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Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism316
seek intelligently and are changed beings. This is the meaning of life—of
evolution.
The great majority of the race is engaged in this pursuit of happiness in a
blind, unconscious fashion. They run hither and thither, trying one thing after
another hoping to find that intangible something that they instinctively feel
will bring them peace and happiness. And, although meeting with repeated
disappointments, they keep up the search with unabated zeal, being
impelled thereto by the unfolding soul crying for that which is necessary to
it. As the soul awakens and unfolds, through experience after experience, it
gradually obtains an intelligent and conscious conception of the true nature
of that for which it seeks, and thereafter it follows only the roads which lead
to the thing so long sought after, but so recently known to be the soughtafter
thing.
Many Western seekers after truth have complained that the philosophies
of the East were not adapted to the needs and requirements of the Western
student, as the conditions of life were so different in the two parts of the
world. This objection, if it were sustained, would be positive proof that
the teachings of the East were not sound and true, for any true and sound
teaching and philosophy must be applicable to all sorts and conditions of
men, irrespective of race, climate, country, occupation, surroundings or
environment. If the teachings are not fitted for the wants of every soul they
are unsound, and must be discarded. Even the lowliest, humblest and vilest
of the race must be taken into consideration, or the teachings fall short of
being the truth. For even that lowly individual, as well as the most exalted
(in the world’s estimation) form part of the race, and are under the law and
cannot be left out.
The trouble with these objecting Western students is that they have
considered the Eastern teachings to be fit only for those who could spend
their life in dreaming, meditating, and in seclusion far away from the busy
world. But this is a great mistake. It is true that some Eastern students follow
this retired life, and obtain great results therefrom—this is their Karma—the