THE EQUINOX
of Bodhisattva’s virtues five, the fivefold source of Bodhi
power, and of the seven steps in Knowledge.
28. Pass on! For thou hast brought the key; thou art
secure.
The row of dots in the text (after verse 25) appears to im-
ply complete change of subject, though on other occasions it
did not doso. Ihave already explained one of the technical
meanings of Dana, and undoubtedly the Path seems attrac-
tive at this stage. One thinks of the joyous reception into
the Company of Adepts. One goes almost as a boy goes to
meet his first sweetheart.
But there is here another allusion to the beginnings of
Meditation, when everything seems so simple and straight-
forward, and withal so easy and pleasant. There is some-
thing intensely human about this. Men set out upon the
most dangerous expeditions in high spirits.
29. And to the second gate the way is verdant too. But
it is steep and winds up hill; yea, to its rocky top. Grey
Mists will overhang its rough and stony height, and all be
dark beyond. As on he goes, the song of hope soundeth
more feeble in the pilgrim’s heart. The thrill of doubt is
now upon him; his step less steady grows.
Following the last comment a description of this Path re-
fers to the beginning of ‘dryness’ in the course of Meditation.
30. Beware of this, O Candidate! Beware of fear that
spreadeth, like the black and soundless wings of midnight
bat, between the moonlight of thy Soul and thy great goal
that loometh in the distance far away.
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