KING SOLOMON
Legends of the Orient—how unexpected they are! And what modern
thought they reveal to us. How stirring it is to feel, in the myths
of the remote places of Asia, a concept so related to our own
aspirations and to our own enthusiasms. In some legends, they tell
of strange diseases now appearing and every Western physician will
share the interest in the still-undiscovered processes of the human
organism. The legends speak of underground rivers and one’s mind
follows the modern systems of irrigation and rejuvenation of the
deserts. They speak about the hidden treasures yielded to humanity
by nature. And you smile, looking at Asia’s rivulets of oil and
admiring the iron and copper mountains. It is as a fairy tale.
To-day the front pages of all our newspapers are devoted to the
daring attempts to conquer space and air. And in the sandy deserts
your guide, rhythmically plodding along on his camel, tells you of
the flying apparatus of King Solomon!
In these old symbols you do not feel only out-worn superstition. No,
there is a thought of beauty and a feeling for evolution. The best
images are collected by the people around these beautiful
possibilities and in the name of evolution.
Up till now, in the people’s conception, King Solomon soars on his
miraculous flying device over the vast spaces of Asia. Many
mountains in Asia are crowned either with ruins or stones bearing
the imprint of his foot or of his knees, as evidence of his
long-enduring prayers. These are the so-called thrones of Solomon.
The Great King flew to these mountains, he reached all heights, he
left behind him the cares of rulership and here refreshed his
spirit. The Mountain of Solomon, the hidden treasures of Solomon,
the wisdom of Solomon, the mysterious power of the ring of Solomon,
the seal of Solomon, with its power to discriminate between Light
and Darkness— to whom else has Asia paid so much admiration and so
much respect?
The greatest mysteries and fables are attributed to the name of
Solomon. The hoopoe, considered the most occult of birds, is also
linked by legend to King Solomon. The hoopoes guarded King Solomon’s
rest at the time of his great work. Returning from his labors, the
King asked his birds what they desired as a reward. They replied:
“Give us, O King, your golden crown. It is so beautiful and we have
seen nothing more wondrous than yourself when you don the crown.”
The King smiled and said:
“But, my dear ones, my crown is heavy. How could you wish to take
such a burden?”
However, the birds continued to beseech him for his crown and the
King ordered his goldsmith to make miniature crowns, exact copies of
his own, and these were set upon the heads of the birds. Only a
short while after the birds came again to the King with their little
heads drooping under their golden crowns. And they appealed to the
King:
“O King! Free us of these crowns. You were right, in your wise
warning. What can we know, we little ones? Can we know that behind
the glitter and charm, there lie such burdens? Free us, O King!”
The King replied: “Now you see where your desire to take a burden
upon yourself has led you. Let it be as you wish! The golden crowns
will be removed—but you must wear a remembrance of your senseless
yearning for a crown. From now on, you will wear a crown of
feathers. These will not overburden you, but will only be a crown of
the secret kingdom, that you knew when serving my work.”
And so it came to pass that the hoopoe, the most occult bird,
knowing many secrets, still wears a crown of feathers. And whenever
this bird follows a caravan or boat, people say:
“This will be a fine voyage—the bird of King Solomon knows!”
Other animals also served the King. A Moslem who came to Kashmir
with his caravan across the Afghan border, told us that even ants
helped the Great Suleiman to build the temple. Beginning with great
Jinns, the spirits of the air and of the fire, down to ants, all
labored upon the building. And in ceaseless prayer, King Solomon
controlled without interruption, the work of the forces of nature
for the creation of the wonderful Temple. When the strength of the
King began to fade and he knew that his time to pass into another
world was near, he commanded the Jinns to complete the building
without him, but the tempestuous elemental spirits replied that on
earth they would agree to submit themselves only to him, but that
without him they were freed.
Then King Solomon, strengthening himself spiritually and leaning on
his staff, remained in the Temple, summoning all his powers to the
task. Although at that moment his spirit departed, the body remained
motionless and erect so that the tempestuous Jinns might not fly
away. And no living being nor any Jinn knew that the spirit of the
King had already departed, nor did they dare approach the motionless
Ruler. But each one strained himself to the utmost to finish the
building. And the Temple was completed, but the Ruler remained
immobile. Who would dare to disturb him in his aspirations! But the
smallest co-worker of the King—the ant—began to gnaw at the staff of
the King until the wood, having been eaten through, the body of the
King fell and all saw that his Spirit had departed. But the Great
Temple remained!
But King Solomon is not a celestial ruler alone. He goes down to the
people and, as other rulers of the East, he changes his garments and
mixes with the crowd in order to penetrate all the secrets of their
life. His ring with the miraculous stone, in which is laid the
foundation of the World, King Solomon left in safe-keeping with his
wife, the Princess of Egypt. But cunning and artful was the Egyptian
high priest, who, disguised as the King, took possession of the
ring. And now the Ruler is condemned to many years of wandering,
until Truth is restored.
Thus the people connect everything unique and extraordinary with
King Solomon. He ascended the mountains, he descended under the
earth, he met kings and he disappeared in the crowds of people.
In the old kingdom of the Uighurs, where now live the true-believing
Moslems, the name of Solomon is linked with that of Alexander, or
with the great Akbar. Sometimes one recognizes the same legends
which adorned the King-Unifier of India:
“It seems that the same things are also told of Akbar, called the
Great?”
The old gray-bearded Moslem in his green turban, who has fulfilled
his pilgrimage of repentance to Mecca, bows his head low:
“Both Rulers were wise and great. When seeing two snowy mountains,
how would you attempt to describe their differences? Both glitter
under the rays of the sun. To approach them is equally difficult.
Who would dare to ascribe to one Ruler what may be common to both?
True, the Great Akbar did not leave the boundaries of India. He
strengthened the land from within and we do not know what Jinns
served him. Of King Solomon every one knows that he flew throughout
the earth and that he learned the Truth in all lands and that he had
even been on the far-off stars. But who can judge from below of two
snowy summits? We even wear dark glasses to protect our weak eyes
from their glitter.”
Talai-Pho-Brang, 1928.
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THE GREAT MOTHER
From the most ancient days, women have worn a wreath upon their
heads. With this wreath they are said to have pronounced the most
sacred incantations. Is it not the wreath of unity? And this blessed
unity, is it not the highest responsibility and beautiful mission of
womanhood? From women one may hear that we must seek disarmament not
in warships and guns, but in our spirits. And from where can the
young generation hear its first caress of unification? Only from
mother. To both East and West, the image of the Great Mother—
womanhood, is the bridge of ultimate unification.
