JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER • 2020 • VOL. XLII / NO. 3

Inside This Issue A Time for Courage A Time for Courage Page One Leaves of ’s Garden II: Illumination, 1925 next to cowardice and treason, must be avoided. Networkers Letter Leaves of Morya’s Garden II, 72. For all I enjoin Fiery World III, 1935 Page Two courage. Even a dove should become a lion. Not Fiery World III, 94. The abyss may be con- Nicholas and Helena We, but you are in need of your courage. With a quered by different paths. Courage in the face of the Roerich smile arrest the destruction of the temple. Only by unfolding abyss is attained precisely when the spirit Page Three courage can you master a flight. All will happen places everything at stake. It is correct that the spirit in due time. Understand that can be tempered only in life. Health Corner Page Six one must repeat: “Courage and The overcoming of life’s dif- patience.” “Precisely in the days ficulties will bring the spirit Thoughts on Agni Leaves of Morya’s Garden II, its spark. Spiritual conquests Page Seven 1924 of grave sickness of the are so difficult. The physical Conversations with Leaves of Morya’s Garden body endures privations planet it is important to in self-satisfaction, but the Daniel Entin II, 255. The Blessed One said: Page Eight “Truth is the sole source of be filled with courage.” spirit conquers difficulties. courage.” The truth correctly And the fiery spiritual strife understood is the most beau- can uplift to a great height. tiful chapter of wisdom in the book of Cosmos. Thus, let us aspire to spiritual difficulties. The abyss can unfold itself before the heart. Thus it seems that New Era Community the path of life proceeds inexorably; but the heart New Era Community, 48. Precisely in the days of which realizes the abyss is also conscious of the grave sickness of the planet it is important to be filled Light. For, when a final boundary has been mani- with courage. By groping one does not pass, but the fested it is possible to unroll a Fiery Infinity. Only sword can cleave the harmful veils. Very grave is the in complete striving can the spirit unfold its wings. Welcome moment, and it is necessary to intensify all courage. On the path to the Fiery World one must be imbued For discussions with fearlessness before the abyss. The winged spirit Hierarchy, 1931 and posts on the knows this joy of attainment. Hierarchy, 314. Amidst the concepts of courage, Fiery World III, 388. During the decline of the most invincible is the courage of the flaming an epoch first of all is observed a split amidst Teachings, heart when, with full decisiveness, with full reali- inner structures. When spiritual downfall over- please visit our zation of achievement, the warrior knows only the comes the national consciousness, these signs “Agni Yoga – path of advance. To this achievement of courage are especially clear. Looking over a chart of Living Ethics only the extreme degree of the courage of desper- the World, one can easily be convinced that ation is comparable. With the same speed with dissolution precedes the renascence which can Community” site which the courage of the flaming heart overcomes be brought about only through regeneration of on Facebook: the future, desperation flees from the past. Thus, the spirit. Quests of the true renascence lead https://www.facebook.com/groups/ where the courage of the flaming heart is lacking, let to renewal of the spirit and of principles, and Agni.Yoga.Living.Ethics.Community/ there be the courage of desperation. Only thus can thus a new constructiveness can be affirmed. New construction cannot be approved without the warrior gain victory when the offensive is great. and WMEA on a veritable renewal of the spirit. The Service the Web: All other aspects of courage are of no significance, to Light must inspire the spirit with courage to because in them will be halfwayness. This quality, manifest fiery constructiveness. https://www.wmea-world.org 2 Agni Yoga Quarterly

