We do not expect our students to grasp fully this idea of the Expansion of Self.  Even the highest grasp it only partially.  But until you get a glimmering of the consciousness you will not be able to progress far on the path of Raja Yoga.  You must understand what you are, before you are able to use the power that lies dormant within you.  You must realize that you are the Master, before you can claim the powers of the Master, and expect to have your commands obeyed.  So bear patiently with us, your Teachers, while we set before you the lessons to be learned—­the tasks to be performed.  The road is long, and is rough in places—­the feet may become tired and bruised, but the reward is great, and there are resting places along the path.  Be not discouraged if your progress seem slow, for the soul must unfold naturally as does the flower, without haste, without force.

And be not dismayed nor affrighted if you occasionally catch a glimpse of your higher self.  As “M.C.” says, in her notes on “Light on the Path” (see “Advanced Course,” page 95):  “To have seen thy soul in its bloom, is to have obtained a momentary glimpse in thyself of the transfiguration which shall eventually make thee more than man; to recognize, is to achieve the great task of gazing upon the blazing light without dropping the eyes, and not falling back in terror as though before some ghastly phantom.  This happens to some, and so, when the victory is all but won, it is lost.”

Peace be with thee.

MANTRAM (AFFIRMATION) FOR THE THIRD LESSON.

There is but one ultimate form of Matter; one ultimate form of Energy; one ultimate form of Mind.  Matter proceeds from Energy, and Energy from Mind, and all are an emanation of the Absolute, threefold in appearance but One in substance.  There is but One Life, and that permeates the Universe, manifesting in various forms, but being, at the last, but One.  My body is one with Universal Matter; My energy and vital force is one with the Universal Energy; My Mind is one with the Universal Mind; My Life is one with the Universal Life.  The Absolute has expressed and manifested itself in Spirit, which is the real “I” overshadowing and embracing all the apparently separate “I"s.  “I” feel my identity with Spirit and realize the Oneness of All Reality.  I feel my unity with all Spirit, and my Union (through Spirit) with the Absolute.  I realize that “I” am an Expression and Manifestation of the Absolute, and that its very essence is within me.  I am filled with Divine Love.  I am filled with Divine Power.  I am filled with Divine Wisdom.  I am conscious of identity in spirit, in substance; and in nature; with the One Reality.

THE FOURTH LESSON.

MENTAL CONTROL.