Rasputin - Self-Serving Exploiter or Genuine Spiritual Guide?

Rasputin Self-serving Exploiter or Genuine Spiritual Guide? Stefan Lucas Macovei CHY4UR: World History Since the 15th Century Brendan Roy January 13, 2024 Rasputin: Self-serving Exploiter or Genuine Spiritual Guide? The life and legacy of Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin is shrouded in mystery and legend. Rasputin was one of history's most famous Russians but continues to remain a controversial figure. He is regarded by many as a charismatic mystic, holy healer and prophet. However, many also view him as a manipulative charlatan, degenerate drunk, womaniser and sexual deviant. During Rasputin's life, many even believed that he was the Anti-Christ. However, much of the widely accepted history we know about Rasputin is wholly fabricated, based on myth, legend, exaggeration and lies. Contrary to the ill-informed and widespread notion that he was a self-serving exploiter, Grigori Rasputin was a genuine spiritual guide to the Romanov Family. Although he was not a perfect person and possessed certain reprehensible qualities, he was a devout Orthodox Christian, enormously generous and cared little for material possessions, and humble (he was proud of his peasant origins and preferred the rural Siberian way of life to aristocratic life in St.Petersburg), was a pacifist and gave wise and seemingly prophetic advice which would later prove true, which stemmed from his actual mystical and religious beliefs rather than opportunistic manipulation. Through an in-depth analysis and examination of the history of Rasputin's early life, religious pilgrimage and influences, supposed healing abilities, introduction to the Romanovs, and influence on the Royal Family, a more nuanced understanding of Rasputin's character unfolds, challenging conventional perceptions, proving that Rasputin was in fact a genuine spiritual guide instead of a manipulative con-man. Some scholars and Historians argue that Rasputin, a cunning manipulator, took advantage of the trust and naivety of the Romanov family for his own personal gain, tricked the Romanov family into believing he had mystical healing powers and through his guidance and influence, led the Royal family and the Russian empire into ruin also citing his excessive drunkenness, womanising and sexual deviance as proof of his immoral, corrupt and exploitative nature. However, this view is problematic and narrow, ignoring the complexities and nuances of Rasputin's character, religion and actions. Early life and Religious Influences Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin was born Grigori Yefimovich Novykh on January 22, 1869, in the small Siberian peasant village of Pokrovskoye. Rasputin received little schooling; however, contrary to popular belief, he did not remain illiterate his entire life. His reputation for his untamed and licentious lifestyle earned him the surname Rasputin, meaning “debauched one” in Russian. Other tales exist of a young Rasputin stealing horses and engaging in petty crime; however, they need to be verified by historical records. At 18, Rasputin underwent a religious conversion and aspired to be at Verkhoture Monastery. Rasputin never became a monk(despite his nickname, the “mad monk”, he never became an official church member). Instead, he chose to marry Proskovya Fyodorovna Dubrovina, a woman he had met in a nearby town at age 19 who later gave birth to four children. The marriage did not settle Rasputin. His late 20s marked a dramatic turning point in Rasputin's life. He would write that he experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary, which compelled him to seek enlightenment and embark on a pilgrimage across Russia. These religious pilgrimages were common in Russia then, and the pilgrims or wanderers were known as "stranniks''. During his wanderings, Rasputin would leave his family for many months, wandering far across Russia (mostly on foot) and to Mount Athos, Greece and Jerusalem. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023). Map of Russia and Western Siberia, ca. 1914. (Smith, 2016, p.# 19-20). Rasputin would likely have encountered more mystical and obscure practices of Christianity during his pilgrimage to the vast Siberian countryside. In the Siberian countryside, which was relatively isolated from the rest of Russia, some fringe sects of Orthodox Christianity had clear influences of the mystical, occult and native Slavic paganism. During his travels, Rasputin encountered a fringe religious group called the Khlysts (flagellants), who infused their spiritual teachings with the mystical and occult. The Khlysts would often engage in group sinning, specifically indulgences in bodily pleasure and sexual acts, believing that sinning and repenting brought one closer to God. Historians dispute whether Rasputin ever became a member of the Khlysts; however, their influences are apparent in Rasputin's approach to his Orthodox faith. