Kybalion - The Hermetic Philosophy
The half-wise, recognizing
the comparative unreality of the Universe, imagine that they may defy
its Laws – such are vain and presumptuous fools, and they are
broken against the rocks and torn asunder by the elements by reason
of their folly. The truly wise, knowing the nature of the Universe,
use Law against laws; the higher against the lower; and by the Art of
Alchemy transmute that which is undesirably into that which is
worthy, and thus triumph. Mastery consists not in abnormal dreams,
visions and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the higher
forces against the lower – escaping the pains of the lower planes
by vibrating on the higher. Transmutation, not presumptuous denial,
is the weapon of the Master.
The Kybalion, The Hermetic Philosophy, by Three Initiates. First Published 1908. Republished 2008 by Forgotten Books, FB &c Ltd., London, 2008; ibid. pg. 39