Raj-Rajesvari—All-powerful Mother. To you, the Hindu of yesterday
and to-day sings his song.
To you, the women bring their golden
flowers and at your feet they lay the fruits for benediction,
carrying them back to their hearths. And glorifying your image, they
immerse it in the waters, lest an impure breath should touch the
Beauty of the World. To you, Mother, is dedicated the site on the
Great White Mountain, which has never been surmounted. Because when
the hour of extreme need strikes, there you will stand, and you will
lift up your Hand for the salvation of the world. And encircled by
all whirlwinds and all light, you will stand like a pillar of space,
summoning all the forces of the far-off worlds!
* * *
Devastated are the ancient temples. The columns are cleft. And
shells have pierced the stone walls.
At Goa the Portuguese ships landed long ago. Upon the high prows of
the caravels, the images of the Madonna glittered with gold, and in
her Great Name, cannon balls were fired into the ancient
sanctuaries. By Portuguese cannon-balls the pillars of Elephanta
were shattered! All for “La Virgin de los Conquistadores!”
In Sevilla, in the Alcazar, there is an old painting by Alexandro
Fernandes, which bears this very title. In the upper part of the
painting, in the radiance of the celestial light of clouds, stands
the Holy Virgin with a benign smile, and under Her broad mantle is
sheltered a host of conquerors. Below, there is a turbulent sea,
covered by galleons, ready to sail far off to new soils. Perhaps
these are the very ships which will destroy the sanctuary of
Elephanta! And with a benign smile the compassionate Virgin regards
the conquerors, as if She Herself rose with them to destroy alien
acquisitions. This is no longer the threatening warning of Elijah
the prophet, nor the Archangel Michael, the constant warrior. But
She Herself, the Peaceful, is raised in the folk-consciousness for
battle as if it befitted the Mother of the World to concern Herself
with the deeds of human slaughter.
My friend is indignant. He says, “Look! This painting is certainly
frank! In it is apparent the entire psychology of Europe. Look at
the conceit! They make ready to lay siege to foreign treasure troves
and to the Mother of God they ascribe protection for their deeds!
Now compare how different is the mood of the East, where the
benevolent Kwan Yin covers the children with her garment, defending
them from danger and violence.”
Another friend present defends the psychology of Europe, and also
refers to certain paintings as true documents of the psychology of
each era. He recalls how in paintings of Zurbaran or Holbein, the
Holy Virgin covers all who come to Her with Her veil. Referring to
the images of the East he recalls fearful horned idams, adorned with
frightful attributes. He recalls the dance of Durga upon human
bodies and upon necklaces made from skulls.
But the exponent of the East does not concede. He points out that in
these images there is nothing of a personal element and that the
seemingly frightful attributes are the symbols of the unbridled
elements, and only by knowing their power may man understand that he
can conquer them. The lover of the East pointed out how the elements
of terror have been used everywhere, and that flames no less
terrifying, nor horns less demoniac, were represented in the Hells
of the frescoes of Orcana in Florence. All the horrors of the brush
of Bosch or the austere Grunwald rival the elemental images of the
East.
The devotee of the East cited the so-called Tourfan Madonna as being
in his opinion an evolution of the Goddess Marichi, who after being
a cruel devouress of children gradually evolved into their
solicitous guardian, becoming the spiritual comrade of Kuvera, god
of fortune and wealth. Recalling these benevolent evolutions and
high aspirations, one may mention a custom still existing in the
East. Lamas ascend a high mountain and, for the salvation of unknown
travelers, scatter small images of horses which are carried far off
by the winds. In this action lies a sense of benevolence and
renunciation.
To this, the answer made to the lover of the East was that Procopius
the Righteous, in self-renunciation, averted the stone-cloud from
his native city and, on the high banks of the Dvina, always prayed
for the unknown travelers. And it was also pointed out that in the
West many saints like Procopius renounced their high worldly
position for the good of the world.
In these deeds and in these orisons “for the unknown, for the
unsung, for the unstoried” lies the same great principle of
anonymity, and the realization of the transitori-ness of incarnation
which also is so attractive in the East.
The lover of the East stressed the fact that this principle of
anonymity, or renunciation of one’s temporary title, this inception
of benevolent disinterested giving, has been carried to a much
broader and higher level in the East. In this regard he reminded us
that the art works of the East were almost never signed because the
gift of the heart never needs its accompanying note. In response,
however, his opponent recalled that all Byzantine, old Italian and
old Netherland primitives, Russian ikons and other primitives were
also unsigned, and that the beginning of personal signatures
appeared much later.
The talk turned to the symbols of omnipotence and omniscience, and
it was again evident that the identical symbols have passed through
the most varied manifestations. The conversation continued, because
life afforded inexhaustible examples. In answer to each indication
from the East, an example from the West was brought forward. One
recalled the white ceramic horses which, up to the present time,
stand in circles in the fields of Southern India, and upon which, it
is related, women in their astral bodies take their flights. In
answer to this was placed forward the images of Valkyries and even
the contemporary projection of astral bodies. It was then recalled
touchingly how the women of India each day adorn the thresholds of
their homes with some different design, the design of well-being and
happiness; but at the same time it was remembered that the women of
the West embroidered their many designs for the salvation of those
dear to their hearts.
One recalled the great Krishna, benevolent shepherd, and
involuntarily compared him with the ancient image of the Slav, Lel,
a shepherd resembling in every way his Hindu prototype. One recalled
the songs in honor of Krishna and the Gopis and compared them with
the songs of Lel, and the choral dances of the Slavs. One recalled
the Hindu woman on the Ganges and her torches of salvation for her
family. And they were compared to the wreaths cast on the river
during the celebration of the Trinity—a custom dear to all Aryan
Slavs.
Remembering the conjurations and evocations of the sorcerers of the
Malabar coast one could not overlook the very same rites of the
Siberian Shamans, the Finnish witches, the clairvoyants of Scotland
and the red-skinned sorcerers.
Neither the separation of oceans nor continents had affected the
essence of the folk conception of the forces of nature. One recalled
the necromancy of Tibet and compared it with the black mass of
France and the Satanists of Crete…
By counter-opposing the facts, the exponents of East and West found
themselves speaking about identical things: The seeming diversities
became only various degrees of human consciousness! These two
conversationalists looked at each other with astonishment—where was
the East and where the West which one was so accustomed to contrast?
The third silent person present smiled, “And where is the boundary
of East and West altogether? And is it not strange that Egypt,
Algeria and Tunis, which are south of Europe in the general
conception, are really considered as the Orient? And the Balkans and
Greece, lying East of them are regarded as West?