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023). Although many claim Rasputin was a womaniser and sexual deviant, using his power and notoriety to seduce and manipulate naive women, it is essential to observe his actions through a religious context; Rasputin sincerely believed that his indulgences in sexual acts would bring himself closer to God rather than to exploit the women to which he provided spiritual guidance. Although Rasputin often (and famously) engaged in licentious habits, many of the most widespread stories and rumours about Rasputin's sexual appetite are largely exaggerated or entirely made up, such as the famous rumour that he and Tsaritsta Alexandra (Empress of Russia) had a romantic affair. No historical evidence indicates their relationship was more than platonic. (Hasic, Time Magazine, 2016). A lecherous Rasputin having his way with the empress in the palace, from The Tale of Grishka the Reprobate. (Smith, 2016, p.# 1063). In an interview with Macleans Magazine discussing his biography of Rasputin, author and historian Douglass Smith argues: “I think past biographers have not taken his religious sentiment, his Orthodox faith, sincerely. They believed it was a cover, a ruse to dupe Nicholas and Alexandra. It wasn't. He truly was a believer, he was committed to the teachings of Christ[...]”. (Treble, Macleans Magazine, 2016). Rasputin and the Romanovs During his wanderings, Rasputin gained the reputation of a holy man who could heal the sick and predict the future. In 1903, his pilgrimage took him to St. Petersburg, where, in 1905, with the backing of church officials, he was introduced to the Royal Family. Contrary to popular belief, Rasputin was not initially brought into the Royal palace to heal the Tsar and Tsaritsa's haemophiliac son and only male heir, Alexei; he was brought into the palace as a spiritual guide and advisor. Like many aristocrats and intellectuals in St.Petersburg, the Tsar and Tsaritsa shared an obsessive fascination with mysticism and the occult, specifically when infused into Orthodox Christianity. (King, The Washington Post, 2016). “The court circles of St. Petersburg at that time were entertaining themselves by delving into mysticism and the occult, so Rasputin—a filthy, unkempt wanderer with brilliant eyes and allegedly extraordinary healing talents—was warmly welcomed.” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023). Only In 1908 was Rasputin summoned to the Royal Palace because of his alleged healing abilities. Alexei's haemophilia, a deadly disease inherited from his mother, impaired his body's ability to properly create blood clots (once he started bleeding, it was a lot harder to stop), which caused Alexei excruciating pain. Unlike the traditional doctors the Romanov family hired to treat Alexei, Rasputin proved to be an extraordinarily effective healer. Rasputin, seemingly by the power of prayer, was able to stop Alexei's bleeding and pain successfully. Despite claims that Rasputin was a holy healer, there is no evidence that Rasputin possessed any natural healing powers. However, Rasputin undoubtedly had an overwhelmingly positive effect on Alexei and likely significantly prolonged his life. In addition to healing Alexei's haemophilia, Rasputin gave the Romanovs genuine, wise and, at times, prophetic advice and spiritual guidance, where he would speak to them about the importance of love, love of God and the love of fellow Christians. Rasputin in the nursery surrounded by Alexandra and the children, ca. 1909. (Smith, 2016, p.# 982). Some historians claim that Rasputin's advice was wholly detrimental to the Romanovs, and he used it as a means to usurp more power for himself and cite his involvement and decision-making in the First World War as proof. In a HistoryExtra article, former staff writer for BBC History, Jonny Wilkes states: “The outbreak of World War I heralded a new chapter in Rasputin’s power. Nicholas II took personal command of his forces in September 1915, leaving Alexandra in charge of the affairs of state. Although he was initially against the war, Rasputin had now become the most powerful man in the country. He removed enemies from their positions and replaced them with his own choices, blackmailed 2,000 roubles out of anyone hoping to avoid the front line and did little to assist the war effort.”