1998 has been a wonderfully exciting and transforming year for the Group. Now, when I say “wonderfully exciting,” it doesn’t mean that it’s all been easy or transforming without effort. Indeed just the opposite—spiritual labor was required, adherence to the instructions given by way of theTeachings necessary, both of which provided us with the tools needed in the Group’s striving. Strength was provided to the Group through a belief of the Group’s Vision and by adherence to the principles of the Teachings. Support, enthusiasm and encouragement were given by members and friends from around the world, which helped to sustain us during the period of transformation and engagement in spiritual labor. On behalf of the White Mountain Education Group, I give you our unending gratitude.
The result enabled us to publish the book At The Threshold of the New World by Helena Roerich. From raising the funds (just over $10,000); translating the manuscript from Russian into English; editing; typesetting the text; indexing the edition; including graphics and a cover design, to distribution—it all required the cooperation and efforts of many wonderful, beautiful and spiritually inspired people. The result of such a cooperative effort is made visible through the leaves of such a magnificent and timeless book. Our website includes a delineation of the book and picture of the book cover.
Fundraising for our Sanctuary got well under way this year and in time for our 16th anniversary in October. A simple yet beautiful building has been designed for the Sanctuary, and through enthusiastic and creative methods to raise the needed funds to build the new Sanctuary, we believe it will be accomplished within the next two to three years. When one’s need is sincere and unselfish, where desire is aligned with spiritual vision, one’s need will be met. We look forward to presenting you with a new and beautiful Sanctuary in the near future.
The Torchbearers program is expanding to include eleven year olds and up, beginning in January. The children continue to play an important role in White Mountain’s spiritual program, for it is the children who remind us of the changing roles and needs of today’s society.
The Group’s “class-by-tape” program continues
to have a large active enrollment. This is an activity we believe greatly
enriches all of us, for it puts us in contact with the national and international
community, thereby expanding our consciousness to the global spiritual
community.
The choir continues to tune their voices with music reflective
of the Teachings, music that permeates one’s heart and mind, bringing healing
into one’s daily life, family life, community, national and global life.
Whether singing or listening to sacred music, everyone benefits.
Meditation Monthly International continues to be a labor of love. This present issue, as well as the October/November issue, features a new section, The Bard’s Corner. Spiritual students are writing stories reflective of the Teachings, written in a pictorial view to strengthen our understandings of the Teachings of the Great Ones. We hope you enjoy this new section and will contribute your own stories from time to time.
Thank you from the depth of my heart, to all of you who continue to support the vision and labor of the White Mountain Group. Together we will all demonstrate the Beauty of the Teachings, the Teachings of Light.
Happy New Year from all of us—to all of you!
Much love and gratitude to all of you,
Joleen D. Du Bois,
President
joleen@wmea-world.org
Brotherhood & The Vision of Nations
by Leslie Vann
“...When the United
Nations has emerged into factual and actual power, the welfare of the world
will then be assured. What is that welfare but love in action? What are
right human relations but love among men, groups and nations? What is international
cooperation but love on a world scale?” 1
In 1945, under the tremendous impetus of Shamballic energy and the recommitment of Christ and the Hierarchy not to withdraw, but to remain with humanity, the United Nations was born. Its impelling Vision had been birthed in the hearts of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. We are told by the Tibetan Master that, with the assistance of the Forces of Light, the allied powers overcame the organized forces of cosmic evil, requiring unprecedented cooperation, trust, coordination and global vision—seeds of world brotherhood.
The United Nations Charter was written, adopted and signed in the closing days of the Second World War by the representatives of 50 Governments meeting ... in San Francisco from April 25 to June 26, 1945. In large part because of the climate of cold war which had prevailed from the 1940s until recent times, it was many years before the possibilities for cooperation inherent in the Charter could be fully explored. Still, in that time, the United Nations and its agencies have registered a solid list of accomplishments” in the name of the brotherhood of all humanity.2 While the Organization has suffered from setbacks and criticism, it is still moving toward its original purpose; and is currently being reconstructed to better reflect its sacred mission of peace and security for all, propelled by the Vision of global brotherhood.
It is helpful to differentiate between the politicized “UN” of recent years, and the founders’ Vision of a strong, vibrant organism—a Center of specialized agencies and international outreach that would unite all humanity under the banner of unity within diversity; the Vision of nations recognizing their freedom and yet their interdependence, thus cooperating for the benefit and future of all. This “living” United Nations—a Group Soul by its own merit—would by its existence proclaim the brotherhood and “essential unity” of the human family.
