t than it is in the East; hence
the easy preys made by the Powers of the Age of Darkness in this cyclic
struggle, and the many delusions under which the world is now laboring.
One of these is the relative facility with which men fancy they can get
at the "Gate" and cross the threshold of Occultism without any great
sacrifice. It is the dream of most Theosophists, one inspired by desire
for Power and personal selfishness, and it is not such feelings that
can ever lead them to the coveted goal. For, as well said by one
believed to have sacrificed himself for Humanity--"Strait is the gate
and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life" eternal, and therefore
"few there be that find it." (_Matt._ vii, 14) So strait indeed, that at
the bare mention of some of the preliminary difficulties the affrighted
Western candidates turn back and retreat with a shudder....

Let them stop here and attempt no more in their great weakness. For if,
while turning their backs on the narrow gate, they are dragged by their
desire for the Occult one step in the direction of the broad and more
inviting gates of that golden mystery which glitters in the light of
illusion, woe to them! It can lead only to Dugpa-ship, and they will be
sure to find themselves very soon landed on that _Via Fatale_ of the
_Inferno_, over whose portal Dante read the words:--

_Per me si va nella citta dolente_
_Per me si va nell' eterno dolore_
_Per me si va tra la perduta gente...._

THE BLESSINGS OF PUBLICITY

A well-known public lecturer, a distinguished Egyptologist, said, in one
of his lectures against the teachings of Theosophy, a few suggestive
words, which are now quoted and must be answered:--

It is a delusion to suppose there is anything in the experience or
wisdom of the past, the ascertained results of which can only be
communicated from beneath the cloak and mask of mystery....
Explanation is the Soul of Science. They will tell you _we cannot
have their knowledge without living their life_.... Public
experimental research, the printing press, and a free-thought
platform, have abolished the need of mystery. It is no longer
necessary for science to take the veil, as she was forced to do for
security in times past....

This is a very mistaken view in one aspect. "Secrets of the purer and
profounder life" not only _may_ but _must_ be made universally known.
But _there are secrets that kill_