(Wilkes, HistoryExtra, 2020). While it is true that Rasputin gave undeniably poor wartime advice and was in over his head, his poor guidance was most likely sourced in ignorance of matters he knew nothing about rather than malicious attempts to increase his power or purposeful sabotage, as some suggest. Wilkes also exaggerates the amount of power Rasputin held during this time. Rasputin's influence on the governance of Russia during the war was extremely minor. Tsar Nicholas would more often than not ignore Rasputin's advice and would only rarely (almost never) listen to it. Although he had no prior experience in military or political decision-making and gave the Tsaritsa some undoubtedly poor wartime advice, Rasputin was a dedicated pacifist and repeatedly warned against engaging in armed conflict throughout his life. Most notably, he would give Tsar Nicholas a pacifistic and wise piece of advice that, if he had listened to it, would have changed the course of history, the fate of Russia, and likely the fate of the Romanovs. Smith states: “One of the little known facts about him is the degree to which he pleaded with Nicholas in summer of 1914 not to go to war. If you just take that one moment, had Nicholas listened, he would have changed the course of history.”(Treble, Macleans Magazine, 2016). In the days that preceded Russia's official declaration of war against Austria-Hungary and Germany, Rasputin sent the Tsar pleading telegram after pleading telegram, urging him not to go to war. In a letter to Tsar Nicholas, Rasputin wrote: “Dear Friend I'll say again a menacing cloud is over Russia, lots of sorrow and grief, it's dark and there's not a ray of hope. A sea of tears, immeasurable, and as to blood? What can I say? There are no words, indescribable horror. I know they all want war from you, evidently not realising that this means ruin. Hard is God's punishment when he takes away reason, it's the beginning of the end. You are the Tsar Father of the people, don't allow madmen to triumph and destroy themselves and the people. Yes they'll conquer Germany, but what of Russia? If one thinks then truly never for all of time has one suffered like Russia, drowned in her own blood. Great will be the ruin, grief without end.” (Smith, 2016, p.# 525). Rasputin also warned that the war would lead to the collapse of Russia and the Russian monarchy. Rasputin's words would later be proved prophetic, and his predictions eerily accurate. The war was devastating for Russia; nearly 2 million Russians were killed, the monarchy was overthrown after 400 years of rule, and Tsar Nicholas and the rest of the royal family, including his wife and five children, were shot to death by the Bolshevik revolutionaries. Had Tsar Nicholas listened to Rasputin's pacifistic advice, the Russian monarchy could still be in power, and millions of lives could have been spared. (Smith, 2016). Rasputin sincerely believed in the spiritual guidance and advice he gave the Romanovs, which stemmed purely from his genuine religious beliefs rather than a manipulative ruse. Smith argues: “[...] He was a much more benevolent figure and had a much more, in a way, or at least he tried, to have a more positive influence on Nicholas and Alexandra and even on the course of Russian history.”(Treble, Macleans Magazine, 2016). Rasputin's Character Rasputin was a deeply flawed character; he was far from a saint (although there have been attempts to canonise him), possessed many reprehensible traits, and his actions often contradicted his words and teachings. However, he possessed far more admirable traits, significantly outweighing his pernicious ones. Contrary to widespread misconceptions about him, Rasputin was substantially a much more benevolent figure than an immoral, malevolent or evil figure. Historians continue to propagate the notion that Rasputin was a malicious, wicked and evil person. Summarising Rasputin's character, Jonny Wilkes writes: “At best, the mystic was corrupt and immoral, but at the worst, he was evil. There was so much public support for his death that Tsar Nicholas II feared to punish his killers too harshly, in case it sparked riots.”(Wilkes, HistoryExtra, 2020). However, Wilkes' assessment of Rasputin is shallow. His statement ignores the many nuances of Rasputin's complex character and paints a bleak and incomplete picture of who he was. Rasputin was known to be enormously generous. Often, he would take the money and bribes the aristocrats paid him for his spiritual guidance and healing and give large sums of it to beggars and peasants. Rasputin placed an incredible amount of importance on almsgiving and deemed it essential in a Christian's life. When discussing the importance of almsgiving, Rasputin would say: “He who gives, that man has many times experienced for himself that the giving hand does not grow poor, but receives very much. But the Devil through temptation does not leave us alone and sends manner of phantoms, saying "you go through the world alone, don't give," or he conjures up a drunk or unworthy lazy types and says even louder "you'll go broke yourself." The Heavenly Kingdom is not given for nothing, different types of crosses are needed, and almsgiving is greater than any other deed.”