty. It is to seek, to ask the really big questions, the central questions of human existence, and never be satisfied with answers until we have probed, inquired, ever more deeply. Joy Mills
December 2016 The Theosophist 31 The Choice of Change Thinking of Joy
PABLO MINNITI
Weary after all the days she had Which upon traversing it, catapults us already lived, To unknown dimensions, With her frail hands, soft speech, Vast universes, Parabrahman, And faraway gaze Pralayas, Manvantaras, Duration On the intricate paths of memory, and Time, Almost whispering, she said that Dangma, Paramârtha, Anupâdaka. she was ready The words are symbols we try to To undertake the great journey decipher. And return to the source, In this eternal voyage, we are leaving Which is also awaiting our return. behind All that is not necessary. Here at Krotona, time Slips by like a caress In humble homage, I recall some of her In an eternal dawn, words which continue to reverberate in Without beginning and without end. my heart: The birds’ songs, What is it to live theosophy? The pink shades of the mountains at dusk, It is to sing with joy, With their millennial silence, To walk with the rhythm of the universe, Are always revealing something to us. To speak in tones of beauty, We are part of an unending dream. To work with love, Our life is an arduous pilgrimage, To believe with confidence and faith To come to discover who we really are. Of the pure in heart ... To live theosophy is to live completely; To live completely is to have synthesized I keep thinking of Joy, The mind and the heart in the interest With whom we shared of the One Self, Moments of happiness, or long silences. which is in all, and which is All. Repeatedly, she told us about (Joy Mills, “What Is It to Live Theosophy?” The Doctrine, The American Theosophist, vol. 32, Dec. 1944)
Mr Pablo Minniti is a long-term member of the TS in America. He resides and volunteers at Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai, California.
32 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Remembrances of Joy Remembrances of Joy
STEVE WALKER
I first met Joy in 2002 when I started Symphony often. In time, she could not frequent visits to Krotona. We had a few make the trip. So I set up a home theatre talks at her home about lots of things. at my place and would bring her down Once in 2004 she asked whether I had to watch symphony DVDs produced by been to India, and said she was going in Berlin Philharmonic with von Karajan. the fall. I asked if she would like a travel By that time my new cat, Atticus, liked companion; Joy said she usually traveled to sit with her. alone and added: “Sure, come along.” I became a volunteer at a nearby cat In November, we left for India with a sanctuary in 2011, and Joy loved the few days’ stop in Singapore. India was a cat stories that I brought her. Angelita delight; so much color, spirit, and heart (Angie), a young, beautiful, very intel- unlike anywhere that I had been. Joy and ligent lady cat came to me in January of I walked around Adyar a lot and she gave that year. I would tell Joy the stories of me much information about the place. Angie’s tricks that she taught me and There were several great speakers that other physical feats. One night a couple year, including Joy. We returned to of years later, I heard Angie scream and America in January 2005. went to her; at three years old, she had I was fortunate to become a Krotona passed on of possible heart attack. It resident in the fall of 2005 with my cats was a real shock, to both of us. Joy and Sam and Angel. I became the Krotona I talked about this loss and she helped water, mechanical, and fixit guy, and me a lot. I started a journal about Angelita drove people places. Joy and I continued to remember her actions and how we felt. talks here and there, and I always at- This kept going about three years and tended her lectures, whatever the topic. Angie’s spirit was very present and Boccali’s Restaurant strawberry short- helped me a lot. She is less present now. cake was her favorite and mine. Joy read the “Angelita Chronicles” Joy appreciated classical music and and wrote a beautiful response, which I would take her to the Santa Barbara is included below. I sat with Joy the day
Mr Steve Walker is a retired Engineer who joined the TS in 1984, residing at Krotona as water manager since 2005. His first friends in theosophy were Nandini and Raghavan Iyer, and Bim and Mel Burckes.
December 2016 The Theosophist 33 Remembrances of Joy before she passed; and have the book she an animal such as Angie enters our life, was reading. and we have that unique relationship of How wonderful to know a truly great deep love and caring, when that animal lady! enters into the human kingdom, then there Dear Steve, is an inexplicable love relationship and one becomes always responsible for such I do thank you; so deeply heartfelt for a soul. sharing with me your story of Angelita and the truly beautiful bond you have with her. I do not mean to philosophize, for that too Reading it, I was indeed moved to tears does not remove the heartache and the pain and felt so very honored that you would that comes from loss, for I am convinced share the story with me. I treasure the trust that we each find a way to cope with the this indicates, that you know I will under- loss, though I feel also it is not by turning stand the pain and will keep the story in away from our fellow human beings, but confidence. by feeling regretful if others have not yet had that wonderful and beautiful ex- How often it has been said that time heals perience of truly loving another “creature.” all pains, but I do not think that time does It is really love that heals, in one way or anything of that sort at all. We each find another, in one life or another. some path to easing pain, perhaps learning from the pain, perhaps just living with it So run my thoughts, and again I do thank knowing, in some inner way, that it is a you for sharing your story with me. I do part of being human. And perhaps in some feel privileged to have read it. And I thank life we move beyond the pain and realize you too, Steve, for all your kindness in that without that bond of true love, which helping me. I do so appreciate your friend- is part of the pain, we would never know ship, knowing that words alone are not suf- the depths of compassion, and love itself. ficient to express my gratitude. May this I think so often of the statement in the Christmas season bring you Peace, Love, Hope, and Faith — faith in the “rightness” book, The Little Prince, that you are of all things and events. responsible for what you have tamed, and truly it is so with the animal who has Let us hope that the coming year is kind become a part of our life, and whom we to each of us. have tamed, and with whom there is an Joy abiding bond. I am convinced that when 21 December 2014
Freedom is not a thing to be weighed and measured; it is a movement of the spirit, unimpeded, unhampered, without resistance, without barrier or obstruction to the flow of life itself. Joy Mills
34 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy Mills in the 1960s, as Vice-President of the Theosophical Society in America from 1960-65 and as National President from 1966-74
December 2016 The Theosophist 35 Joy Mills teaching at West Seattle High School, 1949–50
Joy as international Vice-President under the presidency of John Coats, Adyar, in the late 1970s
36 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy Mills (3rd from left) with John Coats (tallest) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1973
Joy teaching The Secret Doctrine as Director of the Krotona School of Theosophy in Ojai, California, 1980s
December 2016 The Theosophist 37 John Kern and Joy Mills at the Olcott national headquarters of the TS in America in Wheaton, Illinois, July 1983
Joy and Radha Burnier international President of the TS from 1980 to 2013 in the mid-1980s
38 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy Mills as General Secretary of the TS in Australia in the mid-1990s, with Beverley Champion, her successor
Group photo at Krotona Institute of Theosophy: Steve Walker, Anne Johnstone, Joy Mills, Rochelle Voirol, Shirley Nicholson, Annine Wycherley, and Lakshmi Narayan, 2007
December 2016 The Theosophist 39 Joy Mills with her magnum opus, Reflections on an Ageless Wisdom — A Commentary on The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett, 2010
Joy Mills with her T. Subba Row Medal, awarded in 2011, given to theosophical writers for works of outstanding merit
40 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Krotona group at Olcott summer gathering. (L to r, front row): Maria Parisen and Joy Mills; (2nd row): Idarmis Rodriguez, Anne Johnstone, Elena Dovalsantos and Pablo Minniti; (3rd row): Adelle Chabelski and Tim Boyd, National President, TS in America, 2012
Joy with Guru Prasad (left), Director of Krotona School of Theosophy, Ojai, California, and Tim Boyd, January 2014
December 2016 The Theosophist 41 Joy Mills with Tim Boyd in January 2014 at Krotona School of Theosophy. (He was elected international President April the same year.)
