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BLAVATSKY’S LETTERS TO JOSÉ XIFRÉ

 
José Xifré was an important character in the promulgation of Theosophy in Spain; and Sophia magazine reproduced two letters he received from Blavatsky.
 
 
First letter
 
The editor preliminarily mentioned the following:
 
As we resume these notes today, nothing has seemed more opportune, since this month is dedicated to remembering Madame Blavatsky (HPB) than to publish the translation of the first letter that she wrote to our dear friend D. José Xifré, back in the year 1889; and in this way, without altering the order of the dates, we will continue our memories.
 
This letter is very suggestive because of the spirit that animates it and that all of it breathes, hinting at how differently Theosophy was understood by those very close disciples of the founder of the Theosophical Society.
 
 
And the letter says the following:
 
« Jersey, August 10, 1889.
 
Dear Sir and Brother:
 
Until today your kind letter has not arrived. As I suppose you will already be in Paris, that is why I address these few words to you there.
 
If you want to know something about Theosophy, visit Mr. A___ who is the President in Paris of the Theosophical Society “Hermes”. There you will find Theosophists, or rather members of the Theosophical Society (for true Theosophists are very rare). You can attend their sessions and find out about our organization.
 
Mr. A___ is an enthusiastic friend and a true Theosophist, as well as a most distinguished man of letters. Through him you will know the terrible fight that I have undertaken for fifteen years, and much better than if I told you in a hundred letters, against the despotism of our time and the gross materialism of the world.
 
You can also go to the house of D. P___ who is a worldly theosophist. He is good, enthusiastic, erudite, but dedicated to the world above all...
 
And once you know these two centers, you will have entered into a relationship with the two opposite poles of Theosophy: the true Theosophy of the Heart and the Theosophy of the head.
 
P___ is an old and faithful friend of mine, and A___ belongs to E.
 
Tell both of you that you are going on my behalf, and they will open the doors of all theosophists in France. But go first, I beg you, to A___'s house. And it is that I go so little to society, that I have forgotten my cards in London, which is why I beg you to put them in yours, when you visit P___, “from HP Blavatsky.
 
I am already writing to Mr. A___ advising him of your visit, and perhaps he will anticipate visiting you.
 
I consider myself very happy to have Spaniards in the Theosophical Society; we already had some in South America, but in Spain there was only one, the Viscount de Figanière, who was Minister in Russia. He has just written a nice work on Theosophy, a highly scientific book. Have you read him?
 
I beg you not to stop going to see Mr. A___ or send him a card. He will inform you of everything. I will be in London by August 20, and I will not leave there anymore.
 
Your diplomas will be sent to Madrid. If you come to London, at 17 Lansdowne Road, Holland Park, I will be very pleased to receive you there.
 
Yes, dear Sir and new Brother, Theosophy is, indeed, the key to the Soul and to the mysteries of the ancient temples; but it is also the door that leads to many duties for those who dedicate themselves to humanity and are rejected by it. The naked truth does not please the world, but lies and hypocrisy disguised with the tinsel of Maya, the Great Illusion.
 
May Peace be with you!
 
Be sure of my sincere and brotherly sentiments.
 
HP Blavatsky. » 
 
 
 
 
 
Second letter
 
It is a greeting card that Blavatsky sent to Mr. Xifré at the beginning of the year 1890.
 
 
 
 
 
On the front is printed in English:
 
« Happy New Year. 
 
       The sense of Duty comes first.
       Next comes Firmness.
       And the Intensive Work is the jewel that completes the set!
 
There is no religion higher than Truth. »
 
 
And on the back Blavatsky wrote in French:
 
-      “A good and happy year 1890 to my friend and brother in Theosophy, Mr. José Xifré, MST (E.E.). Success and Health. H.P.B.”

M.S.T. (E.S.) means: Member of the Theosophical Society and of the Esoteric School.
 
 
(Sophia, May 1911, p.329-330)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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