Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, March 27, 2007
If you could remember the ecstasy of the spirit freed from evil, you would rejoice, not mourn!
The spirit burdened with malice cannot rise. But kindness set free soars into the radiance of the Light. The Call, 400.
The particles of higher energy which exist in each human organism correspondingly exist in the other kingdoms of nature. The animal kingdom and the vegetable kingdom know how to preserve the particle of energy also in the Subtle World. Especially certain animals that lived around man preserve a certain bond with the organism of the Subtle World dweller. When I advise kindness toward animals, I have in mind that it is better to encounter small friends than enemies. Indeed, one should preserve co measurement in everything, otherwise one may receive harmful emanations from animals. Aum, 277.
One cannot expect the approach of the Subtle World if it is rejected, cursed, and feared on Earth. A correct attitude will accept the Subtle World calmly, honestly, and kindly. The magnet of kindness acts in all worlds. How can one deny that which exists, just as we all exist!
Urusvati, together with Us, knows how to be kind. In this one word is contained an entire world outlook. No other concept can be named which is so distorted. From idle hypocrisy to manifest cruelty, all finds its place under the mask of good. One should really know how to be kind in order to benefit others rather than oneself.
We continually send thoughts about kindness, action, and labor. There cannot be kindness without action. There cannot be any good where there is no labor. There will be no kindness where there is no opposition to evil. There will be no kindness if we do not accept the responsibility to discern evil, to recognize corruption, and do not lose the possibility of bringing Light. Beautiful are the words, “Light disperses darkness.” However, Light must be brought, and this action in itself is full of self abnegation. Light will also illuminate and dispel frightful monsters, even when they show themselves in their worst aspect. Every light bearer has to live through those moments. He should not slacken his pace and should look fearlessly upon the monsters. There will be no complete renunciation of fear if the light bearer averts his eyes in the hope that Light alone will dispel the monsters. It is not only Light but also the Primal Energy that strikes the blow which destroys darkness. Supermundane I, 57.
Hypocrites will plead, “Who are we? We are so small! How can we help the Great Light?” But it was said long ago, “Each breath should praise the Lord.”
In a word of kindness is born an act for Good. Supermundane I, 136.
Urusvati knows how the Great Pilgrim directed and guided human consciousness toward the Highest. He understood that people were not yet ready to go by the Middle Path. Thus, even when someone attempted to utter the unutterable the Great One would allow him to address the Highest, rather than let him lower the process of his thinking.
The Great One taught people to pray within their hearts, upon the mountain, amid inspiring summits. It is impossible to grasp the full depth of meaning of the Sermon of the Great One, because He gave instructions for the whole of life in the simplest words. The key to this greatness was in His simplicity, which not only allowed Him to more easily communicate with people, but was a beautiful way of expressing the Highest in the simplest words. One should learn to make the complicated simple, for only in simplicity is kindness reflected. Such was the work of the Great Pilgrim.
Great is His luminosity in the Subtle World, and He loves to descend into the lower spheres so that His prana may purify the dark realms. It is not easy even for Him to descend, and one should appreciate all the more this example of His selfless healing of those who suffer there.
It is customary for Us to visit the lower spheres of the Subtle World where a compassionate heart can save multitudes. Supermundane I, 150.
Urusvati knows that every good deed transforms some particle of chaos. Each kind action is a burning away of chaos. This description has a basis in reality, for every impulse toward kindness and Light kindles the best fires, which transmute chaos into a new, purified form.
Some think that collaborating with the Brotherhood will evoke the fury of darkness, but it would be nearer the truth to say that each good deed attracts the fury of the dark ones. Timid souls will probably wish to refrain from performing good deeds for safety=s sake, and there are many such people who for this reason refuse to be compassionate. They have extinguished their fires and merged with the darkness. But the ghosts of darkness are repellent, and whoever fears goodness will sink into chaos.
The Great Pilgrim taught the love of goodness, but His Teaching was greatly distorted. Even His simplest words could not save the 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.
I hear laughter and ridiculeCchaos is in convulsion and hopes that its servants will cling to it tenaciously. Thus, a good thought provokes the convulsion of evil. Be not frightened by even the most awful grimace of evil, for our main task is to increase the reservoir of Goodness. Supermundane I, 168.
Urusvati knows that tolerance is totally misunderstood. It is often seen either as condescension or as overindulgence of others. Since both of these are considered to be wrong, it is clear that the very idea of tolerance is not perceived in a proper way. But We see it as one of the basic qualities of humaneness. In human relations it must be reciprocal. All earthly life should be based on tolerance and compassion. Sometimes people manifest these benevolent attitudes consciously, but more often their tolerance and compassion are simply the result of an inherent goodness, and they themselves do not always recognize the value of these acts of kindness.
In everyday life, there is always someone who knows more than others, but because of kindness does not condescend or reproach others for their ignorance. On the contrary he will do his best to offer his knowledge without offense. We have often told you about speaking according to the level of consciousness of one=s listener. This is the humane way. Supermundane III, 553.
Urusvati knows that Our friends in no way resemble those individuals who call themselves occultists and claim to be experts in the sacred knowledge, but exhibit traits that true occultists would not retain. They are often spiteful, rude, envious, intolerant, and without kindness. The sacred knowledge leaves no room for such shameful characteristics.
It is astonishing that people can study books that teach good, yet cannot part with their base habits. The teaching of good requires that the reader, at least to a small degree, will apply what he learns. But in life one can see precisely the opposite; the reader will shed tears of rapture, and immediately afterward do something shameful. Even so, such people love to boast about their self proclaimed status.
Pay attention to those who are committed to true advancement. They do not impose their beliefs. They avoid claiming degrees of initiation. They always know that it is better not to speak about even their most sacred encounters. They are always kind and ready to offer help. The first task for the true seeker of the sacred knowledge is to cultivate goodness. In doing this he will attract good, like a magnet. Supermundane III, 581.
Urusvati knows that the main cause of discord lies in the individuality of consciousnesses. There are no two grains of sand alike, there are no consciousnesses alike. Such richness of nature could have accelerated evolution, but out of it much evil has been born. It should be remembered that such evil is harmful, not only in the earthly life, but also in the Supermundane World.
Each person can assist in the lessening of evil. For this one must firmly remember about the individuality of consciousnesses, and must not coerce the consciousness of one=s fellow man. He can increase friendship and cooperation, but only if he allows for differences of consciousness. Out of such understanding is compassion born. A wise man will show compassion to his neighbor in a way that will not be seen as condescending.
Discord can be smoothed in many small ways. One should not mistake a sensible exchange of opinions as discord. He who sows with kindness will reap more abundantly. We care not only about the earthly life, but even more about the supermundane existence. People must at last recognize that each one is striving toward the Supermundane World and paves his own most suitable path to it.
The Thinker advised, “Help your fellow man to be able to turn in a better and more beautiful way to the Supermundane World.” Supermundane IV, 795.
First B peace societies; second B societies for spiritual development, which includes the study of religion and philosophy; third B representatives of the sciences; fourth B arts; fifth B motherhood and education; sixth B crafts and labor; seventh B cooperation and industry; eighth B security; ninth B agriculture and architecture; tenth B health and safety. It is easier to cut than to add; therefore such wide scope is given you. Take advantage of a big program and do not be discouraged by small disagreements. The ability to yield is absolutely necessary, especially in the beginning. Therefore, practise patience and tolerance. With tolerance, with kindness and patience, it is possible to change the most stubborn opponents. I quite approve of your “cup of tea” B moderate, clean food never will be an obstacle, and, as you say, it might create certain intimacy. Letters Of Helena Roerich I, 24 November 1932.