NETWORKERS LETTER Dear Friends, his coming October will find the WMEA celebrating its Community thirty-eighth anniversary “Begin to build the community as a Twith a weekend of wonderful events. home of knowledge and beauty.” First, there will be conversations – New Era Community, verse 229 and presentations about the origins of Agni Yoga, and the Agni Yoga Rev. Joleen D. DuBois Society and its founders, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of Agni again remember about the Teachers. Yoga. The first lines of Agni Yoga Of course, these Teachers must not were written down in 1920. March pertain to a grandfather’s study with 24, 1920 was the day when the first all its petrified remains. lines of the Teaching were recorded. “The Teacher is He who reveals, The WMEA’s thirty-eighth anni- enlightens, and encourages: He who versary celebration will also include will say, ‘Blessed are the obstacles, presentations and dialogue about the through them we grow.’ He who will Spiritual Hierarchy. About the Spir- recall the beautiful Golgothas of itual Hierarchy, in his book Heroica knowledge and art because therein Nicholas Roerich wrote: lies creative achievement. He who is able to remind, to teach the means “How often humanity, entangled in of achievement will not be rejected its problems, attempted to deny the by strong spirits. He Himself will significance of the teacher. In epochs realize the value of the Hierarchy of decadence, it was seemingly pos- of Knowledge, and in his constant sible to shake the basic conception of movement will create the ascending the Spiritual Hierarchy. But not for researches.”1 long did this darkness last. With the epochs of renaissance, again the great It is important for us to know about the Hierarchy because the Hierarchy leadership of teaching was inevitably significant epoch. In certain strata is our future. We are going to eventu- crystallized, and people again began of humanity, the spirit of denial has ally be part of the Hierarchy. Hierar- to feel the ladder of ascent and the just succeeded in evoking a protest chy means the maturity of the human blessed hand of the Leader. Many against the Teacher. But as always being, the future of the human being. times small minds hesitate, fearing happens, denial can arise only tem- that they may be oppressed by the porarily, and the creative origins of continued on page 11 personality of the Teacher. Especially humanity will again lead the wan- those who have little to lose worry derers of life into the path of affir- 1 If you would like to read more from Heroica, please go to the : most often lest they lose something. mation, of fearless search—to the http://www.roerich.org/gifts-books.php. It is available to In this regard, we now enter a very path of creation and beauty. People read on their website, though the text does not contain page numbers.

Agni Yoga Quarterly WMEA Copyright and Permissions Notice Vol. XLII No. 3 All materials contained within Agni Yoga White Mountain Agni Yoga Quarterly can be found on Quarterly are protected by United States the internet: copyright law and may not be reproduced, dis- Education https://www.wmea-world.org tributed, transmitted, displayed, published, or Email: [email protected] broadcast without prior written permission of the Association, Inc. White Mountain Education Association, Inc.: https://wmea-world.org/wmea/copyright/ Agni Yoga Quarterly 3

Nicholas and Messengers of the New Era of Living Ethics Sina Fosdick (A Talk Before the Brooklyn , May 10, 1956)

y talk today deals with the present era of humanity’s history—the New Era. It Mdeals with the Teaching given for this period and with the Envoys of the White Brotherhood, who were delegated to bring the new Teach- ing to humanity. As we know, each century, a Messenger, or Envoys, are being sent to many countries to bring indications, counsels, warnings, and prophecies, especially and karmically destined for each century.

It is of interest to quote here H. P. Blavatsky’s statement from her Voice of the Silence: “A Messenger is sent to enlighten the world every cen- tury, at a certain specified period of the cycle.” The great Tibetan Sage, Helena and Nicholas Roerich Tsong-kha-pa, proclaimed this Mes- sage of vital importance. The Roerichs arrived in New York Museum, Agni Yoga Society, Inter- Humanity is never left alone, but, in 1921, the occasion being the exhi- national Art Center, and later the on the contrary, spiritual and prac- bition of Prof. Roerich’s paintings in and Banner of Peace tical help is poured constantly from New York. He, the great, internation- Committee. Thus was the corner- the Great Source of Hierarchy upon ally known artist, widely acclaimed stone of deeper and greater appre- our Earth. Literature abounds in in his own country, , and in ciation of culture laid in the soil of examples testifying to the reality many other European countries, America. This is one of the endeav- of this statement. People, nations, brought his paintings to Amer- ors of their great mission. movements, groups, individuals are ica at the invitation of the Chicago At the same time, the books of not abandoned. The current of age- Art Institute. After the opening in less wisdom, applicable to everyday the Agni Yoga Teaching were being New York, his exhibition toured the received by them from the Great life and to man’s self-perfectment is United States for almost two years. flowing endlessly. If our conscious- Source and transmitted to the West- nesses are open, if our ears and After settling in New York, Prof. ern world. They appeared first in the vision are attuned, if the striving for and Mme. Roerich met a small group United States and later were trans- Knowledge, Beauty, and Truth are of earnest spiritual seekers and fol- lated into European and Asiatic lan- present, the gates are opened. But lowers of his great art. With them, guages. The consecutive order of the we must knock ourselves, and the Prof. Roerich founded a school of books was indicated, and they were knocking one will be admitted, says arts, called the Master School of published in that order. At the very Agni Yoga. United Arts. Subsequently, there same time, numerous Roerich Soci- was founded the Nicholas Roerich eties sprang up in Europe, and the 4 Agni Yoga Quarterly

