Selections from a Letter by F. Hartmann | Notes by H.P.B.
Allow me to express my sincere gratitude for the kind answer you gave to my question about “Devachan” in No. 44 of your journal [see: “Devachan”]. . . . what I understood “Devachan” to be, is an entirely subjective state, a dream in which our imagination performs wonders and creates images, which the poor fool in Devachan takes for realities.1
1. Let us hope that the three articles following some new objection to Devachan in the last number will finally settle the question at rest. We draw our esteemed Brother’s attention to it. [see notes to “Devachan: Western Stricture and Eastern Version”]
According to this the good christian in Devachan would really wave imaginary palm leaves, the Turk would be surrounded by lovely but imaginary houris; while Guiteau on his arrival in Devachan would probably shake hands with his imaginary (but to him real) partner who inspired the murder, and obtain the thanks of the “Lordy” for his meritorious deed.2
2. It is to be feared that Guiteau will have little chance of getting acquainted with the Devachanic state. He and his “partner” will meet in avitchi, if not a still more disreputable place.