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Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism354
essence—and other parts may be classified by their greater or less distance
from this Center—their greater or less resemblance to it.”
We mention these illustrations and views that the student may have
different presentations of the same thought, colored by the mentality of
their writers. Some will grasp the truth better from one presentation, and
others from another. Personally, we favor the illustration of the “Sun”—its
centre and its emanations and rays—for we believe that it conveys a
closer analogy to the real idea of the Gnanis than does any other. But any
illustration that will help the student best is the best one for him. A Hindu
teacher once showed his students a fragrant flower, calling their attention to
the fact that the flower was throwing off particles of itself constantly, which,
when perceived by the sense of smell, caused the sensation of fragrance—
and yet while the fragrance was of the rose, a part of itself, the fragrance was
not the rose. Of it, but not it.
We find that we have touched merely upon one phase of Gnani Yoga.
We will take up some of its other features in subsequent lessons. Our next
lesson will be upon Bhakti Yoga—the Yoga of the Love of God —a subject
which naturally follows that part of Gnani Yoga which we have touched
upon. It will tell of man’s real relation to God—will remind that in God doeth
man indeed live and move and have his being. The lesson will not be like
a conventional sermon, although Bhakti Yoga addresses itself to the heart
instead of the intellect. But it is in accord with reason, instead of contrary
to it. In the lessons following the next one we will take up the other parts
of Gnani Yogi, under appropriate headings. The Yogi Philosophy is suited
to all the needs of man—some parts will appeal to each more than certain
other parts—but all parts are good and necessary. So, do not neglect any
part, simply because some other part appeals to you more. You will get
something from each.
In conclusion, we call your attention to the fact that it is a truth that the
Universe is not a dead thing—it is alive, pulsating with life, energy and
intelligence. It is a living thing, and you are part of it all. You are not The