Probation - Revision history

Alejandro Daniele at 11:10, 19 June 2024

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	[[Category:Theosophical concepts]]		[[Category:Theosophical concepts]]
			[[es:Probación]]

SysopJ: /* Articles */

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Articles

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	==Online resources==		==Online resources==
	===Articles===		===Articles===
	*[~~http~~://www.theosophy.ph/~~encyclo~~/~~index.php?title=Probation#~~ Probation] ~~at Theosopedia~~		*[https://www.theosophy.world/encyclopedia/probation Probation] in Theosophy World

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

Pablo Sender: /* General description */

2016-12-06T22:40:57Z

General description

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	One of the reasons for this was explained by him as follows: "Few men know their inherent capacities—only the ordeal of crude chelaship develops them. (Remember these words: they have a deep meaning).<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 110 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 371.</ref> Elaborating on this concept, Mme. Blavatsky wrote:		One of the reasons for this was explained by him as follows: "Few men know their inherent capacities—only the ordeal of crude chelaship develops them. (Remember these words: they have a deep meaning).<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 110 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 371.</ref> Elaborating on this concept, Mme. Blavatsky wrote:

			<blockquote>Those who have been so perplexed and puzzled over our policy as regards the London Lodge will understand its necessity better when they become better acquainted with the very occult art of drawing out the hidden capacities and propensities of beginners in occult study.<ref>Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom'' First Series No. 18 (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), ???.</ref></blockquote>

	<blockquote>Does the reader recall the old proverb: “Let sleeping dogs lie?” There is a world of occult meaning in it. No man or woman knows his or her moral strength until it is tried. Thousands go through life very respectably because they were never put to the pinch. This is a truism doubtless, but it is most pertinent to the present case.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IV (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1991), 611.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Does the reader recall the old proverb: “Let sleeping dogs lie?” There is a world of occult meaning in it. No man or woman knows his or her moral strength until it is tried. Thousands go through life very respectably because they were never put to the pinch. This is a truism doubtless, but it is most pertinent to the present case.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IV (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1991), 611.</ref></blockquote>

Pablo Sender: /* General description */

2014-07-10T19:32:31Z

General description

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	== General description ==		== General description ==

	[[Koot Hoomi\|~~Master~~ K.H.]] stated that ~~"no~~ one comes in contact with us, no one shows a desire to know more of us, but has to submit being tested and put by us on probation.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. ~~924~~ (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 294.</ref> "Probation [is] something every chela who does not want to remain simply ornamental, has ''nolens volens'' to undergo for a more or less prolonged period".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 74 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 221.</ref> ~~He also stated~~ "Few men know their inherent capacities—only the ordeal of crude chelaship develops them. (Remember these words: they have a deep meaning).<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 110 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 371.</ref> Mme. Blavatsky ~~elaborated more on this~~:		In his letters to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|A. P. Sinnett]], [[Koot Hoomi\|Mahatma K.H.]] stated on several occasions that probation was inescapable for anyone who wished to establish any kind of relationship with the [[Masters of Wisdom\|Masters]]:

			<blockquote>No one comes in contact with us, no one shows a desire to know more of us, but has to submit being tested and put by us on probation.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 294.</ref></blockquote>

			<blockquote>He who approaches our precincts even in thought, is drawn into the vortex of probation.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 131 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 435.</ref></blockquote>

			<blockquote>Probation [is] something every chela who does not want to remain simply ornamental, has ''nolens volens'' to undergo for a more or less prolonged period.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 74 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 221.</ref></blockquote>

			One of the reasons for this was explained by him as follows: "Few men know their inherent capacities—only the ordeal of crude chelaship develops them. (Remember these words: they have a deep meaning).<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 110 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 371.</ref> Elaborating on this concept, Mme. Blavatsky wrote:

	<blockquote>Does the reader recall the old proverb: “Let sleeping dogs lie?” There is a world of occult meaning in it. No man or woman knows his or her moral strength until it is tried. Thousands go through life very respectably because they were never put to the pinch. This is a truism doubtless, but it is most pertinent to the present case.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IV (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1991), 611.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Does the reader recall the old proverb: “Let sleeping dogs lie?” There is a world of occult meaning in it. No man or woman knows his or her moral strength until it is tried. Thousands go through life very respectably because they were never put to the pinch. This is a truism doubtless, but it is most pertinent to the present case.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IV (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1991), 611.</ref></blockquote>

