The Secret Doctrine by H.P. Blavatsky

The Secret Doctrine by H.P. Blavatsky is a double-volume work consisiting of the two books: Cosmogenesis and Antrhopogenesis. They where published in 1888 and Blavatsky claimed that the contents had been revealed to her by ‘mahatmas‘ who had retained knowledge of mankind’s spiritual history, knowledge that it was now possible, in part, to reveal. The first part of the book explained the origin and evolution of the universe itself. The world and everything in it is supposed to alternate between periods of activity (manvantaras) and periods of passivity (pralayas). Each manvantara lasts many millions of years and consists of a number of Yugas, in accordance with Hindu cosmology. Blavatsky wanted to publish a third and fourth volume of The Secret Doctrine. After Blavatsky’s death, a controversial third volume of The Secret Doctrine was published by Annie Besant.

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The Secret Doctrine by H.P. Blavatsky

Who was H.P. Blavatsky?

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831–1891) was a Russian occultist and the co-founder of the Theosophical Society, a movement that played a significant role in the development of Western esotericism. Blavatsky is best known for her books “The Secret Doctrine” and “Isis Unveiled,” which are considered foundational texts in theosophical literature.

Born into an aristocratic Russian-German family, Blavatsky traveled extensively in her youth, claiming to have visited places like Tibet and India, where she studied under various spiritual teachers. These experiences greatly influenced her later work and teachings.

Founder of the Theosophical Society

In 1875, she co-founded the Theosophical Society in New York City with Henry Steel Olcott and William Quan Judge. The society aimed to promote the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science, and to investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humans.

Blavatsky’s teachings combined elements of Eastern religions, especially Hinduism and Buddhism, with Western esoteric traditions. She emphasized the concepts of karma and reincarnation, the existence of spiritual masters known as Mahatmas, and a complex cosmology involving ancient, lost civilizations.

Accused of fraud and plagiarism

Her work and life were not without controversy. She was often accused of fraud and plagiarism, and her alleged psychic powers and the authenticity of her teachings were frequently questioned.

Despite these controversies, Blavatsky’s ideas had a significant impact on the spiritual and philosophical thought of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influencing figures in both the East and West, and laying the groundwork for the modern New Age movement.