References compiled from the Agni Yoga Series
What deep gratitude humanity should render to those giants of thought, who self-sacrificingly taught the eternal foundations of life! Without these laws of the Beautiful, life would turn into such bestiality and ugliness that every living breath would be choked.
Nicholas Roerich, Himavat, p. 98
Gratitude is the quality of Arhats. Following with great ordainment let us be grateful for all great gifts, in all their multifacetness and significance.
Nicholas Roerich, Himavat, p. 57
238. To sever the ties, to weigh Our Forces on the
balance, to cut yourself off from access to Us,
is dangerous.
The approach to Light is a serious matter.
Hostile powers surround each of your actions;
as soon as morning consciousness succumbs to
twilight, then can the wings of darkness touch you.
Darkness may steal unawares
upon those who stray.
It is easy to miss one's footing in the mountains.
It is better not to reject the Guiding Hand
than to wait anxiously for the rescuer's lantern.
Grateful even for a dog's bark are the lost ones.
Is it not better to walk with a guide in the glistening
snow?
You must understand, you must remember, you
must know.
329. Rejoice upon your path.
Be grateful to the Giver of all Treasures.
He will hearken to your prayer even amidst the great
clamor of the street.
Fall not into despair.
Knock upon the door. It is always unlocked.
And the Master awaits you within His House.
Do not eat from the table of the Lord,
But hearken to His Words.
330. Children, be ready for great ingratitude.
You may give up the most precious and they will
notice it not.
But have no regrets.
Traveler, you must give away all possessions
that impede you.
And the more you give, the lighter your path.
Be grateful to those who have taken from you
without gratitude.
They will help you; they have helped you.
For he who goes lightly, easily attains the heights.
And you will learn how to reach the summit.
Therefore, be grateful to the ungrateful.
I have spoken. I have sent you Bliss.
394. He who is safe and sound remembers
with gratitude what has happened.
The strong one looks into the future
with sword upraised.
The wise one perceives the coming task.
The beautiful in spirit thrill at the harmony
of the World.
II:VI:14. One must speak about those who oppose and threaten Me. It is light-minded to hope that a rent in the web of the world can be easily mended. Even a simple sound may bring an unexpected echo from afar. How much deeper does the sending of the spirit pierce into space! And these wounds are almost unhealable.
The hand which has inflicted a wound upon the Design of the Lords rejects the Shield. One can demolish a house, one can cut a tree asunder, but how can one impede the plan of the Lords?
I pronounce not a threat but a simple deduction. If a man has approached the cosmic whirl, then any deviation brings on the next wave, and to fall under it is as to fall under the heel of a giant.
We ask in kindness not to reject the Guiding Hand. Woe to the one remaining behind!
And what honor is it to inflict a wound on Me? First return all thou has received from Me. But thou canst not do it, even if thou wouldst add the liver and the heart.
Wouldst thou strike Him Who gave thy talent to thee? Wherein, then, wouldst thou differ from a plunderer? Do not besmirch the Hand of the Giving One, else this dirt turn into thy leprosy.
That is why Our Brotherhood esteems the conception of gratitude. Therefore, understand thy benefit!
II:VI:15. Let us examine the row of co-workers. Was anyone deprived of anything? No, all have been enriched. Is it not enrichment to become a ruler of a new kingdom? So rich is that kingdom that without too much harm we can break a few dishes. Positively the hands are growing, and the book of gratitude can be examined...
211. Gratitude is the setting for justice. The community must know the essence of gratitude. Each goalfitted action is not reduced to nothing but carries along gratitude. The essence of gratitude will be adjoined with the closest harmony of consciousness.
Affirmation of cooperation is not the result of a formal examination. Only through action and resoluteness is it possible to approach the heart of the Community. Teach not to let possibilities slip by. If resoluteness and action lead to gratitude, then imprudence and negligence create an obstacle difficult to remove. ...
220. I advise you to begin the testing with a proposal to rest, not to work. Each one who is glad not to work is no coworker of yours. You may ask whether the services of the newcomer are recognized by ungrateful humanity. Each complainer is no coworker of yours.
27. Having no home is a necessary attribute of the Teacher. The Teacher has a place to stay, but not a home. The Teacher participates in life, but is not touched by the ordinary. The Teacher beautifies a discussion, but does not prolong it. He pities, but does not bewail. The Teacher defends, but does not gesticulate. The Teacher affirms, and is never uncertain. He forewarns, and delays not. If absolutely necessary, He can smite, but will never wound. He is grateful, and does not forget. He evaluates motives, and shows no weakness. Carefully He guards, but does not impose. He fears not, yet is not reckless. And so, cherish the Teacher, who is revealed for the growth of your spirit. Consciously must the spirit be nurtured.
