Chapter 2

Initiation (CONTINUED)

IN the previous chapter we stated that initiation rites and ceremonies, conducted when in a dream state, or when the soul is out of the body (trance), do not appear to be necessary, because we have discovered that life’s experiences are the great Initiator. Since this was penned it has been brought to our notice that we are far from being alone in this opinion, as many of those who are learned in these matters are of the opinion that initiation tests are not the real thing, but are symbolic only of the experiences through which the soul must pass in everyday life. This is interesting, and may be helpful to many of our readers who have been looking forward to an elaborate and mystical initiation ceremony and series of tests, all the while being unaware that life itself is the great Initiator, and that the daily round and common task provide us with all the tests that are necessary.

It was a wonderful discovery to us when it was revealed to us by the Spirit that we are day by day being tested, and that our everyday life is nothing really in itself, but is a continuous trial, training and experience, leading up to various stages of initiation. It came to us more or less as a shock, for we felt that we had come up against one of the really great things, beside which all earthly events and ambitions fade into insignificance.

This discovery, or revelation, was of more importance than may appear to be the case to the reader who has not yet met with the same experience. It was important because it brought home to us, with startling vividness, the reality of the spiritual life. We knew then in a very real sense that we were really in the Path and that invisible forces were guiding us and leading us on. It was also important to us because it was also revealed to us that we had managed to pass certain tests over which we thought we had failed. This gave renewed hope and confidence, for it showed us that, in spite of apparent failure, by maintaining a steadfast mind and by keeping our face turned towards the Light, refusing to be stampeded by failure and sin and falling short of the Divine Ideal, we were winning through. Not by any might of our own, but by the Power of the Spirit. This proved to us that we had been proceeding along right lines. After years of failure, trying to fight evil and the lower nature, only to be worsted every time, we had come to the conclusion that the only way by which victory is possible is by turning to the Spirit, letting Him overcome for us. So long as we fight evil, ourselves, we are bound to be defeated, but when we turn to the Spirit and put ourselves in His hands, acknowledging that of ourselves we call do nothing, and that the battle is the Lord,s, we put our-
selves on the side of victory. We may fail many times: we may stumble and fall frequently: we may appear to have failed miserably, but if we remain steadfast, saying: “this is God’s battle and I will trust wholly in Him,’’ the enemy finally retires discomfited.

In the external life of business, and what not, it is the man or woman who has a steadfast mind, and who refuses to be stampeded when everything appears to be lost, who wins through and becomes securely and substantially successful. In the spiritual life the same thing holds true. It is the steadfast soul who wins through.

An error into which we are all likely to fall is in thinking that we must be especially vile and wicked to be tempted in such ways as all are tempted at times. It is not evidence of our wickedness at all. The sin or wickedness or weakness is not in our being tempted, but in giving way to the temptation to give up the quest, to turn our backs on the Light, and to lose faith in the power and ability of the Spirit to bring us safely through. All these tests are necessary: they form part of our initiation. All the powers of darkness rise up and seek to overwhelm us, but it is, in a sense, a performance got up specially for our benefit. It is true that they would “down us” if they could, but, on the other hand, we could never “attain” if it were not for the tests that they give us.

No matter how many times we may fail, if we steadfastly keep our face turned towards the Light, we are bound to win through. Not through anything that we do ourselves, but because we remain steadfast in the One Eternal Spirit. As Whittler sings: “I know not where His islands lift Their fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift Beyond His love and care.’’