English translations of selected paragraphs from the book «Wishes to the Leader» (1933) are presented here.

The Russian original:

https://agniyoga.sibro.ru/living-ethics/naputstvie_vozhdu/

https://nrm.s3.amazonaws.com/website/archive/14_Agni_Yoga/In%20Russian/1933%20-%20%D0%9D%D0%B0%D0%BF%D1%83%D1%82%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B5%20%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B4%D1%8E.%20%28Riga%2C%201937%29.pdf

The translations are based on the English versions of some other Agni Yoga books presented at

https://agniyoga.org/index.php,

because 143 from 194 paragraphs of «Wishes to the Leader» belong to other books too, with minor changes. The English translations presented at the site https://agniyoga.org/index.php

were made under the supervision of Roerich’s family and their closest assistants. There is no such English translation of the entire book «Wishes to the Leader». (In 2001, another team translated the entire book and named the translation «The Leader»:
https://www.lulu.com/shop/mme-helena-roerich/the-leader/ebook/product-14npgjzg.html?page=1&pageSize=4 .
Some phrases there are very different from the Russian original.)
We see an urgent need to publish the set of those paragraphs that were translated into English by Roerich’s team.

We express our deep gratitude to the Agni Yoga Society for their highly useful site
https://agniyoga.org/index.php !

«AGNI» — International Roerich Center and Nicholas Roerich Museum in Israel

The welfare of nations is molded around a single personality. There are numerous examples of this throughout history, in the most diverse regions. Many will attribute this evident manifestation to the personality itself. But thus think the short-sighted; those who are far-sighted understand that such synthesis is nothing but the manifestation of the power of Hierarchy.

Actually in all such manifestations the Hierarchy selects a focus upon which a current can be directed. Besides, a personality of this order possesses a fire, realized or unrealized, which makes the communion easy. But also indispensable is a certain quality on the part of the people themselves—trust in and recognition of the power. This quality is needed as a link of the fiery machine.

You yourselves see how nations progress by affirming a Leader. You yourselves see that there is no other way. Thus, the link of Hierarchy must be realized. One should not be short-sighted.

1. The Leader stands on the crest from which there can be no departure. Only a born Leader can find the boundary between opposite conceptions. From the hidden boundaries, victory is built. Every day, every hour, the Leader conquers riddles. Here he finds condescension, and here is want of firmness; of course, one may result from the other, but between the two is a Sword of Justice. For condescension is of Light, but lack of character is of darkness. On the crest between them lies the Sword of the Leader. Narrow is the place wherein the Sword can be laid. Just as narrow is the boundary between courage and cruelty. Only the Leader’s heart can sense the boundary.

The riddle of Justice is not only in great things; the whole life is full of these riddles. Therefore, the Leader never divides things into ‘big’ and ‘small.’ The attention of the Leader is always equally alert regarding all his decisions. The Leader does not ask for advice; however, he is quite ready to accept advice. He is never late, but will not overburden anyone by staying too long. He knows the advantage of appearing unexpectedly; and he can, in advance, calculate how much time is needed for everything. He is not depressed by slander, and he knows how to utilize every word. He cannot be bribed, as earthly wealth does not tempt him. He understands the significance of color and sound, for he is a healer of human hearts. He rejoices at Truth, but he rejects illusion. Thus, the path of the Leader is the path of Truth.

4. Some may ask why I speak of a Leader and not of a Ruler. The difference between them is enormous. The conception of Ruler presupposes the present and the ruling over something already existing, but the Leader manifests the future in the very significance of the word. He has not received anything already built; he leads, and each of his actions impels forward. The Ruler knows that which is already built and accomplished, but the Leader confronts nothing which is already affirmed and must bring the people to the Mount of Perfection. If the burden of the Ruler is great, then the responsibility of the Leader is still greater, and therefore the Highest Powers affirm their Altar there, where there are signs of such Leadership. Precisely the Leader must discriminate between hypocrisy and sincerity. The manifestation of the virtue of the heart differs greatly from a forced servility. The Leader has the power to discern this quality.

Many have read how David interrogated the Highest Powers. He took recourse in this Source in order to avoid unnecessary errors. There are many such instances in the history of different nations. Everyone knows about them. It is not necessary to delve into the ancient times; these signs of Communion and Great Service are apparent in recent events. But we also know that for the High Communion a pure heart is needed. Nothing impure can partake of this Communion, therefore the symbol of the Leader must be the sign of purity of the heart. Not only in actions but in thoughts the Leader carries the welfare of the people. He knows that he is entrusted to bring a full chalice. He does not lose his path in useless wanderings. He will not spill the entrusted chalice. Thus the concept of the Leader is a sign of the future.