42 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy Mills: An Evolutionary Journey Joy Mills: An Evolutionary Journey
CYNTHIA OVERWEG
Respected and admired worldwide for her “I was on my way to Dharamsala to meet deep study and understanding of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his Ageless Wisdom, Joy Mills was a beloved residence-in-exile, and it was a great teacher and author. She was a member of honor for the Theosophical Society.” the Theosophical Society for 75 years, The rendezvous with His Holiness and served as National President of the was the result of Joy’s idea to publish American and Australian Sections, as well the Dalai Lama’s book, The Opening of as international Vice-President. The fol- the Wisdom-Eye, which had appeared lowing article is woven from a series of only in south Asia. Traveling with her weekly interviews the author had with on this memorable journey was her good Joy at the Krotona Institute of Theosophy friend and colleague, Helen Zahara, who in 2011. was senior editor of Quest Books. “We were able to get the rights to publish the Joy Mills was ninety-one years old Dalai Lama’s book, and since we already when we sat down in her home at Krotona had a trip planned to Adyar, we wondered to discuss her life and formidable work if we could meet with His Holiness”, as a teacher, writer, and world traveler in Joy recalled. They made arrangements the service of the Theosophical Society. through the Office of Tibet in New York, She began her reminiscences with a flew to Delhi, took the train north, and remarkable experience that took place hired a taxi to take them to Dharamsala. in India in 1972. Joy recalled that as she When they arrived at the Dalai Lama’s traveled through the foothills of northern home, they barely had a moment to India, the breathtaking beauty of the gather their thoughts when his Holiness Western Himalayas nearly overwhelmed greeted them with what Joy described her. The mountains were magically iri- as “that wonderful smile”. Joy recalled descent in the midday sun, and Joy felt a that Helen spoke first: “Helen made the surge of excitement and gratitude as she statement that H. P. Blavatsky had in- observed the beauty of her surroundings. troduced the inner side of Buddhism to
Mrs Cynthia Overweg is an educator and writer living and teaching at Krotona on the Perennial Wisdom linking together East and West. This is an updated version of the article in Quest magazine, spring of 2012.
December 2016 The Theosophist 43 Joy Mills: An Evolutionary Journey the Western world.” The Dalai Lama Not long after her mother’s death, Joy asked, “What did she write?” “The Voice had an experience of what that question of the Silence”, Helen answered. points to when she visited the Ozark Directing his next question to Joy, Mountains in Missouri. One morning she His Holiness asked, “What is the essence hiked into the woods, sensing a deep of The Voice of the Silence?” At first, connection with Nature, and suddenly Joy couldn’t think. She wondered how found herself standing before a towering she could express the book in a brief tree. “I became aware of the power and way. “Well”, she said finally, “it discusses life in that tree”, she said. “Then I became the Paramitas”, the six perfections of one with the tree. I could have slid right Mahâyâna Buddhism. The Dalai Lama into it.” In that instant, Joy understood seemed genuinely excited. “Ah, then it is that the life in the tree and the life within accurate. It is true.” Joy was thrilled to her was the same life. “It’s what HPB be able to introduce the Dalai Lama to called ‘direct beholding’, an insight which HPB’s great little book. The meeting often comes unbidden, when seeing hap- with His Holiness was one of her most pens at a deeper level.” cherished memories. In October 1929, five months after the Joy was born in Lakewood, Ohio, in death of Joy’s mother, a catastrophic 1920. Her father was an engineer and her stock market crash hit Wall Street. It mother a schoolteacher. Joy’s mother, ushered in the Great Depression and a Mary Conger, died of a massive heart decade of economic turmoil affecting attack when Joy was just nine years old. millions of families. Joy’s father lost his Her father conveyed the sad news to job and spent most of his time looking Joy in one simple statement: “Mama has for work. Overwhelmed by his circum- died.” Joy recalled that very little was stances and the demands of being a single said by her father about her mother’s parent, he placed Joy in a foster home. death, and she did not fully understand “I was boarded out to a family and saw what being dead actually meant. To Joy, my father only on weekends. It really it looked as though her mother was hurt, but I’m grateful because it pushed merely asleep. “I leaned over to kiss her me inward and forced me to ask a lot of cheek and she was cold. It was my first questions about life. It fed my desire to impression of the temporary nature of understand why there is so much suf- physical life”, Joy said. “It triggered a fering in the world,” said Joy. need in me to better understand what it Years later, after she became a Theo- means to be human. I’ve learned that sophist and had discovered the Four if you stay with that question long Noble Truths of the Buddha, Joy said she enough, a much deeper question emerges realized that freedom from suffering — it’s at the root of our very existence: requires a sustained inquiry into the ‘Who am I?’” nature of the conditioned mind and our
44 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Joy Mills: An Evolutionary Journey habitual tendency to separate ourselves is derived from a source that is One, not from others. “The more we realize the multiple. It’s more than monistic, it’s Oneness of all things, the more we realize nondual”, Joy said. As she became more that the only real genuine freedom is to familiar with the contributions of the be free from the desires of a separated Society’s Founders, her admiration of self. HPB referred to it as the ‘obligatory Henry Steel Olcott and H. P. Blavatsky pilgrimage of the soul’. This is our col- grew: “Olcott’s work for the Buddhist lective evolutionary journey”, said Joy. cause is just incredible. He was respon- In 1940, when Joy was a twenty-year- sible for the revival of Buddhism as a old college student, she was introduced major cultural force in Southeast Asia, to Theosophy by a friend and joined the and he did that while he was president of Theosophical Society. “Theosophy made the Society”, said Joy. “HPB brought an the world comprehensible to me. It ful- ancient teaching to the West, and people filled me in so many ways, and it opened from all over the world and in all walks a door to the unseen.” of life have been drawn to it.” A year later, Joy graduated from In 1966, Joy was overwhelmingly Milwaukee State Teachers College in elected president of the American Sec- Wisconsin with a degree in education and tion. It was a time of great public unrest, spent the summer working at national when the civil rights movement of the headquarters in Wheaton. After earning 1960s provoked violent clashes on the a Master’s Degree in education in 1942, streets of America’s cities and awaken- she was invited to join the staff at Olcott ed millions of people to a need for by Sydney Cook, president of the social justice and equality for African- American Section at the time. Her first Americans. Joy wrote editorials advo- job was to coordinate a correspondence cating a responsibility to stand up for course for new members. The following brotherhood. “It was controversial, but year, Cook asked her to teach classes in while we can’t involve the Society in a number of cities in Michigan, where politics, we can speak up individually there were local branches of the Society. on matters of conscience, and that’s what Joy said she realized she aspired to I did”, Joy pointed out. “The Founders something greater than herself. “I had a stood for human dignity and equality. mission, and these were my people, my Brotherhood has been an object of the friends. I was home”, she said. Society from its beginning, and it states When she studied The Secret Doctrine clearly that all peoples are brothers, or and other Theosophical literature, the it means nothing at all.” During Joy’s principle of Oneness stood out — the tenure as president of the American Oneness she had experienced as a child Section, she launched Quest Books with with a tree in the Ozarks. “HPB always the help of the Kern Foundation. As Quest pointed to it. Everything is rooted in and publishing grew, she led a fundraising
