White Lotus Day
May 8 is “White Lotus Day,” the day of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s departure from the earthly plane. This was a great Russian woman (August 12, 1831 - May 8, 1891), who gave the world the theosophical teaching about truth. She said: “There is no religion higher than truth” or “If you love Christ so much, then why don’t you keep his commandments?” There are many possible wisest words, which were pronounced by her.
Once I observed one episode in a bookstore: a couple of young people came into the store, and I immediately somehow didn’t like the girl internally, and externally she was, to put it mildly, “not very good” - her face was covered in pimples, red, and even somewhat resembled a “toad”. Stopping near the books of E.P. Blavatsky, she said: “I don’t like Blavatsky.” And then I understood why this girl is so ugly.
Many years ago, my friends asked me to publish the poems of one “poetess” in a brochure. I came to her home by invitation. It was a depressing sight: a disabled woman was so disfigured by nature that her entire body was wrapped in a white sheet. It looked like the arms and legs were all twisted into one knot. I felt very sorry for her. We talked. And immediately, almost at the beginning of the conversation, she allowed herself to speak unflatteringly about Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. I have said many words in defense of my beloved Name. But in response, this disabled woman was not convinced by my words and continued to say something unpleasant about E.P. Blavatsky. I hastily ended the conversation and left, forever breaking all ties with this woman. This was a big lesson for me - I understood why this woman was born disabled, because out of ignorance she blasphemes the Great Name.
So the books of H. P. Blavatsky are very serious knowledge. In general, everything that comes from the Mahatmas is the unshakable truth. E.P. Blavatsky was the most devoted student in the world. Through her, many Works were given. The main one is the “Secret Doctrine”. Maybe Elena Petrovna would have given the world even more, but she had so many evil enemies who, with their slander and evil thoughts, destroyed her health and she died prematurely, without finishing her work. For example, the third volume of The Secret Doctrine was not completed and was already being prepared for publication by her students.
E.I. Roerich continued the work of H.P. Blavatsky. It was Elena Ivanovna who translated two volumes of The Secret Doctrine from English into Russian.
Why "White Lotus Day"?
In Elena Petrovna’s will dated January 31, 1885, she asks her friends to gather annually on the day of her death and read excerpts from “The Light of Asia” by E. Arnold, as well as from the Bhagavad Gita.
This day is now celebrated by Theosophists throughout the world as White Lotus Day. The name was invented by Colonel G.S. Olcott: on the first anniversary of the death of H.P. Blavatsky, lotuses bloomed unusually magnificently in Adyar.
Our dear Elena Petrovna, we remember you, we honor you, we love you. Let Your Image shine on us! Let the truth that You brought into the world ring like an alarm bell. And so we will enter the New World with You!
Glory to You!!!
WHITE LOTUS DAY IN UKRAINE
White Lotus Day, which all theosophists of the world celebrate as the day of memory of Helen
Petrovna Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society, writer, traveler, one of the most mysterious and enigmatic figures of the 19th century, was celebrated publicly by the Theosophical Society in Ukraine this year in various cities. We offer
For the attention of our readers, a review of the events of this day.
On May 8, 2014, a solemn meeting of the city’s public was held at the Knowledge Society of Ukraine, dedicated to the memory of E.P.
Blavatsky. Members of the Theosophical Society in Ukraine and like-minded, like-minded people gathered to honor the memory of our great compatriot, with respect, reverence, understanding and love, perceiving the ideas contained in the works of H.P. Blavatsky.
It was in his writings that E.P.
Blavatsky gave knowledge about the evolution of space and man, and laid the foundations for new cosmic thinking. She proposed a holistic way of understanding the world around us and opened up new possibilities in understanding nature. Her scientific predictions throughout the twentieth century and currently find theoretical and practical confirmation.
According to the accepted ritual, dedicated to memory E.P.
Blavatsky, the solemn meeting began with the performance of musical works for piano and voice performed by Elena Shcherbina and Sergei Shapoval, followed by reading excerpts from Edwin Arnold's works “The Light of Asia,” the Bhagavad Gita and “The Voice of the Silence.”
With words of memory about Elena Gan, mother of E.P. Blavatsky, the president of the Kyiv branch of the Theosophical Society N.I. spoke. Berezanskaya. Nikolai Shcherbina and Natalya Davydova read their poems. Elena Merlits introduced those present to the results of the 2013 volunteer decade. for the restoration of the house-museum of E.P. Blavatsky.
At the end of the evening of remembrance, a ritual of lighting candles was carried out with a symbolic unification of the hearts of those present, through the transfer of fire from hand to hand, with a feeling of shared gratitude and gratitude to our dear teacher.
1 N.E. Pakhomova
DNEPROPETROVSK
In Dnepropetrovsk, in the city where Helena Petrovna Blavatsky was born, White Lotus Day is a special day not only for Theosophists, but also for many people interested in Theosophy and the teachings of our compatriot. The peculiarity of this day has been determined for many years by the House in which one of the famous aristocratic families of Ekaterinoslav lived, the Fadeev-Dolgoruky family, which raised more than one galaxy of outstanding people of its time. Among the representatives of the glorious family, Elena Petrovna Blavatsky fulfilled a special mission - she opened to the world a new look at ancient wisdom, which is the basis of theosophical teaching. In this regard, May 8 - White Lotus Day in Dnepropetrovsk has been gathering theosophists, scientists, public figures, and representatives of spiritual organizations for many years.The day began with a canonical part, in which members of the Dnepropetrovsk branch of the Theosophical Society in Ukraine took part, as well as several people studying Theosophy under the guidance of Dnepropetrovsk Theosophists. Following Elena Petrovna’s recommendations, on this day excerpts from Edwin Arnold’s book “The Light of Asia” and from the “Bhagavad Gita” were read, as well as a fragment from conversations with Ramana Maharshi about the Bhagavad Gita. At the beginning and end of the canonical part, a universal prayer was sounded in Ukrainian and Russian.
At 10.00 the doors of the Museum Center E.P. Blavatsky and her family were open to everyone who honors the name of Elena Petrovna, understanding the enduring significance of the teachings revealed by our compatriot to the whole world. This year, White Lotus Day brought together representatives from Dnepropetrovsk, Nikopol, Krivoy Rog, and Zaporozhye. The White Lotus Day was opened by the head of the department “Museum Center of H. P. Blavatsky and Her Family”
Dnepropetrovsk historical museum them. D. Yavornitsky Yulia Viktorovna Revenko, who took up the baton of many years of painstaking and selfless work to create the museum of the founder of the museum center, Elena Valentinovna Alivantseva. She noted the importance of preserving the annual tradition of opening the White Lotus Day in the House where Elena Petrovna was born, and also honored the memory of one of the first theosophists in Ukraine, Alexander Sergeevich Prigunov, who passed away from the earthly plane. Every year, on May 8, Alexander Sergeevich dedicated his speech to the history of White Lotus Day. This tradition was continued by his daughter, Yulia Shabanova, who spoke about the will of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and the Executive Order of Henry S. Olcott establishing "White Lotus Day". Tatyana Golovchenko read chapter 16 from the Bhagavad Gita and comments to it by Annie Besant.
At the end of the first part of the White Lotus Day, a concert of classical music was performed by the string quartet of the Dnepropetrovsk Conservatory named after M. Glinka. The magnificent performances of works by I. Bach and W. Mozart, I. Pachelbel and A. Vivaldi, 2 D. Williams and G. Miller were accompanied by cultural comments by Yulia Shabanova, which made it possible to holistically recreate a single palette of the musical universe.