I remembered then how walking on the San Francisco shore, with a
professor of literature, we asked each other, “Where are we
really—in the extreme West or the extreme East?” If China and Japan,
in relation to the Near-East, Asia Minor, are considered as the
Far-East, then, continuing the same line of argument—would not
America, with her Incas, Mayans and Redskins, be considered as the
Farthest East? What then can one do with Europe, which would then
appear to be surrounded by “Easts” from both sides?
We recalled that during the time of the Russian Revolution, the
Finns considered Siberia their own, giving as their reasons the
tribal similarities. We recalled that Alaska almost touches Siberia,
and the face of the Red Indians, compared with many Mongoloids,
appears strikingly like an Asiatic face.
In this way it happened that for a moment all superstition and
prejudices were laid aside by all adversaries, the exponent of the
East spoke about the “Hundred-armed One” of the Orthodox Church, and
the exponent of the West exalted and admired the images of the
many-armed all-benevolent Kwan Yin. The exponent of the East spoke
with reverence about the gold-embroidered garment of the Italian
Madonna and felt the deep penetration of the paintings of Duccio and
Fra Angelico, and the lover of the West gave reverence to the
symbols of the many-eyed Omniscient Dukhar. They remembered the
All-Compassionate.
They remembered the multitudinous aspects of the
All-Bestowing and All-Merciful. They remembered how correctly the
psychology of the people had conceived the iconography of symbols
and what an enormous knowledge lay hidden at present under the dead
lines. There, where preconceptions disappear and prejudice is
forgotten, appears a smile!
And as if freed of a great burden, they spoke of the Mother of the
World. With affection they recalled the Italian cardinal, who was in
the habit of advising worshipers, “Do not overburden Christ the
Saviour with your request, for He is very busy; better address your
prayers to the Holy Mother. She will pass your prayers on to
whomever is necessary.”
They remembered how a Catholic priest, a Hindu, an Egyptian and a
Russian once set out to investigate the origin of the Sign of the
Cross and how each searched for a meaning to suit his own purpose
but how they all arrived at the same unifying meaning.
They remembered attempts that flashed through literature, intended
to identify the words “Christ” and “Krishna,” and again they
remembered Iosaph and Buddha. And since at that moment the
benevolent hand of the Mother of the World turned away all
prejudices, the conversation could run in peaceful tones.
And instead of sharp contradiction, advocates of East and West
turned to a creative reconstruction of images.
One of the speakers recalled the story of a pupil of Ramakrishna,
who cited the great reverence given to the wife of Ramakrishna, who,
according to Hindu custom, was called Mother. Another likened the
meaning of the word Mother to the conception of “Materia matrix.”
The images of the Mother of the World, of the Madonna, the Mother
Kali, the Benevolent Dukhar, Ishtar, Kwan-Yin, Miriam, the White
Tara, Raj-Rajesvari, Niuka—all these great Images, all these Great
Self-Sacrificing Entities flowed together in the conversation as a
benevolent Unity. And each of these in his own tongue, but
comprehensible to all, pronounced that there should be not division
but construction. All pronounced that the day of the Mother of the
World had come, when Supreme Energies would approach our Earth, but
that because of wrath and destruction, these energies, instead of
the predestined creation, might result in disastrous catastrophes.
In the smile of Unity all became simple. The aureole of the Madonna,
so odious to the prejudiced, became a scientific physical
radiation—the aura, long since known to humanity.
The symbols of to-day, so poorly interpreted by rationalists, from
being regarded as supernatural, suddenly became accessible to the
research worker for investigation. And in this miracle of simplicity
and understanding, there became distinct the breath of the evolution
of Truth.
One of the speakers said: “Here we now speak of purely physical
experiments, but did we not begin with the Mother of the World?”
Then the other took from a drawer of his writing desk a slip of
paper and read it: “A Hindu of to-day, graduated from many
universities, thus addresses the Great Mother, Raj-Rajesvari
Herself:
“If I am right, then Mother, Thou art all— The ring, the way, the
dark, the light, the void, And hunger, sorrow, poverty and pain—
From dawn to dusk, from night to morn and life and death — if death
there be — All things art Thou.
If Thou art they, then hunger, poverty and wealth are only
transitory shapes of Thine. I do not suffer nor enjoy For Thou art
All, and I am surely Thou. If Thou art He, to mortals manifest, Then
pass me through Thy Light to Him—The Truth. The only Truth—to us so
dimly known in Thee. Then lash this mortal body as Thou wilt, Or
embed in golden comfort rich and soft— I’ll feel it not, for with
Thy Light I’ll know For Thou art He and I am Thou— The Truth.”
And the third one added: “At the same time, on the other end of the
world, people sing:
“Let us glorify Thee, Mother of Light!”
And the old libraries of China and the ancient central-Asiatic
centers guard, since most ancient days, many hymns to the same
Mother of the World.
Throughout the entire East and in the entire West there lives the
Image of the Mother of the World, and deeply significant salutations
are dedicated to this High Entity.
The Great Features of the Face are often covered and under the folds
of this veil, glowing with the squares of perfection, may one not
see the One Great Unifying Aspect, common to Them All!
Peace be to the World!
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JOY OF CREATION
Is not our epoch one of the most significant? Are not the most
wonderful discoveries approaching for our daily use? And are we not
becoming familiar with some of the most subtle energies? Is it not a
happiness, not only to know about these energies but also to be able
to utilize them actually in life? Before our very eyes, everything
is being transformed. We know already how to divide our energies
between individuals and the millions. And we know where and how to
reach millions and how to exercise our energy with the individual.
The boundaries of spiritual life are broadening. And the physical
frontiers are becoming flexible and vibrating. The idea of East and
West—the idea of the twain which never shall meet—is to our mind
already a fossilized idea. We are already ashamed to believe that
superficial walls can exist and can divide the best impulses of
humanity, this impulse of creative evolution. And now before our
eyes is the so-called West and the so-called East. Piercingly they
look at each other. They examine every movement of each other. They
can be the closest friends and co-workers.
The West can easily understand the principal ideas of the East and
cherish the eternal wisdom which is emanating from that part of the
world, from where, as a fact, all religions and all creeds
originated. And the great East is following the Western discoveries,
and values the achievements of these creative minds. They desire the
products of civilization. I avoid the questionable expression
“mechanical”—because to my mind nothing is mechanical, when we know
that matter and spirit is Energy, and we, as well as our Far-Eastern
friends, are ready to accept the benediction of progressive
evolution. But life through ignorance is full of misunderstandings.
They are not enemies.
