One True Adventure, The: Theosophy and the Quest for Meaning

Theosophy is a vision of wholeness for all humanity that inspires a fellowship united in study, meditation, and service. It is an open-minded inquiry into world religions, philosophy, science, and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore their own spiritual path. The ultimate goal: self-transformation. The journey toward transformation is what Joy Mills calls "the one true adventure." Now in her eighties, Mills shares her remarkable Theosophical insights with audiences across the globe in this thought-provoking collection of essays. The One True Adventure: Theosophy and the Quest for Meaning features a cross-section of her best writings spanning six decades. Revealing a youthful vibrancy throughout the text, she explores ideas that are "eternally applicable to the human condition." While she acknowledges that the human condition often seems riddled with endless misery and folly, Mills asserts that we have not yet become fully human and that there is great hope in our potential for growth. Before that can happen, however, we must turn our gaze inward. "The struggle to become a person, to become human, takes place within," she expounds. To become fully human is to uncover "our essential unity, our immortal destiny; our potential divinity." In The One True Adventure Mills groups her essays to correspond with the four stages in the quest for meaning: The Human Condition, Our Hidden Potential, Esoteric Teachings, and Self-Transformation. This text is not simply the summary of a wise woman. They are also a guidebook to the acquisition of wisdom by anyone who follows their guidance. In her essay "Seek Out the Way," for instance, Mills employs the metaphor of life as a journey. On the journey of life we participate either as tourists, enjoying life in a superficial sort of way, or as pilgrims, seeking a deeper sense of life’s meaning and purpose. The true quest is not for the passive spectator. To engage fully requires that we are willing to pay the price by assuming full responsibility for our own choices, and "a readiness to risk all for the sake of the journey." Mills balances these words of caution with words of inspiration and hope from notable scientists, theologians, philosophers, mystics, novelists, poets, and public servants. Whether citing The New York Times or Madame Blavatsky’s The Secret Doctrine; quoting the 19th century British explorer Edward Whymper or the Secretary-General of the UN, Mills leads her readers on a fascinating pilgrimage where all those who dare to partake are sure to find love in the pursuit of wisdom.

About the author: Joy Mills(1920-2015), a teacher by profession, devoted most of her adult life to the work of The Theosophical Society. Joining the society in 1940, she served in a number of capacities, including that of National President of both the American and Australian Sections of the society, as well as International Vice-President. Her lecture tours took her to more than 50 countries and society branches. She published several books, including a history of the American section, 100 Years of Theosophy, and her writings have been published in Theosophical journals throughout the world. Mills held a bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a master’s in English Literature from the University of Chicago. She engaged in further post-graduate studies in American History at the University of Washington. During a seven-year period, she was a high school teacher in the Seattle Public Schools system. Elected to the office of National President of the Theosophical Society in America in 1965, the first woman to serve in that capacity, Mills was re-elected for three successive terms. During that period, she founded Quest Books as well as a number of other programs supported by grants from the Kern Foundation. Resigning office in 1974, when she was appointed the society’s international vice president, Mills took up residence at the world headquarters in Chennai, India, continuing to tour and lecture throughout the world. Returning to the States in 1980, Mills became Director of the Krotona Institute School of Theosophy, greatly expanding its educational and training programs. Called to accept the office of National President of the Society in Australia, Mills resided there for three years. Returning to her home in Ojai, CA, Mills continued to teach at the Krotona School and also served on the Board of Trustees of the Krotona Institute.