In the second part of the White Lotus Day, a traditional scientific conference was held, organized at the Department of Philosophy of the National Mining University. Scientists from Ukraine, Germany, Belgium, the USA, and Russia submitted materials for participation in the conference entitled “Modern World Understanding: Spiritual Aspects of Culture,” dedicated to the memory of H. P. Blavatsky. They presented their research on the worldview, philosophical, and cultural aspects of theosophy, and addressed the problems of spirituality, theurgy, esotericism, pessimism, and magic in the teachings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. And although only scientists from Dnepropetrovsk, including 3 doctors and 2 candidates of science, were able to directly participate in the conference this year (due to the difficult political situation in Ukraine), reports from foreign colleagues were read out during the conference. Questions that arose from the audience were sent to scientists from different countries for further dialogue, which will continue further. The conference was held in the spirit of creative dialogue, in the context of the search for a methodology for interdisciplinary synthesis, as close as possible to the specifics of research into sacred texts of the theosophical heritage of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Research, presented at the conference by scientists from different countries, was carried out in accordance with the main directions of the Concept of the activities of the scientific group of the Theosophical Society in Ukraine. To present the main ideas presented at the conference, a collection of abstracts was published, which will be published on the website of the Theosophical Society in Ukraine www.theosophy.in.ua, in the “Scientific Group” section.
The harmonious conclusion of the official part of White Lotus Day was a concert of vocal music performed by the laureate opera and chamber singer international competitions them. A. Dvorak (Czech Republic) and S. Prokofiev (Ukraine), head of the department solo singing Dnepropetrovsk Conservatory named after. M. Glinka Oksana Gopka and pianist Lyudmila Rybak. The sophisticated music of 20th century composers set to poems by poets of the early last century introduced listeners into the world of heightened subjectivism and refined chamber insight, reflecting the complex state of search for spiritual ideals relevant to modern society. An appeal to fragments from Elena Petrovna Blavatsky’s book “From the Caves and Wilds of Hindustan”, as well as musicological comments by Yulia Shabanova allowed symbolic form connect the musical conclusion of the White Lotus Day with the universal foundations of Theosophy.
Theosophists completed the White Lotus Day in a chamber setting. In addition to reading canonical texts, excerpts from an article by H.P. were read. Blavatsky on ethical group relations and an excerpt from the book “The Voice of the Silence” about Discipleship. In conclusion, the film “Women in Russian History - E.P.” was shown. Blavatsky." Participants shared their thoughts, cited memorable quotes and read poems, among which it is especially worth noting “Torch” - E. Bugrimenko, “Fate”, “Dedicated to the memory of HPB” - V. Budko.
V. Mishina, N. Melnik, A. Palladin, Y. Shabanova LVIV
– – –
KHARKIV
The Kharkov training center is the youngest and smallest in the Theosophical Society of Ukraine, but we, thanks to the common efforts and especially of the female half of the group in the person of Elena Tverdokhleb, had a wonderful White Lotus Day. All participants brought white flowers. The ceremonial meeting dedicated to the 123rd anniversary of the memory of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky opened with music by composer A.N. Scriabin. (which, The Secret Doctrine, had reference book), then Elena enthusiastically read excerpts from the work, The Light of Asia, or the Great Renunciation, by Edwin Arnold, HPB’s favorite work. Selected passages from the Bhagavad Gita and Light on the Path by Teacher Hilarion were also read. During breaks from reading literary works, the music of A.N. Scriabin was played. Those present were in an elevated mood. After the reading of the works, postcards with the image of a white lotus were played and read, on which there were excerpts of HPB texts. In general, the ceremonial meeting was held at a very good level.Eduard Kuskovsky
KIROVOGRAD
On this bright spring day, May 8, 2014, not only theosophists, but also their like-minded people came together Good will, regardless of which Path of spiritual growth they chose, in order to remember and express a feeling of sincere respect for our wonderful compatriot, to honor the day of departure from the earthly plane of the Messenger of Light sent to us by the Great Lords.
At the beginning of the meeting, the leader of the theosophical group, Raisa Mikhailovna Kalashnikova, created an excellent psychological mood for those present to warmly perceive the upcoming speeches. Then, after saying the Universal Prayer, she introduced us to the contents of the obituary entitled "Madame Blavatsky", published on May 10, 1891 in The Herald Tribune, New York, USA, in which the significance of Helena's mission was briefly but very succinctly revealed Petrovna Blavatsky and her works on an international scale.
With great attention we listened to Alexander Livashnikov, who read out the Executive Order of the President of the Theosophical Society, Henry Olcott, issued shortly before the First Anniversary of the Day when the bright spirit of Elena Petrovna left the earthly shell and freed itself from matter, and in which all HER desires were set out. We know that Helena Blavatsky was an example of charity and her first wish was to distribute some food to poor fishermen on such a Day. And then we learn that before the start of the Solemn Meeting, members of the TOS Initiative Group visited a shelter for lonely elderly people, left them some food on behalf of Elena Petrovna and some household supplies.
In order to fulfill her next desire, the active theosophist Lyudmila Perederiy read the 1st and 6th chapters from the Bhagavad Gita, and the psychologist Tatyana Orlova very soulfully presented an excerpt from Edwin Arnold’s book “The Light of Asia”, which talks about how “Buddha taught mercy.” I can’t say that this is the first time I’ve heard certain chapters from these works. But this time they sounded new, made us think about those qualities that are so necessary on the Path of Discipleship, and aroused a desire to become even more deeply acquainted with the ancient Teachings of the East.
4 It is known that every 100 years the Great Teachers send a Messenger to humanity, through whom part of the true ancient Knowledge can be conveyed to the world for the enlightenment of people. In the 19th century, the choice fell on Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Why? This question was addressed by Valentina Belan, basing her deep discussions on aspects of astrological science. It is impossible not to mention that in the twentieth century such envoys were Nikolai Konstantinovich and Elena Ivanovna Roerich. And we were happy to learn that in 1920, in London, they became members of the Theosophical Society. Their diplomas are signed by Annie Besant and are kept in the Roerich Museum in New York. In addition, it turns out that Nikolai Konstantinovich was instructed from above to take care of preserving the TO office in Adyar, as stated in his diary entries dated June 21, 1922.
The additions made by Yuliana Gubenko were interesting and informative, in particular that 1991 was declared by UNESCO the year of Helena Blavatsky and she was recognized as a “person of the world”.
The trace HPB left in the lives of the London worker Herbert Burrow and Countess Constance Wachtmeister, and who she was for them, was wonderfully conveyed in their messages by Lyudmila Fesenko and Tatyana Vasilyeva, respectively.
Everyone listened with bated breath to Leonid Volodarsky's poem dedicated to Blavatsky, which Larisa Pustovoitova read with inspiration.
In a short meditation held at the end of the meeting, we expressed our respect, veneration, and gratitude to the Great Teachers and their Messenger, who brought Light to people, for their enormous work for the benefit of the entire World. The meeting left a wonderful impression. It was lively, interesting, beautiful, besides, it was educational and showed that in this difficult time for everyone, we can cooperate and should unite to work for the sake of a Common Cause.
In conclusion, I would also like to express my gratitude to the organizers of this significant meeting, which encourages participants to Unite on the Path of spiritual growth, improvement, and overcome the Golden Steps of the Ladder, along which the student can climb to the Temple of Divine Wisdom.
Galina Sobakina 5
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
Every person who brings Light is an enemy of darkness. Light destroys darkness, and therefore darkness hastens to destroy the enemy so as not to be destroyed itself. Each person who brings Light thereby brings upon himself hordes of enemies. They hide under all sorts of guises, hiding behind religion, science, virtue, morality and many other masks, under which one essence is hidden - darkness. If, due to the peculiarities of the era, the light-bearer cannot be crucified, or stoned, or burned at the stake, then more sophisticated methods are used, which are not prohibited by law. In the arsenal of darkness there is slander, forgery, distortion of the truth brought, betrayal, silence - in a word, everything that can torture no less than torture and cause no less damage to the cause. Physical martyrdom lasts for days or hours, or even minutes; martyrdom in spirit - the entire conscious life of the light-bearer. And the greatest torment is not from personal attacks, but from the distortion of the given Teaching.
