[Theosophische Korrespondenz]
Translation from the German by Robert Hütwohl[1]
Spiritual development.
Question. — What do I have to do to get ahead spiritually?
Answer: This question has been discussed countless times in theosophical literature and every theologian should be able to give the right information. In the following, we would like to briefly summarize the points which are to be considered, above all:
1. The individual spiritual monad is destined to attain self-knowledge and consequent consciousness of its immortality through repeated incarnations in the material. It always remains the same individual, but appears in its various appearances as a different (mortal) personality each time. This personality is not immortal until the immortal part overshadowing and embodied in it (the celestial soul) has come into its consciousness, that is, it can only then recognize its divine state when it has attained spiritual self-awareness and thus spiritual life. The self-consciousness of most people at the present stage of our evolution is a product of bodily sense activities and belongs to the earthly, mortal part. Progress in the spiritual therefore consists in the gradual development and strengthening of the spiritual self-consciousness in man.
2. Remember, then, that your mortal manifestation is not yourself, but that you are a great spirit possessing a soul and a natural body, which it uses as a dwelling place and as a tool, but is not enclosed in it. The heavenly spirit is greater than the earthly form.
3. Consider that the Eternal, the heavenly soul (the sixth principle, heavenly wisdom) does not descend to man, but that he needs to rise and grow up to it. It is useless to indulge in pious fantasies, or to sit idle awaiting the coming of the Holy Ghost, instead of turning one’s mind to the Divine and opening one’s heart to the influences of the Holy Ghost.
4. Learn the laws of nature and the powers hidden within you and how to use them for the common good. Anyone who strives to possess occult powers in order to exploit or harm other people is on the way to “black magic” and perdition. He ends up losing his heavenly soul; for he repels them and attracts demonic powers which possess him and eventually succumb to them.
5. Cleanse your mind of religious and scientific superstitions and misconceptions; carry the divine ideal in your heart and seek that it may be realized in you through your actions. Do not struggle uselessly with your desires, but seek to rise above them and control them. Our passions are the steps we climb; they are the forces which can lead us to the highest, if we are not subject to them, but make them subservient to us. Let the spirit of light in you fight and conquer the formations of the night.
6. Gather experiences which are useful to you; beware of bad habits. Do not be the slave of your body, but try to keep body and soul healthy and avoid what is harmful. Do not doubt yourself, but remember that there is nothing more harmful to man than his self-love, and that his salvation lies in the good of the whole.
7. Beware of the teachings of those who advise you of artificial means of awakening magical powers. Their possession will bring you harm, for the pure does not mix with the impure. Act according to your best conviction and leave the rest to the guidance of the Master who dwells in the sanctuary of your heart. He is your guardian Angel, call on Him.
Notes
[1] Theosophical Correspondence. What do I have to do to make spiritual progress? [Theosophische Korrespondenz. Was muß ich tun um im Geistigen vorwärts zu kommen? Franz Hartmann, M.D. Neue Lotusblüten 2, no. 7-8 (July-August 1909), 249-252] {This article was reformatted from the original, but with the content unchanged other than fixing minor typos. Translation from the German by Robert Hutwohl, ©2025}