' The Second Birth '...

Those who believe in the Short Path of sudden attainment, such as the sectarian following of Ramana Maharshi and the koan-puzzled intellectuals of Zen Buddhism, confuse the first flash of insight which unsettles everything so gloriously with the last flash which settles everything even more gloriously.

The disciple who wants something for nothing, who hopes to get to the goal without being kept busy with arduous travels to the very end, will not get it.

He has to move from one point of view to a higher, from many a struggle with weaknesses to their mastery.

Then only, when he has done by himself what he should do, may he cease his efforts, be still, and await the influx of Grace.

Then comes light and the second birth.



-- Notebooks Category 23: Advanced Contemplation > Chapter 2:
Pitfalls and Limitations > # 65 Paul Brunton