THE GIFT OF LABOR -COURAGE -LEARNING

SUPERMUNDANE MEASURES - THE ESSENCE OF JOY -LABOR AND JOY Selections from Supermundane

Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, October 14, 1999 (All selections copyright Agni Yoga Society)

839. Urusvati knows the gift of labor. Humanity is beginning to understand labor as having the highest value. We regard labor as the highest standard, but many still think that it is a curse. Where does such an unjustified idea come from? It is because of a lack of understanding of the Supermundane World.

People do not want to know the first principles of the supermundane life. They do not realize that labor is liberation from the ego, that most harmful impediment to the attainment of supermundane creativity. Labor of high quality permits man to rise above the ego. A creator, at the time of true inspiration, does not think of himself. A worker striving for better quality cannot be enslaved to his ego. Therefore, the gift of labor is liberation from selfhood.

Selfhood can be eradicated by the mind, but are there many who can think in such a lofty way? Labor can help people and protect them from the imperfect conditions of life. People do not use labor enough as a, safeguard against falling into the depths of vulgarity-Searching for higher quality is already a striving into a better future. For good reason the Yoga of Labor was offered to humanity as a direct path to achievement. Let us not be silent about the need for labor, even in early childhood. Family and school must mold the future laborers and creators.

The Thinker said, "With prayer let us accept the gift of labor."

840. Urusvati knows the gift of courage. Because of opposing vibrations, an audacious individual can become afraid, but a courageous hero is fearless. Manifesting courage is more than just an earthly attainment. Courage is also developed in the Supermundane World.

A seeker who desires to enter the path of courage receives Help from the Highest. Though he will be exposed to many terrors, he will know that his essence is inviolate, and even the most terrible will not upset his rhythm. With this firm armor the hero proceeds in his earthly life. He can be assured that he has received a great gift.

I can hear the grumbler whisper, "What is new in this? Does not man already know about the benefit of courage?" But he does not know, and the grumbler himself does not attempt to cultivate this valuable quality within himself. One can tirelessly develop the quality of courage in any circumstances of life and in this striving one can recall long-forgotten accumulations. Active courage is always beautiful, but this is not known by the grumbler, for he does not strive to the beautiful. For him podvig is just an empty word. He does not understand why the hero cannot tolerate a vulgar way of life. The grumbler cannot calculate the true benefit of courage; even in his life in the bazaar a little courage would be of value. But the grumbler prefers to vegetate in the soil of timidity, rather than be kindled by podvig. After all, podvig can be performed in the humblest kind of life. People do not understand that courage is the shortest path.

The Thinker taught that one must proceed into the Supermundane World filled with courage.

341. Urusvati knows the gift of learning. The skeptics will ask, "Can learning be a gift? Is it not an achievement of our free wilt?" From the point of view of narrow materialism it is so. But refined, exalted thinking understands that learning needs Supermundane Cooperation.

Every thinker can recognize that beyond the mere accumulation of facts is the more elevated level of knowledge, and this is already a higher gift. One cannot refine one's receptivity by earthly reason alone. A true scientist realizes that his knowledge contains some kind of higher threads, which provide an unexpected expansion of what was already learned.

Such an event-when the Higher Guides consider it necessary to interfere for the sake of the Common Good-may be unperceived. But the results would be greater if the scientist consciously recognized and accepted the Higher Guidance; then the Supermundane World could manifest itself in all its glory. The human heart senses expansion, as if ready to receive something Great. Such moments may lead to illumination, but one must learn to accept this current of Beneficence. Forced measures are not needed. One has only to open one's heart and summon in thought the Great Teacher.

The Thinker said, "Teacher, bless me in my learning."

842. Urusvati knows the essence of supermundane standards of measurement. Researchers in supermundane science often wonder why earthly dates do not coincide with supermundane ones. This circumstance often promotes doubt in those who are not firm in their beliefs. Only by profound study of the conditions of the Supermundane World can one understand that supermundane measures cannot fully coincide with earthly ones.

