in the air.

[The place must be set apart, and used for no other purpose. The
five "sacred colors" are the prismatic hues arranged in a certain
way, as these colors are very magnetic. By "malignant influences"
are meant any disturbances through strifes, quarrels, bad feelings,
etc., as these are said to impress themselves immediately on the
astral light, i.e., in the atmosphere of the place, and to hang
"about in the air." This first condition seems easy enough to
accomplish, yet--on further consideration, it is one of the most
difficult ones to obtain.]

2. Before the disciple shall be permitted to study "face to face," he
has to acquire preliminary understanding in a select company of other
lay _upasakas_ (disciples), the number of whom must be odd.

["Face to face" means in this instance a study independent or apart
from others, when the disciple gets his instruction _face to face_
either with himself (his higher, Divine Self) or--his guru. It is
then only that each receives _his due_ of information, according to
the use he has made of his knowledge. This can happen only toward
the end of the cycle of instruction.]

3. Before thou (the teacher) shalt impart to thy Lanoo (disciple) the
good (holy) words of Lamrin, or shalt permit him "to make
ready" for _Dubjed_, thou shalt take care that his mind is thoroughly
purified and at peace with all, especially _with his other Selves_.
Otherwise the words of Wisdom and of the good Law, shall scatter and be
picked up by the winds.

["Lamrin" is a work of practical instructions, by Tson-kha-pa, in
two portions, one for ecclesiastical and exoteric purposes, the
other for esoteric use. "To make ready" for _Dubjed_, is to prepare
the vessels used for seership, such as mirrors and crystals. The
"other selves," refers to the fellow students. Unless the greatest
harmony reigns among the learners, _no_ success is possible. It is
the teacher who makes the selections according to the magnetic and
electric natures of the students, bringing together and adjusting
most carefully the positive and the negative elements.]

4. The _upasakas_ while studying must take care to be united as the
fingers on one hand. Thou shalt impress upon their minds that whatever
hurts one should hurt the others, and if the rejoicing of one finds no
echo in the breasts of the others, then