books of the Teaching were, in turn, translated into the language of those countries and published there. The books were published in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Bulgarian, Latvian, and several Asi- atic languages. In 1923 Prof. and Mme. Roerich, with their two highly gifted young sons, left for Europe, where they had to equip an expedition to proceed through the heart of Asia. For five years, the expedition traveled, cover- ing , , Little Tibet, Sikkim, Mongolia, Chinese Turkestan, Altai, and so forth. Twice Prof. Roerich left the expedition for brief peri- ods of time to come to this country for the most important decisions to April–May, 1926, Urumchi, Chinese Turkestan. Front left: George Roerich; Front middle: Nicholas be conveyed to his coworkers here. Roerich; Standing behind Nicholas Roerich: Helena Roerich. Plans were laid, and brought into reality, of founding an International genius. In April of 1935, twenty-one Art Center, also combining science countries of North, Central, and and related subjects. Foundations South America, including the United were laid for a number of museums, States, ratified the Roerich Pact and each dedicated to a special nation. Banner of Peace. President Franklin Exchanges of exhibitions, artists, lec- D. Roosevelt made at that time an turers, and scientists were promoted; international broadcast marking the scholarships were given at the Mas- significance of the Roerich Pact and ter Institute of the Roerich Museum, Peace Banner, and later it was offi- which taught all arts under one roof. cially ratified by Congress and pro- Three international conferences claimed by the President in the name dedicated to the Roerich Peace of the United States. Subsequently, Pact and Banner, a unique plan for several other countries, including peace created and developed by Prof. India, also adopted the Roerich Pact Roerich, took place—two in Bruges, and Banner of Peace. A number of Belgium, in 1931, 1932, and one in committees in Latin America, as well Washington D.C., in 1933. Delegates as in European countries, were orga- and representatives of all nations par- nized to work for the furtherance of ticipated in these conferences, pro- this noble, humanitarian peace proj- claiming the undeniable and imper- ect. Madonna Oriflamma, by Nicholas Roerich, 1932 ative need of the ratification and After their return in 1929 from the vati Himalayan Research Institute. adoption of this plan by all nations Central Asiatic Expedition, Prof. and Under their enlightened guidance, of the world. This is an international Mme. Roerich chose Naggar in Kulu the institute invited Tibetan and pact for the protection of artistic Valley, India, as their place of resi- Indian scholars, learned lama-doc- and scientific institutions, histori- dence and as the best site for a scien- tors, archeologists, botanists, and cal monuments, cathedrals, librar- tific institution, which was founded others for participation in its work. ies, and cultural treasures of man’s by them under the name of the Urus- Important data was collected on the Agni Yoga Quarterly 5

medical lore of Tibet, China, India, your lives and bring the true happi- as well as other scientific data based ness—that of living in harmony and upon the findings that are so rich in unity in the universe, not alone on that part of India. Earth, not only with human beings! A magazine, Urusvati Journal, and Your inner thirst for knowledge many literary publications and arti- will grow, illumination will come, the cles were published; contacts with spiritual centers will open gradually, leading scientists and European, the sacred gifts given to men—clair- American, and Asiatic universities voyance, clairaudience, perception, were established. and cognition of the subtle forces Prof. and Mme. Roerich continued around you—will be revealed to you during this time with their great mis- in a new light. sion, in close contact with the Hier- Instead of being bowed down by archy of Light, spreading the Teach- chaos, instead of being blind to the ing of Agni Yoga in all corners of the law of karma, man’s entire being will world. strive with the fire of his heart to the Beauty, which opens all gates, opens Higher Worlds, of which the Blessed numerous hearts, as its language is Masters tell us we must strive to understood universally—far more become Their helpers and coworkers! than are treaties, agreements, and Remember, Masters call Themselves diplomatic relations. the Elder Brothers of humanity, and The Master Institute of United Arts building They want all of us to understand The acclaim of Roerich’s art in the the joy of Labor as a chain of endless realization that the Masters of Wis- United States was enthusiastic and achievements on the path of Knowl- dom are real; that they do exist and far-reaching. First, the artists, and edge and Beauty. then the lovers of beauty, and then do send enlightenment to men; and the people, young and old of all that through the Teaching of Agni And from the moment the Teaching classes, faiths, and molds came to see Yoga, human beings can come closer of Agni Yoga was transmitted by Prof. the majestic past, the great Teachers to the Hierarchy of Light through the and Mme. Roerich to the earnest of humanity, the significant symbols Blessed Masters, and thus can activate seekers, it became increasingly clear and messages, depicted in pure, glow- the potential energies existing within to their close coworkers that they, our ing colors, breathing joy and seren- themselves. Gurus, were fulfilling a sublime mis- sion here on Earth. ity. These paintings touched upon To save our sick planet and restore the innermost strings of the heart, the shaken and disturbed equilib- The Envoys that are sent by the awakened the dormant dreams and rium of the world is our immedi- Hierarchy of Light to bring urgent aspirations, and called to the future ate and sacred duty. Some of you advice, warnings, and council to var- to the work and service for the com- are acquainted with the Teaching of ious countries, with complete self-ab- mon good of man. Great art speaks Agni Yoga from the very first book, negation, always fully realize the sac- to all—Fra Angelico, Raphael, Leon- Leaves of Morya’s Garden (or as it is rifices, impediments, obstacles, and ardo DaVinci, and other great mas- also known, The Call), up to the one even martyrdom that humanity will ters awakened spiritual values where that was just published, Infinity, vol. strew in their paths. It was so through religion and the church stood helpless 1, in which you are told of the psychic all the history of humanity. Saint and could not arouse man from his energy that is within you and that Germain came to ward off revolu- selfish and material aims. surrounds you in the whole universe. tions, upheavals, catastrophes, and he But besides the awakening of the Your awareness, your consciousness received derision, refusals to listen, sense of beauty and veneration of of this energy will endow you with and finally, the title of “charlatan.” culture, Prof. Roerich and his wife, new strength, will awaken your spirit H. P. Blavatsky brought an ocean of Helena Roerich, brought another to a greater realization of the spiritual even greater gift to mankind: the forces within yourselves, will enrich Continued on page 11 6 Agni Yoga Quarterly

