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