Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, April 14, 2015
1. How stupid are all who deny hope! How blind are those who affirm the advantage of wars! How few are the consciousnesses that can perceive the regeneration of the planet by way of culture! Certainly, those who do not comprehend creativeness by means of higher measures will perish in the same old upheavals. Those who do not comprehend the new ways are greatly in need of understanding the Epoch of Maitreya. The Banner of Peace and of the Lords will open all ways! Hierarchy, 390.
2. Sometimes it seems as if there is no way out, but feelings of hopelessness are impermissible. At times of particular tension, a feeling similar to despair may arise. This is not a hopeless condition, for it carries within it the seed of resolute decisiveness. At each turn of the path, one feels this tension. There may be a decrease in strength, but this is only a reflection of the inner tension that is felt most strongly when an important decision, not yet realized, is ripening within. In such a case We advise great caution. Care should be taken of one's health, for the centers can become inflamed and vulnerable.
We always stress work, but advise rest during such times of tension. This kind of relaxation has nothing to do with idleness; it is a sharpening of forces. However, understand that We are now talking about great tasks that require complete sacrifice.
The Thinker loved to say, “Can we not find even more that we can sacrifice?” Supermundane II, 262.
3. People sometimes establish brotherhoods, but such superficial and pompous institutions have nothing in common with the great concept of Brotherhood. Thus people start communities, cooperatives, various unions and societies; but in their foundations there will not be even simple trust. Consequently, these establishments are very remote from that Brotherhood which would be a strong and steadfast union of trust.
It may be that right now certain finer hearts are already dreaming about the creation of organizations where trust would be the cornerstone. It cannot be insisted that everything is bad, when the human eye sees only some of the details of the approaching epoch.
Upon the fragments of ancient symbols one may observe the vitality of the basic concepts. Just when from the earthly point of view everything has been transgressed, it may be that at the same time most beautiful concepts are already being born. Brotherhood, 5.
4. When, then, should one speak about the necessary concepts? Particularly when they have been transgressed. Precisely, then, let us speak about them when people already consider them hopeless. Why do We remind about Brotherhood just at present? But people in their despair will come to seek the scattered seeds of the predestined Brotherly Community. Let us not be confused by the oscillations of the pendulum of life. Despair may be the forerunner of recovery of vision. Brotherhood, 6.
5. Resurrection and immortality -- do they not direct our thoughts toward the foundation of Being? But even these undeniable truths impel men toward disunity rather than cooperation. Many are the streams of Benefaction poured upon Earth. The manifestation of Benefaction occurs far more often than is generally supposed, yet the sacred gifts are accepted by men far more rarely than might be hoped. Thus is the law of free will peculiarly interpreted by Earth-dwellers. The dark forces try their utmost to prevent the manifestations of Benefaction. The self-will of people encourages various perversions. One should observe how at times benevolent thoughts flash out, to be extinguished as if by the pressure of a black hand. You were shown how even a powerful ray is subject to the schemes of the dark ones. Therefore I repeat about the unprecedented times. It is a fallacy for anyone to continue to regard the present time as normal. No self-hypnosis or reminiscing can help the ship in a storm; only the solid rock of the future can hold the anchor! So many raging voices are shrieking from out of space, intent on hindering the course of the ship! Therefore the black eagle struggles with such fierceness, but out of the Dawn comes the White One, and with him the streams of Benefaction! Fiery World I, 591.
6. One should not think that darkness touches only certain people; the traces of these poisonous influences are everywhere. Reactions to them can vary from just a bad mood to a dangerous illness. If black projectiles are falling from above, and darkness emanates from below, it would seem that humanity's condition is hopeless. But the Wise Ones say, “Do not think about conditions, it is better to think about moving forward.” Supermundane I, 79.
7. Urusvati knows the true meaning of self-criticism. For some it is like a millstone around the neck, for others it is a gateway to achievements. Let us not behave like slaves under the burden of the millstone, and impede our way into the Supermundane World!
One should not look back and thus stumble on the stony path. Only forward, untiringly forward! Let each mistake be a stepping stone to a new victory.
Let us not misunderstand the high concept of humility, with which one must stand before the grandeur of the Cosmic Laws, before the realization of the Higher World, before the inspiration of the creative Fire. However, climb boldly on the ladder of achievement, and let nothing impede spiritual daring! Science should confirm how much the vibrations of the ascending spirit are needed. The consciousness, out of its depth, prompts man that the way to victory has been ordained for him.
The Thinker said, “Do not set out on a long journey overburdened, but provide yourself with a torch of hope.” Supermundane IV, 878.
8. 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. …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.
9. Separate from karmic considerations, the ulcer of despair can often be seen in humanity. Man falls into the darkness of a prison built by himself. Everyone should help such prisoners, pointing out to them the near and joyous way.
The Thinker advised that, first of all, one must cast out the misconceptions about hopelessness and consider it the enemy of man. Supermundane IV, 774.
10. Urusvati knows that in ancient communities service to mankind was considered to be a lofty and difficult test. The tested one did not have to change his activity, but its essence was to be dedicated not to himself, not to his city, not to his country, but to the whole of humanity. Thus, the scope of his activity broadened and resulted in good for all.
It was not easy in ancient times to imagine the magnitude of humanity, and the possibilities for expansion of mental transmissions. We say this because at the present time humanity finds itself in a similar state of mind about the Supermundane World. We advise you not to withdraw from earthly activity, but to preserve thoughts about the Supermundane World, which will cease being seen as abstract and will enter life. It should be remembered that all one’s earthly labor can be dedicated to the Supermundane World. The greatness of the Highest World will inspire the highest quality in every human endeavor.
High quality can only raise the consciousness of mankind and bring it closer to the Supermundane World. The consciousness will affirm the meaning of the Higher World, but also, the inner, indescribable feeling will help, with a single sigh, the approach to the Highest. The improvement of quality in every activity will become an invisible bridge toward beautiful achievement.
The reasoning mind should not cloud the creative feeling, which will be of real service to mankind and to the Supermundane World. Especially now, with mankind in a state of confusion, hope should be given that everyone is destined to come closer to the Higher Worlds. Any labor is a trustworthy path. Only in commitment to high quality can one succeed on the path of ascent.
The Thinker used to say to His disciples, “Let each one of you affirm yourselves in quality of labor. Each one will labor in service to the Supermundane World.” Supermundane IV, 775.
11. I invoke blessings unto you.
Salvation will be yours!
Life nourishes the soul.
Strive for the life glorified,
and for the realization of purity.
Put aside all prejudices -- think freely.
Be not downcast but full of hope.
Flee not from life, but walk the path of salvation. The Call, 1.