References compiled from the Agni Yoga Series
The heart of an Arhat is like the Heart of Cosmos. The heart of an Arhat is like the fire of the sun. Eternity and the motion of Cosmos fill the heart of the Arhat. Maitreya is coming, radiant with all fires. His Heart is aflame with compassion for destitute humanity. His Heart is aflame with the affirmation of the new Covenants.
Hierarchy, 3
35. Gathering the flaming hearts, you bear them as gifts
to Us.
The power of harmony will announce triumph to the
pure in spirit.
Teach smilingly, joyfully create, your ears hearkening to
the song.
By pure love shall I preserve compassion in my
bleeding heart!
Grant me, O Lord, the mastery of self!
88. Unpreparedness is not transgression.
Love the unhappy, have compassion for the humble.
263. Among strangers, amidst dangerous destroyers,
it is difficult, and you are ready to flee.
To show compassion, to conciliate,
to welcome them, is a hardship.
Sowing with travail, and reaping with happiness,
Our messenger performs miracles.
324. I tell you, let the flame of your heart be alight
with the fire of compassion.
In compassion is buried the great pearl of Secret
Knowledge.
All Bodhisattvas, all Holy Ones, all Martyrs, strove
along this Path.
Remember the legend of the Seven Gates.
Not for all is the thorny way a hardship.
There are souls to whom a crown of thorns is sweeter
than a kingly one,
And a coarse garment more precious than the royal
purple.
327. Remember the vigor of the dawning hour.
The coolness of the morning is a refreshing draught to
your spirit.
Hasten to drink it!
Thou Blossom of the Lotus Flower,
Dream of Dreams,
Seven-Pointed Pearl!
In Thee is hidden the knowledge of the universe.
In Thee is born the striving to behold the mysteries.
Hidden Temple of the Unknown,
Giver of Living Waters,
Great Healer of the Universe,
Soul ever-watchful over worldly terrors!
In Thy Radiance bathes Thy faithful servant,
Who has chosen Thee to be his whole possession.
O Lord of the Wisdom of Heavenly Gates,
Erect Thy Throne upon the highest summit.
Thence wilt Thou better see the fear and anguish of
human hearts.
O Lord named the Compassionate,
Behold Thy sons engulfed in human darkness.
Darkness, darkness, darkness.
Light, light, light.
Without the darkness there would be no light,
For only in darkness may we behold the light.
But where abideth Thou, O Lord,
There is nor light, nor darkness.
All is One.
Mystery of Mysteries.
Holy of Holies.
Not comprehended by men, It remains clear;
But grasped by human minds, Its clarity dulls.
Such is the law.
Follow the banner of battle.
331. Work-the path is open for work.
Into your hands have been put the greatest possibilities.
My crown be with you, for I gave the crown.
Be vigilant. Expect Our Help at every moment.
Know that no reward should be expected.
Earthly rewards are not for you.
You who strive must pursue the path boldly,
without thought of danger or of joys to come.
Remember what I have said to you.
Accept not the best fruit from the table of the Lord,
even if He offers it.
Partake only of that which is given for the fulfilment
of your mission.
Reward does come, but expectation never brings
reward.
Did Christ, crucified, think of the salvation of His
Soul?
Even in the smallest measure try to be as He.
Compassion, compassion, compassion.
Many times before have I appealed to you
to be like those who bear compassion.
333. You, My disciples, behold!
Dream of the future and you will see the regeneration
of the world.
Forget not compassion in your striving.
Understand Me.
347. About love I can say that in pure souls it rushes
ever upward.
But compassion flows downward.
One may love God,
One may picture Him as a wondrous Martyr
for creative thoughts for the Good of the World.
One may trustingly and even daringly knock
at the door of His Temple.
And if the knock is consciously delivered,
Then in response one receives new strength,
though it may not at once be recognized.
357. Can the tree stand firm?
Yes, yes, yes-
If the roots are deeply buried
and unseen beneath the ground.
I told you of beauty, I told you of love,
I told you of action.
I told you of devotion, I told you of readiness and
compassion.
I have opened the window for you, and shown you
the battle.
