This is a period when esoteric pretensions are out of joint with the times, when direct communication is to be the rule or else none at all, if anything of value is really to be given to the world. Those zealous protectors of the truth who surround it with enigma and riddle, who hide it under out-of-date symbols and unnecessary jargon, forget that they live now in an age of science, not an age of medievalism.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24761 – 13.20.2.9

BN – Z

It is claimed that esotericism is essential to protect truth from adulteration and mankind from bewilderment and miscomprehension. This is true. But it is not true for all time—not for our own time.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24762 – 13.20.2.10

BN – Z

The work done by science and rationalism has been a necessary one, but it was destructive of religious codes and consequently of moralities based on those codes. Mankind must now perform a piece of constructive work in the sphere of ethics or it may experience a social collapse of colossal magnitude. It is here that the hidden teaching can step in and offer a valuable contribution.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24763 – 13.20.2.11

BA11 – P – D

The inborn potential of fitness for this knowledge may be larger than appears on the surface, where family, surroundings, circumstances, and false religion may prevent its liberation and development. The concept of reincarnation explains why this is possible, but it also explains why all reserves and potentials are not equal, nor equally liberated, and therefore why some discrimination must be practised. But this should be tentative, not final—flexible, not rigid. For it is not so easy as most believe to predict the course of future inner growth for a person. If he is unable or unwilling to absorb this knowledge now, he might be able to do so in ten years' time. The essential thing is to shut no one out from its offering, not to hide its very existence from people, as certain religious circles have done in the past.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24765 – 13.20.2.13

BN – Z

The duty to which we are called is not to propagate ideas but to offer them, not to convert reluctant minds but to satisfy hungry ones, not to trap the bodies of men into external organizations but to set their souls free to find truth. There are individuals today to whom these teachings are unknown but who possess in the deeper levels of their mind latent tendencies and beliefs, acquired in former lives, which will leap into forceful activity as soon as the teaching is presented to them.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24768 – 13.20.2.16

BN – ZZZ – DEK

The age of esotericism is past. With the world-menace darkening every year, Truth can no longer hide herself in an obscure corner. She must now speak forth challengingly and boldly to the public consciousness.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24770 – 13.20.2.18

BN – Z

It is true that the differences of evolutionary grades must be respected. It is true that the mass of people are children spiritually. But it is also true that children can be taught something and led a few steps onward however low their grade. Moreover, we live in times when the old evil forces are so active only because they feel the approach of new and good ones.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24771 – 13.20.2.19

B_16 – Z – DE

Will the masses ever come of cultural and spiritual age? Can the common man ever find enough nourishment in true philosophic ideas? Yes, this can happen if those at the top accept truth, for sooner or later their ideas filter downward, even if somewhat thinned by the process of popularization.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24773 – 13.20.2.21

BN – X – D

In the end philosophy is not only for the minority of well-educated minds or for the elite of the persons refined by culture, upbringing, innate sensitivity, but also for the majority who can take it in partially; here and there some points can be grasped and accepted. Properly presented with psychological perception of the audience's disposition, nature, capacities, knowledge, and faith, it can be linked up with what they already hold, dovetailed in, and built up further.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24775 – 13.20.2.23

BN – Z – DEK

The world's need today is not really for more new ideas, which means more thoughts, but for more wisdom, which means how to manage the thoughts which humanity has already accumulated through the centuries.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24777 – 13.20.2.25

BN – ZZZ

The mass-intellect was not yet then developed enough, nor educated enough, and hence not yet capable enough, to understand a teaching so universal, so impersonal, and so utterly nonmaterialistic. But is it able to do so now? The answer is that it still cannot understand fully and properly; it is, however, better able to do so partially.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24779 – 13.20.2.27

BN – Z

If it is to be popularized, this must be done under some reserves, to protect its own purity and integrity. But these reserves need not and ought not be as large and forbidding as they often have been in the past. The extraordinary times in which we live, the world-wide area of the crisis, and the nature of the crisis itself require this liberalization.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24782 – 13.20.2.30

BN – Z – D

Although it is primarily a teaching for those who are somewhat advanced in the cultural scale, it has many points which are simple enough for anyone to grasp.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24784 – 13.20.2.32

BN – Z

The worth of philosophy can be rightly appraised and appreciated only by mentalities that are equal to it in intelligence morality and subtlety. No others are really competent to judge it. Then is it solely for a mere handful? No, for what we are unable to take hold of by full sight we may still take hold of by well-placed faith.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24785 – 13.20.2.33

BN – Z

We do not need to persuade or convert others to philosophy but we ought to offer them the material which they can investigate as and when they feel inclined to do so.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24790 – 13.20.2.38

BN – ZZ – D

If these truths are too solemn to be made the subject of cheap publicity, too profound to be comprehensible to everyone alike, they can at least be introduced unobtrusively.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24791 – 13.20.2.39

BN – Z

From the moment that these teachings were printed and circulated, they became public property and lost their esoteric character.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24793 – 13.20.2.41

BN – Z

Those who do not like philosophy and cannot understand it are simply not ready for it. We cannot compel them to take it up. But we can keep it available for them, whenever the time comes that they do feel a need for it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24797 – 13.20.2.45

BA11 – ZZZ – DK

The time has come when it is dangerous not to divulge these straight truths to everybody but to keep them back from everybody. The lack of spiritual reverence and the lowness of moral tone, the ignorance of karmic consequences and the violence of greed and hatred—these are the things today which are immensely dangerous to humanity—not the divulgements of philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24800 – 13.20.2.48

BN – ZZ – DEK

The whole of philosophy cannot be disseminated quickly and easily to the masses. But this is not to be used as an excuse to do nothing at all for them.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24801 – 13.20.2.49

BN – ZZZ – DK

The time has come to bring these truths out into the open, to declare them publicly, to remember that the periods for esotericism are past, and to cease playing the game of concealment. Otherwise a third world war remains a menace.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24802 – 13.20.2.50

BN – Z

Today every seeker is welcome to philosophy's ranks provided he or she be sincere and qualified.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Response to a vital need

#24803 – 13.20.2.51

BN – Z

There has not been so far any school whose outlook was broad enough to take in the philosophical one, nor whose inspiration was deep enough. The time will come when to provide for this deficiency will be laid as a duty on someone's mind, nor can it be far off.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24814 – 13.20.2.62

BN – ZZ

The immediate task today is for philosophy to deliver its message. The secondary task is to assist those who accept this message to come to a proper and adequate understanding of it. The first is for the multitude and hence public. The second is for the individual and hence private.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24815 – 13.20.2.63

B_02 – ZZ – D

A jealously guarded hidden teaching far more advanced and complicated than the present one will be revealed by its custodians before this century closes. But when this does occur, the revelation will only extend and not displace the foundation for it which is given in these pages.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24816 – 13.20.2.64

BN – Z

As a necessary result of all that has gone before, someone will have to face this task of establishing a school of thought that will synthesize the Oriental teachings with the scientific Occidental discoveries. The teaching will have to be delivered impersonally, as it is in schools of chemistry and physics, without establishing that personal dependence of which Indians are so enamoured but of which a philosopher is unable to approve.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24817 – 13.20.2.65

BN – Z

The spiritual seekers who followed René Guénon and the poets who followed T.S. Eliot fell into the same trap as their leaders. For in protesting, and rightly, against the anarchy of undisciplined and unlimited freedom, both Guénon and Eliot retreated backwards into formal tradition and fixed myth. Both had served their historic purpose and were being left behind. Both men were brilliant intellectuals and naturally attracted a corresponding type of reader. Their influence is understandable. But it is not on the coming wave of the Aquarian Age. New forms will be needed to satisfy the new knowledge, the new outlook, the new feelings. The classical may be respected, even admired; but the creative will be followed.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24818 – 13.20.2.66

BN – X – K1

This is a pioneer work, this making of a fresh synthesis which draws from, but does not solely depend upon, the knowledge of colleagues scattered in different continents as well as the initiations of masters belonging to the most different traditions.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24819 – 13.20.2.67

UR_2.0 – ZZZ – K1

Today the seeker finds offered to him the culture of the whole world. The wisdom of many civilizations has been bequeathed to him from the past, from long-gone eras as also those more recent in time or distant in space. How fortunate is his position in these ways!

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24820 – 13.20.2.68

B_05 – P – D

Wisdom requires that we throw emphasis on those aspects of the teaching which will make most appeal to the contemporary mind. It also requires that we bring forward those features which are most pertinent to modern needs. For this reason it is desirable that Truth should be restated.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24822 – 13.20.2.70

BN – ZZ

Our beliefs must assume a clearer form in this rational age. Whatever is true in them need not fear such remodelling. Modern science hints at confirmation of the age-old intuitions of religion and mysticism. During the past hundred years man has accumulated enough scientific detail to make a worthy system of knowledge, but he still lacks the guiding principle of putting the details together. Only the higher philosophy offers this principle.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24823 – 13.20.2.71

BN – Z

When we think of the tremendous alteration which has taken place in the educated man's conception of the world and when we think of the tremendous social economic and political changes which have followed as a consequence, we may begin to grasp something of the significance which should be assigned to this first public Western and modern presentation of the hidden teaching.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24824 – 13.20.2.72

BN – Z

The needs of this age emphatically demand action in the outer world. Quite a few people of talent, position, vision, or influence have adopted these views, and will take their place in the forefront of things when the destined hour of the New Age sweeps down.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24825 – 13.20.2.73

BN – ZZ – D

So many today are busy studying the ancient and medieval systems of mysticism that it might be prudent to pause for a moment and consider whether we, today, in the altered conditions under which we now live, do not need a more timely formulation of mystical practice and theory and training—something which still keeps what really matters and what really must matter in all such systems, but discards the accretions, the non-essentials, the obsolete, and which even invents new forms to suit the modern demands upon us.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24826 – 13.20.2.74

BN – ZZ

The time has come for creative rather than interpretative endeavour, for something appropriate to the twentieth century and shaped to the lives of modern peoples.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24829 – 13.20.2.77

BN – ZZ

These ideas are not really new, but they have been half-forgotten or wholly overlooked. Anyway, the time is ripe to restate them. But they must be restated with electrical sparkle and spring freshness. The old forms simply will not suit us.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24842 – 13.20.2.90

BN – ZZZ – DEK

Long-revealed truths that have only a feeble influence must be reaffirmed by inspired individuals or proven by scientific ones. Poets must celebrate them anew and religionists fit them into their credos.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24844 – 13.20.2.92

BN – Z

Philosophy may be—indeed must be—written afresh for every fresh generation but its principles are imperishable. They cannot change. Only the methods of expounding them, only the phraseology of expressing them can change.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24846 – 13.20.2.94

BN – Z – D

It is not enough to preserve this old knowledge; we must also promote its adaptation to the new science.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24847 – 13.20.2.95

BN – ZZ

The truths which were known by Lao Tzu, Buddha, and Jesus are still valid in the conditions of today—which are so different—otherwise they would not be true. But the form of expressing them may well be different.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24851 – 13.20.2.99

B_11 – Z – D

The essential truth of things being always the same, its restatements can never alter, its principles never become obsolete, its revelations never become false. Nevertheless, the presentation of truth must be evolutionary in its development if it is to keep pace with the development of human mentality.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24852 – 13.20.2.100

BN – ZZZ – K

Philosophy can give nothing original to the present-day world, but it can make alive for, and usable by, the world, truths which were faded through neglect or even discarded through ignorance.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24854 – 13.20.2.102

BN – ZZZ – K

We do not claim that an entirely new teaching has been given to the world. But we do claim that a teaching and a praxis which we found in a primitive antique form have been brought up-to-date and given a scientific modern expression, that some parts of it which were formerly half-hidden, and others wholly so, have been completely revealed and made accessible to everyone who cares for such things.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24855 – 13.20.2.103

BN – ZZZ – K1

We do not claim finality in the absolute sense for this exposition. History holds in her bag many "latest" forms of philosophy but no "last" form.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24856 – 13.20.2.104

BN – Z

Since, in the field of basic spiritual teaching, as those who have made a comparative study of it well know, there is nothing new at any time, we may only expect nothing more startling than new teachers. Let us not criticize the staleness of their revelations, but rather welcome the newness of these revelators. For each, being a different personality, set apart from all the others, necessarily individualizes what he brings us, making its form different from the form of all offerings that have come before his; it is an expression of his own unique self.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24861 – 13.20.2.109

BN – Z

There is room to bring a fresh understanding, a free original approach, and a personal realization of philosophy, and thus see the teaching for oneself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24863 – 13.20.2.111

BN – Z

Old teachings may have to be formulated afresh to meet new conditions. This can be done by honest, unself-seeking, unbiased persons, without any disloyalty to the teachings.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24865 – 13.20.2.113

BN – Z

We cannot modernize truth: it would be senseless and futile to try to do so. It would also be an insult to ancient sages. But reinterpret—yes!