A man standing on a mountain top will think and feel differently from someone who is in a deep valley. Supermundane and earthly measures differ even more. In the Supermundane World measures correspond with the essence of those events upon which Our Indications are based. Only a keen observer can perceive the inner connections between events that relate to Our Indications.

Often secondary events can seem insignificant and irrelevant, and only an attentive, keen eye can see a noticeable connection. An unprejudiced scientist will then point out, "Truly, the Supermundane World is close to the earthly one, yet the higher measures must be carefully observed." Thus it can be seen that the supermundane language cannot be the narrow language of Earth-

The heart is always indicated as a focal point of man's essence. Only the heart can listen to and understand the light touches of the Supermundane World. This must be remembered.

The Thinker said, "Teacher, teach me to understand the whisper of the Supermundane."

843. Urusvati knows the essence of joy. In ancient India there was a community of physicians who were called "creators of joy." They believed that for successful healing the patient had to be surrounded by joy. They had learned about the healing properties of joy that attract the best vibrations, both mundane and supermundane; by this method, the patient's condition was improved and his cure proceeded successfully.

Physicians of other schools ridiculed the creators of joy. They could not admit that the quality of vibrations assisted the physical healing. Nor could they imagine the spatial power attracted by psychic influences. Such influences should not be commands, but a festival of the spirit. Also, it can be seen that when the physician speaks with joy, the patient more readily trusts him.

Not only the physical substance of this remedy but also its subtle, magnetizing effect on the process of treatment, work in cooperation with the best forces of the patient. Whether near a patient, or in the entire scope of life's creativeness, do not forget the healing quality of joy. Find the resourcefulness to summon joy even during difficult days. Find the strength to create joy, for there are many possibilities in space to kindle bonfires of joy. Truly, joy is the best guide on the supermundane paths.

The Thinker said, "Teacher, help me to unite with the Supermundane Joy."

844. Urusvati knows the essence of labor. We affirm labor as the universal value. We call labor the source of healing rhythm. We repeat that labor provides real joy to the worker. We place labor into the foundation of the family and the state. But now We must add one more, the most significant quality of labor - that it gives joy not only to the worker himself, but also to others.

Any labor undoubtedly gives joy to someone. The joy may not be great, but it might also be vast. The manifestation of universal joy is produced by labor.

Let us not forget that in the Supermundane World such joy is incorruptible. It creates gratitude. This unity of vibrations helps the traveler in his supermundane pilgrimage. In this special attention must be given to the fact that the gratitude is not directed to the laborer personally, though these pure feelings will follow him on Earth as well as in the Supermundane World. He will not know those who are grateful to him. The most treasured step on the ladder of ascent is the impersonal, self-healing step upward.

Cooperation is valued when it is strengthened by devotion. Thus let us understand labor as an action of united joy.

The Thinker saw labor as supermundane joy.

FRIENDLINESS - FORGETFULNESS -COMPASSION INSPIRATION - ENTHUSIASM Selections from Supermundane

Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, October 28, 1999 (All selections copyright Agni Yoga Society)

845. Urusvati knows the essence of friendliness. The luminous emanations of friendliness are a good conductor on Earth and also in the Supermundane World. Sincere friendliness is especially needed in the Supermundane World. The energy of thought and the evident emanations exclude any possibility of deceitful intent. In earthly life friendliness creates new possibilities. A friendly glance at one's enemy is not a sign of weakness, but, on the contrary, a sign of advantage.

People should be educated in the realization of the benefit of friendliness. The full value of this quality may not be understood quickly, but undoubtedly an elevation of consciousness will take place. Once again, during this education the harm of hate and revenge should be taught. This is particularly needed now, when malice and hatred are enveloping Earth with a ruinous shroud.

