His probationary period is concerned with the general purification of character from egoism and animality as well as with its sensitization to intuition and instruction. Without such a basis to work upon, it would be dangerous for him to venture into mystical work or public service. Nor would the teacher permit him to do so, as there are inexorable laws, not of his making, which govern the matter. He must be on guard and not mistake psychism for spirituality, pseudo-intuition for the real thing, mix personal motives with altruistic service, nor lose himself in dreams and fantasies instead of finding himself in inspired action. These faults are common to most mystical aspirants. The Quest is deadly serious and demands so much. It is far easier to go astray from it than to keep on it.
-- Notebooks Category 1: Overview of the Quest > Chapter 6 : Student-Teacher > # 607
