As we know, the word "initiation" is interpreted by different people in different ways. By some it is considered to be a commitment to a secret order; to others it is understood to be a promotion to a higher grade; and these and many other such explanations make up a catalogue of misunderstandings as to what the word initiation really means. When one begins to feel that there is something behind the veil, and that one wishes to make every possible effort to discover that mystery, one then takes the first step. "Initiation" could be understood in many ways according to the disposition that one has when confronted by that experience, but among the many possible definitions of that term, one of them could be associated with the concept "initiative". Initiatives can be of a material, cultural, religious or spiritual nature, among numerous other possibilities, and are taken out of free will. Nevertheless, reasoning often holds one back from taking an initiative which could have been a successful one; although it is the reasoning power which helps one to accomplish one’s purpose, it is often just that same reasoning power which holds one back from taking an initiative. Every great initiative taken by great creative souls has only been as powerful as it was because the power of that initiative was not handicapped by lack of conviction as to its value or doubt as to its outcome.

As to initiatives taken without any logical explanation, these are the result of influences received, which can regrettably be negative ones, but can also be of a very positive nature, as for example when inspired by knowledge received or through the influence of an inspiring person. An initiative can also be brought about through spiritual understanding, which is bestowed upon one inasmuch as the heart is open to the silent call or as the result of one’s attunement to personalities whom one respects, and whose example one wishes to follow, having been won by their charm. There is also such a thing as trust, confidence and admiration. But contrary to the confusion brought about by so much abuse of the word initiation, in reality initiation means to take a step forward, a step taken with hope and courage, a step taken with conviction - and this of course implies absolute honesty and truthfulness on the part of the person bearing the responsibility of an initiative taken.

There are various stages of initiation, either those taken with the help of inner guidance, or by the helpful hand of a person in whom one has put all of one’s trust, or even by inspiration. These first stages could perhaps be understood as the stage of friendship toward the guide. Although one might come in contact with false gurus, one should always be aware that there is a teacher within; that teacher is one’s own sincere self. Therefore one shall without doubt sooner or later find true teaching - because in the end, the real shall vanquish the false simply for the reason that truth is more real than falsehood. As there is water in the depths of the earth, in the same way there is truth in the depths of all things, false and true. In some places, one has to dig deeper than in other places, but just as there is no place where there is no water under the earth, there is always truth to be found in the depth of the heart. If one believes in right guidance from above, one shall always be guided aright.

The next steps on the path of initiation consist in successfully passing the tests of life, some of which are experienced unconsciously, and others consciously. One faces tests of all natures, where one must display such qualities as faith, sincerity, truthfulness, patience, endurance and humility, even if such qualities appear at times unreasonable, odd, meaningless, unkind and even perhaps unjust. Further initiations awaken the urge to meditate upon all that one has discovered in one’s relationship with others, assimilating the results with insight, gratitude and understanding. Still further initiations are the result of one’s ideal, and the greater one’s ideal, the greater the power of initiation received. Such an initiation is a phenomenon in itself because the initiate then radiates the luminosity of the ideal. When one really sees the Divine in all things and in all beings, one need not say that one sees; that sight is evident.

Where mysticism has prevailed for centuries and centuries, initiation has always been regarded as being most sacred. Divine knowledge has never been taught in words, nor will it ever be done so. The work of a mystic is not to teach with words but to tune those who are open to that which is offered, so that the seeker becomes an instrument of God. In other words, the mystic is not the player of the instrument, but rather its tuner, and when tuned, the instrument is then given into the hands of the Divine player, whose playing becomes more and more clearly the expression of Divine music. On that path, there are no rules to follow, because every adept is like a different instrument in the Divine symphony, but there is one basic principle which applies to the manner of life of all concerned, and that is sincerity in humility. Happiness, which is an unfoldment of the inner self, comes as an expansion of consciousness, and one could consequently say that the degree of advancement on the path is indicated by the expansion of the horizon of the consciousness. Similarly to a most fruitful tree, which bends the more that its fruit is abundant, in the same way the deeper the spiritual realization of the adept, the humbler he becomes. The one who is pretentious obviously gives no fruit. The sincere initiate hardly every mentions the word initiation, and feels no need to convert others to the path, nor does he feel any need for recognition, and if asked what profit is derived by spiritual attainment, the only answer is, in order to become better fitted for serving mankind.

