Self-Development and the Way to Power | Page 7

to thousands. Let him
reflect that as he gets farther along in occult development and in
unselfishness and spirituality he may have the inestimable privilege of
coming into contact with some of the exalted intelligences that watch
over and assist the struggling aspirants on their upward way. He should
daily recall the fact that he is now moving forward toward a freer,
richer, more joyous life than he has yet known and that every effort
brings him nearer to its realization. Thus dwelling on the subject in its
various aspects he creates the ardent desire that serves to propel him
forward.
If he feels that these things make an ideal a little too high for him at

present he may reach that point by degrees. He may at first dwell in
thought upon the personal satisfaction that would come from the
possession of astral sight. Let him reflect upon what it would mean to
be conscious of the invisible world; to have all its wonders laid open
before him; to be able to consciously meet the so-called dead, including
his own friends and relatives; to be able to have the positive personal
proof that we survive the death of the physical body; to be able to
become one of the "invisible helpers" of the world; to have available
the priceless advantages of the astral region and to bring the
consciousness of all this into the physical life. That is certainly
something worth all the time and effort required to attain it. Thus
thinking constantly of the widened life and added powers it would
confer, the desire to move forward in self-development will be greatly
stimulated. But the student should always keep it in mind that the real
purpose of acquiring new powers is to increase his capacity for service
to the race, and that he who falls short of that ideal walks upon
dangerous ground.
The second requisite is a firm will. It should not be forgotten that an
unusual and difficult thing is being attempted in which a person of
weak will cannot possibly hope to succeed. Even in the ordinary life of
the world considerable will power is essential to success. To succeed in
business, to become expert in a profession, or to completely master an
art, requires strong will, determination, perseverance. The difficulties in
occult development are still greater and, while it is true that any degree
of effort is well worth while, the weaklings will not go far. Only those
with the indomitable will that knows neither surrender nor compromise
may hope for a large measure of success. Once the will is thoroughly
aroused and brought into action every hindrance in the way will be
swept aside.
"The human will, that force unseen, The offspring of a deathless soul,
Can hew a way to any goal Tho' walls of granite intervene.
* * * * *
"Be not impatient of delay, But wait as one who understands. When
spirit rises and commands The gods are ready to obey."

Mighty, indeed, is this force when aroused. But a person may be easily
deceived about his will. He is likely to think that his will is much
stronger than it really is. He may say to himself, "Oh, yes, I would go
through anything for the sake of the higher life and spiritual
illumination." But that is no guarantee that after a few months of
monotonous work he may not abandon it unless he adopts the wise plan
of strengthening his will as he moves forward. Let him begin this by
testing his present strength of will, but let him not be discouraged by
the result. He should remember that whatever he lacks in will power he
can evolve by proper effort.
To find out whether he really has much strength of will a person may
begin to observe to what extent he permits his daily plans to be
modified, or entirely changed, by the things that run counter to his will.
Does he hold steadfastly to his purpose or does he weakly surrender to
small obstacles? Has he the will power to even begin the day as he has
planned it? The evening before he decides that he will rise at six
o'clock the next morning. He knows there are certain excellent reasons
why he should do so and he retires with the matter fully decided. It is
positively settled that at exactly six o'clock the day's program shall
begin. But when the clock strikes that hour the next morning he feels
strongly disinclined to obey the summons. It involves some bodily
discomfort to rise at that moment and he concludes that, after all,
perhaps he was a bit hasty the evening before in fixing upon that hour!
Whereupon he reconsiders the matter and makes it seven; and when