Consciousness begets consciousness. Just as a fire causes the air molecules near to it to heat up, so does the energy of consciousness radiate out to affect the consciousness of others within a receiving range. This is why ancient spiritual traditions insisted on having the living presence of a guide; and for those who wished to learn it was required that they attend the presence of the guide. This was not merely for verbal and/or physical instruction but more so because the ensuing energies of consciousness could be intentionally directed to a receiving target, whether the target was conscious of it or not. Even today in all spheres of life, people are constantly 'picking' up each other's influence through an interaction of energies of consciousness, despite being unmindful of this process. The early guilds and apprenticeships worked upon the notion of learning the craft by observation, not fully knowing that this was exactly the path used for countless traditions of inner teachings, not solely because observation teaches (which it does) but also because more important transmissions of influence are operative under such conditions of close physical presence. Consciousness begets consciousness. When one enters a rose garden, should they sit next to a rose, or a thornbush? From where does the feeling of beauty come from? Choose one's seat with care.
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