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A novice in meditation ought not expect that he can give himself with impunity to the fully active life as an advanced practitioner can. Practical service of humanity ought therefore be limited within much narrower degrees by the former than need be done by the latter. The sphere of service should be widened only as the server develops his mystical faculties and should not outrun them. The sensible rule is that with the beginner emphasis must be laid upon self-development first and service last, but with the senior this order must be reversed. This is not to say with the reclusive minded that the beginner should be concerned wholly with himself and attempt no service at all.

-- Notebooks Category 2: Overview of Practices Involved > Chapter 8 : The Quest and Social Responsibility > # 73