(Smith, 2016, p.# 312). Rasputin, at heart, remained a humble peasant and did not care much for material possessions. Rasputin would frequently go back to his hometown of Pokrovskoye. He was proud of his peasant origins and preferred the simple rural Siberian lifestyle to the metropolitan lifestyle of St.Petersburg's aristocracy, which he deemed overly complicated and out of touch with life's simple pleasures. In his notebook, Rasputin would write: “What Happiness it is to raise the souls of aristocrats.[...] Why? Because, first of all, they are not allowed to talk to simple people. What is a simple person? He cannot say foreign phrases but speaks simply and lives in harmony with nature and it feeds him and his spirit is raised in wisdom.[...]That is why they say: the more important, the stupider. Why stupider? Because wisdom is in simplicity. Pride and haughtiness lead to losing your mind. “Oh, I'd like not to be proud but my grandfather spent time with ministers, I was born into such a clan, they live abroad.” Oh you unfortunate aristocrat! Since they lived that way so must you! And so you have run your country estate into the ground, you lose your minds. [...] Ah, Satan knows how to catch aristocrats. There are some, though they are rare-you need to search for them with a light in the daytime, as they say-who present themselves simply; they don't forbid their children from going to the kitchen to learn simplicity from the cook. These people have an upbringing and knowledge of simplicity, their mind is sacred. A sacred mind feels everything and these people are the commanders of the world.”(Smith, 2016, p.# 315-316). Rasputin in peasant dress. (Smith, 2016, p.# 996). This further proves that Rasputin was not a self-serving exploiter, as he did not envy the Russian aristocracy and did not want much from them; instead, it is evident that he genuinely wished to help them and provided them with genuine spiritual guidance which was based in his sincere and profound religious beliefs rather than deceitful manipulation. IV Rasputin's Lasting Legacy Much of the evidence for Rasputin's wickedness, wild debauchery, and immoral behaviour, as well as most of the "common knowledge" and famous stories about Rasputin's life, stems from myth, legend, hearsay, gross exaggeration, and outright lies. Myths and rumours about Rasputin came from both the left and the right sides of the political spectrum, with peasants and commoners believing he was disloyal to them by spending his time with the aristocracy. At the same time, the aristocratic conservatives were outraged that a filthy Siberian peasant was able to influence the Royal family so significantly. Rasputin became a scapegoat for all the chaos that plagued Russia at that time. However, he was not the cause of all of Russia's problems, and after his murder in 1916, very little changed. (Salvin, Loyola Marymount University Newsroom, 2017). Smith states: “I took away from researching and writing, the degree to which the world around him was as corrupt, or more corrupt than him. And that corrupt world made him a scapegoat for Russia’s problems. Instead of looking at the difficulties facing the country, which were staggering and monumental, especially as the war progressed, it was easy to pin it on all on one person and believe that “if we just somehow got rid of Rasputin and his nefarious influence, all our problems would be gone.”(Treble, Macleans Magazine, 2016). Despite the common belief that he was a charlatan and self-serving exploiter, Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin was, in fact, a proper spiritual guide to the Romanov Family whose guidance was grounded purely in his sincere religious beliefs rather than opportunistic manipulation. Although Rasputin was flawed, an in-depth examination of Rasputin's life proves that his positive traits and actions significantly outweigh and outnumber his negative ones. He was a devout Orthodox Christian who profoundly believed in his faith; he was humble, cared little for material possessions, was enormously generous, and was a dedicated pacifist. Unfortunately, Rasputin remains one of history's most controversial and vilified figures today. The stories and rumours of Rasputin being an evil sex-crazed maniac, lover of the Tsaritsa, illiterate monk, de facto ruler of Russia, German spy, and magical healer who was nearly impossible to kill, have shaped much of the public opinion about Rasputin, have been depicted widely in popular culture from Disney movies to disco songs to video games and have all been proven to be grossly exaggerated or completely untrue. References