Novitiates and initiates
seeking entrance stood before the outside wall during the day, begging admittance and performing service, like gathering wood or drawing water, while waiting to be interviewed. Often they were told of monastery life by the residents. They might remain by the wall up to nine months, endeavoring to adjust their vibration, both inner and outer, to those within the monastery so they would fit in transparently. Once admitted, they were given disciplines by the guru, such as carving large statues; then, to perfect concentration, carving them smaller and smaller until they fit in the palm. They meditated often, communicating with beings from their home planet. Some chronicled their experiences in books to be transported through fire into the vast akashic libraries. Aum.§