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > A more timely formulation

#24866 – 13.20.2.114

BN – Z

There are some who, by reason of innate tendencies acquired from previous existences, can find their way to spiritual peace only through Oriental paths, especially Indian ones. This is understandable and ought to be respected except when it becomes an unreasonable and unbalanced adulation. But there are others who, although largely interested in and greatly attracted by Oriental mysticism, perceive nevertheless that a more universal attitude is safer and better, and who perceive in such independence a closer approximation to the liberating effect of truth. Philosophy is for them.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24867 – 13.20.2.115

BN – Z

The only choice which is usually presented to us is a vicious and false one. We are asked to choose between materialism and orthodox religion, thus dividing us into the supposition that these are the only possible spiritual views which mankind can adopt. This supposition is an unjustified one. We are moving beyond them. We are no longer limited to such a narrow choice. There is a third road open to us—that of the philosophic view. Out of the clash between two such opposite attitudes, there has been born for independent thinkers a third attitude which is truer than both.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24869 – 13.20.2.117

BN – ZZ – K

Philosophy is for those who feel this desire to understand spiritual processes and find the study quite interesting.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24870 – 13.20.2.118

BN – Z

The theory of philosophy is suited and available to everyone who has the intelligence to grasp it, the faith to accept it, the intuition to recognize its supreme pre-eminence. The practice of philosophy is more restricted, being for those who have been sufficiently prepared by previous inner growth and outer experience to be willing to impose its higher ethical standards, mental training, and emotional discipline upon themselves. To come unprepared for the individual effort demanded, unfit for the intellectual and meditational exertions needed, unready for the teacher or the teaching, is to find bewilderment and to leave disappointed. A premature attempt to enter the school of philosophy will meet with the painful revelation of the dismaying shortcomings within oneself, which must be remedied before the attempt can be successful.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24872 – 13.20.2.120

BN – ZZ – K1

One may come under the influence of philosophy through intellectual conviction, emotional expansion, or intuitional cultivation, through mystical ecstasy or deep suffering.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24874 – 13.20.2.122

BN – ZZ

Philosophy is not a physically-organized sect but a movement of thought. It is for those who insist on finding a relationship with God through their own experience.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24876 – 13.20.2.124

BN – ZZ – DK

Philosophy is for those who prefer to face realities free of myths, veils, and distortions; who prefer to be mentally mature and want to understand life as it is and not make a pretense of what it is not. Hence ideas which religion presents under thick incrustations of mythopoetic pictures, philosophy explains by rational thinking which leads later to intuitive understanding.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24878 – 13.20.2.126

BSG_1 – ZZZ – K

A man is not usually ready for the wisdom of philosophy until years of faith and its disappointment, hope and its frustration, desire and its satisfaction, culture and its ripening, and most of the phases which richness of experience brings with it form the mind to receive such a revelation. The middle-aged appreciate it more than the young. This does not necessarily mean, however, that all the young are barred from it. Some may have gone through these phases in former reincarnations so completely as to be well enough prepared. Even so, Nature usually sets the age of thirty or thereabouts as 'her' requirement for initiation into philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24879 – 13.20.2.127

BN – ZZ

The adherents to philosophy become so by virtue of accepting its teachings, following its practices, and cherishing its ideals. There exists no organization which they could join, no order of which they could become members. For the philosophic way is a solitary one and its traveller must venture it alone with his higher self.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24880 – 13.20.2.128

BN – Z

One does not come into philosophy by horizontal conversion, as with religious and mystical changes of allegiance, but by upward progression. Philosophy takes no one away from any other organization for the simple reason that it is only for those who have seen through the limitations and have exhausted the usefulness of all organizations.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24881 – 13.20.2.129

BN – Z

If a life of inward beauty and emotional serenity appeals to a man, he is ready for philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24882 – 13.20.2.130

BN – X – D

It [Philosophy] is for those only who are searching for a clear light that, while revealing the inner meaning of their own life, will not obstruct the free exercise of their reasoning mind. It is for those who are busily engaged in the world's work yet feel and must satisfy a hunger for truth, a need of peace, and an aspiration toward the Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24884 – 13.20.2.132

BN – Z

Truth is for those who keep their minds at least free and independent, whatever they may have to do through the compulsion of circumstances in the outer world.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24885 – 13.20.2.133

BN – Z

The undiscriminating multitude are usually satisfied with orthodox religion; the more sensitive need mysticism, but only the intelligent and determined handful want TRUTH, cost what it may. Such alone will be willing to make the effort needed to comprehend the higher message contained in the book.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24894 – 13.20.2.142

BN – ZZ

If embittered heretics in orthodox religion and frustrated sufferers in personal life come to philosophy for negative reasons, hopeful seekers after truth and intelligent appraisers of value come to it for positive ones.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24895 – 13.20.2.143

BN – Z – K

It is not just for academic students—although they, as human beings equipped with minds, need it too—but for all life-meaning students, all truth-seekers, all would-be reality-experiencers.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24896 – 13.20.2.144

B_05 – ZZZ – K

Philosophy offers itself to men of the world, although monks may take to it if they wish. It ends in inspired action, not in dull reverie.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24897 – 13.20.2.145

BN – Z – D

If there is any future for a teaching, it belongs to the present one. It does not have to stand on the defensive just as it does not have to use loud-speaking propagandists. Its existence is justified by humanity's essential need of knowing what it is, what the world is, and what to make of its own life. If humanity finds such needs satisfied by its orthodox religions, mysticisms, and metaphysics—why then, that is as it should be. For only when it has tried and tested them all, only when it has noted their insufficiencies and failures, only when its own mind and heart have adequately matured is it likely to appreciate our teaching. The great intellectual width of this teaching, the grand compassion which it inculcates, and the sane balance which it advocates must commend it to those enquiring minds who not only seek but are ready for the best.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24898 – 13.20.2.146

B_02 – P – DEK

Humanity’s essential need of knowing what it is, what the world is, and what to make of its own life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24898E – 13.20.2.146

BSG_4 – ZZZ – DE

If there is any future for a teaching, it belongs to the present one. It does not have to stand on the defensive just as it does not have to use loud-speaking propagandists. Its existence is justified by humanity’s essential need of knowing what it is, what the world is, and what to make of its own life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24898E – 13.20.2.146

BSG_4 – ZZZ – DEK

The philosophic world-view will be satisfactory to those few only who do not scorn mysticism because they esteem science and who do not scorn science because they esteem mysticism.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24900 – 13.20.2.148

BN – Z – K

Philosophy does not have to defend itself, nor even to explain itself. It is only for those who have grown and grown until they are ready for it. They will appreciate its worth and perceive its truth without argument.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24905 – 13.20.2.153

BA11 – Z – D

H.G. Wells believed, and I agree with him, that few human beings are adult before the age of thirty-five, and it must be remembered that philosophy is a study for the mentally mature adult. Also philosophy is a study for the mentally strong, and the common and agreeable notion that lunatics constitute only a small part of the population is not confirmed by recent history.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24907 – 13.20.2.155

BN – Z

The interest in philosophy develops out of different motives. The need of finding inner peace is one man's motive; the wish to understand life is another's.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24912 – 13.20.2.160

BA11 – Z – D

They come to philosophy when they have exhausted other sources, paths, and directions, only when their search is prolonged enough and intelligent enough to show, with time, that the Truth is not findable elsewhere.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24914 – 13.20.2.162

BA11 – Z – D

This teaching will only be of interest to those who have long felt an aspiration towards higher-than-ordinary experience.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24916 – 13.20.2.164

B_02 – P – D

This teaching will only be of interest to those who have long felt an aspiration towards higher-than-ordinary experience. It can be understood only by those who try to live it: all others merely think they understand it. Only those who have incorporated it in their lives for a number of years can know how intensely practical philosophy is.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24916M – 13.20.2.164

BA11 – P – DX

Philosophy will have little interest for those who are eager only for animal satisfactions and human selfishnesses. It is for more evolved types, who understand that a higher life is possible and worth working for.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Whom it best serves

#24917 – 13.20.2.165

B_02 – ZZ – D

If it be true that the hour is ripe to unveil the tenets of philosophic mysticism to many people, it is also true that this unveiling must be cautiously, discriminatingly, and guardedly done.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24923 – 13.20.2.171

BN – Z

If formerly the hidden teaching was kept strictly secret, there were excellent reasons for this prohibition. But today these reasons have lost a part of their validity. Therefore a part of the ban has been broken and some of it revealed, but not the most important part. This latter remains as before, to be communicated only orally and only privately to the tested few.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24926 – 13.20.2.174

BN – Z

If people are so determined to become the victims of their own egos that no words, no sage counsel, can stop them, there is no other course left except to leave them to suffer the consequences of their actions and thus learn the hard way.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24929 – 13.20.2.177

B_01 – ZZZ – DK

It is only a few who can comprehend the far-reaching significance of this teaching. They alone will remain utterly loyal to it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24931 – 13.20.2.179

BN – Z

The need for secrecy must be treated with respect. It does not mean that the truth is to be suppressed for all time or for all men. It means that one must not speak of it to men whose mentality cannot receive it or whose character cannot be touched by it. It means that one ought not to put forward ideas whose ultimate destiny will be the same as their immediate one—to be resisted or rejected.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24932 – 13.20.2.180

BN – ZZZ – K

However useful religion is for the masses, it does not speak very clearly to the few who want the Truth and nothing but the Truth. From the small number of seekers interested in these teachings it is obvious that more than three-quarters of the people are not ready for philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24933 – 13.20.2.181

B_05 – ZZZ – K

We have also to remember that every light throws a shadow, that the light of truth is opposed by the adverse element in Nature, that it finds its first barricade against the enemy in the curtain of complete secrecy with which it must be kept shrouded. The hostile forces of ignorance jealousy hatred and malice have to be fought by such secrecy. The task before the sages of keeping truth alive is too important and the opposition to it too strong to permit us to expose it unnecessarily to the danger of failure through the defection of traitors, the indiscretions of fools, and the babbling of gossips.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24934 – 13.20.2.182

BN – ZZ

All seekers inevitably gravitate to the kind of teaching that suits their grade; the better the stuff they are made of, the better the quality of teaching they are likely to accept. Thus their different spiritual requirements are provided for, and thus we find in existence a medley of cults and a variety of sects. Nine-carat truth may hope to achieve some popularity, but twenty-four carat may not. Consequently philosophy does not lend itself to propaganda and can have no large-scale appeal. Its expectation of finding students will necessarily be qualified by its realization of limited appeal. It is too tough for the multitude, too subtle for the prosaic, too remote for those preoccupied wholly with personal cares and fears. It must perforce remain to a considerable extent an esoteric doctrine to be communicated only to those who have first made themselves fit to receive it by maturing their intelligence and disciplining their character.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24935E – 13.20.2.183

BN – ZEL1/2

Nine-carat truth may hope to achieve some popularity, but twenty-four carat may not. Consequently philosophy does not lend itself to propaganda and can have no large-scale appeal. Its expectation of finding students will necessarily be qualified by its realization of limited appeal. It is too tough for the multitude, too subtle for the prosaic, too remote for those preoccupied wholly with personal cares and fears. It must perforce remain to a considerable extent an esoteric doctrine to be communicated only to those who have first made themselves fit to receive it by maturing their intelligence and disciplining their character. Hence it is not enough to be a seeker. That by itself does not entitle anyone to initiation into the highest truth. He must also be fit to receive it. Such a select few will be completely outnumbered by the gross multitude. We must thrust wishful thinking aside and resignedly accept this bare fact.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24935E – 13.20.2.183

BN – ZEL2/2

The real bar to access to this knowledge is put up by people themselves, by their lack of intelligence or intuition, or by their unmovable attachment to selfishness or sensuality. The actuality of reincarnation makes nonsense of the assertion that all persons ought to be given truth, all the truth; for it shows that not all are fit or prepared to receive the entire truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24938 – 13.20.2.186

BN – Z

The custodians of esoteric truth do not pursue a spendthrift policy. They do not give it away indiscriminately. They are not satisfied with its value being recognized by few people outside themselves. But there is nothing much they can do about it. The upward development of mankind can no more be forced than can the upward growth of an oak tree.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24939 – 13.20.2.187

BN – Z – K

It was written in the opening pages of "The Hidden Teaching Beyond Yoga" that the higher truth would be proclaimed in our era more publicly than in the past. This was misread to mean that every esoteric piece of knowledge would be proclaimed. This is not what was meant. The whole truth cannot be given to the whole of mankind. This is because of possible breakdowns in religious relations or misunderstandings in moral connections. But much larger portions can now safely be revealed, or traditional teaching translated, with only the most necessary restraints.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24940 – 13.20.2.188

BN – Z

Although more men are ready to receive it than ever before, philosophy's time has not yet come. There is still only a tiny minority which can recognize its truth, appreciate its worth, and practise its ethic.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24941 – 13.20.2.189

BN – ZZZ – D

The higher truths are not necessarily too hard to explain to most people; however, most people are either unfit for them or uninterested in them. Why wonder if some enlightened man withheld part of what he knew at a certain level or time?

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24944 – 13.20.2.192

BN – Z

It would be a lunatic's dream to look forward to a widespread favourable result of our humble effort at making these teachings more readily available than in the past. We shall respect our responsibilities and opportunities in this matter and not betray them. But at the same time we shall insist on seeing things as they are and shall recognize that only a select few are already attuned to receive such ideas. The others will have to be taught, slow step by slow step, by life and time.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24945 – 13.20.2.193

BN – Z

Few are willing to look at the face of truth; illusion is more attractive. Most see only what they want to see; thus their minds remain shut and undisturbed.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24946 – 13.20.2.194

BN – Z

Philosophy by its very nature can only appeal to the adult intelligences among us. And, unfortunately, the possession of an adult body does not give a man the possession of an adult intelligence.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24947 – 13.20.2.195

BN – Z

If these truths prove arrestive to some minds, even dazzling in their effect, they stir no interest at all in other minds, for there are varying degrees of inner ripeness.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24950 – 13.20.2.198

BN – Z

It is too subtle for popular appeal, too selfless for popular emotion, too honest for popular thought.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24953 – 13.20.2.201

BN – ZZ – K

A strong minority is bitterly opposed to this teaching, the great majority of people are both ignorant of and indifferent towards it, while only a few eagerly adopt it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24954 – 13.20.2.202

BN – Z

A few men, gifted with deep insight, have attained this knowledge and guard it closely. They fear more harm than good would be done by revealing it to the unready and unprepared masses. So they cautiously keep this property a secret. Only the candidate who proves his character and fitness by long probation is taught.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24955 – 13.20.2.203

BN – Z

It is a firm conviction with the adepts that it is better to have two or three in a community who are earnestly and indefatigably striving to conquer their lower selves and unite with their higher selves than to have two or three thousand public followers who are largely nominal only. They are interested in, and appreciative of, quality rather than quantity. Nor do they consider it sensible to propagate their wisdom among men whose minds are too undeveloped, whose intuition is too uncultivated, and whose hearts are too unprepared to receive it readily and sympathetically.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24957 – 13.20.2.205

BN – Z

Those who come out publicly to help mankind free itself from false ideas sustained by selfish vested interest, or who give out teachings which dissipate the ignorance sustained by powerful forces that are insensitive to the Spirit's voice, may earn the gratitude of some people but may have a penalty inflicted on them by these others.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24958 – 13.20.2.206