31. Quality of thinking must be realized as healing. Gratitude is likewise the finest purifier of the organism. He who has found the seed and realized the care of the Sender can project gratitude into space. Great is the healing power of the emission of gratitude. One must transform everything abstract into reality.
76. Hasten, hasten to understand the Teacher! Let us encircle Him with a protective wall of devotion and thereby enclose ourselves within the stronghold. After you have wandered enough you will come to understand that with the Teacher, there is always success. Where defeat occurs, there has been betrayal of the Teacher. Where defeat is, it is we ourselves who have bent and rent and razed the goal-fitting plan. In defeat, we have turned away from the tested arrow of help. Can we assert that in the hour of danger we will proclaim the Name of the Teacher? Can we bear witness to the Teacher's Name? Can we discover the exultation of gratitude to the Teacher? Or, on the other hand, do we sometimes wonder why the Teaching does not accommodate our habits, and why our inactivity is disturbed by the Teaching? Why we are awakened from our self-justifying sleep?
Gratitude and devotion flourish joyously in Our Community. …
83. Spread the grains of the Teaching little by little. Let it imperceptibly flood the being. The time for preaching has passed, and life remains. Inspire the consciousness of your brother with an imperceptible touch, brought to him as his daily bread. Expose and understand his wrath and quench it with goal-fitness. Affirm him in the joy of realized containment. Beware of manifesting miracles to him, but reveal to him the co-measurement of that which passes into the Infinite. Abolish special holidays, and make of life a perpetual holiday.
“My holiday will be yours. My path will be your achievement. My generosity will be your inheritance. You will not notice the generosity, but you will be astonished at your own transformation. I have no need of thanks, but your gratitude will be fuel to you, because supreme above the flames of other offerings is the fire of gratitude.”
“Teacher, I see and remember indelibly.”
The manifested succession of Teachers glows as a string of interplanetary pearls. Add also your own pearl!
98. Express your prayers by devotional action. Know how to affirm the Teaching each day. Lose not one day, nor one hour. Know how to think of yourself as the creator of a whole world of action. Know how to apply all your forces to every action. Know how to bring the Teaching into every thought. Know how to array your forces as on a battlefield. Know how to feel gratitude as the union of joy and beauty. …
15. It is ordained for each one to adorn the path of evolution. The help of the spatial thoughts is ordained for each one. The treasury of Infinity is open for each one who penetrates into the understanding of cosmic forces.
It is no joy to discover what saturates the strata of your planet. On one cup of the scale let us place the manifestation of all vices; anger, cowardice, treason, prejudice, hypocrisy, complacency. On the other cup let us place the impelling force of psychic energy, straight-knowlege, affirmation of the Covenant of the Wise Ones, inviolability of the Origins, gratitude to the Shield, attainment of knowledge, and unwaveringness on the path opened by Infinity...
182. Gratitude is one of the main qualities of justice. Without justice one cannot reach the path of Great Service. Therefore, in pointing out the necessity for the realization of gratitude, We only assist the Great Service. How beautiful is gratitude! It so easily kindles the fire of the heart, and, as if in the presence of the Image of the Lord, it fills the spirit with nobility. The ingrate is, first of all, ignoble. We term nobility the benevolent accumulations from former lives, while upon Earth nobility is considered only according to one’s birth. One should especially develop gratitude, because gratitude is the sister of loyalty. It is necessary to realize how difficult it is sometimes for the Teacher to combine the best possibilities. One must know how to assist by the fire of one’s own heart.
273. Only gratitude to the Teacher can reveal the entrance to the Gates....
388. When a victory was announced to the emporer known to you, he accepted this message in complete calm. The courtiers whispered, “Is it indifference?” But the sovereign said, “Not indifference, but knowledge. For me this victory is already passed, and at present I am thinking of a great difficulty.”
When We say guard your health, or do not give your writings into alien hands, or do not leave your home, We have foreseen many circumstances already transpired, which should have been avoided. Who else, then, can define the consequences so solicitously as We, as the Teacher? When We speak of gratitude it is certainly not because We are in need of it, but by this We try to strengthen the bond once more. Each disunity is as perilous as a hook with bait in the hands of the fisherman.
