Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, December 6, 2005
I realize that it is impossible to altogether avoid opposites, because the coarse physical manifestations are so immeasurably removed from their origins. Besides, precisely while comparing pairs of opposites, we lay the first steps of knowledge; and upon the next steps we already learn to combine these opposites. Letters Of Helena Roerich II, 29 January 1938.
It is very difficult to determine the boundaries in Cosmos between the so called passive and the active. If We say that all forces are active, men will find this declaration a paradox. But a higher consciousness can understand how We perceive all forces of the Origins as active. The differentiation is so bereft of subtlety that it is difficult to convey to people about the principle which dwells in the manifested power of Mulaprakriti.* Likewise, the principle of life cannot be asserted without the realization of the Feminine Origin. Like the Cosmos, Mulaprakriti is a universal principle. The origins cannot be regarded as competitive forces; only unification of the forces creates life. Infinity I, 201.
Let us see how this unbalance is effected. In every epoch, in the entire course of history, there may be seen an intensified confluence of resistant circumstances which produced an unbalance.
The factor of creativeness, predestined as a force inducing the attainment of cosmic equilibrium, will always be impelled by the principle of the Magnet. Only the affirmation of the Origins can balance the universal correlation. The ever disturbing motion maintains unbalance. Hence, the Origins and veneration for them will be the factor that humanity may affirm as the salvation of the world. Infinity I, 220.
When nations turned toward policies of unbalance, the principle of self destruction was set forth. Resistance to self destruction can be established only by balance. Humanity applies incommensurately the principle of creation and thus disturbs the foundations of Be ness. While there is, in accordance with the law of the Cosmic Magnet, subordination of the lowest to the highest, it concerns only those energies whose essence demands transmutation. But since the Origins are ordained for the creation of life, people cannot do away with one of the Origins without self destruction. Therefore, humanity will aspire toward conscious development when it will cognize and acknowledge the two Origins. All rules of action lacking the two Origins can increase the unbalance. Humanity must show understanding of the law of the Cosmic Magnet. Great advancement can be shown in the chain of evolution through the realization of the grandeur of the two Origins as the basis of Existence. Infinity I, 224.
The attainment of balance takes such precedence in everything that the Magnet manifests the utmost attraction for the sake of this equilibrium. The rhythm evident throughout Cosmos reveals this principle, which governs all actions in nature. Constructiveness depends upon this lofty principle. How, then, is it possible not to realize this process of nature? And in the construction of life, the same principle is unavoidable. Rhythm, explosions, magnetic attraction–all these forces must be converted into the principle of equilibrium.
If the passing race has given itself to transgression of the law of Origins, the new race must bring confirmation to the new power for cosmic balance. True, the principle of the Cosmic Magnet makes for advancement in an ascending spiral, and it is impossible to disunite the majestic cosmic spirals of evolutionary ascents. When the new race will attest the power of the Origins, then verily will the cosmic balance be established. Infinity I, 226.
The potential of spirit of Our Brothers comprises in itself energies identical with those of Cosmos. When We strive toward evolution it may be said that the currents of Cosmos bring identical currents. The Fire of Space lives by the same impulse. Indeed We always imply Sisters as well, when speaking of Brothers. The Origins are affirmed as the equilibrium in Cosmos. He who denies the principle of balance affirms imbalance. Cosmic creativeness necessitates the spirit impregnation of one Origin by the other. Thus, the Origins are created in Cosmos for reciprocal creation. The manifestation of reciprocal creation is affirmed as the symbol of Be-ness. Infinity II, 21.
I am trying to bring you closer to Infinity, not merely to give you an exquisite concept, but so that you may acquire refinement of consciousness. If through the knowledge of causes we expand our consciousness, then through the cognition of quality we refine it. This property, and the quality of thought and feeling, will evince the cognition of the origins of creation.