BN – Z

To explain philosophy and advocate its doctrines to those who are unready for and unsympathetic toward it is to commit a kind of desecration.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24959 – 13.20.2.207

BN – ZZ

It is useless to talk of these higher matters to those who are not even wishful to reform their character and reorient their tendencies. The result would not only be either incomprehension or miscomprehension, but also antagonism.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24960 – 13.20.2.208

BN – ZZZ

It is unwise for the adepts and unhelpful to the masses to place advanced truths in the latter's unprepared hands when they have not mastered the elementary ones.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24962 – 13.20.2.210

BN – ZZ

Philosophy is for the few. This is and must be so for several reasons. Its way of disciplined living is hard, its rejection of false emotional solaces is unpopular, its search for factual reality rather than personal fancy is bothersome.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24964 – 13.20.2.212

BN – ZZ

The philosopher hopes to educate the mind and train the temperament only of his disciples, for with them he needs the minimum of energy and effort. If he were to set out to educate and train the masses, both he and they would be dead before much could be done.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24969 – 13.20.2.217

BN – Z

It is as hard to get a brutal, materialistic egotist to understand and accept philosophy as it is to get an uneducated, illiterate, and semi-savage Amazon forest-native to understand and accept the quantum theory.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24970 – 13.20.2.218

BN – Z

Great truths and small minds go ill together.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24971 – 13.20.2.219

BN – Z

When we remember that a magnet repels as well as attracts, we may see how, and understand why, if philosophy draws to itself those mentally intuitively and morally equipped to accept it, it also leaves uninterested those not so equipped.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24976 – 13.20.2.224

BN – Z

Because we are a minority does not mean that we are to be a discouraged minority. We understand the very good reasons why this must be so, and why it has always been so. We have set our standards and we must serenely accept the consequences.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24978 – 13.20.2.226

BN – ZZ

When a man finds out the truth about philosophy, he cannot help becoming its friend; if he is strong enough, he cannot help becoming its follower. But since the facts which lead to recognition of its truth must be personally experienced, and this is not easily come by, few are its friends, fewer still its followers.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24979 – 13.20.2.227

BN – Z

While he is driven by sensual instincts, unpractised and unwilling to control them, the disciplines of philosophy would alone drive him away. Add the deep level on which its studies are conducted, and his complete indifference to such teachings is explained.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24980 – 13.20.2.228

BN – Z

If there is any concealment in his attitude, then it is called for both by the needs of his personal situation in a non-comprehending community and by the sacredness in which he holds philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24982 – 13.20.2.230

BN – ZZ

Even many of those who have had the good fortune to come into contact with philosophy have either misunderstood it and so missed their opportunity, or neglected it because its disciplines seemed too troublesome.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24990 – 13.20.2.238

BN – X – D

It is not a question of selfishly withholding truth, or of sentimentally sharing it, but of acting with wisdom.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Some esotericism is still unavoidable

#24992 – 13.20.2.240

BN – ZZ

Nature, which is God Active, governs man by her own laws, which bring him the results of his own doing.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Dangers to be recognized

#24998E – 13.20.2.246

BA11 – ZZ – K

Ordinarily it has been assumed that if philosophy in its fullness is taught too soon, the results will be as bad as if the teaching were delayed too long. It has long been the custom to wait until a person is ready for it, otherwise he will receive it incorrectly, misuse its practices, and drop his moral values.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Dangers to be recognized

#24999 – 13.20.2.247

BN – Z

The advocacy of truth in a truthless world is fraught with considerable danger. It must be done cautiously, discreetly, quietly, unobtrusively, and it must be limited only to those who are ready for it. Not only must it not be discussed with the unready—a futile self-deceptive procedure at best and a trouble-causing one too often—but they must definitely be avoided. Otherwise their hostility will sooner or later be aroused.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > Dangers to be recognized

#25015 – 13.20.2.263

BN – ZZZ

But when we say that philosophy must today make itself available to the public we do not mean obtrude itself upon the public. It is too conscious of the inequalities of character, intelligence, aspiration, and intuition to delude itself into the belief that it could ever become popular or attractive to the multitude.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25016 – 13.20.2.264

BN – Z

The popularization of an esoteric doctrine has its dangers, as recent history has testified. But the maintenance of ignorance also has its dangers, which the same history corroborates. Is there a dilemma here? For clearly it is a disservice to throw immature mentalities into bewilderment by teaching what is beyond their grasp. But it is also a failure in service to keep quite silent. So the middle way must be taken: to tell neither everything nor nothing.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25017 – 13.20.2.265

BN – Z

The wise man will not take other men as being better than they really are or more intelligent than their powers of understanding permit them to be. He will, on the contrary, take a scientific rather than a sentimental view, see clearly what precise possibilities they possess for immediate improvement of character and what ideas they can immediately grasp.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25018 – 13.20.2.266

BN – Z

The incapacity of some persons to receive the teaching is illusory. The fault lies really in the inefficiency of those who present it―in their failure to make it clear enough, vivid enough, logical enough, to render it intelligible.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25019E – 13.20.2.267

BSG_4 – ZZZ – DEK

Much depends on the way these teachings are presented. If the author understands them well enough and clearly enough, and if he has the gift of transmitting his understanding just as much, the reader will gain the benefit of this straight thinking. The mysteries involved in teachings will begin to vanish.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25020 – 13.20.2.268

BN – ZZZ

The teaching will always be adapted to the intellectual and moral capacities of its hearers. Hence the teachers will speak differently to different men or groups of men. Only at the highest level of in-take will there be absolute identity and purity of teaching.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25023 – 13.20.2.271

BN – Z

The principles of chemistry have no individual's name attached to them. We accept them not because so-and-so discovered them, but because they can be tested and proven by anyone anywhere. So it is with principles and teachings. Because they are really factual, no names or personalities should be put forward as the guarantee of their correctness. They must be presented impersonally. This is a teaching which can and will be expanded; which is open to change, correction, and improvement—like every science. It asks us to look at the facts of life and see how they support it. They should be examined as actual facts found in Nature. The emphasis will be on these facts, and the personality of the teacher pushed into the background.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25025 – 13.20.2.273

B_02 – Z

Discretion tells only what it is necessary to tell, for it knows that more will obstruct or bewilder and not help. And it tells even that only when the proper time has come.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25027 – 13.20.2.275

BN – ZZ

Such knowledge is the property of a few. It is their responsibility to keep the torch of philosophy alight.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25028 – 13.20.2.276

BN – ZZZ

The philosophic attitude does not hoard truth like a miser in complete secrecy, yet it does not proclaim it openly like a town crier. It gladly feeds those who are hungry for it, but no others.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25029 – 13.20.2.277

BN – ZZ

Fired by this noble ideal and seeking its realization though he is, nevertheless he will not waste his energies in trying to convey to the undeveloped mind more than it can take in. This is not spiritual obscurantism.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25030 – 13.20.2.278

BN – ZZ

If the philosophical few realize that their doctrines have little appeal to the masses, they need not feel disturbed. They must acquire something of the patience which Nature herself possesses. Truth must be their hope and its ultimate power must be their reliance.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25035 – 13.20.2.283

BN – ZZZ – K

It is our duty to spread this teaching but not our duty to spread it among those who cannot profit by it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25038 – 13.20.2.286

BN – Z

Whoever takes it upon himself to preach and promulgate a system of thought needs to remember that those who need Truth most like it least.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25039 – 13.20.2.287

BN – Z

Because the philosopher has freed himself from the intense attachment to personality which is so common, he feels no desire to impose his beliefs, ways, views, or practices on other people. And this remains just as true in political matters as in religious ones.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25040 – 13.20.2.288

BN – Z

Philosophy is faced with the problem of educating each individual seeker who aspires to understand it. There is no such thing as mass education in philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25041 – 13.20.2.289

B_05 – ZZ – K1

Such a teaching cannot indulge in propagandist methods or militant sectarianism. It must live quietly and offer itself only to those who are intellectually prepared and emotionally willing to receive it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25042 – 13.20.2.290

BN – ZZ – K1

Who has devoted his life to understanding the meaning of life—such a lone individual will not be so imprudent as to oppose his forces against this universal current of admiration for what is spurious but successful, false but powerful, dishonest but accepted. If he does not seek martyrdom, he will prefer to remain withdrawn, retired, and dispense his knowledge to the few who really seek Truth. As for the multitude, who must attend their physical wants and have neither the leisure nor facilities nor inclination to probe such matters—what are they to do? Knowing no better, what else can they do than accept the lies along with the truths, the impostures along with the authenticities, the whole dubious mixture of good and bad. Until quite recently this lone individual could not help them even if he wished, for the attempt would at once call down official persecution and extinction. All that he could do was what in fact he did do, pass the truth to a closed circle and thence let it be transmitted in the same secret way to other closed circles through the centuries.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25046E – 13.20.2.294

BN – Z

Such an exalted teaching is never to be forced on others; they must first feel the desire for truth, and that strongly enough to begin to seek for it. Each man therefore obtains the truths to which he is entitled. It is all a matter of ripeness.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25047 – 13.20.2.295

B_02 – P – D

Because it respects the fact that evolutionary fitness brings to all persons what is truly their own, philosophy never seeks to make proselytes. Only when they are ready to be led to its own higher position does it bring its truth to them. And even then such truth will be dropped quietly like a seed into their minds, to grow by its own mysterious power and in its own hidden way.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25050 – 13.20.2.298

BN – Z

For philosophy to attempt propaganda on its own behalf among the millions of people unready to receive it would be to enter into competition with religions which seek power, wealth, prestige, and followings. In the end philosophy would have to measure its success by these things, instead of by its capacity to lead a man into thinking and living in the truth. Further, the temptation to make itself more acceptable and more popular would finally bring about the undesirable result of enfeebling, diluting, or even falsifying the truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25051 – 13.20.2.299

BN – Z

Its reticence grows not from an aristocratic pride but from a sensitive humility. Philosophy does not go out of its way to seek recruits.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25054 – 13.20.2.302

BN – Z

He may say nothing to disturb those who desire to rest in the preliminary stage of spiritual understanding, which is the religious stage. It is better to leave them to the tutoring of life, to the processes of evolution.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25058 – 13.20.2.306

BN – Z

A truth which lies buried in myth or enshrined in allegory is not a truth fully and clearly understood. To make it so, and to present it in a connected reasonable statement, is the special task of our own century.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25061 – 13.20.2.309

BN – ZZ

Because they sought to help the multitude for whom they came, rather than the elite, sages used the popular language to deliver their teachings. Hence Buddha spoke in Prakrit rather than in Sanskrit, Jesus in Aramaic rather than Hebrew.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25062 – 13.20.2.310

B_11 – P – D

He would be untrue to philosophy if he were to seek a single proselyte. Nevertheless, when through his work anybody does accept this teaching he rejoices with and for him. But this jubilation is mostly on the other's account. The gain is the proselyte's, not the philosopher's.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25064 – 13.20.2.312

BN – ZZ

The philosophic movement must spread itself by teaching, not by propaganda.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25065 – 13.20.2.313

BN – ZZ – K

That a long and persistent course of intellectual striving is the coin to be tendered for the full understanding of its metaphysical side is undeniable. That this—not less than the unorthodox character of its conceptions, with their likelihood of giving a shock to the mind—has tended to make the whole system esoteric is also undeniable. But that the few leading ideas could be presented in a greatly simplified manner, and so made easier for popular taste, is not less undeniable. If most people show indifference towards this teaching, that is not altogether their fault.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25069 – 13.20.2.317

BN – ZZZ

Philosophy has no wish to argue these points with sceptics, no urge to triumph in the debate over opponents.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25070 – 13.20.2.318

BN – Z

Philosophy does not seek a popular following. It does not even set out to win friends and influence people.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25071 – 13.20.2.319

BN – Z

Adherence to philosophy is the most fundamental act of a man's life. He cannot be emotionally rushed into it, as he can into adherence to a religious cult. It is the result of growth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25076 – 13.20.2.324

BN – X – D

The time has come to teach the masses principles which formerly they were taught in parables.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25077 – 13.20.2.325

BN – X – DK

If we wish to serve the many with this truth-offering, then the terminology which bewilders and irritates them must be absent from our speaking and writing, whether it be the jargon of metaphysics, the exoticism of Sanskrit, or the abracadabra of occultism; let us say plainly what we mean.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Contemporary Influence > How philosophy presents itself

#25078 – 13.20.2.326

UR_3.0 – ZZ – K

To learn is to receive knowledge; but he who seeks to learn this Truth which is both behind and beyond all other truths must come with his mind, his heart, his body, and his will. With his mind because his thought must be pushed to its deepest measure. With his heart because his love is demanded more than he now knows. With his body because it is to be the temple of the holy spirit. And with his will because he may not stop this enterprise until he is through.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25083 – 13.20.3.5

BN – X – D

Philosophical intelligence combines the intellectual faculty with the intuitive.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25086 – 13.20.3.8

BN – X – D

The study of philosophy educates the mind in deep thinking. It must be approached in the spirit of scientific detachment.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25088 – 13.20.3.10

BN – X – D

Something of the impersonality and detachment of the mathematician are necessary to the beginning philosopher.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25089 – 13.20.3.11

BN – X – K

He is to be concerned solely with the reality, with that which Is, and not with the presentation of it which others have invented. 

