Ever since The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett was first published in 1923, the book has stirred an enormous amount of curiosity. Who are the Mahatmas and what do they do? How can they be Mahatmas when they can be so blunt and say things that the stereotypical saint would never say?

In her introduction to Reflections on an Ageless Wisdom, Joy Mills clearly and succinctly sets the letters and their authors in their proper light. She first makes it clear that the letters are not a textbook; rather, they are in answer to specific questions posed by A.P. Sinnett. Then, quoting H.P. Blavatasky, she points out that the Mahtamas "are living men, not spirits."

Many have read the letters, but because they are just that - letters - much contained in them pertains to events and people at the time they were written. Even a serious student will have some difficulty sorting through what is now irrelevant and what is timeless wisdom. Joy goes through each letter and highlights what is relevant today. In addition, she consistently asks readers to consider their own attitudes and behaviour. "What would we do?" is a question often asked. In this way, Joy makes the letters come alive. She makes us think about our own way of life and how it might affect others. She gives us an opportunity to consider the Mahatmas advice as if they were speaking directly to us.

By quoting and commenting on only what might help us to better understand ourselves and the contemporary world, Joy has dug out the pearls and spared us the tedious work of finding them for ourselves. In the spirit of a true Theosophist, Joy does not attempt to give us answers. She ask questions of herself and suggests that we might ask ourselves the same questions.