Pablo Sender at 16:31, 19 June 2014

2014-06-19T16:31:22Z

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	== General description ==		== General description ==

	[[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] stated that "no one comes in contact with us, no one shows a desire to know more of us, but has to submit being tested and put by us on probation.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 924 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 294.</ref> "Probation [is] something every chela who does not want to remain simply ornamental, has ''nolens volens'' to undergo for a more or less prolonged period".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 74 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 221.</ref> He also stated "Few men know their inherent capacities—only the ordeal of crude chelaship develops them. (Remember these words: they have a deep meaning).<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 110 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 371.</ref>		[[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] stated that "no one comes in contact with us, no one shows a desire to know more of us, but has to submit being tested and put by us on probation.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 924 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 294.</ref> "Probation [is] something every chela who does not want to remain simply ornamental, has ''nolens volens'' to undergo for a more or less prolonged period".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 74 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 221.</ref> He also stated "Few men know their inherent capacities—only the ordeal of crude chelaship develops them. (Remember these words: they have a deep meaning).<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 110 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 371.</ref> Mme. Blavatsky elaborated more on this:

	This period typically (but not always) lasts seven years, in which the would-be [[Chela\|disciples]] have "to prove their fitness, and develop the qualities necessary to the security of both Master and pupil."<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1962), 155-162.</ref> During this period the pupil is--		<blockquote>Does the reader recall the old proverb: “Let sleeping dogs lie?” There is a world of occult meaning in it. No man or woman knows his or her moral strength until it is tried. Thousands go through life very respectably because they were never put to the pinch. This is a truism doubtless, but it is most pertinent to the present case.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IV (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1991), 611.</ref></blockquote>

			The previous quotes give the impression that it is the Master himself who puts the disciple under probation. But there seems to be another aspect to this, in which the trials are a natural reaction from the forces of nature against those who upset the ''status quo''. Mme. Blavatsky explained:

			<blockquote>Now there is a terrible law operative in nature, one which cannot be altered, and whose operation clears up the apparent mystery of the selection of certain “Chelas” who have turned out sorry specimens of morality, these few years past. . . . One who undertakes to try for Chelaship by that very act rouses and lashes to desperation every sleeping passion of his animal nature. For this is the commencement of a struggle for the mastery in which quarter is neither to be given nor taken. It is, once for all: “To be, or Not to be”; to conquer, means ADEPTSHIP; to fail, an ignoble Martyrdom; for to fall victim to lust, pride, avarice, vanity, selfishness, cowardice, or any other of the lower propensities, is indeed ignoble, if measured by the standard of true manhood. The Chela is not only called to face all the latent evil propensities of his nature, but, in addition, the whole volume of maleficent power accumulated by the community and nation to which he belongs. For he is an integral part of those aggregates, and what affects either the individual man, or the group (town or nation) reacts upon the other. And in this instance his struggle for goodness jars upon the whole body of badness in his environment, and draws its fury upon him. If he is content to go along with his neighbours and be almost as they are—perhaps a little better or somewhat worse than the average—no one may give him a thought. But let it be known that he has been able to detect the hollow mockery of social life, its hypocrisy, selfishness, sensuality, cupidity and other bad features, and has determined to lift himself up to a higher level, at once he is hated, and every bad, or bigoted, or malicious nature sends at him a current of opposing will power. If he is innately strong he shakes it off, as the powerful swimmer dashes through the current that would bear a weaker one away. But in this moral battle, if the Chela has one single hidden blemish—do what he may, it shall and will be brought to light.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IV (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1991), 611-612.</ref></blockquote>

			The period of probation typically (but not always) lasts seven years, in which the would-be [[Chela\|disciples]] have "to prove their fitness, and develop the qualities necessary to the security of both Master and pupil."<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1962), 155-162.</ref> During this period the pupil is--