gni Yoga approaches just in time. Without it, who could say that epidemics of “Ainfluenza should be cured by psychic Health Corner energy? Who would pay attention to “I speak about the preservation of the new kinds of mental, brain, and magnanimity as the basis of good health.” nervous illnesses, such as sleeping Fiery World I, verse 17 sickness? It is not leprosy, or the old Note: All medical advice is given to the reader as a guideline. forms of plague or cholera that must Please consult a medical professional before proceeding, and then be dreaded; for them, preventive proceed caerefully, with discretion and at your own risk. measures already exist. But one must ponder over the new enemies that becomes impossible to catch. So you something abstract. One should real- are created by the conditions of con- should get used to striving and man- ize firmly that it is the most power- temporary life. One cannot apply old ifest it physically as well as spiritually. ful life-giver. We call it the primary treatments to them; a new approach A teaching that does not instill striving remedy. But even a pill must be swal- will be found through the expansion is like a sack full of holes. You should lowed and an ointment applied. There of consciousness. embrace the essence of what is being is no effect from a remedy that is in “One can trace how, over the last said, because a study of the words a trunk. Likewise, the Benefaction thousand years, waves of sicknesses alone will stop with the tongue. But of Hierarchy must be taken by striv- have swept over Earth. By these records beware of a tongue that moves rapidly ing. Thus, an irrevocable striving will one can compile a curious tabulation while the heart stays deadly still. Let us afford a healing result.”3 of human failings, because sicknesses not forget about the antidote of genu- “One must manifest special cau- clearly show the negative aspects of our ine striving.”2 tion. You can see how even the morals existence. “Diseases are divided as sacred, of a nation change. Hence, ignorance “I hope that alert minds will think karmic, and those that are admit- reacts to the pressure of the atmo- about this in time. It is too late to start ted. The first two concepts are easily sphere. One must observe that igno- making a pump when your house is understood, but precisely in the book rance clearly affirms the foundations already on fire.”1 Hierarchy one should mention the of darkness. One can imagine how “Right efforts wipe away the mani- admitted ones. Who or what permits easily an undeveloped brain deteri- festations of contagion. A person who these diseases? Certainly ignorance orates when the heart is silent. The is striving actually has very strong and the horror of non-realization. morals of the peoples droop like a immune resistance. The same goes for It is not enough not to think about withered apple tree. Thus the danger people who are walking along the edge them. Children likewise do not think of fiery epidemics is now great. of an abyss. The most powerful wings of them, yet become infected. One “The Chaldeans classified all sick- are woven of aspirations and striving. should protect oneself in conscious- nesses according to the elements; and It even turns out that striving is the ness and create an invulnerable armor they were not far from the truth, for most effective antidote. The fire born of nerve emanations. Even severe epi- the elements and luminaries chiefly of swift, intense striving is the very demics cannot develop if people mas- condition the organism—the cosmic best shield. The ancients explained ter their consciousnesses. An exper- as well as the human.”4 why arrows fail to reach those who iment with the substance of psychic are striving. Nowadays doctors could energy would indicate what powerful show how a special substance devel- antiseptics people carry within them- 1 Agni Yoga, 1929, 6th ed. (New York, NY: Agni Yoga selves. For this, two conditions are Society, Inc., [1928] 1997, repr. 2016), verse 492. ops in the course of spiritual striving. 2 Heart, 1932, 3rd ed. (New York, NY: Agni Yoga Accept this fact as vital advice and put necessary: the first—realization of Society, Inc., [1934] 2013, repr. 2016), verse 216. it to work in your life. I am pointing psychic energy; the second—realiza- 3 Hierarchy, 1931, 3rd ed. (New York, NY: Agni Yoga tion of Hierarchy as the sole path for Society, Inc., [1933] 1997, repr. 2016), verse 418. out how the striving spirit changes its 4 Fiery World, 1933, Vol. I, 2nd ed. (New York, NY: position with the swiftness of light and the increase of psychic energy. One Agni Yoga Society, Inc., [1943] 1969, repr. 2016, should not look upon Hierarchy as updated August 2019), verse 6. Agni Yoga Quarterly 7

