CHAPTER VIII.

A VISIT TO A GÑÁNI.

Two schools of esoteric teachers, the Himalayan and South Indian--A South-Indian teacher--Three conditions for the attainment of divine knowledge or _gñánam_--The fraternity of Adepts--_Yogam_ the preparation for _gñánam_--The _yogis_--Story of Tilleináthan Swámy--Democratic character of his teaching--Compare stories of Christ-- Tamil philosophy and popular beliefs concerning Adepts-- The present teacher, his personality and habits--“Joy, always joy” 137–152