December 2016 The Theosophist 45 Joy Mills: An Evolutionary Journey effort for the construction of a publi- seminars and mentoring hundreds of cations building to house its expansion. Theosophical students. For decades, The building now bears her name. she taught classes at the School of the In 1973, the Society’s beloved inter- Wisdom in Adyar, Chennai, India, and national President, N. Sri Ram, passed throughout Europe, America, Australia, away. When John Coats was elected to New Zealand, Africa, and South America. take up Sri Ram’s position, he nomi- She authored several outstanding books, nated Joy to become international Vice- including Reflections on an Ageless President, and she went to live in Adyar Wisdom: A Commentary on the Mahatma for six years. “I love India and the adjust- Letters to A.P. Sinnett and The One True ment to living there came easily”, said Adventure: Theosophy and the Quest for Joy. In 1980, Joy was invited to become Meaning. In 2011, Joy was awarded the Director of the Krotona School of Theo- T. Subba Row Medal for her outstanding sophy in Ojai, California. “That really contribution to Theosophical literature. appealed to me because it meant getting During our last conversation at Krotona, back to what I loved most — education Joy returned to the theme of Oneness and and teaching”, Joy said. the evolutionary journey to a deeper She had been director of the school understanding of what it means to be for twelve years when the search com- human. “The mind likes to separate ‘me’ mittee of the Australian Section asked her from ‘other’. We need to be aware of that to run for National President, and she was because it brings us back to the funda- elected by a wide margin. Joy returned mental question: ‘Who am I?’ And that to Krotona in 1996 as teacher and author. question evolves as you evolve”, said Joy. She lived and worked there until she “As HPB said in so many different ways, passed away peacefully in her home on once we have felt compassion for another 29 December 2015. She was 95. living being, we have begun to awaken During her long and distinguished life, to the purpose and meaning of existence. Joy traveled to sixty countries teaching And that is the essence of Theosophy.” ______Mrs Overweg can be contacted by email via her website at:
The price of freedom, “hard-bought” indeed, is to live with the burden of our choices, to endure the painful process of self-loosening of the bonds we have put upon ourselves, to accept joyfully and willingly total responsibility for our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Perhaps it is only such acceptance of the burden of freedom that makes us finally truly and fully human. Joy Mills
46 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 At the Feet of a Mentor At the Feet of a Mentor: Fragments of an Ageless Joy
DIALOGUE WITH A YOUNG STUDENT
JOY Mills’ signature marks the golden pages of our modern Theosophical history with many honors: as a scholar, educator, lecturer, writer, and mentor; as a friend. Along with her spiritual practice and Theosophical duties, she gave herself fully to guide and advise friends and students in earnest. She would always welcome those who wished to probe more deeply into the occult teachings and history of our Theosophical Movement. Some could feel at times a change in atmosphere, a quiet presence that would permeate her living room with brightness while certain topics were discussed. After such an inspiring and accomplished life, she left the earthly realm at last in silent gratitude to greater beginnings. However, her gentle footsteps will remain imprinted upon the Path as those of one who tried to live “Theosophy” and help others to discover the magnificent glory and fullest meaning of this word.
Essential Qualifications of a Facilitator The Need for a Genuine Transformation Questioner. You have said that the facil- in Consciousness itator, not the teacher, had to realize on J. The real challenge is how we can bring his / her own this Oneness of Life, that about a genuine transformation in con- this feeling must come intuitively, out of sciousness in today’s world. Yet, until that their heart-mind union, out of their own inner transformation takes place, the perception; and that they must find this world will not be different! There will center of resources within themselves. still be violence, poverty, and all the evils Otherwise, it is something imposed and that are attacking our world as a result of not realized, not born anew, out of their human greed. Isn’t it? Everyone wants own understanding. And you said: “When more money, more this or that. Greed has you truly realize it, something really taken over our forests, polluted our rivers happens.” And I wonder ... how are and oceans, destroyed the natural beauty we going to apply these ageless teachings of the earth. The remedy is not in external to the society of today? things but in the change in awareness, in Joy. This is our real challenge! consciousnessthat is our challenge!
Fragments of a dialogue between Joy Mills and one of her young fellow students, recorded on 27 January 2014, which embodies a unique spirit of teaching, living, and serving, a cornerstone upon which to build the future generation of Theosophical workers.
December 2016 The Theosophist 47 At the Feet of a Mentor Q. And how can we impart Theo- Living the Teachings sophical teachings to the youth, for ex- Q. The last time Radhaji [former Presi- ample, and to new members of the Theo- dent Radha Burnier] visited the “Olcott” sophical Society (TS)? How can we Center, we talked about human regen- portray the ageless teachings of Theo- eration. So I asked her similar questions sophy in a new way that appeals par- and she answered as you have. But she ticularly to the younger generation? pointed out two things: that we had done J. I don’t have an easy answer or some great work in disseminating theosophical magical formula to say: “Well, do this.” teachings, and what was left to do was Yet, look at Vic Hao Chin, who is going to live the teachings. J. That’s right! to participate in the Education Con- Q. And Radhaji pointed into the distance ference this summer at “Olcott”. He has and said: “That is the future.” (There were established schools in the Philippines children playing on our grounds far based on these principles of altruism, behind me). And she said once again: generosity, a new way of looking at the “That is the future.” Perhaps she wanted world. If he can do it, you can do it! to point at the most immediate and fun- I don’t have the energy now, but you do! damental key to this regeneration: that it Q. I think we all can do it, because it starts at that level. ... is the impulse of the Masters working J. I will do what I can. I will support through all of us. J. Well, that is true! any effort that can bring about this But you can’t wait for others to come change, this new awareness. It is inter- along, and then find individuals who will esting how Time magazine, which is work with you to bring this about! We generally very conservative, has a long weren’t told that it was going to be easy. article and the cover of this week’s issue But everything pointed out in The Secret on “Mindfulness”. To be mindful, to be Doctrine, The Mahatma Letters, all of the aware that every action we take, every directives, point to the need for a new thought we think, every feeling that arises consciousness, a new awareness, so it’s has consequences! That is a basic prin- coming! Q. It is coming; but it is very ciple, isn’t it? To remind people that the difficult, actually. J. It is! But consider more they reach out to possess anything, that the Masters have been working for be it money or whatever it is, the more centuries to bring this about! they deprive others to live the simple life. Q. Right. Now what is left up to us is This doesn’t mean not having books, not to implement those teachings through having the technology that we have, but what you have just said. And we are using it for the benefit of others! still asking them to give us more! J. But They have given us the basics. They don’t An Open Mind, an Eager Intellect need to give us more! Now, what are we Q. I like what you just said about sim- doing with them? How are we living? plicity Joy, because many of us think that
48 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 At the Feet of a Mentor the theosophical path is about accu- you alive! J. That’s right! Q. That is mulating intellectual concepts or ideas, the secret, isn’t it? J. Yes! (Laughing) and the more we know, the better theo- I could sit back and feel sorry for myself, sophists we become! J. What are we that I can’t read as long as I used to, doing with what we already know? It is I can’t travel, I can’t get out there and alright to study; I continue to read to give talks, and so on! I could sit here and deepen and broaden my understanding. bemoan my situation, be sad and un- There is nothing wrong with gaining more happy; but I’m not! Because that would knowledge, but use it wisely! So you can be very selfish! say to people, “How mindful are you of what you are doing?” The Masters Never Cease Q. So how could we study and yet Q. Do the Masters really travel? J. No, keep our minds open? J. Well, we get they don’t! Q. They are above us! an idea and we think that is the final end. Watching and inspiring us! J. Yes, but But do we really keep our minds open They Inspire! Q. In a certain way you for new ideas and insights? The prin- are closer to them than we are. J. Well, ciples of theosophy don’t change, nor I’m not sure of that. .. . Q. In the sense does the Oneness of existence. But we that it is our duty, as we grow older, to suddenly see it in a new way; we sud- appreciate the beauty of this age. What denly understand it in a deeper way. you are describing is a way to connect Q. Could you also see this happening with how the Masters operate; from a with the Laws of Nature? Are Principles higher plane of consciousness. J. And and Laws interchangeably connected? They never cease! J. Oh yes! Q. I see it now. Q. But They are not seen physically, unless in extraordinary circumstances. Do What You Can! J. If we are quiet (pause), and go deep J. I can’t go out and do some things that within, we can feel their Presence, be- I used to be able to do, but I can sit here cause their Presence is here. . . (Silence) and think. I can’t read for as long a period Q. What I mean is that at this stage of time because my eyes get very tired, you are being as useful to the Masters so I sit and send out thoughts of goodwill. as anyone else, even more so. J. Well, So I try to be of service just in being quiet, I don’t know. Q. Because? J. Because and sitting, and being mindful of what is those who understand the Masters, who going on around me. So you do what you really devote themselves to the work of can! And if I have any extra money I sup- the Masters, understand that the Masters port other groups that are working for are, all the time, working for humanity. the benefit of all sentient beings. Q. I mean that they have reached the Q. How did you cultivate this enthu- heights from which They can mentally siasm for Life? That is what is keeping and spiritually work and guide, and not
