Meaning: This quote by Gustave Meyrink encapsulates the idea that the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment can be achieved during one's lifetime, but even if it is not attained, the individual gains a sense of internal maturity that allows them to continue their journey in subsequent lives.

Meyrink, a prominent Austrian writer and novelist, was known for his exploration of mysticism, the occult, and esoteric themes in his works. His quote reflects the belief found in various spiritual traditions that the ultimate goal of enlightenment, self-realization, or union with the divine is attainable in the present lifetime. This idea is central to many religious and philosophical systems, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and certain mystical branches of Christianity and Islam.

In Hinduism, the concept of moksha or liberation represents the ultimate goal of human life. It is the release from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and the attainment of a state of eternal bliss and unity with the divine. According to this belief, individuals who achieve moksha are liberated from the necessity of being reborn into the material world.

Similarly, in Buddhism, the aim of spiritual practice is to attain enlightenment, also known as Nirvana. This state is characterized by the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of rebirth and death. Once enlightened, an individual is said to have transcended the cycle of samsara and achieved liberation from the limitations of the material world.

Meyrink's quote suggests that even if one does not reach this ultimate goal in a single lifetime, the spiritual progress made in the pursuit of enlightenment carries over into subsequent lives. This idea aligns with the concept of reincarnation, which is central to many Eastern spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism.

In the context of reincarnation, the experiences, insights, and spiritual growth accumulated in one lifetime are believed to influence and shape the individual's subsequent lives. This progression toward spiritual maturity continues across multiple incarnations until the ultimate goal of enlightenment is achieved.

Meyrink's assertion that "he who has found the way once, always returns to this world with an internal maturity that enables him to continue his work" reflects the notion that the pursuit of spiritual awakening is a continuous and evolving process. The experiences and wisdom gained in one lifetime become the foundation for further progress in subsequent lives.

The quote also implies a sense of optimism and resilience in the spiritual journey. Even if the ultimate goal is not reached in one lifetime, the individual is not discouraged or disheartened. Instead, they return to the world with a sense of internal maturity, ready to continue their pursuit of enlightenment.

Overall, Meyrink's quote encapsulates the timeless belief that the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment is an essential aspect of human existence, and the progress made in this pursuit transcends individual lifetimes. It reflects the enduring human aspiration to attain a deeper understanding of existence and the divine, and the belief that this journey continues across the boundaries of time and space.