Anthony Testa - The Key of the Abyss.pdf

the Beast of Revelation etc., the same as any “mystical” path like yoga
or Zen meditation. This begs the question, however, of whether or not
this is the only way of initiation. It is also worth considering the
Buddhist doctrine of the bodhisattva: An enlightened being who, out of
compassion, forgoes Nirvana in order to save others. (American Heritage
Dictionary)
While it hardly needs mentioning, I am certainly not saying that the
Adept of the Left–hand path is the same as the Bodhisattva. The point
is that there is found in other systems the possibility of, when
achieving transcendence, foregoing the complete dissolution into the
Ain-Soph or Nirvana for some purpose. By will, it is possible to stand
at the nexus of existence. The goals or purpose of an Adept that
chooses the Left-hand path, of course, will always be at issue with
those who strive for the attainment of union. The dedication to leading
others out of the cycles of rebirth is seen as sacrificial and therefore
morally acceptable. For the those on the Left-hand path, the goals
would no doubt be considered “evil”, for as we have seen, Da’ath is
knowledge and there is no question where mystics stand in regard to
knowledge of the phenomenal universe.
There is but one consideration left in regards to the left-hand path and
that is, of course, the question we have just touched on. It is often said
that the Left-hand path is a steep and dangerous climb. And yet, one
wonders why this should be. Grant again provides us with a possible
answer: "The unenlightened are incapable of controlling their sense
when swamped by the sudden access of power that freedom bestows.
This is patent in mundane situations involving money, fame, authority,
etc. How much more devastating is the result in cases of unbalanced
spiritual illumination will be appreciated by those who have
successfully performed even the simplest magical exercise. Success
inflates the ego, the ego seizes more than it can properly assimilate,
and the resulting implosion is correspondingly catastrophic." 140
140 Kenneth Grant, The Magical Revival, Skoob
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