5. Remember to what an extent people are in need of the concept of a Leader. They want to have someone who will be a Sponsor before the Highest. They understand how impossible it is to find the path without this link, but they know that the Leader comes. Nothing can ever impede the Leader if he is not held back by the earthly manifestations, which determine his retreat. The pure striving of the Leader cannot be stopped before the appointed time.

7. An invulnerable armor may be of metal or of silk, but the best armor is the fiery one. Can the Leader proceed by the ordained path without the fiery armor? With what other means may one deflect all arrows of malice and swords of hatred? But many Leaders even in their earthly consciousness have felt that they were protected by the fiery armor. Whole books can be written about the magnetism of the destined Leader. It may be observed that neither the outer appearance, nor the voice, nor riches, but something else convinces people. More than once have I spoken about the Fire of the heart. Precisely this armor is a magnet which attracts and protects. As it has been said, “I will receive all arrows in my shield.” But this shield must be forged. This shield can be manifested only from Above. But how many thoughts and discourses must be sent in advance, in order that this Communion be established and the fiery armor forged! One should lose not a day nor an hour, to make the Communion living and ever-present. In error people think that science precludes the Higher World; it can alter earthly nomenclature, but the triune essence remains the basis. The more so does the Leader know wherein is the substance. Perhaps he will not express the Unutterable Word, but he will feel it in his heart. That Word will help the Leader not to lose the universal concept, only this will bring readily the wondrous armor.

16. You will find people who will say—Away with Leaders, away with Teachers, away with Guides! Be assured that they are parasites who feed upon turmoil and decay. Falsehood and oppression lie in the nature of these parasites. Secretly they hoard riches, and are not averse to reaping luxury. Thus one should discern all those who are builders by nature, and those who are destroyers. Thus it is right to abide with those who know the joy of labor. They also know the Guiding Powers and they reverence the Teacher, for their nature is directed toward cooperation.

17. Verily miracles do occur, and it is worth while to live in cognizance of miracles. A great many ready combinations are shattered by blunt denials and by shameful blindness of consciousness.

23. It is necessary to guide the education of a people from the initial instruction of children, from as early an age as possible. The earlier, the better. You may be sure that overfatigue of the brain occurs only from awkwardness. The mother approaching the cradle of her child utters the first formula of instruction: “You can do everything.” Prohibitions are not needed; even the harmful should not be prohibited. It is better instead to turn the attention simply to the more useful and the more attractive. That tutorage will be best which can enhance the attractiveness of the good. Besides, it is not necessary to mutilate beautiful Images for the sake of an imagined childish non-understanding. Do not humiliate the children! Firmly remember that true science is always appealing, brief, precise and beautiful. It is necessary that families possess at least an embryo of understanding of education. After the age of seven years much has been already lost. Usually after the age of three years the organism is full of receptivity. During the first step the hand of the guide must already turn the attention to, and indicate, the far-off worlds. Infinity must be sensed by the young eye. Precisely, the eye must become accustomed to admitting Infinity.

It is also necessary that the word express the precise thought. One must expel falsehood, coarseness and mockery. Treason, even in embryo, is inadmissible. Work “as grown-ups” is to be encouraged. Up until the age of three, a child’s consciousness easily assimilates the concept of community. What a mistake to think that one must give a child its own things! A child can easily understand that things may be held in common.

The assertion “I can do anything” is not idle boasting but only the realization of an apparatus. The most wretched being can find the current to Infinity; for each labor, of quality, opens the locks.

24. Education in the primary schools and secondary schools must be the same for both genders. It is inadmissible to impose upon a child some specialty, when it is not yet able to define its own aptitude. It is sufficient to begin in high school to map out programs according to students’ abilities. Thus one may plan the education of children who cannot yet express their inherent capabilities. It is very important that the program should not differ for the two genders. This alone will eliminate a very harmful attitude towards gender.

25. It is essential to examine the programs of schools and to strengthen the line of authentic knowledge. Superstition drives people into the crevices of horror. This straightening out of school thinking must be attended to immediately, otherwise one more generation of brainless ones will disgrace the planet. Natural science must be augmented in cognition of the significance of this term. Biology, astrophysics, chemistry, will attract the attention of the youngest child’s brain. Allow children opportunity to think. Likewise, broaden the scope of primary schools. This is advice for immediate application.

