Nov 10, 2024

Blavatsky on Communism, Socialism

 
Theosophy Rejects the Insane Political
Ideologies Based on Materialistic Delusions
 
Carlos Cardoso Aveline




According to Helena P. Blavatsky, there is a simple reason for the spiritual socialism as taught by both Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha to be part and parcel of the theosophical doctrine. It is based on pure impersonal altruism, which stimulates generosity, and not conflict or hatred. [1]

However, the difference is oceanic between the altruistic impulse towards universal brotherhood and the short-term selfish use of beautiful political slogans in order to obtain worldly power.

In fact, Blavatsky said that Theosophy strongly rejects the insane political dreams that are known, since the nineteenth century, as Socialism and Communism.

She clarifies that the modern theosophical movement was created “upon the footing of a Universal Brotherhood”. [2]  And she immediately adds that the theosophical movement is “unconcerned about politics; hostile to the insane dreams of Socialism and of Communism, which it abhors - as both are but disguised conspiracies of brutal force and sluggishness against honest labour”.

The theosophical school of thought, according to HPB -

“Cares but little about the outward human management of the material world. The whole of its aspirations are directed toward the occult truths of the visible and invisible worlds. Whether the physical man be under the rule of an empire or a republic, concerns only the man of matter. His body may be enslaved; as to his Soul, he has the right to give to his rulers the proud answer of Socrates to his Judges. They have no sway over the inner man.” [3]

How can one, then, promote real progress in human society?

In her book “The Key to Theosophy”, Blavatsky writes something that we all can easily recognize as self-evident:

“To seek to achieve political reforms before we have effected a reform in human nature, is like putting new wine into old bottles. Make men feel and recognize in their innermost hearts what is their real, true duty to all men, and every old abuse of power, every iniquitous law in the national policy, based on human, social or political selfishness, will disappear of itself. Foolish is the gardener who seeks to weed his flower-bed of poisonous plants by cutting them off from the surface of the soil, instead of tearing them out by the roots. No lasting political reform can be ever achieved with the same selfish men at the head of affairs as of old.” [4]

Self-improvement is the necessary basis of every social improvement. One must deserve before desiring.

The life of the soul is the source and foundation of all human progress. In social life, self-responsibility, mutual respect and mutual help are decisive factors along the path to a luminous future.

NOTES:

[1] See “The Key to Theosophy”, p. 79, for instance.

[2] “Collected Writings of Helena Blavatsky”, TPH, USA, volume II, p. 105.

[3] “Collected Writings of Helena Blavatsky”, TPH, USA, volume II, same p. 105.

[4]The Key to Theosophy”, p. 231.

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The article “Blavatsky on Communism, Socialism” is available as an independent item on the websites of the Independent Lodge since 10 November 2024.  An initial version of the text is part of the September 2024 edition of “The Aquarian Theosophist”, pp. 1-2. Original title: “Blavatsky, on Communism, Socialism and Political Reform”.

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(from the Indian magazine “The Theosophical Movement”)

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Helena Blavatsky (photo) wrote these revealing words: “Deserve, then desire”.

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