H.P. Blavatsky, born Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, was a 19th-century Russian occultist, spirit medium, and author. She is best known as a co-founder of the Theosophical Society in 1875.
Blavatsky's work and beliefs were highly influential, drawing from ancient wisdom traditions, Eastern religions, and esoteric philosophies. She wrote several major works, including Isis Unveiled (1877) and The Secret Doctrine (1888), which are considered foundational texts of modern Theosophy.
The core tenets of her teachings, as outlined in Theosophy, include:
* A Universal Brotherhood of Humanity: The belief that all people are part of a single, interconnected family, regardless of race, creed, or social standing.
* The Study of Ancient and Esoteric Wisdom: The idea that there is a hidden, universal truth underlying all religions and philosophies.
* The Development of Higher Human Faculties: The belief that through spiritual evolution, individuals can awaken their latent psychic and spiritual powers.
Blavatsky was a controversial figure during her lifetime and remains so today. She was both revered by her followers as a spiritual teacher and criticized by others as a fraud. Despite the controversy, her work had a significant impact on various spiritual and New Age movements.