27. To direct the consciousness into the future is the aim of a true school. Few seem to understand that the projecting of the consciousness into the future is the formation of a guiding magnet. But what matters is that the consciousness should be fully directed into the future. Many seem to think that they may sometimes ponder about the future, and then again dive into the past. Not isolated thoughts should be allotted to the future, but the essence of consciousness should be attuned in the key of the future. It is impossible to force oneself to such transformation. One can attain only by growing to love the future. But not many love the future. The country of the joy of labor, in perfecting the quality of labor, can be naturally drawn into the future. The duty of the Leader is to direct the people into the future.

28. The evolutionary world processes must be very attractively presented in schools. A motherland is the result of world processes and must occupy a fully defined place and significance. Everyone must know the true value of his country, but it must not be a tree growing in the wilderness. It has to cooperate with many nations. Also, a belief in the Higher Justice will come from the knowledge of reality. Let the processes of the World find vivid interpreters. The Leader himself must take care that these great paths of nations be not distorted for the sake of ignorance.

29. Every unification can take place only on a cooperative basis. To admit but an element of conquest, suppression and humiliation, means that sooner or later these horrible shadows will turn into destructive monsters. Therefore no act of violence can enter into the construction of the stronghold. One may find the power of joy in cooperation, but such cooperation requires the art of thinking.

Who will distribute the forces for productive labor? Only he who is able to visualize a useful cooperation. He must know how to imagine such labor in common, but, as you know, imagination must be cultivated. The task of every school is the opening of a well-founded imagination.

32. The plans for construction proceed in such diverse ways! There was a time when We said, “Give up everything.” Now we go further and say, “Take everything but don’t look upon it as your own.”

Simple logic shows how impossible it is to take earthly things with you. But objects have been created with the spirit taking part, which is why one should not despise them. Could you pass by the flowers of nature without a glance? But the creations of labor are also flowers—the flowers of humanity. If their scent and color are imperfect, you should feel compassion.

33. It is good to understand that one can possess things without a feeling of ownership. It is good to possess things in order to take care of them, and even to imbue them with a benevolent aura, with the intention of passing them on to others. The “hand of creativity” dwells in a home that is free of attachment to property, and whatever the hand improves will only serve to spread joy further. The principle of the giving hand will be constantly put into practice; in this lies the justification for possession of objects. Once people understand this, the most difficult problem is solved. I am saying this for the world, because the main cause of the world’s destruction is attachment to nonexistent property. To impart this to the people means to cure them of the fear of old age.

When possession free of a sense of ownership arises, it will open up the path to everyone without the restrictions of conventional inheritance. Whoever can improve something shall possess it. This pertains to lands, forests, and waters. All mechanical achievements and the various types of inventions are also subject to the same principle. It is easy to imagine how collective creativity will set to work, especially as people will realize that only the spirit provides the best solution. To the hearth of spirit will be directed questions as to how to do things best. And the sword of spirit will strike down every sort of sneakiness. Precisely, it profits you to do better. The law is simple, as is everything of the spirit.

34. When a difficulty with an inheritance presents itself, it may be said that it is possible to leave to the community the wish that the use of certain objects be given over to a certain person for a trial period of three years. Thus the inheritance will be turned into a worthy cooperation. One may entrust specially chosen people to look after the quality of certain works. It is needful to fill the consciousness with a realization of continuous test, for people still do not know how to work under test. Meanwhile the whole substance of the world is engaged in mutual testing. But one should understand that testing means also improvement.

35. At the foundation of evolution lies striving to true cooperation. The cooperative arrangement is the only salvation. The path of ignorance can be wiped away only by the awakening of creativity. Though the forms it takes may even be monstrous. Though people may attempt to make a backyard fire of woodchips into something as bright as the sun, the seething stream of creativity will break through the walls of matter all the same. New discoveries will stimulate the process of collecting knowledge. Instead of stock market speculation let there be striving for discoveries, supported by cooperative societies.

36. Do not live on income from money. Such profit is unclean. The best way of transferring goods is an exchange of things; or, in extreme cases, a direct money-for-goods exchange is permissible.

Criminal speculation should be prosecuted unflinchingly, because the Earth is ill with speculation. Each epoch has its plague; at present there is an epidemic of speculation. One should not think that humanity has always been plagued by this illness. But it is a sign that a radical change is on its way, for this infection is not able to pass away gradually—a paroxysm of evolution is necessary to crush it out.

