Since the group’s inception, I feel we have been blessed with a heritage of wisdom and guidance given directly to us from my Teacher Torkom Saraydarian, as well as through the life examples and creative works of Helena and Nicholas Roerich, as well as others. It has been through Their message, wisdom and fiery labor, and through their many life examples and compassionate sacrifices made for the future of Humanity that we created a group organism seventeen years ago. Their spiritual message has served us as rays of Light providing ourselves and other discipleship groups around the world with a continuous source of inspiration and guidance. Always, Their respect for the Divinity of Life was exemplified through Their radiant love of the Buddha and the Christ. Each of these messengers of the Hierarchy, in Their own right, were shining lights and examples of the message of These Great Beings, and of the whole community of the Masters of Wisdom of Hierarchy.
In the opening pages of the book Challenge for Discipleship, Torkom Saray-darian reminds us about a commandment of Christ: “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this every man shall know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” This ageless commandment continues to guide all rays of Light and aids us in the recognition of the members of the community of Hierarchy, from the smallest to the greatest.
Counted among the many accomplishments of these great Teachers are museums in New York City and Russia that display many of the priceless paintings of the Master artist Nicholas Roerich. He was also a published writer and a statesman, and his passion for culture and the arts won him a nomination for the Nobel Peace prize. Helena Roerich was married to Nicholas Roerich, a mother of their two boys, a spiritual teacher and a published author and accomplished musician. She founded the Agni Yoga Society. In Fiery World, Vol. III, verse 7, Helena wrote “Let thy prayer be – Thee, O Lord, I shall serve in everything, always and everywhere. Let my path be marked by the attainment of selflessness.”
During his lifetime, Torkom Saray-darian wrote more than 150 books of such a high quality that they will be studied for hundreds of years – for the message is timeless. Torkom also composed hundreds of pieces of music, and through his counseling saved the lives of many young people who were caught in drug and alcohol abuse.
What has touched my heart so deeply is that none of these individuals ever laid claim to or boasted about their many accomplishments and sacrifices, yet each took a keen responsibility for the quality and clarity of their work, making certain each creative accomplishment was a clear display of Reality. None of these great Teachers advertised or drew attention to themselves or the legacy of their family name, for they believed that it was their life service to the community of Hierarchy that was important.
As each of us, friends and members, continue to
live the wisdom of Christ and Buddha, while studying the lives and message
of these humble servants of the Most High in modern times, I recognize how
a deepening love for the Lord is the energy that preceded all that they did.
It is in the bonds of discipleship and through our increasing
labor to manifest the vision of the group and the message of these rays of
light, while adhering to the Principles of Love, of Beauty, Goodness, Honesty,
Joy and Freedom in all that we do, that the foundation of WMEA will continue
to construct a center of Light for future generations. “...There is inscribed
upon the Shield of Light honesty, devotion and self-abnegation. But fearful
are the records of darkness. Let the hand of the disciple refrain from inscribing
upon these permanent scrolls lie, hypocrisy, betrayal, selfhood.”1
Shanti
Joleen D. Du Bois
President
________________________________
1. Fiery World, Vol. III, para. 7 (New York: Agni Yoga Society, 1948).
| There was a merchant setting out for India.
He asked each male and female servant what they wanted to be brought as a gift. Each told him a different exotic object:
Then he asked his beautiful caged parrot,
“When you see the Indian parrots,
Tell them that I remember well our
Tell them that the sound of their
This parrot is the spirit-bird in all of us,
So this parrot gave her message to the
One of the nearest parrots shivered
The merchant said, “This one is surely kin
He finished his trading and returned home
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 |
 |
“What happened when you told
my story to the Indian parrots?” “I’m afraid to say.” “Master, you must!” “When I spoke your complaint to the
She must have been a close companion,
As the caged parrot heard this, she herself
|
| This merchant was a good man. He grieved
deeply for his parrot, murmuring distracted phrases, self-contradictory— cold, then loving —clear, then murky with symbolism. A drowning man reaches for anything!
The One who lives inside existence
When the merchant threw the “dead”
The merchant suddenly understood
“She told me that it was the charm of
The parrot told the merchant one
“God protect you,” said the merchant,
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Agni Yogi and the Union of
Fire
adapted from a lecture given by Joleen Dianne Du Bois
Good
morning! This morning I am going to talk about a subject that is well known
to spiritual students – the union of fire. It is a simple talk, but if
you allow your heart and mind to listen, you will penetrate into deeper
layers of understanding.
