Theos-Talk Archives (May 2000 Message tt00379)

In 1889 H.P. Blavatsky wrote about "charlatanesque imitations of Occultism
and Theosophy."  She wrote about "garbled" and "distorted" and "disfigured"
and "falsified" versions of Theosophy.  She contrasted all of this with
"pure  Esoteric Philosophy and knowledge."  See her words at the end of this
email.

My questions to Todd Lorentz and all other readers of this email are:

Do you believe that there are such "garbled" and "distorted" presentations
of Theosophy?

If so, can you give any examples of such "charlatanesque imitations" in the
last 109 years?

How do you determine or distinguish the disfigured and falsifed versions of
Thesophy from the "pure Esoteric Philosophy" and genuine Theosophy?

Do you believe that every person since 1891 who has claimed to be in contact
with HPB's Masters and/or has claimed to be the new messenger of her Masters
was IN FACT telling the truth?

Or could some of these persons' teachings and claims be nothing but
"charlatanesque imitations of Occultism and Theosophy"?

How do you determine which claims and teachings are true?

And how do you determine which claims and teachings are really
"charlatanesque imitations of Occultism and Theosophy"?

Does H.P. Blavatsky in her writings give students any guidelines and
criteria by which such questions can be answered?

Below is HPB's warning.

Daniel


H.P.B. wrote in 1889:

"Before entering upon the first installment of the Instructions to be given
to the Esoteric Section, it is necessary to call the special attention of
its members to a new and rapidly growing DANGER which is threatening the
Theosophical Society and the spread of the PURE  Esoteric Philosophy and
knowledge in the U.S.A.

I allude to those CHARLATANESQUE IMITATIONS of Occultism and Theosophy of
which the 'Call to the Awakened,' lately published in the Boston Esoteric,
is the most glaring example.

The danger in this particular case is the greater because some men of real
scientific attainments and knowledge seem to have been drawn into it, and
thus give to it an appearance of real knowledge which may easily DECEIVE the
unwary.

By PANDERING to the prejudices of people, and especially by adopting the
FALSE ideas of a personal God and a personal, carnalized Saviour, as the
groundwork of their teaching, the leaders of this 'swindle' (for such it is)
are endeavoring to draw men to them and in particular to turn Theosophists
from the TRUE path.  The H. B. of L., of shameful memory in England, has now
found a worthy substitute in the Esoteric College in Boston founded by a
'Brahmin of Irish descent, thousands of years old; (Vide 'A Call from the
Unseen,' etc.)

Stealing from us our esoteric Sanskrit terms, our facts --- which he
DISFIGURES --- and even our motto, 'There is No Religion Higher than Truth,'
this self-styled illuminator is sure to prepare thousands of enemies to
Theosophy, when those 'awakened' by him will awaken to the sad truth of
having been swindled by this 'Brahmin' & Co.  Let all Theosophists be warned
in time by the Esotericists. . . .

A close examination will assuredly reveal the whole scheme as a mere device
for money getting and selfish gratification, in which materials largely
stolen, as said, from Theosophical writings are DISTORTED and FALSIFIED so
as to be palmed off on the unwary as revelations of new and undreamed of
truths.  But many will neither have the time nor the opportunity for such a
thorough investigation; and before they become aware of the IMPOSTURE they
may be led far from the Truth, as well as be despoiled of their property
and, worse than that, of their health.

Under these circumstances, it is the duty of all members of the E. S. in
America to do their utmost to unmask such movements, for nothing is more
dangerous to Esoteric Truth than the GARBLED and DISTORTED versions
disfigured to suit the prejudices and tastes of men in general. . . . . "
Caps added.  http://sites.netscape.net/dhcblainfo/hpbes1extract.htm




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