37. Monetary alms ought to be abolished; help can be given in the form of labor or objects. No one will be without work once the people turn to the path of the spirit. Our job is to show people how the process of perfection brings blessings not for the Invisible World but for the people themselves.

38. The main misunderstanding will be of the fact that labor can be relaxation. Many amusements will have to be abolished. Chiefly, it must be understood that the products of science and art are for education, not diversion. Many amusements will have to be destroyed as hotbeds of vulgarity. The forefront of culture must sweep away the dens of fools passing time over a mug of beer. Likewise, the use of profanity must find a far more severe penalty. Likewise, manifestations of narrow specialization must be disapproved.

39.
[…]
Hands of the Leader know not repose. Head of the Leader upholds the weight of the works. Mind of the Leader searches out the solidity of solutions. The power of experience defeats alien infirmity. At the point of loss does the Leader pour in the new possibilities. On the line of retreat he builds strongholds. In the eyes of the enemy he waves the Banner. The Leader calls the day of fatigue a day of repose. He recognizes a manifestation of non-understanding as rubbish on the threshold. He can conceal the sacred in the folds of a working garment. A miracle means for the Leader only the mark of a horseshoe. Resoluteness for the Leader is only the daily bread.

40. The Leader places four stones in the foundation of his actions. First—reverence for the Hierarchy. Second—consciousness of Unity. Third—consciousness of Co-measurement. Fourth—application of the principle, “By your God.”

41. The discipline of freedom distinguishes the Leader. Not only is the spirit disciplined, but also the quality of external actions. It is not the Leader’s custom to grieve too much. It is not the Leader’s custom to count on people too broadly. It is not the Leader’s custom to expect too much. It is needed to be able to replace a complicated plan with a simpler one—never the reverse. For the adversaries act from the simple to the complex.

42. You need to exercise discipline of the spirit, for without it you cannot become free. For the slave, discipline of the spirit will be a prison; for the free, it will be a wondrous healing garden.

An aspirant who understands discipline of the spirit will also understand the direction of the fire and eventually attain to cooperation for the Common Good. The end of the path can be illumined with a thousand fires of the Common Good.

43. A clear brief command is difficult, but on the other hand it is stronger than a magic wand. Affirmation is easier, but a command is like an unexpected pillar of flame from a volcano. A concentrated feeling of personal responsibility lies in a command. A declaration of inexhaustibility of forces sounds in a command. The impetuousness of the Cosmos is manifested in the vehemence of the command, as a crushing wave. Wipe away the tears of benignancy, we are in need of sparks of indignation of the spirit!

What a dam do regrets make, yet wings grow on the end of the sword!

44. Pay attention that commands be prepared beforehand, so that they may enter the consciousness of the executors. Without cooperation a command is like the flight of an arrow against the wind. Even the unexpectedness of a command must be foreseen. The unexpectedness is thus transformed into an outlived tension.

The Leader knows how to evoke cooperation not only in actions but also in thinking. Only then is it possible to send a coworker on a distant journey. The fact of having received a commission obligates one to independent actions. The current will carry the striving ones.

45. One must learn how to encourage spiritual people. True, they achieve heroic deeds not for the sake of encouragement, but still they are in need of safeguarding of their spiritual direction. Every ruler must know not only the power of censure, but must also understand the good of encouragement. The latter is more difficult, but what a Benefaction is derived when the ruler knows what each one needs for the blooming of his “Lotus.” There may be many anchorites, but their beneficial tension will not produce the highest measure of energy if the surrounding forces are hostile. Therefore the heart must be strengthened in the striving to understand the very best.

46. Poor is the Leader who conceals real danger. It can be conquered only with the help of complete knowledge.

Precisely, the Leader should act without fear and as much as possible he should do things himself. Correct is the manifestation of personal responsibility. Neither miracles, nor quotations, nor actions; but affirmation strengthened by personal example. Even a mistake in daring is more easily remedied than is abject mumbling! Precious is the action which is not in need of any apparatuses or assistants! He who discovers a precious formula cannot cry it out of the window, because the resulting harm would obliterate the best usefulness.

Indeed, as a sealed vessel, as an unplundered mountain, as a bow tensed with an arrow—thus the Leader stands. And as a drink from the vessel is flaming, and as the mountain is inexhaustible, and as the arrow is lethal—thus he acts. For who dares to affirm that difficulty is not the speediest attainment! Rivers of milk will turn sour, and shores of jelly are inconvenient for sitting. Thus, in the armor of personal responsibility the Leader makes haste. Success comes only where there has been complete courage. Small doubts create a slavish timidity.

