The Ashes of Madame Blavatsky
Story Summary
In "The Ashes of Madame Blavatsky," a unique moral story unfolds as an Inquiring Soul seeks wisdom from Theosophy's leading figures, eventually declaring himself the Ahkoond of Swat. After their execution for deceit, he ascends to leadership but meets a comical demise, only to be reincarnated as a Yellow Dog that consumes Madame Blavatsky's ashes, leading to the end of Theosophy. This captivating moral tale serves as a timeless reminder of the folly of misplaced reverence and the consequences of hubris.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates the folly of blindly following charismatic figures without critical thinking, leading to misguided beliefs and ultimately, the demise of a movement.
Historical Context
This story draws upon the historical context of Theosophy, a spiritual movement founded in the late 19th century by figures like Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, who sought to synthesize science, religion, and philosophy. The narrative satirizes the esoteric traditions and beliefs surrounding Theosophy and its leaders, reflecting a critical and humorous perspective on the movement's more absurd elements. The tale echoes motifs found in folklore and allegorical storytelling, emphasizing themes of reincarnation and the folly of blind adherence to dogma.
Our Editors Opinion
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind following and the pitfalls of seeking wisdom without genuine understanding. In modern life, we often encounter individuals who, despite lacking true knowledge or merit, gain influence through charisma or the allure of esoteric beliefs; for instance, a social media influencer promoting wellness trends without scientific backing may lead many to follow harmful practices.
You May Also Like
The Horse and His Rider
In this heartwarming short story with a moral, a dedicated horse soldier initially treats his steed well during the war, but neglects and overworks the horse afterward. When war is declared again, the horse collapses under its heavy military gear, lamenting that the soldier has transformed it from a strong horse into a burdened ass, illustrating the consequences of neglect and mistreatment. This uplifting tale serves as a reminder that we must care for those who support us, as real-life stories with moral lessons often show.
The Various Delegation
In "The Various Delegation," the King of Wideout considers accepting the sovereignty of Wayoff and seeks to understand the sentiments of its people. When the Three Persons claim to represent the citizens, the King doubts their legitimacy and decides to consult Wayoff's renowned hogs, humorously discovering that the Three Persons are indeed the hogs themselves. This culturally significant moral story offers young readers a quick moral about the importance of genuine representation and understanding the true voice of a community.
The Man and the Wart
In "The Man and the Wart," a humorous tale with an impactful moral, a man with a wart on his nose recruits others into a fictitious order, claiming its membership is rapidly expanding. When another afflicted person pays to avoid joining, the first man shamelessly returns to demand monthly dues, highlighting the folly of exploiting others' insecurities. This funny story serves as a culturally significant moral lesson about honesty and the consequences of greed.
Other names for this story
Theosophical Whispers, Ashes of Enlightenment, Secrets of Madame Blavatsky, The Inquiring Soul's Journey, Rebirth of Theosophy, Echoes of Blavatsky, The Ashes and the Ahkoond, Mysteries of theosophy
Did You Know?
This story satirically explores the absurdity of blind faith and the often ridiculous nature of belief systems, suggesting that the pursuit of enlightenment can lead to nonsensical outcomes when detached from critical thinking. The transformation of the Inquiring Soul into a Yellow Dog after consuming the ashes serves as a poignant commentary on the ephemeral nature of ideologies and their ultimate insignificance.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.