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Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism272
are multiplied a thousand-fold. They become as numerous as the radii of a
circle; and the mind, with care and anxiety, sets itself first to cultivate and
then gratify these desires, thinking that happiness is to be found in that way.”
But no permanent happiness is to be found in this state—something fills the
soul with a growing unrest, and beckons it on and on to higher flights. But
the Intellect, not being able to conceive of anything higher than itself, resists
these urgings as something unworthy—some relic of former superstitions
and credulity. And so it goes around and around in its efforts to solve the
great problems—striving for that peace and rest which it somehow feels is
awaiting it. It little dreams that its only possible release lies in the unfoldment
of something higher than itself, which will enable it to be used as a finer
instrument.
Many who read these lines will recognize this stage of terrible mental
unrest—of spiritual travail—when our Intellect confesses itself unable to
solve the great questions pressing upon it for answers. We beat against
the bars of our mental cages—or like the squirrel in the wheel, rush rapidly
around and around, and yet remain just where we were at the beginning.
We are in the midst of the mental storm. The tempest rages around and
about us—the winds tear our cloaks from us, leaving us at the mercy of the
tempest. We see swept away from our sight all that has seemed so firm,
durable and permanent, and upon which we have found much comfort in
leaning. All seems lost and we are in despair. Peace and comfort is denied
us—the storm drives us hither and thither, and we know not what the
end shall be. Our only hope is that reliance and trust in the Unseen Hand
which prompted Newman to write those beautiful words, which appeal to
thousands far removed from him in interpretation of the Truth, but who
are, nevertheless, his brothers in the Spirit, and who therefore recognize his
words:
“Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on.