I explained the meaning of courage,
And finally I summoned you to the Great Service.
And where is the garment in which to ascend
the steps of the Temple?
Where is the worthy vestment to cover the nakedness
and impurity of our bodies?
Throughout the Universe pulsates the fabric
of Life's Beginning.
Throughout the Universe is found the worthy
Garment.
Joy quivers, and vibrates, and resounds.
In this Garment of Joy you will ascend the steps.
This garment will enfold your body.
They are rending the Raiment of the Lord.
They scoff at its tatters.
But the daughter of the world and the Mother of the
Universe will mend the pieces of this Raiment.
And you will come ready to receive your vestment.
For, wherefore the power and wherefore the sacrifice,
if there be no joy?
And where is compassion,
And where is devotion,
And where is the love of creation,
If your shoulders are not bedecked with the Raiment
of the Mother of the World?
433. The whirlpool does not engulf pure
thoughts.
Far-reaching compassion stands guard,
But love must be sent.
Fortitude will carry you through,
And the self-sacrificing achievements of the spirit
will be transformed into the fragrance of freesias.
The Wonders of the Teacher will grow.
Within the garden of love grow illuminations of the
spirit.
Tire Me today; burden Me more,
laying on the weight of the world.
Yet will I increase My strength.
Yet will I increase the strength of My daughter,
for she goes into My garden.
Urusvati, dost thou hear? The burden will blossom
with roses,
And the dewy grass will be arrayed with the morning
rainbow.
Therefore, tire Me.
When I go into the garden of beauty, I fear no
burden.
I ponder, I ponder, I ponder.
II:VI:18. He who has comprehended all creeds, who has abided in all nations, decrees:
“I will allot to everyone according to his growth. Each one will weave his own purse. Each one who is afraid will have to account to Me. A smile to My enemy will be turned into a grimace, for you must leave My enemies to Me.
“He who thinks falsely about his brother will tie a heavy weight to his foot. Weeds will make the spirit torpid. I cannot scatter goldpieces into nettle. To grow a garden of offenses is no great honor. The one who perceives the better will reap the richer harvest.
“To those who have encountered and to those who have responded I say: Leave to Me My sorrow and My joy about you. By the power of Christ, by the power of Buddha, by the power of the Messiah, proclaimed by the prophets of Truth, set up the scales.
“Show Us all that is great, and be ashamed of the small worm that ruins the correctness of weight. The one who gives can receive.
“Reckon how much each one has given. Let us count accurately. On the left: fear, self-love, greediness, suspicion, demeaning, self-pity, mis-interpretation of the Teaching, dusty whispering, treason in deed and thought. On the right: giving, compassion for others, daring, fearlessness, devotion, firmness, vigilance, movability, realization of the Shield, the path and light of achievement, adornment of the temple of the spirit, righteousness of understanding, exaltation of the good. On the left—loss and payment. On the right—the receiving.
“Each one will apportion for himself, for We see and hear. There is neither day nor night, and the messenger already saddles his stead.
“I send to you My achievement, affirmed by centuries. Keep the key to it clean.”
II:XI:1. I rejoice when you are imbued with the significance of the future. These are especially crucial times. In old prejudices a mountain of incomprehension is revealed. Obscure are the people’s ways. Verily, only Our exertion can alter the course of events. Brutal habits have filled the leisure of mankind.
Christ taught compassion, yet trampled is the law of love. Gotama, called Buddha, besought courage and energy, yet His followers surrendered to laziness. Confucius taught about an orderly system of government, yet his followers have succumbed to bribery and corruption.
It is difficult to say which crime is the worse. Therefore, it is impossible to speak about nations; one can speak only about individuals. Indolence is dreadful and can border upon crime. It is difficult to see the consequences of laziness, but it transforms a man into an animal. I assert that it is one of the chief obstacles on the path. On the spiritual plane at times a murderer is more mobile. Also, bribery deprives a man of the confidence of the Brotherhood, because the treason of such people is great. Also, lack of compassion makes a man unfit for achievement, because such souls are lacking in courage.
134. Pity is a puddle in which the faithful foot may slip. The one who pities descends to the level of the pitied. His force is dissolved in twilights of that which he pities — a most whining result.
