Theos-Talk Archives (February 2003 Message tt00073)

Thursday, February 06, 2003

Dear Larry:

As far as I know, Regarding the use of “H P B” when referring to
Mme. Blavatsky.

I have heard it said a long time ago that the use of the Initials
[ H P B ] was reserved by long-time students who were close to
her, and in every-day contact with her, to indicate her when she
wrote or did things as their “boss,” or did things as the
“Messenger” of the Adepts -- as the resident INDIVIDUALITY -- or
the Spiritual-Soul within her, which they all recognized.

The term: Mme. Blavatsky was used to indicate the “personality”
and also, it was the formal way of speaking or writing about
her -- (this term seems to have been used when she was referred
to in public -- as Mme. Blavatsky).

Apparently this use of “H P B” was started by her close
associates in London, when she became resident there. But
perhaps it was used even earlier, as I see that Mr. Judge used
it, (as will be found in references to her in some of his
articles); and Col. Olcott used it, and also a number of
familiar terms of friendship, as will be found in OLD DIARY
LEAVES.

The designation “H P B” then seems to have become popular after
her death.

No one ever thought of its use when applied to her as your Mormon
friend did.

Best wishes,

Dallas

===========================

-----Original Message-----
From: Tatoorachael
Sent: Thursday, February 06, 2003 4:36 AM
To: study@blavatsky.net
Subject: HPB

I ran into an old Mormon friend the other day (a woman) who asked
what I had been doing the last few years. The discussion
naturally included my Theosophical activities. As the discussion
progressed, talk moved to the fact that HPB had visited Salt Lake
City once. Suddenly this woman stopped the discussion with "why
do you constantly refer to this woman as "HPB?" She asked if we
ever called her anything else. When I said "Madame Blavatsky,"
she was horrified. She thought both references were demeaning to
the character of a woman, the latter making her sound like either
a Gypsy fortuneteller or the owner of a brothel.

Has anyone else ever encountered this? How would you respond? I
referred to the Cranston biography and the constant use of HPB in
that work, including the title. I guess I just never thought
about this.

Comments?

Larry ---



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]