Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, March 3, 2009
1. The laws of cosmic Equilibrium govern the planet. In the cosmic laws can be included the law of Karma, for the law of Equilibrium contains all the other manifestations of life. Equilibrium is revealed as the creative action of each manifestation. Just as chiaroscuro creates and saturates an action, so is the law of Equilibrium affirmed in correspondence with the development of the will. Cosmic Scales affirm correspondingly the growth of national Karma. The scales of man's Karma affirm their measurement of free will. Therefore it is so important to affirm an understanding of striving for perfectionment, because a desire projected into space can always attract what is desired, and according to the quality of the desire is Equilibrium determined. Thus, let us make a wish which can be fulfilled—a wish for those energies which can be applied to life. Equilibrium can only then manifest its affirmation when the free will chooses the path of the General Good. Fiery World III, 230.
2. And now regarding paragraph 230 in Fiery World III, balance and harmony are one and the same concept. Therefore one may say that Cosmos is held by the action and harmony of atoms. Man is the reflection of the Macrocosm, therefore, he must aspire to the harmonization of all the atoms which enter into his microcosm. Karma is action, and each action creates a consequence. As it is said, "...Equilibrium [is] affirmed in correspondence with the development of the will." Therefore, action directed by a disciplined will that is in accord with the cosmic laws affirms harmony and creates equilibrium. Letters Of Helena Roerich II, 8 June 1936.
3. Harmony cannot be established at once, and one must guard all efforts directed toward the building of harmony. However, harmony is like an easily frightened bird, once lost, difficult to attract again. One should think how painful disharmony is to the Guides. This is something that is rarely considered.
The Thinker warned, ’Do not inflict harm by thought or action; it is so easy to break a precious vessel. Think often about true harmony.’ Supermundane III, 585.
4. People often say that for cooperation between individuals, similarity of character is needed, but they should speak not of similarity, but of harmony. Only the harmony of energies can be useful. Harmony is not repetition, it produces a chord. May this chord be strong and sonorous. It is hard to imagine a symphony built of monotonous octaves. People should love polyphony; the richer it is the more human hearts it will touch and call to action. Thus we will be open to the rich multiformity of perceptions. Nature must not be dealt with as if impoverished. Supermundane IV, 740.
5. Mutual gratitude is the key to harmony. This simple affirmation will seem absurd to many, in whose hearts gratitude and faithfulness do not live. Urusvati knows the power of these qualities. Even in the midst of hard times they illumine the path of life. Supermundane III, 619.
6. A mantram and all prayers can sustain the outer rhythm and also serve as union with the Highest World. Many people fail to perceive either the outer or inner meaning of prayer. The beautiful hymns of the Rig Vedas died away because they did not penetrate into the heart. This lack of rhythm can be regarded as a sign of the final period of Kali Yuga. It is precisely darkness which will intrude upon each harmony by every means. Dissonance is the distinctive mark of all contemporary arts. It can even be noticed how consonance and the major key seemingly have become a distinctive characteristic of the old-fashioned. One must possess a certain courage to continue to create in the consonance of the major key: maestoso! Thus, along the entire structure of life one must note the deviation from every heroism. Heart, 402.
7. Urusvati has developed her musical talent beautifully. This proficiency is achieved as the result of much labor in other lives. According to the Teachings of Plato, music should not be understood in the narrow sense of music alone, but as participation in all the harmonious arts. In singing, in poetry, in painting, in sculpture, in architecture, in speech, and, finally, in all manifestations of sound, musicality is expressed. In Hellas a ceremony to all the Muses was performed. Tragedy, dance, and all rhythmic movement served the harmony of Cosmos. Much is spoken about beauty, but the importance of harmony is little understood. Beauty is an uplifting concept, and each offering to beauty is an offering to the equilibrium of Cosmos. Everyone who expresses music in himself sacrifices, not for himself, but for others, for humanity, for Cosmos.
Perfection of thought is an expression of beautiful musicality. The highest rhythm is the best prophylaxis, a pure bridge to the highest worlds. Thus We affirm Beauty in Our Abode. Urusvati has noted that the music of the spheres is characterized by a harmony of rhythm. It is precisely this quality that brings inspiration to humanity. People usually do not think about the sources of inspiration, but if they did they would help Our work greatly.
You know about the special musical instruments that are in Our possession. Urusvati has heard them. The refined scale and rhythm of Sister Oriole should be acknowledged as the highest harmony. Often such singing has served to bring peace to the world, and even the servants of darkness have retreated before its harmonies. One should learn how to develop one's own musicality by all possible means.
The heart's feeling is sensed not in the words themselves but in their sound. There can be no irritation in harmony. Malice cannot exist where the spirit ascends. It is not by chance that in antiquity the epic scriptures were sung, not only to facilitate memorizing but also for inspiration. Likewise, it is rhythm and harmony that protect us against fatigue.
