Another danger of going astray at an early stage does not come from the obviously evil things. This mystical journey passes through a region where charlatans enter in pursuit of dupes, where quacks seek whom they may deceive, and where mental hallucination is often mistaken for divine vision. Hence, danger emanates from those men who take the name of God in vain, who seek to exploit or enslave inexperienced neophytes on the claim of Divine attainment. The quest should lead to greater freedom and not less, freedom to obey the voice of the soul inside rather than the voice of man outside. Yet few beginners realize this and false guides sedulously sap them of what little realization of it they may instinctively possess. The seeker must learn to beware of this type, especially of those occultists who, unburdened by ethical principles, try to conquer weaker minds by the perverted power of hypnotism. They are in ugly contrast to true sages, who try to liberate people by compassionate and competent service. Christ's warning against false prophets and unauthentic pretenders is apposite here. Thus, if the quest calls for keen discernment, metaphysical profundity, and moral earnestness to conquer the opposing force, it also calls for much prudence and more vigilance.
-- Notebooks Category 2: Overview of Practices Involved > Chapter 3 : Uncertainties of Progress > # 71
