Hartmann F. - The Life of Jehoshua

Several reviews of this book having come to my hand, in which it is said that Dr. Hartmann does not make it very clear what his own opinion is, in regard to the (external?) facts collated in his book, I will solve the problem which seems to puzzle the minds of some readers, by stating that it is not of the least importance to know what my opinion in regard to this matter is, nor do I consider it of any consequence for the welfare of humanity, whether such a personality as Jehoshua Ben Pandira has ever existed upon this globe. The important things which the book proposes to describe to a certain extent, are the physical and spiritual processes which take place in every one who travels the road of initiation, and if the man Jehoshua has actually existed and become an Adept, these processes must have taken place in his soul. Whether or not the external events of the story have occurred as described therein, seems to me useless to inquire; they merely serve as a frame to hold together the pictures of what takes place in the interior kingdom. The reason why these descriptions are not more explicit need not be explained to anyone who claims to be a Theosophist.

“The Life of Jehoshua,” like all the rest of the books which I have so far written or translated, has not been intended to be a substitute for Intuition, but a guide to point out the direction for the only true practical way, that of the attainment of self-knowledge. There are thousands of persons interested in external intellectual researches of psychic phenomena, who are incapable or unwilling to think deep enough to perceive the truth within themselves, and who are, therefore, seeking for information in regard to such things in well authenticated and credible books.

An opinion acquired in such a manner may be very interesting from a historical or antiquarian point of view, but it is not self-knowledge, and serves for little more than for the gratification of curiosity or for amusement. It may do very well for those who have no other object but “psychic research,” but is of no value for the spiritual unfoldment of the mind. It has been frequently stated that there is no such thing as a merely theoretical Theosophy, because to have merely an opinion about a truth is not Divine Wisdom.

Theology and metaphysics may be intellectually taught, but Wisdom must be spiritually acquired. The scientist, dealing with metaphysical objects, or the speculative philosopher, is satisfied with the description of a thing which he has never seen, if that description is in accordance with his accepted method of logical reasoning; but the true and practical occultist seeks to obtain the key by which he may open himself the door of the sanctuary and find the truth within himself.

Now, as two thousand years ago, there are many who crave after the “flesh-pots and treasures of Egypt,” meaning intellectual learning in regard to external phenomena, historical occurrences, &c., while there are few who are willing to enter the wilderness to seek for the “heavenly manna,” the desert of the light of the spirit within the soul; but it is written that “those who desire to live of the altar must serve the altar,” by which is meant that those who desire to enter spiritual life by the awakening of the “secret fire” within themselves, must

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leave off clinging to merely external things and matters of a dead and buried past, and serve the divine principle within the secret recesses of their own heart, worshipping there the “Master” with all their mind, with all their soul and with their whole being, in Spirit and in Truth.

The mystery of the initiation can never be fully explained, for the reason that such an explanation would neither be believed nor understood, unless it is experienced, nor could I give such a description, even if I desired to do so; but if the “Life of Jehoshua” has made clear to a few thinking minds the difference between external and internal knowledge, and shown to them the way by which self-knowledge may be attained, its object has been accomplished.

F. Hartmann, M.D.

Footnotes