If asked whether it is desirable for all to take initiation, inasmuch as the word ‘initiation’ refers to the concept of taking initiative, or in other words, going forward, it is obvious that the answer would be, every progress in life is worth while venturing. Whatever be one’s interest in life, or one’s level of awakening, it is always advisable to go forward, be it in material occupations, social occupations, religious occupations or spiritual ones. Mankind was not created to live as an angel, just as he was not created to live as an animal. Therefore, the first step to take is to become sincerely human - before even venturing on the spiritual path, - or, to be in balance with both the spiritual and material worlds. It is not necessary to seek spirituality in isolation from relationships and duty. It is much more preferable to contemplate and meditate along with one’s worldly duties, helping intentionally or unintentionally by one’s example those who are not conscious of the realization which is offered to them.

The initiate on the spiritual path is well aware of the fact that one is not expected to awaken those who are still asleep, but to be prepared to offer a helping hand as soon as the slumbering ones begin to stir. No doubt there are ways and methods of teaching in word and action, but nevertheless there is also a way called silent teaching, which applies undeniably to subjects of an abstract nature. One person may argue for hours and days and months about a problem which cannot be explained, while another, through inner insight, may offer an answer without words in one moment. This is again another definition of the concept "initiation".

To the question, what can be expected through initiation, could it be goodness, health, magnetism, insight, psychological attunement - the answer is that none of these could really be considered as spiritual results, and one should never intentionally strive for any of them. Suppose one develops power and does not know how to use it; it could have a disastrous effect by the very fact that one’s ability to attract good and bad is developed without being in a position to rid oneself of that which could be detrimental to oneself and to others. These sought-for achievements are not to be considered in connection with initiation. The aim is to find God within, and it is toward this end that, through the power of initiation one receives all inspiration and blessings for that purpose. There is a time for everything, and therefore of course illumination has its time. Real progress on the spiritual path goes along with the experience of patience and eagerness to progress, notwithstanding the various tests in life, such as misunderstandings by one’s nearest friends, and misfortunes for which one tries not to put the blame on God. On the path, specific conditions are required, such as the attitude of receptivity, the ability of assimilating apparent and silent teachings, and the fixing of all experiences in the mind, without letting these be distorted by the limitations of reason. Although these conditions appear to be inspired by the Spirit of Guidance, they are nevertheless the very expression of democracy in that they represent the outward revelation of the most secret truth; and so they may be understood, in a few words, as aristocracy of the feeling and democracy of expression.

In this world most relationships have certain limitations, but the spiritual bond between a spiritual Teacher and the initiate is a unique example of perfect friendship because it is inspired by an Ideal in search of perfection.. The pure devotion of an initiate is as valuable as a most precious jewel. This devotion is comparable to the relationship between a parent and a child; but what is more is the role of the Teacher, who is not only the guiding wisdom, but is also a source of contact between the seeker after Truth and the Light of the goal ahead. The Teacher is also the one who brings into the daylight the good sides of the initiate’s nature, while carefully avoiding negative remarks regarding any weaknesses; yet pointing out ways and means for the nourishment of the fragile plant. In so doing, the Teacher’s guidance awakens growing devotion in the heart of the initiate, which is comparable to watering a blossoming plant with vitalized water.

If the tone of the initiate tends to descend in pitch, the Teacher feels it to be his duty to reach down to the level of the initiate; and in doing so, he is displaying a true example of spiritual democracy. For when the Teacher is in a position to raise the tone of the initiate to a higher pitch of consciousness, he is then performing truest spiritual aristocracy. Constant exchange of democratic and aristocratic experiences of spiritual attunement, are expected on both sides in order to preserve an uplifting relationship between Teacher and initiate, wherein such concepts as study, friendship, humility and mysticism are all harmonized in perfect balance, inspired by the blessings of the Divine Guidance.