{"id":29193,"date":"2026-03-18T10:42:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T09:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kennethsorensen.dk\/?p=29193"},"modified":"2026-03-20T08:34:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T07:34:58","slug":"power-and-will-assagioli-1932","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennethsorensen.dk\/en\/power-and-will-assagioli-1932\/","title":{"rendered":"Power and Will"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spiritual Power and the Awakening of the Inner Will in Psychosynthesis<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\r\n

By <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Roberto Assagioli<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>
(Istituto di Psicosintesi \u2013 Florence \u2013 \u201cScritti di Roberto Assagioli\u201d) <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
Institute of Psychosynthesis, Course of Lectures on Individual Psychology (1932) <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
Spiritual Elements in Personality: IV <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
Original Title: <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Potenza \u2013 Volont\u00e0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em>
Translated and Edited with Notes by Jan Kuniholm<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>

<\/p>\r\n

Editorial Note:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>
The subheadings in this online edition have been added by Kenneth S\u00f8rensen for clarity and navigational purposes. They were not part of the original lecture and do not modify or interpret the original text.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n

Abstract<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

In this 1932 lecture, Roberto Assagioli examines Power as a fundamental spiritual attribute of personality and its relationship to Will. Moving from primitive religious awe before divine omnipotence to the awakening of inner spiritual power, Assagioli traces the development of mastery\u2014from external domination to self-control and finally to alignment with the universal Will. He distinguishes between passive psychic faculties and controlled spiritual powers, warns against the dangers of magical ambition and separative egoism, and emphasizes obedience to the inner spiritual Center. True power, he argues, arises through identification with the Self and results in beneficent influence, synthesis, and spiritual harmony.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n

The Spiritual Attribute of Power<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

We now come to the last individual quality that manifests itself in our personality, the last “note” and spiritual attribute: that of <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Power<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i> . The English phrase “last but not least” is particularly appropriate here. Indeed, this attribute, which we are discussing last, is not only no less important than the others, but in some respects can be considered the first, the most essential.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Primitive Religious Experience and Divine Omnipotence<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

If we seek the origin, the first manifestation of the divine in the soul of primitive man, we find that it consists in the sense of a dark, supernatural, frightening, incomprehensible Power before which one feels weak, dependent, enslaved, even annihilated.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

\r\n

The moment of Majestas is connected to this element of absolute superpower, of majesty, as a shadow and a subjective repercussion of the \u201ccreature feeling.\u201d This experience \u2014 of one’s own nothingness and of being mud and ashes \u2014 stands in contrast to the objectively felt omnipotence. This is the raw material from which the feeling of religious humility is shaped. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[2]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n

He then quotes a Christian mystic, who said that Man sinks and crumbles in his nothingness and smallness. The more God’s greatness flashes naked before him, the more his misery is revealed to him. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[3]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Thus, in this primordial experience of the divine, there is absolute dualism, extreme transcendence. Power and Divinity are conceived as something external, opposed to man.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Awakening of Power in Human Evolution<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

But this stage must be surpassed in order to move on to the second stage: the awakening of the sense of power in oneself. As one evolves, he gradually acquires an ever greater awareness of the powers within him. Driven, indeed compelled, by the primary necessities of life (food, shelter, defense against attacks by animals and other men), one gradually develops his powers: first physical strength and dexterity, then ingenuity and intelligence. He then learns to use minerals: stone, bronze, iron, and begins to make use of fire. He increasingly improves his technical skills and thus develops a growing mastery over nature which, as is well known, has manifested itself in a rapidly intensifying manner since the last century.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

At the same time, one develops power over other people: thus, depending on the various types of civilization, we have tribal chiefs, primitive kings, then sovereigns, and leaders of communities, parties, and masses. This psychological power is very interesting, as it is composed of various elements: personal charm, self-confidence, determination, courage, audacity, and the power of speech.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Thus, in man, the thirst for dominance, ambition, and the tendency towards self-assertion and the use of one’s power develops more and more, which in some people is so intense that it becomes a real overwhelming passion that leads them to face hardships and risks, and put their lives to the test.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