Pity must not be confused with compassion. In compassion nothing is dissolved, but crystals of action grow. Compassion does not weep, but helps.
229. Begin to build the community as a home of knowledge and beauty. There will be no conventional measuring sticks in this house. Each one will strive to know and to express his knowledge. Only unceasing cognition will be of assistance, only saturated labor will prevent from turning back into dark corners. But We wait for those who strive to abandon the old life. There is nothing worse than to bring along dried up crumbs. Such crumbs take away joy. ...
Sentimentality is often taken for compassion, anger for indignation, and self-preservation for courage.
It must be understood how acutely necessary it is to purify one’s concepts not in thought alone but in action.
141. We do not abandon Our brothers-in-labor on Earth. We measure their true opportunities for success against the earthly evidence.
… Can the individual himself know when he has begun or completed something? In the physical body it is impossible to know all about oneself. Many lives forge one chain of consciousness, and one should leave it to the faithful Brothers to pronounce the hour when the Lotus will open. They can decide on the needed goal-fitness, and in this decision and in the depth of trust lies a mastery over karma.
142. Let us take an example from the animal world. When organisms sharing one kind of blood separate, the process always evokes a feeling of being incomplete. The litter of tiny, blind newborn creatures so unconsciously turns to the forces of nature that only compassion takes notice of them. But time passes, and they become a powerful pack. It is true that they fight with each other, but they unite to attack the enemy. A new force has been developed despite an insignificant beginning.
187. Where others will turn away from misfortune with disdain, a yogi perceives the true possibilities. Do not be amazed if the yogi's heart responds to the most pitiful dog in which he sees the seeds of devotion, or if he suddenly calls the humblest child to be a future co-worker.
No sooner do people call a yogi stern and cold, than he will unexpectedly perform an act of true love and compassion. Most probably, the intent of this act will be falsely judged by onlookers. Being called a deceiver is an honor for the yogi, because evolution is an abomination to the ignorant. We speak both for humanity and individuals. The beast of ignorance, however, is alien to those who build.
210. It is said that a yogi has no desires; actually, he is filled with striving. A desire is not active, because it creates expectation, and expectation is the mother of passivity. Striving, on the other hand, is a generator of motion, leading to ascent of the spirit. It is said that the yogi knows no love; but in truth, he is full of compassion. People think of love only as constricting bonds. But compassion is boundless, a co-worker of Truth. It is said that a yogi is endowed with inexhaustible powers; however, like a diligent gardener, he must tend his own plants in the garden of opportunities.
332. What is the nature of the Bodhisattvas' compassion? Without coercing the will, They invisibly and patiently direct each suitable force toward good. It is not difficult to conduct oneself according to the Guidance of the Bodhisattvas, for all characteristics of the spirit are allowed for by Them.
… This is the quality of the self-sacrifice of the Bodhisattvas: creation by the labor of each sweep of the untiring hand, because the eye knows the distance to the goal. Such will be the labor of the Bodhisattvas—like Fire—omnipresent, self-sacrificing, and inexhaustible in its essence.
3. The heart of an Arhat is like the Heart of Cosmos. The heart of an Arhat is like the fire of the sun. Eternity and the motion of Cosmos fill the heart of the Arhat. Maitreya is coming, radiant with all fires. His Heart is aflame with compassion for destitute humanity. His Heart is aflame with the affirmation of the new Covenants.
106. What is the treasure of the heart? Not only benevolence, not only compassion, not only devotion to the Hierarchy, but consonance with the Cosmic Consciousness when the heart, besides its own rhythm, even partakes in the cosmic rhythm. Such a heart can be trusted; it possesses straight-knowledge, it feels and knows, and as a manifested link with the Higher World it expresses the indisputable.
254. The tower rests upon a firm foundation laid upon a rock. The tower of courage rests upon a firm consciousness, strengthened by the rock of the heart. But by what shall the heart test itself? Only by Hierarchy. Let the heart become accustomed to conversing with the Teacher. Like the ancient wise ones, let the heart know the communion with the Lord, in order that nothing small may intrude during the heart’s talk with the Highest.
