Legend
< Madame Blavatsky and Col.Olcott in England (continued from page 8-129) >
soundest basis of all human development, the Arya Samaj has no political sympathies or designs, as has been absurdly suggested by an English opponent. Its founder and chief in India is a profound scholar and eloquent expositor of doctrines, which even to the most accomplished Orientalists of the West are enveloped in much doubt and obscurity. It is not, of course, to be supposed that the Theosophical societies are composed of persons equally competent in this respect, or, on the other hand, who have blindly embraced what would be to most of them an unknown religion. But we believe, as we are taught, that knowledge is not a mere result of research or speculation, but is inseparably connected with action. There are in our societies sections and degrees in which the obligations and attainments differ greatly. We have evidence that the highest development of spiritual life in the most secret and esoteric lodges of the parent fraternity is marked by the recovery of that knowledge of and power over the forces of nature—blind and intelligent—which Cabalists and Gnostics tell us are the original prerogatives of man. Few of us, probably, will reach these heights. But all who do not dishonour the profession of theosophy by negligence or self-indulgence may hope to attain some knowledge of the Divine-human spirit, its nature, and powers. The doors of our Society are open to all who are in sympathy with the public objects of the Arya Samaj, and who wish in all sincerity and earnestness to avail themselves of the instructions and help in occult researches which we expect to receive. But we have no phenomenal wonders to promise, and with the exception of such mediums as we have among us, are not at all distinguished from the most commonplace people by the possession of occult powers. Nevertheless, as I have had many questions addressed to me from time to time on the subject, it is possible that this short and necessarily imperfect account of our objects, so far as they are at present developed, may be acceptable. And it seemed appropriate to introduce it into a notice of the short visit which we have had from our friends Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott. I should add that they both felt much regret that the time at their disposal did not permit them to make any visits of compliment, or to seek any acquaintances outside the circle of the Theosophical Society. One of Madame Blavatsky’s objects in visiting London was to consult certain books and manuscripts at the British Museum, where most of the time she could spare from Norwood was passed. Two other members of the New York Society accompany them to India, with the intention of permanently residing there. Colonel Olcott goes as a Commissioner from the Government of the United States to report upon the state of commerce and the means of promoting intercourse for trade purposes between the two countries. Madame Blavatsky will be the Indian correspondent of one of the leading Russian journals.
Jan. 19.
<Untitled> (Sir,-The Readers...)
Sir,—The readers of The Spiritualist will be surprised and interested in knowing that Colonel Olcott and Madame Blavatsky have been living for the last ten days with Dr. and Mrs. Billing at Norwood, and have just sailed for Bombay.
The mysterious authoress of Isis Unveiled desired that her presence here should remain a secret, as her time was so short, and she feared being disturbed by a number of curious inspectors. She, therefore, saw only the few members of the Theosophical Society now in London.
Colonel Olcott is a man at once easily understood. A man of robust health and strength, of great vigour, soundness, affection, and truthfulness of mind, and of indomitable perseverance; and one of whom you feel that once to be his friend is to be his friend for ever.
Madame Blavatsky, or H. P. B., as she prefers to be called by her intimates, is not so easily understood, for she is sui generis and unique, a mystery and an enigma.
Swarthy, and of Tartar aspect, she is tall, strong, vigorous, and in perfect bodily health. She resembles a very powerful woman, about fifty-five years of age, but she asserts that she is eighty-two years of age. Her jaws are large, and furnished with perfectly regular and strong teeth; and her eyes, though almost without colour, yet can read without glasses the smallest print, and can look you through and through, and can read your character and thoughts at will. She is highly accomplished in languages and music, but is totally indifferent to the exhibition of these accomplishments, and to personal appearances, although she is possessed of a form and bearing of queenly dignity, if she only condescended to assume the garments and the mien. With irresistible powers of fascination, she seems only to despise the use of these powers. Enjoying enormous fits of laughter, she is yet for ever restless and sad. She possesses that powerful dramatic force which proceeds from the intense convictions of a powerfully emotional nature. She declaims on all subjects, rapidly passing from one to another, yet ever returning to her central idea; the spiritual wisdom and power of the East, from which must appear the coming man to rule the spiritual world.
Of truly a great nature, but with, to my mind, one extravagant defect, shown in her book and in her talk, an unreasoning and intolerant hatred of the doctrines and works of all Christian teachers.
If you explain to her that your form of Christianity is spiritual and esoteric, and show that the essence of esoteric Brahmanism, Buddhism, and Christianity are one and identical, namely, to find your hidden spiritual light, and unite this with the fountain and centre of all light, she at once accepts you as a spiritual brother; but she cannot rest in this, but noisily and for ever persists in confusing the essence with the external garments of Christianity.
This habit of mind arises from her vehement reverence for her Eastern lords and masters, who are for ever being reviled by Christian missionaries. You may criticise herself freely as you like, but if you whisper a word of treachery against her revered chiefs, you convert her into an implacable enemy, and from this characteristic it will be seen that she is very far from having reached that dignified and calm repose and sublime toleration which all who attain to the wisdom of the soul possess.
Beyond all doubt she is a magician controlling the movements of matter and counteracting the action of poisons, as I experienced in my own person.
She is wonderful and unique, and to have known her as I have, is always to remember her with affection, admiration, and respect.
<Untitled> (The Indian Spectator is assured...)
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<Untitled> (An American Mission...)
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<... continues on page 8-131 >
Editor's notes
Sources
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London Spiritualist, No. 335, January 24, 1879, p. 42