the broad way “that leadeth unto destruction,” and therefore “many be they that enter in thereby.”  This is the Gate of the Occult arts, practised for selfish motives and in the absence of the restraining and beneficent influence of Atma-Vidya.  We are in the Kali Yuga and its fatal influence is a thousand-fold more powerful in the West 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 in the arcana of Occultism, and unless a man lives the life he cannot be entrusted with them.