What is the origin of this passion? A dark but intense sense that there are greater powers latent in man, which he must realize (\u201cdivine dissatisfaction\u201d).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Self-Assertion, Pride, and the Danger of Separateness<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

At first, this tendency to assert inner powers develops in the wrong way; and the fundamental error is to turn exclusively outward; that is, towards the domination of nature and people. But then one discovers that in order to dominate others, he needs a certain degree of self-control; first of all, of his own body and senses (there is therefore a kind of asceticism in the ambitious man), and then of his own passions, emotions, and feelings, and of his own mind.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

He can thus achieve a remarkable degree of self-control. However, there is a danger that he will develop a separate personal ego, and with it pride, etc. At this stage, one opposes the world and others; and this is the type of Nietzschean \u201csuperman.\u201d Then, as the interest in self-control tends to take precedence, one loses interest in the outside world and devalues \u200b\u200bcontrol over oneself: this is the stage of stoicism, in which one retreats into an inaccessible “inner fortress” and finds satisfaction in oneself, but is still possessed by feelings of pride and separateness.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Supernormal Faculties and Spiritual Powers<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

Another interesting and dangerous stage is that of discovering supernormal or magical powers within oneself. This point deserves some further consideration.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

First of all, the reality of the existence of these powers can no longer be doubted: not only are they mentioned in all religious traditions, but even in the modern world there is scientific evidence of their existence. Thus, in France Dr. Osty <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[4]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> stated that if the various psychic powers manifested by various people who possess them were combined in a single person, the result would be a superhuman being, a Great Being, an Initiate, like the founders of religions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Therefore, the interest in these powers is understandable; however, this is a treacherous field, in which one must proceed slowly.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Faculties versus Mastery<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

First of all, we must distinguish between faculties and powers. Usually, those who have these faculties are not in control of them, but are possessed by them, often with serious dangers to their health and mental balance. And this is only natural: we must remember that the average person is not even in control of the normal forces of their personality; it is even more difficult to be in control of other forces, which are often greater and more overwhelming. In other words, [the faculty of] mediumship [, for example, ] is something passive and uncontrolled, while spiritual powers are controlled and can be used at will. This is the essential difference.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Therefore, the first step towards a healthy and safe acquisition of supernormal powers is to gain control over the normal forces within us.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

White and Black Magic: Ethical Distinctions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

Furthermore, a distinction must be made according to the purpose for which these powers are used, ie, between \u201cwhite magic\u201d and \u201cblack magic.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[5]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> The former is done for good, while the latter is done for personal gain, often to the detriment of others. There is no doubt that “black magic” can only bring destructive reactions; that is, harm to everyone and \u2014 above all \u2014 to those who practice it, as a violation of the law of balance [6] that cannot occur with impunity.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

From this it is clear that great caution is needed in this field, and the development of these powers is not advisable for those who do not have sufficient ethical and spiritual preparation.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

As an exception, it is permissible to use these powers \u2014 and for those who are gifted with them to use them \u2014 only as a scientific experiment, for the good of humanity; and this reason can counterbalance the harm that the subject derives from it. But we repeat, great caution is needed in this regard.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Spiritual Development and the Inner Center<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

On the other hand, these supernormal powers develop spontaneously, without being sought, in those who rise spiritually and discover the Center of their being. In this case, the powers are given naturally, “in addition,” to those who have already gained mastery over their lower nature: and then there is also the guarantee of their good use.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

What characterizes true, healthy, and pure spiritual development is the sense of the unity of life, of the relationship between the individual spirit and the universal Spirit; it is the overcoming of what has been called \u201cthe heresy of separateness.\u201d Spirit is unity; it is universality.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Once this is realized, there is a new attitude of dependence and obedience towards the Divine that is very different from that of primitive man. There is no longer separate and external dependence and obedience: it is internal; that is, there is obedience to the inner God, to the Spirit within us. There is an appeal from the personality to the deep Spirit, which it recognizes as itself, as its true being. This attitude is well expressed in <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Light on the Path,<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i> which says:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

