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The Integration of Theosophical Narratives on Travels of the “Spiritual Body” (ca. 1860–1905)

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This chapter demonstrates how Spiritualist and Occultist cultivation practices of “astral travels” began to fuse with the emerging near-death discourse between 1860 and 1905. Of utmost importance are the thoughts and practices of Éliphas Lévi, Helena Blavatsky, Alfred P. Sinnett, and other Theosophists. As intentional and willed temporary excursions of the soul, “astral projection” contributed to the cultural and religious imaginaire of what to experience near death. In addition, ideas and practices of Indian Yoga, or the Buddha’s capability to remember the row of his former existences, gained in his “awakening,” were now read as evidence for the occult spiritual powers of the soul.
Title: The Integration of Theosophical Narratives on Travels of the “Spiritual Body” (ca. 1860–1905)
Description:
This chapter demonstrates how Spiritualist and Occultist cultivation practices of “astral travels” began to fuse with the emerging near-death discourse between 1860 and 1905.
Of utmost importance are the thoughts and practices of Éliphas Lévi, Helena Blavatsky, Alfred P.
Sinnett, and other Theosophists.
As intentional and willed temporary excursions of the soul, “astral projection” contributed to the cultural and religious imaginaire of what to experience near death.
In addition, ideas and practices of Indian Yoga, or the Buddha’s capability to remember the row of his former existences, gained in his “awakening,” were now read as evidence for the occult spiritual powers of the soul.

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