It takes absolutely exceptional courage to tell people the truth. It takes extraordinary dedication to convey messages from Above. Someday recognition will come, someday they will understand, and appreciate, and exalt. But the life path of great martyrdom will remain in the records of space as the valor of a crown of thorns, on the one hand, and an indelible shame, on the other.
She brought Light. She fieryly exposed all the layers of lies that had accumulated on the primary sources of the Teachings of Truth. She fought against the ignorance of science, against superstitions and harmful misconceptions. She gave the world books full of secret knowledge, crumbs of which were previously available only to a few. She heroically acquired and selflessly gave away precious knowledge. For all this she was persecuted, reviled and persecuted. But they could not extinguish the Light she brought.
We know that the grains planted by it did not perish, a shift in consciousness took place, new steps were laid and ascended along them, those who could perceive and contain the Light brought were used. Great is her merit and help to humanity. Her heroic life is a model for those who want to help evolution. She was not afraid and did not think about herself. She loved the task assigned to her most of all. She fought bravely and courageously, taking blows in the name of the great Light. Everything heroic will be properly appreciated in the new era. And she will take her rightful place in that wonderful future for which she worked so hard.
B. N. Abramov. May 6,7, 1951
From the book “The Aspiring Heart” by B. N. Abramov
IC ROSSASIA, Novosibirsk, 2012
Memorial Day of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky! White Lotus Day! How glorious it is to kneel in a heartfelt offering before that great and beautiful, strong and powerful, selfless and worthy woman and servant of the Light!
Exactly this great woman accepted the Higher Gift in order to extract at least to a small extent from what was previously an inaccessible Secret for humanity, hidden for precautionary purposes due to possible abuse. It was through Helena Petrovna Blavatsky that the Foundation Stone of the New Teaching was laid for humanity, composed of fragments of the manifestation of the United Teaching, given over many millennia in many peoples and races. But how much slander, slander, abuse, curses and betrayal this heroic Messenger of the Forces of Light endured!
The works written by her hand are truly immortal. Millions of people were inspired by these Works, which shed the Light of Knowledge on the Truth of the origin and origin of the Universe, the Planet and man, gave the first correct ideas about Invisible matter, pointed out the purpose and meaning of human existence, approved the concept of man as a spirit passing in Eternity, and laid down the concept and the awareness of his immortality.
Elena Petrovna Blavatsky wrote down so many ideas and tasks for the science of the future that science will have enough of this task for many centuries to come. But this feat, the majestic feat of life, will be realized only by the people of the New Time, the New World. For people standing at a crossroads or establishing themselves in the old, passing world, she could have become a world-famous writer even in previous decades. This is evidenced by the fiction books she wrote - fascinating, meaningful and inviting to the beauty of knowledge. There are many things accomplished by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky that give her appearance the radiance of unfading Glory.
We sing a song of Glory to the Beautiful Helen!
We sing a song of heartfelt joy to the glorious Upasika!
Oleg Cheglakov
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky!
You are a Spirit who lived a heroic life filled with many hardships and suffering.
You are the Spirit whose body was wounded and cut with sabers in the battles for the freedom of Italy.
You are a Spirit whose soul was wounded by human misunderstanding and whose life was given to the Service of people.
You are Spirit, one of those rare flowers of humanity who reach Brotherhood in a physical body once, many times twice a century.
You are the Spirit, who showed by your example how to live life so that it would be a shining example Serving the Common Good.
You are the Spirit whose path was strewn with malice, envy and slander. Betrayal was your constant companion, and yet you moved forward, driven by a sense of duty to complete the task assigned, you went against the Maya of evidence, you went so that what was predicted by the Higher Will would come true.
You are the Spirit, who has experienced to the fullest extent human misunderstanding and malice, be an example to us, be a beacon by which we will measure our lives, so that it too will be filled with heroic feats!
Elena Petrovna, accept our gratitude, appreciation and fire of our hearts!
- Oleg Cheglakov
- E.P. Blavatsky. Enchanted life. The Quill Pen's Tale
- E.P. Blavatsky. Self-knowledge, Will and desire, Purification of desire
For the DAY OF MEMORY OF HELENA PETROVNA BLAVATSKY (May 8, 1891) 05/16/2015 (audio recording of speeches from the program
Contemporaries about H. P. Blavatsky
Most of all I remember her bright and menacing eyes under the sharply defined arches of her eyebrows. It seemed that she did not belong to this world. In appearance - a woman, in speech - a man, in appearance - quite earthly, in reality - divine... This giant of intellect, wisdom and strength... is engaged in disseminating the knowledge of Brahma-vidya, the Religion of Wisdom.
Rangampally Jangannathya - theosophist
An extraordinary personality, eminently human, filled with compassion and undivided devotion to a cause that was sacred to her, to which she gave everything - soul, mind and heart. A generous warrior who has no sense of revenge. She found the strength to withstand the weight of hatred and lies that fell upon her.
A.P. Sinnett is the editor of the Pioneer newspaper.
Books have been published based on his correspondence with the Mahatmas
"Letters of the Mahatmas" and "Esoteric Buddhism",
close collaborator E.P. Blavatsky
She was a charming conversationalist. Her spontaneity was especially attractive. Someone once said to me that the most a beautiful woman England would look like a homely plain girl next to this wonderful personality. ...I have never seen a woman in adulthood laugh so much - like a child.
Walter Old - devoted student of HPB,
Member of the Esoteric Section of the Blavatsky Lodge
There can be no doubt that H. P. Blavatsky possesses wonderful secret powers, which she could only obtain by overcoming infinitely great difficulties. There is nothing more difficult in our time in India than to find a real yogi and be able to obtain his knowledge from him, especially since this difficulty is insurmountable for a woman from the barbarian race. But that she managed - how, I don’t know - to master the key to true Hindu philosophy and the secret teaching of the Buddha is beyond doubt for me.
I am not acquainted with members of the Theosophical Society of India, England and America, but I know H.P.B. well. I am not Russian, not English or American, and I have no earthly urge to say good or bad about anyone unless I am convinced of it.
And if they think that I am a Hindu and, moreover, a Brahman of the highest caste, then it is clear that nothing but the truth could force me to say a word in favor of the person who gives the lofty teachings of my ancestors to those who, despite all science and civilization, yet they are thoroughly barbarians.
But whoever calls H.P.B. a deceiver does not understand what he is saying. I would give everything in life to someone who could teach me how to deceive like that.
And is it really not enough for the people of the West if a proud Brahmin, who has never bowed his head to anyone except the Supreme Being, if he folds his hands before this white yogini of the West like an obedient child?
What prompts him to do this? That in our eyes she is no longer a barbarian woman; she has crossed the threshold and every Hindu, even the purest of the purest Brahmins, will consider it an honor and joy to call her mother.
Rai Lahiri, Indian Brahmin
Her face was round, like the moon - this shape is highly valued in the East; the eyes are clear and pure, soft, like a gazelle's when she is calm, but flashing like a snake when she is angry or excited. Until the age of thirty, she retained a girlish figure, flexible, muscular and well-built, capable of pleasing the eye of an artist. Her arms and legs were small and graceful, like tender girl.
It was impossible to resist her; in just one conversation she is able to conquer any person who has managed to acquire enough life experience so as not to consider oneself the center of the universe.
A.L. Rawson - Doctor of Theology, Law, Medicine.