One must guard as a treasure this converse with the Teacher. The one who understands the sacred significance of this communion will not turn to darkness. But how the heart must be guarded lest it sever the silver cord! Nothing can weld it. One can bestow all compassion, but the cord is forged out of a multitude of qualities. As the ancient images were cast from many metals, so is the cord strong through many qualities. But the sweetest communion of the heart with the Teacher is that forged where the mighty fire radiates.
374. Mercy, compassion, pity, love, and all benevolent strivings so indicated by Us — are they not wondrous ways of intercourse with the highest energies? One should become accustomed to regard these resplendent qualities as actual methods connecting one with the highest worlds. Lacking these qualities, all astrochemistry will be astrovenom. From time immemorial alchemists understood the significance of the light-bearing unifying substance that emanates from the heart. Because the heart emanations continuously create the luminous substance which we term the very essence of psychic energy.
418. Even if you succeed in convincing people that the heart participates in mercy, compassion and love, the other branches of the heart remain unintelligible. Will not reason set before you a thousand unknown quantities, as soon as you begin to speak of cosmogony? And without the courage of the heart these conversations will stray from the higher regions. Also without the participation of the heart, you cannot speak of quality, which lies at the basis of everything that exists. Reason rejects quality; but you already see how life is upset without the reverence of quality. Only the heart rejoices at the truth of quality. Thus, let us understand why, after complicated calculations, there remains the one salvation, only through the path of the heart. An uncontrollable flame, the horror of poison released, can be encountered only by the heart.
476. Even the most tender, the most compassionate heart should not be lacking in courage. The heart is a rock on which strongholds can be built.
9. In order to accept and admit Fire as the path to Hierarchy, as the path of love and compassion, it is necessary to be affirmed irrevocably with one’s entire heart. Only thus will the small stars turn to flaming giants.
220. Let us learn to discriminate — thus we will become generous. No limited person can become spiritually rich, but one should have compassion for a neighbor’s color-blindness. For, up to the highest steps, each one is subject to such diversities. Let us not demand that all people think alike. It is good if they can discriminate between Light and darkness. But subtle vibrations are not easily perceived.
364. Patience, compassion and friendship will take on different colors in the fiery Light. But only according to action, and through testing, can the Teacher ascertain the degree of fieriness. Words are the least suitable for such assurances. How many words cleanse the thresholds of prisons, but few are the jailers who can boast of being just. Also, how many words there are about patience! Yet the first failure makes the most intolerant cannibals. Of course, one need not explain how verbal courage turns into great cowardice. But he who wishes to approach the Fire must watch all his motives.
608. Do not falter at sight of demons. Pity for them is sharper than a fiery sword. Through pity one can repel the most daring attack. A beast cannot withstand the look of compassion, whereas it attacks when it senses the trembling of fear. True, fear is evil, but an evil which intrinsically is insignificant because it is ignorance. You have had many occasions to convince yourself that the inventions of evil are begotten of ignorance. Thus, supply yourself with a coffer of compassion.
614. Earthly events are much spoken about in the Subtle World, yet there is much which cannot be understood there. One must have compassion for such lack of understanding, just as on earth. Precisely, as on Earth, so also in Heaven, one should not aggravate a situation by irritation. One should follow the Hierarch in full trust, just as the Hierarch follows His own Hierarch.
632. In the acquisition of qualities one cannot keep to one system or one order of sequence. Whoever feels at heart the need of acquiring patience, let him set himself this task. Whoever strives to develop courage, let him gather this experience. One cannot forbid him who wishes to think of compassion or express himself in cooperation. Still worse are conventional coercive methods which force the disciple to strive for the quality farthest from him which cannot yet be assimilated. With all the discipline of the Greek schools of philosophy, imposition on a pupil’s free will was forbidden. For example, all abusive words were forbidden by mutual agreement, without coercion, otherwise a man could send mentally still worse abuse. One should definitely indicate to the beginners the need for improving their qualities, but in the sequence of predeliction. The fires of the heart kindle the centers according to the individuality. Thus, one should appreciate these fiery guideposts. It must be understood why We so insist upon a natural transformation of life. It is because otherwise the effects of deviation from the very nature of striving will result in a violation of all foundations.