There are no enemies of evolution—there are misunderstandings;
misunderstandings of family; misunderstandings of sex;
misunderstandings of age; misunderstandings of countries; of
continents, of worlds. And only through open-minded constructive
thought can we solve them; when we are thinking not of ourselves but
of the future generations. I repeat that the East can be a close
friend, a most skilled co-worker, but this billion of people can
also easily become an enemy through a simple misunderstanding. Is it
not a beautiful task for our generation to solve the problem of
misunderstanding, if we feel the oneness of the great Energy? The
same single impulse of betterment, of upliftment, of creation, is
the same for all humanity.
With the same hand we may give our
benediction and with the same hand we may commit murder. I do not
believe in so-called varying conditions. One condition exists for
all humanity—the mutual language of the heart, and with this
language you destroy all misunderstandings because you are acting in
full sincerity. You can proceed, you can surmount, because you know
for what unifying purpose you are working. We speak so often about
eternal peace, but from whence emanate the wars? From
misunderstanding. And if we are so skillful in our discoveries, is
it not also a most important discovery to determine how to solve the
misunderstanding through the language of the heart? I am not
speaking about anything metaphysical.
After forty years of activity
I affirm that everything is not ephemeral but if every energy can be
discovered, measured and weighed, then in the same way our thought
is also a tangible emanation. And the power of thought, without any
metaphysical powers, can approach in the most friendly way each
misunderstanding. Hence, from the highest, from the future, we can
approach our reality. And our optimism is not the product of far-off
dreams, but the result of studying dozens of countries and of
approaching widely differing peoples, with quite varied
psychologies. And after all, in spite of all variations, they are
one. And the language of the heart, the language of love, is also
one.
If the sign of malice is the minus, sharp as a piercing dart, then
the sign of love is the plus, the eternal flaming cross which from
immemorable time enlightened the consciousness and uplifted life.
Amidst the glaciers of the Himalayas, someone is coming from the
summits. In his hands he carries a chalice. Whence has he come? And
where shall he disappear in the cliffs, this silent, lonely pilgrim?
Such are the unforgettable memories of the Himalayas. The carriers
of the messages of Shambhala are recalling the links between the
great traditions of the past and our aspirations of the future. He
is the messenger of Rigden-jyepo, ruler of Shambhala, ruler of the
future, ordainer of the coming achievements of humanity, who sends
his messengers throughout the world.
From many nations have come these messengers. In devotion and
reverence they bring the sacred message of the coming evolution.
What is the message? Throughout the world billions of hearts are
beating. What shall link them together? In my article “Beauty the
Conqueror” is the thought that the best way to approach an
unfamiliar dwelling is in song. Not by night, not with covered face.
Unbound art, unprejudiced science, bring the smile of understanding.
The great traditions of past and future, the high teaching which
emanated from the eternal heights make it possible to approach the
sacred spaces in cooperative understanding. Then hearts are opened
and an immense blessed work is at hand.
Not war, not hatred, but the best constructive concepts shall bring
to all the world the messengers of Rigden-jyepo, the ruler of
Shambhala. The iron birds predestined by Buddha are already in
flight, peacefully demolishing the conventional boundaries. In
beautiful, scientific rays of Agni Yoga, evolution is knocking at
the door. The messengers of Rigden-jyepo are speeding and blessed
discoveries are bringing light and benediction to all mankind.
In twenty-five countries we have seen countless hearts who consider
art, beauty, knowledge as the most unifying powers. Truly it is
cause for the greatest enthusiasm to perceive how so many different
peoples consider beauty and knowledge as the great motive power
which set the stones for the coming progress.
Why have we the right to regard beauty and knowledge as real motive
powers? For a moment imagine the history of humanity without the
treasures of beauty and knowledge. For a moment erase from our
memories the majestic images of Egypt and Assyria. Let us forget the
beauty of the Gothic primitives, the enchantment of Buddhist glory
and classic Greece. Let us disrobe the epics of heroes and rulers of
the garb of beauty. How crude would the pages of history remain!
Truly, not a single heroic achievement, not one constructive victory
may be imagined without the sense of the beautiful. The form of life
is the synthesis of evolution. Is it not inspiring to realize that
the evolution of humanity culminates in beauty? A beautiful
conception of life is growing in America and throughout the world.
Humanity begins to realize that the summa summarum of art and
knowledge is the noblest crest of the nations.
When we begin to think about something constructive, upbuilding,
forward looking, not accidentally to our minds come both the lofty
towers of North America and the majestic outlines of South America.
Not occasionally, on the sites of the most ancient culture, are
growing the seeds of new peaceful conquests and erection.
Pan-America stands as a balance of Asia. It is most instructive to
learn how, on the places of the most ancient achievements, are
growing the new flowers of human attainments. Even from the
cold-blooded scientific point of view, we are already accustomed to
speak about currents, rays and emanations. These emanations of
culture fertilize the soil, and who knows, perhaps they provide the
real enthusiasm of this constructive spirit.
As yet I have never been in South America. But in spirit I feel this
physically unseen friendship and mutual understanding. From where
does it come? Well, some have asked me if the root of our family
comes from Spain, because a branch of our family is in Barcelona.
Perhaps such pan-human feeling of advancing, searching and
construction is deep in every human heart. Perhaps the sacred sense
of adventures, in search of the great solutions, came into my being
from the first years of consciousness, when as hunters, we traveled
for days and days through the immense forests of Russia, certainly
not with the idea of killing but with the comradeship of nature as
our guiding star.
When we studied old structures of India, China and Tibet, our first
comparison was with the remnants of the Mayan culture. And in my old
article, “Joy of Art,” I could not finish this conception with
anything other than with some reference to the ancient Mayas. In
this way, that which was most ancient and most beautiful came to
mind.
Just now I look upon a ring from Asia, with an inscription of the
coming Age of Maitreya. And I cannot forget how one lady, who has
studied the remains of Yucatan, recognized the same inscription
there, with the meaning of the Union of Fire. Now comes the solution
in this formula: Our spiritual, unseen friendship and devotion—does
it not come from the all-pervading element of fiery space? In these
all-pervading beneficial flames our hearts are enlightened and
through them we recognize our friends, sincerity and co-workers.
Is it not the Union of Fire which now illumines the builders of
Pan-America? And Asia when she speaks of the Blessed Shambhala,
about Agni Yoga, about the Teaching of Flame, knows that the holy
spirit of flame can unite the human hearts in a resplendent
evolution.