Author of books on religion, philology, archeology
She was distinguished by the simplicity characteristic of those in whom lives a royal spirit, acting as it pleases. Everyone felt her insight and power. Everyone was captivated by her versatility. She helped people instantly show their best side. This gave them the opportunity to feel with renewed vigor that in front of them was a person who was able to discern their true essence, not paying attention to everything small and insignificant to which others attach so much importance. She held with love, not with fear.
Absolutely indifferent to gossip, she never bothered with refutations. She once told me: “The mud has been pouring for so long that now I don’t even try to open my umbrella.”
She lived the great truth, and they called her a deceiver; she was unusually generous, and she was considered a fraud; any pretense disgusted her, and they made her the Queen of Rogues.
Her ideal was samadhi, or God-consciousness... She was an iron bar, red-hot, which is likened to fire, forgetting its nature. Most people are constantly absorbed in the needs and pleasures of their lower nature. And for her, it seemed, there were no personal needs or pleasures.
Often she did not leave the house for six months. Even to take a walk in the garden. The influence of her personal example explains the secret of such an amazing growth and spread of the Theosophical movement.
Edmund Russell - American artist,
met with H.P.B. in the 80s in London
Peace and honor to Madame Blavatsky! For all her oddities, she was a glorious woman: she considered all people to be her brothers and sisters - she was a citizen of the world. By the way, she also has the following words: “Do not allow the scorching Sun to dry even a single tear of pain before you yourself erase it from the eyes of the sufferer.
Kurt Vonnegut - American writer
She is the most human of them all; she looks like an old peasant woman and is completely devoted to her work, her whole life is in a huge chair with a pen in her hand. For many years in a row she writes twelve hours a day.
H. P. Blavatsky...a woman of outstanding learning and strong character. One London wit once called her a vulgar comedian of the afterlife. This unkind phrase, however, contains the truth that she has always loved good joke– even if they were making fun of her.
A great and passionate nature... she made an impression on anyone who possessed at least some inner wealth, be it a man or a woman. She seemed to have little patience for formalism and the extremes of abstract idealism in the people around her, so that sometimes she exploded, swearing, and generously handed out nicknames: “You’re just a blockhead, although still a theosophist and fellow...
William Butler Yeats - Irish writer,
Winner of the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature, Theosophist,
one of the first members of the Esoteric Section of the Blavatsky Lodge
What a woman! ... misunderstood, slandered, insulted - and at the same time what a brilliant, subtle mind and what deep learning; the very embodiment of generosity; a woman upright in speech and action, disdainful of that sanctimonious chatter which we pass off as good manners, but ready to offer the truth to all who thirst. ...She never remained indifferent and was not the same with everyone. She had many friends who were ready to die for her, and enemies who were ready to destroy her.
This clear look of blue eyes read in the soul of everyone who came to her, even the one who later betrayed her. ...From her meager means (and she always lived modestly) she helped everyone in need, even if she knew that they intended to ruin the cause that she had served all her life.
Her speech was mesmerizing; she never gave lectures, but as soon as she spoke, those who listened to her could no longer think about anything else. After meeting her, nothing was the same as before.
Christmas Humphreys - Founder and President
Buddhist Society in London,
who devoted sixty years of his life to this activity
When a new teaching - guiding star and the consolation of my life - was revealed to me more and more fully and wider, I discovered in my heart deep, truly fiery gratitude to the messenger who dared to do everything, endured everything in order to give us the benefit of true light. She became my mother, my benefactor, my leader.
Although I did not know her in the flesh, she alone, of all the leaders of humanity, gave me true knowledge and taught me to stand for the truth in the face of the whole world. A soul that is capable of creating such a thing from afar cannot be a dependent ray; it is one of those great centers of light that never die, even if for some time we ignorantly called it “Helena Blavatsky.”
Campbell Fehr Planck, theosophist
Many of her books, including “The Secret Doctrine”, The Theosophical Movement, founded with her participation back in 1875 and operating to this day; the inspiration she awakened in countless devoted hearts and strong minds - all this was, is and will endure, because she was who she was. So who was she? We do not know. We'll probably never know. It remains a noble secret.
But we know something else: those who do not know how to be grateful are unworthy of grace. So today we can't help but thank her for being who she was and for everything she gave us. ...No one left the magical circle of her society without changing. And even today she continues to inspire those who were attracted by the fire that was once kindled with her help. We must thank her today and until the end of our days.
Stefan Hoeller - Ph.D,
Professor of the Department of Comparative Religion
University of Los Angeles
Excerpt from Edwin Arnold's book "The Light of Asia"
If you were chained to the wheel of change and had no way of breaking away from it, the heart of the infinite being would be a curse, the Soul of the world would become suffering. But you are not constrained! The soul of the world is blessed; the heart of the living is heavenly-peaceful; the will is stronger than suffering; what was good becomes better; the best is perfect.
I am the Buddha, whose tears were the tears of all my brothers, I - whose heart was tormented by the sorrow of the whole world, I now surrender myself to joy and joy, for I know that freedom is not a fiction! Oh, you who suffer, learn: - you suffer voluntarily! No one forces you, no one forces you to live and die, to spin in a wheel, hugging and covering with kisses the spokes that torment you, the rim drenched in tears, the hub - this is complete nothingness! Open your eyes; I will show you the truth! Below the underworld, above the sky, further than the most distant stars, further than the abode of Brahma, without beginning, without end, without limit, like space, certain, like certainty itself, there is a divine power directing towards good; only its laws are eternal. She manifests herself in a rose flower: her hand folds lotus leaves, she is in the dark depths of the earth, among silent crops, preparing the wonderful clothes of spring; she paints the radiant clouds; she scatters emeralds on the feathers of a peacock: the stars are her home; lightning, wind, rain are her servants.
Out of darkness she created the heart of a man, out of colorless scales - the striped neck of a pheasant; eternally creative, she transforms all old sorrows, all old shocks into good. She keeps gray eggs in the Anginga's nest and a hexagonal cell with the bee's honey; the ant knows her ways just like the white dove. She spreads the eagle's wings to fly when he returns home with prey; she sends the wolf to the cubs; for the unloved she finds food and friends. She does not know any obstacles, she does not stop, everyone is pleasant to her; she pours sweet milk into the mother's breast and poison into the teeth of the young snake.
She creates a harmony of moving spheres in the boundless firmament of heaven; it hides gold, sardonyx, sapphires, and lapis lazuli in the deep bowels of the earth.
Constantly bringing to light the hidden, she stays among the forest clearings and grows cedar roots, and she produces more and more leaves, flowers, and herbs.
She kills and saves, nothing touches her except the success of the case; Love and Life are the threads from which her fabric is woven: Death and Suffering are the shuttles of her loom.
She creates and destroys, forever correcting everything, and the fruits of her creativity are better and better. Slowly, in her skillful hands, the magnificent plan she conceived is being realized.
The visible world is part of the whole that it creates; the invisible world is wider than the visible; the hearts and souls of people, the thoughts of nations, their desires and actions - they are all governed by the same great law.
Invisibly she extends a helping hand to you, in an inaudible voice she speaks louder than the storm. Mercy and Love became available to people because through long work she gave shape to the blind mass.
No one can despise her, he who rejects her loses, he who obeys her gains: for secret good she pays with peace and blessing, for secret evil with suffering.
She sees everything, notices everything - she rewards a good deed and punishes a bad one, even when the one who committed it finally manages to know the true law (Dharma). She knows neither revenge nor forgiveness: the measure with which she measures is completely accurate, her scales are impeccably correct; time does not exist for her - her sentence is unchanged: whether she pronounces it tomorrow or many years later, it will remain the same.
With it, the killer's knife is directed against the killer himself; an unjust judge is deprived of a lawyer; lying serves as a punishment to itself; a thief and a robber kidnap in order to return the stolen property.