Instructions to Disciples by the Gr. L. Thoughts on Agni Yoga Instructions given by the Gr. L. to the We invite our readers to send us disciples before the departure of the Teachers from New York in 1923: their thoughts on a quote from the Agni Yoga Teachings February 3, 1923

I. If you hear the name of the Lord of the World, harken! sears the web of the world. If you with tasks. II. If you hear blasphemy against the act with indignation of spirit, pro- XIV. Learn to recognize friends— Messiah, do not be terrified, but say, tecting the Name of the Lord and they are approaching. “This is madness.” the strength of your Teacher, even blows are justified. In all things dis- XV. How should you take measure of III. Revere the Principle. In all broth- criminate between the fire of anger your own deeds? If the deeds are of erhoods, greater or lesser, all actions and the purifying flame of indigna- benefit to the world, the measure is are transmitted through the Elders. tion of the spirit. good. There may be Teachings, there may XVI. How should you evaluate the be words of inspiration: Their source quality of your deeds? If the deeds are is One. of benefit to humanity, their essence IV. Do not await gifts; the treasures “Do not await gifts; the is good. must be gathered by you. I could treasures must be gathered XVII. Learn to understand the mean- allot you all the pearls of the world, ing of rest between actions; this rest is but how would you use this treasure? by you. I could allot you all an accumulation of strength. You would find an iron-bound place the pearls of the world, but for them, cold and dead, and the gift XVIII. Do not fear; whatever is would perish. But it would be quite how would you use this well-conceived will endure. otherwise if, under My Hand, you treasure? You would find XIX. Know how to keep your yourself strung your own lives as understanding of the entire scope of pearls and took measure of their size an iron-bound place for your mission. and value. them, cold and dead, and XX. Do not criticize and do not curse; V. Read the miracles in your own the hail of curses will rebound upon life. One disciple responds to Urus- the gift would perish.” the heads of those who utter them. vati, another is filled with the Prin- XXI. Know how to protect My Name ciple of Fuyama. Not in a book but and My Deeds from the traitors; in life is the page of karma revealed. IX. If you do not find a solution for many opportunities will be found to VI. Look for the new ones. They are something, leave your efforts for stop blasphemy and slander. another day, when the heavenly bod- chosen and directed; do not reject If, in labor and in joy, you imple- their knocking. ies will purify your communion with Truth. ment these three-times-seven rules VII. Keep sharp your swords by day and keep them in your mind, My and by night, for they are wielded in X. If you do not wish to begin, do not. Abode will flourish, and there will My Name. XI. If you do not wish to see, do not. be walls upon which the signs of My VIII. The most imperative is never XII. I will speak to you when your Deeds may be fastened. Now is the to act in anger but only in indigna- soul longs desperately for knowledge. time for action. Our trust is with you. tion of the spirit. The fire of anger XIII. Do not overburden the old ones 8 Agni Yoga Quarterly