634. Self-control is a very complex quality. It comprises courage, patience, and compassion. But courage must not become anger, and compassion should not border on hysteria, and patience must not be hypocrisy.
661. I am so concerned that you should not lose a single opportunity for manifesting friendliness. The best fuel should be preserved for the fire of the heart. The store of friendliness generates true compassion, which is directly opposed to the cruelty of fanaticism. Fanatacism knows only the egoism which presumptuously says, “All or nothing.” And since all is impossible there remains nothing. Therefore, take notice of even the slightest signs of fanaticism. Cure them with the greatest patience as you would a contagious disease. It is precisely fanaticism which has shaken the most beautiful Teachings and corroded the seeds of love. One should carefully prepare everything that can facilitate the access of Agni to one’s heart.
26. You know that Agni lives in the hearts of those who love the future. Even if their Agni is not yet manifested, its potentiality is inexhaustible. Likewise look with compassion upon people who do not know the future, as upon the sick.
335. It has been said that humanity must abandon luxury. Not without reason have people themselves so isolated this concept. Luxury is not beauty, not spirituality, not perfectionment, not construction, not benevolence, not compassion; no good concept can replace it.
24. One of the great concepts, often incorrectly interpreted, is precisely the great concept of humility. It has been interpreted as non-resistance to evil; it had been interpreted as good-heartedness, as compassion, but very few accepted it as self-denial. For only self-denial and self-sacrifice can give understanding of humility. Truly, We see the giants of spirit and the heroes who devote themselves fully to the humble tasks for the good of humanity. We know of great experiments being humbly carried out in the earthly laboratories for the benefit of humanity. We know the great fiery experiments of those who dedicate their lives wholly and humbly to the benefit of mankind. We know manifestations on the path to the Fiery World which inspire all surroundings. Truly manifold is humility manifested through self-sacrifice and self-renunciation.
558. Knowing how to bring one’s consciousness down to another’s level is already compassion. Washing a wound is also not always pleasant. But it is still more insufferable to see treachery, yet even such an abomination can be contended with. Victory is so needed for the path. Victory in the spirit is already advancement.
185. He who transmits his influences does not always know what is being created. He notices that his energy has flowed out; he may sense a sudden weariness, but, like a generous donor, he does not know the measure of his benefactions. First, compassion is engendered, and then love for humanity.
He who loves has access to a Higher Communion.
556. From the temple let us go into the cellar. Let us contrive to retain in ourselves not only soaring flight but also compassion. Each man has an open wound. Only psychic energy can point out this pain. Each study of the higher energy teaches open assistance. So, also, the wish to help must be cultivated.
134. People who bear within themselves the element of brotherly cooperation can be observed from early childhood. ... They are usually compassionate, as if they remember the value of this quality.
136. Knowing how to deal with people according to their consciousness is a lofty quality. One should not forget that the majority of misfortunes proceed from a lack of such commensurateness. It is impossible to propose even very excellent things if they are above someone’s consciousness. It is inadvisable to speak to an unprepared man about harmony or vibrational combinations. Who can foresee what such a man will visualize under the concepts of harmony or vibrational combinations? But he can understand it if told about carefulness toward his surroundings. The simplest concept concerning solicitude will be a firm basis for each cooperation of Brotherhood. It is desirable that every cooperation be a nursery of care. In this is expressed also attentiveness, solicitude, compassion, and love itself. How much strength may be conserved by care alone! So many cosmic reactions of the spirit may be regulated upon the use of the most simple care. It is impossible even to imagine to what an extent the aura of the home is strengthened where solicitude is definitely maintained. In many people the understanding of Hierarchy is completely obscured, but even in such cases solicitude will help to set the situation right — merely by being solicitous toward each other! This is no great obligation, and yet it is like a cornerstore.
238. Many teachings enjoin abstinence from any killing. Indeed, what has been left unspoken is the question of the killing of the tiniest invisible creatures. Of course, what was considered was premeditated killing through evil will; otherwise with every breath man would be a murderer. The consciousness can whisper where the boundary line is. The heart can sense and can keep a man from killing.
