The occult traditions have it that Jesus had pursued a systematic course of instruction of His chosen disciples, bringing them up rapidly through degree after degree of mystic attainment and occult knowledge, until finally they were ready for the finishing touches at His hands. And the occasion that we are now considering was the time when the final degrees were imparted to them. ~ William Walker Atkinson, under the pseudonym Yogi Ramacharaka
Interesting analysis of the work of Jesus and the New Testament with reference to Ancient Yogic Philosophy. Some great gems of wisdom in here, but be prepared to sift through a lot of unfounded theology (what theology isn't?) I wonder if it's harder to read for an atheist (like myself) or a theist? Either way, just with everything, read with an open mind but not so open that your brain falls out.
A lot of messages from this book stuck with me. It felt like it was going deeper under the surface teachings of Christianity - the things the bible doesn't say. My Christian friends do not approve of this book, but I would encourage them to read it with an open mind and consider what's being said.
"The departure of the Church from these Inner Teachings was a great calamity, from which the Church is still suffering" (222).
Ramacharaka's tone, understandably, is one of a weary mystic who continues to teach because he must. A great explanation of some of these Teachings; highly, highly relevant.