Joy Mills

Joy Mills

M. Joy Mills is an American Theosophist and educator who served as President of the theosophical Society in America from 1965–1974, and then as international Vice President for the Theosophical Society based in Adyar, Chennai, India. She was awarded the Subba Row Medal in 2011 for her contributions to Theosophical literature.

Joy Mills in 1943

Early life and education

Joy Mills

Theosophical activities

Joy Mills as President

International Vice President

In 1974, the newly elected President of the international Theosophical Society, John B. S. Coats, asked his long-time colleague to join the new administration as Vice President. Miss Mills went to Adyar, and TSA Vice PresidentAnn Wylie stepped into the Presidency for the remainder of the term from 1974 to 1975, beginning September 1. Mills wrote:

The Board of Directors had authorized me to go again to Adyar, for the General Council meetings under the new President, and Mrs. Wylie, as National Vice-President, was to accompany me since she was now an additional member of the Council. It was during that visit to Adyar, my fourth as head of the American Section, that Coats persuaded me to accept nomination as the International Vice-President. The matter was discussed with the Board of Directors upon my return to Olcott, the Directors concurring in my decision with the provision that I not submit my resignation as National President until after the July Convention in order that a special election to fill my unexpired term would not be necessary. Therefore, although confirmed as Vice-President of the world Society on May 1, 1974, I continued as National President of the Section until September 1, when ,in accordance with the By-Laws, Mrs. Wylie assumed that office through the triennial elections of 1975 when Mrs. Dora Kuna was elected National President and Mrs. Wylie was returned to her office of National Vice-President.

During the years in her international role, Miss Mills conducted many lecture tours.

Lecturing

Miss Mills has always been a very popular lecturer, and has spoken in over 50 countries and all over the United States. Many of her more recent lectures are available on CD or DVD from Quest Books.

File:Joy Mills in 2005.jpg

TSA summer convention, 2005

Writings

From her earliest days in the Society, Miss Mills frequently wrote for Theosophical periodicals and for the Education and Information Departments of the TSA. The Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals lists 655 articles by or about the name Joy Mills. Among these were her monthly "Perspective" column as editor of The American Theosophist for ten years; numerous articles in Discovery; and many contributions to The Theosophist
Two of her most significant books were 100 Years of Theosophy in America (1987), a history, and Reflections on an Ageless Wisdom: A Commentary on the Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (2010). In addition, a compilation of articles selected by David Bruce and Tony Lysy, The One True Adventure: Theosophy and the Quest for Meaning was released in 2009. All were published by the Theosophical Publishing House in Wheaton, Illinois. Other works include:

• An Approach to the Study of the Secret Doctrine. Wheaton, Illinois: Theosophical Publishing House, 195x. Pamphlet.
• Entering on the Sacred Way: A Psychological Commentary on Light on the Path. Wheaton, Illinois: Theosophical Publishing House, 2000. In this short book, she wrote about the essential work that must be done on our psychological natures in order to transform ourselves.
• From Inner to Outer Transformation: Lectures on The Voice of the Silence. Amsterdam: Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, 1996. 94 pages.
• The Human Journey: Quest for Self-Transformation. Wheaton, Illinois: Theosophical Publishing House, 1978. 37 pages.
• The Key to Theosophy: an Abridgement. By H.P. Blavatsky, edited by Joy Mills. Wheaton, Illinois: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972, 1992.
• Living in Wisdom: Lectures on The Secret Doctrine. Amsterdam: Uitgeverij der Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland, 1994.57 pages. The text of a series of lectures given in 1988 at the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden, Holland, on the occasion of the centenary of the publication of The Secret Doctrine. The author elaborates on the mythological nature of the contents of HPB's work, particularly where these refer to the origins and development of humankind. Published in the Netherlands.
• The Myths of Our Lives: A Way to Personal Transformation. Wheaton, Illinois: Theosophical Publishing House, 1990. 42 pages. This study guide includes the nature and function of myth, discovering our own archetypes, the stages of individual growth, and creating rituals. Each chapter gives suggestions for group exercises and discussions.
• O Hidden Life. An Adyar booklet, imported from India.
• Theosophy and Psychology "A Study in Consciousness": a Course for Students. Wheaton, Illinois: Theosophical Society in America, 1944. 114 page handbook.

Online Resources

Articles

• Joy Mills: An Evolutionary Journey by Cynthia Overweg