This is what characterizes a Master:
the fact that he has acquired perfect control of himself
on the physical, astral and mental planes.
And this is why the forces of nature obey him;
this is why the spirits and even the animals, plants and stones obey him,
for he has acquired true mastery, true loyalty.
Mastery of one's thoughts, feelings and actions
presupposes a discipline and special methods
based on great knowledge.
This knowledge concerns the structure of the human being,
the forces circulating within him,
and the relationship between his entire being
(his physical and subtle bodies)
and the different planes of the visible and invisible worlds.
Self-mastery implies that one knows the structure
of the entire universe and the entities which inhabit it.
A true Master, in the spiritual meaning of that term,
is a being who first knows the essential truths,
not what men have written, created or taught,
but those things which are essential
in the eyes of Cosmic Intelligence.
Secondly, a Master has to have both the will and the ability
to dominate, master and control every aspect of himself.
And finally, his knowledge and self-dominance
must be used exclusively to manifest
all the qualities and virtues of selfless love.
