Blavatsky's theosophy
Explanation
The Theosophical Society was founded in New York in 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891), Henry Steel Olcott and William Quan Judge. Blavatsky, an eccentric and controversial Russian woman who claimed to have received teachings from masters (mahatmas) residing in Tibet, published two foundational works: Isis Unveiled (1877) and The Secret Doctrine (1888). Theosophy was the first great systematic attempt at a synthesis between Eastern wisdom and modern Western science.
Theosophical cosmology posits a universal Secret Doctrine underlying all religions and esoteric traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Kabbalah, Hermeticism, alchemy). It proposes a cyclical cosmic evolution through seven planetary rounds and seven root-races (terminology that, although problematic for later historical reasons, in Blavatsky did not have the racist sense some later gave it). The human being has seven bodies or vehicles (physical, etheric, astral, lower mental, higher mental, buddhic, atmic) operating on seven planes of reality.
Theosophy popularised in the West Eastern concepts that until then were little known: karma, reincarnation, chakras, kundalini, ascended masters, astral planes, etc. Its cultural influence was enormous: in art (Kandinsky, Mondrian, Malevich, Scriabin were influenced by Theosophy), in literature (Yeats, AE Russell, E.M. Forster), in politics (Gandhi came to know the Bhagavad Gita through theosophists in London; Jinnah, Nehru had contacts with the theosophical milieu), in contemporary spirituality (precursor of the New Age).
Annie Besant, Charles Leadbeater, Alice Bailey, Rudolf Steiner (who broke away and founded anthroposophy) continued and diversified the current. Jiddu Krishnamurti was prepared by the theosophists as world vehicle of the Master Maitreya, but in 1929 he dramatically renounced the role assigned to him in a famous speech. This generated a crisis in the Society, but Krishnamurti continued his own teaching, very influential in the twentieth century.
For the theory of consciousness, Theosophy proposes a model of cosmic conscious evolution: individual consciousness is a divine spark in the process of unfolding through multiple lives and multiple planes. The ultimate aim is full awakening to the fundamental spiritual unity of the cosmos. Chakras, the subtle body, spiritual hierarchies are maps of this evolution.
Theosophy has been criticised for lack of rigour, for some claims impossible to verify, for alleged frauds in certain phenomena of Blavatsky. But its historical role is undeniable: it was a bridge between East and West at a crucial moment, sowed the ground for the Western reception of Hinduism and Buddhism, inspired very influential artistic and spiritual movements, and articulated a first great synthesis of global spirituality. Contemporary scholars such as Joscelyn Godwin, Wouter Hanegraaff, Olav Hammer have rigorously analysed its cultural impact. As a vision of consciousness, it continues to offer an evolutionary-cosmic perspective that many find attractive.
Strengths
- Pioneering opening of the West to Eastern traditions.
- Extensive comparative synthesis.
- Documented influence on modern art and culture.
- Emphasis on the evolutionary development of consciousness.
Main critiques
- Many empirically problematic claims.
- Authoritative tone without evidence.
- Obsolete and now unacceptable racial concepts.
- Uncritical mixing of very different traditions.