This is the law of truth - a law that no one can circumvent, no one can suspend, its essence is Love; his goal is Peace and a blessed death! Obey him!
On April 26, May 8, New Style, 1891, at the age of 59, Elena Petrovna Blavatsky, a brilliant Russian woman who laid the foundations of the theosophical movement in the world, quietly died in her office at her desk. To this day, the skeptical minds of Russia and Western countries perceive with great caution, one might even say with distrust, the existence in inaccessible areas of the Himalayas of the Brotherhood of the Teachers of Wisdom, the great Mahatmas who revealed the talent of a seer, mediator, great scientist and talented writer, such as Helena Petrovna Blavatsky.
The question “Who are you, Madame Blavatsky and who are you really with?” remains open to this day. She was a unique, harmonious personality, in which such talents were united - an excellent musician, a brave traveler, a conscientious historian, an ardent publicist, an artist, a philosopher and a theologian. She is an example of devotion, conscientiousness, fidelity and kindness, a scientist of encyclopedic knowledge, who did not take into account age or health, who bravely overcame such obstacles that even to a strong man. But the greatest goal of her life, set before her by the Great Teachers and Fate, was the creation of the Theosophical Society, which sought to unite all the peoples of the world into one fraternal family. This noble woman, theosophist and scientist, completed her task successfully.
Elena Petrovna possessed enormous psychic powers. She subordinated them to one noble goal - to do good to people, help them in misfortunes, not to lose courage, to overcome everyday storms with dignity. Her phenomenal occult experiences alleviated suffering, gave rise to hope for revealing the secrets of human life, and brought new unknown knowledge to the people. Mysticism, occultism, esotericism, theosophy - this is an incomplete list of her favorite topics and activities. In them she felt like a fish in water or an astronaut in space.
God blessed her great wisdom, which made me feel awkward. In disputes with scientists of her time, she amazed them with her deep knowledge of various sciences, natural and humanities. Probably, there was no such science and its problems in the world to which E.P. I wouldn't find the answer. And let’s say that her answers were accurate, true and consistent with data from both historical and natural sciences. She could not understand where such a miracle had fallen on her head. Therefore, in his letter to his sister Vera Zhelikhovskaya, he writes:
“Don't be afraid, I'm not crazy. All I can say is that someone definitely inspires me... moreover, someone enters me. It’s not me who speaks and writes—it’s something inside me, my higher, radiant Self, that thinks and writes for me. Don’t ask me, my friend, what I feel about this, for I am not able to clearly explain. I don’t understand it myself! The only thing I know is that now, as I've gotten older, I've become something of a fount of someone else's knowledge...
Someone comes, envelops me in a foggy cloud and suddenly pushes me out of myself, and then I am no longer “I” - Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, but someone else. Someone strong and powerful, born in completely different lands. As for me, it’s as if I’m sleeping or lying next to him, almost unconscious - not in my body, but very close, and only some thin thread holds me near him, connecting me with him. However, at times I see and hear everything quite clearly: I am perfectly aware of what my body, or at least its new owner, is saying or doing. I even understand and remember all this so well that I can later write down his words... At such moments I notice fear and awe on the faces of Olcott and others and watch with interest how he looks at them with some pity through my eyes and teaches these people, using my material, physical language. But not with my mind, but with my own, which envelops my consciousness like a cloud... Ah, in fact, I cannot explain everything” (1). (Letter to Vera. New York, 1875).
Blavatsky also writes about such abilities to her aunt, Nadezhda Fadeeva, with whom she grew up and studied:
“Tell me, my dear, are you interested in physiological and psychological secrets? Here is one of these, quite worthy of throwing into amazement any physiologist: In our [Theosophical] Society there are several exceptionally educated members, for example, Professor Wilder, one of the first archaeologists and orientalists in the United States, and all these people come to me to learn from me, and I swear that I understand all kinds of Eastern languages and sciences, both exact and abstract, much better than these learned men themselves. It is a fact! But facts are stubborn things; you can’t argue with them. So tell me: how could it happen that I, whose education was so terribly lame until the age of forty, suddenly became a beacon of knowledge in the eyes of a truly learned people? This fact is an incomprehensible secret of Nature. I am some kind of mystery of psychology, a puzzle for future generations, a kind of Sphinx! Just imagine: I, who had never studied anything in my life, who had nothing but superficial information of a very general nature, who had never had the slightest idea about physics, chemistry, zoology or anything at all, now suddenly became capable of writing entire dissertations on these subjects. I enter into discussions with pundits, debates, from which I often emerge victorious... This is not a joke, I am completely serious, I don’t understand how it all works out.
It’s true that for almost three years now I’ve been studying, reading, thinking, day and night. But no matter what I happen to read, it all seems familiar to me... I find errors in the most learned articles, in the lectures of Tyndall, Herbert Spencer, Huxley and others. If any archaeologist happens to challenge me to an argument, then when parting, he certainly assures me that I explained to him the meaning of various monuments and pointed out to him things that would never have occurred to him. All the symbols of antiquity with their secret meanings come to my mind and stand before my mind’s eye as soon as they are mentioned in conversation.
One of Faraday’s students, Professor X., who in the scientific world was unanimously dubbed “the father of experimental physics,” spent with me last night and now assures me that I am able to “outshine Faraday himself.” Maybe they are all just stupid? But it is impossible to assume that both friends and enemies have united to present me as a luminary of science, if everything I do turns out to be only my own wild theories.
And if only my devoted Olcott and my other theosophists had such a high opinion of me, then one could say: “Dans le pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois.” But my house is constantly, from morning to evening, crowded with all kinds of professors, doctors of science and doctors of theology... For example, there are two Jewish rabbis here, Adler and Goldstein, both of whom are considered the greatest Talmudists. They know by heart the Kabbalah of Simon Ben Yochai and the Nazarite Code of Bardezan. They were brought to me by Mr. A., a Protestant minister and Bible commentator, who hoped that they would prove that I was mistaken about a certain wording in the Chaldean Bible of Onkelos. And how did it all end? I defeated them. I quoted entire phrases in Hebrew to them and proved to the rabbis that Onkelos was one of the authorities of the Babylonian school.”(2). (Letter to N. Fadeeva. New York, 1875).
Blavatsky's phenomenal psychic talents showed the world that the mysterious forces that frighten people so much can be known, solved and put to the service of people. Even her enemies, caustic critics and scoffers, even they recognized the breadth and depth of her secret knowledge. Blavatsky was not afraid of anyone, because she knew the truth was behind her. With her intelligence, loyalty and obedience, she gained the trust of the Mahatmas, the Great Teachers of Humanity, under their supervision she completed a seven-year course of study, and left to her descendants a large literary legacy in cosmology, theosophy, history, esotericism, religion and philosophy.
Anyone who has read at least one of Blavatsky’s works will understand who Elena Petrovna was in life, how she adorned the world with her presence, how she saved people from troubles and suffering. Her works, written with the help of the Mahatmas, are “Isis Unveiled” in 2 volumes, “The Secret Doctrine” in 3 volumes, “The Voice of Silence”, “The Key to Theosophy”, “Esoteric Christianity”, “Theosophical Dictionary” and many others testify that the level of knowledge of this scientist was unattainable for most of her contemporaries. Her books are devoted to the revelation of errors, both in science and in the world, to the knowledge of the secret forces of nature and man, to emancipate him from dogmatic religion, from the abyss of ignorance so that a person becomes strong in spirit, lived longer, was not afraid of difficulties, violence and untruth. The level of her knowledge conveyed in the books is comprehensive and testifies to the immense heights achieved by a simple Russian woman, endowed with willpower, talent, and the ability to overcome any obstacles.
