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A Casebook of Encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas

By H.P. Blavatsky

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Case 4b

Henry S. Olcott
1877
New York City

I could name two cases where I have encountered the person both in the physical body and in the astral body.  There are also a number of instances in my experience where I have seen the person in the astral body but not in the physical, and in the physical but not in the astral; but in two cases I can state that I have known the person in both capacities. In both cases I saw them in the astral body first. The first case I will mention is the case already reported in the pamphlet called “Hints on Esoteric Theosophy --- No. 1,” In that instance the person was my Teacher [Mahatma Morya] , whose photograph lies on the table here; and I now exhibit the turban which he took off his head, when I demanded of him some tangible proof of his visit. The man who visited me was instantly recognised by me from a portrait which I had in my possession --- the portrait which you see there.  He appeared when I was in my room before retiring at night.  As it was my custom to lock my door, I presume that my door was locked at that time.  I know that the door was not opened, for I sat in such a way reading that the door could not be opened without immediately attracting my notice. My own conviction is --- in fact, I should be willing to affirm most positively --- that the door did not open and that the appearance and disappearance of my visitor occurred without using the means of ingress or exit.  The phantom man had a phantom turban on his head, and he fully materialised the turban only by drawing to it through the current --- electric, odic, astral, ethereal, or whatever you please --- which is constantly running between the projected phantasm and the body, all the residual coarser atoms of the head cloth upon the solid body left behind. He was a model of physical beauty, about 6ft. 6in. or 7in. in height, and symmetrically proportioned. Great stature is not so rare among the Rajpoots. I have seen very tall Hindus, for I have been through the Rajpoot country; but taking him all in all, he was the most majestic human figure I ever laid my eyes upon.