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25090 – 13.20.3.12

UR_4 – ZZZ – K

Unless men possess the right intuitional calibre, they cannot grasp this teaching, for it stands at an altitude beyond the reach of the gross and the materialistic.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25092 – 13.20.3.14

B_02 – P – D

The courage to become independent of his own past beliefs is needed. The strength to set aside the patterns of thought imposed on his mind by long habit is required. These qualities may not necessarily have to come into action but they must be there.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25093 – 13.20.3.15

BN – Z – DEK

The hysteric, the neurotic, or the paranoic is unready for philosophy's guidance, unfit for mysticism's meditation. It is useless for such a one to apply as a candidate for initiation. Let him get rid of his self-centered mania first.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25094 – 13.20.3.16

BN – Z

Philosophy does not compete with any religion, any mystical or metaphysical system, for it does not consider itself as existing on the same level as any of them. It can only be grasped by those who bring the necessary intuitive, mystical, intellectual, moral, and devotional qualifications to it, and it can only be appreciated by those who can grasp it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25096 – 13.20.3.18

BN – ZZ

Philosophy is for those who demand the ultimate, who are satisfied with nothing less and who have enough discernment to discriminate between it and its many substitutes.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25097 – 13.20.3.19

B_02 – ZZ – K

Those only will appreciate this point of view who have awakened to the need of penetrating through illusion to reality and who understand how important this is to humanity's future.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25098 – 13.20.3.20

BN – ZZ

Philosophy calls for some leisure to study it and for some capacity to understand what is being studied. It is not enough to be an amateur in philosophy: one must become an expert.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25099 – 13.20.3.21

BN – ZZ

The first lessons of the higher philosophy cannot be usefully taught to those who have not learned the last lessons of religion. But for those who have gone a little way into mysticism or metaphysics, such instruction need not be deferred.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25100 – 13.20.3.22

BN – Z

Oriental wisdom enjoins in general withholding truth from the unready, and in particular from those who do not want or seek it, from inebriated or agitated persons, from those in whom lust or greed, wrath or impatience predominates, and, understandably, from lunatics.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25102 – 13.20.3.24

BN – Z

Philosophy gains recruits only from those whose values are so lofty that they regard the finding of truth a satisfying end in itself, and whose minds are so tolerant that they make their search for it in the widespread field of comparative and universal cultures.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25103 – 13.20.3.25

BN – Z

Swedenborg: “Without the utmost devotion to the Supreme Being, the Origin of all things, no one can be a complete and truly erudite philosopher. Veneration for the Infinite Being can never be separated from philosophy.”

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25106 – 13.20.3.28

BN – X – D

In the study of modern science, in all laboratory analysis or examination of natural phenomena, great stress is laid upon the necessity for strict impersonality and freedom from every trace of wishful thinking, personal emotion, and prejudice. This is of equal necessity to the student of philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25108 – 13.20.3.30

BA11 – P – D

He is ready to learn philosophy when he is ready to strip himself of all prejudice, or at least to allow philosophy itself to do this to him.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25109 – 13.20.3.31

BN – ZZ

If you wish to know the Truth, you must accept its disconcerting revelations along with the pleasant ones. You must be willing to practise inner detachment from everything and everyone as well as to enjoy the beautiful moments of rapture.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25112 – 13.20.3.34

UR_2.4 – ZZ – K

Those who belong by natural affinity to this teaching stay with it. All others eventually find their proper level elsewhere.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25114 – 13.20.3.36

BN – Z

His attitude should be: "Take the truth, whether or not it be useful to practical life. Take it for its own sake, disinterestedly and enthusiastically, whether it be close to personal needs or far from them."

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25117 – 13.20.3.39

BN – Z

It needs some courage to face facts as they are and the world as it really is, but this is better than harbouring illusions which are going to be relentlessly and painfully dispelled.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25119 – 13.20.3.41

BN – ZZ – K

It is comforting only to the few who are prepared to part with their egoism, their pride, their sensuality, and their inertia for the sake of truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25127 – 13.20.3.49

BN – ZZZ – K

It is for all classes, all types of mind, and all kinds of character. It is for the simple as well as the astute, the sinful as well as the good. But alas! personal histories show that it is the astute and the good who mostly accept philosophy. The others who need it because they too are human beings accept it less frequently.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25135 – 13.20.3.57

BN – Z

Only those who can follow philosophy wherever it leads them and practice its tenets with unflinching courage will ever become philosophers. It is not enough to affirm principles; they must also be applied and given tangible form.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25137 – 13.20.3.59

BN – Z

Sensitive and introspective minds will more quickly find their way to these truths than dull and extroverted ones.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25139 – 13.20.3.61

BN – Z – K

If he is to reach this pure well of truth, its water untainted by bias or prejudice, he will do best by keeping independent.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25140 – 13.20.3.62

BN – ZZZ – K

One should seek for knowledge of the Higher Laws governing life, for true purity of character, and for humility if he wishes to reach the Highest Truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25142 – 13.20.3.64

BA11 – P – D

The kind of mind which likes to keep everything neatly labelled (good or bad) and everyone neatly classified (atheist, believer, Christian, Hindu) will be somewhat puzzled, slightly uneasy, and partly derisory when confronted by philosophy or philosophers.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25147 – 13.20.3.69

BN – Z

One who is ripe to receive truth will respond to its presentation at once, convinced that it must be so.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25148 – 13.20.3.70

BN – Z

One who is ready will feel the power in these written truths and will follow their injunctions obediently.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Basic qualifications

#25149 – 13.20.3.71

BN – Z

Truth already exists within man. He has to bring it from the centre to the circumference of his consciousness. If it is hidden from his view, that is only because he has not looked deep enough or has not cleared away the obstructions to his view. Those obstructions are entirely within his lower self, and may be removed by practice of the philosophic discipline.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25154 – 13.20.3.76

BN – X – D

He has first to find out what it is that keeps him from the higher self. And, this known, he will see the need and value of the philosophic discipline as a means of eliminating these obstacles.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25155 – 13.20.3.77

BN – X – D

The ability to discriminate between appearance and reality, between the false "I" and the true "I," is developed by subjecting the reports of the senses to the criticism of the intellect, by checking emotion with reason, by standing aside from all of these faculties with the intuition, and by diving deeper and deeper into one's essence in meditation.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25159 – 13.20.3.81

BN – X – D

The enigmatic questions which have long haunted the human mind and will long continue to haunt it and which will rise insistent in the mind of the aspirant are: What is he to seek? How is he to gain the objects of his search? What are the prospects of the fulfilment of such an aspiration and the hindrances likely to attend it? The answers to them are a gradual revealing which follows on the heels of the cultivation of certain attitudes to truth and to persons and things.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25160E – 13.20.3.82

UR_2.3 – ZEL1/5 – DEK

"What is he to seek?" He should seek Reality and the knowledge of it which is Truth. This is the Ideal which is set before him. This is to realize his spiritual nature and thus achieve his higher destiny. Because truth is so subtle and so hard to find, his search after it should be well guided, his knowledge of it properly tested, and his adventures in meditation morally and intellectually safeguarded. Truer ideas are needed; nobler standards are called for. Such ideals, truthfully formed, deeply held, and wholeheartedly applied, can only benefit man and not hurt him. He who has been given a glimpse of the Ideal will not be able to lie always asleep in the sensual. The finer part of his nature will revolt against it again and again.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25160E – 13.20.3.82

UR_2.3 – ZEL2/5 – DEK

The Ideal serves more than one useful purpose. It is not only a peak to whose summit he tries to raise himself by slow degrees. It is also a focus for meditation exercises, a guide for practical conduct in certain situations, and a compass to give general direction to his trend of thought, feeling, and doing. It causes the aspirant to feel that he has been led through varying events to the new path which now opens up before him, that a spiritual meaning must be given to the period of his life just closed. The sequence of events and the accumulation of experience will force him to face his problems in the end. If he can do this honestly, analyse them intelligently, and intuit them adequately, he may acquire a valuable new point of view.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25160E – 13.20.3.82

UR_2.3 – ZEL3/5 – DEK

"How is he to gain the objects of his search?" The truth-seeker will begin to turn inward in quest of unity with his own soul and outward in quest of unity with mankind. Life is the guide that is bringing him home to himself and to kindlier relation to his fellows. Life itself teaches and disciplines towards these great ends. The following of the integral philosophic quest, with life as the guide and teacher, will involve the re-education of moral character—which is done in part by constant reflection and special meditations on the one hand and discipline of the senses on the other, and in part by prayer, aspiration, and worship. In addition, if a man cultivates the habit of barring entrance to negative thoughts and of instantly throwing weakening ones out of his mind, his character will strengthen itself more quickly. The outcome will be certain relationships to oneself, to others, and to situations and things.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25160E – 13.20.3.82

UR_2.3 – ZEL4/5 – DEK

The ascent toward truth proceeds by steps. If at first the merits of a particular teaching or teacher impress the emotions unduly, it is also likely that a more critical study of the one and a more thorough experience of the other will show up unsuspected defects. The philosophic student tries to avoid undergoing these unpleasant changes by getting a balanced view of the pros and cons from the start. He ought not to be so swept off his feet by the great admiration felt for a genius or a doctrine that he has no clear perception of the former's defects or the latter's faults. He must maintain balance not only in the face of lower emotions but also of nobler ones.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25160E – 13.20.3.82

UR_2.3 – ZEL5/5 – DEK

"How is he to gain the objects of his search?" The truth-seeker will begin to turn inward in quest of unity with his own soul and outward in quest of unity with mankind. Life is the guide that is bringing him home to himself and to kindlier relation to his fellows. Life itself teaches and disciplines towards these great ends.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25160E – 13.20.3.82

B_05 – ZZ – DEK

The student should seek clear ideas and warm feelings in his spiritual studies and devotional aspirations.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25163 – 13.20.3.85

UR_2.4 – ZZ – K

The goal is to obtain a higher consciousness which flashes across the mind with blinding light. All his effort, all his training is really for this.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25165 – 13.20.3.87

BN – X – D

Man's imperfect nature must be rendered utterly passive, its distorting interference utterly eliminated, before the divine truth can manifest itself in all its authoritative purity.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25170 – 13.20.3.92

BN – X – D

The inexperienced and the unbalanced may measure spiritual progress in terms of emotional ecstasy or meditational vision, but the mature and wise will measure it in terms of character—its nobility, its rounded development, and its purity.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25178 – 13.20.3.100

BN – X – D

Philosophic life in our sense is not a matter of reading practical maxims. It is giving assent in action and offering wholehearted belief in feeling to the best values, goals, and purposes.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25184 – 13.20.3.106

BN – ZZ – K

The philosopher develops the principal sides of his human nature, that is, his intelligence by reasoning, his knowledge by study, his piety by devotions, his mystical intuitiveness by meditation, and his wisdom by association with those more evolved than himself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25185 – 13.20.3.107

BN – X – D

The first aim therefore is to know Truth as it is and not merely as it is to us.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25186 – 13.20.3.108

BN – Z

Its aim is to produce a man who shall be humanly mature and spiritually secure, who shall be flesh and mind put to the service of spirit.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25187 – 13.20.3.109

BN – X – K

Thought, feeling, and will are the three sides of a human being which must find their respective functions in this quest. Thought must be directed to the discrimination of truth from error, reality from appearance. Feeling must be elevated in loving devotion towards the Overself. Will must be turned towards wise action and altruistic service. And all three must move in effective unison and mutual balance.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25189 – 13.20.3.111

BN – X – D

He should always remember that the mere reading about philosophy will not make him a philosopher. Nor will even the thinking about philosophy itself transform him into one. Both these activities are certainly necessary but they need one more to complete them. And that is the practice of philosophy in conduct, the expression of it in daily living.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25190 – 13.20.3.112

BN – Z

The disinclination to start practising meditation and the inability to sustain it for long when started are due in part to the mind's strong habit of being preoccupied with worldly matters or being attached to personal desires. This is why the study of wholly abstract metaphysical and impersonal topics is part of the Philosophic Path.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25199 – 13.20.3.121

BN – X – D

The earnest seeker who has already achieved a certain degree of awareness and understanding has the beginnings of what may be a splendid opportunity to make phenomenal progress in his present incarnation. But everything in this world must be paid for; the greatest treasures are attained only at the greatest cost. The aspirant must now embark on a do-or-die endeavour to lift his character onto a higher plane altogether; to purify his motives; and to be prepared to sacrifice all worldly objects first inwardly and, finally, outwardly—if called upon to do so. The spiritual returns are correspondingly great, however. They are: serenity, understanding, liberation, satisfaction, and the delight of perpetual communion with the divine Overself—while being always in Its blissful Presence.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25205E – 13.20.3.127

BN – ZEL1/1 – DEK

The mental tendencies which he has brought over from previous births, the effects of physical heredity and environment, the influence of society, and the suggestions of education—all of these have to be disciplined and purified, if he is to acquire truth without unconsciously deforming it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25206 – 13.20.3.128

BN – X – D

We must see things in their proper proportions. This is why the philosophic student must consider all available aspects of a situation, all sides of a question, and both the past causes and future outcome of an event.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25215 – 13.20.3.137

BN – Z

Since most people come to the same subject with personal preconceptions, they leave with different conclusions! Only those who have undergone the purifying discipline of philosophy are likely to have the same conclusions.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25218 – 13.20.3.140

BN – Z

This further implies the eliminating of all prejudices and the purging of all preconceptions from one's outlook. The mind must be open, not attached unduly to anything, not the victim of contemporary external influences, but ever ready to enquire.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25219 – 13.20.3.141

BN – Z

The history of religious and mystical ideas should be investigated and studied from an impartial independent standpoint, without bias for, or prejudice against, with enough critical ability to sift facts from opinion yet with enough sympathetic interest in the subject to collect materials widely from time and place. This is not work for a dried-up pedantic scholar without inner experience of his own, nor for a gullible excitable enthusiast, nor for a self-limited committed scientist, nor for a tradition-bound, excessively past-worshipping, anti-modern, religio-scholar-mystic.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25223E – 13.20.3.145

B_03 – EL1/2

The history of religious and mystical ideas should be investigated and studied from an impartial independent standpoint, without bias for, or prejudice against, with enough critical ability to sift facts from opinion yet with enough sympathetic interest in the subject to collect materials widely from time and place. With this work should be conjoined a comparative study of those ideas, which requires not only historical talent and learning but deeper inner knowledge, advanced and personal experience, and skill in communicating the higher yields of intellect, feeling, mystical intuition—in short, some philosophical equipment. There would be no place in such teaching for rigid dogma, no division into "official" monopolized truth and unenlightened unblessed invention.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25223E – 13.20.3.145

B_03 – EL2/2

Dr. Johnson understood the philosophical attitude rightly when he said that we have both to enjoy life and to endure life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25226 – 13.20.3.148

BN – Z – DK*

It is vital to see clearly the difference between teachings that spring from and serve only the ego, and those that spring from and lead to the Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25231 – 13.20.3.153

BA12 – P – D

If you ask what reality is, in philosophy's view, the answer must be consciousness. If you further ask what man's work in this life is, the answer must be to become conscious of consciousness as such. But because, ordinarily, consciousness never discloses itself to him but only its varying states, he can accomplish this work only by adopting extraordinary means. He will have to steel his feelings and still his mind. In short, he will have to deny himself (his ego).