Do not think that these reminders are simply abstract moral precepts. The planet is ill, and people add to its destruction. Therefore, let us gather every grain of friendliness. Lei us fill space with transmissions of friendliness. We do not know who will be reached by our sendings of kindness, but they will carry with them a pan-human benefit.

The Thinker advised, "Send out thought of kindness. They will reach their destination."

846. Urusvati understands the essence of forgetting. The sages say, "Nothing disappears, everything has a reason." If something has sunk into the depths of consciousness, there is reason for it. If we study that reason, we will find that the forgetting was beneficial.

People also wonder why a memory long-forgotten sometimes emerges unexpectedly from the consciousness. There is a reason for this. Unforeseen vibrations may have awakened the slumbering memory, or the individual may have needed to acknowledge something long ago experienced, or perhaps the Supermundane Guides found it necessary to remind him about his responsibility.

We do not have in mind that careless loss of memory that comes from lack of discipline. We regard this as a dangerous vice. Children should be protected from falling into undisciplined carelessness- People often happily admit to negligent forgetfulness, not realizing the kind of vice they are confessing to.

Forgetting is natural. It collects treasures in the consciousness, and guards them solicitously until their destined time.

In truth, it is impossible for one to remember all the details of one's past. Only in the Supermundane World do the details appear to one, as saviors or accusers. It is impossible to remember, and to accept or reject every detail. For one who strives, forgetting is nothing but the preservation of treasures whose hour will come like a lightning bolt of illumination.

We value the person who knows how to manage accumulated treasures. We are ready to help to summon out of the treasury the needed vibrations.

The Thinker said, "I will also accept forgetting as a gift."

847. Urusvati knows the essence of compassion for the less fortunate. Let every act of compassion be a step of your ascent.

A fool beats his exhausted donkey and thus does only harm. But a wise master lets his donkey rest and feeds it, and thus receives benefit. It is the same with the ignorant. It is wrong to rebuke the ignorant in anger, for such abuse is only harmful. But there will be benefit if one makes allowance and finds appropriate words. It is not easy to empathize with the ignorant, but a thoughtful person will understand that when a passage is low, one must stoop to proceed.

Much has been said about compassion, yet every act of compassion requires that one know how to bend to the level of the needy one. Indeed, this affords a glorious ascent. In the Supermundane World, mercy and compassion lead to a speedy ascent. The pilgrim learns to harken to the voices of pain and is imbued with thoughts of healing, which, like wings, bear him aloft.

Man should constantly seek for opportunities to act with compassion. Schools should teach the benefits of compassion, and that negative judgment is fruitless. It can be avoided if one remembers that destruction is, for us, not equal to construction. Let us leave destruction to the wisdom of Cosmos; let us create.

The Thinker said, "Teacher, point out to me the way to ascend in compassion."

848. Urusvati knows the essence of inspiration. In many languages, this word clearly refers to influence from without. People love the word inspiration, but often misuse it, not considering its origin.

Even those few who know the origin of the word differ in their understanding of it. Some accept that there is some external personal influence, while others think that an impersonal energy is involved. There is no reason for disagreement, for in every personal action some impersonal energy is at work. It is time for people to recognize the true meaning of the words they utter.

But is it possible to discuss the meaning of inspiration without an understanding of the Supermundane World? No one can acknowledge the cooperation of Higher Forces when he denies their existence.

The word "inspiration" is especially used by artists and scientists. The reason for this is clear since these individuals can more often receive influences from the Supermundane Spheres than ordinary people. The influences would be more frequent if people accepted them consciously, but regrettably the existence of the Supermundane World is generally not acknowledged.

How can recognition of the Supermundane World be expected, when people are so engulfed by hatred and destruction? Even so, the word "inspiration" has not yet been expunged from the dictionary! It can be hoped that teachers will appear in the elementary schools who will explain the great meaning of inspiration. Children should hear about Supermundane Cooperation. This idea will not cause harm, but will touch them like beautiful wings!