Companions noted in her notes, even on one page, four different handwriting and writing styles. It was true. Because Blavatsky’s hand was guided by three different Mahatmas. They helped her create immortal books and theories. It was they, the Mahatmas, who dictated entire pages of the books “Isis Unveiled” and “The Secret Doctrine” to her, supplied her with the necessary literature in an astral form, determined the contents of the books, modern problems, including Space and our planet. Her books have become textbooks for many generations of scientists, researchers and simply lovers of human wisdom. Based on the knowledge of H.P.B. thousands have been written scientific works, monographs, textbooks that contribute to the development of science and society. Blavatsky's legacy revealed to the thoughtful reader the meaning and purpose of his own life and provided answers to numerous questions and mysteries of life. It's no secret that The Secret Doctrine was Albert Einstein's reference book, and Isis Unveiled was Nobel laureate, doctor from Lambarene - Albert Schweitzer.
Blavatsky's works are a real encyclopedia of theosophical and esoteric philosophy. By studying them, the reader will get an idea of what the power of genuine occult doctrines is, what moral and philosophical guidelines they give people to overcome difficulties; what unites different religions and mystical schools, what benefits they bring to society. And also, what are the ethical and psychological requirements imposed on a person by science, knowledge of the laws of life and cosmic laws. Elena Petrovna never personally ascribed to herself all the credit and glory from her works, knowing full well that a large share in their creation belonged to close friends and associates. She has great respect for her Teachers, theosophists and philosophers, friends and assistants, who revealed to her the fascinating world of knowledge and showed her the road leading to wisdom, knowledge, and resolution of complex problems of our time.
For us, Blavatsky is the producer and herald of high spiritual teaching called Theosophy. It united all the world's religions, philosophies and cosmic science. It is our duty to rehabilitate her good name and protect her from unscrupulous critics who bring not benefit, but harm to human society, its progress and shortened her life. These are the Solovyov brothers, the London Psychical Society, and other enemies who failed to understand the phenomenal abilities and genius of the author. It was they who got on her nerves, persecuted her and tried with all their might to discredit the great Theosophist by declaring Blavatsky a charlatan. We are hurt and ashamed for such people who, without understanding her life and works, passed the prosecutor’s verdict.
We believe that Helena Blavatsky died prematurely. 59 years is, if not the heyday, then not the end - for sure. She must live, live and write her wise books.
In her Will, E. Blavatsky ordered that annually, on the anniversary of her death, her faithful friends, associates and listeners, gathering at the Headquarters of the Theosophical Society, read chapters from Edwin Arnold's book "The Light of Asia" and excerpts from the Bhagavad Gita, books who were close to her. Because in them she found pieces of her soul and heart.
On April 17, 1892, shortly before the first anniversary of her death, (May 8, 1891), Colonel G.S. Olcott issued an Executive Order at the Headquarters of the Theosophical Society of Adyar, which officially established "White Lotus Day", in memory of the death of H.P. Blavatsky. The named Order was a tribute to the blessed memory of the great public figure, a major scientist, a world-famous theosophist, whose works are admired by the entire reading world. Since that time, Theosophical Societies of all countries and peoples have annually held their events to perpetuate the memory of the great Theosophist.
Last message to the World Theosophical Congress
Feeling the approach of death, Blavatsky, in her Annual Message to the World Congress of Theosophists, held on April 26-27, 1891 in Boston, wrote the following: “So I have spoken out fully; I have not strength enough to write a longer message, but this is the last thing I need, since my faithful friend and messenger, Annie Besant, who is here my right hand, is able to convey to you my wishes more fully and better than I am able to express it on paper. In the end, all the wishes and thoughts that I could express boil down to one single phrase, the ever-waking desire of my heart: “Be Theosophists, work for Theosophy!” Start with Theosophy and end with Theosophy, for only its practical implementation can save the Western world from those selfish, not at all fraternal sentiments that divide races and peoples, only it can save the world from class hatred and class contradictions - this curse and shame of the so-called Christian peoples. Theosophy is the only one that can save the West from complete immersion in materialism aimed exclusively at luxury, in which the Western world will rot and decay, which previously happened to more ancient civilizations.
It is to you, Brothers, that the well-being of the coming century is entrusted; but, as great as trust is, so is responsibility. I myself have, apparently, not long to live, and if at least one of you was able to extract something from my teachings or received with my help a glimpse of the True Light, then in return I will ask you to continue to strengthen the cause with the victory of which this The True Light, becoming brighter and more majestic through your individual and collective efforts, will illuminate the whole world, and before I part with this worn-out body, I will have time to see that the stability and stability of the Society is guaranteed. May the blessings of the great Teachers past and present be with you. From me personally, please accept all the assurances of my genuine, unshakable brotherly feelings and sincere, heartfelt gratitude for the work done by all employees. From your devoted servant to the end, H. P. Blavatsky."
Companions and friends about Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
Paying tribute to the day of memory of Helena Blavatsky - the Day of the White Lotus, Helena Roerich, a great admirer of her work, spoke on this occasion as follows: “I will say that it was H.P.B who was the fiery messenger of the White Brotherhood. She was the bearer of the knowledge entrusted to her. It was she who was the great spirit who took upon herself the difficult task of giving a shift to the consciousness of humanity, entangled in the dead snares of dogma and atheism rushing into the dead end... H. P. Blavatsky was a great martyr, in full meaning this word. Envy, slander and persecution of ignorance killed her, and her work remained unfinished. The last, final volume of the “Secret Doctrine” did not take place. This is how people deprive themselves of the highest. I bow before the great spirit and fiery heart of our compatriot and I know that in future Russia her name will be raised to the proper height of veneration. E.P. Blavatsky is truly our national pride. Great martyr for Light and Truth. Eternal glory to her!” (4). (E.I. Roerich “Letters to America”. 09/8/1934).
Here are a few excerpts from an article by a man who was with her for the last six or seven years of her life, whom she sent to “work” in India a few months before her death. He was one of the main figures and assistants to the President of the TO, giving him his whole life and his entire fortune - this is Bertram Keatley. He is one of many ridiculed by V. Solovyov, which does not prevent him from being an intelligent, educated, sincere and honest person.
“From the moment I first met her gaze,” he writes casually, “a feeling arose in me of complete trust in her, as if in an old, tried and tested friend. This feeling never weakened or changed - it only grew stronger and grew as I got to know her better... Often months, even years later, as my moral growth allowed me to understand things more clearly and broadly, I, looking back at past, I was amazed that I did not first understand the correctness of her instructions... Over the years, the debt of my gratitude to her - her guiding hand for good - has increased, just as a mountain avalanche grows from a handful of snow, and I will never be able to repay her for all her good deeds..."
Here he tells how doubts, unbelief and materialism of our time plagued him; how he entered active life only under the protection of conventional morality, a stereotyped consciousness of honor, with a certain dose of youthful sentimentality, ready to admire alien virtues, but at the same time strongly doubting not only their merit and necessity, but decisively “everything that modern science could not prove.”
“What did life have in store for me? What would become of me? - he exclaims. “I would plunge into complete egoism, into self-destruction of the spirit.” E.P. saved me from such a fate. Blavatsky with her teachings... She saved me, as she saved many others. Before I knew it, life for me was devoid of an ideal worthy of struggle... The recognition of the destruction indicated by materialism - this fatal and final act of existence - dampened every generous movement with the bitter consciousness of its uselessness and my powerlessness... I did not see reasons and goals to pursue the difficult, the lofty and distant, when all-consuming death must, of course, cut the thread of life, long before achieving the intended good goals! life struggle!..
It was from this debilitating moral paralysis, which with a heavy oppression stifled my inner life and poisoned every hour of my existence, that she, - E.P. Blavatsky - saved me! Me - and others!.. Don’t we owe her more than our lives?..
