Consider light: it can be simultaneously undifferentiated pure white and also a spectrum of differentiated colors. Consider now the act of seeing: the visible spectrum is especially limited to the unaided human eye, and moreover, we see only through reflection and translation. When light acts upon our eyeballs, it stimulates the rods and cones inside the retina with an upside-down image, and these perceptions of limited data are converted to an electrical pulse which is reversed and represented in the brain; it is not a perfect mirror unless polished. When filtered through individual psychic development, emotional states, pressures of popular opinion, and relative awareness of universal patterns, interpretation of existence can become corrupt and life turned confusing and chaotic; thus arises the need for reconciliation with Truth, not merely common sense or economic necessities, but an enlightened inquiry that reveals the Plan of creation, the meaning of Life, and the dignity of Man within a cosmos of Spiritual evolution. The goal is to lift the veil of ignorance to become a visionary, a seer, a Master of the Three Worlds.
However, the shift from personal sensate concerns to impersonal Truth is a difficult task, and throughout history, mankind has on the whole preferred phenomenalism and commitment to error. In Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, the philosopher
Socrates describes a scene: since childhood, a group of people has been chained
inside a cave and facing a wall. They cannot turn to see the fire behind them,
nor the light at the entrance of the cave; instead, they stare at shadows on
the wall and hear echoes of passing voices and assume this is real. One of them is
freed and as he moves toward the light, he is temporarily blinded; soon, his
eyes adjust to the sun, and he slowly sees the world. He realizes the error of
taking the shadows on the wall of the cave for real and returns to share his
discovery; at first, he cannot see in the dark. Those who are accustomed to the
darkness ridicule him, especially when he tries to convince them to journey
upward into the light; fearing loss of their dim sight in a worthless
ascent from the cave, they kill him. Mankind generally favors appearances and habit, and a long practice of favoring what is wrong gains the legitimacy of what is right.
Nevertheless, if you mistake a rope for a snake, you didn't see the rope and there is no snake. We can and must become aware of what is Real and what is illusion.. Then, we shall enjoy freedom and peace.
The Student-Teacher Relationship
The art of integration and Self-realization is not a mere mental exercise, but a lifestyle; the quest for freedom is the duty of every individual, and this task cannot be accomplished only by book-learning and intellectual assent. A teacher from an established lineage is necessary. If you would hire an accountant to prepare your taxes, or employ a trainer to lose weight at the gym, then it follows that to reform the mind and illuminate Spiritual reality, you need definite guidance, especially since this perspective is alien to the false opinions of common sense and vain gain-seeking of society; also, some of the techniques are dangerous if not correctly applied and must be done under strict supervision.
Throughout history, however, this information has been partly-revealed and partly-concealed, both to protect its practitioners from persecution and also to test the seeker for sincerity and aptitude. It was also deliberately obscured for selfish economic benefit until it seemed like no more than a fetish commodity and inflated satirical hoax. Some warn that this forbidden art is deceptive and futile, causing failure to prosper in the world and the ruin of the mind. There are some so-called teachers who are no more than political schemers, commercial charlatans, and madmen preaching idiosyncratic occultism; impostors are of two types: those who tell deliberate falsehoods and those who ignorantly preach fictions. There is also the problem of Masters who do not teach but only reveal esoteric knowledge to dominate and exploit others.
A good teacher tends toward asceticism, courtesy, and mercy; by skillful means, they work in service of Truth and strive for a secure future without present misfortunes. They are altruistic and moderate; they never infringe free will. Their gift of spiritual enlightenment and knowledge should be esteemed higher than care of the body and material goods, and you should not hesitate to do whatever is asked of you and practically reciprocate the teacher's generosity of wisdom. At their best, you will suspect the teacher can read your mind; he will know you better than you know yourself and may challenge you with a course of action you could not imagine in your confusion of your true nature. You should not think your teacher is a mere man, but adore him as God. He may adopt various attitudes in your personal relationship: servant, friend, child, parent, or lover. He can teach by look, touch, talk, and dream visitation.
A teacher will often have multiple students. It is best not to disclose private teaching or compare experiences; oftentimes, instructions given to one student are not appropriate for another student and may seem contradictory. In fact, this is the benefit of individualized attention and spiritual counseling adapted to your needs. Share questions and observations only with your teacher. You can expect that a teacher will keep your personal details in strict confidence.
There are four classes of students: 1) the perfect, who require only the slightest suggestion for enlightenment, 2) the superior, who practice discernment between the Real and the unreal, 3) the intermediate, who rely on ritual disciplines, and 4) the seekers in darkness, who require great encouragement from a Teacher. During your initiation, you can expect to be tested in the following ways: 1) consultation of astrological birth chart, 2) physical examination, 3) psychological analysis, especially to determine attachments and tendencies, but also to reveal attitudes of class status, desire for marriage and children, and career aspirations, and 4) observation of regard toward the Teacher and instructions.