A Talk before the Agni Yoga Society, April 27, 1967 by Dorothy Blalock
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, December 1, 2015
1.We are living in an age of superlatives in which everything from ideas, plans and goals to national budgets is expressed on a grand-scale. Descriptive adjectives usually are prefixed by "the most" or suffixed with "-est." It is an age of contrasts: affluency — abject poverty; deep conviction — indifferent apathy; high striving — self-gratification. Thus, it is an age of pairs of opposites, as opposite as Light is from Dark, but not always so simply distinguishable! Primarily, it is an age of complexity of such dimension that it defies a simple answer to any pertinent question.
2. As disciples, we are accustomed to thinking on a broad basis, on broad concepts that lead into Infinity itself. As conscious participants in the Plan for evolving Humanity and its place in the Great Cosmic Scheme, the scope of our thought ranges from the Universal to the particular, individual unit. In this statement of what to us is a simple fact lies the “key“ to our reason for Being, and for our living and being on Earth at this time. Somehow, we must find a way of bringing these broad concepts into our everyday living. The "abstractions must become realities," evident and recognizable, in our daily lives. Through us, the Great Truths, the Message of the Teaching must be brought into the human consciousness.
3. Never has the responsibility of disciples been greater, nor has our opportunity to serve Hierarchical Purpose! We have reached a critical stage in the emerging New Age in which purity of motive, clarity of thought, and brevity of speech are of utmost importance. Humanity neither needs nor wants eloquent speeches and nebulous thinking, although it is continually deluged with both! Ours is a world of direct action and reaction. Speed in all facets of living has precipitated the spontaneity of action and reaction and reduced the time element to a minimum. Thus, there is all the more urgency to bring what we know and can glean from the Higher Spheres into everyday practicality. "Thus, let us make a wish which can be fulfilled — a wish for those energies which can be applied to life." Fiery World III, 230
4. We possess a bountiful knowledge. We have been given the Teaching and have received knowledge and insight into the Great Truths. In this, we have found our own individuality, our own identity, while countless numbers are seeking one small glimpse into an identity of their own. Each is seeking to find his own value, worth and place in today’s world. In the complexities of daily living, humanity is seeking some basic truths — pleading for simplicity in the complexity of life.
5. Disciples are said to be the avant-garde of the New Age. As such, we must lead the way. We also know how we must lead -- the Way of Hierarchy -- and the Way of Hierarchy is ever simple. In IIlumination, Master states: "The Teaching of Christ can be inscribed upon the palm of the hand." (II:VI:7, p. 97) "Simplicity, beauty, and fearlessness — Christ and Buddha spoke of nothing more.... Do you notice that We even try to speak in the simplest words, only to bring nearer the downfall of the Tower of Babel?" (II:IV:5, p. 6l) "We rejoice especially when the magnitude of the Plan is being garbed in simplicity. Remember, simplicity possesses the power of attraction. This magnet corresponds to the new abode." (III:II:1, p. 163)
6. In an effort to co-measure, could we not choose a few simple strands of Truth and by applying them with utter sincerity and simplicity achieve a great deal for the Common Good? Neither as a group nor individually can we hope to supply a solution to the world’s problems. We cannot hope to give to each and all that which is engraved in our own hearts. It would not be accepted or understood per se. However, we can, by living and being the simpler tenets of the Teaching, uplift the consciousness of mankind. In our aspirations and quest for Higher Knowledge and understanding of the Highest Concepts, it is exceedingly easy to overlook the simpler passages that well might be our ’’key’’ to fuller Service. In our striving toward consciousness in all three worlds, to know Reality in the Fiery, Subtle, and Earthly spheres, we must not fail to give the "touch" of Reality as it IS and works in our everyday contacts. As always, we can turn to the Wisdom of the Teaching and find pertinent advice to guide and direct our thinking. Let us ponder together some of the simple qualities that Master emphasizes. These simple qualities are truly "the outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace":
7. FRIENDLINESS: "For the last time let us turn to friendliness as the basis of life. Friendliness is not the rouge and powder of malice...not a veil...not a mask of treachery...not an affable grimace. Friendliness must be understood as a feeling coming from the heart and devoid of hypocrisy.... Since the quality of friendliness is indispensable for the Fiery World, it must possess genuine honesty…. One must understand the quality of friendliness in its entirety. Friendliness should not be considered as some sort of achievement. One should not give praise for the quality of friendliness, for it is inseparable from an expanded consciousness.... Let us not be afraid that people in general cannot return to friendliness, there is enough of it in each one of us, therefore let us assume the same thing about others. But let us not make of this fiery quality weak will, subserviency, and pitiful hypocrisy." Fiery World I, 138
8. HUMANENESS: "Each Teaching of Light is primarily a development of humaneness. Remember this definitely, for the world has never before been in such need of this quality. Humaneness is the gateway to all other worlds...the basis of straight-knowledge...the wings of beauty. The essence of humaneness is the substance of the Chalice. Therefore, above all, on Earth let us be clothed in humaneness, and recognize it as an armor against the dark forces." Fiery World I, 75
9. GENTLE TOUCHES: "Thus, refinement can turn thought toward consideration among human beings. People should not offend one another. In the name of Fire no offense should be given. Not all adjustments are effected with a hammer; small implements and gentle touches are also necessary. Again an old truth, but as yet scarcely applied." Fiery World I, 92
10. BENIGNITY: “Benignity is one of the fiery qualities. But what have people made of this quality? Not flabbiness, but full justice is included in benignity.... Benignity also senses goal-fitness, that is to say, the higher measure of justice." Fiery World I, 224 (N.B. Benignity was translated as Gentleness or Kindness in the original version… Remark made by D.B.)
11. JOY – SORROW: “The indestructibility of joy and sorrow sent into space has been observed very scientifically. Many bear the sorrow of another, and many grasp at joy that does not belong to them. Thus, one must always remember about eternal sowings.... The substance of sorrow or joy is almost as indestructible as the fiery seed. It is useful to impregnate space with joy, and dangerous to strew the heavens with sorrow.... Joy is the health of the spirit." Fiery World I, 298
12. Added to our usual means and method of daily alignment with the Higher Will and Purpose, we could include a simple thought directed with heart's intensity, "Let Good prevail throughout the Earth." Such a simple invocation could begin our days, giving impetus and psychic energy to all our acts. This may go unnoted and be seemingly ineffective; but the subtle energy that prompts it will open the hearts, minds and souls of all whom we contact, and will be noted most vitally in Space. Not words, but serving and being strike the responsive note — giving hope, comfort and solace to another's heart. Thus, the channel is opened for acceptance of one’s own soul's sincere desire; each will receive according to his own inner need.
Every person has his own free will; every Teaching, its talismans; each religion, its own particular form of a rosary. To us: "The realization of the Teaching as a necklace of Light provides a precious thread upward." Fiery World I, 434
Let us follow this precious thread and radiate Good — with Simplicity, with Beauty; creating Good, being co-creators!
13. Clarity of consciousness manifests itself first of all in simplicity of expression. Letters of Helena Roerich II, June 22, 1936
The fact is that precisely ignorant people or those having little education are very fond of the most complex, three-storied words, which they themselves hardly understand, but they use them in order to appear learned; whereas everything clear and simple seems unscientific to them, and therefore subject to ridicule. But it is in the East that simplicity of expression is considered the highest achievement, because simplicity vouches for clarity of understanding. The highest Truth is revealed only in the grandeur of simplicity. Certainly, such simplicity is of a special kind, just as the highest joy is a special wisdom. Letters of Helena Roerich II, June 25, 1936