The quality of music and rhythm should be developed from infancy. Supermundane I, 42.
8. Each excessive strain would counteract harmony. It is necessary that the successful harmony remain in the memory without any compulsion. Anchorites have pointed out the very deep significance of wordless prayer; this was the judgment of those who realized the power of harmony. Aum, 566.
9. Urusvati knows the true meaning of self-depletion. Harmony and balance have been ordained, but one who is weary cannot make use of them. Many have perished from overwork, but many also have perished from idleness, from a stupor of the brain; both extremes border on suicide. People perish because of lack of knowledge of supermundane conditions. <...>
The Thinker affirmed, ’Man, cognize the power of equilibrium.’ Supermundane IV, 904.
10. Monasteries were established to help strengthen those who were weak in spirit. But those monks who were strong went out to spread their teaching far and wide. They could not remain long in their hermitage. Their spiritual vessels filled, they felt a need to return to the world. Thus, they not only brought spiritual help, but also themselves acquired a knowledge of life. This aspect is not usually understood, because people are unaware of the needed harmony between renunciation and acceptance of daily life. Supermundane III, 523.
11. Above all, We value the achievement of harmony in everyday life. Most of human life passes in such routine, and people should be evaluated by how they stand this test of daily life; whether they can preserve harmony in their domestic environment, resist petty irritations, and rise above boredom.
Many unseen circumstances are hidden in daily life, and one must find in them the joy that elevates one into the Supermundane. May you all remember that you build your human dignity amid daily turbulence. This awareness will make your achievement permanent. We rejoice at the builders of harmony in life, and every day should become a stone in the foundation of this beautiful structure. If you love work, understand it as a substitute for time.
Can Our Life be imagined without total harmony in its daily routine? Not days, not years, but a succession of joyous works can provide the exaltation and strength to live without concern for time. We also have other joys, which the toiler can partake in. The intensity of Our labor brings Us closer to the music of the spheres; ordinary people usually do not notice when such a harmony occurs in their labor.
The Thinker taught that awareness of the resounding of space comes when least expected. ’No human measure can determine when the harmony of the Supermundane becomes accessible.’ Supermundane II, 324.
12. Harmony is not always attainable, even if it is proclaimed verbally. It is a common error to think that harmony can be established by reason. Few realize that only the heart is the abode of harmony. Brotherhood, 193.
13. Urusvati knows that harmony in life refines human feelings. Indeed, harmony is the only thing necessary; with it all will be subtler and loftier. Harmony is a great concept! Yet people seek it in external conditions and overlook it in the essence of things. For example, a primitive man may live in natural beauty, yet be far from harmony. The city dweller may be oppressed by the bustle of his surroundings, and be unable to think about a harmonious life. Even a refined philosopher can be crushed by the cares of supporting himself. Thus the fundamental law of harmony is forgotten.People do not understand that the way to harmony is in the art of thinking. Deep contemplation is needed for the realization of harmony. Truly, only the art of thinking can refine one's feelings. But how does one acquire this art, which can sometimes be possessed by an illiterate person, yet elude the most learned? How can We teach man the art of thinking? Many will take this to be a clumsy aphorism. How can We explain to people that Our philosophy is based upon thinking about Infinity? With such ideals, earthly tribulations become bearable and manageable. Do not fear the lofty concept of harmony. It can be applied in all aspects of life, and every human being can develop a sense of it within himself. This state can be called by different names, yet it is the property of all. Everyone sooner or later will achieve harmony if the art of thinking is cultivated.
The Thinker stressed correct thinking. He wanted His disciples to feel themselves to be artists who could create new kinds of harmony. Supermundane II, 341.
14. Urusvati, in her search for Truth, strives to the simplest solutions. Harmony lies in simplicity. Complexities do not lead to harmony, which is needed to nourish the planet. Because humanity is far from cooperation with the Supermundane World, do not be surprised that it is necessary to speak daily about the living links with the Subtle World.
It will be impossible to stop the poisoning of Earth if spatial harmony is not found. Harmony should be seen not as something abstract, but as a system of earthly order. It can be observed that great scientists often began with complicated ideas, and then arrived at the simplest. They were true seekers and were impelled to search for the most simple, great, constructive harmony.You already know that disharmony is destructive, and harmony is constructive. The developing of the Highest Science will lead to the Healing Source. We have pointed out the significance of music, both on Earth and in the Supermundane World. Let youth accept the lofty harmonies which are needed for Earth, and also for the Subtle World.
The Thinker said, ’Yes, yes, yes, there exists the blind faith and the seeing faith; be among those who see.’ Supermundane IV, 943.