Preface to the First Edition

Preface to the Second Edition

How can a student of the Ancient Wisdom Teachings contact bona fide sources of occult philosophy and spiritual instruction? What is the safest course for students of higher knowledge to pursue at this time in their quest for wisdom?

What advice do you give to a person who desires to apply himself to a serious study of the Ancient Wisdom Teachings?

There are many different schools of mysticism and occultism in the world. How can a student discover with certainty the system best suited to his individual needs?

Many metaphysicians claim to have experienced extraordinary psychical phenomena. They describe visions of an amazing nature, asserting that they are able to see and converse with ghosts, spirits, elementals, superhuman creatures, invisible adepts and divinities, and even the persons of the Godhead. Many metaphysical organizations make similar claims, affirming their material movement to be directed by superhuman entities

If it is the purpose of the occult sciences to perfect the individual in the philosophic virtues, why are so many people interested in metaphysical subjects so lacking in the rudiments of discrimination and poise?

Some metaphysical teachers promise that through the study of their philosophies students can evade the effects of certain natural laws such as Reincarnation and Karma; other metaphysical teachers promise miracles of health and prosperity to their followers; and still others assure their disciples spiritual and material protection against the evils of life. To clarify the relationship between codes of spiritual action and the material rewards arising from such action will be the work of this chapter