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25233 – 13.20.3.155

BA12 – P – D

We have deeply felt the force of Epictetus' outcry: "Show me a man modelled after the doctrines that are ever upon his lips. So help me, Heaven; I long to see one Stoic!" It is not less easy to preach than to practise in our own time. But here is the acid test which will reveal what is and what is not pure gold. On the basis of such a test, mankind seems to cry in vain for a single Illuminate.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25243 – 13.20.3.165

BN – ZZ – K

These truths must become so vivid in his mind that he cannot help acting upon them.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25245 – 13.20.3.167

BN – ZZ

The quadrangle of religious devotion, metaphysical study, mystical meditation, and inspired action makes the tool for philosophic work.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25252 – 13.20.3.174

BN – X – D

The way is long and hard. It involves developing all the different sides of the personality. Prayer and meditation lead to the cultivation of intuition and aspiration—and these, at the same time, must be accompanied by the strengthening of will, plus study and reflection. All efforts should be made side by side, so to speak, to lead to a balanced psyche—the philosophic ideal.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25258 – 13.20.3.180

BN – Z – DEK

The philosophic approach to a problem is first to look at it and then to look away from it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25259 – 13.20.3.181

BN – Z

In the turmoil of daily events it is easy to lose philosophic perspective. He should not let this happen but instead strive constantly to gain such a perspective.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25260 – 13.20.3.182

BN – Z

How successfully he perceives the truth will depend partly on how successfully he overcomes the limitations and escapes the associations of his own personality.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25263 – 13.20.3.185

BN – Z

A time comes when the seeker is so thoroughly penetrated with philosophic ideals that the higher life will become the everyday life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25270 – 13.20.3.192

BSG_4 – P – D

The initiation into wisdom—if it is to be lasting—is not suddenly given by any master; it is slowly grown by the experiences and reflection of life. Thought is gradually converted into habit, and habit is gradually merged into high character.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Philosophic discipline

#25271E – 13.20.3.193

BA11 – P – DE

Yes, we need to know the Truth, to discover what "is" in the world around us and in life within us, but we also need to feel and intuit it by experience. This coming-together makes for its realization.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25293 – 13.20.3.215

UR_2.4 – ZZZ – K

It enters into the fullness of philosophy only when it is felt in the heart, understood in the mind, intuited in the soul, absorbed by the stillness, and actualized in the world.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25297 – 13.20.3.219

BN – Z

It is not enough to be a good person. One must also be a wise person. It is insufficient to be self-disciplined. One should also be self-illumined.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25299 – 13.20.3.221

BN – Z

When the light of truth enters it will then shine into all parts of his being, not into the intellect alone. It thus becomes a living power, not merely something to be talked or written about.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25307 – 13.20.3.229

BN – Z

If he is to be made whole, his everyday personality must put itself into perfect harmony with, and under the rule of, his super-personal Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25312 – 13.20.3.234

BN – ZZ – DK

Philosophy is not limited to work in meditation, although that is perhaps its most notable dramatic form. It is also applied in the area of everyday living routines and relationships. It is also active in work on character, emotions, and attitudes. It takes in the body and its diet.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25323 – 13.20.3.245

BN – X – D

So many seekers find a little calm from their meditation, but quite soon when they are back in the world's turmoil they lose it again. This is inevitable if they depend on the short meditations alone, which is as much as most Westerners can perform. If, however, they would support these attempts with the cultivation of the higher knowledge which philosophy offers they would be less likely to lose those calm moods.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25331 – 13.20.3.253

BN – Z

One must not be premature in demanding final union with the Overself. That comes only after years of all-round development. One must first prepare himself inwardly to receive it; only then may he expect the ultimate union. This preparation affects the whole personality—intellect, emotion, will, and intuition.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25332 – 13.20.3.254

BN – X – D

Because his whole nature is involved in the search for truth, it is his whole nature that in the end finds and receives it. Consequently he gains a certitude, a surety that is complete, unshakeable, and stable.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25333 – 13.20.3.255

BN – Z

When devotion stands on knowledge, it stands on a rock which nothing and nobody can move, nor hardships weaken.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25335 – 13.20.3.257

BN – Z

A balanced development will not stimulate the intellect and starve the feelings, nor do the opposite. It will give the intuition the highest place, making it the ruler of reason, the check on emotion.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25342 – 13.20.3.264

BN – X – D

It is needful on the philosophic path that he understand as well as feel. But if now he begins to try to understand this wonderful consciousness with his thinking intellect alone, he will necessarily limit it. The effort to comprehend which he is called upon to make must therefore be much more an intuitive one.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Wholeness, completeness, integrality

#25344 – 13.20.3.266

BN – Z

The principle of balance is one of the most important of philosophic principles.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25347 – 13.20.3.269

BN – ZZ – K1

Balance has a unique place, for it is not only needed as a qualification to be cultivated but also as a regulator of all the other qualifications. This is because it is an effect of which the activity of intuition is a cause. Thoughts, feelings, and actions which are in alignment with intuitive direction are balanced in nature, whereas those which are not are unbalanced ones. In the universe we find balance present with the same uniqueness attached to it. For not only does it appear there as the Law of Recompense to balance all actions with reactions but also as the Moral Law in the human entity to balance his right deeds with satisfying results and his wrong ones with painful results.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25348 – 13.20.3.270

BN – Z

All that is needful to a man's happiness must come from both these sources—the spiritual and the physical—from the ability to rest in the still centre, in the developed intellectual and aesthetic natures, in the good health and vigour of the body.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25350 – 13.20.3.272

BN – X – D

In the world of today there are signs of mental disorder and emotional upset everywhere. In the world of mystic and occult studies there are similar signs, although of a different kind. In the postbag of a writer whose subject borders the fringe of these subjects there is also ample evidence for the existence of such maladies. People should first free themselves to a sufficient extent and recover their sanity before they get immersed in ideas which will only aggravate this malady. When we come to the world of students of philosophy, insanity disappears—because it is a subject which regards the sage, the fully developed philosopher, as the sanest of men because he is the best balanced of men.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25351E – 13.20.3.273

BN – Z

Even our understanding of balance has to be corrected. It is not, for philosophic purposes, the mean point between two extremes but the compensatory union of two qualities or elements that need one another.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25355 – 13.20.3.277

BN – Z – K1

The required condition of balance as the price of illumination refers also to correcting the lopsidedness of letting the conscious ego direct the whole man while resisting the super-conscious spiritual forces. In other words, balance is demanded between the intellect which seeks deliberate control of the psyche and the intuition which must be invited by passivity and allowed to manifest in spontaneity. When a man has trained himself to turn equally from the desire to possess to the aspiration to being possessed, when he can pass from the solely personal attitude to the one beyond it, when the will to manage his being and his life for himself and by himself is compensated by the willingness to let himself and his life be quiescent, then his being and his life are worked upon by higher forces. This is the kind of balance and completeness which the philosophic discipline must lead to so that the philosophic illumination may give him his second birth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25356 – 13.20.3.278

BN – ZZZ – K1

The basis of the universe is its equilibrium. Only so can the planets revolve in harmony and without collision. The man who would likewise put himself in tune with Nature, God, must establish equilibrium as the basis of his own nature.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25357 – 13.20.3.279

BN – ZZ – DK1

It is not only balance inside the ego itself that is to be sought, not only between reason and emotion, thought and action, but also and much more important, outside the ego: between it and the Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25359 – 13.20.3.281

BN – Z – K1

A well-balanced person is not necessarily one who takes the measured midpoint between two extremes but one who lets himself be taken over by the inner calm. The needed adjustment is then made by itself. Although this avoids his falling into lopsided acts or exaggerated views, a merely moderate character is not the best result. More important is the 'surrender' to the higher power which is implicit in the whole process of becoming truly balanced.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25361 – 13.20.3.283

BN – ZZZ – K1

The philosopher seeks to attain a proper equilibrium which will enable him to move within the world of turmoil, conflict, egocentric men, and materialistic aims and yet keep in continuous contact with the consciousness of his Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25377 – 13.20.3.299

BN – ZZ – D

A metaphysical truth ought not be treated in a dry arid manner as if it stood quite alone, apart from its connections with the rest of philosophy. If the devotional, the active, and the aesthetic sides are left out from the wholeness, the union with these other aspects, metaphysics can easily become lifeless and monotonous. Philosophy lives in the heart no less than in the head, in its glorious beauty no less than in its sturdy support for the life of action.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25381 – 13.20.3.303

BN – Z

Buddhism is a religion founded on disillusionment with life. But philosophy, being more than a religion, cannot rest solidly balanced on such a slender foundation. If with Buddhism it sees the ugliness, the transiency, and the suffering in life, it also sees the beauty in Nature and art, the Eternal behind life and the satisfaction in it. Why should philosophy pretend to see no bright places because it can see the dark ones? Why should it deny the thrill of music in human existence because it can hear the wail of misery? This is why it is as quietly happy as it is gravely resigned.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25383 – 13.20.3.305

BN – ZZ

Another reason for the great importance of achieving a balanced personality is that the dangers of neuroticism, inertia, fantasy, and psychism are thereby avoided.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25386 – 13.20.3.308

BN – Z

It is rare to find a man whose mind is evenly balanced, rarer still to find one whose mind and life are so.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25387 – 13.20.3.309

BN – Z

It is laudable to practise optimism to a justifiable degree, but it is reprehensible to practise it to an absurd degree. Balance is needed.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25389 – 13.20.3.311

BN – Z

The unbalanced genius is not to be admired for his unbalance but in spite of it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25390 – 13.20.3.312

BN – Z

The ideal of Balance keeps us from falling into dangerous extremes. The self-controls which follow detachment are meritorious but its lengthening into callousness is not. It is natural that the endeavour to follow this ideal of Balance will spill over into his judgements and opinions. We will want to see all sides of a matter, and especially all the weaknesses in our own views, all the sound points in opponent's views.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25391M – 13.20.3.313

BSG_4 – P – DX

Balance requires the businessman to live for something more that his office. It requires the artist to live for something more than his studio. Both may be giving a useful service to many people. Still this is not enough. They need also to serve the ideal of their own higher integration.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25392 – 13.20.3.314

BN – Z

Man not only needs intelligence to find his way to the truth, he needs balanced intelligence.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25395 – 13.20.3.317

BN – Z – K

When the imbalanced person becomes a nonconformist, he becomes an extreme nonconformist. If he does the right thing, he usually does it in the wrong way.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25400 – 13.20.3.322

BN – Z

It is not easy to cultivate sensitivity without cultivating softness at the same time.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25401 – 13.20.3.323

BN – Z

Balance is always needed. A good stretched too far may become an evil, virtue grown unbalanced may become a vice, a truth pushed to extremes may become a grotesque parody of itself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25402 – 13.20.3.324

BN – Z

A well-balanced, well-developed man will habitually function in all parts of his being, regularly draw on all his resources, and live in harmony with his whole psyche.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25403 – 13.20.3.325

BN – Z

Some have been pushed off balance by certain happenings in their lives but most were born with the tendency, which was either latent, and needed time to show itself, or patent, and was displayed from childhood.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25406 – 13.20.3.328

BN – ZZ

When there is no collision between intellect and emotion, or between intuition and egoism, or between imagination and will, it may be said that one's inner harmony has been fully attained.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25409 – 13.20.3.331

BN – X – D

A well-balanced man cannot be thrown down. He may be pushed about by circumstances but he will always keep, or return to, his centre.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25414 – 13.20.3.336

BN – ZZ – D

The Delphi Temple inscription carved on the wall was not only, "Know Thyself," but continued, "Nothing in excess."