The Tibetan has said that “synthesis IS, while unity is achieved and is the reward of action and effort.”3 “On this innate divinity, upon this recognized Sonship, is the brotherhood of all men based—one life, one glory which shall be revealed, and one divine relationship. Today on a large scale ... the glory of man and his fundamental relationships are already a fact in human consciousness.”4
The United Nations was designed to create global brotherhood as the anchorage on the physical plane of this subjective synthesis. In this, it reflects the workings of all 49 Ashrams to “restore the Plan on Earth.” How does it do so? Initially through its United Nations Charter and Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaim, “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.... Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.... Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.... Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.... Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace....”5
The United Nations demonstrates its Vision of synthesis and world brotherhood by preventing nuclear proliferation; employing international law, diplomacy, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and post-conflict peace building; promoting freedom and democracy; sustainable economic and social development; protecting the environment; curbing global warming and pollution; promoting human rights and the rights of exploited peoples and minorities internationally; aiding refugees; eradicating diseases; clearing landmines; holding governments and individuals accountable for war crimes; improving education and literacy; and facilitating academic and cultural exchanges.”6
The Hierarchical Purpose and Plan are surely anchored on Earth through the ongoing efforts of the UN and its specialized agencies to promote “the good, the true, and the beautiful” on a global scale. The United Nations, therefore, is cultivating world brotherhood, world beauty. The Tibetan tells us that, “all that is is ever present.”7 Brotherhood is surely the conscious recognition of and response to this esoteric fact. And, the United Nations stands as the premier global institution demonstrating man’s potential humanity to man, a requisite of world brotherhood.
“Some will say to you, ‘We are prepared to
understand the Fundamentals of Brotherhood. We are ready to build up cooperation,
but we are surrounded by such intolerable conditions that it is impossible
to manifest greater readiness.’ In truth, there may be conditions that
do not permit putting into practice that for which the heart is ready.
Let us not expose innocent workers to danger; they can apply their abilities
under other conditions. For a time let them construct Brotherhood in their
thoughts.
“With such construction they can purify the surrounding
space, and such thoughts will be salutary. But let them not fall into conceit,
believing that it is sufficient to build mentally. No, the wayfarer will
affirm the manifestation of achievement by human feet and human hands.
Likewise, although we will show solicitude for the overburdened ones, let
us warn them not to give way to unwarranted fear. There can be no cogitation
about Brotherhood when the mind is contracted with fear....”8
There is nothing to fear, when the great scope of Infinity
is before us. Our future holds the archetype of global synthesis, sometimes
called, “the new world order.” It actualizes an order of international
healing, justice and reconciliation, founded upon the principle of “essential
unity.” “The new world order will be founded on an active sense of responsibility.
The rule will be ‘all for one and one for all.’ This attitude among nations
will have to be developed.”9
“Only by being our brother’s keeper can the Brotherhood of humanity be
established in this world.”10
“The transformed relations between East and
West have created unprecedented opportunities to realize what was set out
in the UN Charter and to establish a new order of governance.”11 Let us
work to mobilize the Hierarchical Purpose of the UN by supporting it in
thought, word, aspiration and service activities. In our service to humanity
let us recommit to our quest to fuse in group consciousness; and labor
along with those who work in and for the United Nations to anchor brotherhood
on Earth, thus preparing the way for the externalization of the Hierarchy
and the Reappearance of Christ. Doing this, “We will strive toward our
higher spiritual possibilities. We will dedicate ourselves anew to
the service of the coming One and will do all we can to prepare men’s minds
and hearts for that event. We have no other life intention.”12
1. AAB, Externalization of the Hierarchy (New
York: Lucis Trust, 1957), p. 603.
2. Basic Facts About the United Nations, pp.
3–4.
3. AAB, Externalization of the Hierarchy (New
York: Lucis Trust, 1957), pp. 534–5
4. Ibid., pp. 604–5.
5. MUNDO Delegate Preparation Guide (3/90),
pp. 53, 57.
6. GEMUN 10, ’99 Delegation Handbook, pp. 51–57.
7. Arcane School Conference NY ’96, tape
1.
8. Letters of Helena Roerich, Vol. 2 (New York:
Agni Yoga Society, 1967) p. 363.
9. World Goodwill Newsletter 1991, No. 3, p. 8.
10. The Sense of Responsibility in Society, T. Saraydarian,
p. 93.
11. World Goodwill Newsletter 1991, No. 3, p. 7.
12. Mantram, adapted from the writings of AAB.
“Potato Soup”
by Kathryn Agrell
Many centuries ago, there was a king whose kingdom had grown much too large for one king to govern. To help alleviate his great burden, the king sent his five grown-up sons and daughters to five of the most distant places and asked them to do the job for which they had been born. This story is about the fifth and youngest prince, who was spoiled and selfish, but who was to become a true leader by tasting the soup of human kindness....
