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HELENA BLAVATSKY ON MASS-HYPNOTISM The use of collective hypnotism as a way to dominate minds did not start with the recent mass electronic media. Religious ritualism often includes aspects of collective hypnotism and subconscious conditioning; this is one of the main reasons why classical theosophy condemns ceremonial magic and rituals among theosophists. Regarding Christianity, Jesus in the New Testament founded no church. He denounced blind belief and created no rite: these illusions were adopted after Christianity became imperial, and imperialistic. Esoteric groups have a karma and a duty regarding the issue. Theosophy is about self-knowledge, self-responsibility and self-liberation, all of which challenge and defeat collective mechanisms of mind manipulation. In London in the Spring of 1887, Helena P. Blavatsky made a severe warning against the practice of hypnotism. HPB foresaw that entire nations could be subjected to it. In a conversation with Charles Johnston, Blavatsky said: “There is the danger of black magic, into which all the world, and especially America, is rushing as fast as it can go. Only a wide knowledge of the real psychic and spiritual nature of man can save humanity from grave dangers.” She explained to Charles Johnston: “The world is full of cruel, greedy, and lustful people, who will be eager to seize a new weapon for their ends, and who will defy detection and pass through the midst of us all unpunished.” At some point in the dialogue Johnston said that her warning regarding hypnotism being selfish magic, or paving the way to it, was reminiscent of stories coming from previous centuries. And HPB explained: “Yes, Sir! Witch-tales in this enlightened age! And mark my words! You will have such witch-tales as the Middle Ages never dreamt of. Whole nations will drift insensibly into black magic, with good intentions, no doubt, but paving the road to hell none the less for that! Hypnotism and suggestion are great and dangerous powers, for the very reason that the victim never knows when he is being subjected to them; his will is stolen from him, and mark my words: these things may be begun with good motives, and for right purposes. But I am an old woman, and have seen much of human life in many countries. And I wish with all my heart I could believe that these powers would be used only for good! Whoever lets himself or herself be hypnotized, by anyone, good or bad, is opening a door which he will be powerless to shut; and he cannot tell who will be the next to enter! If you could foresee what I foresee, you would begin heart and soul to spread the teaching of universal brotherhood. It is the only safeguard!” Johnston wanted to know more. He asked HPB: “How is She answered: “By purifying the hearts of people who would misuse it. And universal brotherhood rests upon the common soul. It is because there is one soul common to all men, that brotherhood, or even common understanding is possible. Bring men to rest on that, and they will be safe. There is a divine power in every man which is to rule his life, and which no one can influence for evil, not even the greatest magician. Let men bring their lives under its guidance, and they have nothing to fear from man or devil.” The words by HPB are clear: she anticipated in 1887 the alternative and the healing for mass hypnotism. Each citizen must become individually self-vigilant and self-responsible. It is also necessary to help unmask the tools and the process involved in the “selfish magic” of mass-mind control. Yet, one practical question should be addressed. If the duty of theosophists is to fight delusion, how many individuals would be necessary to do that? No multitude of people is needed to unmask and defeat false ideas established as “collective truth”. HPB wrote that “all efforts of the greatest craft are doomed to failure on the day they are discovered”. History shows that a few pioneers make the difference in key moments. The citizens of good will are not known for being billions in our humanity at this moment. Too vast numbers of them are neither attainable nor necessary in the short term. (Carlos Cardoso Aveline) From the text “Freedom From Mind Manipulation”: www.carloscardosoaveline.com/freedom-from-mind-manipulation/ |
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