	<blockquote>...tested, tempted and examined by all and every means, so as to have his real nature drawn out. This is a rule with us as inexorable as it is disgusting in your Western sight, and I could not prevent it even if I would. It is not enough to know thoroughly what the chela is capable of doing or not doing at the time and under the circumstances during the period of probation. We have to know of what he may become capable under different and every kind of opportunities.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 74 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 227.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>...tested, tempted and examined by all and every means, so as to have his real nature drawn out. This is a rule with us as inexorable as it is disgusting in your Western sight, and I could not prevent it even if I would. It is not enough to know thoroughly what the chela is capable of doing or not doing at the time and under the circumstances during the period of probation. We have to know of what he may become capable under different and every kind of opportunities.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 74 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 227.</ref></blockquote>
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	<blockquote>The “Spiritual Guru” . . . taking the student by the hand leads him into, and introduces him to a world entirely unknown to the pupil. . . . So long then, as the pupil acts upon this principle, but is too ignorant to be sure of his vision and powers of discrimination, is it not natural that it is the guide who should be responsible for the sins of him whom he has led into those dangerous regions?<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 285-286.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>The “Spiritual Guru” . . . taking the student by the hand leads him into, and introduces him to a world entirely unknown to the pupil. . . . So long then, as the pupil acts upon this principle, but is too ignorant to be sure of his vision and powers of discrimination, is it not natural that it is the guide who should be responsible for the sins of him whom he has led into those dangerous regions?<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 285-286.</ref></blockquote>

	During this period, the Master cannot guide or advise the would-be disciple as to how to act. as Master K.H. wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]]:		During this period, the Master cannot guide or advise the would-be disciple as to how to act.

			<blockquote>This is not a case like that depicted by a great artist, where Satan is seen playing a game of chess with a man upon the stake of his soul, while the latter’s good angel stands beside him to counsel and assist. For the strife is in this instance between the Chela’s Will and his carnal nature, and Karma forbids that any angel or Guru should interfere until the result is known.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IV (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1991), 612-613.</ref></blockquote>

			In a similar vein, Master K.H. wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]]:

	<blockquote>Every human being contains within himself vast potentialities, and it is the duty of the adepts to surround the would-be chela with circumstances which shall enable him to take the "right-hand path," — if he have the ability in him. We are no more at liberty to withhold the chance from a postulant than we are to guide and direct him into the proper course. At best, we can only show him after his probation period was successfully terminated — that if he does this he will go right; if the other, wrong. But until he has passed that period, we leave him to fight out his battles as best he may; and have to do so occasionally with higher and initiated chelas such as H.P.B., once they are allowed to work in the world, that all of us more or less avoid. More than that . . . we allow our candidates to be tempted in a thousand various ways, so as to draw out the whole of their inner nature and allow it the chance of remaining conqueror either one way or the other. . . . The victor's crown is only for him who proves himself worthy to wear it; for him who attacks Mara single handed and conquers the demon of lust and earthly passions; and not we but he himself puts it on his brow. It was not a meaningless phrase of the Tathagata that "he who masters Self is greater than he who conquers thousands in battle": there is no such other difficult struggle. If it were not so, [[adept]]ship would be but a cheap acquirement.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 299.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Every human being contains within himself vast potentialities, and it is the duty of the adepts to surround the would-be chela with circumstances which shall enable him to take the "right-hand path," — if he have the ability in him. We are no more at liberty to withhold the chance from a postulant than we are to guide and direct him into the proper course. At best, we can only show him after his probation period was successfully terminated — that if he does this he will go right; if the other, wrong. But until he has passed that period, we leave him to fight out his battles as best he may; and have to do so occasionally with higher and initiated chelas such as H.P.B., once they are allowed to work in the world, that all of us more or less avoid. More than that . . . we allow our candidates to be tempted in a thousand various ways, so as to draw out the whole of their inner nature and allow it the chance of remaining conqueror either one way or the other. . . . The victor's crown is only for him who proves himself worthy to wear it; for him who attacks Mara single handed and conquers the demon of lust and earthly passions; and not we but he himself puts it on his brow. It was not a meaningless phrase of the Tathagata that "he who masters Self is greater than he who conquers thousands in battle": there is no such other difficult struggle. If it were not so, [[adept]]ship would be but a cheap acquirement.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 299.</ref></blockquote>