August 10, 1999 Dear ——, Conversations with

All over Russia, and most especially in Moscow, there are Roerich-ori- Daniel Entin ented conferences timed to be near Daniel Entin (1927–2017), Former Executive his birthday, October 9th. The tone Director of the Nicholas Roerich Museum of the conferences can vary, but they all involve many people making long speeches on one topic or another con- nected with Roerich’s life and work. But three years later, President Gor- The conference that I am going to will bachev declared his appreciation of be very heavy with academics, schol- “Whether we like the Roerich and said he would support ars, and researchers. The first day of term ‘New Age’ or not, the establishing of a Roerich study the conference even takes place in the we in America are for center in Moscow, and that opened Academy of Sciences. All that is a bit the doors everywhere. Everyone strange to Westerners, who are not the most part quite began writing, publishing, broadcast- used to such large activities relating influenced by decades of ing, propagandizing—and that level to Roerich, and who don’t try very New Age thinking, which of feverish activity continues. It is hard to fit Roerich, Agni Yoga, or any is inclusive rather than quite understandable, considering the other spiritual pursuit into a scien- pressure cooker that all the Roerich- tific mold. But in Russia, everything exclusive, which embraces ites had been in before. is looked at from every angle, and rather than rejects, which everything is researched thoroughly. reaches out rather than Daniel This particular conference has a title ” that touches me—“the relevance of withdraws. August 31, 1999 the Roerich heritage to humanity” Opinions —and that is why I agreed to attend. feel that outside influences are threat- Most of the conferences are very ening. Even their word for “foreign” Dear ——, resonates with that feeling: “beyond nationalistic in tone, trying to hold Thank you for the thoughtful little the borders.” Roerich in a kind of vise that confines essay. Most people do “stand behind” him to Russian points of view. I tend The wonderful thing for me in their opinions. But to me, that is a to use the conferences as an oppor- attending the conferences is, I must kind of inflexibility. I distrust my own tunity to “stretch” the viewpoints, to confess, not so much to listen to the opinions, precisely because opinions see Roerich as a planetary figure, an speeches, but to be able to meet many are a solidification of thinking. We individual of universal interest and people whom I have come to know must, I think, be always open and concerns, and that gets me into trou- and care about, and to love, over the flexible, and willing at every moment ble sometimes. years. Many of them have histories of to change our opinions when better Whether we like the term “New suffering for the Teaching, something ways are pointed out to us. Opinions Age” or not, we in America are for that we can hardly imagine. I went to hold us back, in a way. my first Roerich conference in 1984, the most part quite influenced by Another difficulty is that (this is when Agni Yoga was not even men- decades of New Age thinking, which the result of a lot of agonizing over the tioned aloud, and Helena Roerich’s is inclusive rather than exclusive, question) opinions have a right to be name was whispered into my ear as which embraces rather than rejects, called that only when they are based a kind of code by those who wanted which reaches out rather than with- on knowledge and accurate informa- me to know that they knew. For an draws. A lot of that makes tion. Otherwise they fall more on the American like me, that time was very uncomfortable. So many of them still side of prejudice. When people claim, strange indeed, and sad. Agni Yoga Quarterly 9

“I have a right to my opinion!” they usually In the evening, it is not just the day that Russian people, about Russia’s destiny are defending their prejudices. is winding down, we are too, and the mind to sacrifice itself over and over again is less open to the distractions of daytime to save the world, about the Teaching I truly appreciate this airing of a very and more open to the mellowness of intu- being specifically received by a Russian difficult and incendiary subject. Thanks. itive reading. for the “soul” of the Russian people.

Daniel I find that when I read in the evening, I After enduring all that, I tore up my am less analytical and logical, and tend to speech and wrote an anti-national- September 23, 1999 absorb what I read in a more direct way. ism speech. From that moment on, I Thoughts of the Day In the morning, I tend to filter what I read have been vilified by many in Russia. Dear ——, through my reason. I do think that it is a So many of my friends in Russia are higher form of reason, not just ordinary infected by this disease, as you call it. If these are Agni Yoga thoughts, their logical thinking, especially because of They cannot see that nationalism is original place in the Teaching must be where I believe I have been only an hour the cause of most of the miseries in given. If you are quoting from the Teach- or two before. There is much Teaching fly- the world today, the terrible, destruc- ing, you must let us know. If you are mak- ing around the planet in the early morning tive, national wars everywhere, even ing your own statements, you must let us hours—I am sure of it—and we cannot but though some of those conflicts take know too. We cannot have personal opin- be affected by it. place in Russia itself. ions masquerading as Agni Yoga. If you are making your own statements, you can- Taken together, a more rounded under- To me, there are semantic problems not call them Agni Yoga thoughts. standing occurs. At least, I feel that for that must be dealt with first, before myself. Of course, I cannot describe the discussing the problem. What is patri- I am sure you agree. Please clarify. experience of others in this. It would be otism? Is it good or bad? What is good to hear different views and experi- nationalism? Is it good or bad? What is Daniel ences. chauvinism? When precisely does one stage become another? October 29, 1999 Daniel I have a few thoughts about this. The How to Study Agni Yoga November 07, 1999 Teaching tells us that we should love Dear ——, Nationalism our country and serve its evolution, that we are born in a particular place From my own experience, I believe that Dear ——, for a reason. That idea leads Russian because we all read the Teaching at differ- Agni Yoga students, and most Rus- ent times of the day or night, we know that I am responding to your plea, sians, to condemn emigrants as trai- we feel differently at different times, and because I have had painful first- tors. But it is hard to simplify such that affects our reading. Certainly, in the hand experience with the question of an idea. Some people who left Russia morning, after a good night’s sleep that nationalism, and the “nationalism” of in this century have served it best by we assume included forays into the subtle Agni Yoga, in Russia. leaving. They have spread awareness of realms, we have a “tuning” that is different. throughout the world. Add that to the positive, energetic feelings Three years ago, I attended a confer- Rostropovich is perhaps a good exam- that we have at the beginning of a new day, ence in Moscow dedicated to Roerich, ple. In our country, a good argument and we can read with a clarity that is spe- and I listened to speech after speech could be made that all those young cial. about the superior spirituality of the

