Fire and the New Era
Agni means “fire” in Sanskrit-the Creative Fire of the Universe. The fire god Agni is a major deity in the Vedic pantheon, especially in the Rig Veda. Agni and fire have a broad spectrum of meanings in the Agni Yoga books. They often refer to: the primordial light and life at the root of the universe; cosmic energy, or the “Fire of Space”; and “psychic energy,” the powers of the human mind and heart, particularly those manifesting in love, thought, and creativity. In general, fire is a powerful transformative energy, a swift, subtle, connective force of high vibration.
Agni Yoga states that humanity is entering the New Era of Satya Yuga (Light), having just left the previous era of Kali Yuga (darkness) in which the flow of cosmic fire pouring onto the Earth will intensify. There is danger that the lack of spiritual synthesis (i.e. the inability of humanity to recognize the existence of Higher Fiery Energy Forces) will block these Energies from being transmuted by humanity into the crust of the earth where they would stabilize the molten magma under the surface. Without such transmutation by humanity, these energies wlll turn negative and destructive and bring on earthquakes and other upheavals. The situation is exacerbated by humanity’s misuse of “fire”: not only such gross fires as combustion and electricity, but also the subtler fires of thought and feeling. If humanity and our planet are to survive, we need to be able to consciously accept this powerful energy from space and transform it into a constr
Unlike most traditional approaches to the mastery of the highest subtle energies, Agni Yoga insists that mastery must take place within the context of contemporary secular life. Monasticism is replaced by action for the Common Good, creative work that helps build a new era based on knowledge that is both scientific and spiritual. Although “The coming epoch will be under the Rays of three Lords—Maitreya, Buddha, and Christ,” the New Age is known as the Age of Maitreya, the future World Teacher, because the characteristics associated with Maitreya will come to the fore. Moreover, because the manifestation of Maitreya is linked with the affirmation of the Mother of the World, in the past, present and future,” the coming era is also known as the Epoch of Woman, or the Epoch of the Mother of the World. It is also the Epoch of Shambhala, since humanity will be directly ruled by the Brotherhood of Mahatmas that dwell in Shambhala, a mysterious abode in Central Asia. “What are the signs of the time of Shambhala? The signs of the age of truth and cooperation.” “One should understand the most proximate gifts of evolution: first—psychic energy; second—the woman’s movement; third—cooperation. Each of these gifts must be accepted in full measure, not abstractly.”
Building the Temple
In addressing “builders and warriors,” the very first lines of the Agni Yoga teaching indicate two aspects of the external work of those who follow Agni Yoga: construction of a New Era, and the battle to create conditions under which construction is possible.
The constructive work outlined in the Agni Yoga books embraces every domain of human life. In the first paragraphs of the Teaching, the work is likened to the building of a New Temple for all humanity, the temple being a symbol of spiritual knowledge. Art and beauty are also emphasized from the very beginning. “Remember, Art is the one vital medium of the coming culture. Through Beauty will you approach.” Working with children is another early theme that continues through the entire series.
In the field of medicine, Agni Yoga anticipates developments in later decades. “Agni Yoga approaches just in time. Without it, who would say that epidemics of influenza should be cured by psychic energy? Who would pay attention to new kinds of mental illness, brain disease, and sleep disorders? …[O]ne should think seriously about the new enemies that are created by the conditions of contemporary life. One cannot apply the old methods to them; a new approach will be developed through the expansion of consciousness.”
The new approach will focus on “psychic energy, because its crystal brings about the best healing. It is possible to extract deposits of this energy, which is a panacea for all illnesses.” Just as an emotion like irritation gives rise to chemical substances that deposit in the body, so does the sacred energy, “because each energy has a physical crystal.” Along with study of the “nerve centers” (chakras), research on the chemical deposits of subtle energies “will form the future direction of medicine. Through these domains humanity will come closer to detecting the subtlest energy, which for the sake of simplicity we call ‘spirit.’ The next step in the development of culture will arise from discovery of the emanations of this energy.”
Agni Yoga favors empirical research on the interaction of psychic energy (“mind” or “spirit”) with the human organism and its environment, and it often discusses how scientists might best approach this new field. At the same time, Agni Yoga endorses aromatherapy, Ayurveda, herbalism, suggestion, and other practices about which mainstream Western medicine remains skeptical. “We [of the Brotherhood] do not ignore the methods of Western science, but We lay psychic energy in the foundation. Having come to the conclusion that psychic energy is necessary both for ourselves and for experimental procedures, We are primarily concerned with creating conditions favorable to its accumulation.”