December 2016 The Theosophist 49 At the Feet of a Mentor through their physical bodies any longer. J. My appreciation is in terms of what J. Oh yes! I can pass on. Not in any sense that I’m Q. At this moment,, of course, you are different or better than anyone else be- still in your body, not being able to move cause I knew these people; so many of about as much; yet, you are mentally them, Sri Ram, so many marvelous peo- active, serving from the higher planes! ple! It is the greatest privilege to be able This is how we, by correspondence, can to live here at Krotona and to be able to relate to their way of operating in the contribute, with thoughts at least, to the world. J. Well this is true! And I had my maintenance of this spiritual center. mentors who helped me to understand When I first came here on a lecture tour that what I was thinking and feeling was in 1945, my first tour on the West coast, important; that I could focus, and there- I thought: “Oh, to be able to live at fore train myself in meditation tech- Krotona! I’ll never be able to live here, niques. I will always remember one of to retire and live here, and contribute to the founders of Krotona, Marie Poutz. the community.” Yet, here I am! She was an amazing person, and she Q. That makes me think about the taught me a great deal. So I had those kinds of visions we have, and why some mentors that were wonderful people. of them are never fulfilled. But this vision Clara Codd! We don’t read much of her that you had was not a selfish one, and any more, which is too bad because she these kinds of visions do materialize! wrote some beautiful books; her last J. Yes, they do! Q. What we are living one was Trust Yourself to Life! Clara right now was once the vision of our taught me a great deal! In fact, she was Founders, of our Masters. We are in fact the one who said to me: “Joy, you must living their vision! They sacrificed their work for the Theosophical Society.” And lives for this, and for what is yet to come. I said: “But I have to earn a living, I have This has been also your vision, Joy. How to.” And Clara said: “No, you work for fortunate are you to be able to see it with the Society and the living will come, it your own eyes! will work out.” And that’s what she Q. What do you think of this year’s did! She gave herself wholly to the Partners Program? Joy. I think that, by work. An amazing person! Beautiful far, this is the best Partners Program person! These were people that really we have had. The preparations! The en- influenced me. thusiasm! The quality of the projects! Q. And so have you influenced us! I think I’m ready to go. I’ve been J. So if I can pass that on, that is my duty, ready to go for a long time. I’m not afraid to pass it on to the younger generations, of death; but something is keeping me to you! Q. Not many of us have the bles- here. Maybe there is something I still sing of having these sorts of mentors. have to learn. (Joyful laughter) ²
50 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Memories of Joy Mills Memories of Joy Mills
JAMES W. PETERSON
JOY MILLS was mentor and advisor to hundreds, probably thousands, of spiritual seekers. She was that to me, and also, she was my “spiritual mother”. In the East there is such a concept. A spiritual mother helps and nurtures the soul that is awakened to spiritual realities, teaching the skills necessary to navigate the inner worlds. For fifty years Joy played that role for me. As a high school senior in Chicago, I learned of the Theosophical Society (TS) through a book about the astral plane. Noting that the headquarters were in Wheaton, a short 45-minute drive from my home, I rode my motor scooter out to Olcott one Saturday in the spring. It was March 1967 and I had just turned minutes of my arrival, I was in the 18. Spiritual awakenings often occur be- presence of Joy and Virginia! We chatted tween the ages of 18 and 21, when an about life issues and Theosophy and incarnate being is said to have reached I asked Joy questions about the spiritual the psychological point where he left worlds. I felt immediately at home. I had his last incarnation. been reunited with “my people”. She told Joy was my catalyst. When I arrived me recently that when she joined the at Olcott, I was immediately taken up to Society in 1941, people would come to meet Joy in her presidential office. I was her and ask, “Are you a Besant or a escorted by none other than her best Leadbeater?” This means, of course, are friend, Virginia Hanson. Within five you more drawn to the occult writings of
Mr James W. Peterson is a long-term member of the TS, Quest Books author, and was a close friend of Joy Mills for almost fifty years.
December 2016 The Theosophist 51 Memories of Joy Mills C. W. Leadbeater, or to the more phil- by Joy, ultimately led to the publication osophical books of Dr Annie Besant? of my Quest book, The Secret Life of Kids. Joy had me pegged as a “Leadbeater” In 1970 I learned a new side to Joy. right away, and she insisted I check out I became a Sufi student in Meher Baba’s of the library the book A Textbook of Sufism Reoriented group, and Joy, rather Theosophy by CWL. than being upset I was leaving my theo- In our hour or so together, Joy Mills sophical focus, was happy for me that changed my life. She opened up vast I had found my own “Gnostic” commu- vistas for me of shiny inner realms, nity. In fact, in her later years she loved filled with radiant Masters, heavenly presenting me with new books she had states, devas, and even fairies. And she found on Sufism. She once wrote to explained that the universe was governed me, “I never thought you abandoned by the twin laws of destiny: reincarnation Theosophy, you simply added the tea- and karma. Even though I was not clair- cher and a teaching. I have always felt voyant, the world Joy helped me see you are a true theosophist, walking the would change my vision forever. Life spiritual path in your own unique man- was transformed. ner. Each of us walks the way in accord- I went off to the University of Cali- ance with an inner calling. All that matters fornia at Berkeley that fall and continued is that we follow that Inner Voice.” my theosophical studies. The following In 1975 I went on the first of three trips summer Joy offered me a job as grounds- to Adyar. Joy had just been appointed the keeper at Olcott. That summer was very international Vice-President. I was really special. N. Sri Ram was with us. But looking forward to seeing her in India. But more importantly, I got to live and work since she was out on a lecture tour of the with my new friend, Joy. There I saw subcontinent, I had to resign myself to her humorous side as she joked with the company of my old Liberal Catholic companions over dinner, and her serious Church friend, John Coats! Many years side as she worked tirelessly on so many later Joy admitted to me that it was very varied tasks for her beloved Society. hard for her to live in India. The heat Joy also encouraged me to write. and humidity were oppressive, after all, She had me submit two articles to The there are three temperatures in Chennai: American Theosophist. The first was hot, hotter and hottest! “Man’s Absolute Relation to the Absolute”. Later, when Joy retired to her beloved And the second was “Meditation, an Krotona, my wife and I made yearly trips Ancient Remedy for a Modern Disease”. to Ojai to see her. And, almost more She always encouraged the meditative delightfully, she became my faithful and life and I was a quick convert. I have regular correspondent. We exchanged meditated every day since the fall of letters several times a year during the 1967. This writing interest encouraged final 20 years of her life. She always
