HPB-SB-10-333

H. P. Blavatsky Scrapbooks

from Adyar archives of the International Theosophical Society

T i

vol. 10, p. 333

vol. 10

page 333

 

SBT, DT

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eng • рус

<Untitled> ("Jurodivi", - Not only does the vast majority of Russian peasants...)

“Jurodivi.”—Not only does the vast majority of Russian peasants believe firmly in witchcraft, as we lately showed, but the name of its superstitions is legion. There is scarcely a village in Russia without its “Jurodivi,” or inspired idiot, its “Kaldunja,” or sorceress, and its “Klikusha,” a hysterical screaming woman, subject to fits, who is an especial object of fear and reverence to her neighbours. A strange illness, attributed by some of the most eminent Russian pathologists to the effect produced upon the nerves by all these silly superstitions, has made its appearance in several provinces of the Empire among the hardy and robust rural populations. No efficacious method has as yet been devised for treating this malady, which generally culminates in insanity. The village popes regard it with indifference, and make no effort to discourage the demoralising credulity in which it originates. The district surgeons shrug their shoulders over it, and confess their inability to comprehend the phenomena of its genesis and incubation. Meanwhile, it appears to be rapidly spreading, and largely recruiting the ranks of the “Chlisti,” a fanatical sect which practises fasting and self-castigation with the most shocking results to its followers—especially to those of the female sex. It is obvious that a practical and thoroughgoing system of popular education alone can grapple with and subdue these unwholesome tendencies of the Russian peasantry, and that, even were such a system introduced with promptitude and energy, more than one generation must pass away ere any appreciable progress can be effected in the intellectual and moral emancipation of the moujik.—Daily Telegraph.

“The Light of Asia.”—Many will remember the straightforward testimony given to the Dialectical Society, by Mr. Edwin Arnold, about Spiritualism, and be pleased to hear how well his admirable latest work is received by the public. The Athenæum states that “Mr. Edwin Arnold, whose poem, ‘The Light of Asia,’ has passed through two editions here, and eight in America,” has received a letter from the King of Siam—together with the Order of the White Elephant—dated Grand Palace, Bangkok, Dec. 5, 1879, in which his Majesty says:—“I feel much gratitude to those who like yourself teach Europeans to hold our religion in respect. I thank you for the copy of your poem, ‘The Light of Asia,’ presented to me through my Minister in London. I am not a sufficiently good scholar to judge English poetry, but as your work is based upon the similar source of our own information, I can read it through with very much pleasure, and I can say that your poem, ‘The Light of Asia,’ is the most eloquent defence of Buddhism that has yet appeared, and is full of beautiful poetry; but I like Book Second very much, and am very much interested in the final sermon. To mark my opinion of your good feeling towards Eastern peoples, and my appreciation of your high ability and the service you have done to all Buddhists by this defence of their religion, I have much satisfaction in appointing you an officer of our most exalted Order of the White Elephant.”

A Revival of Mesmerism

A steady revival of public interest in Mesmerism has been in progress for some years, and mesmeric practitioners have been quietly pursuing their calling ever since the Mesmeric Infirmary in London came to an end. As a general rule their services have been in good demand.

In all probability an organisation of mesmerists will be formed before long, the desirability of such a step being generally felt.

The chief difficulty encountered by the former Mesmeric Infirmary was that it either could not obtain or could not pay a cultured and educated class of mesmerists, consequently those patients who could afford to support the hospital, did not do so, because they did not like the operators sent to their homes by the institution. The mesmerists on the premises, had plenty to do however, and effected marvellous cures, but most of those who derived benefit could pay little or nothing to keep up the establishment. Subscriptions came in from the founders of the Infirmary, but these charitable supplies naturally dwindled in amount year by year; furthermore the spirited and constant management of men like Dr. Elliotson being removed from the Infirmary, enthusiasm died out among the workers, so the first Mesmeric Hospital calmly folded its hands and died a peaceful death.

In any new step in the same direction therefore, care should be taken to engage a few superior men as operators, whereby the rock on which the first Mesmeric Infirmary split, will be avoided.

A Voice from Laodicea*

By f. podmore, b.a. (oxon.), f.c.s.

The evidence for the phenomena known as spiritualistic appears to me logically irrefragable. The phenomena are narrated on credible testimony—nay, on the testimony of reluctant or uninterested witnesses—to have occurred in all past time. They are written <... continues on page 10-334 >

* A paper read before the National Association of Spiritualists, February 16th, 1880.

Editor's notes

Sources

• 

  London Spiritualist, No. 394, March 12, 1880, p. 131

• 

  London Spiritualist, No. 396, March 26, 1880, p. 145