Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, April 18, 2017
1. The Teaching is not a new awakening of heretofore dormant possibility, but an enlightenment spread over time. I say, the Teaching cannot be given for money, nor can it be imposed; it heralds the New Era. One can ignore it or deny it, but its heralding is inescapable. Agni Yoga, 416
2. One can observe a certain stage of human consciousness in which a person who is asked the question, “What is necessary?” is sure to answer, “Money.” So long as the person has not outgrown this money-focused limitation, no spiritual help can be extended him. His consciousness must be directed to more significant values; then help will come, even in a material sense. The law of the highest values has been established throughout Existence. Therefore, it is our own consciousness that determines the wellbeing that we deserve. Heart, 572 (Agni Yoga, 574 illustrates this).
3. It is especially inadmissible to strive to apply the subtlest energies for personal aims. Though the Higher Force communicates inner power to us, it is impermissible to forcibly apply the beautiful energy for personal interest and gain. Merely give entry to the beautiful Force, and much will be added. Brotherhood, 417
4. Christ advised to distribute spiritual wealth. But, as the keys to it are far away, people have applied this advice toward the distribution of pillaged money. First to steal and then to give away with a tear and become enraptured by one’s own goodness. As if in speaking of distribution the Teacher could have had in mind chairs and old coats! The Teacher meant imponderable wealth. Only the spiritual gift can move the cup of the scales.
Let us examine the row of coworkers. Was anyone deprived of anything? No, all have been enriched. Is it not enrichment to become a ruler of a new kingdom? …Who can justly assert that he has been the giving one? We will open Our account books and show how much every one received. Illumination, 183
5. Even the highest achievements must begin here on Earth, often amidst the most oppressive need. The wealthy may wonder why their contributions are so easily made. But they so often believe that an offering need only be of money, and forget that they are entrusted with the wonderful task of combining their funds with high purpose! However, this requires imagination, and how many strive to cultivate this quality within themselves? Supermundane, 491
6. Do not live on income from money. This profit is stained. The best interchange of goods is by direct exchange of objects; or if necessary they can be allowed to be exchanged into money to be reconverted immediately….
Regard nothing as belonging to you; the easier for you not to damage things. Think how best to adorn each place; the surer will you protect yourself from rubbish. Consider how much better than the old must each new thing be; by this will you affirm the ladder of ascent. Illumination, 296 and 297
7. The cooperative is not a shop but a cultural institution. There may be also trade within it, but its basis must be one of enlightenment. Only along such lines is it possible to apply cooperation to the new life. Such unity is not easy: people have been accustomed to combining commerce with cupidity. Such an error is difficult to eradicate. But undeferrably, by way of school education, should the significance of healthy exchange be brought out. Earning money is not greediness. To receive wages for work is not a crime. One can see that labor is the one just value. Thus, without agitations and confusion it is possible to expound everything under the banner of Enlightenment and Peace. New Era Community, 271
8. Teaching, for people found ways to interpret Truth for their own profit. The expulsion of the merchants from the Temple is a symbolic warning, and the Temple should also be understood as the human spirit from which mercenary thought must be ejected. No one can forbid the exchange of daily necessities, but merchants must attend to their business with enlightened hearts. Even the basic elements of life can be spiritualized. Supermundane, 168
9. Only a realization of Cosmic individuality can illumine the steps of evolution. Otherwise, in the earthly understanding evolution will remain only profitable investment of capital. You already know that capital deprived of goalfitness is only a millstone about the neck. And, as a manifestation of infection forms spiritual and bodily ulcers, likewise does a manifestation of the lunacy of covetousness bring harm to the spirit and the body. New Era Community, 23
10. We are desirous of making Our works profitable in both the spiritual and material sense. I affirm that for this the quality of thoughts has great importance. One must stress benevolent and useful unity, and that We appraise foolishness at its worth. Of course, in a great work foolishness may also find a lodging, but not on the top floor…. We appreciate a business-like financial account more than a string of pompous phrases. One must think about the world and manifest practical thoughts. Illumination, 177
11. Of course, those who are striving and seeking sincerely, yet are unable to pay for a book, should receive it free of charge. But are there many such? Through long experience we know that nothing given free is appreciated. The majority will not even bother to open a book that was given free to them. But when they know that something is difficult to obtain, they will seek it, and there were cases when people did not sleep nights in order to copy the books of the Teaching. Great benefit is derived from each small obstacle. It is better to utilize the money which is received for the books for further publication, rather than to scatter the books freely, without any benefit, thus losing the possibility of publishing the next edition for those who are longing for it. Letters of Helena Roerich II, 17 May, 1937
12. Live flowers, preferably uncut, are always and in all cases useful because of their aroma and beauty. Vitalizing aroma drives away the low entities which seek to fasten themselves to any source of decomposition. Perhaps it is more practical to spend money on charity instead of on a wreath for the grave, but if one were to insist upon it, people, in their human way, might easily renounce the beautiful custom of bringing the best gifts of Earth to the memory of the departed one and would limit themselves to putting a quarter into the charity box. Letters of Helena Roerich II, 6 May, 1937
13. Every positive Teaching enjoins giving. Such an affirmation is truly practical, for without giving, the heart does not endure. Naturally, one has to understand giving in all its justice. Giving should not be understood as just contributing money or donating objects one no longer needs. True giving is of the spirit. Let every heart pour forth streams of spiritual gifts. Not without cause is it said that every beat of the heart is a smile, a tear, and gold. Heart, 386