Article selections by A.E. | Notes by H.P.B.
. . . I own I should like to see phenomena, to “call spirits from the vasty deep” with success.1 But I
do not flatter myself that this longing is of a pure nature. If I did not sometimes wish to take a short cut to knowledge, I should not be a man as we know him. . . .. . .
My ideal is to worship the One God in spirit and in truth. Is that the aim of the T. S. ? . . . .2
. . .
Is not the “Esoteric Section” of the T.S. likely to run counter to the views of your Editorial on Lodges of Magic? Who is to ensure that the Esoteric Members are not only willing to, but will “abide by its rules”?
Our correspondent’s question is a natural one—coming from a European. No, it does not run counter, because it is not a lodge of magic, but of training. For however often the true nature of the occult training has been stated and explained, few Western students seem to realize how searching and inexorable are the tests which a candidate must pass before power is entrusted to his hands. Esoteric philosophy, the occult hygiene of mind and body, the unlearning of false beliefs and the acquisition of true habits of thought, are more than sufficient for a student during his period of probation; and those who rashly pledge themselves in the expectation of acquiring forthwith “magic powers” will meet only with disappointment and certain failure.
1. It is not in the Theosophical Society that our correspondent can ever hope to evoke spooks or see any physical phenomena.—Ed. [H.P.B.]
2. “There is no Religion higher than Truth” is the motto of our Society.—Ed. [H.P.B.]