Illumination is not a mere abstraction. It is not an eventual isolation of self from the world. Rather it is a synthesising of all our faculties and powers so that we can derive the utmost from our mortal span here on Earth. For example, it provides a clarity of vision with regard to phenomena, the experiences of life. The self perceives an added significance in all the experiences in and around it. The infinity of illumination is a penetration of the natural world to a greater depth in one direction while at the same time penetrating the Cosmic in another direction. Yet these to directions are like lines curved to meet. Thus they form a whole, or circle, of more complete living.

MENTAL ALCHEMY By Ralph M. Lewis F.R.C.