Theos-Talk Archives (March 2005 Message tt00038)

In his book "Knowledge of the Higher Wordls" in the chapter "Some Results of
Initiation" Rudolf Steiner has clarified the four necessary requirements in
esoteric training:



"In esoteric training there is question of four attributes which must be
acquired on the so-called preparatory path for the attainment of higher
knowledge. The first is the faculty of discriminating in thoughts between
truth and appearance or mere opinion. The second attribute is the correct
estimation of what is inwardly true and real, as against what is merely
apparent. The third rests in the practice of the six qualities already
mentioned in the preceding pages: thought-control, control of actions,
perseverance, tolerance, faith and equanimity. The fourth attribute is the
love of inner freedom." 



These attributes were known already in the old (vedantic) teachings of India
as Sadhana Chatushtaya 



I have been trying to find more information on these so-called "Four Means
and Six Virtues" and found only a few web sites, including
http://swamij.com/sadhana-chatushtaya-shatsampat.htm and
http://www.yogaadvaita.org/text/jnana2.shtml , most seem to originate from
the Ramakrishna/Sivananda/Divine life society movement.



Does anyone know the primary textual source of, or indeed any other
reference to, these vedantic teachings on the Four Means and Six Virtues?



Carel



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