The accumulation of psychic energy requires attention to the macrocosm (the physical atom) as well as the microcosm (the Higher Planes of Existence). The “course of the luminaries”—the motion of celestial bodies, particularly the planets that represent the seven lines of cosmic life—and the chemical composition of their rays have a powerful impact on human events. The ancient science of astrology should be revived, especially for medical and governmental purposes, but it needs to be combined with practical knowledge on the ground and the inner knowledge of a fiery heart. The expansion of consciousness will naturally carry humanity to the “far-off worlds,” including planets on a higher plane of existence.
Agni Yoga’s insight into the Earth’s critical situation is ahead of its time. “People will ask, ‘Right now, how can we serve on Earth in the most beneficial way?’ They should restore the Earth’s health. There is a whole list of ways to carry out this worldwide task of restoration. One should keep in mind that people have destroyed the resources of Earth without mercy. They are ready to poison the earth and the air. They have laid waste forests—the receptacles of prana. They have diminished animal life, forgetting that animal energy nourishes the earth. They believe that untested chemical substances (medicine and drugs) can take the place of prana and earthly emanations. They plunder mineral resources, unmindful that a balance must be maintained. They do not think about what caused the catastrophe of Atlantis. They neglect the fact that chemical substances should be tested over the course of a century, for a single generation is too short to determine whether a substance will bring evolution or its opposite… They think that by some act of mercy the weather will clear and people will become prosperous! But the problem of restoring health does not cross their minds. So let us love all of creation!” There is also discussion of such issues as climate change, desertification, excessive urbanization, air pollution, and narcotics.
Warriors of Light
“What to call the illness of the planet? The best name would be ‘fever from poisoning.’ Stifling gases from the detritus of the Subtle World’s lower strata are cutting the planet off from the worlds that could be bringing it assistance. The Earth’s destiny may end with a gigantic explosion if this thick veil is not penetrated.” To avoid this fate and bring about the renewal of the Earth, people must learn to consciously participate in the tremendous battle that rages not only in our visible world but primarily in the invisible Subtle World. This will help to save the Earth and usher in the Epoch of Maitreya, an age of worldwide peace and culture. This being a battle between the earthly world and the invisible, subtle worlds, in a certain sense, the struggle will help link these worlds, ending the unnatural state of isolation in which earthly humanity now exists. By bringing all forces into play and raising tension and danger to an unprecedented level, the Battle makes it possible for the “Warrior of Light” to temper herself or himself, attain joy, and kindle the chakras, especially the heart.
The Battle can be looked at from many perspectives. It is a conflict between the elements earth and fire, between the higher and lower fires, and between the separative aspect of Saturn and Uranus the synthesizer. Perhaps most fundamentally it is a battle between the creative, affirmative power of the human free will and the destructive power of negation or nihilism. Agni Yoga says Yes to every aspect of life, including conflict. For the Brotherhood, battle is fundamentally defensive, but it is able to use the unavoidable battle to affirm the highest creative values.
A human being is inevitably involved in three battles: the battle between free will and karma, that is, between the higher self and the lower personality; the battle between the Brotherhood (or Hierarchy) of Light and the disembodied forces of evil; and the cosmic battle “between the subtle energies and the waves of chaos,” a battle that continues forever. The Battle may also refer to Armageddon, the international conflict that started in 1931. In any case, Agni Yoga differs from most “spiritual” teachings in that it is “not a peaceful teaching” but a “call to battle.” It is full of martial imagery—swords, shields, arrows, spears, and armor—as its followers are “warriors of spirit” and such martial virtues as courage and vigilance are needed on earth.
Four Stones
The second book of the Agni Yoga teaching, ”Leaves of Morya’s Garden” II (”Illumination”), indicates four basic principles for action. “Friends! Place four stones in the foundation of your actions: First—Reverence for the Hierarchy. Second—Consciousness of unity. Third—Consciousness of co-measurement. Fourth—Application of the principle, ‘By thy God.’”
Along with many schools of Asian thought, Agni Yoga teaches that spiritual liberation depends on cultivating an awareness of unity with the Higher Forces so we can be guided and protected by the compassionate enlightened beings who belong to the Brotherhood, the Hierarchy of Light. Co-measurement is the ability to understand the relative importance of one’s relationship with these Higher Beings and act accordingly. It is related to “goal-fitness,” the ability to evaluate and adjust one’s thoughts and actions in light of conscious goals.
“By thy God” means the ability to understand the highest ideals of other people—their gods, so to speak—and affirm them. In the past, a person would assert the sanctity and value of his own god, but now it essential to “find the God of each one and exalt Him. One can understand this with reason, but it is more important to embrace it in the smile of the spirit.” This principle of Great Tolerance “is the basis of the New World.”
