Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, March 31, 2015
1. The protective network is formed out of subtlest energies. All centers participate in the formation of this powerful shield. For a complete circle it is necessary that all the spiritual centers intensify their energies. From out of the centers of the spirit it is especially necessary to tense the heart, because by its power it can transmute thinking. Right thinking produces stability, which is the first requirement. Steadfastness expels duplicity, fear and doubt. The protective net can defend a man, making him invulnerable. But this shield can only then be affirmed when all subtle energies have been harmonized. The experience of Agni Yogi truly provides this shield, but a most cautious regard for the centers is necessary. The protective net must be continually saturated with the energies from within, as a fiery, eternally ascending spiral. Spiritual centers must nurture this power. The protective net passes on with the spirit into the Subtle World. Woven from the subtlest energies, it can become assimilated into the Fiery World; only the highest strivings may be reflected in it. People who live by means of lower centers have no protective net. Obsessed ones do not have this shield. Therefore, on the Fiery path one should take care of the interweaving of the subtlest. Fiery World III, 112.
2. Some appear as messengers, who have consciously and selflessly accepted the responsibility; others bear tidings without knowing it; a third group partially affirms a useful word; a fourth displays useful actions by the examples of their lives. There are many kinds of offerings and affirmations. Let us not designate which can be especially useful. Each one within his own horizon can direct people to good. Let us welcome each good offering. Courage enables one to array oneself in impenetrable armor. Brotherhood, 403.
3. Let us be together; let us stand steadfastly for the future. Only by taking such a devoted stand will we be as if in an impenetrable armor. Brotherhood, 287.
4. It is true that human goodness can be quite profound, but it often lacks mobility. This happens because the heart has not been cultivated or educated. The potential of the good heart usually works spasmodically and is far from being always open in readiness. However, it is precisely this spasmodic quality that allows the many assaults of evil, which works like a winnowing fan, blowing out in every direction. Only by donning the impenetrable armor of goodness can a warrior protect himself. It is hardly commendable to have armor that is very solid in back but leaves the heart, of all places, unprotected. Heart, 407.
5. Prayer is good at any time, yet there are two periods of change of currents when turning to the Higher World is especially desirable -- at sunrise and after sunset. Besides, upon going to sleep it is befitting to invoke the Higher World.
Sleep is not understood by science. The idea of rest is primitive. If each action is preceded by a spiritual act, then such an extraordinary state as that of sleep must be especially noted. For almost half their lives people entrust themselves to an invisible world. It is necessary to purify one's consciousness before entrance into the sacred Gates. Thought about the Higher World, thought about the Guardians, already lights up the drooping consciousness; hence, there may be more desirable meetings, and attacks may be warded off. Only the heart's thought about the Higher World provides an impenetrable armor.
Thus, let us be conscious of all that is most beautiful and needed on the lengthy journey. Aum, 71.
6. “Not many can understand the power of such a shield. Amidst the raging currents, the rock of invincible solemnity stands adamant. Every force that surrounds man can be scientifically explored. He himself can generate any force within himself and can forge an impenetrable armor from it. Likewise, one must realize that solemnity is the best bridge to Us. Our help flies swiftly through the channel of solemnity and slowest of all through the channel of fear and despondency. One must know that We send the blue rays of help in the hour of danger.” Letters of Helena Roerich II, 30 November 1937 (quoting Supermundane I, 104).
7. The yearning for communion with the far-off worlds provides the possibility for adherence to the course of Cosmos. The date predestined to humanity for the realization of Infinity pierces already the strata of cosmic fires. People have sought the approach to Truth in varied ways. Various manifestations impelled them to fasts, flagellations, tortures of their bodies and benumbing of their spirit. Manifold searches are inscribed in the book of striving. But progress of the spirit cannot be achieved without the realization of the endlessness of the battle. Progress of spirit is there where the spirit develops its protective net through unlimited striving. But the one who tries to find his protective net in leisure retreats into the mist of non-understanding.
Let the Fiery Flame illumine the people! Infinity I, 51.
