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Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism394
note in the scale. We select Emerson merely as an instance—there are many
others in our own times. But there is this difference between the prophet of
old and the modern seer and teacher. The ancient prophet had a following
that were compelled to accept the teaching in blind faith, illuminated with
but a faint degree of spiritual insight, while the people of today are able to
measure the value of the teachings by the light of their souls, and the aid
of the reason—that is, some of the modern people may do this, the others
must be content with the old teachings, for they belong to a past age of
development, and not having kept pace with their brothers must remain
content with the tales of the spiritual childhood. And even this is good.
The Yogi Philosophy recognizes the Theory of Intuition or Conscience
as the second pillar supporting the edifice of Dharma. As we have already
said in the consideration of this particular theory, many persons who have
devoted thought to the question of ethics are repelled by the difficulties
surrounding the theory of Revelation (considered by itself) and not being
willing to accept as authoritative, infallible, and final, the so-called revelations
given to primitive peoples in the past ages, they deny the inspiration of
these revelations and look around them for some other theory and rule of
conduct. Many of such people accept the Utilitarian Theory, as appealing to
their reason, although it does not seem to fill the needs of their souls so full
as might be desired. Others being repelled by the coldness and selfishness
of the last mentioned theory, and yet not being willing to go back to the
old Theory of Revelation, adopt the Theory of Intuition or Conscience, and
accept the idea that “conscience” or “intuition” is the direct and sole arbiter
of morality and conduct, and believe that the human laws are really based
upon the same. Some take the radical position that the voice of “conscience”
or “intuition” is really the voice of God speaking to Man, and should be
obeyed implicitly—that God makes his revelations to each man. As we have
stated before, this position has been severely attacked upon the ground
that the conscience of no two people agree, and that it is dependent upon
environment, age, race, public opinion, education, etc., and that therefore it