Why the Higher Knowledge is Hidden...

In order more fully to understand the reasons for the universal practice of veiling certain ideas in allegory and symbol, it is necessary to know both the true nature of human beings and their capabilities. Concerning human nature, the apostle Paul’s definition conforms to the most ancient teachings: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16) and “ye are the temple of the living God” ( Cor. 6:16). The living God, the pure Spirit in human beings, is not a separate individuality but a ray of the one infinite ocean of light, the universal Godhead. This knowledge places great power within reach of its possessor, for if the divine ray within human beings becomes an active influence in their physical individuality, it endows individuals with God-like powers (Gen. 3:5) . “The highest revelation,” declares Emerson, “is that God is in every man.” Such, briefly, is a human being—pure spirit enshrined in a physical body and operating through a human mind. “The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. . . . Behold, I show you a mystery” ( Cor. 15:47–51).
An individual’s capabilities include the ability to bring about the manifestation in the outer self of the purely spiritual aspect of human nature. The human being then becomes endowed with superhuman powers, including those of almost irresistible will, supersensory faculties and supernormal physical capacities. Used for the benefit of others, these can be of value. Misused for personal or national gain at the cost of others, they can be extremely harmful. A wonderful possibility and a very grave danger are, however, associated with these enhanced powers. The possibility is that an individual may use them to gain still greater knowledge which can be placed at the service of others. The danger is that, blinded by egoism and a passion for domination, the person may be tempted to use his or her increased faculties for destructive purposes. In order that the danger may be reduced to a minimum and the power-giving knowledge be preserved and made available to humankind, it is formulated and delivered in a very ancient language composed of allegory, parable, imagery and symbol.