Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, February 27, 2007
These are only brief remarks; such meditations on subjects from the Teachings are most valuable. It would be very good to take such ideas as "Simplicity" and "Podvig." These two ideas are especially emphasized in the books of the Teaching. Letters Of Helena Roerich I, 26 April 1934.
It is of great value to approach the highest ways without being a medium and without renouncing the earthly life. Where there is argument, where there is fear, where there is the germ of prejudice, there it is difficult for the white flowers. Simply, simply, simply, applying love, courage and readiness. This is no time for inflated bubbles; out of place is conceit, especially when compared with Christ's washing of the fishermen's feet. In simplicity of life, in realization of the dignity of service to the New World, love for the worthy opens the Gates. Illumination, II:IV:1.
Inasmuch as self-confidence is blessed in action, so is self-conceit ruinous. Self-conceit is hostile to simplicity. Even great minds are subject to this malady, and must return an additional time to labor until they eradicate this husk. One of the impeding conditions is lack of simplicity. One may wear bast-shoes and still not be simple. In simplicity one can build the greatest temple. Simplicity, beauty and fearlessnessCChrist and Buddha spoke of nothing more. And it is a blessing if the spirit vibrates to these covenants. Do you notice that We even try to speak in the simplest words, only to bring nearer the downfall of the Tower of Babel? Hence, say that We shall reduce the dictionaries to ashes if they have made of the incisive words of Christ a heap of savage concepts. Simply it was said: "Pray in no wise but in the spirit." Illumination, II:IV:5.
Urusvati knows that a simple life, lofty and refined, is a proper path to the Supermundane. Simplicity brings knowledge and progress. Whereas luxury leads to corruption and decay. History is full of examples of this. Untiring creators are simple in their daily life, but they influence all that surrounds them. Every creative person, without intending to, emanates by the power of his strivings, but he must learn to balance his actions with his own needs. He must avoid zealotry and fanaticism, and must not impose on himself the simple life. This quality must develop naturally, with a full sense of harmony. It must be well understood that taking pride in one's own simplicity is wrong. Simplicity must be one's normal state. We have spoken often about one's achievements coming about in a natural way. This approach brings true calmness, without envy, and without following absurd conventional ways. Certain nations may think that luxury is their goal, or better said, stigma. Such a life is full of corruption and cannot last. Some nations were able to survive such a poisonous atmosphere for no more than one generation, and then, not luxury, but funerary processions were the result! The Thinker said, about false simplicity, AIf one's garment is torn and dirtyBis this simplicity? If one's words are coarse and abusiveBis this simplicity? If a simple thought masks evil and cunningBis this simplicity? Supermundane III, 622.
He who spends life pridefully is not of a fiery nature; he who spends it in self-disparagement is not of a fiery nature. Only simplicity is akin to Fire. Fiery World I, 577.
We are absolutely averse to monasteries, as they are the antithesis of life. Only the seminars of life, communities of the best manifestation of labor, shall find Our assistance. Indeed, through life one must attain. It is precisely the generally-accepted religiousness that is unnecessary. The facts of conscious Communion with the Abode of Light are needed. Let us say we wish to bring help, so we proceed consciously without magic to the practical Source. In this simplicity is contained the entire current secret, as yet so inaccessible to men who walk up to their waists in prejudice. It is difficult for them to understand simplicity, beauty and fearlessness. Illumination, II:IV:3.
Knowledge leads to simplicity. People who know each other well are in no need of lengthy and complicated discussions; they prefer to exchange words only as to the essence of things. Beautiful is knowledge that leads to meaning; only a pseudo-science will choke itself with heaped-up things and thus obscure its destination. It is instructive to observe the great number of commentaries which have complicated the simplest fundamental passages in many works. It is possible to base an entire investigation on the study of the involved paths of commentaries. The psychology of commentators, in assimilating local accumulations, often completely loses the fundamental problem. All human relationships have the same fate, when in their hustle and bustle people lose the concept of their own destination. Psychic energy vainly seeks admission, but the icy hand of narcosis restrains the movement of the life-giver. Let the manifestation of simplicity help to liberate people from husks. Aum, 508.
We and Our close ones are much attracted to those who are modest and simple, untouched by cunning. Even if their thoughts at first distress Us by their primitiveness, they at least do not fall into the swamp of sophistry. Thus Our people can go directly from the small to the great, and will not take pride in their greatness. Even the great spiritual toilers did not succumb to pride. They understood that the greatest earthly labor is nothing but a threshold to the supermundane existence. They could see the fire and the luminous flame, but this ability did not make them arrogant. Their simplicity was not self-abasement or meekness, it was the life of the heart, the life of renunciation. They did not desire special recognition, for they were true toilers. They knew when to speak and when to be silent. The Thinker said, ALet us be silent, and extinguish even the lighting-flashes of thought. The most important, the most sacred, must rise from the depths of the heart. Supermundane III, 628.
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. Illumination, III:II:1.
Sincerity and simplicity are two powerful magnets. The great art of human relationship is based on them. Very few realize the importance of this art, which is the foundation of all constructiveness and evolution! This forgotten art, which requires so much sensitiveness, alertness, and synthesis of the spirit, must be introduced into life without delay. It is the most essential accomplishment; and how can we build the New World of beauty and powerful cooperation without it? Letters Of Helena Roerich I, 24 April 1931.
Where, then, is attention directed? It must be understood that the process toward perfection lies at the basis of evolution. It summons one to simplification and to direct communion with higher worlds. It can be seen how pranayama and other artificial methods of various yogas can be replaced by a simple, fiery heart. Certainly this simplicity is relative. The flaming fiery path leads to it. Yet it brings into life precisely that which was rejected as abstraction and fiction. I consider that each striving to knowledge should be speedily brought to fulfillment. People ask why We do not compel the striving toward evolution. But even a plain nurse tells a child, ABe like a grown-up, find by yourself! Hierarchy, 297.
People cannot understand by what signs to appraise actions. Here is an opinion brilliantly expressed, yet in the Higher valuation it is not considered very good. On the other hand, an opinion hesitantly voiced, full of modest reserve, deserves joyful commendation. To a superficial observer such an appraisal is not comprehensible. There can be brilliance in false stones. Deep thinking can also be expressed in very singular words. Where there is more inner glow, there must also be encouragement. When I speak about simplicity, I have in mind direct persuasiveness. When there is talk about raising the people's level, precisely simplicity is required in all its convincingness. This quality must not only be accepted with one's mind but loved with one's heart; from it emanate both cooperation and Brotherhood. Brotherhood, 479.
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. Supermundane I, 150.
Always remember B where majestic simplicity is absent, there is no beauty. Therefore, the Great Presence cannot be there. Also, do not forget that all ceremonies have been created on Earth and for Earth B precisely for the earthly consciousness; whereas the highest Mysteries were held in secret and were without ceremony. Letters Of Helena Roerich I, 1 August 1934.
The fact is precisely that 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, 25 June 1936.
It is time to say to the Light: “I come as thy helper, and to the sun itself I will stretch out my hand. And as long as the silver thread is intact, the stars themselves shall be my armor.” Thus simple is the way ordained to man. And finally the idolatry of symbols will be erased by the ray of Light. And We shall be permitted to be not Gods but Co-Workers. This is the covenant of simplicity. Illumination, III:I:10.