In March, 1914, I exhibited a series of paintings in which was
previsioned the coming war; now I have been happy to bring for the
Americas the visions of Asia— the Agni Yoga, the Teaching of Flame,
the same conception outlined by the wisdom of the old Yucatan wise
men, the Union of Fire.
Again some of the Great Truth comes to us and this Truth expresses
the gathering of all the bearers of fire of the heart, to enlighten
the world with peaceful and beautiful labor. The abstract conception
of love can again be transmuted into benevolent action, because
without constructive action love is dead. But in the New Era nothing
is dead, everything lives, uplifted by enlightened labor and
enthusiasm. When I hear beautiful songs of Spain and South America,
they reveal for me the great East.
Where is East and West? After Asia you come to Greece and you feel
the wisdom of the East; you reach Italy and the same wise romance
penetrates you; Corsica, Spain—in all these places is something
still of the Great East. And the banners of Ferdinand and Isabella
are close to Moresque ornaments. You reach New Mexico and in the
spaces of this beautiful country again sounds for you the anthem of
the East; and you know that in Mexico, in Yucatan, in all castles of
South America, the same note of great romance, of great vision, of
great wisdom, shall be everywhere.
I do not diminish either west, nor south, nor north, nor
east—because in practise these divisions are non-existent. And the
entire world is divided only in our consciousness. But when, with
this consciousness, the fire of space penetrates, then is created
the Union of Fire, and the Fire of Enthusiasm is unconquerable.
With this holy banner, we can reach most beautiful lands and we can
awaken ancient cultures for new achievements and for new splendors.
On one of the most ancient Druidic images of far-off Mongolia I have
seen in the hands of a stony giant a flaming chalice. These
beginners of the great migrations remembered also about the holy
spirit of flame. And certainly this inextinguishable torch could
bring them through all expanses of Asia, Europe and across all
oceans. In the antiquities of Yucatan is inscribed the ancient
commandment about fire. In the name of this unifying, great wise
symbol, I greet you, my unseen friends of South America.
What a joy it is to see again the towers of New York! How often in
the deserts of Asia and especially in Tibet we remembered the
skyscrapers, the Indian Pueblos and the ancient cities of Italy and
Spain! The many-storied Tibetan buildings evoke images of
skyscrapers. The labyrinthian clay walls of the usual Asiatic home
recall the Pueblos of New Mexico and Arizona. The monasteries,
proudly clinging to the summits, resemble the old eagles’ nests of
Italy. When I saw once more, the towers of New York, I recalled the
joyous exclamations which the photographs of these strongholds of
human achievement evoked in Asia.
Never did we hear more enthusiastic admiration at the sight of
postcards and photographs of New York than in the towns and nomad
camps of Central Asia. The dwellers of clay-houses and yurtas tore
these souvenirs out of each other’s hands and exclaimed: “This is
the land of Shambhala!”
What more can a son of Asia say than this, his most sacred
conception, in which are united all his hopes and aspirations? In
prayers, Asia awaits Shambhala—this new era of mankind; and
therefore each comparison with Shambhala is indeed the highest
praise.
The inhabitants of Asia added: “America is the chichab over all
countries!” And chichab means protector.
How many reproductions of the towers of New York have remained in
the desert! And they are kept in the sacred corners, where the most
revered objects are collected.
In the remote yurtas of Asia’s deserts, President Hoover is the
giant Savior of starving peoples. Ford is considered as a symbol of
motive power. The Mongols consider American Indians their lost
relatives. All our latest discoveries are regarded by the East as
signs of the era of Shambhala. Milliken’s cosmic ray, Einstein’s
relativity, Teremin’s music from the ether, are regarded in Asia as
signs of the evolution of human consciousness, confirmed by Vedic
and Buddhist traditions and the teachings of Shambhala. According to
these ancient teachings, the forties of our century are regarded as
the era of cosmic energies and expanded consciousness.
These touching memories rose before me, when I again saw the towers
of New York. And among the old friends I noticed so many new
strongholds, which rose during the last five years. Such
unarrestable creation gives real joy. When thirty years ago I
arranged the first exhibition of paintings of artists of the United
States in Russia, I expressed the firm opinion that Art in this
great country would expand widely as all its vigorous activities.
Eight years ago, summarizing the position of art in America, I wrote
an article “Collectors,” observing what colossal conquest of
cultural principles had been achieved by America. In 1923, leaving
for my long Central-Asiatic expedition, I could hear of the growth
and art-movements in America, only from casual newspapers and
clippings from magazines, or from letters, which rarely reached us.
Of course it could be felt that the cultural-artistic and scientific
work grew each year and that new co-workers and admirers entered.
But returning to America and now stepping again into its cultural
life, one must express sincere astonishment!
In the history of human achievement, America is an unique example of
prodigious progress. Not bound by conventionalities and old forms,
without prejudice, America built its life with the powerful hands of
toil. Naturally, the question of material existence and life had
first to be settled. Then attention was turned toward problems of
technical necessity and social life.
Having built the foundation of civilization, America began to aspire
toward the firm establishment of cultural principles. Knowledge and
Beauty became imperative requirements in the life of the young
country. In most unexpected ways, meriting great admiration, grew
the conquest of Art and Science. The quality of production advances
still higher, and this is always a sign of the growth of national
creative genius. The wide industrial growth reaches the poesy of
creation.
Business life becomes enriched with the true friends of the human
spirit-books and creations of art. All the steps of culture lead, as
they should, beyond national limitations. And another sign of true
culture is the fact that what is gamed is not kept for personal use
alone. The treasures of achievement are open to society as a whole.
The most striving and vital forces of all nations have gathered in
America, contributing to the gigantic growth of this country. By
voluntary, faithful and sometimes even by anonymous hands, huge
American institutions are built.
May the light, which has illumined human hearts, shine for all.
These results of voluntary and conscious human aspirations are
highly instructive. In them can be measured the specific value of
the co-workers for the general good. It is also most interesting to
note how American organizations and institutions are developed. One
notices not limited specialization, but a broad outlook,
unfrightened by prejudiced opinion. One can feel that there is
liberality and true good will not hindered by chauvinism, nor by
fossilized systems.
It is most valuable to confirm for oneself, how the artistic
creativeness of America has expanded, and how in addition to the old
known art patrons, many new and vigorous collectors welcome this
creation.
There is a saying: “Flowers do not grow on ice.” Artistic and
scientific achievements, museums and schools, are necessary. But the
essential thing is a broad response of the nation. It is necessary
to have those loyal enthusiasts, who understand that striving toward
culture is the highest duty and joy of humanity.