\r\n

Stand aside in the coming battle, and though thou fightest be not thou the warrior.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Look for the Warrior and let him fight in thee.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Take his orders for battle and obey them.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Obey him not as though he were a general, but as though he were thyself, and his spoken words were the utterance of thy secret desires; for he is thyself, yet infinitely wiser and stronger than thyself. Look for him, else in the fever and hurry of the fight thou mayest pass him; and he will not know you unless you know him. If thy cry reaches his listening ear then he will fight in thee and fill the dull void within. And if this is so, then you can go through the fight cool and unwearied, standing aside and letting him battle for you. Then it will be impossible for you to strike one blow miss. But if you don’t look for him, if you pass him by, then there is no safeguard for you. Thy brain will reel, thy heart grow uncertain, and in the dust of the battlefield thy sight and senses will fail, and thou wilt not know thy friends from thy enemies.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

He is thyself, yet thou art but finite and liable to error. He is eternal and is sure. He is eternal truth. When once he has entered thee and become thy Warrior, he will never utterly desert thee, and at the day of the great peace he will become one with thee. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[7]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

As can be seen, the relationship between personality and individuality is wonderfully set out here. This same spiritual attitude has been expressed more simply in the Christian expression: “Thy will be done.”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n

Unification of Personal Will and Universal Will<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

However, this attitude must be understood correctly: not in a dualistic sense, not as passive and sad resignation, but in a unified sense, as joyful allegiance, as identification of the personal will with the universal Will.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

And this unification gives, first of all, a great sense of security, joy, bliss, and <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>peace<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i> .<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

In this regard, I will incidentally recall that a poll was conducted in America on people’s favorite verse in Dante. The result was the verse: \u201cIn His will is our Peace.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[8]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Radiation of Spiritual Power<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

In this unification, the various powers of the Soul are renewed and increased. These are real powers over the world and over others, but they are beneficial powers that do not enslave, but rather arouse, attract, awaken energies, and have beneficial effects. One feels himself to be a willing and conscious collaborator in the wonderful divine plan, which he begins to understand in its beauty and goodness; and thus he identifies himself with the Will of God. In this way, one maintains his highest individual dignity, but without any feeling of pride or ambition, rather in perfect union with the other spirits united in the One Spirit.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Methods for Awakening Spiritual Power<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

How does one reach this stage? How does one arouse this spiritual power? The methods are those that must be used for every spiritual realization: silence, recollection, quietening and obedience of the personality; aspiration and inner communion; then affirmation, continuous reaffirmation, which helps to free oneself from one’s personality and the external world.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

When this has been achieved, when spiritual power has been awakened, it can be said that everything has been done, because <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>after that, the power works by itself.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

This shows the error of modern activism, which is tiring, exhausting, disharmonious, and often provokes reactions. Instead, the other method works from within. In this regard, we can make the comparison of the lamp and the light: we need to prepare and light the lamp; then there is nothing else to do, the light radiates by itself.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Let us realize once and for all that, after having been slaves above all to ourselves for so long, we can exercise this royal Power, which is impersonal, superpersonal; then nothing will be impossible for us. It is a matter of evoking the \u201catmosphere\u201d of Power and remaining always in it: creating and maintaining the \u201cmagnetic field.\u201d Then we no longer do anything by personal effort: we only arouse the Power so that it works spontaneously, easily, irresistibly in us. For the Power of the Spirit is a spontaneous radiation which, by its mere presence, opens doors and masters circumstances. It does not need to do; it is, and in being, it transforms everything.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

And now one last point.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Spirit as Synthesis of All Attributes<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