The Thinker said, "Teacher, inspire me to better creative work."

849. Urusvati knows the essence of enthusiasm. This beautiful concept proves the communion that exists between the Higher Worlds and the forces of the human spirit. Those who deny the existence of the spirit and the soul should not use the word "enthusiasm," yet they love to repeat it, not really understanding its meaning.

They make use of the thoughts and words that fill supermundane space and at the same time deny the existence of the unseen life and the invisible influences existing there. It is not surprising that the concepts known to the ancient world that we are obliged to speak about have become completely distorted.

People of the ancient world created many words of great significance. They knew why these words were needed for humanity, but the centuries have swept away the meaning of many great concepts. Human thought turned to the daily routine and to what people mistakenly thought was progress in life. Ignorance came upon them, stealthily and unexpectedly. Dry reason, instead of a broadening of their horizons, narrowed them down to a state of ignorant negation.

It would seem that scientists should seek and not engage themselves in negativity. Enthusiasm must descend upon the consciousness of a scientist, and he must evaluate its significance. However, by denying the guidance of Supermundane Forces, the scientist weakens himself.

Enough has been said about the conscious creativity that brings clairvoyance and clairaudience, but to achieve these one must first understand what kind of powers he will manifest and what kind of Cooperation is ready to help him. Only then can true enthusiasm be affirmed.

The Thinker advised that even in daily life one should not forget about enthusiasm.

KINDHEARTEDNESS -GRACE -FAITH -STRIVING - OPEN-MINDEDNESS Selections from Supermundane

Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, November 11. 1999 (All selections copyright Agni Yoga Society)

850. Urusvati knows the essence of kindheartedness. The beautiful concepts of goodness and kindheartedness should not be demeaned by the ignorant. To them a good-hearted person seems foolish and is not to be trusted. What can be higher than a striving toward beneficence, toward good? It is the wise man who directs all his forces toward good. And when he is in the Supermundane World he will not regret his striving, which, as a magnet of goodwill attract to him the best companions on the path.

People in the earthly state dream about cooperation, but in the Supermundane World it is even more keenly experienced. It strengthens the spirit and multiplies the psychic energy. While on Earth, people attempt to raise their consciousness with all kinds of yoga, in order to approach the Higher World. But the Supermundane World demands much greater tension in order to advance. Continuously, without ceasing, the pilgrim in the Supermundane World must move forward—or fall backward, like a stone dropped into an abyss. Goodness offers protection against this, but man must first acquire true goodheartedness. It will help to avoid irritation, violent anger, and malice.

We are not talking about unimportant and impractical matters. The world is so engulfed in hatred that the life preserver of good is indispensable. Man should search for the many forgotten or corrupted concepts. He must learn to apply them in their true meaning. Much good can be found buried in the dust of the ages.

The Thinker insisted, "Put on the armor of goodwill and you will become unconquerable."

851. Urusvati knows the essence of grace. Primary energy, grace, psychic energy, fiery energy, prana—there have been many names over the centuries, but the meaning is one. Life-giver, channel of the creative force, impeller to knowledge—thus can people understand grace. But people are far from understanding the foundations of the universe, and will ask, "If the primary energy fills space, why does it not act equally on all of humanity?"

Those who question do not know that there are no two people alike, or that the energy must be acknowledged, invoked, and accepted. An ignorant person is like a patient who demands immediate effect from a remedy. After the first dose he is ready to deny. Thus acts the one who does not acknowledge the primary energy. Likewise, an ignorant person does not understand that one must know how to invoke the energy. The pure will must be trained so that the fiery magnet is activated. The magnet cannot come to life without the cultivation of the will.

It is also difficult for man to accept grace in earthly life. Like a bird of paradise, grace will beat its wings against its cage, losing its best feathers. He who accepts grace must keep the wonderful bird free, but how to treat it so that it does not become a pitiful prisoner? People have invented many different ways to adapt their everyday lives to the grandeur of the beautiful energy, but often without giving a thought to the meaning of the word grace.

