Self-Knowledge

Self-knowledge is the only way for humans to start on the long path towards enlightenment.

The first necessity for obtaining self-knowledge is to become profoundly conscious of ignorance; to feel with every fibre of the heart that one is ceaselessly self-deceived.

The second requisite is the still deeper conviction that such self-knowledge - such intuitive and certain knowledge - can be obtained by effort.

The third and most important is an indomitable determination to obtain and face that knowledge.

Self-knowledge of this kind is unattainable by what men usually call "self-analysis". It is not reached by reasoning or any brain process, for it is the awakening to consciousness of the Divine nature of man.

Too obtain this knowledge is a greater achievement than to command the elements or to know the future.