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Paper short abstract:

In atheist and scientist societies like the former Soviet Union, practices that are usually regarded as esoteric were perceived as advanced technologies that were developed in special secret laboratories through the collaborative efforts of psychics, spiritual teachers, and visionary scientists.

Paper long abstract:

In modern societies dominated by atheism and scientism, esoteric knowledge often collaborates with cutting-edge science. Interest in paranormal phenomena - psychic healing, clairvoyance, telepathy and the same - was very high in the late Soviet Union, however, these abilities were not perceived as esoteric or spiritual. They were studied in the laboratories of the USSR Academy of Sciences and this research was to lead to the creation of special technology for the development of the superhuman, or in the language of Soviet parapsychologists, to the unlocking of the hidden potential of the human body. One of the methods of developing the hidden human potential - the anthropomaximalogy by Prof. Vladimir Kuznetsov - was in reality an esoteric practice of mastering superpowers. Other examples are the cold strengthening and spiritual healing method called Detka ("Baby") by mystical teacher Porfiry Ivanov, and the method of waterbirth and intensive post-natal water training of babies by Prof. Kuznetsov's university assistant Igor Charkovsky. Self-transformation practices shared a faith in the malleability of human nature or hidden human potential and the ability to master it through special technologies provided by new knowledge and intense training but also by spiritual means - connection and communication with higher spiritual entities, forces and esoteric spaces.

It is important to note that these "esoteric technologies" were developed in the Soviet Union under the influence and often in direct collaboration with American esotericists - representatives of New Age (modern Western esoterism) - from the Esalen Institute.