The Thinker rejoiced when he sensed the presence of grace. He said, "I was touched by the fiery bird, the messenger of the Supermundane World."

852. Urusvati knows the essence of faith. People speak about blind faith, but We affirm the seeing faith. Faith is knowledge, but knowledge is also divided into that of the mind and that of the heart. It is not easy for people to discern the dividing line of this knowledge, but they must understand that knowledge of the heart cannot be acquired if there are no supermundane accumulations.

Truly, it is not possible to advance in the Supermundane World if the fiery magnet of the heart has not been activated. It should be understood that the magnet must be developed to the fullest possible degree in the Supermundane World so that it may shine forth in the earthly life.

Many ways were invented by people to artificially ignite the magnet. But others thought that only spiritual development could add to the development of the magnet—these were closer to the truth. Bodily exercises cannot develop spirituality. Only mental discipline can produce elevated heart-knowledge. But how can one explain to people that every day and every hour are important for supermundane achievement? The mind can impede the heart and deprive it of precious insights.

The Thinker said, "My knowledge is limited, but I have faith."

FRIENDLINESS -STRIVING -REST -FAITHFULNESS - THE INEFFABLE ESSENCE Selections from Supermundane

Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, December 2, 1999 (All selections copyright Agni Yoga Society)

855. Urusvati knows the essence of friendliness. In his very nature, a Yogi is friendly. He examines every human manifestation thoroughly, and if he finds a particle of good in it, he bases his Judgment on that particle. But if the Yogi senses just cosmic rubbish, he will sweep it away, knowing that this kind of decay can be transformed only by fire. A Yogi understands that it is impossible to judge anything correctly by its changing state. It must be examined in its various stages of manifestation, prior to forming any judgment as to its essence.

Understand that this is the basis of friendliness. It is better to err on the side of good than to Judge harshly. But the heart of a Yogi will not be deceived; his sensitive vibration will make no mistake in recognizing cosmic rubbish.

Supermundane vibrations can recognize infallibly the decay of a human being. In time it will be possible to utilize these refined vibrations in earthly life too. But one should not expect the appearance of such sophisticated apparatuses any time soon. The coarsened state of humanity is evident, and it is not yet possible to break through the armor of ignorance. Yet, evolution is proceeding.

The Thinker asserted, "Maintain friendliness as a torch in the darkness."

856. Urusvati knows the essence of striving. All labor requires concentration in order for the quality of labor to be heightened, but such concentration is external. We wish to remind you about inner striving. Such striving should be familiar to everyone, but in fact it is rarely seen.

Man must familiarize himself with the Supermundane World and show full understanding of the Higher Helpers. But how will he know his treasures, if no one tells him about them? From childhood, people are kept separate from the Supermundane World, and are forbidden to even think about anything supernatural. They grow up, like the blind in a forest, directionless, until they knock their heads against trees.

Such a big shock is needed for one to be illumined by the inner light. Then one's search begins, and Higher Help becomes possible. In truth, the seeker will notice that his striving enhances the quality of his achievement. Help comes as if by accident, when something is found or someone is met.

Man should free himself, the sooner the better, from his absurd ideas about accidental occurrences. There is cause in everything, and it is wise to find its source. Striving, like the force of a magnet, increases the power of the seeker. An inner striving will not impede one's labors. On the contrary, as an incessant pulse it affirms the ascent. Man should think about the ceaseless activity of the heart and understand it as an example of incessant striving.

The Thinker said, "A magnetic arrow knows its direction."

857. Urusvati knows the essence of rest. We have already said that rest should be a change of labor, but there are other beneficial ways to rest, such as communion with the Supermundane World, enrichment of knowledge, contemplation of the grandeur of nature, and human creativity. Some will call these ways of rest a broadening of consciousness, others a liberation from ego, and others, a victory of the spirit. They will all be right. The rapture of lofty perceptions can transform one's life, if one is able to sustain the valuable inner vibrations.

