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Every so often throughout history a brave soul comes along, introducing new ideas to the world. After stepping outside the framework of the modern intellectual establishment, they are either ridiculed or ignored by many so-called experts and authorities of the day.
Such was the fate of a pioneer esotericist by the name of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, a Russian who lived from 1831 to 1891. While the average person has likely never even heard of this woman, her contribution to the expansion of occult teachings has been greatly valued by a large number of students in the East and West.
The word "occult" often has negative connotations for those who aren't familiar with its true meaning. It simply has to do with the hidden forces behind the outer appearances and events of reality. More specifically, it relates to forces that drive and shape the evolution of humanity and all other kingdoms.
A recent CBS News article, titled "God, Mystics, Yoga: What Americans Believe" (October 4, 2009), briefly touches on the role of occult ideas in terms of meditation, mind/body healing and positive thinking philosophies. The article mentions Blavatsky's Theosophy Movement and how her acquaintances included household names such as Thomas Edison. (1)
Madame Blavatsky is also discussed in a recent Share International article, "The perennial light of Truth" (written on September 5, 2009). The following is an excerpt:
"One day in the winter of 1875, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, one of the founders of the Theosophical Society, made a vow: to spread by every means in her power the teachings which she had received from several Masters of the Himalayan Lodge of the Spiritual Hierarchy of our planet. True to her vow, she set to work to inform the world of these teachings. Her books, The Secret Doctrine, Isis Unveiled, and The Key to Theosophy, are testimony to her indefatigable industry and will, in the face of great physical illness. These seminal works have informed and inspired many thousands of true seekers over the years and continue to do so.
"The general reception of these precious insights was altogether different: seldom have the work and gifts of a great initiate been so denigrated and ridiculed, especially by the religious and scientific communities of the day...." (2)
Blavatsky helped to bridge the gap of knowledge between eastern religions and the West by expounding concepts such as karma and reincarnation. It is said that she gave a "logical basis for morality and brotherhood," and "required that the first objective of the Theosophical Movement be Universal Brotherhood without regard to race, creed, sex, caste, or color." (3)
Among other ways, her writings were particularly groundbreaking in how they informed humanity of the existence of a group of highly evolved men, the Spiritual Hierarchy, who have been living on Earth for countless ages. These guides, or Elder Brothers, have inspired and steered humanity forward in its progress from one age to the next.
Whether Blavatsky is recognized as a charlatan or a hero by any specific person or group, one thing is for certain. Increasingly, many people are hearing about the possibility that such a group of enlightened helpers of the human race exists. Not only are they among us, they are also preparing to gradually step forward into the public arena as part of a new phase of their relationship with humanity.
It is said that the esoteric ideas of today will eventually become exoteric facts in the future. In this regard, Blavatsky's works may soon be seen as valuable reference materials, given out slightly ahead of her time.
References:
1. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/02/sunday/main5358799.shtml
2. Share International magazine, Vol 28, No. 8 - October 2009
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