394. The intensification of energy between the disciple and Teacher is analagous to a steam engine -- a continuous projection and restitution. Therefore We point out so persistently the necessity of concordance, for benevolence, striving, and gratitude. Only by those means can one develop the dynamics of concordance. A steam engine is provided with fuel, but We have an inexhaustible reservoir of psychic energy. One should not think that the enumerated qualities are needed by Us; on the contrary they are needed by you. Otherwise how will you strengthen the bond with Us?
41. Sometimes let your heart converse with the Higher World. This conversation can be held in many tongues. Perhaps the heart will gather in its memory the hours from many lives. Perhaps the conversation will be a silent one, without precepts and advice, only ascending and strengthening in ascension; there may be the silence of gratitude or the silence of the power of readiness.
95. Gratitude is one of the most real concepts, judging by the consequences. One may become accustomed to it even in small things. Later one should talk in the schools about gratitude as a pledge of well-being.
243. Let us give our gratitude to each receptacle of love; it lies on the boundary of the New World, where hate and intolerance are banished. The path of love is the tension of cosmic energy.
278. Each feeling gives birth to energy. A feeling that is shared multiplies the energy tenfold. A collective sentiment creates a mighty energy, but the individual feeling must be strained and the mutual collective feeling must be harmonized. Therein lies the entire cause of the weak effect of contemporary feelings; almost no state of intensified feeling is observed today. Yet, what a great reality would be reflected in the exaltation of a myriad of harmonized sentiments. The ancients called feeling the forge of power. Verily, how majestic is the feeling of mutual love. No less is the power of mutual gratitude.
524. People do not want to imagine how many dangers take place around them. How many times the Highest Forces and participants in the Subtle World have saved them! But mankind assumes that if the day has passed nothing has threatened. Such a trend of thought deadens the embryo of the sense of gratitude, yet without this feeling humanity cannot succeed. Instead of gratitude a demand appears and then a threat. But one cannot cross by a threat, just as one cannot do so on nettles. Pitiful are the threats against the Highest Powers! There is nothing more disintegrating than threats. The heart withers from the dust of threats.
191. We have spoken about solemnity, friendliness, magnanimity — let us complete the square with gratitude. From the most minute through the entire line of Hierarchy, shine the sparks of gratitude. Precious are these fires!
393. Sometimes in the hour of danger the Teacher gives protection, taking the danger upon Himself. He covers, as it were, the massed darkness with His hands. At such times one must observe particular caution. A powerful tension is near. During this time it is best to feel a special gratitude to the Teacher. Above all, this feeling, coupled with solemnity, preserves harmony and the right vibration with the Teacher. The shield of Light is not always at one’s disposal. The ignorant assume that the world owes them a living, but the rational know how difficult it is to build out of chaos, and so bring their stone for the structure.
394. Only the foolish fall into despair. Every hour brings its lesson, therefore one must be grateful for each experience. Night permits observations of far-off worlds and remote distances. Likewise, each hour of the day is filled with possibilities for observation. One must be grateful for such accumulations. Science seeks a solution in the glands, but does not yet dare to think about the fiery energy.
396. When I indicate the beneficialness of gratitude, I do not mean that someone is in need of it, but that in itself it contains the chemism of bliss. One must analyze the chemism of various emotions; such observations will help in finding psychic energy. Not vitamins so much as the fiery energy must occupy the imagination.
405. The idea of having at least a half-hour daily for thought is good. I do not mean some special concentration. It is useful to think about the best aspect of everything that is taking place. Even small signs reflecting the best in life afford a glimpse of Light. They also stimulate the flow of gratitude and magnanimity. Such fires are equivalent to a dose of musk. Thought about the best generates aspiring tension of the nerves. The nerves should also be given work, but only Good will strengthen the nerves.
37. You correctly observed the consequences of improvement in currents. But even such observations are accessible only to the refined consciousness. One may contrive not a few explanations to avoid noting the higher current, but the developed consciousness in such a case will send its gratitude into space. Truly great is the effect of every expression of gratitude! People must accept this law as a living link with the Higher Worlds.
464. People are so carelessly engulfed in an everyday routine of life, that even the most striking thing appears dull to them. Ingratitude, laziness, unwillingness to respond with the heart, all are engendered by darkness of existence. But the fiery path shines with the fire of the heart.
465. You think correctly about gratitude. The best expression of gratitude will lie in the realization of the greatness of the Mission. The Service is so great that each step already constitutes an achievement. Each day, with each thought, something significant is done. A great manifestation gives rise to innermost solemnity. In this solemnity there is also expressed gratitude. Solemnity is one of the best magnets. Hence, let us think about the greatest, for by this measure all else can be covered.