52 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Memories of Joy Mills offered words of encouragement and her autobiography. It has indeed been a advice, sprinkled with theosophical wis- rich life, in so many ways, even if not in dom. One topic she discussed was her terms of money, but rich in travel, and magnum opus, her final book on the friends, in doing the work that I wanted to Mahatma Letters: do. .. . A rich life, indeed, for which I am truly grateful. And I do treasure our friend- I am grateful that my book has been ship, Jim. published, perhaps to be helpful to Joy once told me that the theosophical students. I am really quite pleased with its friendship she treasured most in her life appearance, beautifully done with the lovely cover — a Roerich painting, a was with Clara Codd. theme that is most appropriate. So far, Once she discussed the coming toge- reviews have been kind and friends ther of East and West: enthusiastic. When people ask, “What You are right that it was the Theosophical next?” I respond that for the present at Society that initiated the East-West dia- least, no further writing. This year has logue, and while others, including Meher also marked 70 years of membership in the Theosophical Society, with all the Baba, picked up the theme, this cross-
opportunities that has given me. fertilization of culture was central to HPB’s work and she deserves a great deal She often would write poignant re- of credit for all she attempted. marks about her life: In the same letter she mentions the winter I begin to feel like the Eveready Bunny, solstice: which goes on and on and on! The doctor I hope you both are well and enjoying the is convinced I will live to be 100, but I am Winter Solstice, a very special time of not interested in setting any record, and year when it is said that the veil between willing to go on as long as my mind is the realm of physicality and the unseen reasonably clear. realms of the Real is more transparent, so that influences from the inner worlds
Some days, I do feel like the last leaf on may reach humanity and aid us all in the tree, as one after another . .. dear our soul journeys. May you both have
friends around the world slip onwards beautiful holidays, restful, filled with to the next great adventure just beyond our magical moments, and may the coming physical sight. Well, there must be a rea- year hold Peace, Light, and Love for you son to continue, and I accept each day as it and all mankind. comes. So, all is well and as it should be. Joy was a magnificent teacher, a great And in another letter: theosophical friend, and a wonderful I think of all that I have to be grateful spiritual mother! May we all celebrate for — so rich a life, as Clara Codd titled her life then, and in the future. ²
December 2016 The Theosophist 53 The Joy Mills I Knew and Loved The Joy Mills I Knew and Loved
ADELLE CHABELSKI
THERE are times in our lives when bigotry, and suffering, with her own eyes. we meet someone, and we love them Having lived through many epic and instantly. They are in our lives for a short historical moments, Joy could address time, but we know that the crossing of the significance and recall details of those our paths has changed us and our lives events, as if they happened yesterday. forever. Joy Mills was such a person in During the civil rights unrest, she was my life. What I learned from and shared President of the Theosophical Society in with her will remain with me and further America (TS) and spoke out publicly the purpose of my life. against the suffering she was witnessing In her last two years, Joy said on then, and in the years that led up to the several occasions: “I’m afraid I’m not a protests. We take this for granted now, very good conversationalist anymore.” but at the time she was criticized by She did not realize that what she would some for doing this. say at any given moment, no matter where Joy and I shared periodicals and maga- we were, her commenting on something zines, and often enjoyed discussing would add insight, inform, or point to a articles and books we read with together. higher truth. She lived her life this way, I was often surprised by how good her it became her nature to bring more light memory was of an article or book she to any subject and interject hope and had read even decades earlier, and how optimism into many conversations or dis- she retained the essence of something she cussions. Yet, she was not a Pollyanna, read only once, long ago. She was always nor did I ever see her being sentimental. well informed and interested in things that Nor did she shy away from difficult mattered for humanity as a whole. In her subjects and questions, or hide from company, no act of kindness ever went the harsh realities of life, which she had unnoticed; she was grateful and appre- seen in her long and active life around ciated the smallest gesture of attention the world; she traveled to more than and affection. She did not take anything fifty countries, seeing crushing poverty, for granted that others did for her.
Ms Adelle Chabelski is President of the Ojai Valley TS Lodge and part of the faculty at the Krotona School of Theosophy. She is also a translator, writer, and human rights advocate.
54 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 The Joy Mills I Knew and Loved Her life was dedicated service to the we truly know. Her life reflected com- TS, and to teaching. All her energy and passion in the deepest sense, and she drive was for the benefit of humanity. tried to plant that love in the hearts of She tirelessly studied and taught Theo- human beings. She lived her life from sophy, and dedicated her life to the one an inner wisdom. She taught that when cause she thought could raise humanity, a conscience of concern is born, it one by one, to a more understanding and leads to right action, and that humanity loving heart. The “individual is healed and begins in the individual man or woman. made whole, caring so much because all With the many lectures and classes she things are dear that we cannot wound or gave, one of the underlying themes was harm or injure, so does the world grow to encourage us to take our own evolu- whole and brotherhood becomes the tion in hand (as she had) through a life natural relationship that prevails”. of study, reflection, meditation, and Through her teaching, writing, and service. She said that humanity begins social interaction, Joy tried to awaken with each individual, and believed that the conscience of caring. We had similar if we lift humanity with every action concerns and shared a love of books, we do, the human spirit will triumph. which came for both of us in early child- Those of us who knew and loved Joy, hood, when we recognized books were as well as those who did not have the our friends. From this flowed our regular opportunity to meet her, can rejoice in discourse, and perhaps our friendship. the reality that we have her lectures, We often talked about what was needed writings, books, and articles, which con- to awaken consciousness. Even in her tain what mattered to her most about nineties and with all her experience, it life and Theosophy. She was very much was hard for her to understand and accept loved. We are grateful for her presence man’s inhumanity to man — especially amongst us and for the light she brought. children, and also animals. To her, a She is missed, but she continues to give person of charity was “one to whom all us inspiration and courage on our own beings are dear”. journeys, which she taught were not Joy understood that our lives must just in space or time, but in our hearts. ultimately reflect who we are and what You are a force for the Good, Joy! ²
But words are precious and often fragile vehicles not only for thought but for the aspirations of the heart; they can convey not only mundane meanings that get us about in the world and relate us to each other, but also the hunger of the soul and the beauty of the spirit in their reaching out to that moreness which remains forever indefinable and therefore unspeakable “O Hidden Life . . .” Joy Mills
December 2016 The Theosophist 55 SMALL GEMS SMALL GEMS
Maria Parisen with common sense and humor. She The deep purposes of a spiritual soul participated in all Krotona School’s often become clearer during the advanced classes, mentored Partners in Theosophy years, when the rhythm of life slows. projects, enjoyed theosophical study with During the ten years before her passing, high school students, delighted in deeper Joy Mills energized and inspired com- studies with friends, and rarely missed a munity simply through her presence — Krotona Night gathering. At the same which was at once both benevolent and time, and well into her 90s, Joy fulfilled challenging. Seldom in the Theosophical her leadership roles in Krotona with Society are we gifted with a leader of such gratitude, trusting in sincere inquiry and inner strength. What Joy shared especially collective action. As colleague, teacher, through Krotona was an undivided spirit. fellow-student, and friend, Joy renewed Fully available and focused, she adapted our faith in the healing power of a to the changes in her body reluctantly but humanity united in love. ²
