Page 87 - Gnosis volume 2

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CHAPTER IV

While simplifying the expose as much as possible, we have tried, in the preceding

chapters, to indicate man's place in the cosmos, in organic life, and the way in which he

contributes towards the execution of the plan of development of our Ray of Creation.

Regarding this, we must insist on the importance of conscious efforts which, alone,

can rescue man from his condition of being a man without. As already noted in the first
1
2
volume , these efforts ensure the growth of his Personality. There is a close correlation
between this growth and the development of organic life on the whole: the two

processes, acting the one upon the other, form cycles where their aims coincide.
The work demanded of man on this road is considerable. It is accessible only to strong

souls, resolved to obtain Life through constant victories over themselves, in the invisible

combat which opposes them to all the tendencies which dominate the man without.

However, the Holy Scriptures give us certain encouraging tips for the future regarding

this possible evolution. They give us the hope that in the new era or the Cycle of the
3
Holy Ghost , all the necessary conditions will be there to help the man without to
accede to esoteric work more easily, and to become the new man, master of himself.

Yet, Saint Paul says that, to put on the new man, we should

1 Especially chapter XX.
2
T. I, pp. 245 and following, French original version; pp. 267-268, English manuscript: study
the general schema of the Way.
3
T. I, pp. 217 and following, French original version; pp. 232-233 and following. English
manuscript.