XXX. Introduction to Theosophy V

This is followed by an even higher stage, in which the person contemplates the crucified Christ and meditates so deeply on the crucifixion that he becomes blind and deaf to the outside world and feels as if he himself were crucified. In this way, he reaches the “mystical death,” the fifth stage. At this point, the whole world appears darkened to him, the ground disappears beneath his feet, he hears nothing more—it is the most terrible trial. The initiate experiences all pain, all vices, all sins. It is the “descent into hell.” And he realizes that, no matter how much suffering and pain there is in the world, there can always be more. Then comes an important moment: the darkness ceases and the spiritual world reveals itself. This is the “tearing of the veil.” At that moment, the candidate sees the deed of Christ for the first time, and only in this way, and in no other, can this deed be fully understood. This transition is experienced as a liberation and may also be described as such. The student learns the meaning of the words: “Die and become.”