8. So let us once more think about the solemn ascent that goes constantly onward, an ascent in which one can place full trust in cooperation. Only by taking part in such joint labor can one get used to the diversity of manifestations and come to love it. Few people can understand this, because cosmic diversity frightens a heart that has not been tempered. But how are we to close ourselves off from this startling multiformity? Or rather, how are we to learn to love it and be done forever with the limitations of restricted thinking? In fighting off such thinking, let us use the heart as a shield. Indeed, the shield was held with the left hand. So let us understand the heart to be a protective armament. Heart, 576.
9. The substance of fiery immunity was described by Zoroaster. He pointed out that from each pore of the skin people could call forth fiery rays to smite all evil. A man clad in a protective armor cannot succumb to any contagion. One can increase this resistance through unity with Hierarchy. Thus, the heart becomes like a sun reducing all microbes to ashes. Fiery World I, 17.
10. Premeditated murder is one thing, self-defense is another. When one is subjected to an attack by the dark forces, it is necessary to defend oneself. Thought about defense is not murder. Each one can defend himself first of all by the strength of his spirit. Some strengthen their protective net, picturing it as a shield. But the fiery heart does not limit itself to a shield; it sends forth the spiral of Agni, which blunts the most malevolent arrows. Of course, courage and resourcefulness are needed for such action. Fiery World I, 558.
11. It may be asked, “Can the hierophants of evil approach Our Tower?” Indeed they can, although these approaches are very painful for them. Their fury gives them a strong impulse. At times We are obliged to use powerful discharges of energy to repulse the uninvited visitors. With such discharges We vanquish the enemies who try to approach Our Brothers. You can remember special currents that you sensed during the night. These currents are salutary and protective. Striving to Us will intensify them. Other influences may cause tears in the protective net, but Our currents do not delay in protecting you. Supermundane I, 123.
12. People protect themselves from poisonous gases by wearing gas masks. But they should provide themselves with one more mask – the protective mask of pure thought -- for only thought can shield one from the poisonous breath. People should admit that there is such poison, and remember that thought has the power to resist the most harmful vibrations.
Only thought can produce the antidote. These words should not be taken as symbolic. Thought produces a substance that attracts the helping forces from space. We have spoken about resistance to evil. Precise, clear, and disciplined thought is a powerful aid, and also a powerful antidote. So-called immunity is the result of thought. If you remember Us you will intensify your thoughts and they will acquire a new power. Think about Us. Think about reality and face the terrors of Armageddon.
The Thinker consoled His disciples, saying, “An Invisible Messenger is ready to contact you. Allow Him to reach you.” Supermundane II, 291.
13. The best protection not only against sicknesses but also against hostile attacks will always lie in the conscious application of psychic energy. Its development is the most vital task of humanity. Agni Yoga, 569.
14. Much can be forgiven him who even in darkness has preserved the concept of the Teacher. The Teacher uplifts the dignity of the spirit. We liken the concept of the Teacher to a lamp in the darkness. Therefore, the Teacher may be called a beacon of responsibility. The bonds of the Teaching are like a saving rope in the mountains. The Teacher is revealed from the moment of kindling of the spirit. From that moment on the Teacher is inseparable from the disciples.
We do not see the end of the chain of Teachers, and the consciousness imbued with the Teacher elevates the attainment of the disciple as a precious, all-penetrating aroma. The bond of the disciple with the Teacher forms a link of protection in the uniting chain. Within this defense deserts bloom. Community, 60.
15. When sensing an invisible presence, you should display complete calmness, for senseless fear may weaken the protective net of the aura. If the entity whose presence you feel is approaching you with evil intentions, the fear that you manifest may aid in inflicting harm on you. That is why all the Teachings put such stress upon fearlessness of spirit. If one has complete self-control, no astral entity can inflict harm. In such cases I advise concentrating on the Great Image and pronouncing the Name seven times, surrounding yourself mentally with an impenetrable armor of light, as it were. Letters of Helena Roerich II, 17 May 1937. 23.
16. True calmness of spirit is tested by the trifles of
daily life.
Comfort is given you by the assurance of Our Protection
on the path of Good.
I send you My Shield -- know to defend M. as I defend
you. The Call, 86.