If a bough has been senselessly broken let us nevertheless carry it to the temple, that is to say, let us be compassionate. The same feeling prompts one to guard against killing.
251. Threat and violence are not of Our domain. Compassion and warning will be the province of Brotherhood.
13 October 1929.
All the finest cosmic energies pass through the heart—all the finest energies, the most powerful and creative ones. But in order to attract these creative energies one must kindle one’s own fires. Thus, build up all your fires! But do not mistake sentimentality, that weeping kindness, for the severe, wise manifestation of the heart. Remember what the Teaching says about compassion and pity. Love each other, take care of each other, and give joy to each other.
17 June 1931.
I hope very much that you do not spoil the growing warrior! Teach him to be studious, attentive, and assiduous. Develop his sense of cooperation, sense of help, and compassion toward animals and the needy. Let him learn to help from the earliest age. Children are so happy when grown-ups ask them to help. You can create the occasions for such help. You must teach him to be obliging and respectful toward adults. Let him learn to think about other people and to be happy if he can bring some cheer to others.
21 August 1931.
A selfish person condemns himself to dreadful loneliness and complete oblivion. Happiness is in giving love; and happier is the one who loves rather than the one who is loved. When this truth is realized, all happiness will materialize. Therefore, learn how to love, become accustomed to love everything beautiful, and develop active compassion toward everything that is not yet perfect. Be kind and polite to your subordinates, as such is the privilege and beauty of a lord of spirit.
15 September 1934.
One must not force the consciousness. The growth of consciousness is slow. And as it has always been it is even so now: the various aspects of Truth are given by the Great Teachers according to the varying degrees of consciousness. This is done by reason of great compassion, as well as of great wisdom. The purification of consciousness and the regeneration of thinking, indeed, should take place, but we know that too great a dose of even an exceptionally curative medicine, without a proper preparation of the organism, may cause just the opposite result.
8 March 1935.
The path of woman has been full of self-sacrifice and perpetual giving. As it is said, “Those who affirm their rights do not necessarily possess those rights.” The equilibrium of the elements is a foundation of Life, and the violation of this law leads to destruction. And now the Great Teachers will affirm the rights of woman. Therefore, the coming epoch will be not only an epoch of great cooperation, it will also be the epoch of Woman. Woman will have to be armed with courage, and, first of all, she will have to restrain her heart from unwise giving, for there must be the Golden Balance in everything. Woman must affirm herself, and that is why the Sword of Spirit is given precisely into the hands of woman. In the East this epoch is noted as the epoch of Maitreya, the epoch of Great Compassion, and the epoch of the Mother of the World.
25 March 1935.
We can do nothing but accept the great law which is laid in the foundation of the life of the entire Cosmos, the law of the Great Sacrifice. Indeed, everything in Nature lives at the expense of something else. But with the growth of the consciousness, this sacrifice becomes subtler and loftier, at the same time remaining a sacrifice. And only in the highest worlds is this giving and renouncing transformed into a source of highest joy. Do not the Greatest Spirits sacrifice their forces in sending forth their spiritual emanations, which sustain us in the truest sense of this word? Do They not sacrifice their well-deserved joy of permanent, immutable creation in the spheres that are rightfully theirs, and remain instead in the earthly spheres for the sake of directing the evolution of humanity? At its present stage, humanity is a dreadful vampire, draining and robbing the forces of the Great Spirits who are on eternal watch, as well as the energies of everyone who is a trifle higher in spiritual development than the majority. Often this causes complete exhaustion , and sometimes even premature death. But without the flow of this spiritual power, which is sent by the Highest Spirits, humanity would have been lost long ago. Therefore, first of all one must think about human beings and help them not to exhaust and not to kill each other. By improving people, we shall improve the destiny of animals.
Hence, let us love and be compassionate to animals, but let us not make idols of them, and let us not place them above man. Let us accept the law of the Eternal Sacrifice, this eternal churning and whirling of exchanging energies which, in the Furnace of Cosmos, transmutes everything in its eternal striving toward perfection.