The discourse over the nations from the standpoint of spiritualism. Publication and commentary by A.A. Maklakova
The published document presents a draft note written by spiritualist P.A. Chistjakov. The note contains a detailed definition of the term «nation». Explicit definitions of that term are rarely found in the writings of spiritualists, and in this respect the published text is unique. The commentary demonstrates the significance of the idea of “nation” for Russian esotericists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It reveals the characteristic peculiarities in their interpretations of the term, and highlights the place of the concept of “nation” in spiritualist and occult teachings. According to the spiritualists' view, the idea of “nation” was essentially religious. In their understanding, the “nation”, above all, was an ethnic and confessional unity. The idea of “nation” was closely connected to spiritualists' messianism: they attributed to Russia an extraordinary role in the completion of the eschatological process. Many Russian esotericists insisted on the necessity of the preservation of national identity, drawing on their understanding of the realization of Providence in history. Chistjakov's note demonstrates the impact of G.F.W. Hegel's historiosophy on his views. He rethinks Hegel's ideas following spiritualists' teachings. The concept of history as a process of development of national spirits was essential for Chistjakov's nationalist views. The published writing shows the importance of national issues for Russian esotericists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and and allows to get an idea of some trends in the esoteric historiosophy of that period. The document could be of interest to the scholars of the esotericism, religious nationalism, and the political dimension of religious teachings.