Beverley Champion the Theosophical Education and Retreat To use her preferred terminology, Centre in Springbrook, Queensland, Joy Mills passed to the “other shore” on following her election in 1993 as the 29 December 2015 at the age of 95. National President of the TS in Australia. Joy was a communicator, a scholar, She also taught at the School of the author and teacher of Theosophy, and a Wisdom in Adyar, India, and expanded deep student of The Secret Doctrine and the course of studies at the Krotona The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett. School of Theosophy in Ojai, California, From the age of 28, she devoted her life when she became its Director. to theosophical work. She was an innovator and inspired Owing to her deep knowledge and members to follow her lead in letting understanding of the tenets of Theo- the world know that such a thing as sophy, Joy was in constant demand as a Theosophy exists. She will be greatly theosophical lecturer and, over many missed but we celebrate her fruitful life, years, she travelled the world in this well lived. capacity. Joy served the Theosophical Personally, Joy Mills was my mentor Society (TS) in many ways, including as and valued friend and I feel privileged international Vice-President under Presi- to have known her and to have had the dent John Coats. She inaugurated the first opportunity to work with her. Australian School of Theosophy in the We do not say farewell to Joy, but early 1990s in Adelaide, and taught at rather, fare forward! ²
56 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 SMALL GEMS Lakshmi Narayan Theosophy, again, as their Librarian, and Joy Mills has been the greatest in- Joy was Director of the Krotona School fluence in my life, since I first met her of Theosophy. in 1978 at the international headquarters It is very hard to describe Joy Mills in of the Theosophical Society in Chennai, all her varied roles and facets. So to put India. She was international Vice-President it in a nutshell, she was asked to give her under John Coats and I was working at view of what to consider “responsibility” the Adyar Library. Then I connected to be, and she said: “Man has learned to with her in 1987 in Wheaton, Illinois, fly in the air like the birds, he has learned at the headquarters of the TS in America, to swim in the ocean like the fishes. Now when she was National President and let him stand on the earth like a human I was working in the Olcott Library. In being.” Much Love, Joy, and Beauty 1992 I moved to the Krotona Institute of to Joy!! ²
Mary Jo Kokochak self-control and discipline were strong. It was December 2015 and the Inter- The next day we read poetry, and national Convention of the Theosophical listened to classical music. Later, I read Society at Adyar and Convention of the to her from a recent book by Ed Abdill, Australian Section were just around Masters of Wisdom, in which he quotes the corner. Joy Mills’ thoughts were with the First Fundamental Proposition of the members and she wanted to maintain The Secret Doctrine: “An Omnipresent, her link with them and with the Society Eternal, Boundless, and Immutable she loved. With eyes closed she silently Principle on which all speculation is formed messages of inspiration and impossible.” Eyes closed in medita- greetings and dictated. “How's that?” she tion, Joy slowly and quietly repeated the asked. It was perfect. words over and over “An Omnipresent On December 25 we gathered in .. . Eternal ... Boundless ... Principle” Joy’s home at Krotona to celebrate the trying to sense as deeply as she could holiday. A friend had given her a box something of the mystery and meaning. of delicious chocolates and after dinner Three days later, on December 29, Joy selected a piece then offered the box Joy was freed from her body and to us. We each made our choice and passed peacefully to a higher life. I still nibbled away, but not content with one treasure the note she had written to me we reached for more. “Now, just one three months earlier, when my husband piece!” Joy chided us in her mock stern passed away: “We know that life goes voice. We smiled. She was still with on and is eternal, death is only a change us; although frail and tired the familiar of form.” ²
December 2016 The Theosophist 57 SMALL GEMS Brenda Knight the letters are kept. What an amazing Joy Mills was a unique and powerful experience! woman. I feel blessed that she was in Over the years I was able to spend my life. She was a great role model for many special times with Joy. We studied, the ageing. Her mind was sharp and her shopped, dined, and had cookies and tea attitude always uplifting. She is the reason together. We would talk about our travels that I joined the Theosophical Society. and all the places where she had enjoyed After my retirement I attended my first tea. She had travelled all over the world class at Krotona School with Joy as the teaching classes and filling leadership teacher. This was my introduction to the roles with a variety of Theosophical School and Theosophy. What a life- groups. I often thought that “Joy” was changing experience! such a perfect name for her. She was Although I did not fully understand full of the joy of living, learning, and of what Joy was talking about, she had such leaving a legacy. Her love of Theosophy a profound presence that I knew I wanted was contagious, as she loved to share to learn more. I was so inspired by her extensive knowledge and under- listening to her classes on the Mahatma standing of theosophy. Joy was my Letters, that my husband and I made a spiritual mother, and I miss her as do so special trip to the London Library, where many others. ²
Carol Nicholson the letter was finished, after which we I went to see Joy one morning about had a chance for a brief visit. At that point five days before she left her physical her youthful energy was winding down, body. She was working on greetings for but her mind never lost its clarity, and the Australian Section Convention and her ability to make you feel good about said she would like to finish the letter yourself just being in her presence was before we chatted. Mary Jo Kokochak still there. She truly was an ambassador was sitting across from her and had been of joy and her light is missed by all of us taking dictation. After a pensive minute here at Krotona. or so, she raised her head and came out Besides an enormous library of Theo- with three complete and beautifully sophy and spiritually based books, Joy constructed sentences. I wish I could re- also liked a good mystery novel and member what they were, because they so continued doing crossword puzzles concisely and eloquently conveyed her almost to the end. She once told me that warm wishes and hopes to those in the she did crosswords to keep her mind Australian Section. She did not hesitate elastic. I don’t know if it was the cross- or falter when she spoke. words or decades of deep study of The Then two more sentences of beauty Secret Doctrine, but something sure kept and proportion arose from Joy’s lips and her mind sharp till the end! ²
58 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 A Sense of Direction A Sense of Direction
JOY MILLS
ANYONE who travels around the know at what latitude they are situated. world, even to a limited extent, must Desiring to warm themselves, they debate inevitably meet the challenge of keeping whether to move northwards or south- a sense of direction. In which direction wards. The Australian will naturally advise is one moving? We may become accus- going north, whereas the American will tomed to thinking, for example, that India hold out for a southward trek. is east while the United States of America On planet Earth, logic and a study of is west. Recently, however, returning to the globe will quickly resolve our dilem- India from Australia, I found it was ma. But does not all this play on the four necessary to fly west, and if one wishes points of the compass raise a basic need to disembark on the west coast of the — the need to realize that east, west, United States, one must fly east from north, and south are to a large extent India. Perhaps no better illustration of dependent on the place where one stands, how different a view one may hold of a and that such divisions of our world are, geographical area can be offered than the ultimately, as superficial and arbitrary fact that during all the years I was as the categorizing of peoples into ste- resident in my homeland of the United reotypes of ethnic, religious, social, and States I was taught that the countries similar groupings? A true sense of direc- of Israel, Syria, Jordan, and so on, may tion may have less to do with whether a be designated the “Middle East”. Now certain area of the globe lies in the west resident in India, I find that same or in the east than with whether one is geographical area referred to in all the moving along an axis that brings one news media as “West Asia”. When east into alignment with the one direction can so easily become west and west, east, that matters: the direction of the liberation depending on where one stands, how are of the human spirit and the unification we to maintain a sense of direction? of the human race. The matter may be further com- It is just such a sense of direction that plicated by our conditioning. Again, to is most urgently needed in the world illustrate, let us suppose that an Australian today. In fact, without that kind of sense, and an American meet on some distant it matters little whether one travels east planet; they know only which direction or west, north or south, as wherever is north and which is south, but do not one travels one is only aware of the
Excerpts from an article in The Theosophist, May 1976.