Summer classes are ongoing through June and July. Agni Yoga Society International Headquarters: To register or for more information, email us at: [email protected] Agni Yoga Society, Inc. 319 W 107th St. For our calendar of events and more about the WMEA, visit New York, NY 10025 https://www.wmea-world.org www.agniyoga.org 10 Agni Yoga Quarterly

people who left the U.S. during the Viet- July 26, 1999 was all work and service, and developing nam war were doing more for the coun- Ego, Illumination, and Beauty the humility to know how little we know. try than against it. Dear ——, The same Sufi teacher taught us that Patriotism, to my mind, is love of every time we go onto a bus or the sub- country. No one can criticize that. But I, like everyone, appreciate compli- way, we should look at each passenger, when love of country becomes “my ments, and thank you for them. But and no matter how superficially ugly or country is better than all others,” love of some are undeserved. In any case, I offensive a person may seem, to peer country has moved further, into nation- may have overstated my case to make beneath the surface and find the eter- alism. For a spiritual student, nation- the point, and if I offended anyone, I nal beauty that exists in everyone. The alism closes the door to the growth of apologize. It is just that, as Director of Teaching tells us that the Master himself knowledge about humanity and human the Nicholas Roerich Museum, I see so may come to one’s door in the guise of culture, and to the development of toler- many people come through the door a filthy beggar, and that we must learn ance and respect—even love—for all of who are either aging New Agers or spir- to recognize Him by seeing beyond the humanity. We see what that does in so itual students, serious or casual. Almost disguise, and by ignoring the surface many places in the world. In the United all of them project a quality of certainty, appearance. States, it takes a different form, because of having already achieved, that I have no one group has its own location, and begun to think of it as a kind of disease. When the Teaching uses the triad— the bigotry focuses on differences of Certainty is the lock that seals the door Love, Beauty, and Action (or Motion)— race, color, language, culture, national- to growth. that is the kind of Beauty that is meant. ity, sex, and perhaps more. There can be no positive motion in the Many years ago when I was studying universe without the impelling power The way to judge and understand with a great Sufi teacher, I was so over- and sustaining power of Love and whether any way of thinking is good or whelmed by the feeling that I had been Beauty. bad is, I was taught a few years ago by illumined, as if I had jumped from the someone I love and respect very much, bottom rung to the top, in one leap. I Just a few ideas to flesh out my quite simple. There are essentially two asked the teacher for an interview and too-cryptic message. told him that I felt a strong need to kinds of thinking—inclusive and exclu- Love to all, sive. The one is based on love and moves teach, to share what I had learned with humanity forward. The other is separa- everyone. He laughed, kindly, but told Daniel tive, without love, and keeps humanity me that I had not yet learned much, and mired in the same tragic circumstances that I should go to the Sufi ashram for a few years, to meditate and serve. (Later 1 “Mstislav Rostropovich, (Russian musician, that have caused so much grief ever March 27, 1927–April 29, 2007 ) the renowned since Cain killed Abel. he explained that this feeling and urge cellist, conductor and human rights champion, happens to so many people on the bot- was buried on Sunday (April 29) 2007 in Moscow. I don’t know what Russians will be like tom rungs, that what they are learning Mourners flocked to pay tribute at the Cathedral in the next generation, whether they will and experiencing is so overwhelming of Christ the Savior, which was destroyed by the Communists and which Rostropovich helped to learn to to them that they really think they have reconstruct after the establishment of the Russian found The Great Knowledge, and they Federation.” https://www.playbill.com/article/the- trust the world around them and real- want to go out to save the multitudes.) world-bids-farewell-to-rostropovich-quotes-of- ize that they have much to learn from tribute-from-musicians-and-political-figures that world. Their distrust causes them Well, I didn’t follow his advice. 2 Not knowing, nor ever heard of this renowned to read the Teaching in a way that is Instead, I came to the Agni Yoga Soci- musician until talking with Daniel, I wanted to uniquely theirs, one that does not let ety and offered myself as a volunteer. I learn more and began searching the internet; as a musician I wanted to learn more. When I found them embrace all that exists, so that we had learned the lesson and didn’t let that this quote, I became an admirer: “Every man must can all rise together to the Heights. I wait ego-flower blossom again. Anyway, if have the right fearlessly to think independently and and hope because I want to go back to Sina Fosdick, the director here and one express his opinion about what he knows, what he open arms, not clenched fists. of the Roerichs’ first disciples, ever saw has personally thought about and experienced, and even a glimmer of that kind of ego bal- not merely to express with slightly different varia- Daniel tions the opinion which has been inculcated in him." looning, she’d shoot it down, fast. Here, it — Editor Agni Yoga Quarterly 11