One notices that often colossal sums are paid for art works and for
books. Is this folly on the part of the collectors or something
which results from conviction? When humanity will become conscious
that spiritual and creative genius are the highest achievements, and
the milestones in the histories of nations, the prices of these
works will become a special indicator. In our life, how can we
compensate works of creative genius? With money? But only recently
humanity had occasion to convince itself what a changing and
precarious thing money is. Therefore the price for works of creative
genius is very relative. If we hear that somewhere high prices are
paid for products of culture, then we know that culture is valued
there. And this fact will remain on the pages of history as the
witness of the growth of this nation.
The people can value highly the results of labor of the creators of
culture. The people can wish to have in their midst the best
specimen of creative genius of bygone epochs. One must welcome every
striving of thought in this direction. In life everything is
relative; mistakes may occur, but it is the direction of thought
which is valuable. At present, when old forms are changed so rapidly
and vigorously into new, the direction of people’s thoughts is
extraordinarily precious.
America follows in its development the path of true progress. During
the last few years America stands alone in the creation of new
museums, schools, societies, agencies, lectures, theaters… One is
amazed at the colossal resources of the country which absorbs this
rich stream of creative power. Opportunity is also found both for
the development of a national art, as well as for collecting the
treasures of the whole world. There are multitudes of people who
welcome artistic events and show response.
Reading the pages of history of the most cultural nations, we are
glad to note when the people turned toward values of science and
beauty. This always occurred at moments of the nation’s ascendance.
Now having returned from a long journey, it is admissible for me to
express my joy at the artistic and scientific growth of America’s
consciousness. This is the very thing in which I had faith. When I
was accused of excessive idealism I asserted that, on the contrary,
my beliefs were real and practical. And I was right, because it is
just the most practical people who show signs of high valuation of
cultural achievements.
Creativeness is in its essence real and affirming. A creative nation
cannot limit its activity to narrow civilized paths. The expanded
consciousness leads to a synthesis of the whole life. The highest
impulses and decisions become real and convincing.
America animates the consciousness by broad decisions; in her
generosity she wants to have the best objects and wants to hear the
best words and aspires to make of her children future creators. The
statesmen of America and her finest leaders are at the same time
collectors of most varied forms of creative genius. There, where
leading men, and where great men, devote the best part of their mind
to creative products—there also the masses express the same
aspirations and will think in the same direction of true evolution.
Unbound by prejudice or superstition, people want to have not only a
convenient, but also a beautiful life. No small habits hang behind
the back of the builder of life. And his success will be followed by
new progress and even the very obstacles will become levers of
energy.
I trust the Secretary of Labor, Mr. James Davis, will not mind if I
quote a passage from his letter, sent to the Roerich Museum on March
24, 1929, on the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone:
“As we grow in material wealth it is all the more necessary to keep
alive our knowledge and love of the beautiful things of the spirit
and mind, otherwise we are in danger of gaining the world and losing
our souls. It will gratify every high-minded American who has the
destiny of his country at heart, to see enlisted in this
preservation of culture and intellect a body of people and an
organization as influential, vigorous and enthusiastic as yours.
“In whatever direction your endeavors reach out, I wish you a great
and ever-growing success through the years. After all, while this is
a time of danger to things of the spirit, that time has also its
propitious aspect. Civilization attains its highest peaks only after
it has amassed the material means with which to recompense the
artist and the thinker. These ample means we have. The need is only
for leaders to call forth this wealth and see that it is expended in
cultural advancement. You and your associates are such leaders. May
you build not only this building but a great new movement among us
toward a love of the beautiful, and may both endure to serve our
people and bring more light into their lives.”
These are indeed remarkable lines from the mind of a statesman!
There, where people think in such ways, there the land is on the
path of happy achievements.
When you come from the mountains and deserts, where the best culture
lies hidden in the shadow of centuries, the extraordinary growth of
artistic and scientific work in America deeply amazes you and brings
you great joy. The conquest of culture does not pass unnoticed. It
creates that finesse of thought—the creative imagination and the
ability to perceive the new wave of progress.
The era of happy attainments is predestined for America. As the
rapid movement of a big ship attracts everything movable, so also is
the irresistible development of America joined by the highest and
the best.
New York, 1929.
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GURU — THE TEACHER
Once in Finland I sat on the shores of Lake Ladoga with a farm lad.
A middle-aged man passed us by and my small companion stood up and
with great reverence took off his cap. I asked him after, “Who was
this man?” And with special seriousness, the boy answered, “He is a
teacher.” I again asked, “Is it your teacher?” “No,” answered the
boy, “he is the teacher from the neighboring school.” “Then, you
know him personally,” I persisted. “No,” he answered, with
astonishment… “Then why did you greet him with such reverence?”
Still more seriously my little companion answered, “Because he is a
teacher.”
Almost a similar incident happened to me on the banks of the Rhine
near Cologne. Again with joyous amazement I saw how some young man
greeted a school-teacher. I recall the most uplifting memories of my
teacher, Professor Kuinjy, the famous Russian artist. His life story
could fill the most inspiring pages of a biography for the young
generation. He was a simple shepherd boy in the Crimea. Only by
incessant, ardent effort towards art, was he able to conquer all
obstacles and finally become not only a highly esteemed artist and a
man of great means, but also a real Guru for his pupils in the high
Hindu conception.
Three times he tried to enter the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts and
three times he was refused. The third time, twenty-nine competitors
were admitted and not one of them left his name in the history of
art. But only one, Kuinjy, was refused.—The council of the Academy
was not of the Gurus, and certainly was short-sighted. But the young
man was persistent and instead of uselessly trying, he painted a
landscape and presented it to the Academy for Exhibition. And he
received two honors without passing the examination. From early
morning he worked. But at noon he climbed up to the terraced roof of
his house in Petrograd where, with the shot marking each midday,
thousands of birds completely surrounded him.
And he fed them,
speaking to them and studying them as a loving father. Sometimes,
very rarely, he invited us, his disciples, to this famous roof. And
we heard remarkable stories about the personalities of the birds,
about their individual habits and the ways to approach them. At this
moment, this short, stockily built man with his leonine head, became
as gentle as Saint Francis. Once I saw him very downcast during the
entire day. One of his beloved butterflies had broken its wing and
he had invented some very skilful means to mend it, but his
invention was too heavy and in this noble effort he was
unsuccessful.