Let’s begin with an instruction from Torkom Saraydarian. He declared, “The aim of the Agni Yoga Teaching is to show humanity how to achieve fiery union with the fire of Cosmos.”
How can an individual person or a group “show humanity how to achieve fiery union?” Through application of the Teachings of Light; by becoming a radiating, living and magnetic example of the Principles taught and exemplified by the Christ, Buddha and the Hierarchy of Great Ones.
The practice of Agni Yoga is for a disciplined person, a spiritually disciplined person. It is through spiritual discipline and a resulting fusion with the fiery Core of his Being that an Agni Yogi becomes a Wayshower for the world. Agni Yogi’s are the advanced Thinkers in today’s society. Their lives are demonstrations of fiery service, of untiring and ceaseless labor for the good of the whole: for their family, their group, their nation—for the whole of humanity. An Agni Yogi lives without “borders.” He composes “music” in his field of human endeavor but not to the exclusion of other fields. He sees his field of labor, whether it is in politics, education, communication, the arts, science, religion, or economics as one note in the whole symphony of music in Cosmos. He resides in one country but not to the exclusion of other nations, for the Agni Yogi knows that the blending of all nations, of all cultures, creates the whole of the Cosmic symphony of Beauty and Synthesis. He is free from prejudice and judgment. The purpose of His Calling is to reflect the fire of Cosmos in all that he does. All that he does is in synthesis to all other paths. An Agni Yogi is a living demonstration of creative achievement. His labor, his service, his fiery achievements are always performed in light of being a humble servant to and for the Christ and the great Brotherhood of Light; he gives, and in giving he receives.
So then, how can you show humanity how to best understand Agni Yoga and achieve fiery union? Not by words, not by speeches, not by making claims, but rather by way of example.
What does “by way of example” mean? After many years of rhythmic and regular meditation; study, service, and scholarship; purification, labor and striving; after years of self-perfectment, self-renunciation, self-discovery and by applying spiritual virtue and principle into his thoughts, feelings and actions, the person exemplifies Agni Yoga and union with the fire of Cosmos. He eventually and gradually achieves fiery union. It will take one or many lifetimes of refinement, striving and dedication in service to the Most High.
The yogi’s striving, his spiritual discipline, and spiritual unfoldment causes an actual change of his inner chemistry, burning away all the accumulated impurities in his lower nature and releasing a radioactive Beauty into his daily environment. His creative labor will ignite the divine Spark in others, evoking a longing to find their Purpose in Life. His Flame will ignite and release the inner potential from those who contact his art forms, the fruits of his labor, enabling them to begin their spiritual ascent. His labor will inspire creativity in others by evoking aspiration, enthusiasm, inspiration, intuition, and an ever-increasing selfless love, illumination and a sense of Future. It is truly a blessing to be in contact with One Who has achieved fiery union with the Fire of Cosmos.
How will you recognize a person who has achieved fiery union? There are many signs – but most especially you will observe a real and profound humility in his nature, a humility that expresses itself through the beauty of simplicity, the harmonious rhythm of refinement, a nobility of goodness and the mark of honor. He has a wisdom that does not belittle others— their beliefs, their culture, or their standing in society, whether young or old, rich or poor.
For example, Torkom Saraydarian writes about a time when he was a young boy: “Once we went to a hermit in the mountains. He was a very old man, 115 years of age. The most important thing I saw in him was his spirit of admiration. He would see a bird and exclaim, ‘Wow, isn’t that bird beautiful!’ Then he looked at us, ‘Oh, my goodness,’ he said, ‘what a divine beauty you are. How did you climb this mountain? You are a real youth!’
“Every time we said something intelligent, he admired us with words and gestures. When the sunset came, he made a sign for us to watch it. We sat for fifteen minutes in silence watching the sunset. Occasionally I watched his eyes and face—all admiration and ecstasy. When we came down from the mountain, we were full of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication.”1
See? The hermit was a person who had achieved a fiery union with the fire of Cosmos. His achievement and admiration began kindling the fire, the divine Spark, in those young boys.
Torkom later said, “The spirit of admiration forced us to climb that mountain of seven thousand feet again and again to see the hermit, who now had a new name – ‘The hermit of admiration.’ ”
As you begin to achieve a fiery union with your own Core, you will find others being naturally drawn into your life, into your sphere of influence, just as a moth is attracted to the light. We are all hungry for beauty: to be filled with energy, enthusiasm, and to develop the spirit of beauty. People who are drawn to the Light will ask an enlightened one for advice; they will ask him serious questions about how to improve his life, how to find direction in his life, how to increase joy in his life, how to increase beauty, how to build better relationships, how to make changes in the world and more. The fiery union of the Agni yogi will serve as an example for others to achieve.