47. The physician foresees the trend of the disease and you take the prescribed measures. The astronomer foresees the solar eclipse and you provide yourselves with the necessary dark glass. The social psychologist foresees the trend of events and you, crying- prophet! — in terror hide yourselves in the darkest corners. You do this ostensibly in preservation of scientific methods, but in reality hypocrisy and fear prevent you from deliberating as to where is the greater actual knowledge—in the short-sighted opinion of the physician who judges only by external touching or in the far-sighted marksmanship of the social prophet in whom experience is coupled with immutability. Remember your social prophets who hundreds of years in advance indicated coming events to humanity. You call them neither mystics nor hypocrites. Together with us you call them far-sighted psychologists. In this definition We shall agree with you, and pause. Besides, remember that the censured word «prophet» means “one who prognosticates.” A true Leader always foretolds the trend of events, which means that this concept is no less real than medicine and astronomy.

48. Observe the indications of seismographic curves. The points are disposed not along the equator, nor along a meridian, but form their own curves. Sometimes an increased activity of quakes and shiftings coincides with the intensity of so-called sun-spots resulting from a tension of the solar system. One need not be a prophet to understand that brain action in these periods will flow in a specific way.

Social aspirations likewise have their curves of expansion. One should be cautious not to interrupt this succession of events. Crevices of shiftings in the ground and in people’s aspirations are alike. The People’s Leader must be
on the crest of all new horizons. The New World must manifest the sensitivity of the best seismograph.

If someone complicates the procession of peoples, he may receive the wreath of ignorance. His action cannot be justified by ignorance of the laws, and it is equally improper for a leader to change the direction into reverse. No one can be guided by the personal, but, by comparing the values as to the common good, it is possible to choose the quickest path. One must not spill a single possibility.

It seems that what is stated is simple boresome truth, yet no one applies it; the plan of actions is carried out in a dark room—not on the watchtower. To observe, it is necessary not to look for what one wishes to see but to search for reality.

49. A builder has to know how heavy a load the pillars of a house can bear. A lack of co-measurement results in destruction, blasphemy, falsehood, betrayal, and every sort of ugly phenomenon.

Can a structure stand in which the features of a giant are attributed to a flea? In which a soak in the hot tub is sought for more than the Lord is? In which a whirlwind is likened to a mosquito’s flight?

A condition required for construction is full co-measurement in one’s thought and expression—this is a stronghold for the truth of beauty. It is easy to go through life without passing things over in silence or exaggerating them.

The Leader keeps close watch on coworkers to make sure that the way they express themselves corresponds to what they mean to say. That is the only way different beings can cooperate.

The best judgment will be based on beauty. It is ugly to say, “I’ll fit the giant into a little box,” or, “the eagle soars like a hen.”

The best apparatuses are so often ruined by a lack of co-measurement, something that could easily be avoided with a little attentiveness.

50. What is violated most of all? Co-measurement. If co-measurement is not observed, resoluteness also goes to ruin. The resoluteness of the Leader reaches to the utmost limit. It is not the kind of resoluteness that proceeds in comfort, in conformity with personal habits, not the kind that bends to the body’s benefit. The resoluteness of the Leader is only confined by the limits of the spirit. That is why it is impossible to block the course of Leader’s striving. The builders and uniters march onward thanks to this resoluteness.

51. Necessity should be understood alongside co-measurement. The final test will be that of necessity; in other words, each person being tested has to say what he considers most necessary. His consciousness will be measured on the quality of his immediate reply.

They will ask: «Where to start each action?» — From the most necessary, for each moment has its own necessity, and this is called the rightness of action.

A spirited horse feels with the end of the hair on its mane which stone to step on next. That is the way to sense the sequence of mobility, co-measurement, and necessity.

52. The degree of a person’s usefulness may change. Usefulness has as many degrees as a tree has leaves.

53. It is needful to distinguish between recurrent and non-recurrent things. One may put aside an object of daily life, but one must seize upon the calling dates without delay. It may be affirmed that a moment of cosmic possibility is irreplaceable. There are dishes which can be digested only in a certain order. The hunter does not go hunting from indolence.

54. Podvig is not renunciation; it is encompassment and movement. So when I speak of someone who has «renounced», you should understand it to mean someone who has «encompassed». It is impossible to find much substance in renunciation, because prohibition nestles so close to it. But encompassment demonstrates conscious understanding.

If the Leader encompassed the grandeur of the construction of the future, then nothing can arrest the growth of the spirit.

