Is freedom given or demanded?

The soul has to reincarnate until knowledge of better things is firmly established in the consciousness. 

Punishment is interpreted as adjustment.

The laws of the spirit are that each one must overcome, and when he has conquered personal selfishness, he need not return to the earth for progression. 

The adjustments assigned to him are not given to injure or cause sorrow or pain, but to bring out the needful quality, which then asserts itself and makes the soul stand up under all suffering to demand freedom and overcome all the defects to which it is subject.

It is impossible to enter the Circle of the Master until you have learned to overcome and be as nearly perfect as the reflection of the great Mind can be. 

Life is complicated and only through learning lessons and possessing a pure, free consciousness can you approximate the Master's wishes.

Great advancement is often gained through sacrifice and suffering in an earthly existence.