mself as
having his power for usefulness many times multiplied by occult
development. He should think of himself as possessing the inner sight
that enables him to understand the difficulties of others and to
comprehend their sorrows. He should daily think of the fact that this
would so broaden and quicken his sympathies that he would be
enormously more useful in the world than he can now possibly be and
that he could become a source of happiness to thousands. Let him
reflect that as he gets farther along in occult development and in
unselfishness and spirituality he may have the inestimable privilege
of coming into contact with some of the exalted intelligences that
watch over and assist the struggling aspirants on their upward way. He
should daily recall the fact that he is now moving forward toward a
freer, richer, more joyous life than he has yet known and that every
effort brings him nearer to its realization. Thus dwelling on the
subject in its various aspects he creates the ardent desire that
serves to propel him forward.

If he feels that these things make an ideal a little too high for him
at present he may reach that point by degrees. He may at first dwell
in thought upon the personal satisfaction that would come from the
possession of astral sight. Let him reflect upon what it would mean to
be conscious of the invisible world; to have all its wonders laid open
before him; to be able to consciously meet the so-called dead,
including his own friends and relatives; to be able to have the
positive personal proof that we survive the death of the physical
body; to be able to become one of the "invisible helpers" of the
world; to have available the priceless advantages of the astral region
and to bring the consciousness of all this into the physical life.
That is certainly something worth all the time and effort required to
attain it. Thus thinking constantly of the widened life and added
powers it would confer, the desire to move forward in self-development
will be greatly stimulated. But the student should always keep it in
mind that the real purpose of acquiring new powers is to increase his
capacity for service to the race, and that he who falls short of that
ideal walks upon dangerous ground.

The second requisite is a firm will. It should not be forgotten that
an unusual and difficult thing is being attempted in which a person of
weak will cannot possibly hope to succeed. Even in the ordinary life
of the wor