The New Avatar and The Destiny of the Soul / The Findings of Natural Science Reduced to Practical Studies in Psychology

by J. D. Buck

Can the existence and separability of the soul of man, during his physical embodiment on earth, and its survival of the death of the physical body, be scientifically demonstrated as a fact?

If so, then the principles involved, the methods employed and the whole modus operandi must be capable of exact, scientific formulation, the same as any other theorem of science.

Furthermore, granting that this is true, and that it can be done according to exact formulary, the value, the effect of such a demonstration upon the character and the normal faculties, capacities, and powers of the individual who undertakes and accomplishes such a demonstration, must be revealed and taken fully into account.

Does it elevate or degrade him? Is it in line with normal evolution, and therefore, potentially the birthright, and finally, through spiritual evolution, the higher destiny of all men?

Nor is this all. The effect of the existence of such Knowledge and of its teaching, upon communities, as a substitute for blind superstition, credulity, or belief, must also be taken into account.

It may thus be seen how much even beyond the mere fact of demonstration, is included in this transcendent problem; this question of all ages, “If a man die, shall he live again?” or, “Does the real man ever die at all?”

Now it is a demonstrated fact, proven in every case of a genuine Master, and held inviolable in the “Greater Mysteries” of every age and time, that the ethical question above raised, as to the effect upon individuals and society, comes first, and is made a test of the “first step” in the way of demonstration.

This is the meaning of the oft repeated quotation, the candidate for initiation must first be “worthy and well-qualified, duly and truly prepared.”

This comprises and constitutes the “Lesser Mysteries,” as in the School of Pythagoras, viz.: the instruction of the neophyte in ethics or morals.

Nor is this instruction sufficient in any case. The candidate must himself demonstrate that he has absorbed, apprehended, and utilized such instruction by “Living the Life.”