Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, February 15, 2011
1. My gift accept, O dear friend.
Through labor and knowledge I gathered
This gift. In order to give it
I gathered it. I knew I would give it
Away. On my gift thou shalt pile
The joys of spirit. Silence and quietude.
Amidst the revolt of spirit, direct thine eye
Upon my gift.
And if thou wantest to command the servant
To bring the gift,
Name it
Benevolence. Flame in Chalice, 1918
2. Each righteous thought helps the cause. It is important to send the arrows through Me or directly, but your purpose must be benevolent. Arrows may be aimed even at a rogue. For the sake of My Cause you may be insistent, but without anger, spreading the creative force of benevolence. The Call, 132.
3. Not the factory, but the workshop of the spirit will renovate the world. Like wallpaper pasted on by people, that which has closed up the pores of life will be washed away by a torrent of stern Benevolence. The Call, 389.
4. Urusvati knows that indignation is sometimes appropriate. It would seem that people should know this, but it must be emphasized often, or goodness and benevolence will be misinterpreted. How can man remain silent when terrible crimes are committed before his very eyes? No one has ever advocated remaining indifferent to the debasement of human dignity, for by such indifference one allows oneself to become an accomplice of the crime. Supermundane I, 247.
5. Your remark about Christ reproaching His disciples is very appropriate. Yes, during all ages the Great Teachers have often been compelled to emphasize the fact of the inertness, division among, and lukewarmness of so-called good people, and the fury, solidarity, and resourcefulness of the dark ones. In fact, at present, the fury and solidarity have become even stronger, for they sense that the decisive Battle will bring defeat to them. Indeed, the signs of the Great Victory are already visible; given more time, much will be instituted. The signs of Benevolence are guarding the New Country. Letters Of Helena Roerich II, 23 July 1936.
6. Benevolence and austerity are one and the same concept. Illumination, III:I:4.
7. It is correct not to drive sickness inward. This truth is known to the physician of the body and ought to be known to the physician of the spirit. As hidden decay harms the whole body, so does that which has not been outlived by the spirit impede the growth of consciousness. It is not wise to proclaim, "Tear out thy corruption." It is better to say, "Let benevolence fill thy being." Morning will replace the night. Agni Yoga, 482.
8. Many think about worldwide peace. But if you dare to utter these words, you will be subjected to the most rude and hypocritical attacks. People are even afraid of peace, for their consciousness cannot accommodate this benevolence. But those who have broadened their consciousness, on the other hand, must untiringly speak about the opening of the gates of peace. Agni Yoga, 610.
9. The heart that has consecrated itself to righteousness radiates benevolence continuously, independently of the volitional sendings. Similarly, the sun's rays are not sent with premeditation. The heart that has pledged itself to evil will thrust out arrows consciously, unconsciously, and continuously. The heart of goodness sows about itself health, smiles, and spiritual bliss. The heart of evil destroys warmth and, like a vampire, sucks out the vital strength. Thus, the activity of hearts, good and evil, is unceasing. Heart, 63.
10. It has been correctly observed that in order for the organism to adapt itself to a vegetable diet after a meat diet three years are needed. But if, for purely physical conditions, such a period is necessary, no less a period is required for the transformation of consciousness, unless karmic conditions induce special possibilities. To transform the consciousness means to enter a special world; it means to acquire a special evaluation of all that occurs; it means going forward without glancing back; it means leaving behind all complaints and acquiring good will. Does it not seem strange that alongside a period for a diet one must put the ethical concept of benevolence? But, fortunately, every physician will support us in this, because benevolence is the best expedient for the digestion. People like to have the spiritual foundations supported by dietetic advice. Fiery World I, 112.
11. Does an Arhat rest? You already know that a change of labor is rest, but the true repose of an Arhat is his thought about the Beautiful. Amidst various labors, thought about the Beautiful is the bridge and power and stream of benevolence. Let us weigh a thought of evil and a thought of good, and we shall prove to ourselves that the beautiful thought is more powerful. Let us organically analyze different thoughts, and we shall see that a beautiful thought is a treasury of health. In beautiful thinking an Arhat beholds the ladder of ascent. In this active thinking is the Arhat's repose. In what else can we find another source of benevolence? Thus can we remember when we are especially oppressed. Fiery World I, 177.
12. Prayers often contain the supplications, “Look Thou upon me” or “Turn Thy gaze to me.” In such words there is expressed great knowledge of the significance of the look. Precisely a look can change even the composition of the aura. Not only thought, but the very chemism of a glance has a fiery consequence. Those who know this ask the Higher Forces to look upon them, because in this magnetic chemism there is contained all-encompassing benevolence. Let us not forget that each look of a man has correspondingly the same significance; the more saturated with thought, the more powerful the glance. Fiery World II, 256.
13. An attitude of benevolence should be cultivated in such a way that its sincerity is preserved. Amid earthly turmoil, true benevolence is not easily found, but without it one cannot assimilate even the simplest teaching. Therefore what We say now is not an abstraction, but a daily reality. The Thinker taught, “Benevolence is the distinguishing quality of the one who advances on the way.” Supermundane III, 509.
14. We must not demand complicated terms and philosophizing. Evolution is harmonious and simple in the beauty of goalfitness. Thus we will labor for the common good, knowing that every sincere striving for good is already an active contribution. Thus we will learn benevolence. Supermundate II, 515.
15. Urusvati knows the profound meaning of the ancient saying, “Search for Invisible Friends.” The appearance of Friends from the Higher World, from the Supermundane, will be a strong support. Sometimes you will recognize Them, but generally They will remain concealed to you. Only the joy felt in your consciousness will indicate Their presence. Do not attempt to learn Their names, for They discarded earthly names long ago. Just as distinctions of time do not exist for Them, so also have earthly distinctions of identity dissolved for these Glorious Beings. The Benefactors! May Their numbers forever increase! They will value all luminous striving, and nothing will divert Their benevolent help when They recognize a developing achievement. They will help where trust is strong. May the benevolence of the Invisible Friends abide with you! Supermundane III, 588.
16. We have spoken sufficiently about imperil, and everyone should understand the destructive power he carries within himself. The heart cannot assimilate subtle energies if it is assaulted by destructive arrows. Similarly, one cannot assimilate the supermundane gifts when the germ of illness is already rooted within. That is why so much is said about timely preventive measures. Everyone can receive beneficial supermundane energies by maintaining a benevolent attitude. The Thinker said, “No physician can contrive a better panacea than benevolence.” Supermundane III, 695.
17. Chase away every impure thought; replace it with a thought of benevolence. Hasten to purify the spirit by broad creative thoughts about the wonderful future. Letters Of Helena Roerich I, 17 August 1930.
18. Furthermore, not many realize that development of the heart means first of all the broadening of the consciousness. Verily, the heart is the throne of consciousness but not of sentimentality, this surrogate of benevolence. It is significant that the Easterners, when speaking of the highest and most sacred concepts, always lay a hand upon the heart, for they regard it as the abode of consciousness. Letters Of Helena Roerich I, 28 February 1935.