December 2016 The Theosophist 59 A Sense of Direction differences which divide humanity and of vision revealed by the theosophical the power struggles which threaten to perspective. ... annihilate us all. A true sense of direc- A curriculum is but the form into tion, in other words, is dependent on an which it may be hoped a certain life- awareness of movement in a totally other essence may be poured. That life-essence dimension. Essentially it is a movement is of the very nature of a spiritual under- which is no-movement, for the dimen- standing, the evocation in each — student sion in which we must learn to orient and faculty alike — of that spirit of Theo- ourselves is the dimensionless realm of sophy which should infuse all our studies. love, compassion, understanding, out of The Platonic ideal of realizing “the good, which true brotherhood arises. the beautiful, and the true” should be our Theosophical Education aim. The outcome of our studies should The gaining of a true sense of direc- be a deepening realization of the funda- tion which helps us to orient ourselves mental unity of existence, a realization wherever we may find ourselves in the that is ultimately Self-realization. world is the aim of theosophical edu- Quite obviously, then, theosophical cation. For theosophical education is education is a life-long endeavour. . . . simply that kind of education which elicits Those who question the value of such in the individual an awareness of the an enterprise, taking into account the essential nature of his being and the slow pace at which evolution proceeds consequent realization that such a nature and arguing therefore that our concern is in no way different from the essential should be with the immediate problems nature of all other living things. Whatever of economics and politics, and that con- fosters that awareness, whatever encour- sequently we have no time to indulge ages that realization, whatever awakens ourselves in the pursuit of spiritual ideals, that inner sense of the direction in which may be reminded of a little story from the human spirit must move to achieve which an apt analogy may be drawn. It its own fulfilment, whatever nurtures is told of a King of Persia that on a certain compassionate concern for all life, what- occasion he saw a beautiful tree in flower ever aids in the flowering of true love, and requested his gardener to secure that must be of the nature of theosophical some seeds for planting such a tree in education. All of our studies should lead his own garden. When the gardener us in that direction; they should conspire informed him that the tree he had seen to draw from us the expression of those had taken 200 years to reach its present qualities which together comprise our beauty, the king replied, “Then we have humanness. Theosophical education, no time to lose. Plant the seeds today.” then, is not simply education about theo- So, if we are to impart to the world a sense sophy, although it may include that; it is, of direction that will move humankind rather, the continuing pursuit of a unified along the road to brotherhood, we have vision of man and the universe, the kind no time to lose. ... ²
60 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Convention Programme ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Adyar
Theme: “Beyond Illusion: A Call to Unity”
31 December 2016 to 5 January 2017
TENTATIVE PROGRAMME Friday, 30 December 8.00 am General Council Meeting 2.00 pm General Council Meeting
Saturday, 31 December 8.00 am Prayers of the Religions OPENING OF THE CONVENTION Mr Tim Boyd, International President, Adyar 3.30 pm Reception 5.00 pm BESANT LECTURE “Learnings of Life” Dr C. Rajasekhar, I.F.S., Ambassador 7.30 pm Ritual of the Mystic Star
Sunday, 1 January 8.00 am Universal Prayer and Meditation SHORT LECTURES “Living from the Still Centre” Mrs Linda Oliveira, Australia “Light, More Light” Prof. R. C. Tampi, India 9.30 am INDIAN SECTION CONVENTION —I 5.00 pm PUBLIC LECTURE “The Religions of the Future” Mr Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., Philippines 7.30 pm “Shringara Vivekam — Understanding through Jayadeva’s Ashtapadis” A presentation in classical Bharatanatyam
December 2016 The Theosophist 61 Convention Programme
Monday, 2 January 8.00 am Devotional Meeting Ms Chandrika Mehta, India 10.00 am SHORT LECTURES “Transformation in a Transitional Age” Ms Carolyn Dorrance, ULT, California, USA “The Fundamental Identity of All Souls with the Universal Over-Soul” Mr Esteban Langlois, Argentina 3.00 pm SYMPOSIUM “Beyond Illusion” Three speakers 5.00 pm PUBLIC LECTURE “Unity Calls — How Do We Answer?” Mr Barend Voorham, Point Loma, The Netherlands 7.30 pm Violin concert Mr Ganesh and Mr Kumaresh Tuesday, 3 January 8.00 am Universal Prayer and Meditation SYMPOSIUM “A Call to Unity” Three speakers 9.30 am INDIAN SECTION CONVENTION — II “Self-Preparation: An Important Aspect for Theosophical Work” Mr O. P. Aneja, Mrs Nandita Singh, Mr P. P. Sarangi 3.00 pm THE THEOSOPHICAL ORDER OF SERVICE “A Path to Unity” Mrs Nancy Secrest (Chair) with Mrs Ananya Sri Ram Rajan, USA, and Mr K. Sivaprasad, India 5.00 pm THEOSOPHY-SCIENCE LECTURE “Beyond the Brain: The Unifying Force of Consciousness” Mrs Sangeetha Menon, Ph. D., Professor and Head of National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore 7.30 pm “Renovation Update” Mr Tim Boyd, International President, Adyar, and Mr Michiel Haas, the Netherlands “Flora and Fauna of Adyar”, Video
62 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 Convention Programme
Wednesday, 4 January 8.00 am Universal Prayer and Meditation SHORT LECTURES “To Dare to Move Beyond Oneself” Ms Trân-Thi-Kim-Diêu, France “To See the Self as a Passing Guest” Mr Pedro Oliveira, Australia 9.30 am GLOBAL RHYTHMS CHOIR Children’s Choir, director Mr Srinivas Krishnan, Founding Member of LEAP 3.00 pm QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Mr Tim Boyd, Mrs Linda Oliveira, Mr Vicente Hao Chin Jr., Mr Barend Voorham, Ms Carolyn Dorrance 5.00 pm PUBLIC LECTURE “The Effect of the Future” Mr Tim Boyd, International President, Adyar 7.30 pm Cultural Programme
Thursday, 5 January 8.00 am Prayers of the Religions CLOSING OF THE CONVENTION Mr Tim Boyd, International President, Adyar 9.30 am Admission of New Members
Other Activities EXHIBITION, ADYAR MUSEUM: “Mughal and Rajput Miniature Paintings” PHOTO-EXHIBITION, ADYAR LIBRARY: “Flora and Fauna of Adyar”, Prof. A. Chandrasekaran STALLS of Olcott Education Society and Besant Welfare Centre near the Enquiry Office VISIT to Social Welfare Centre — Cultural Activities and Exhibition VISIT to Olcott Memorial School — Cultural Activities and Exhibition
