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The aspirant should emulate the philosopher's patience and not sit down every day to feel his spiritual pulse, as it were, constantly worrying as to whether he is making progress, remaining stagnant, or going backwards. He needs to remember that enlightenment cannot be attained by a single act but only by slow degrees and constant toil. Yet unexpected cycles of quickened progress may come on him unaware. There may be times when his inner being will seem to burst open in sudden bloom. But generally there will be no smooth onward progress all the way for him. His spiritual situation will vary strikingly from time to time. The final accomplishment can be brought about only in stages.

-- Notebooks Category 2: Overview of Practices Involved > Chapter 2 : The Measure of Progress > # 11