52. A co-worker who presents to the community the idea that the Hierarchy will act in accordance with the affirmation of the successful co-worker introduces truly a belittlement of the Hierarch. How difficult it is to introduce among the co-workers the true concept of success! Indeed, only humility of the spirit and the feeling of gratitude are appropriate. Who gave all the possibilities? Who has given the direction? Who has manifested all good? Only the Hierarch, only the Leader, only the Forces of Light. Successful co-worker, examine thy armor; on each link is inscribed — Hierarchy. Not I, myself, nor mine, but Thine, O Lord!
396. I affirm how needful it is to manifest the fiery quality of recognition of merits, for without it the new structure cannot be affirmed. This must be very steadfastly remembered; throughout the entire line of Hierarchy it must be followed. An action of Karma heavily atones for each expression of ingratitude, and even the Forces of Light abandon a spirit to its own resources when these fundamentals are scorned. And up to the highest steps the law is one and the same, for this quality must be attained by inner fire, and the spirit itself must develop this property. We do not intrude into the consciousness when We see the absence of this fiery fundamental.
428. The Great Toilers in the Spiritual Domain are the beauty and joy of the planet. Humanity must render gratitude to these Helpers.
578. A certain warrior came under the protection of a revered hermit. After a victory he came to the hermit and expressed his gratitude for two marvelous rescues. But the hermit said: “Ungrateful warrior, you were saved not two but twelve times. You did not recognize the most important rescues.” Usually people notice the lesser rather than the greater.
156. If the reactions of the Subtle World are so frequent, deep and lengthy relations should be established between co-workers of the two worlds. And so it is. Besides, the relationships are not so much a matter of blood kinship as of spiritual kinship. Often such co-workers meet also on the earthly plane; though they may be separated by differences of nationality and circumstance, yet an inner feeling will draw them together. Between them a confidence will be established very easily, though there may also be reverse exceptions. Ingratitude constitutes sinking into darkness.
168. Community of spirit is possible where there exists a living magnet, then it is possible across all earthly boundaries to closely join each Community. When a community lives in the sole Service of Truth there exist no obstables, and a special mutual help will be a natural expression.
Gratitude grows without compulsion, therefore the manifestation of joy especially affirms community of spirit — everyone would like to do something better.
238. The Higher World requires love and gratitude. How otherwise is it possible to scan the subtle signs under incarnate conditions?
313. There is much ingratitude. I advise you in the future to lay up a store of patience against ingratitude and ignorance. Strangers are often more thoughtful, therefore We classify people first of all on the basis of gratitude.
325. Among secret things, especially undiscoverable remains the knowledge as to who reaps the most benefit from the good sent forth. No one knows whom his goodness has helped. It may be assumed that a thought of good reaches a definite person, but this is only a suppostion. It may be that this thought has greatly aided someone unknown to us. Such a thought is a messenger of good, and the rescued man may not know his saviour; so his gratitude is turned toward the Higher World. When he wishes to express his enraptured gratefulness, he looks upward into the eternal Furnace of creative thought.
326. Anonymous thoughts also receive secret gratitude. Each thought of good receives the best gratitude. It is not for us to judge where the song of gratitude will arise. Gratitude need not be defined. The most beautiful song of gratitude resounds in a moment of joy; but the thought of such joy has been sent by someone.
Let us say gratefully — Aum!
327. If after perusal of all books about the good, a man does not learn patience, containment and co-measurement, he is no man. From such hardhearts no gratitude resounds. I often reiterate in different symbols about the quality of gratitude. It is imperative to understand the quality of gratitude — it is the adamant of Existence.
440. Let us not forget to bear gratitude toward those who, by their own lives, inculcate knowledge.
454. Gratitude is a great motive force. No one solicits gratitude, but great is the quality of this power. Gratitude acts as a purifier, and whatever has been purified is already more easily moved. Thus, gratitude is a means of hastening the path.
Some believe that by a transport of gratitude they lower themselves. What ignorance! Gratitude only exalts, purifies; it attracts new energies. Even a machine works better without dust.
62. Let us be solicitous toward everyone who can bring to humanity his best strength. And let us be grateful to the Brothers, who untiringly bring realization of psychic energy. On this path there has to be much selflessness. The ignorant cannot stand all the seekers of the immutable treasures. Robbery may be expected on the best path. Fortunately, the Bearers of the unseen treasures are invulnerable.
182. The sword is tempered with fire and cold water; likewise, the spirit will be strengthened in the fire of exaltation and under the cold of defamations and ingratitude. One need not be surprised that vilification customarily attends each achievement. Service is attended by ingratitude. Such tempering has been observed since times immemorial, but the antithesis of fire and water is too little understood.