But with pupils and artists, he knew how to be firm. Very often he
would repeat, “If you are an artist, even in prison you shall become
one.” Once a man came to his studio with some very fine sketches and
studies. Kuinjy praised them. But the man said, “Well, I am
unfortunate because I cannot afford to continue painting.” “Why?”
compassionately asked Kuinjy. And the man said that he had a family
to support and he had a position from ten to six. Then Kuinjy asked
him piercingly, “And from four to ten in the morning, what do you
do?” “When?” asked the man. Kuinjy explained, “Certainly in the
morning.” “In the morning, I sleep,” answered the man. Kuinjy then
raised his voice and said, “Well, you shall outsleep your entire
life. Don’t you know that from four to nine is the best creative
time? And it is not necessary to work on your art more than five
hours daily.” Then Kuinjy added, “When I worked as a retoucher in a
photograph studio, I also had my position from ten to six. But from
four to nine, I had quite enough time to become an artist.”
Sometime, when the pupil dreamed about some special conditions for
his work, Kuinjy laughed, “If you are so delicate that you have to
be put in a glass case, then better perish as soon as possible,
because our life does not need such an exotic plant.” But when he
saw that his disciple conquered circumstances and went victoriously
through the ocean of earthly storms, his eyes sparkled and in full
voice, he shouted, “Neither sun nor frost can destroy you. This is
the way. If you have something to say, you will be able to manifest
your message in spite of all conditions in the world.”
I recall how once he came to my studio on the sixth floor, which at
that time was without an elevator, and severely criticized my
painting. Thus, he left practically nothing of my original
conception, and in much uproar he went away. But in less than half
an hour, I heard again his heavy steps, and he knocked on the door.
Again he climbed the long steps in his heavy fur coat, and panting,
said, “Well, I hope you shall not take everything I said seriously.
Every one can have his point of view. I felt badly when I realized
that perhaps you took too seriously all our discussion. Everything
can be approached in different ways, and really, truth is infinite.”
And sometime in the greatest secrecy, he entrusted one of his
disciples to bring some money anonymously from him to some of the
poorest students. And he entrusted this only when he was completely
confident that this secret was not revealed. It happened once that
in the academy, revolt against the Vice-President Count Tolstoy
arose, and as no one could calm the anger of the students, the
situation became very serious. Then finally at the general meeting
came Kuinjy, and every one became silent. Then he said, “Well, I am
no judge. I do not know if your cause be just or not, but I
personally ask you to begin your work, because you have come here to
become artists.” The meeting was ended at once, and every one
returned to the classrooms, because Kuinjy himself had asked. Such
was the authority of the Guru.
From where his conception of real Guruship, in the refined eastern
understanding arose, I do not know. Certainly in him it was a
sincere self-expression, without any superficial intention. This was
his style and in the sincerity of this style, he conquered not only
as artist but also as a powerful vital type, who gave to his
disciples the same broad inflexible power to reach their goal.
Long afterwards in India, I saw such figures of Gurus and I have
seen the faithful disciples who without any servile obeisance, but
rather with great enthusiasm of spirit, venerated their Gurus with
that full sensitiveness of thought which is so characteristic of
India.
I have heard a lovely story about a small Hindu who found his
Teacher. He was asked; “Is it possible that the sun would grow dark
to you if you would see it without the Teacher?”
The boy smiled, “The sun would remain as the sun but in the presence
of the Teacher twelve suns would shine to me.”
India’s sun of wisdom shall shine because on the shores of a river
there sits a boy who knows the Teacher.
In the same teachings of India it is said: “Blessed are you, India!
Because you alone have guarded the concept of Teacher and disciple.
The Guru can dispel the attack of sleep. The Guru can raise up the
drooping spirit. Woe to him who has dared to lay claim falsely to
some one as his Teacher and who lightly pronounces the word Teacher,
while honoring himself! Verily flowers that spirit which understood
the path of ascent; and he fails who drooped in duplicity of
thought.
“One may ask a Hindu boy if he wishes to possess a Guru. No word is
needed in reply. Because the boy’s eyes will express desire,
striving and devotion. The fire of Aryavarta will glow in his eyes.
The stream of the Rig-Vedas will glow on the slopes of the
mountains.
“Who can describe in words the entire procession of the Teachers?
Either there is the realization of it, as a serpent of knowledge or
lacking this, there is darkness, sleep, obsession. There is no need
to terrify but one should tell all who have approached Yoga. “Your
support is the Teacher. Your shield is devotion to the Teacher. Your
destruction is indifference and duplicity.”
“He who smiles alike on friends and foes of the Teacher is unworthy.
He who does not betray the Teacher, even by reticence when speech is
needed, may enter the step of the threshold.”
Thus speaks Agni Yoga which foresees the splendid future of humanity
if humanity will master its possessions.
Not only in India but in the whole East we have the same conception
of the Teacher. Certainly in many Eastern countries, now the storm
of the coming civilization roars. You can imagine how many
misunderstood conceptions may harm this supreme feeling of the
hierarchy of knowledge. So many symbols and beautiful signs are
swept away through such superficial mechanization of life. And
still, even in the most remote places you can distinguish this
instinctive understanding of Guruship. How can one express in the
customary words the dignity, the noble understanding, of accepting
the chalice of knowledge?
The sense of conviction is the most hidden quality of high creation
in art. The most skilful criticism cannot explain why we believe and
cherish many of the Italian and Netherland Primitives, why so much
in modernism cannot be explained and still convince. This quality’of
inner rhythm, of inner contacts of color and line, this hidden law
of dynamic proportions cannot be fully expressed by the conventional
phrases; and still they exist and they govern our creations.
Certainly there exists some inexpressible conceptions. I remember
how in one philosophical society one of the most important
contemporary poet-philosophers ceased to attend the meetings. And
when he was asked the reason, he shrugged his shoulder, “Because
they speak of the unspeakable.”
And still everything unspeakable and
unconvincing in common conversation, becomes clear and convincing
under the benevolent touch of the master. Every art creation is as a
dynamo, charged with infinite uplifting energy, a real generator of
enthusiasm. Certainly this is comparative. Some of the creations are
charged with this primary energy for one hour, and some for
eternity—this is relativity. But the most uplifting moment is when
the Teacher and the disciples sometime even in a half-silent way are
touching this fountain of the Beautiful. Every one knows how often,
without a word, one rhythmic gesture covers the abyss of
misunderstanding. And is it not the misunderstanding that we have to
conquer?
Verily, where can there be evil, especially in the vast
field of Beauty? Certainly there can be ignorance and ugliness born
of ignorance; there can be the offspring of ignorance,
misunderstanding. In our day, of so much confusion and corruption,
when the spirit is bound with heavy chains of conventionality, how
we need to watch each beginning of misunderstanding, and how we must
extinguish these ugly parasites which grow so rapidly and pervert
the most beautiful garden into a jungle of refuse.