The way to show humanity how to achieve a fiery union is through an appreciation of people’s beauty, through gratitude of the creative achievements of others, and through a respect of the higher values and virtues, which form a foundation for the Core of all life. Why is this? When your heart fuses with the Heart of Cosmos, it is only then that you, as an individual, or through the unity of group fusion, can awaken in another the creative fire that will lead him/her to the many Beauties awaiting discovery. To achieve a fiery union with the Core of your inner Being causes you to have a soul relationship with others.
It is curious to recognize how fiery union can also be met with a negative reaction by some people. Why is this? Because just as the fire of cosmos can release one’s inner Beauty, it can also stir up many layers of ugliness. If a person is not yet ready to experience such confrontation, also known as the experience of “awakening,” he will react. In his reaction such contact will, for a period of time, inflame all that is unhealthy and impure within himself. In such a realization the person will either decide to change his life, or will sink even further into the swamp of his nature.
How does this happen? We record the various harsh conditions of life through the many ugly images that we see, hear and experience. Each recording then further separates us from the opportunity of fiery union with Beauty, with Joy, with Freedom and with the fires of Creativity.
For example, anger. The images of anger, the many sounds of anger, the many words of anger can be recorded as color (one or a mixture of colors)—all which mix together and accumulate into a thread of ugly memories and associative feelings. When such a person comes in contact with one who has found his way out of the wilderness and into the light, the contact will expose those accumulations—for light is revealing.
To fuse your inner fire with the fire of Cosmos requires purification. In another talk we should discuss the path of purification. The process of purification is the cleansing of negative karma and can be a challenging as well as an enlightening and freeing experience. Why? We are living in a world that does not demonstrate purity; purity of thought, purity of emotion, honesty and integrity, simplicity and beauty. So many of us are living in a personal world filled with the messes of worry, debt, lack of sleep, depression, health problems, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, lack of direction.... The list goes on and on. Messes—all of which lead us away from our Core, from the purpose of our life, and away from fiery purification. Eventually we no longer have anything in our life to admire and become inspired by.
So, we want to strive in the coming years to awaken the fire within us to create a fiery union with the fire of Cosmos, to be an example of how to achieve fiery union. Each time we have contact with the Teachings, or have contact with a Teacher who has achieved fiery union, or experience contact with the Core of our Being – we will come to feel this fire entering into our aura and into our physical, emotional and mental nature. We must increase this inner fire day after day, year after year, if we want to achieve and realize our creative and spiritual potential—if we want to become somebody!
“Those who walk the Path of Faith and desire
to drink from the Chalice of Certainty must sanctify their soul and purify
it of all that is casual; that is, dismiss from the ears human words; from
the heart doubt born by the great veils; from the mind worldly cares; from
the eyes the sight of passing things; and, relying upon the Lord and calling
to him constantly, they must follow the Path until they become worthy to
receive the Light of Divine Knowledge and become holders of unlimited Blessings.”2
__________________________
1. Torkom Saraydarian, New Dimensions
in Healing (West Hills, CA: T.S.G. Publishing Foundation, Inc., 1992),
p. 240.
2. Nicholas Roerich, The Invincible (New York: Nicholas
Roerich Museum, 1974) p. 55.
The Agni Yogi, Fire and
the Heart
An Agni Yoga Compilation
The spirit of Agni Yoga links us with the higher spheres and connects us with the currents of the Cosmic Magnet. The quality of fire is confirmed by the tension of the magnet. The magnet of the spirit determines that step which can be manifested. The same principle guides the kindling of the centers.
The spirit whose consciousness is on the lower planes cannot ignite the fires of the higher centers. Only the highest attracts the highest; therefore, where there is only physical striving there will be a corresponding receptivity and result. In the approaching epoch of Agni Yoga, it is necessary to know the principle of forcibly sent messages. In nature there is also direct accordance which has its limits. Only the finest can assimilate the finest, and this is the principle of the magnet. Just as the principle of the fine energies is characteristic of the highest Agni Yogi, the physical receptivity determines corresponding manifestations. Everything that is forced, everything that is ostentatiously crude, everything that is physically manifested is inferior to the subtle principle.
An Agni Yogi possesses the highest balance;
the self-denying creativeness of his spirit leads to the balance of universal
correlation, and thereupon the imbalance and disharmony of the centers
ends in equilibrium. The Teaching refers often to these subtle differences.