I continue. Every thinking and feeling person sees himself surrounded by fatal tasks. On all sides, menacing sphinxes are ready to devour entire races if they do not solve their riddles... We see that the best efforts of humanity bring evil, not good. A gloomy emptiness envelops us, and where should we look for light?.. E.P. Blavatsky showed us this light. She taught those who wanted to listen to her to look within themselves for the rays of that “primordial star of light that shines on the path of times,” and with the desire for self-improvement she indicated the opportunity to kindle them... She made us realize that man, strong-willed, who knows how to forget about himself in the desire to help humanity, holds the key to salvation in his hands, for the mind and heart of that person are filled with wisdom stemming from pure, altruistic love, which gives knowledge of true life paths. That's what E.P. Blavatsky forced us, me and many, to accept it as the truth. Isn’t she worthy of gratitude?” (5). (B. Keatley about Blavatsky).
And here are the confessions of the Marquis Jose Chiffre, a delegate of the Spanish branch of the Theosophical Society to the convention of the European Section in London. After Blavatsky's death, he left his memories of her:
“...I would like to point out to the whole world the enormous influence that high soul she had it on me! - he says (“Lucifer” and other theosophical journals for July and August 1891). - To the change that took place in my feelings, thoughts and concepts about spiritual and material objects - in my whole life, in a word - when I met this amazing woman. Mr. Sinnett, in his admirable article about her in “The Review of Reviews” (June, 1891), said quite correctly: “H. P. Blavatsky reigned always and everywhere. She had to be either infinitely loved or hated! She could never be an object of indifference for those who approached her...” In my opinion, this testimony is remarkably fair...
When I first came to London with the sole purpose of seeing and getting to know her, N.R.V. (H.P.B.), whose talents made a deep impression on me, I understood that I would see the most remarkable personality of our century, as both in intelligence and in her extensive knowledge. The feeling that attracted me to her was not simple curiosity, but an all-powerful, irresistible attraction... But reality surpassed all my expectations!.. Her first glance penetrated my soul and seemed to humiliate and destroy in me the personality that I had been before. .. This process, incomprehensible and inexplicable for myself, but completely real and inevitable, manifested itself immediately and was happening non-stop in the deep recesses of my spiritual and moral existence... The transformation of my individuality, with its former inclinations and feelings, was gradually completed... I will not even try to explain this apparently amazing fact - the disappearance of my former personality, but it will never be erased from my memory...
With each new date, my feelings of trust, affection and devotion to her increased. After all, I owe my rebirth to her! Only by recognizing her did I know moral balance and peace of mind. She gave me hope for the future. She instilled in me her magnanimous, noble aspirations. She radically changed my everyday coexistence, raising the ideals of life, showing me in it high goal: striving for the tasks of Theosophy - for self-improvement in work, for the benefit of humanity...
Death of E.P. Blavatsky is a bitter test for me, as well as for all the Theosophist workers who knew her personally and owe her an immortal debt of gratitude. I, personally, lost in her a friend and teacher, who cleansed me from the filth of life, who restored my faith in humanity!.. In the great example of her courage, self-denial, selflessness and generosity, I will find the strength to work all my life for a cause that we all owe protect.
May her memory be blessed!
Dear brothers and friends, these are the few words with which I wanted to express that I will never forget what I owe to her. Let the enemies and materialists explain, if they can, the power of H.P.'s influence and power. Blavatsky; if they cannot, let them be silent!.. A tree will be known by its fruits, and our actions will be judged and evaluated by their results.”(6). (“What H.P.B. did for me.” Lucifer. July. 1891. Excerpts).
Reporting information about her sister, Vera Zhelikhovskaya asks readers not to reproach her, following the example of Vsevolod Solovyov, that she exalts her sister and her teaching. She does not exalt her, but wants to prove that “in the West and in the East there are many people who have the ability to look at her truly with reverence; and this means that she had real merits out of the ordinary, even besides her scholarship and, of course, besides all sorts of “phenomena” to which only superficial people completely unfamiliar with her teaching could attach any significance. Because of this legitimate desire to restore the personality of my sister in the opinion of the Russians, who learned about her only from Mr. Solovyov’s humiliating satire on her (and, unfortunately, there are many of them!), I wrote this last chapter, dedicated to her alone” (7). (V. Zhelikhovskaya. About my sister).
People from all countries responded to the death of Helena Blavatsky, including such as Crookes, Flammarion, Stead, Hartmann, Hubbe-Schleiden, Beck, Fullerton, Ayton, Buchanan and many others. They all paid tribute to her memory with their memories and speeches.
Zhelikhovskaya quotes the words of Professor Hübbe-Schleiden, written by him in his journal “Sphinx”:
“Whatever friend or foe may think of the deceased, whether they give her divine honors or contempt, everyone must agree that she was one of the most remarkable human creatures that has appeared in our century: she was the only one of her kind... Not The time has yet come for the final verdict on her; but we cannot refrain from saying that we, like many others who are aware of the same thing, are indebted to her and thank her for inspiration that has no price!.. She is one of those about whom Schiller said correctly: “All surrounded love and hatred of pariahs, In the annals of world history, her personality is coming - immortal!”
“There were so many women in the world who were not distinguished by any special origin, wealth, connections or patronage.” powerful of the world this - but only solely for their personal merits, after whose death such an epitaph would be proposed?.. And we must also take into account that it was proposed not by any of Blavatsky’s personal friends, devoted to her life and death, but by a person comparatively outsiders, who knew her very little, who assessed her more based on the results of her activities and scientific works rather than out of sympathy" (8). (Zhelikhovskaya about her sister)..
At an emergency convention, writes Zhelikhovskaya, on the occasion of the death of the founder of the Theosophical Society, people came from India, America, Australia and all countries Western Europe The delegates, chaired by the founding president, devoted all the first meetings exclusively to her memory. IN big hall There was not enough space for meetings in the London main theosophical apartment: it was necessary to hire third-party halls that could accommodate more than a thousand people.
It was immediately decided to open a widespread subscription to raise money for the Blavatsky Foundation, H.P.B’s Memorial Fund. This was to fulfill her desire, for which she worked tirelessly. Namely: for the printing of works on theosophical issues, both original and translated from Sanskrit and ancient Tamil; works, familiarity with which “will serve the alliance between East and West.
Then the question of storage for her ashes was raised. Theosophists of India demanded that Blavatsky's ashes be returned to them. So that, in accordance with her own wishes, her ashes rest in Adyar. But Colonel Olcott, condescending to the wishes of the “brothers in other parts of the world,” decided, taking into account that the theosophical activity of H.P. Blavatsky “is divided into three periods: New York, her cradle; Adyar, her altar, and London, her tomb, proposed to divide it into three parts, and his proposal was unanimously approved. E.P. Blavatsky bequeathed that her body should be consigned not to earth, but to fire. It was burned in a London crematorium on May 11, 1891.
The delegates from Sweden asked to be allowed to deliver, for the London Headquarters, a bronze urn, the work of the famous Stockholm master Bengston. Colonel Olcott announced that a mausoleum would be built in the Adyar Garden to preserve the ashes of “their beloved teacher.” In New York, at the Headquarters of American Theosophists, a magnificent mausoleum was built for the same purpose according to the plans of the best of the architects, a member of the Theosophical Society, who offered his work free of charge.
The urn sent from Sweden, writes Zhelikhovskaya, was magnificent. It was placed in her sister’s room, which it was decided to keep forever in the form in which it was with her. The room is usually locked, and is entered only on business, to take one of the books from her library or to show the room to visitors - Theosophists.
On May 8th of the new style, on the day of the anniversary of H.P.B.’s death, the entire room, especially the “Dagobah” (the urn with the ashes of H.P. Blavatsky), and then the portrait of her “teacher Moriah” standing on that in the same place, as during her life, they were covered with white flowers, roses, jasmine and lilies - prototypes of lotuses, which were not available in Europe.
