The Path

In general, the path or road is used to describe the journey back to perfection from which mankind started, the particular path being different for each individual and depending on previous lifetimes and present goals; there is a sense of peace and confidence when one is on the "right track". The term has come to be specifically connected with the theosophical journey towards a state of supreme bliss and unity with divine consciousness. Having become a disciple of a "perfected man", the individual has four tasks: to know what is real; to reject what is unreal; to acquire some degree of control over thought, control over action, tolerance, endurance, faith and balance; to desire to be one with God. He learns meditation and works for the good of his fellows.

There are four initiations, one at each stage of the path: (1) Casting aside the illusion of self; clearing doubt with knowledge; and clearing superstition with discovery of truth. (2) Consciousness of the shortness of earthly life. (3) Freedom from desire and aversion; clear knowledge deep in the heart of things. (4) Freedom from desire for life and from the sense of individual difference from others.