Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, February 9, 2016
1. The subjection of the lower to the higher lies at the foundation of cosmos. In regard to the subtle energies, they should be accepted in their entire assertion of the cosmic law. The subordination of the lower to the higher leads to purification. That which should be dominant, humanity subjects to the lower. When the higher dominates, then the lower, through transmutation, is regenerated into a quality of a higher order. Infinity I, 115.
2. How ominous is the new time, how beautiful is the new time! The purification of space is intensified by the fiery torch. The striving torches of the Agni Yogi imbue the space, and the action of the affirmed shifting of the Cosmic Magnet begins to be felt. In the process of assembling a new race, and at the foundation of the New Era, the manifestations of the affirmed purifications take place along with the explosions. Only the cognition of the fire of Space will give humanity the understanding of the essence. Thus is the cosmic life built. Therefore, when the spirit of the people is saturated with Fire, purification is inevitable. The Agni Yogi creates like a fiery torch and propels the consciousness forward. Without these fires it is impossible to shift the consciousness. I so attest. Yes, yes, yes!
The time approaches for the final reckoning. The shifting proceeds; therefore the planet is atremble. Hence, the sensitive organism of the Agni Yogi feels it. The sensitive organism of the Agni Yogi knows that wondrous step. Since the ominous time is governed by the Magnet, it may be said that pure fire is transmuting the forms. I so attest!
Infinity II, 29.
3. How is the concept of peace apprehended in the human consciousness? The foundations are false and are manifested as the affirmation of a willful direction. When the Lord said that He brought to Earth not peace but the sword, none understood this great truth. The purification of the spirit by fire is that sword!
Can purification be accomplished without striking blows? Is it possible to purify the striving without annihilating the dross? Is it possible to manifest achievement without striving of the spirit? Only the sword which smites egotism can link the spirit to the higher world. The one who rests upon a false peace verily builds self-destruction. Thus, the word of the Lord about the sword furnishes the symbol of purification.
Infinity II, 169.
4. It is very difficult to purify the heart if the web of egoism is making it fat. The fat of egoism is a bestial inheritance. The pure accumulations of individuality can explain things of which the reason cannot even conceive. It is especially difficult to impress someone with a notion that has never entered the circle of his imagination. The heart is considered the palace of the imagination. How is it possible to move forward if the power of imagination is missing? But where will imagination come from, if not from experience? Heart, 8
5. But there is beauty every time somebody takes part in building the New World. This is the true domain of the heart. This longed-for purification of life gives rise to the solemnity that shines forth like an inextinguishable Light. Heart, 593.
6. Thought about unity with Hierarchy is also an excellent purification. When all the reptiles of evil crawl out of their holes, there remains only striving upward. Let us then assemble all the expedients of equilibrium. Let us not think of weariness which comes from yesterday; let us look to a morrow which is not filled with disparagement. Fiery World I, 539.
7. The cleansing of space is reaching into all undertakings. The time has come to make evident the forces marching with the Light and those marching with darkness. Indeed, the temptation of the Prince of darkness is therein that he promises repose, but We say--it is the last hour! Only an accelerated purification will make possible the salvation of the planet; indeed, this is not a matter of eons, nor even of many years. Actually fiery explosion will save the planet. Fiery explosion must be displayed in every manifestation. Only the cleansing of space, only the purification of the consciousness, only the purification of the Teachings, will produce the manifestation of purified explosions of the spirit. True, the darkness is becoming dense, but when the tension of the forces of darkness reaches its limit, then will the Forces of Light affirm Their might. Thus one should be prepared for the acceptance of great tension. Light conquers darkness! Fiery World III, 258.
8. Thought about Us, as a purification of consciousness, can be likened to looking far into the distance. Then a person's spirit acquires a special courage, which warns him and carries him through perils. Without the Higher World it is difficult to set forth on the path. Aum, 208.
9. Urusvati rejoices when she observes a person's broadening of consciousness. Verily, one can rejoice when such an offering to the world is accomplished. The broadening of consciousness cannot be considered personal gain, for in every such purification is contained the General Good. The world welcomes each flash of the broadening of consciousness. It is a true festival. Supermundane I, 33.
10. Urusvati knows about the magnetic storms that influence the health and feelings of people and animals--indeed, of all that exists. But people are especially subject to the effects of psychic storms. Spatial currents are always present, and can be exceedingly difficult to bear, but their effect can be made even worse by psychic storms.
Magnetic storms take place independent of human participation, but psychic storms are actually generated by humanity’s misdeeds. For example, during terrible wars and calamities, it can be seen that not only physical but also psychic illnesses increase.
It is strange that physicians do not recognize this. They will say that at such times it is field-surgeons who are needed, but they do not realize that psychiatrists are also needed, and not only on the battlefield. They overlook extraordinary conditions that are now far more prevalent than ever before.
Do not take this statement to mean that the situation is hopeless, or Armageddonal, but it is true that at present the clashes are so violent that healing actions are desperately needed, and not only on the battlefield. But we should not fall into pessimism, because even such global storms will inevitably lead to purification. For now, however, remember that man’s inner state is under great stress.
The Thinker foresaw that with an ever-increasing population, the world’s dangers, both visible and invisible, will continue to increase.
Supermundane III, 567.
11. Urusvati knows the true meaning of self-torment. Agni Yoga, which leads the way to the Fiery World, warns against all kinds of torment, all kinds of torture. Harmonizing of the fiery centers is painful and requires much care, and when the yoga takes place amidst earthly conditions, each incidence of cruelty becomes unbearable.
We have pointed out before that cruelty is a sign of savagery, and that people should abhor this dark side of mankind. It should be recognized that refined organisms are especially tortured by dark actions. Humanity cannot yet claim to be free of savagery; on the contrary, one can see that the opposite is true. Agni Yoga is directed to the curbing of such savagery.
The last period of Kali Yuga can be a bloody one. One can imagine how thick grow the emanations of blood! The earthly world, just as the Supermundane, is in need of purification and a refining of the centers. Let us be grateful to those heroes who transmit the call for the podvig of self-sacrifice.
The Thinker, when asked about the basis of earthly life, answered, “Human, be more humane!”
Supermundane IV, 883.
12. By giving us understanding of life, understanding of the foundations of existence, the Teaching brings us, if there is application in full consciousness of all that is given, to fiery purification or transmutation of our centers into the higher fires, and thus gives us the chalice of Amrita.
Only this fiery purification opens the way to the Tower. But this transmutation may come only when the spirit has conquered selfishness.
Letters of Helena Roerich I, 17 August 1930.
13. The accumulations around the planet are a most condensed mass. If that mass were to be investigated, it would be possible to discover many useful things. Precisely, this atmosphere contains substances which attract to the Earth corresponding energies. If these substances were investigated from the point of view of subtle energies it would be possible to observe that each substance is saturated by human emanations, arising out of the psychic activity of mankind. The aura of the planet collects all the energies which constitute the essential manifestations of mankind. Therefore the purification of space is a task of prime importance on the path to the Fiery World. Fiery World III, 380.
14. The greatest benefit that we can contribute consists in the broadening of consciousness, and the improvement and enrichment of our thinking, together with the purification of the heart, in order to strengthen our emanations; and by thus raising our vibrations, we restore the health of all that surrounds us. Letters of Helena Roerich II, 25 October 1936.