37. The Dangers of Initiation

GA 68a/1907-12-19/p020 ·1907-12-19 · English MediumMedium alignmentSome paragraph re-numbering between this translation and the German original — the locus may slip by a paragraph or two.
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All this could deter a person from seeking the path; but it must not deter anyone. That would be selfish. Anyone who has the opportunity to penetrate into the higher worlds must not miss these opportunities. It is easy to say: I am afraid of it. But man must be aware that by doing so he harms not only himself but the whole world. He has no right to let these abilities lie fallow. Just as the finger is not an independent part of the human organism, we are not independent either. And just as the finger cannot live only for itself, we cannot live only for ourselves. The whole world is one organism. We should work on ourselves and develop our powers. If we do not do this, we neglect a sacred duty towards humanity. Each one of us must realize that obstacles must be overcome. They must be overcome! If a person follows the instructions he receives energetically and correctly, then it is impossible for anyone to be in danger. There is no place for scaremongering when it comes to conscientious guidance. You have to know the dangers, but you must not be afraid of them. That must be a firm principle.

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Cite: GA 68a/1907-12-19/p020 · edition English