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25416 – 13.20.3.338

BN – Z

When thought and feeling grow purer together, when knowledge and aspiration wax stronger side by side, when idea and action progress mutually, he will come to know this truth about the virtues and values of balance by his own self-experience.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25422 – 13.20.3.344

BN – X – D

The philosopher cannot afford to take only a selfish or sectional view; he must take a balanced all-embracing one, if only because he knows that his duty towards truth calls for it. This is why the man who has no philosophic aim in life cannot achieve balance in life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25440E – 13.20.3.362

BN – ZZ

He can claim to understand a truth when he feels and knows it so profoundly and acts up to it so faithfully that it has become a part of himself—not before. There is then not merely understanding alone, not merely mystic experience alone, but also a transformation of contemplation into action. Life thereafter is not merely thought out in the truest way but also lived out in the loftiest way.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25448E – 13.20.3.370

BSG_4 – Z

With knowledge, wisdom, and understanding developing in him along with devotion, aspiration, and reverence, and with the two trends culminating in appropriate action, his quest will be properly balanced, sane, and productive.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25449 – 13.20.3.371

BN – X – D

Those who talk or write truth, but do not live it because they cannot, have glimpsed its meaning but not realized its power. They have not the dynamic balance which follows when the will is raised to the level of the intellect and the feelings. It is this balance which spontaneously ignites mystic forces within us, and produces the state called "born again." This is the second birth, which takes place in our consciousness as our first took place in our flesh.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25463 – 13.20.3.385

BN – ZZ – DK1

The danger of a lopsided character is seen when humility reverence and piety are largely absent whilst criticism logicality and realism are largely present. The intellect then becomes imperiously proud, arrogantly self-assured, and harshly intolerant. The consequence is that its power to glean subtler truths rather than merely external data is largely lost.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25464 – 13.20.3.386

BN – ZZZ – K1

The preliminary requisites to a lasting illumination are development and balance. If part of his nature is still undeveloped in relation to the finished goal and if all parts are off balance in relation to one another, the illumination will go soon after it comes. This balance of mind and life are essential.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25467 – 13.20.3.389

BN – X – D

When a particular part of a man's being is thrown out of balance, it is not only that part which is affected but the whole man himself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25474 – 13.20.3.396

BN – ZZ

An attitude of studied indifference to the lesser matters of life simply because one takes the philosophic goal as being of high importance may lead to serious neglect of practical affairs and everyday living. The results could well be deplorable. Such an attitude is not acceptable philosophically.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25478 – 13.20.3.400

BN – ZZ

Small minds or narrow ones give no validity or little importance to any side of life or culture which does not interest them. Thus they unbalance themselves.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25480 – 13.20.3.402

BN – Z

Even though he may see the need of correcting his imbalance, he may not be able to see how to achieve it. For the full and correct recognition of his deficiencies may need outside help.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25481 – 13.20.3.403

BN – ZZ

Too little intuiting and too much intellectualizing create an unsymmetrical personality. Too little thinking and too much feeling provide a dis-equilibrated equipment for truth-seeking. In both cases, the man finds half-truths, one-sided truths, but not the grand, great truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25482 – 13.20.3.404

BN – Z

Unbalance leads to unsound judgements and extremist decisions.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25483 – 13.20.3.405

BN – ZZ

Only by accepting the existence of "the pairs of opposites" in all phases of life, and hence in his spiritual life too, and by establishing this connection in his thoughts, can he develop spiritually in a healthy safe and successful way.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25486 – 13.20.3.408

A240901 – Z

When we attain balance, it forces us to note the presence of interconnected opposites in every case. It is only the unbalanced who ignore, deny, neglect, or seek to escape from one or another of these opposites. Proper consideration will try to bring them together, accepting the tension between them as a necessary part of truth about the subject, the person, the situation, or the event.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25487 – 13.20.3.409

A240901 – Z

The balance needed by faith is understanding; by peacefulness, energy; by intuition, reason; by feeling, intellect; by aspiration, humility; and by zeal, discretion.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25488 – 13.20.3.410

BN – ZZZ – K1

Neither the Buddhistic emphasis on suffering nor the hedonistic emphasis on joy is proper to a truly philosophical outlook. Both have to be understood and accepted, since life compels us to experience both.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25489 – 13.20.3.411

B_17 – ZZ – K1

Inner balance is not established by setting two polar opposites against each other, as miserliness against extravagance, but by combining two necessary qualities together such as bravery with caution.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25490 – 13.20.3.412

BN – ZZ – K1

By bringing into a fusion the masculine and feminine temperaments within himself, he also fuses knowledge and feeling, wisdom and reverence.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25492 – 13.20.3.414

BN – X – D

When these two—the positive and negative currents—come together, the electric lamp lights up of its own accord. When these two—intellect and feeling—are properly coordinated, and the character is both properly developed and purified, the Overself in a person begins to shine of its own accord.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25494 – 13.20.3.416

BN – X – D

Let him remember that there are dangers in both optimism and pessimism, that the proper course is to try to see things just as they are, and that nothing in life is all black-shadowed or all rosy-hued.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25495 – 13.20.3.417

BN – Z

If we seek to become philosophical it is not at all necessary to lose practicality and ignore actuality. We ought to become sufficiently equilibrated to create conditions, make things, and devise arrangements which are visible here and serviceable now. This should not stop us from mentally training ourselves to follow abstract ideas or metaphysical systems by which lofty levels are attained.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25496 – 13.20.3.418

BN – ZZ

The practical wisdom of keeping anchored to earth must balance the spiritual wisdom of seeking flights above it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25497 – 13.20.3.419

BN – Z

An independent research will necessarily be a critical one, but the criticism must be balanced by sympathy or it will fail in doing justice and judging accurately.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25499 – 13.20.3.421

BN – Z

Reason must walk side by side with emotion, science with mysticism, compassion with self-interest, action with thought. This balanced life and no other is the truly philosophic one.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25504 – 13.20.3.426

BN – X – D

Such is the all-round development of the human psyche offered by philosophy. It balances mystical intuiting by logical thinking, religious belief by critical reflection, idealistic devotion by practical service.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25508 – 13.20.3.430

BSG_4 – P – D

The Balance required preceding enlightenment is not only between intellect and emotion, thought and will, but also and mainly between the lower and the higher wills, between ego's desires and Overself's self-contentment.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25509 – 13.20.3.431

BN – X – D

When the two wills, higher and lower, are brought into balance and perpetually held there, he has secured the necessary conditions for enlightenment.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25510 – 13.20.3.432

BN – X – D

Our need is to achieve a balance between these two demands of human nature, between useful activity and mental serenity.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25511 – 13.20.3.433

BN – Z

He has to become expert in keeping both feet firmly on hard ground while keeping his head in this lofty pure atmosphere. This is what sound balance means.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25513 – 13.20.3.435

BN – Z

He who has gone deeply into himself without abandoning his hold on external reality has kept the balance of his mind.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25514 – 13.20.3.436

BN – Z

The need today is for harmonious balance between the inner and the outer being, between divine spirit and earthly body, so that the one faithfully reflects the other.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25515 – 13.20.3.437

BN – Z

When he establishes an equilibrium between the two poles of life, his inner experience fits into the outer, operates with it, and does not contradict it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25516 – 13.20.3.438

BN – Z

Just as in practical life we harmonize and balance two opposing facts to arrive at adequate decisions, as, for instance, between the need of prudence and the need of enterprise, so too in spiritual life it is essential to reconcile apparent incompatibles.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25520 – 13.20.3.442

BN – Z

When the wisdom of experience is married to the drive of youth, tempering it but not paralysing it; when dreams are fulfilled in actions and ideals are reflected in emotions; when intuition reigns over intellect and guides will, man has achieved a worthy balance.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25522 – 13.20.3.444

BN – Z – D

What philosophy seeks—and what most "systems" do not—is an all-around understanding and development, and an equilibrium between the body and the higher individuality.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25526 – 13.20.3.448

BN – Z

External activity may be likened to life at the circumference of a wheel; internal meditation may be likened to life at the centre of the wheel.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25527 – 13.20.3.449

BN – Z

Stillness at the Centre, activity on the circumference—this is equilibrium that is set by Nature (God) as the human ideal.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25528 – 13.20.3.450

BN – Z

To obtain a balanced result it is necessary to make a balanced approach and not to rely on a single kind of effort only. The moral character must become involved in the quest of upliftment; the intellectual faculty must work at the study, as well as reflect upon the lessons of, life itself; the intuition must be unfolded by persistent daily practice of meditation; and the everyday practical life must try to express the ideals learned.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Requirements > Balance

#25534 – 13.20.3.456

BN – X – D

All yoga and mystic methods, as well as certain religious practices, although of the highest value as preliminary disciplines, are not the ultimate ends in themselves. If one has sufficient sharpness of mind—that is, sustained concentration on abstract themes—and sufficient freedom from any kind of egoistic preconception whatever, one can instantly grasp the truth and realize it. But who has that? Hence, these various methods of developing ourselves, these yogas, have been prescribed to assist us. Their practice takes a long time, it is true, but the actual realization is a matter of a moment. Nor can it ever be lost again, as can the feeling-ecstasies of the mystics.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25542E – 13.20.4.8

B_11 – EL1/3

All yoga and mystic methods, as well as certain religious practices, although of the highest value as preliminary disciplines, are not the ultimate ends in themselves. All these doctrines have their place for people of different degrees of understanding, and it is our duty not to destroy the faith of those who cling to them. But for those who want the highest Truth, and who are prepared to part with their illusions for its sake, there is only "the straight and narrow way, and few there be that find it". It is narrow only because the ego must be left outside the gate; it is straight because it goes direct to the final truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25542E – 13.20.4.8

B_11 – EL2/3

For those who want the highest Truth, and who are prepared to part with their illusions for its sake, there is only "the straight and narrow way, and few there be that find it." It is narrow only because the ego must be left outside the gate; it is straight because it goes direct to the final truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25542E – 13.20.4.8

B_11 – EL3/3

Whatever creative abilities he possesses will, in the end, be vivified and not nullified by the effects of philosophic experience. This is not always the case with mystical experience. Here is another important difference between the two.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25549 – 13.20.4.15

BN – ZZ

Mystical philosophy' is a better term than 'philosophical mysticism'.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25550 – 13.20.4.16

UR_3.2 – Z – K

The philosophic aim is to overcome the difference between sporadic intuitions and steady knowledge, between spasmodic ecstasies and controlled perception, and thus achieve a permanent state of enlightenment, abiding unshakeably and at all times in the Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25556E – 13.20.4.22

BN – X – DEK

I have not swung overnight into the criticism of yoga but rather have gradually matured into criticism of wrong weighings on the scale of yoga. Yoga is as profoundly necessary to my own life as before. Only I want it at its very best and do not want to mistake its intermediate stage for its final one.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25559 – 13.20.4.25

BN – Z

I realize that this explanation alters the statement in "The Quest of the Overself" materially and I must explain that that book was written, like most of my earlier books, for those who have not yet reached the level of philosophy but are seeking peace through mysticism. The quest of truth is another and higher matter for which mysticism and yoga are preparatory stages.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25560 – 13.20.4.26

BN – Z

In the Buddhist's deeper meditational training—minutely described in the Abhidhamma collected and recorded by the Buddha's disciples—it is noteworthy that ecstasies first, and bliss next, cease about halfway along the path, to be succeeded by intense inner quiet for the advanced and terminal stages. Yet the texts on yoga which go beyond this halfway stage are few, and are studied by few. For it is at this point that mysticism ends, and real philosophy begins.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25567 – 13.20.4.33

BN – ZZZ – K

Texts might prove misleading if studied alone; they must be personally expounded by a competent teacher. Moreover, if but two books, for instance, out of thirty, were taken alone they would give a one-sided and inaccurate picture. But the book by Sri Krishna Prem, Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita, can be quite helpful. The aim of The Hidden Teaching Beyond Yoga is to prepare a basis, to create an atmosphere, but it does not go farther than that. There is a lower mysticism and a higher mysticism and the two are separated in time by the philosophic discipline. Nothing of the higher mysticism has been revealed in The Hidden Teaching Beyond Yoga. That is given in The Wisdom of the Overself together with several practices or exercises which develop the supramystic insight hinted at as being the final source of knowledge.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25568E – 13.20.4.34

BN – EL1/2

Nothing of the higher mysticism has been revealed in The Hidden Teaching Beyond Yoga. That is given in The Wisdom of the Overself together with several practices or exercises which develop the supramystic insight hinted at as being the final source of knowledge. Neither mysticism as ordinarily known—that is, the lower mysticism and yoga—nor philosophy of a purely intellectual-rational kind can ever lead to this goal. Nevertheless they are essential stages on the way thereto. One must not make the mistake either of discarding meditation (as recommended by Ashtavakra) and resorting only to ratiocination, or of despising ratiocination (as ordinary mystics and yogis do) and trusting solely to meditation. Both are needed. But both are only preliminary disciplines. Only the supramystic exercises can lead to the final revelation and these were given to the West for the first time in The Wisdom of the Overself. They were formerly kept esoteric in every sense of the word, but times have changed.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25568E – 13.20.4.34

BN – EL2/2

I consider it a sacred duty to free that which is so precious to me from the large falsifications, extravagant claims, ancient distortions, and degraded doctrines from which it is suffering. I cannot remain silent and indifferent while its treasures are caricatured by the unscientific and unphilosophical or while its truths are deformed and shamelessly cheapened by the egoistic, the hyper-emotional, and the foolish. We must view this subject as a whole, not merely in its bright or dark patches. This means that we must be bent on realistically seeing both. For so far as I am aware nobody within the ranks of the mystically minded capable of speaking with sufficient authority has heretofore ventured to explain the existence amongst them of large-scale gullibility, notorious charlatanry, and failure to beneficially affect public life by frankly exposing the limitations, defects, errors, and misunderstandings prevalent in mysticism itself in a scientific and philosophic manner.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25569E – 13.20.4.35

BN – Z

The philosopher enjoys a continuous inner peace. He has no particular wish at any time to exchange it for the mystic's bliss although through his capacity for meditation he may be able to do so.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25570 – 13.20.4.36

BN – Z

The yogic viewpoint still embraces the phenomena of causation, however refined.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25573 – 13.20.4.39

BN – X – K

Philosophy prescribes just enough meditation to make its votaries mystically conscious but not enough to make them forget the philosophic goal amidst its pleasures.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25574 – 13.20.4.40

BN – Z – K

The philosophic goal when entering into mystical experience of the higher kind or when viewing one's relation to anyone else or to any situation, is to see the truth correctly and understand it rightly, to add nothing to it out of personal associations or habitual tendencies.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25575 – 13.20.4.41

BN – Z

The next point of difference is the active nature of philosophic realization as compared to the passive nature of mystical realization. This is the result of the holding-up of compassion as part of the philosophic aspirant's ideal from the beginning to the end of his course.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25576 – 13.20.4.42

BN – Z

The mystic is usually satisfied in enjoying this inner stillness whereas the philosopher needs also to know where it emanates from.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Mysticism and mystical philosophy compared

#25584 – 13.20.4.50

BN – Z

What the mystic seeks through love and self-purification alone, the philosopher seeks through love and self-purification and knowledge as well.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25585 – 13.20.4.51

BN – Z

Philosophical mysticism keeps and contains all that is best in ordinary mysticism but reinforces and balances it with reason, culture, shrewdness, and practicality, expresses it through service or art.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25587 – 13.20.4.53

BN – Z

The virtue of philosophic yoga is that it makes reason an accomplice and not, as with the other yogas, an enemy of the quest of spiritual realization.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25589 – 13.20.4.55

BN – Z

The philosophical mystic has no use for such vagueness and precariousness. He must know what he is about, must be self-conscious and self-possessed. But all this on the intellectual level only. He will be the personification of humility, the incarnation of self-surrender, on the emotional level.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25590 – 13.20.4.56

