would not venture upon the undertaking if he thought the task a
difficult one is evidence that he has not the qualifications necessary
for the success of the occult student. Unless he is filled with a
longing to possess greater power to be used in the service of
humanity, and fired with an enthusiasm that would hesitate at no
difficulties, he has not yet reached the point in his evolution where
he awaits only the final steps that will make him a disciple. But even
the absence of the keen desire for spiritual progress, which is the
best evidence of the probability of success, should not deter anybody
from entering upon the systematic study of theosophy and devoting to
it all the time and energy he can; nor should the thought that many
years might pass without producing any very remarkable results lead
him to conclude that the undertaking would not be a profitable one.
The time will come with each human being when he will step out of the
great throng that drifts with the tide and enter upon the course of
conscious evolution, assisting nature instead of ignoring her
beneficent plan; and since it is but a question of time the sooner a
beginning is made the better, for the sooner will suffering cease.

There should be a word of warning about the folly of trying to reach
spiritual illumination by artificial methods. Astral sight is
sometimes quickly developed by crystal gazing and also by a certain
regulation of the breathing. For two reasons such methods should be
avoided. One is that any powers thus gained can not be permanent, and
the other is that they may be more or less dangerous. Many people have
made physical wrecks of themselves or have become insane by some of
these methods.

There are those who advertise to quickly teach clairvoyance, for a
consideration, as though spiritual powers could really be conferred