THE DIVINE ATTRIBUTE OF MERCY IN THE KABBALAH OF BLAVATSKY: DIFFERENCES AND CONFLUENCES WITH THE KABBALAH OF ALEXANDRE SAFRAN
THE DIVINE ATTRIBUTE OF MERCY IN THE KABBALAH OF BLAVATSKY: DIFFERENCES AND CONFLUENCES WITH THE KABBALAH OF ALEXANDRE SAFRAN
Author(s): Sorin BenescuSubject(s): Theology and Religion, Comparative Studies of Religion, Religion and science , Sociology of Religion, History of Religion, Psychology of Religion
Published by: Editura Arhipelag XXI
Keywords: Chesed; Zohar; Helena Blavatsky; Alexandre Safran; Karma; Teshuvah; Dhyan Chohans; Theurgy; Emanationism; Fohat;
Summary/Abstract: This article explores the esoteric and theological conceptualizations of the divine attribute of Mercy (Chesed) by comparing the Theosophical Kabbalah of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky with the orthodox Jewish Kabbalah of Rabbi Alexandre Safran. Rooted in the foundational texts of the Zohar, the concept of Mercy serves as a pivotal emanative force. Blavatsky integrates Chesed into a syncretic, impersonal cosmic framework, aligning it with Eastern concepts of Karma and universal compassion. Conversely, Safran maintains a strictly theistic, relational paradigm where Mercy is inextricably linked to the covenantal love of a personal God. By examining these divergent yet occasionally intersecting paradigms, this study illuminates the broader dialogue between nineteenth-century occultism and twentieth-century Jewish mysticism.
Journal: Journal of Romanian Literary Studies
- Issue Year: 2026
- Issue No: 45
- Page Range: 1233-1241
- Page Count: 9
- Language: English