3 December 1930.
Please have an open heart for all the qualities of your co-workers. Learn to be tolerant without showing too much indulgence. By the fire of your heart inspire your co-workers to display in life their best qualities. Try to unite them in the highest feelings of devotion and gratitude to the Teacher who has given them so much.
7 January 1931.
There is so much beauty in devotion and gratitude toward the Guru! In the Teaching it is said that the flame of devotion and gratitude is above all other fiery offerings. But alas, these two qualities are particularly rare among the inhabitants of this planet. But precisely possession of these qualities helps greatly toward the creation of the giants of spirit and will. The spirit gifted with brilliant talents but not possessing these two qualities will never be allowed to approach beyond a certain limit.
15 January 1931.
After understanding and accepting with our heart the significance of the great liberating and crowning sacrifice, let us strive to develop in ourselves love, devotion, gratitude and obedience to Hierarchy. Let us be ready to take any burden, remembering that the heavier the burden the shorter will be our path.
13 May 1931.
It is impossible to conceal the worm of doubt; even an inexperienced observer can notice it. Let us apply against this parasite the most effective remedy, and this remedy is gratitude to the Great Teacher. Sometimes it is helpful to compare oneself with the millions of souls tossing around — those who have no idea of tomorrow. It is helpful to look back and to give oneself, if possible, an impartial account as to what one used to be and what one has become. It is helpful to exercise our imagination and to picture to ourselves what our destiny would be without the wise and benevolent Guidance. And indeed it will be most helpful to remember constantly about the indicated constructive work for the culture of the future.
If after such an honest and many-sided review our hearts do not overflow with gratitude, devotion and love toward the Giver and the Leader, then verily they have dried up and our consciousness has become small.
8 November 1931.
The aim of the Teacher is not to weaken our organism but to forge it for the highest receptivity, which requires extreme care. Joy, gratitude and confidence are the best aids.
Love and help others to love!
6 May 1934.
It is said by the Great Teacher, “Only Blavatsky knew,” and it is our duty to rehabilitate the memory of this great woman martyr. If you only knew all the slanderous literature about Mme. Blavatsky, all the betrayals and the perfidy around her, you would be horrified. So much ingratitude, viciousness and ignorance. Of course, all hideousness results from the latter.
12 December 1934.
Great trust, devotion and gratitude to the Hierarchy of Light dwells in the hearts of true disciples, and this is the main reason why it is possible to give such miraculous Protection and Guidance. When the silver thread linking the heart of the disciple with the Teacher is intact, nothing seems to frighten, and whatever is necessary is granted. However, the Help comes at the last moment, when all our abilities and efforts are tensed to the extreme. For in what other way could our energies be transmuted into the higher fires? Even according to physical law, all energies are transmuted only at the limit of their highest tension. The transmutation of our energies into the higher fires is indeed the aim of our existence. And only by attaining to this transmutation does our organism become worthy and able to assimilate the subtlest energies sent by the Hierarchy of Light. Therefore, let us accept the heroic beautiful service and apply it to the work of every day. Let the possibility of approaching the Lords of Light become our daily joy; verily, this possibility is within ourselves and we alone can hasten its realization.
All misery as well as all happiness is within us. The Great Teachers are always ready to stretch forth a Helping Hand, but one must know how to accept it.
16 January 1935.
Do not be in a hurry to impress upon the third eye the Image of the Teacher. It is better if you are able to fill your heart with a constant memory of and love for the Great Image.
You must display gratitude for every joy in your life. And if your feeling is sincere and aspiring in its devotion, it will reach its destination.
7 March 1935.
There is so much beauty and joy in a life dedicated to cooperation with the Forces of Light for the General Good! And, first of all, this joy is a result of a great liberation from attachment to the trifles of life. It comes inevitably if our consciousness treasures unwaveringly the chosen Ideal and the heart is aflame with devotion and gratitude to the One who called.
31 May 1935.
The Community is the lighthouse and the sole anchor of humanity. Thus, the best people are under obligation to ease their unbearable burden. And how immense should be our gratitude to these High Spirits who for centuries have sacrificed Themselves and who continue to sacrifice their well deserved higher happiness so that They may ease the destiny of humanity and save the planet from destruction!
See also:
The Call, paragraphs 266, 293
Community, paragraph 137
Agni Yoga, paragraph 21
Heart, paragraphs 383, 519
Fiery World III, paragraph 43
Brotherhood, paragraph 54
Letters of H. R., Volume I, pages 25, 104, 113, 301, 453