To celebrate the prince’s arrival, it was decided by those of high standing that a welcoming celebration should be held. Edicts were posted on every farmhouse and tree declaring the special day and asking that every person in the land be prepared to present a gift to the prince. This was not a difficult task for those of noble birth or for the landed gentry, but for the peasantry, who had barely enough food or clothing or shelter to sustain their meager existence, a gift for the prince was a tall order indeed.
Oh, what a sight it was when the columns of soldiers and horses and fine carriages made their way to the gates of the castle. Everyone from the village and the surrounding countryside had arrived early to greet the prince and his cortege, and all held gifts in their hands of one sort or another. At the forefront of the crowd stood the nobles in their finery. The next row held the gentry. The peasantry too filled the square, but with no visible signs of presents to give the prince.
The royal carriage, gleaming in gold and encrusted with pearls, drew to a careful stop and out of it stepped his royal highness, the prince. A great cheer arose from the assembled body, to which the prince responded with a sort of sneering smile. As the prince waited beside his royal carriage, surrounded by his attendants, present after present was laid at his feet, until finally it was time for the peasants’ gifts. All turned toward the poorest ones, who collectively looked upon the prince and smiled. “Well, what are you waiting for?” said the prince impatiently. An old man dressed in rags spoke first: “Your majesty, as we have little and could not afford a gift so grand as those you see before you, we have brought you a gift of the heart—something that will keep you warm in winter, happy in summer and healthy all the days of your life.” From the center of the crowd a wagon was rolled in, and on it was a barrel, which was placed in front of the prince. ‘Nothing like a good mead,’ commented the prince licking his lips. “No, your majesty,” said an old woman, lifting the lid on the barrel. “It is a soup, a potato soup, and everyone of us helped to make it.” “Each contributed their best potatoes, and onions and herbs,” said the old man, “to make a soup special enough for a prince.” “Soup!” screeched the prince. “How absurd!” A great gasp filled the air. “How dare you dishonor me with such an offering!” Before anyone could comment further, the prince pushed the barrel over. As the contents of the precious potato soup spilled upon the ground, the prince laughed, a hearty, mean-spirited laugh. “Potato soup!” snarled the prince. “Get back to your labor, peasants, and let me enjoy my celebration.” The prince and his entourage stepped around the presents and the peasants and proceeded into the castle, with the nobles and gentry following closely and obediently behind.
The prince had arrived in early fall, right after the first harvest, when food was more plentiful than usual. But with the first winter frost, the land became barren, and that which had been stored up for the winter would need suffice till spring. Toward late November a terrible sickness fell upon the land and there were not many, neither gentry nor noble nor peasant, who were spared the suffering, including the Prince. The royal doctors scurried about trying potions from the east and medicines from the west, and even cures from old wives’ tales and witches’ brews, which they had found in dusty old books, to help alleviate the prince’s suffering. But the prince continued to burn with fever and his body ached with pain. “You in-competants,” screamed the prince, “How can I rule if I am not well? Find me a cure or you will all suffer the dire consequences!” The royal doctors were dismayed as they set out into the bleak countryside to seek a cure for the illness. They went from manor house to manor house, asking if anyone knew of a palliative that could help the prince. Since most of the well-to-do were not at all well, no answer was to be found. As the discouraged royal doctors rode back to the castle, they passed a young peasant girl on the road who appeared to be in exceptional good health. “Young lady,” said the first royal doctor, “Where do you come from?” “I come from over there,” she replied, pointing to the east. “And where are you going?” asked the second royal doctor. “I’m going over there,” she said, pointing to the west, “to my home.” “And how is your family?” asked the first royal doctor. “Well, your lordship,” answered the girl. “Well?” the royal doctors said in unison. “What about the sickness?”
“Many were stricken,” replied the girl, “but everyone is much better now.” The royal doctors looked at one another in astonishment. “We would like to see for ourselves,” said the first royal doctor. “We shall accompany you home.” “If you wish,” replied the girl. Placing the young girl upon one of their fine steeds, they rode to the clearing where many of the peasants lived. Upon their arrival, they saw for themselves the poor but healthy, and the royal doctors told them about the prince’s suffering and asked imploringly for help, but no one offered any assistance. Bitterness and resentment toward the prince had already begun to settle in their hearts. When the royal doctors had gone, there were some who gathered together, for their conscience would not give them rest. “We should have helped them,” said one woman. “It would have been the charitable thing to do.” “What charity has the prince ever shown to us?” said another. “He cares little if we starve. I say let Hades take him where he belongs.” There was a terrible silence. Then the young peasant girl spoke. “The prince may be of royal birth, but he is still our brother,” said the young girl. “If we are kind to him, he may learn to care for others. Perhaps we must open up our hearts if we expect him to open his.” The peasants shook their heads disapprovingly and walked back to their homes in an embarrassed silence.