Pablo Sender at 21:21, 18 April 2014

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	~~{{Template:Article needs expansion}}~~
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	'''Probation''' is a technical term for the first stage of personal relationship between a [[Master of Wisdom]] and a would-be [[Chela\|disciple]]. In it, he or she has to face difficulties, temptations, and challenging situations which put to a test his or her moral strength. It is said that it normally lasts about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened. Once the chela has successfully gone through the probation he is ready to start the path of [[chelaship]] to prepare himself for [[Initiation]].		'''Probation''' is a technical term for the first stage of personal relationship between a [[Master of Wisdom]] and a would-be [[Chela\|disciple]]. In it, he or she has to face difficulties, temptations, and challenging situations which put to a test his or her moral strength. It is said that it normally lasts about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened. Once the chela has successfully gone through the probation he is ready to start the path of [[chelaship]] to prepare himself for [[Initiation]].

Pablo Sender: /* General description */

2014-04-18T21:21:23Z

General description

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	== General description ==		== General description ==

	[[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] stated that "no one comes in contact with us, no one shows a desire to know more of us, but has to submit being tested and put by us on probation.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 924 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 294.</ref~~></blockquote~~> "Probation [is] something every chela who does not want to remain simply ornamental, has ''nolens volens'' to undergo for a more or less prolonged period".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 74 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 221.</ref>		[[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] stated that "no one comes in contact with us, no one shows a desire to know more of us, but has to submit being tested and put by us on probation.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 924 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 294.</ref> "Probation [is] something every chela who does not want to remain simply ornamental, has ''nolens volens'' to undergo for a more or less prolonged period".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 74 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 221.</ref> He also stated "Few men know their inherent capacities—only the ordeal of crude chelaship develops them. (Remember these words: they have a deep meaning).<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 110 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 371.</ref>

	This period typically (but not always) lasts seven years, in which the would-be [[Chela\|disciples]] have "to prove their fitness, and develop the qualities necessary to the security of both Master and pupil."<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1962), 155-162.</ref> During this period the pupil is--		This period typically (but not always) lasts seven years, in which the would-be [[Chela\|disciples]] have "to prove their fitness, and develop the qualities necessary to the security of both Master and pupil."<ref>Blavatsky, H. P., ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Wheaton, Ill: Theosophical Publishing House, 1962), 155-162.</ref> During this period the pupil is--
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	The period of probation is generally said to last about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened for different reasons. For example, [[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] wrote:		The period of probation is generally said to last about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened for different reasons. For example, [[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] wrote:

	<blockquote> The process of self-purification is not the work of a moment, nor of a few months, but of years, nay extending over a series of lives. The later a man begins living the higher life the longer must be his period of probation. For he has to undo the effects of a long number of years spent in objects diametrically opposed to the real goal.<ref>Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom'' First Series No. 9 (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), ???.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote> The process of self-purification is not the work of a moment, nor of a few months, but of years, nay extending over a series of lives. The later a man begins living the higher life the longer must be his period of probation. For he has to undo the effects of a long number of years spent in objects diametrically opposed to the real goal.<ref>Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom'' First Series No. 9 (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), ???.</ref></blockquote>

	== Its nature ==		== Its nature ==

Pablo Sender at 17:07, 5 March 2014

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	During this period, the Master cannot guide or advise the would-be disciple as to how to act. as Master K.H. wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]]:		During this period, the Master cannot guide or advise the would-be disciple as to how to act. as Master K.H. wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett\|Mr. Sinnett]]:

	<blockquote>Every human being contains within himself vast potentialities, and it is the duty of the adepts to surround the would-be chela with circumstances which shall enable him to take the "right-hand path," — if he have the ability in him. We are no more at liberty to withhold the chance from a postulant than we are to guide and direct him into the proper course. At best, we can only show him after his probation period was successfully terminated — that if he does this he will go right; if the other, wrong. But until he has passed that period, we leave him to fight out his battles as best he may; and have to do so occasionally with higher and initiated chelas such as H.P.B., once they are allowed to work in the world, that all of us more or less avoid. More than that . . . we allow our candidates to be tempted in a thousand various ways, so as to draw out the whole of their inner nature and allow it the chance of remaining conqueror either one way or the other.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 299.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Every human being contains within himself vast potentialities, and it is the duty of the adepts to surround the would-be chela with circumstances which shall enable him to take the "right-hand path," — if he have the ability in him. We are no more at liberty to withhold the chance from a postulant than we are to guide and direct him into the proper course. At best, we can only show him after his probation period was successfully terminated — that if he does this he will go right; if the other, wrong. But until he has passed that period, we leave him to fight out his battles as best he may; and have to do so occasionally with higher and initiated chelas such as H.P.B., once they are allowed to work in the world, that all of us more or less avoid. More than that . . . we allow our candidates to be tempted in a thousand various ways, so as to draw out the whole of their inner nature and allow it the chance of remaining conqueror either one way or the other. . . . The victor's crown is only for him who proves himself worthy to wear it; for him who attacks Mara single handed and conquers the demon of lust and earthly passions; and not we but he himself puts it on his brow. It was not a meaningless phrase of the Tathagata that "he who masters Self is greater than he who conquers thousands in battle": there is no such other difficult struggle. If it were not so, [[adept]]ship would be but a cheap acquirement.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 299.</ref></blockquote>

	The period of probation is generally said to last about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened for different reasons. For example, [[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] wrote:		The period of probation is generally said to last about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened for different reasons. For example, [[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] wrote:

Pablo Sender at 17:27, 12 November 2013

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	<blockquote>Every human being contains within himself vast potentialities, and it is the duty of the adepts to surround the would-be chela with circumstances which shall enable him to take the "right-hand path," — if he have the ability in him. We are no more at liberty to withhold the chance from a postulant than we are to guide and direct him into the proper course. At best, we can only show him after his probation period was successfully terminated — that if he does this he will go right; if the other, wrong. But until he has passed that period, we leave him to fight out his battles as best he may; and have to do so occasionally with higher and initiated chelas such as H.P.B., once they are allowed to work in the world, that all of us more or less avoid. More than that . . . we allow our candidates to be tempted in a thousand various ways, so as to draw out the whole of their inner nature and allow it the chance of remaining conqueror either one way or the other.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 299.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Every human being contains within himself vast potentialities, and it is the duty of the adepts to surround the would-be chela with circumstances which shall enable him to take the "right-hand path," — if he have the ability in him. We are no more at liberty to withhold the chance from a postulant than we are to guide and direct him into the proper course. At best, we can only show him after his probation period was successfully terminated — that if he does this he will go right; if the other, wrong. But until he has passed that period, we leave him to fight out his battles as best he may; and have to do so occasionally with higher and initiated chelas such as H.P.B., once they are allowed to work in the world, that all of us more or less avoid. More than that . . . we allow our candidates to be tempted in a thousand various ways, so as to draw out the whole of their inner nature and allow it the chance of remaining conqueror either one way or the other.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 299.</ref></blockquote>

			The period of probation is generally said to last about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened for different reasons. For example, [[Koot Hoomi\|Master K.H.]] wrote:

			<blockquote> The process of self-purification is not the work of a moment, nor of a few months, but of years, nay extending over a series of lives. The later a man begins living the higher life the longer must be his period of probation. For he has to undo the effects of a long number of years spent in objects diametrically opposed to the real goal.<ref>Curuppumullage Jinarājadāsa, ''Letters from the Masters of the Wisdom'' First Series No. 9 (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), ???.</ref></blockquote>

	== Its nature ==		== Its nature ==

Pablo Sender at 22:33, 11 November 2013

2013-11-11T22:33:00Z

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	<br>		<br>
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	'''Probation''' is a technical term for the first stage of personal relationship between a [[Master of Wisdom]] and a would-be [[Chela\|disciple]]. In it, he or she has to face difficulties, temptations, and challenging situations which put to a test his or her moral strength. It is said that it normally lasts about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened.		'''Probation''' is a technical term for the first stage of personal relationship between a [[Master of Wisdom]] and a would-be [[Chela\|disciple]]. In it, he or she has to face difficulties, temptations, and challenging situations which put to a test his or her moral strength. It is said that it normally lasts about seven years, although the period may be shortened or lengthened. Once the chela has successfully gone through the probation he is ready to start the path of [[chelaship]] to prepare himself for [[Initiation]].

	== General description ==		== General description ==