Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, a prominent figure in theosophy and the co-founder of the Theosophical Society. The quote reflects Blavatsky's belief in the interconnectedness of religious and philosophical traditions, as well as the idea that the external manifestations of these traditions are mere shadows of deeper, more fundamental truths.

Blavatsky's words convey the notion that the visible aspects of religious and philosophical systems are but "shadows" or superficial representations of something more profound. She suggests that by examining these external manifestations and comparing them across different traditions, it is possible to discern the underlying truths or principles that gave rise to them. In essence, she is advocating for a deeper, more critical examination of religious and philosophical teachings in order to uncover their common origins and fundamental truths.

Blavatsky's perspective can be understood within the context of the theosophical movement, which sought to explore and synthesize the esoteric and mystical aspects of various religious and philosophical traditions. Theosophy, as promoted by Blavatsky, aimed to uncover universal truths that underlie all spiritual traditions and to promote a sense of unity and interconnectedness among them.

In the quote, the "shadows of the hoary Past" refer to the ancient origins of religious and philosophical traditions. The word "hoary" suggests a sense of antiquity and wisdom, pointing to the deep historical roots of these traditions. Blavatsky is implying that the external manifestations of these traditions are like shadows cast by this ancient past, and by closely examining and comparing these shadows, one can begin to discern the "body" or essence that gave rise to them.

The emphasis on "checking them as we go along, and comparing them" underscores the importance of a methodical and comparative approach to understanding religious and philosophical traditions. Blavatsky is advocating for a rigorous examination of the external forms of these traditions in order to uncover the underlying truths that they point to.

It's important to note that Blavatsky's ideas were controversial in her time and continue to be the subject of debate and criticism. Critics have questioned the historical accuracy and validity of her claims about the origins of religious and philosophical traditions, as well as the methods she employed to support her theories.

In summary, Blavatsky's quote encapsulates her belief in the interconnectedness of religious and philosophical traditions and the idea that their external manifestations are shadows of deeper, more fundamental truths. It reflects her advocacy for a critical and comparative approach to understanding these traditions in order to uncover their common origins and underlying principles. Whether one agrees with her ideas or not, Blavatsky's influence on theosophy and the broader exploration of spiritual traditions is undeniable.