That night as the full moon lit the way over the snow-brushed hills, the young girl, with only a shawl to keep her warm and carrying a heavy pouch, walked to the castle. At the gates she was stopped by a guard. “Where are you going?” said the guard. “I have a gift for the prince,” she replied. Searching her pouch the guard found only a container of soup. “Go home,” said the guard laughing. “Don’t you know the prince isn’t partial to peasant cooking?” The royal doctors, who were returning from their journey emptyhanded, stopped when they saw the guard and the same peasant girl they had met earlier. “Is there a problem here?” the first royal doctor asked. “Just a peasant girl, your lordship, wanting to bring the prince some soup. Can you imagine that?” “Leave her to us,” said the second royal doctor harshly. But as soon as the guard had returned to his watch all three of the royal doctors greeted the girl pleasantly. “Hello again,” said the young girl. “Did you have any luck on your journey?” “Alas, no,” said the final royal doctor. “But tell us, why you have made such a difficult journey here?” “I’ve brought soup to help alleviate the prince’s suffering.” said the girl. “Is this the cure for which we have been searching?” asked the first royal doctor. “I do not know, sir,” answered the girl, “but I do know that after drinking it my family felt much better.” “What is in this miraculous soup?” asked the second royal doctor. “Potatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs ... and water, sir,” replied the girl. “Why don’t you leave it with us and we’ll give it to the prince?” said the royal doctors. “Thank you, sirs,” said the young girl, placing the container in their hand. “And could you bring the same amount tomorrow?” asked the third royal doctor. “Yes, sir, I will try,” she replied. At the same moment that the young peasant girl was leaving the castle grounds, the prince, in a state of delirium, dragged himself out of bed, staggered to his bedchamber window and flew open the windows. “What have you there?” the prince called out to the royal doctors. “Your majesty,” said the first royal doctor, “You mustn’t expose–” “I said, what have you there!,” cried the prince. A magic potion for your majesty,” said the second royal doctor, “to cure this terrible malady.” The prince fainted. The royal doctors hurried to the prince’s bedchamber, placed him back in bed, and began to administer the soup. The Prince, barely conscious, grudgingly agreed to take a spoonful of the potion. “Tastes like soup,” he said. The doctors remained silent and simply nodded their heads. That night the prince slept better than he had in days. For the next six evenings, the girl returned to the castle with a new container of soup, and each day the prince’s health improved. Then on the seventh evening, unbeknownst to the royal doctors, the prince felt well enough and steady enough to rise from his bed and look upon the castle grounds from his bedchamber window. It was there that he saw the figure of a young peasant girl and his royal doctors engaging in some kind of exchange. He thrust open the window and demanded that the girl be brought at once to his chambers. The young girl was escorted brusquely by the guard to the prince’s chamber, with the royal doctors following closely behind. “What is this!” demanded the prince pointing to the girl and the container. “We only wanted to do what was best for your majesty,” groveled the doctors. “Out! Get out of my chambers!” yelled the prince. The doctors and the guards scurried away leaving the young peasant girl alone with his majesty. The prince laughed softly, then sat upon the bed and pointed to the chair next to the window and asked the girl to rest there. “It’s potato soup, isn’t it?” asked the prince quietly. “Yes, your majesty,” replied the little girl. “Why have you been bringing this to me?” asked the prince. “Have I ever shown you kindness?” “Just now, your royal highness,” replied the girl. The prince laughed again softly. “Your people want you to be well,” said the young girl. “But I’ve done nothing to deserve their favor,” said the prince. “Perhaps with your renewed health,” said the young girl, “you will act differently.” “How impertinent,” said the prince, without a hint of malice in his tone. The prince looked upon the face of the young girl for what some may have judged to be a very long time. “Perhaps I shall,” he replied. Then the prince walked over to a small table and opening a bejeweled chest, removed three gold coins and placed them into the girl’s hand. “Tell my people,” said the prince, “that it is indeed a very special soup, and give them my thanks.”
From that night forward, the prince decided
that he would strive to become a ruler worthy of his people, for he soon
learned that there was not a man or woman or child in the kingdom who was
not deserving of the gifts of kindness, prosperity or good health. You
see, he had learned the meaning of brotherhood from a very beautiful peasant
girl, who continued to visit him on nights when the moon was full and share
with him her wisdom, as well as some very special soup.
Z: T.S.G. Publishing Foundation, Inc., 1996).Reprinted
with permission by the copyright holder, The Creative Trust, all rights
reserved.
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