Franklin Merrill-Wolff wrote "Pathways through to space: A personal record of transformation of consciousness" first published in 1973
Wolff said that most cases of illumination in the west appear to be spontaneous awakenings. Recognizing the low rate of success among intentional seekers, he noted three conditions – two essential and one contributory – that pave the way. The first condition he considered essential was a desire for Liberation. He admitted that it could take a variety of forms and may not be not be seen for what it is. And the moment of Transition may come as a great shock if the outer desires conflict with the deeper inner desire. He cited St. Paul as a notable example of this.
The second factor he considered necessary was a spiritual guru. He believed that the guru appears when the pupil is ready, and that it could appear either inwardly or outwardly – with or without recognition by the pupil. He felt that effort put forth by the student was effective in drawing help but does not cause transcendental results. He saw Recognition as "a spontaneous induction out of Spirit Itself" and felt that man's "personal effort merely removes barriers in his nature that inhibit this spontaneous induction." Even without direct outer instruction, Wolff felt that delving into the writings of a teacher with whom the student felt a close rapport would set up a "magnetic harmony" that was favorable to success.
While proclaiming that the message of the guru has transforming power and should be accepted without resistance, Wolff cautioned that the concepts used to convey the message may be off-base. Because of this, he emphasized the additional need for discrimination.
The third factor, which Wolff classified as immensely helpful although not necessary, was being in the presence of a person who has become "identified with the Light." He said this puts the seeker into a field of Consciousness that tends to arouse some degree of that same kind of consciousness in the seeker. He referred to this process as induction or contagion, saying it was the same as what Jesus called leavening. Repeated inductions, he said, would tend to produce a condition where the Inner Light of the student would "catch on" for Itself. Even though this induction could work on what he called "somnambulistic" (see below) people, the student should put forth effort and active aspiration in order to maximize the probability of success.
Wolff said that most cases of illumination in the west appear to be spontaneous awakenings. Recognizing the low rate of success among intentional seekers, he noted three conditions – two essential and one contributory – that pave the way. The first condition he considered essential was a desire for Liberation. He admitted that it could take a variety of forms and may not be not be seen for what it is. And the moment of Transition may come as a great shock if the outer desires conflict with the deeper inner desire. He cited St. Paul as a notable example of this.
The second factor he considered necessary was a spiritual guru. He believed that the guru appears when the pupil is ready, and that it could appear either inwardly or outwardly – with or without recognition by the pupil. He felt that effort put forth by the student was effective in drawing help but does not cause transcendental results. He saw Recognition as "a spontaneous induction out of Spirit Itself" and felt that man's "personal effort merely removes barriers in his nature that inhibit this spontaneous induction." Even without direct outer instruction, Wolff felt that delving into the writings of a teacher with whom the student felt a close rapport would set up a "magnetic harmony" that was favorable to success.
While proclaiming that the message of the guru has transforming power and should be accepted without resistance, Wolff cautioned that the concepts used to convey the message may be off-base. Because of this, he emphasized the additional need for discrimination.
The third factor, which Wolff classified as immensely helpful although not necessary, was being in the presence of a person who has become "identified with the Light." He said this puts the seeker into a field of Consciousness that tends to arouse some degree of that same kind of consciousness in the seeker. He referred to this process as induction or contagion, saying it was the same as what Jesus called leavening. Repeated inductions, he said, would tend to produce a condition where the Inner Light of the student would "catch on" for Itself. Even though this induction could work on what he called "somnambulistic" (see below) people, the student should put forth effort and active aspiration in order to maximize the probability of success.
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