Words cannot formulate the consistence of the high quality of thinking. But each one, even he who labors, senses its required quality. This quality, as a Aeolian harp, resounds to the current of reality; and it accumulates beneath the center of the Chalice the subtlest soma of cognition and discernment, not only by means of co measurement but also in accordance with immutability.
This last spark of Truth kindles the attracting Beacon of Light.
At so dark a moment, let us dwell upon the Light! Infinity II, (Epilogue).
Could the terrors and crimes of today be possible if both Origins had been balanced? In the hands of woman lies the salvation of humanity and of our planet. Woman must realize her significance, the great mission of the Mother of the World; she should be prepared to take responsibility for the destiny of humanity. Mother, the life giver, has every right to direct the destiny of her children. The voice of woman, the mother, should be heard amongst the leaders of humanity. The mother suggests the first conscious thoughts to her child. She gives direction and quality to all his aspirations and abilities. But the mother who possesses no thought of culture can suggest only the lower expressions of human nature.
“When nations started disunity, the result was self destruction. And only a return to balance can stop this self destruction. Humanity does not apply the principles of creativeness in right proportion and thus violates the foundations of Being. When by the law of the Cosmic Magnet the lower forms are subordinated to the higher, this concerns only the energies which should be transmuted. But when the Origins are called to create and give life, it is impossible to remove one of the Origins without self destruction. Therefore, humanity will start its real evolution only when both Origins are affirmed in life. All principles which do not include the understanding of the dual Origin can only increase the lack of balance. Humanity must understand the law of the Cosmic Magnet. Much can be done for evolution by the realization of the grandeur of the dual Origin which is the basis of Life.” Letters Of Helena Roerich I, 1 March 1929
Yes, according to the ancient Hebrew scriptures, there were spirits of both Elements among the Elohim, for each creation, on any plane, is based on two Origins. This fact should be well understood. Likewise, we must understand that each creation requires the participation of the energies of man, since man is the bearer of the highest principles of Cosmos. It is said in the Sacred Teaching, “The worlds not populated by men could not develop, and therefore they perished.” Thus, the dependence of the worlds or of the planet upon man and his spiritual and moral level becomes clear. Letters Of Helena Roerich II, 19 February 1937.
The most ancient Teachings always highly regarded the Feminine Principle, and even female divinities were considered by them to be the most sacred. We can now find traces of these most ancient cults among the American Indians, whose priesthood is headed by women; women also head the clan, and the whole line of inheritance is considered as coming from the woman's side. Likewise, there is no distinction between the two Origins in the Teaching of Buddha, and woman, as well as man, can reach the state of Arhatship. And even now in India, in spite of the fact that the later Brahmins humiliated woman because of greed and self interest, the cult of the Goddess Kali is nevertheless spread most widely. The last of the known sages of India, Ramakrishna and Vivekananda, were worshippers of the Divine Origin in its aspect of the Mother of the World. Indeed, it is the ignorant and avaricious distortion of the cosmic law that has placed woman in a subjugated position.
Certainly it would be wrong to blame the Masculine Principle alone for the situation created; woman, too, is at fault. Many women welcomed being constantly in custody as wards, and precisely this weakened their strength and dulled their abilities. Therefore, nowadays a reverse order is necessary. Woman must accept the struggle against life's obstacles in order to temper her strength and manifest her true nature. True, the struggle for her lost rights will be a hard one, but with the refinement of thought and acceptance of the higher, psychic energy much will be eased. Indeed, not a single high experiment with the subtlest energies can be performed without the presence of the Feminine Element. The famous philosophers’ stone cannot be discovered or created without the participation of woman. Thus, Cosmos itself, Nature herself, affirms the equilibrium of the Origins in their higher functions. And one may say, “To confirm rights does not mean to possess them.” Letters Of Helena Roerich II, 17 May 1937.
* Mulaprakriti (Sanskrit): ...the abstract, deific feminine principle – undifferentiated substance. Akâsa. Literally, “the root of Nature”. – from Theosophical Glossary.