And who can heal this disease of ugliness? Only the Teacher. In what
aspect can he act? As a Guru. Is it so difficult and so inapplicable
for our day?
I am happy to speak to Teachers. All of you know better than any one
else the inner meaning of the sacred conception of Guru and teacher.
If we all know it, one may ask then, why speak of it? But we also
know the strength of prayer; we know the meaning of incantation, we
know the charm of chants; then, let us know what is the meaning of
Guru, what is the meaning of a teacher of life and still in the best
moments of our life we shall repeat this high conception. Because in
repeating it, we are cementing the space with the best stones of the
future.
Evolution, young generation, future heroes of a country, future
martyrs of wisdom and beauty, we know our responsibility before you!
With every affirmation of the Beautiful and of the highest, we are
creating the quality of the future life. Is it possible to create
this future life and some happiness for the coming generations,
without joy and enthusiasm? And from where does this flame of
enthusiasm, of incessant creative ecstasy come? Certainly it comes
from the flowers of the field of beauty. If we shall take from life
all expressions of beauty, we shall change the entire history of
humanity.
The teachers of art—are they not the teachers of synthesis? In old
teachings, art and beauty are explained as the highest conceptions.
You recall the story from the Upanishads, when during the search for
Brahma, Brahma was found in the smile of the beautiful Ima. Lakshmi,
the Goddess of Happiness, is the most beautiful goddess. Ugliness
really has nothing to do with happiness. In our service to art and
to beauty, is it not the most gratifying and uplifting feeling, to
know that we serve the real synthesis of the coming evolution? And
in spreading the seeds of beauty we are creating the beautiful life.
Where and how can we amalgamate all the strange formations of the
conglomerate of contemporary life? Verily, verily, only the veil of
beauty can cover and magically transform the grimace of
misunderstanding into the enlightened bliss of real knowledge. Not
only for Teachers but for the pupils, also, life is so complicated.
How to find the balance between the healthy body and the ugliness of
exaggerated sports? How to compromise the highest grace of the dance
with the dullness and conventionality of some of the extreme modern
dances? How to pacify the noble striving for music, with some of the
disturbing jazz of to-day?
How to connect the highest spiritual factor with the lowest state of
matter? Are these antitheses quite unapproachable, or can a true
unifying basis be found, not alone in dreams and thought but here
also on earth? Modern thought demands facts. The most calculating
positivism, wants to draw heaven to earth. Let us recall what one of
the most positive contemporary philosophers, Prof. Nicholas Lossky,
in his remarkable studies, “Matter and Life,” says: “After all that
has been stated, it is not difficult to give a conception of the
most characteristic traits of the teaching of matter in the system
of organic world perception.
If matter originates in the highest
existence—existence, which is also capable of creating forms of
reality other than matter—then the laws of material nature are
conditioned to a far greater extent than physicists admit. Naturally
one doubts, that the formula of each law should permit a wide range
of conditions, most of which are even still uncrystallized; thus the
law is not always an exact one, in other words it is usually too
broad.
“For instance, to expect that under all conditions, water will boil
at one hundred degrees is to take the complexity of nature too
little into account; in addition to the necessary temperature, a
normal atmospheric pressure is needed, chemical purity of the water,
etc. The physicist recognizes these incalculable additional
conditions, but as he deals with matter alone he has become
accustomed to think of all these conditions as being purely
physical.
“Therefore in establishing the most common laws, such for instance
as the law of the indestructibility of matter, when the question
concerns the general nature of matter, the physicist presumes that
there is no need to include the additional details into the formula
of the law. Even further, to the mind of such a physicist, who tends
towards materialism, any limitation of this law seems inconceivable.
And truly, so long as we remain in the domain of material processes,
the annihilation of matter through physical means, pressure or
impetus, seems inadmissible and even inconceivable.
“But let us presume that matter is not the only form of existence in
nature, and further, let us presume that matter is something
evolving, subject to the action of the highest principles of the
elements, then the place of matter in nature becomes far less
durable than the mind of a materialist considers.
“Thus it is not difficult to conceive also conditions when the
annihilation of a particle of matter is also possible.”
Thus we see that even in the conception of the most positivistic
scientist is clearly expressed the relativity of matter. In this
relativity is an open window for the highest conceptions. Let them
approach our earth! Let them saturate the coming evolution not only
as an external transfiguration but also as the evolution of the
innermost being. The facts are needed but the understanding of these
facts should be without hypocrisy and superstition. In the field of
teaching it is a special joy to expel not only ignorance but that
ugly offshoot of ignorance, superstition, and the freedom of
discipline enters where ugly superstition is destroyed. The
self-denying study of the facts open to us the highest degree of
matter. The cosmic ray is no longer a fairy tale but has entered the
laboratory of the scientist, and the scientific mind knows how many
more rays and forms of energy can enter our life and can be applied
for the upliftment of every hearth. The benevolent transfiguration
of life is on the threshold; even more, it knocks on our portals
because so many things may be distributed at once without delay.
How
many social problems can be solved without hostility, but with only
one condition, that they be solved in a beautiful way. Well, we can
evoke the energies from the space; we can enlighten our life with
powerful rays, but these rays shall be beautiful—as beautiful as is
the conception of evolution.
Our responsibility before The Beautiful is great! If we feel it, we
can demand the same responsibility to this highest principle from
our pupils. If we know that this is a necessity, as during an ocean
storm we can require from our companions the same attention to the
keenest demand of the moment.
We are introducing, by all means, art into all manifestations of
life. We are striving to show the quality of creative labor, but
this quality can be recognized only when we know what is the ecstasy
before the beautiful; and this ecstasy is not that of a transfixed
image, but this is motion, this is all-vibrating Nirvana, not the
falsely-conceived Nirvana of immobility—but the Nirvana of the
noblest and most intensive activity. In all ancient teachings, we
have heard about the nobility of action. How can they be noble, if
they are not beautiful? You are the teachers of art; you are the
emissaries of beauty; you know the responsibility before the coming
generation, and in this is manifested your joy and your invincible
power. Your actions are the noble actions.
And to you, my young unseen friends, we are sending our call. We
know how difficult it is for you to begin the struggle for light and
achievement. But the obstacles are only new possibilities to create
beneficent energy. Without battle, there is no victory. And how can
you avoid the venomous arrows of dark enmity? By approaching your
enemy so closely that he shall lack space even to send an arrow. And
after all, nothing enlightened may be achieved without travail. So,
blessed be labor! And blessed be you, young friends, who are walking
in victory! The Gurus of the past and future are with you.
Gurus, to you, my invocation and my reverence!
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