We have spoken of the various aspects, of various “notes” of the Spirit (moral sense, beauty, joy, love, power). But since the Spirit is synthesis, it is unity, we must realize that none of these elements can be developed perfectly and harmoniously without the others. The relationships between them are obvious: moral sense implies knowledge and love, and it is a source of joy, power, etc. Thus, each of the aspects implies all the others.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

In conclusion: the Spirit is a synthesis of all these “notes” which are united in it in a wonderful harmony.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Like the rays of the sun, as the “notes” of the Spirit descend, they become colored, opaque, and limited, and <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>diverge<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i> in such a way that they seem to be in opposition to each other (so power may seem to be in contrast to love, beauty to goodness, etc.). But at the Source, in the Spirit, the various “notes” are no longer in opposition, but complementary, and harmonize with one another.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

[1]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> Rudolf Otto (1869-1937) was a German Lutheran theologian, philosopher, and comparative religionist, originator of the concept of the numinous, a profound emotional experience said to be at the heart of the world’s religions. – Oath.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[2]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> Otto, The Idea of \u200b\u200bthe Holy, translated from the author’s Italian.\u2014Ed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[3]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> ibid. \u2014Ed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[4]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> Eugene Osty (1874-1938) was a French physician and psychic researcher. His writings included Supernormnal Faculties in Man (London, Methuen, 1923) and Les Pouvoirs inconnus de l\u201dEsprit sur la Matiere [The Unknown Powers of Mind Over Matter], (Paris, Alcan, 1932).\u2014Ed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[5]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> Note that earlier in this essay the author referred to “supernormal” and “magical” powers in the same sentence, since these terms are often used in equivalent ways. – Oath.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[6]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> In esoteric studies, “the law of balance” asserts that the universe seeks equilibrium, meaning every action\/energy has a reaction, requiring harmony between opposites (light\/dark, giving\/receiving, masculine\/feminine) for fulfillment, with imbalances triggering growth or consequences. – Oath.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[7]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> Light on the Path, transcribed by MC p. 9. this is taken from the English original published by The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, Madras, India, multiple editions 1911-1982.\u2014Ed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[8]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> Paradiso, Canto III, v.85-87. – Oath.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[9]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> This phrase comes from Dante, Paradiso, Canto XVII, v. 112-114. – Oath.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n

[10]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> This phrase comes from 2 Corinthians 3:18. – Oath.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Spiritual Power and the Awakening of the Inner Will in Psychosynthesis By Roberto Assagioli (Istituto di Psicosintesi \u2013 Florence \u2013 \u201cScritti di Roberto Assagioli\u201d) Institute of Psychosynthesis, Course of Lectures on Individual Psychology (1932) Spiritual Elements in Personality: IV Original Title: Potenza \u2013 Volont\u00e0 Translated and Edited with Notes by Jan Kuniholm Editorial Note: The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":875,"featured_media":29203,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"","tve_custom_css":"","tve_user_custom_css":"","tve_globals":{},"tcb2_ready":0,"tcb_editor_enabled":0,"tve_landing_page":"","_tve_header":"","_tve_footer":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-psychosynthesis-and-the-will","entry","override","gs-1","gs-odd","gs-even","gs-featured-content-entry"],"yoast_head":"\nPower and Will \u2013 Roberto Assagioli (1932 Lecture)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Roberto Assagioli\u2019s 1932 lecture on Power and 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The Spirit is all this, and even more, for we do not yet know all His Glory. We are now like children in the world of the Spirit; we do not know His wonders, but sensing them is already a great deal. It powerfully impels us to ascend from \u201clight to light,\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[9]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> from \u201cglory to glory.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[10]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n

This aspect of the divine was illustrated by Rudolf Otto <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[1]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> in his book <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>The Idea of \u200b\u200bthe Holy<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i> (1917). He speaks of the tremendous mystery that is the divine for primitive man, of the thrill of fear it gives him, and of the sense of superpower and majesty it instills in him. He says:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n