"Today it is again to me that the duty falls to enlighten you further on one of the great principles which you have had the privilege of learning through the Rosicrucian teachings. I have already dealt with it, but I want to review it, since it is fundamental in the mystic quest. It is about visualization that I want to speak again.

"The mistake which the disciple generally makes, and which tragically impedes his inner development, is dissipation of effort in his search, even though it is conducted with the best intentions. Now, dissipation is the exact opposite of concentration and, consequently different from visualization. Anyone who dissipates his efforts in many ways, such as thoughtless reading, or the study of various techniques, is certain to get no result except the illusion of an over-burdened mind and the disappointment of repeated setbacks in practice. That does not mean that he must adopt only one way of knowledge, although this is evidently the ideal solution for effectiveness and success. Knowledge may be obtained from many authentic sources, provided that these sources do not teach different techniques, valuable in themselves, but generating inner conflict I and unproductive confusion if they are mixed. Contrary to appearances, they are never complete and are radically different even if, in the end, a similar result seems to have been attained.

"Consequently the first step toward effectiveness in the initiatory life and, I repeat, today I am considering this in the practical phase exclusively is the careful and definitive choice of a specific technique. Thus will be avoided the danger which I have just stressed - that of dissipation. How many people are there yet who err in psychic matters! They are not able to free themselves from the matrix of their dreams. The emotions which they seek are imprinted with vague sentimentality and they take pleasure in a paralyzing sentimentality. What they call 'knowledge' is made up of the fantasies of an intellectual or emotional satisfaction in which all sorts of obscure sentiments are mixed in their ignorance. And in an illusion which they believe to be truth, they search for similar illusions, sometimes from disciples whom they would make pontiffs, the veneration of whom will easily fill the consciousness submerged in false wisdom. Alas! How I many disciples having passed an important stage, are pushed by some childish nostalgia to return to this stage of illusion, and how serious is their responsibility when the knowledge acquired and misunderstood gives a false glow to the way supposedly traversed, and catches unawares the guilelessness of an imprudent soul! In all this are found illusion and the ineffectiveness of dissipation. Visualization, on the contrary, assumes that a choice is made and a technique definitely adopted.

"If this is done, then the power of visualization will develop with each step accomplished on the chosen way, and the results will be obtained with increasing ease. However, from the first attempts, if the method is well followed, a success, even partial, will reward the effort made and will be a great encouragement. At the level of the subconscious, the very fact of belonging to a definite organization is already a visualization in itself. The Inner Self knows that it belongs to a well-established group. All thoughts are conditioned by this voluntary adherence to a particular initiative way, and the deep reactions of the being follow a precise direction toward a goal at first uncertain, then more and more 'defined' and distinct in proportion as progress is made. This 'inner atmosphere' may be further extended by the method of visualization adopted, and this, from certain basic elements, notably observation and creative imagination, can be progressively developed in a personal technique having as a framework the inherent characteristics of the individual.

"Thus it is necessary to progress slowly; and, for a long time, a visualization including the smallest details will be essential. Recalling the role of observation, no problem can be solved until it proceeds to the mental picture. On the blank canvas, after the main lines have been traced, each detail will take its place and each color will be in its exact shade. The painter, he who is visualizing, undertakes an elating task. He creates for himself the most magnificent picture possible, a picture which will arouse his enthusiasm, his higher emotions, and finally his Soul. His picture is a 'mandala' which he executes to its final phase, wherein lies the truth which he seeks. He appreciates each step, but, having arrived at the goal, he will forget them all in ultimate attunement, from whence he will draw power and the desired effect.

"Why insist so much on visualization? The reply is simple: visualization is the key to all hidden things. It is the way of knowledge, it is the source of all abilities and all realization—spiritual, mental, and even material. It is the fundamental principle on which are dependent all the others, whatever they may be.

"This key, which opens all doors, is the essential tool given to man for the realization of his legitimate desires, and above all for his spiritual evolution. It is clear that a visualization perfectly carried out will always produce the anticipated result, unless the objective is in some way intended to be harmful to others, or is something which man would achieve without weighing the bad consequences which his realization would have for him. Only a visualization for spiritual evolution will always be effective, while it is emphasized that the progress thus obtained will be determined by the degree already attained on the Path. In every case it will always result in greater Light. No realization is useless. If for some reason the desired realization has not been granted, one will at least have the consciousness of the moment of realization, and if such is not the case, inspiration will come sooner or later, in one way or another, to direct the attention toward another way or another solution.

"You now have material for useful reflection, and the question of visualization, as I have dealt with it previously and in my talk today, is clarified in all its details. If each one understands its importance, a big step will be taken, but insist on practice! Knowledge of principles is useless if it remains purely theoretical. May Peace Profound accompany your Way!"

Chapter IV - On a Fundamental Principle 1 • 2