December 2016 The Theosophist 63 .gr [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] info@theosophicalsociety [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Email address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] gentina Ar eosófica African Theosophist eosófica Chilena est eozófia eosofi eozofija eosofía en Le Lotus Bleu Theosofi The Indian Theosophist Gangleri Ilisos T Adyar T Selección T T Revista T Sophia Le Lotus Bleu T Newsletter The Light Bearer The Theosophical Light Magazine The South African Theosophist The W Theosophy in Australia Theosofie Adyar … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 2194 hlkreis . ü 09, indsor E W Abajo, W aranasi 221 010 V estlands, ve., , Apartado 23 00926 02/ R A W T Rosario ironkatu 7 C 2, Fin 00170, , BC t., 106 71-Athens V , 2 Cuadras . 27. fsz.10, H-1085 Budapest Accra, Ghana Arcos no. 43, Entrada Principal Agueda 1652 Les Chalet Col venue, No. 03-04 ancouver venue Centre, Singapore 387 603 A V . 39, 93138 Lappersdorf A ška ulica 24, 10000 Zagreb oukourestiou S Theosophical Society V Helsinki Desa Purwodadi, Kecamatan 67163 Pasuruan, Jawa Timur San Juan Puerto Rico Barrio Palermo, Bogotá Estacion Central, Santiago Bagmari Road, Kolkata 700 054 CEP 70200-630 Brasilia (DF) North 1 Cuadra al Sur 1 Cuadra al Sur, Distrito 2, Managua, Nicaragua Sims Nairobi, Kenya eosofinen Seura, 4 Square Rapp, 75007 Paris Hauptstr PO Box 1257 Ingolfsstraeti 22, 121 Reykjavik Dsn. Parelegi no. 21, R The T 25 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA Horánszky str Calle Santa Apartado de Correos 6365, La Habana 10600 Apartado 8-6710-1000, San José Kraji Carr 22, # 45B-38 (Cons. 404), Casilla 11 Sucursal Paseo Estacion, SGAS Quadra 603, N. 20, Place des Gueux 8, B1000 Brussels Pasaje Jauregui No. 2255, La Paz # 12-1475 Deep Cove Rd. PO Box 14525. 00800, Santiago 257 — 2000, 540 Sims B/4-3, Iswarchandra Nibas, 68/1, Address Reparto Los PO Box 720, Level 2, 162 Goulburn St., Surry Hills, NSW 2010 9 Ronean, 38 Princesses Oberbaumgarten 25, 4204 Haibach im M … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … I N T E R A O L D C Y
Sandoval de , etc. Rios š an Osta epe A. Fariñas Piña V T Guillermina Albert Schichl Mrs Jeannine (Nano) Leguay Mrs Manuela Kaulich Mr Kristinn Ágúst Fridfinnsson Mr Widyatmoko Mr S. Sundaram Mrs Mirva Jaatinen Mrs Eirini Kefaloudi Mrs Jenny Baker Mr Janos Szabari Mrs Magaly Polanco Ms Barbara Ms Maria Orlich Mrs Nada Mrs Nelly Medina de Galvis Mr Cesar Ortega Ortiz Mr Marcos L. B. de Resende Mrs Sabine Mrs Mrs Maryse DeCoste Mr Narendra M. Shah Mr Chong Sanne Mr B. L. Bhattacharya General Secretary Mrs Ligia Gutierrez Simpson Mr Jorge Garcia Mr John Osmond Boakye Mrs Linda Oliveira Mr Jack Hartmann Mr … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … est p W Central * Central France Germany Iceland Indonesia India Finland Greece England Hungary † Dominican Rep. † Croatia Cuba Costa Rica † Colombia † Chile * Brazil Belgium Bolivia Canada * Section Africa, East and Asia, East and Bangladesh † America, Argentina Southeast † Africa, Australia Africa, South Austria * ate 1899 1902 1921 1912 1891 1907 1928 1888 1907 1987 2007 1905 1997 1937 1920 1920 1911 1965 1924 D 1947 1920 1990 2013 1929 1956 1895 1909 1912
64 The Theosophist Vol. 138.3 .in.ua .org.nz [email protected] np@theosophy [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] org@theosophy [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] imbr [email protected] enie har eosofia [email protected] pr eosófico isdom Africa. Email: idlös V eosoficheskoe Obozr eozofska Misel TheoSophia Theosofia (The Theosophical Review) Sophia The Sri Lanka Theosophist T Sophia Heraldo T Or The Karachi Theosophist T Rivista Italiana di T Osiris Circles T The Lotus Svitoch The Quest The Philippine Theosophist Búsqueda 70200-630 – Brazil. Email: Australia Email: … … … … … . … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . Lodge attached to Adyar p , CEP , indsor E 2194, South W treets, Örebro Auckland 1022 A. Jinnah Road, abacalera T venue, Amsterdam Asunción . 06030 A Adeta VM o, 10 B, 1150-202 Lisboa eyseer Services Company 76, ã ve. Orlando, Florida, treet, Concord, 2137, Sydney T A v fica de Portugal, A , 48, S-702 29 treet, Epsom, ê ó Abidjan 23 Amorín 1085, ., BP äg , Manila , 85-87 alldoreix(Spain) ork , LL61 6NX UK eos Est ficer Apto. 122 – Caracas .T icenza Presidential Agency , 572, 1621, V Y é T † V . Florentino and Iba S . 3924, Adda, Brynsiencyn, Llanfairpwll, A.R.T all d’or Miss Trân-Thi-Kim-Diêu, 67 Rue des Pommiers, F-45000 Orleans, France. Email: dincovo region, Moscow oblast, 143080 .O. Box 2431, Doha V O B. P Anglesey P San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-1766 Piso 12, 36100 Casilla de Correos 1553, Montevideo 08197 - Maththegoda Slomškova 35, 1000 Ljubljana UK BT52 1T Rua Jos Genève . iale Quintino Sella, 83/E, v Republica de Portugal 152, Breña, Lima 5 opougon, 23 Rue Princesse olsraat 154, 1074 eozofsko Društvo v Sloveniji, 18, Belvedere S T Ignacio Mariscal 126, Col. Mexicana, Mexico, D.F Y N-6873-Marifjora Bryn 2-C/60, Maththegoda Housing Scheme, Sociedade Energetikov Street 3-108, Lesnoi Gorodok, Romualda a Socarrás, Edif. de Oro Apartado 36-1766 Correo General. Crewing Of Av Kalle Posts v PO Box 9114, Ramat-Gan, Israel 5219002 32803-1838, USA Quezon City V Jamshed Memorial Hall, M. opp. Radio Pakistan, Karachi 97 Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH T 17 Chemin de la Côte, CH -1282 Dardagny Office 3, 7-A Zhylianska St., Kiev 01033 PO Box 270, Wheaton, IL 60187-0270 1606 New Javier Barrios S.O., A Carandayty Corner P … … … … … … … … … … … . … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … Chairman: ocieties: Mrs Isis M. B. Resende, SGAS 603 conj. E s/n. Brasilia-DF Mr Jack Hartmann, 9 Ronean, 38 Princess Mr Gerard Brennan, 42 Melbourne S Regional Association orra Buron * esident: T orstermans Pr esident: V Pr Chairman: Angels Ana Maria Coelho de Sousa
Alexey Besputin Antonio Castillo Abraham Oron Antonio Girardi Mr John Mr Wim Leys Mr Enrique Sanchez Mr Pierre-Magloire Kouahoh Dr Saleh Noshie Mrs Julie Cunningham Mr M. B. Dassanayake Mrs Mr Mrs Nelly Nouel Mr Lijo Joseph Mrs Magaly Polanco Mrs Ing-Britt Wiklund Mr Mrs Mr Mrs Marie Harkness Mr Stuart Trotter Mrs Blanka Blaj Borštnar Mrs Eliane Gaillard Mrs Svitlana Gavrylenko Mr Tim Boyd Mr Carl Metzger Mrs Ema Ma. de Souza Leal Mr Kouma Dakey Mr Julio Pomar Calderón Mr Mr Rosel Doval-Santos … … … … … … … … … … ……… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … p p Theosophical Federation: p p Theosophical Federation: Theosophical Federation: to the date of formation ales * enezuela † ogo * New Zealand Netherlands, The Mexico Ivory Coast * W Norway * Sri Lanka † Portugal Russia † V Israel Pakistan † Puerto Rico † Sweden Spain Paraguay Italy Ireland * Orlando Qatar Scotland * Slovenia * Switzerland † Ukraine * USA T Uruguay * Peru † Philippines, The -American Indo-Pacific 1896 1897 1919 Inter The Council of the European Federation National S Pan-African Date refers 1997 1922 1913 1926 1921 2013 1925 1954 1948 1925 1895 1921 1925 1902 1919 1935 2012 1910 1992 1910 2013 1886 1997 1925 1924 1933
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