Translation from German by Robert Hutwohl[1]
Divine wisdom is not grasped by those who merely imitate the dogmas of human authorities, but by those who understand their essence through them. — No one can be “converted” to become a theosophist who is not already one in his inner being. — Theosophy is not a theory, but a living force. It does not seek to satisfy idle curiosity with wonderful, supernatural stories, but only to develop the noblest powers of the mind and heart so that they help to realize the one great ideal: universal brotherhood. —
In order to grasp the truth, we must become aware of its existence. How do we attain this highest consciousness? The answer to this question is the sum of all religious and theosophical teachings: No one can do it by his own strength, but only through the power of the master. — This master is God. — If we do not enter the realm of his consciousness, which is our own Higher Self, consciousness, then all theosophical science is of no use to us, then all our philosophical teachings are in vain. —
How do we come to God and into the realm of his consciousness? Only through love. Divine love is the beginning of divine wisdom. Love attracts; doubt repels. By loving him we draw nearer to God, and progressing along the path of selfless love, we can finally come to become one with him. —
Just as not all men are receptive to the revelations of God, so not all are accessible to the teachings which the world receives from those personalities at the highest stage of development and enlightenment whom we call “Masters” or Adepts. The Chela who loves his Master selflessly becomes identical with him, thus sharing his consciousness, his inspirations, his thoughts, his knowledge. — Even when the physical part of the Master is thousands of miles away from him, and when he has never seen this physical part of his Master. Many profess to seek God who in reality seek not Him but the benefits they expect from Him, while closing their eyes to His divine light, they demand visible proofs of that light. They want to be entertained, to satisfy their scientific curiosity. But since only divine love is the key to divine wisdom, the sanctuary remains eternally closed to them. —
Many are called, but only a few are chosen! These few are those who fight the animal in themselves through the knowledge of the truth. Only in love do we recognize God; where there is love, there is faith (trust); whoever denies God will be denied by him; but whoever loves him as his own higher self and expresses this love through holy works, God will give himself to him with his whole being. That is why love is the greatest of all commandments. The Apostle Paul says:
“And if I could prophesy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” —
Whether someone has divine love and has sooner or later become one with God cannot be proven by external things. The faithful disciple alone knows it, and He who says through the mouth of wisdom: “Arise and embrace me with all your being, and I will reveal glorious things to you!” —
Note:
[1] Awake! By Dr. Franz Hartmann. Extracted from the English original by Dr. Franz Hartmann, edited by E. Krause. Sphinx 22, no. 122 (April 1896), 219-220 [Erwachet!] Translation from the German by Robert Hutwohl, ©2025. The original text was set using the German fraktur or blackletter.