BN – Z

Mysticism requires the unreserved surrender of the ego to the soul. From this quite correct requirement, unphilosophic mystics draw the quite incorrect conclusions that the ego's faculty of reasoning and use of will are to be banished from the domain of practical affairs. It should not, for instance, provide for its worldly future, because God is to provide for it. Belief in mysticism is no excuse for such illogical and inaccurate thinking, much less for the paralysis of willing. The mystic may give himself unto the soul and yet render unto thought and action that which is rightly theirs.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25591 – 13.20.4.57

BN – Z

Philosophical understanding can bloom within him only after he has cultivated his metaphysical intelligence as well as his mystical intuition.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25593 – 13.20.4.59

BSG_4 – P – D

Truth will not insult intelligence, although it soars beyond intellect. Let the religionists talk nonsense, as they do at times; but holiness is not incompatible with the use of brains, the acquisition of knowledge, and the rational faculties.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25595 – 13.20.4.61

BN – X – K1

The use of metaphysical thinking as part of the philosophic system is a feature which few yogis of the ordinary type are likely to appreciate. This is both understandable and pardonable. They are thoroughly imbued with the futility of a merely rational and intellectual approach to reality, a futility which has also been felt and expressed in these pages. So far there is agreement with them. But when they proceed to deduce that the only way left is to crush reason and stop the working of intellect altogether, our paths diverge. For what metaphysics admittedly cannot accomplish by itself may be accomplished by a combination of metaphysics and mysticism far better than by mysticism alone. The metaphysics of truth, which is here meant, however, must never be confused with the many historical speculative systems which exist.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25598 – 13.20.4.64

BN – Z – K1

Continued and constant pondering over the ideas presented herein is itself a part of the yoga of philosophical discernment. Such reflection will as naturally lead the student towards realization of his goal as will the companion and equally necessary activity of suppressing all ideas altogether in mental quiet. This is because these ideas are not mere speculations but are themselves the outcome of a translation from inner experience. While such ideas as are here presented grow under the water of their reflection and the sunshine of their love into fruitful branches of thought, they gradually begin to foster intuition.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25600 – 13.20.4.66

BN – Z – DEK1

The logical movement of intellect must come to a dead stop before the threshold of reality. But we are not to bring about this pause deliberately or in response to the bidding of some man or some doctrine. It must come of its own accord as the final maturation of long and precise reasoning and as the culmination of the intellectual and personal discovery that the apprehension of mind as essence will come only when we let go of the idea-forms it takes and direct our attention to it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25601 – 13.20.4.67

BN – X – K1

This is the paradox: that both the capacity to think deeply and the capacity to withdraw from thinking are needed to attain this goal.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25602 – 13.20.4.68

BN – Z – DK1

The mistake of the mystics is to negate reasoning prematurely. Only after reasoning has completed its own task to the uttermost will it be psychologically right and philosophically fruitful to still it in the mystic silence.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25603 – 13.20.4.69

BN – Z – K1

Philosophy is not hostile to yoga; the latter leads to steadiness of mind; with this one can then exercise discrimination. The combination of concentration and enquiry leads to fitful glimpses of truth. These glimpses must then be stabilized by constant effort and remembrance throughout the day until they become second nature.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25605 – 13.20.4.71

BN – Z

Our aim must be all-round development—a sane, healthy, balanced life. Meditation is not enough, albeit essential in its place. The cultivation of a sharp keen intelligence for philosophical reflection is just as essential. The two must work hand in hand, with a perfect development of each ideal as the goal. The kingdom of heaven is in the head as well as the heart.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25612 – 13.20.4.78

BN – Z

If he thinks for himself and feels for others, he will appreciate the superiority of the philosophic form of mysticism.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Discriminating analysis, mystical depth

#25614 – 13.20.4.80

BN – Z

There is only one truth, hence only one true illumination. But there are various degrees of its reception.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25618 – 13.20.4.84

BN – ZZ

Such an attainment as philosophy proposes cannot be reached all at once. It must be approached through a series of preparatory steps. They will be slow in pace at first, but quicker later and sudden towards the end.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25620 – 13.20.4.86

B_02 – P – D

It is a long journey from the condition of seeker to that of sage. But this is true only so far as we ascribe reality to time. To those who know that our human existence is a movement through events, but that the human being in its essence transcends all events and dwells in timelessness, this journey may be considerably shortened or swiftly brought to its destination. For that, the thorough understanding of philosophy and its incessant application to oneself is required.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25622 – 13.20.4.88

B_02 – P – D

The truth may not always burst on its votary in a sudden brief and total flash. It may also come so slowly that he will hardly know its movement. But in both cases this progress will be measured by his abandonment of a purely personal and self-centered attitude towards life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25623 – 13.20.4.89

BN – Z

The same mystical experience which detaches others from action inspires him to it. This difference of result springs from a difference of approach.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25625 – 13.20.4.91

BN – Z

To the fearful, uninstructed seeker everything connected with a worldly life is a stop on his upward way. To the philosophically enlightened student, it is actually a step on his upward way. He redeems the earthly environment by thinking rightly about it, turns every earthly deed into a sacrament because he views it under a divine light, and sees a fellow pilgrim in the worst sinner.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25627 – 13.20.4.93

B_05 – P – D

The mystic must live a double existence, one during meditation and the other during work. The philosopher is released from such an awkward duality. He knows only one existence—the philosophic life. The divine quality permeates his whole activity as much as it permeates his meditative cessation from activity. Work too is worship for him.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25628 – 13.20.4.94

BN – Z

There are three things man needs to know to make him a spiritually educated man: the truth about himself, his world, and his God. The mystic who thinks it is enough to know the first alone and to leave out the last two, is satisfied to be half-educated.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25629 – 13.20.4.95

BN – Z – K1

It is not enough to know the internal self as the mystics know it. We must also know the real nature of the external world before we can realize Truth. This means that one will see oneself in the All and possess a perfect comprehension with the All.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25630 – 13.20.4.96

BN – Z – DEK

Suffused with pious feeling as a man might be, uplifted in heart and bettered in character as this may leave him, it is still not enough to fulfil the higher purpose of his existence. He needs also to understand what is the Idea behind his particular life, and all other lives.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25631 – 13.20.4.97

BN – Z

Is it possible to unite both ways, the active life in the world outside and the quiet life in the stillness within, and find no break, no essential difference, no falsification of the oft-stated idea, "God is everywhere"? The answer is Yes! and has been tested in ancient and modern experience. "What is the World?" gives the same reply as "Who am I?" Withdrawing from the physical sense-world as the mystic does or going into physical action with the senses engaged need not break the union, the awareness of Divine Presence.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25638 – 13.20.4.104

B_08 – ZZZ

Of course it is quite true to say that the truth is inside man, that he must search there. But it is also true that the truth is outside man and in the cosmos itself 'because he is a part of it'. Why be one-sided and reject the second direction in favour of the first or reject the first in favour of the second? Both are necessary to the full perception of truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25639 – 13.20.4.105

UR_6 – ZZZ – K

To arrive at a simultaneous consciousness of both states—the personal ego and the impersonal Overself—is possible, and has been done intermittently by some people such as mystics and artists—or permanently by philosophers.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25641 – 13.20.4.107

BN – Z – D

The materialist sees plurality alone and sees superficially. The mystic in his deepest contemplation sees Spirit (or Mind alone) without seeing Plurality, and sees incompletely. The philosopher sees both Mind and its manifold world-images as essentially the same and sees rightly and fully.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25643 – 13.20.4.109

BN – Z

Others may turn away in despair or disgust from the harshness of the worldly scenes; he must gaze into and beyond them. Others may ignore or escape from its uglinesses; he must take them up into his scheme of things, and, taking, transcend them by philosophic knowledge.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25646 – 13.20.4.112

BN – ZZ

Philosophy takes its votaries on a holy pilgrimage from ordinary life in the physical senses through mystical life in the sense-freed spirit to a divinized life back in the same senses.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25647 – 13.20.4.113

BN – Z – DK1

The student who has reached this stage is forced to adopt an uncompromising attitude if he is not to stagnate. He shuts up his holiest books and puts them aside, turns away from the traditional instruction of his teacher and flees from the sheltering society of hermitages or fellow students into the rough hard materialistic society which he has hitherto disdained. Henceforth he must look to nothing and nobody outside his own self for final guidance or strength. That which he seeks must now be found within or not at all. He perceives now that all techniques and teachers are like a sundial, which indicates the presence of the sun and measures its relative position, but if one does not at last turn away from the dial and look upward, then one will never see or know the sun in itself. To use the dial for a time is a help; to become preoccupied with it for all time is a hindrance. He is now ready to enter the ultimate path. For there are two paths within the quest.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25652 – 13.20.4.118

BN – Z

The need of going beyond the ordinary yogas if he is to arrive at a deeper and purer truth, is a perception which will force him to engage in further research as well as independent research.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25653 – 13.20.4.119

BN – Z

The mystic will not care and may not be able to do so but the philosopher has to learn the art of combining his inward recognition of the Void with his outward activity amongst things without feeling the slightest conflict between both. Such an art is admittedly difficult but it can be learnt with time and patience and comprehension. Thus he will feel inward unity everywhere in this world of wonderful variety, just as he will experience all the countless mutations of experience as being present in the very midst of this unity.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25655 – 13.20.4.121

BN – Z – K1

What science calls the "critical temperature," that is, the temperature when a substance shares both the liquid and gaseous states, is symbolic of what philosophical mysticism calls the "philosophic experience," that is, when a man's consciousness shares both the external world of the five senses and the internal world of the empty soul. The ordinary mystic or yogi is unable to hold the two states simultaneously and, quite often, even unwilling to do so, because of the false opposition he has been taught to set up between them.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25656 – 13.20.4.122

BN – X – K1

The philosopher is satisfied with a noble peace and does not run after mystical ecstasies. Whereas other paths often depend upon an emotionalism that perishes with the disappearance of the primal momentum that inspired it, or which dissolves with the dissolution of the first enthusiastic ecstasies themselves, here there is a deeper and more dependable process. What must be emphasized is that most mystical aspirants have an initial or occasional ecstasy, and they are so stirred by the event that they naturally want to enjoy it permanently. This is because they live under the common error that a successful and perfect mystic is one who has succeeded in stabilizing ecstasy. That the mystic is content to rest on the level of feeling alone, without making his feeling self-reflective as well, partly accounts for such an error. It also arises because of incompetent teachers or shallow teaching, leading them to strive to perform what is impracticable and to yearn to attain what is impossible.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25659E – 13.20.4.125

BN – ZEL1/3 – K1

Most mystical aspirants have an initial or occasional ecstasy, and they are so stirred by the event that they naturally want to enjoy it permanently. They live under the common error that a successful and perfect mystic is one who has succeeded in stabilizing ecstasy. Our warning is that this is not possible, and that however long a mystic may enjoy these "spiritual sweets," they will assuredly come to an end one day. Too often he believes that this is the goal, and that he has nothing more about which to trouble himself. He longs for nothing more than the good fortune of being undisturbed by the world and of being able to spend the rest of his life in solitary devotion to his inward ecstasy. What philosophy says is that this is only a preliminary mystical state, however remarkable and blissful it be. There is a more matured state—that of gnosis—beyond it. He will not find final salvation in the mystical experience of ecstasy, but he will find an excellent and essential step towards salvation therein.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25659E – 13.20.4.125

BN – ZEL2/3 – K1

He who would regard rapturous mystical emotion as being the same as absolute transcendental insight is mistaken. Such a mistake is pardonable. So abrupt and striking is the contrast with his ordinary state that he concludes that this condition of hyper-emotional bliss is the condition in which he is able to experience reality. He surrenders himself to the bliss, the emotional joy which he experiences, well satisfied that he has found God or his soul. But his excited feelings about reality are not the same as the serene experience of reality itself. This is what a mystic finds difficult to comprehend. Yet, until he does comprehend it, he will not make any genuine progress beyond this stage.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25659E – 13.20.4.125

BN – ZEL3/3 – K1

It is here that the vital difference between the Ultimate and yogic paths becomes apparent. Ramana Maharshi took the stand which nearly all yogis take: that is, we need have nothing to do with the affairs of the world which we have renounced. Let us sit quietly and enjoy our inner peace. But on the ultimate path the goal is quite different. We begin after having passed through yoga, and having found peace. Then we seek truth. The latter when found reveals that the Overself is present in all men—nay, all creatures—as their ultimate being. We not only know this but FEEL it. So we cannot remain indifferent to the lives of others. Therefore—and now is revealed a great secret—when we attain liberation from the endless-turning wheel of reincarnation, we voluntarily return again and again to earth solely to help others, mitigate suffering, and reduce ignorance.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25663E – 13.20.4.129

BN – EL1/2 – DEK

So long as one creature lives in ignorance and pain, so long a true adept MUST return to earth. But this applies only to the adepts in WISDOM. The adept in yoga does not want to return to earth again, does not feel for others, and is happy in enjoying his exalted peace. He is quite entitled to this because he has worked for it. But he has not attained Truth, which is a higher stage. There is a tremendous difference in the goal we seek. The yogi's aim is a sublime selfishness; the true adept's is a burning desire to serve humanity. The successful yogi dwells in great peace and that suffices for him. Nevertheless yoga is an essential stage through which all must pass, for mind must be controlled, sharpened, and purified and peace must be attained before he is fit to undertake the great inquiry into what is Truth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25663E – 13.20.4.129

BN – EL2/2 – DEK

He discovers that the world of matter is ultimately space and that all material forms are merely ideas in his mind. He discovers, too, that his inmost self is one with this space, because it is formless. He perceives the unity of all life and he has found Truth, the whole Truth…

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25664ED – 13.20.4.130

BA11 – P – DE

It is the duty of an advanced mystic who wishes to attain greater heights for himself and be of greater service to others to try earnestly to graduate to the ultimate path. This does not demand that he give up any of his mystical practices or beliefs, but merely that he amplify and supplement them. He must first develop the trinity of head, heart, and hand, or reason, intuition, and action, and then bring them all into proper balance. If in addition he is inspired by the ideal of service, he will attract to himself the unseen help of those who are also dedicated to such service.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25665 – 13.20.4.131