The Fiery Transmutation
The initial steps of Agni Yoga resemble those of Raja Yoga: purification, striving, study, and mastery of prana, the life force. “A young person may ask, ‘How should Agni Yoga be understood?’ Say, ‘As discernment of the all-connecting element of fire, which nourishes the seed of the spirit, and its application to life.’ The young person may ask, ‘How can I approach that knowledge?’ ‘Purify your thinking, and after determining your three worst traits, consign them to the flames of a fiery striving. Then choose a Teacher on Earth and, while getting to know the Teaching, strengthen your body with the medicines and pranayama indicated. You will behold the stars of the spirit; you will see the fires that purify your centers; you will hear the voice of the Invisible Teacher; and you will enter into other aspects of the subtlest understanding that transforms life.’”
As in Raja Yoga, successful practice under a qualified guru results in development of clairvoyance, clairaudience, and other subtle faculties, as well as the kindling of the psychic centers—the chakras. Besides the seven chakras often mentioned in esoteric literature, Agni Yoga touches on the kindling of the centers in the lungs, shoulders, and other parts of the body. Special emphasis is placed on the fires in the heart center and the Chalice, or the Anahata chakra, which is behind the heart. In the latter are stored spiritual accumulations from past lives, including “straight-knowledge,” a very high degree of intuition. “People often confuse great straight-knowledge, which is the result of many experiences and wonderful accumulations over many incarnations, with a certain psychism. The latter manifests in more or less correct presentiments, dreams, and perceptions of the astral plane that correspond to the perceiver’s consciousness. Straight-knowledge, on the other hand, knows with certainty, knows the essence of everything happening, knows the direction of evolution as well as the future. Straight-knowledge is the synthesis of spirituality; naturally, it only belongs to a great spirit who has accumulated its Chalice, regardless of how modest his or her social position may be.”
Although in general Agni Yoga avoids negation, including prohibition and renunciation, it expresses strong opposition to magic, mediumistic practices, and psychism—the pursuit of lower psychic powers and attachment to psychic phenomena—because they hinder the practice of Agni Yoga. For the same reason, Agni Yoga opposes “mechanical” exercises that seek to awaken the inner power by manipulation or strengthening of the outer. Even exercises to develop concentration have subordinate value. Inspiration from the Hierarchy, an essential condition on the path, “descends through a single basic condition. Neither concentration nor command of the will, but love for the Hierarchy gives rise to direct Communion. We do not know how better or more precisely to express the guiding law than as a surge of love. That is why it is timely to cast aside magic with all its compulsion and be imbued with love to one’s very core. Then one can easily approach the source of Being through a truly wondrous feeling. Precisely, amidst the disintegration of the planet, one needs to turn to the principle that will most effectively restore health. And what can more strongly unify than the mantram, ‘I love you, O Lord!’ Such a call makes it easy to receive a ray of knowledge.”
Love, then, is what makes it possible to receive inner knowledge, especially when accompanied by gratitude and joy. Courage and patience are also needed, for Agni Yoga is not merely a matter of kindling the centers with a “Kundalini experience,” but involves years of “fiery transmutation” by which the feelings, thoughts, and sensations are refined, eventually allowing the Yogi to function in his or her subtle body, and later the still more sublime and powerful fire body. The development of these bodies makes it possible for a Yogi to attain immortality—the ability to act consciously at will in the earthly, subtle, and fiery worlds—and work for the good of others on a vast scale. Because the world is currently in such chaos, during the process of transmutation feelings of anguish are inevitable; they need to be acknowledged and overcome.
In outlining “four gates,” ”Agni Yoga” 163 gives an overview of the entire process. “He who would swim must dive fearlessly into the water. And he who has determined to master Agni Yoga must transform his entire life with it. Why do people think they can spare Yoga a portion of some idle hour and remain in impure thought the rest of the time? Truly, all actions ought to be imbued with the purifying power of fiery striving… This most synthesizing Yoga exacts an obligation to construct your entire life in accordance with a discipline that is externally imperceptible. If this imperceptible discipline no longer feels like chains but instead turns into the joy of responsibility, we can consider the first Gates open. When one awakens to the cooperation with the far-off worlds, then the second Gates will open. And when the foundations of evolution are understood, the bolts will fall from the third Gates. And finally, when the advantage of using a densified astral body has been understood, then the bolts of the fourth Gates will fall away. As this process goes forward, the fires of the centers of knowledge kindle, and amidst the lightning bolts of the subtlest energies, straight-knowledge emerges. Cherish, then, the fire of knowledge and guard the growing power.”
Adapted from the Wikipedia article Agni Yoga, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
No related posts.