Therefore, in order to progress to the next degree, it is important to
understand the imbalance of the lower manifestations and the beauty of
the highest harmony. The nature of an Agni Yogi is so high that comparison
with any mediumistic manifestation will be like a muddy drop of water in
a fiery chalice. Letters of
Helena Roerich, Vol. I, p. 21
The heart is the greatest Cosmic Magnet. All cosmic energies are attracted to the heart, and the heart assimilates them. The heart manifests in life all aspirations. The fire of space is attracted to the heart and the whole cosmic process lies in this principle.Therefore, the Cosmos exists in the attraction of the heart. Only the energies which are based on the attraction of the heart are vital. Thus, infinitely, the chain of life is forged by the heart.
Have you listened to your heart? Does it beat in rhythm with the Perfect Heart which embraces all of you? Letters of Helena Roerich, Vol. I, p. 9
Each one must find the key to the Teaching in his own heart. The understanding of the Teaching of Life should inaugurate the creativeness of the spirit. The Image of the Teacher can give an enlightened path toward cosmic space. Thus, when we accept within our hearts the chosen Image, do not our hearts become aflame with love toward all beings? The creative Materia Lucida serves as embodiment for the high spirit, but this energy is attracted through love. The whole Cosmos is upheld by love. Love is the greatest magnet.
My love for all of you, and my eagerness about your progress, tells my heart to point out the necessity for improvement.... Letters of Helena Roerich, Vol. I, p. 13
Now one general suggestion. In applying this suggestion, you must remember the ordainment of the Teacher: “Severity to yourself and an open heart for your brother. Only the benevolent eye can create.” The Teacher always advises to apply the Teaching first of all to your own self, otherwise you will remain on the same step. “It is sad when the spirit, after making its life circle, returns to the same point. It is sad when the spirit sets for itself the same limits, and its brood,as faithful fellow travelers, await at the gates.”
The magnet of the heart grows with sincerity and striving. There is nothing abstract in this because all the finest cosmic energies pass through the heart—all the finest energies, the most powerful and creative ones. But in order to attract these creative energies one must kindle one’s own fires. Thus, build up all your fires! But do not mistake sentimentality, that weeping kindness, for the severe, wise manifestation of the heart. Remember what theTeaching says about compassion and pity. Love each other, take care of each other, and give joy to each other. Letters of Helena Roerich, Vol. I, p. 14
...Let us apply our will power to the transmutation
of our fires. Let us attract the pure fire of space. All joy will come
with pure fire. Let us remember that the essence of the pure intense fire
contains the quality of unification. Therefore, where unification is not
manifested, there is no pure fire. But only the pure fire leads to the
Tower. Letters of Helena Roerich, Vol. I, p. 18
_
Joleen Du Bois, a student of Torkom since 1978, as well as a founder and teacher with the White Mountain Educational Group will conduct this timely class. The class will formulate itself around teachings found in the book The Year 2000 & After by Torkom Saraydarian.It also includes other information he shared regarding the coming times.
The class will be held from 7 to 8 pm on Wednesday evenings beginning September 8, 1999 and will continue through May 2000.
If you are interested in taking this class by tape please
contact us by e-mail.
|
(Suggested Donation $20) The United Nations Time- 9:30 – 12:30 Presentation 12:30 – 1:00 Brown Bag Lunch 1:00 – 1:30 Q & A Location – Mountain club |
and Seminar (Suggested Donation $35) Communication in Relationships Time- 10 – noon Morning Session - Special Luncheon - 2 – 4 Afternoon Session Location – Yavapai Hills Club House |
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& 13 Seminar at WMEA Center (Suggested Donation $35) Nov 12th 7-9 PM The Basics of Spiritual Counseling Nov 13th 10 – noon and 1:15 – 3:15 Preparation for Wesak and the Year 2000 |
Holiday Party at Yavapai Hills (Suggested Donation $10 ) Time 6 PM Location – Yavapai Hills Club House |
******** 2000 ********
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(Suggested Donation $20) Globilization: Integration of World Culture Time- 9:30 – 12:30 Presentation 12:30 – 1:00 Brown Bag Lunch 1:00 – 1:30 Q & A Location – Mountain club |
Annual WMEA Convention Living Ethics 2000 A convention celebrating the Teachings of Agni Yoga and the community
of discipleship.
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If you have any comments or questions please contact us -webmaster@wmea-world.org
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