BN – X – DEK

The hidden teaching starts and finishes with experience. Every man must begin his mental life as a seeker by noting the fact that he is conscious of an external environment. He will proceed in time to discover that it is an ordered one, that Nature is the manifestation of an orderly Mind. He discovers in the end that consciousness of this Mind becomes the profoundest fact of his internal experience.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25666 – 13.20.4.132

B_05 – Z – K1

The first step is to discover that there is a Presence, a Power, a Life, a Mind, Being, unique, not made or begot, without shape, unseen and unheard, everywhere and always the same. The second step is to discover its relationship to the Universe and to oneself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25667 – 13.20.4.133

BSG_4 – ZZZ – DK1

Two things have to be learned in this quest. The first is the art of mind-stilling, of emptying consciousness of every thought and form whatsoever. This is mysticism or Yoga. The disciple's ascent should not stop at the contemplation of anything that has shape or history, name or habitation, however powerfully helpful this may have formerly been to the ascent itself. Only in the mysterious void of Pure Spirit, in the undifferentiated Mind, lies his last goal as a mystic. The second is to grasp the essential nature of the ego and of the universe and to obtain direct perception that both are nothing but a series of ideas which unfold themselves within our minds. This is the metaphysics of Truth. The combination of these two activities brings about the realization of his true Being as the ever beautiful and eternally beneficent Overself. This is philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25668 – 13.20.4.134

BN – X – DEK1

In the ordinary state, man is conscious of himself as a personal thinking and physical entity. In the mystical trance-like state, he loses this consciousness and is aware of the Divine alone. In the philosophic state, he returns to the ordinary consciousness but without letting go of the diviner one.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25669 – 13.20.4.135

BN – X – D

Whenever I have used the term "the centre of his being," I have referred to a state of meditation, to an experience which is felt at a certain stage. The very art of meditation is a drawing inwards and the finer, the more delicate, the subtler this indrawing becomes, the closer it is to this central point of consciousness. But from the point of view of philosophy, meditation and its experiences are not the ultimate goal—although they may help in preparing one for that goal. In that goal there is no kind of centre to be felt nor any circumference either—one is without being localized anywhere with reference to the body, one is both in the body and in the Overself. There is then no contradiction between the two.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25670 – 13.20.4.136

UR_3.2 – ZZZ – K1

Many complain that they are unable in meditation successfully to bring their active thoughts to an end. In the ancient Indian art of yoga, this cessation is placed as the highest stage to be reached by the practitioner. This situation must be viewed from two separate and distinct standpoints: from that of yoga and from that of philosophy. Would-be philosophers seek to become established in that insight into Reality which is called Truth. Intuitive feeling is a higher manifestation of man's faculties. So long as the feeling itself remains unobstructed by illusions, and—after incessant reflection, inquiry, study, remembrance, reverence, aspiration, training of thought, and purification—a man finds the insight dawning in his mind, he may not need to practise meditation. He may do so and he will feel the satisfaction and tranquillity which comes from it. Those who become sufficiently proficient in yoga can remain for years enjoying the bliss, the tranquillity, the peace of a meditational state; but this does not mean knowledge in its fullest meaning.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25672E – 13.20.4.138

BN – EL1/2

Many complain that they are unable in meditation successfully to bring their active thoughts to an end. In the ancient Indian art of yoga, this cessation is placed as the highest stage to be reached by the practitioner. This must be viewed from two distinct standpoints: from that of yoga and from that of philosophy. Would-be philosophers seek to become established in that insight into Reality which is called Truth. Intuitive feeling is a higher manifestation of man's faculties. So long as the feeling itself remains unobstructed by illusions, and a man finds the insight dawning in his mind, he may not need to practise meditation. Those who become sufficiently proficient in yoga, even if they achieve the complete cessation of thoughts, should still take up the pursuit of understanding and insight. If they are content with their attainment, they can remain for years enjoying the bliss, the tranquillity, the peace of a meditational state; but this does not mean knowledge in its fullest meaning.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25672E – 13.20.4.138

BN – EL2/2

Carrying in himself whatever he has found in study and meditation and prayer, he returns to the world to gain experience of life and to apply in practice what he has learned.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25676 – 13.20.4.142

BN – X – D

The knowledge got from metaphysics, the intuitive peace gained from meditation, must now be accompanied by practical work done wisely and altruistically in the world to express both. The student must evoke the strength to descend into this sharply contrasting activity. The quest is not a single-track but rather a triple-track affair. He must travel along it with his intelligence, his intuition, and his deeds. "All speak of the Open Path, only rare ones enter the complex path," wrote Shah Latif, the eighteenth-century Sufi poet. When rational thought and mystical feeling and self-alienated action are thus integrated into one, when life becomes a sincere and successful whole, it becomes philosophic. It may be that such a combination of qualities has been rare in the past, but it is certain that it will be necessary in the future. The world will need men and women as leaders who have their roots deep down in the life of the divine self but who have their intellects very much alert, their hands very much alive, and their hearts very much expanded.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Keys to the ultimate path

#25677 – 13.20.4.143

BN – Z – DEK

Philosophy seeks not only to know what is best in life but also to love it. It wants to feel as well as think. The truth, being above the common forms of these functions, can be grasped only by a higher function that includes, fuses, and transcends them at one and the same time—insight. In human life at its present stage of development, the nearest activity to this one is the activity of intuition. From its uncommon and infrequent visitations, we may gather some faint echo of what this wonderful insight is.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25684 – 13.20.4.150

BN – ZZZ – K1

Intuition' had come to lose its pristine value for me. I cast about for a better one and found it in 'insight'. This term I assigned to the highest knowing-faculty of sages and was thus able to treat the term 'intuition' as something inferior which was sometimes amazingly correct but not infrequently hopelessly wrong in its guidance, reports, or premonition. I further endeavoured to state what the old Asiatic sages had long ago stated, that it was possible to unfold a faculty of direct insight into the nature of the Overself, into the supreme reality of the universe, that this was the highest kind of intuition possible to man, and that it did not concern itself with lesser revelations, such as giving the name of a horse likely to win tomorrow's race, a revelation which the kind of intuition we hear so much about is sometimes able to do.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25686 – 13.20.4.152

BN – ZZZ – DEK1

All metaphysical study and all mystical exercises are but preparations for this flash of reality across the sky of consciousness which is here termed insight. The latter is therefore the most important experience which awaits a human being on this earth. If metaphysics or mysticism is regarded as an end in itself and not as a preliminary, then its follower misses what lies at the core of one's life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25689 – 13.20.4.155

BN – X – DEK

Insight may apparently be born suddenly, but it is really the culminating stage of a long previous development.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25690 – 13.20.4.156

BN – ZZZ – DK

It flashes forth out of the darkness and must be seen. Whereas a book containing new and tremendous revelations of truth may be read but its meanings not seen because not understood, here, on the contrary, to see is to understand. Why? Because it is also "to be".

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25691 – 13.20.4.157

BN – ZZ – K

Such is the overwhelming certitude of philosophic insight that it does not need any other support to justify its truth for itself. Its possessor may, if he wishes, for the sake of others, put in such a support when attempting to communicate with them in words: but for himself it is not at all necessary. It is in a class entirely by itself and leaves the possessor with such awe, such a feeling of homage to its reality and truth, that he will be loath to mention it in any ordinary gathering of men.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25692 – 13.20.4.158

BN – Z

Reason moves continuously around the idea of the Overself whereas insight enters it directly.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25693 – 13.20.4.159

BN – Z – K

Insight is the flower of reason and not its negation.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25695D – 13.20.4.161

BN – Z – K

What the intellect formulates as opinion, belief, or observation arises out of its own movement in thinking. What the insight experiences as being arises out of the intellect's utter stillness so that it permits itself to be replaced by the higher faculty which alone can know reality.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25698 – 13.20.4.164

BN – Z

The intellect is not able to get this kind of knowledge, not able to gain access to this higher dimension. But what is denied to it is granted to another of man's faculties—insight. True, this is still only a latent one in nearly all men. But it is there and, with the Overself's grace, can be unfolded.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25699 – 13.20.4.165

BN – Z – D

Insight is not a work of the logical reason. Yet the keenest reasoning is present in it. It is not merely a movement of the emotions. Yet the heart element is equally present in it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25700 – 13.20.4.166

BN – Z

The philosopher's insight is not only sublime, like every other mystic's: it is also precise.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25701 – 13.20.4.167

BN – Z

It is not enough to attain knowledge of the soul; any mystic may do that. It is necessary to attain clear knowledge. Only the philosophic mystic may do that. This emphasis on clarity is important. It implies a removal of all the obstructions in feeling, the complexes in mind, and obfuscations in ego which prevent it. When this is done, the aspirant beholds truth as it really is.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25702 – 13.20.4.168

BN – ZZ – K1

Insight into truth comes from a region which metaphysics cannot enter. Nevertheless his insight should be able to square with the reason and appeal to the heart.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25703 – 13.20.4.169

BN – Z

He who possesses insight does not have to use arguments and reach conclusions. The truth is there, self-evident, inside himself as himself, for his inner being has become one with it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25704 – 13.20.4.170

BN – ZZZ – DK1

Because the philosophic experience is the supreme human experience, it explains and makes understandable all the others.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25707 – 13.20.4.173

BN – Z

It is out of the interplay of meditation, metaphysics, and altruistic action that insight is unfolded.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25709E – 13.20.4.175

BSG_4 – P – DE

Whereas metaphysics seeks to lift us up to the superphysical idea by thinking, whereas meditation seeks to lift us up by intuition, whereas ethics seeks to raise us to it by practical goodness, art seeks to do the same by feeling and appreciating beauty. Philosophy in its wonderful breadth and balance embraces and synthesizes all four and finally adds their coping stone, insight.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25712E – 13.20.4.178

BA11 – ZZZ – DEM

When a certain balance of forces is achieved, something happens that can only be properly called "the birth of insight."

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25715D – 13.20.4.181

BN – ZZ – K

Insight is a function of the entire psyche and not of any single part of it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25718D – 13.20.4.184

BN – ZZ – K

The ordinary mystical insight is also a transcendental one but there is this difference, that it is not pure, it is always mixed up with an emotion or a thought. Philosophical insight is utterly pure. It is a fusion of both knowledge and realization, understanding and experience.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25720EM – 13.20.4.186

BSG_4 – Z – K

Where we speak either metaphysically or meditationally of the experience of pure consciousness, we mean consciousness uncoloured by the ego.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25722D – 13.20.4.188

BN – ZZ – K

Nature teaches us here as elsewhere not to let patience break down. There is plenty of time in her bag. Life is an evolutionary process…

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25728E – 13.20.4.194

BSG_4 – P – DE

On the highest plane all insights are one.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25729 – 13.20.4.195

BN – X – K

A mystic experience is simply something which comes and goes, whereas philosophic insight, once established in a man, cannot possibly leave him. He understands the Truth and cannot lose this understanding any more than an adult can lose his adulthood and become an infant.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25732 – 13.20.4.198

BSG_4 – ZZZ – DK1

Because he has worked for his prize, because he has undergone a patient and arduous training, and because he has taken every step on the way with full comprehension and clear sight, his inspiration is not here today and gone tomorrow but, when he acquires it, remains constant and is permanently kept.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25733 – 13.20.4.199

BN – Z – D

The signs of genuineness in true insight include (a) conformity to facts of Nature and not merely logic of argumentation or speculation, (b) clear direct understanding of what it sees, (c) freedom from admixture of any kind of personal predilection, aversion, auto-suggestion or motive, (d) indications that the seer has fully overcome his lower self.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25735 – 13.20.4.201

BN – ZZ – K

The ever changing world-movement is suspended and transcended in the mystical trance so that the mystic may perceive its hidden changeless ground in the One Mind, whereas in the ultramystic insight its activity is restored. For such insight easily penetrates it, and always sees this ground without need to abolish the appearance. Consequently the philosopher is aware that everyday activity is as much and as needful a field for him as mystical passivity. Such expression, however, cannot be less than what he is within himself through the possession of insight. Just as any man cannot express himself as an ant, do what he may, simply because his human consciousness is too large to be narrowed down to such a little field, so the philosopher cannot separate his ultramystic insight from his moment-to-moment activity. In this sense he has no option but to follow and practise the gospel of inspired action.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25737 – 13.20.4.203

BN – X – K1

This is the true insight, the permanent illumination that neither comes nor goes but always is. While being serious, where the event or situation requires it, he will not be solemn. For behind this seriousness there is detachment. He cannot take the world of Appearances as being Reality's final form. If he is a sharer in this world's experiences, he is also a witness and especially a witness of his own ego—its acts and desires, its thoughts and speech. And because he sees its littleness, he keeps his sense of humour about all things concerning it, a touch of lightness, a basic humility. Others may believe that he stands in the Great Light, but he himself has no particular or ponderous self-importance.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25739 – 13.20.4.205

BSG_4 – ZZZ – K1

If insight is superior to information then the philosopher has something to give mankind which the scientist cannot give.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Insight

#25740 – 13.20.4.206

BN – Z

Our ideal is not the yogi who has secured his own nirvanic satisfaction; it is not the man who is so wrapped up in his own peace as to be indifferent to the woes of others. It is the sage who is ready to sacrifice his own leisure in order to assist others, enlighten others, assuage the sorrows of others.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25742 – 13.20.4.208

BN – Z

A spiritual exaltation which does not manifest itself in the service of humanity exists for its possessor alone. Him alone do we love who forsakes the seclusion of the solitary places wherein he attained Nirvana and goes back among men to help his frailer brothers. He alone is worthy of our regard who descends to exhort us towards the steps of the higher life and to encourage us in our efforts to climb, who nerves us with his strength, illumines us with his wisdom, and blesses us with his selfless Love.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25743 – 13.20.4.209

BN – Z

To be able to contemplate the Overself as an ”other” is already an achievement of high order. But because it is, first, an intermittent one, second, an incomplete one, and third, an imperfect one, it is not yet the highest. In the latter there is final, permanent, and perfect immersion in the Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25745 – 13.20.4.211

BN – X – D

His last task is to re-enter the busy world and dwell in it as focus for unworldly forces, to heal the suffering and guide the blinded.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25746 – 13.20.4.212

BA11 – P – D