Episode 3: Introduction to Hermetic Thought, Part 3, Some Light On the Path

Welcome to the Temple of the Living Fire, and episode three of our journey into Hermeticism. This episode is a look at the work by the theosophist Mabel Collins, called “Light on the Path.” We will explore this work over the course of seven episodes.

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MAGUS INCOGNITO speaks: Dear Unknown Friend, today we will introduce a commentary by Yogi Ramacharaka, called “Some Light on the Path,” which is examining the precepts outlined by Mabel Collins, in her manual, “Light on the Path.” We thought it well to present this work, as everyone on the Path will find they encounter certain challenges that are universally experienced; the commentary will provide reassurance, and aid in cultivating a healthy mental attitude in the aspiring Hermeticist.

M. I. reads: “Some Light On the Path” - We will take for the subject of our first lesson the Way of Attainment—The Path. And we know of no better method of directing the student’s steps along The Path than to point out to him the unequaled precepts of the little manual “Light on the Path,” written down by “M. C.” (Mabel Collins, an English woman) at the request of some advanced mind (in or out of the flesh) who inspired it.

We will quote from the little manual, precept after precept, following each with a brief explanation. In this connection it may be as well to state that “Light on the Path” is, practically, an inspired writing, and is so carefully worded that it is capable of a variety of interpretations—it carries a message adapted to the varying requirements of the several planes and stages of life.

The student is able to extract meanings suited to his stage of development. In this respect the work is different from ordinary writing. One must take something to the book, before he is able to obtain something from it.

In “The Illumined Way” the work is interpreted, in part, upon the lines of the psychic or astral plane. Our interpretation will be designed to apply to the life of the student entering upon The Path—the beginner. It will endeavor to explain the first several precepts in the light of “Karma Yoga,” and will then try to point out the plain meaning of the precepts, pertaining to the higher desires; then passing on to an explanation of the four “Some Light on the Path” precepts, relating to the unfoldment of Spiritual Consciousness, which is indeed the key‑note of the little manual. We will endeavor to make a little plainer to the student the hidden meanings of the little book—to put into plain homely English, the thoughts so beautifully expressed in the poetical imagery of the Orient.

Our work will not contradict the interpretation given in “The Illumined Way''—it will merely go along side by side with it, on another plane of life. To some, it may seem a presumptuous undertaking to attempt to “interpret” that gem of occult teaching “Light on the Path”—but the undertaking has the approval of some for whose opinions we have respect—and has, what means still more to us—the approval of our Higher Self. Crude though our work may be, it must be intended to reach some—else it would not have been suggested.

“These rules are written for all disciples. Attend to them.” These rules are indeed written for all disciples, and it will be well for us all to attend to them. For the rules for the guidance of occultists have always been the same, and will always remain the same—in all time—in all countries—and under whatever name the teaching is imparted.

For they are based upon the principles of truth, and have been tried, tested and passed upon long ages ago, and have come down to us bearing the marks of the careful handling of the multitudes who have passed on before—our elder brothers in the Spirit—those who once trod the path upon which we are now entering—those who have passed on to heights which we shall one day mount. These rules are for all followers of The Path—they were written for such, and there are none better. They come to us from those who know.

“Before the eyes can see, they must be incapable of tears. Before the ear can hear, it must have lost its sensitiveness. Before the voice can speak in the presence of the Masters, it must have lost the power to wound. Before the soul can stand in the presence of the Masters its feet must be washed in the blood of the heart.”

Before the eyes can see with the clear vision of the Spirit, they must have grown incapable of the tears of wounded pride—unkind criticism—unmerited abuse—unfriendly remarks— slights—sarcasm—the annoyances of everyday life—the failures and disappointments of everyday existence. We do not mean that one should harden his soul against these things—on the contrary “hardening” forms no part of the occult teachings...

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