“This day,” writes Zhelikhovskaya, “May 8, by an official decree voted in Adyar on April 17, 1892, and approved unanimously by all theosophical centers, it was decided to call it “White Lotus Day” and dedicate it annually to the memory of the founder of the Theosophical Society, trying to commemorate it not only by speeches about her and readings of her works, but also, if possible, by charitable deeds. Thus, in the garden of the Theosophical Quarter in London, neighboring beggars were fed on this day; in India, not only in Adyar, where all its former rooms were covered with lotuses, but also in Bombay and Calcutta, in addition to food, copies of their sacred book Bhagavad Gita were distributed to the poor. The same thing happened in New York, and in Philadelphia, and in several cities in the United States where Theosophy flourishes - and nowhere does it flourish so much in all respects as in America" (9). (Zhelikhovskaya).
The head quarters of the Theosophical Society in London consists of three houses facing two streets, with a front garden and a large garden within.
“Nowhere was sadness over the death of H. P. Blavatsky manifested itself so publicly as on the island of Ceylon. There, “besides the reviews of the press, which were full of her name,” the high priest Sumangala performed a solemn commemoration of her, and all girls’ Buddhist schools were closed for three days. The next day there was an emergency meeting of theosophists in Colombo, at which it was decided to install a bronze plaque in the wall of the Society’s meeting hall with the name of its founder, the dates of her birth, arrival in India and death - in eternal memory of her. The Vice-President of the Eastern College, a zealous Theosophist, gave a lecture on its activities and teachings; in particular about her services to the tribes of India and to the Buddhist world - by introducing the West to the beliefs, knowledge and literature of the Aryans.
The following Sunday, the Theosophical Society in Colombo, predominantly consisting of Buddhists, invited, according to local custom, 27 members of the monastic brethren to take food and alms in memory of the deceased; and one of the monks received as a gift clothes and all the few items that monks are allowed to own: a begging mug and a metal jug for water, a razor, a belt, etc. In addition, several hundred beggars were fed a funeral dinner in memory of the deceased, and It was decided to perform all these rituals annually. On the anniversary of her death, the number of fed poor brethren increased to 3,000 people; and in the reports of the magazine “The Theosophist” it is stated that with the interest of the fund collected in Ceylon in memory of Blavatsky, three orphans will be raised forever - these are scholarships named after “N.R.V.” (10). (Ibid. St. Petersburg. January. 1893).
"Madame Blavatsky"
Under this heading (Madame Blavatsky), on May 10, 1891, an editorial on the death of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky appeared in the New York Tribune daily newspaper. We present it in full:
“In our time there is hardly a woman who would be so persistently misrepresented, so defamed and dishonored as Madame Blavatsky; but it was not in vain that she suffered because of human malice and ignorance - there are many signs that the work of her life will justify itself, that it will stand and serve good. She was the founder of the Theosophical Society, an organization now well established, with branches in many countries, East and West, and devoted to research and pursuits, the pure and sublime character of which is universally and unfailingly recognized.
Madame Blavatsky's life was unusual, but now is not the place or time to talk about the vicissitudes of this life. Let's just say that she devoted about twenty years to the dissemination of doctrines, the fundamental principles of which are of the most sublime ethical character. However utopian the attempt in the nineteenth century to break down the barriers of race, nationality, caste and class prejudice and to inculcate the spirit of that brotherly love which the greatest of the Masters called for in the first century may have seemed to some minds, the nobility of such an aim can only be doubted by those who rejects Christianity. Madame Blavatsky believed that the basis for the revival of humanity should be the development of altruism. In this she did not disagree with the greatest thinkers not only of our day, but of all times and peoples: and this answered (which is becoming more and more clear) the deep spiritual trends of the age. If only for this reason, her teaching has the right to an impartial and serious attitude on the part of those who welcome everything leading to good.
And in another direction - although related to the idea of universal brotherhood - she also did very important work. It can be argued that of the current generation of people, no one has done more than she has in order to return to the world the treasures of Eastern thought, wisdom and philosophy, which for so long remained a secret behind seven seals. And no one has certainly made so much effort to explain the wisdom religion revealed by the ever-contemplative thought of the East, and to shed light on the most ancient literary works, the magnitude and depth of which so amazed the Western world, brought up in the limited idea that in the realm of the speculative The East is only capable of crude and primitive constructions.
As for her knowledge of Eastern philosophy and esotericism, it was exhaustive. No honest mind can doubt this after reading her two main works. Indeed, along the path that she often paved, only a few who knew could follow her to the end; but the very tone and direction of all her writings were healing, invigorating and stimulating. She tirelessly tried to explain to the world how vital self-denial and work for the benefit of others are; that is, exactly what our world has always needed and needs most. Such an idea, of course, cannot cause anything other than rejection among admirers of one’s self; and this teaching still has little chance of gaining public recognition, not to mention its widespread application in life. However, there is no doubt that a man or woman who voluntarily renounced all personal goals and any claims in order to promote such ideas deserves respect, even from those who are not yet able to respond to the call of the higher life.
Madame Blavatsky's work has already begun to bear fruit and is destined to have an even more significant and beneficial impact in the future. Perspicacious observers have already noticed the coloring of this influence on many areas of modern thought. Greater humanity, emancipation of thinking, a tendency to study ancient philosophies from more worthy positions - all this is not without the influence of her teachings. Thus, Madame Blavatsky will forever go down in history; the same will happen with her works.
She has completed her journey; and after a life filled with intense labor, she was given rest. Her personal influence is no longer required to continue the great work to which she has dedicated herself. It will continue, thanks to the impulse she has given. The day will come, although not soon, when the nobility and purity of her motives, the wisdom and depth of her teachings will be more fully realized. And her memory will be given the high veneration it deserves!” (eleven). (Response of Mrs. Igrek (V.P. Zhelikhovskaya) to Mr. Vsevolod Solovyov. St. Petersburg, 1893).
We can talk a lot more about this greatest personality, Helena Blavatsky, considering her life and work under different angles sight, but the result will be the same: she was a brilliant woman, a lamp of sleeping humanity. Let us just remind you that since then, March 8th has been revered in all countries of the world as the Day of Remembrance of the great scientist, theosophist, a man of enormous talents and great knowledge, who brought knowledge to humanity, joy from it, relief from mental anguish and other suffering. In our country, this mourning date, White Lotus Day, is celebrated especially solemnly in the Museums and Houses of Art of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky.
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Literature.
1. Letter to Vera. New York, 1875. // In the book. Blavatskaya E.P. Letters to friends and employees. M. Sfera, 2003.
2. Letter n. Fadeeva. New York, 1875. //In the book. Blavatsky E.P. Letters to friends and collaborators. M. Sfera, 2003.
3. Message to the World Congress of Theosophists. //In the book. Letters to friends and employees. M. Sfera, 2003.
4. E.I. Roerich “Letters to America”. 09/08/1934. // Helena Roerich. Letters in 2 volumes. Moscow, Sfera, 2010.
5. B. Keatley about Blavatsky. //In the book. Answer from Ms. Igrek (V.P. Zhelikhovskaya) to Mr. Vsevolod Solovyov. St. Petersburg, 1893
6. "What H.P.B." did for me." Lucifer. July. 1891. Excerpts.
7. Zhelikhovskaya V.P. Ms. Igrek’s response to Mr. Vsevolod Solovyov. St. Petersburg, 1893.
8. Zhelikhovskaya V.P. about his sister. // Zhelikhovskaya V. Rada-Bai. E.P. Blavatskaya. M, Sfera, 1992.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. 11. Answer from Ms. Igrek (V.P. Zhelikhovskaya) to Mr. Vsevolod Solovyov. St. Petersburg, 1893