Nicholas and Helena Roerich luminaries—the far-off worlds—we are Networkers Letter (continued from page 5) led by the Teaching of Agni Yoga, under (continued from page 2) the guidance of the Hierarchy of Light. wisdom—the great doctrines of Eastern We are living in the epoch of Mai- The Teaching reminds us there is philosophy—to Western minds, and she treya, in the era of the Mother of the a Group of Great Men and Women was hounded, vilified, and slandered, not World. And Helena Roerich—she who who have long traveled the road of only by strangers and enemies but even was proclaimed by the Hierarchy of life and, in so doing, have perfected by those very close to her. The Roerichs Light as the Mother of Agni Yoga— Themselves. Great Ones have com- also did not escape this destiny. And yet, brought the supreme sacrifice while mitted Themselves to continue to in all these examples there remains the being in the physical body and partic- inspire all humanity even to the fact of invincible achievements—the ipating in the cosmic work of the Hier- sacrifice of Their own continuing transmitted Teaching remains, gains archy. She and her noble life compan- advancement. This They have done more adherents, brings expansion of ion, Prof. Roerich, brought new Light so we can graduate from repeated consciousness to greater and greater and Knowledge to mankind. Earthly incarnations. They are a numbers of people, and kindles new Group of Great Men and Women who hearts with love, compassion, tolerance, New responsibilities of womanhood comprise what is called the Spiritual and the desire to serve, to help and uplift in the elevating of the human spirit are Hierarchy. Their commitment to the the spirit of our fellow beings. to be brought about in this era. Love world is the hope of the planet. and Beauty cannot any longer remain Starting with the simple formulae, mere slogans; they must be taught To learn more about the upcoming and leading into the awesomeness of in schools so that the children may the Infinite, to the cognition of Highest understand higher planes of existence. thirty-eighth anniversary celebration of Reason and of the workings of the Cos- Science, religion, art, should form one the WMEA please go to mic Magnet, into the mysteries of the unified realm; their unity must bring https://wmea-world.org/wmea/ atom, Agni Yoga brings to you finally new aspirations to humanity. This evo- the realization of the element of Fire, the lution will bring the lofty understand- With love, Fire of Space. Realization of the ineffa- ing of Infinity. ble beauty and grandeur of the cosmic processes evolving in Space raises your The Teaching tells us that man does own possibilities, bringing you closer not die, but changes. Fear of death thus becomes extinct; instead, there is to the far-off worlds. And if and when Joleen Dianne DuBois the consciousness absorbs the under- manifested the joy of an endless chain President and founder standing of becoming a participant in of existences, which will bring even- the life of the far-off worlds, then one tually the awareness of many lives. White Mountain Education Association, Inc. may say that our life on Earth takes And all this is given with clarity and on a new meaning. Co-measurement the power of wisdom to those who SUNDAY WEBINAR REGISTRATION of the small and the great, the usual seek, to those who have faith and live https://wmea-world.org/live.html for the future. and the urgent, verily leaps before our WHITE MOUNTAIN WEBSITE senses. Perception, vigilance, resource- Our beloved Teachers and Leaders, https://wmea-world.org fulness, flexibility—all these qualities Nicholas and Helena Roerich, were become enhanced. The daily activities the chosen instruments to bring this SUNDAY TALKS lose monotony, new interests spring up, Teaching to mankind at this period— https://youtube.com/wmeaworld/videos and the self-imposed discipline of the he, through the medium of his great JOLEEN’S BLOG spirit brings ever-greater possibilities of art, his synthesis achieved in numerous advancement. These are not mere words lives; she, through the supreme achieve- https://www.wmea-world.org/toay of enthusiastic acclaim—these are the ments here on Earth as the Mother of AGNI YOGA LIVING ETHICS COMMUNITY steps of discipleship. From the first call, Agni Yoga. The blending of these two https://facebook.com/groups/Agni.Yoga.Living.Ethics.Community/ followed by spirit illumination, to the great spirits in this life was in itself a ZODIAC NEWSLETTER reverence of community, cooperation supreme karmic union. and its principles, and up to the great https://www.wmea-world.org/zodiac_newsletter.html 12 Agni Yoga Quarterly

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