It is regrettable that people can so rarely make use of these true values. Usually, negative feelings impede recognition of the most beautiful. Rather than take the given opportunities to rest, man sinks into irritation and harms not only himself, but all his surroundings.

The true nature of rest should be explained in the schools. Rest brings health to the spirit and the body. Let the young builders of life find a balance between labor and rest. Let them find the time to think about the Supermundane World. It is possible that they may start with ridicule, but later plain logic will compel them to think more deeply. They may start thinking about astronomy, or chemistry, or any branch of physics, and will stumble upon something as yet unknown to them. Especially now, when people begin to think about energies, it can be expected that inquiring minds will understand the breadth of possibilities that transform life. Unfortunately, people are still too far from freedom of thought. May thought liberate the oppressed slaves!

The Thinker said. "Labor is the liberator, and thought is the guide."

EXPANSION OF CONSCIOUSNESS - LOVE FOR THE FUTURE - LOVE FOR NATURE ASSIMILATION -COMPASSION -ILLUMINATION Selections from Supermundane

Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, December 16, 1999 (All selections copyright Agni Yoga Society)

860. Urusvati knows the essence of the expansion of consciousness. There is much confusion and lack of understanding about this concept. Inexperienced researchers think that such expansion comes from without, and that the lucky recipient need only accept with gratitude this highest gift. Such researchers forget the law of free will. They would be distressed to learn that expansion of consciousness comes not from without, but from within. Only the fiery magnet of the heart, inflamed by lofty thinking and striving, can attract the highest energies. The power of the highest energies transforms the consciousness and makes it receptive to the knowledge of the Laws of Existence. People do not value the magnet of the heart and thus diminish their own significance. It is impossible to believe that the Higher Forces would coerce the free will. On the contrary, the beautiful fact is that man is the initiator of his own ascent. Cooperation will develop depending on the power and purity of his thinking. Thus, man alone prepares his position in the Supermundane World.

The appearance of the Teacher depends on the level of thinking of the seeker, whose low consciousness can act like the soggy clothing that weighs down the body of a drowning man, making rescue most difficult! Of special importance is the expansion of consciousness leading into the future. A person with a broadened consciousness understands the past as a bridge into the future.

The Thinker said, "Strive to the future, it is calling."

861. Urusvati knows the essence of love for the future. It has long been said that life is an uninterruptible current. It can be said that life is a flight into the future. But people fear the future. Some are sadly reconciled with its inevitability, but only a few love it. It is right to call these few the winged ones. They sense how their invisible wings carry them over the planet. They can discover great truths and can become true scientists. They are confident that none of their discoveries will be lost. They greet each day as a new possibility. They love victory, and stand up against ignorance.

Whence is born in these workers a readiness for incessant labor? Love is a powerful mover. Love is a magnet and the beginning of achievement. Love for the future is the most powerful mover and it safeguards the worker from stagnation. Love makes possible the understanding of the Supermundane World.

People often speak about meetings with their dear ones in the Supermundane World. They do not love the future as a fiery victory, but it is good that they dream about the Supermundane World, if only for the sake of the dear ones. Yet, how beautiful can the Supermundane Path be for the aspirant who strives to the future! He will lose no time in seeking the solutions to the problems that occupied him in his earthly life, and he will find the Higher Guides.

The Thinker said to children, "Love the future, and your wings will grow."

862. Urusvati knows the essence of love for nature. An Agni Yogi loves nature. In its smallest and greatest manifestations he perceives beauty. He feels the grandeur that saturates space. The Yogi knows that for him nature is a window to the far-off worlds and an entrance into the Supermundane World.

It is essential to remind people about the significance of nature, for many do not know how to observe it and do not perceive its significance in life. One can see in many children an attraction to nature, and, particularly, to the heavens.