The Sacred Teachings
''The world we live in is a world of effects. Around us, but
invisible, are the worlds of causation. They are the realities,
while the visible, which lives through the power of the invisible,
is the illusion. No matter how deeply we study the material arts
and sciences, we can never find out the real cause of anything.
Science is still seeking and will continue to search indefinitely for
a real foundation upon which to work.
The four great questions upon which all knowledge should be
based remain unanswered, and science is forced to admit that
they are beyond the scope of modern mentality. What is life?
What is consciousness? What is force? What is mind? None can
answer, for these are invisible things, incapable of being
measured or analyzed, consequently no material mind incapable
of reason beyond the point of concrete vision will ever solve
their riddle.
If we would step across the line which divides the true from
the false, the spiritual from the material, the eternal from the
temporal, we must realize that the Mystery Schools were
established in the world so that this transition might be possible.
Through the special instruction and understanding gained by
membership and graduation from these institutions, man is
enabled to become a citizen of two worlds, for the schools
themselves are of two worlds. Their gateways are in the material
world, otherwise none would know that they exist; but the
temples themselves are in the spiritual substances of Nature. In
order to reach these temples, candidates must learn to function in
the so-called invisible substances. The worlds of causation are
invisible only because they are beyond the range of our sense
perceptions. By certain forms of culture, however, it is possible
to develop sense perceptions at present latent in the average
individual. These senses, being more highly evolved than those
we ordinarily use, are capable of studying and exploring the so called causal worlds.
As power is given to man commensurate to his wisdom and
understanding, it is not safe at the present time to reveal to the
world at large the methods whereby entrance to the invisible
world is possible. If this knowledge were given to selfish people
unprepared for their responsibility, they would be able to
destroy the universe, either through perversion or ignorance. In
order to protect this sacred wisdom obstacles have been placed in
the way of its attainment which only the sincere and courageous
would be strong enough to overcome. Years of service, self purification
and self-mastery must be passed through before any
candidate will be admitted to the path of wisdom.''
- What the Ancient Wisdom Expects of its Disciples by Manly Hall