Faithfulness is a quality that belongs to a spirit of high voltage, and the mastery of encompassment makes true podvig a joyous acceptance. That is the way podvig can be developed, because one luminous acceptance leads to the next.

Direct your striving into the future, passing by the soot of the present. Learn this: you should not destroy, but instead summon up the strongest patience.

55. The conventional life has to be skillfully avoided. The best people have passed ahead of the world, which is weighed down with dark clouds. Those who wish to reach the New Country must not only cast aside all prejudices but also get there by taking a new path.

Every affirmation of life has to be developed by applying it to local conditions. Where a hundred tongues are spoken, one has to understand a hundred psychologies. Adopting one approach for all is like building with prefab columns. Unity in diversity yields the best harvest.

56. It happens that the most indisputable plan may be subjected to impediments. It will be asked how to find a solution without excessive expenditure of energy. There may be a change in the substance of the plan, or in its dimensions, or in location. To alter the plan in its essential nature is equal to betrayal. Curtailment of the plan in its dimensions is equal to short-sightedness. The solution of the Leader will be in a shifting of place, so that new foundations will still more enhance the basic significance. The basic principle — to fight and perish — is not approved. It is more courageous not to lose one’s forces and to conquer. But for this is needed full realization of the soundness of direction and the invincibility of tension.

How fortunate it is if a new place can be found which enhances the potential of the preceding one. The Leader does not limit a plan by deciding upon one place only—the essence of the plan is important.

57. Regarding the immutability and the mobility of the plan. It is especially difficult to harmonize these conditions, although their boundary is clearly discerned by the understanding that accompanies the ray of the solar consciousness. In order to put the plan into life, one needs to be ready to apply mobility at any time.

The seeming changeability is no more than the vibration of life. The paths to the milestones of immutability breathe and billow like waves.

In affirming the plan, the Leader is wholly focused on taking the shortest path. Such mobility can only arise from being aware of the immutability of the plan.

58. About the lack of co-measurement regarding dates. Along with a wave of the ocean, small streams of events are transmitted. Is it possible to confuse a rivulet with an ocean? But in the earthly world people are always in a hurry to confuse the personal with the world-scale. Like a hand feeling the thickness of a fabric, the spirit should discern the depth of events.

The Leader should not get carried away by the apparent magnitude of events, because between the basic nodes there may be phantoms of many colors, and the rivulets may temporarily change their beds.

A nodal wave lifts everything up in an instant, but before each such current the boat hesitates. A more sensitive boat will shudder more strongly, because the dust of the explosion already fills the atmosphere. That is why the co-measurement of dates and events must not be forgotten.

Both acceleration, which brings success, and deceleration progress in waves. Therefore, when you catch sight of a wave of acceleration, you should seize the opportunity and cast as many seeds into it as possible.

59. During the construction, the Leader sees that under a mask of fulfillment of the rules cupidity be not concealed. Destruction of creative conquests follows sinister cupidity. It may be said that this worm is far too firmly nested in man’s ignorance. The more necessary, then, to know the cause of its germination. The most harmful cause will be in permitting privilege. With all strength it is necessary to destroy this evil ghost. The cooperation first of all foresees equality. Admit any form of inequality and at once you come up against the perniciousness of privilege. The fact of inequality creates a seesaw—the greater rise of one creates a still greater rise of another. The only way to avoid an unsettling of the pillars is by maintaining equality.

Cynics may be found who will say — let them sway freely, the more energy will there be in space. The remark is not devoid of sense, but indeed the process of construction is so much in need of solicitude that a true economy of forces must be adopted. The most economical principle is equality, which destroys privilege and cupidity.

60. The true fire-blossom is actual selflessness; however, it must not only be evident in actions but must live in the consciousness. Behavior, like wandering shadows, is an inaccurate reflection, and the vortex of shifting conventions conceals the meaning of action. Is it possible to judge conduct without knowing cause and effect? Then a savior will appear to be an offender, and a giver will seem a miser. But it is not easy to establish in the consciousness selflessness—individuality is unavoidable. And the blending in of selflessness can take place only with a clear realization of the future. Selflessness is not built on past experience. Only a true perception of the future can mold an inner judgment about the boundaries of the possible.

61. About the characteristics of action. If an action is small, it needs the help of all sorts of manmade objects. But when an action becomes large, it has no need of earthly objects. That is the first touchstone of action.

The second characteristic of action is its mobility. True action must vibrate with possibilities, like a whirlwind of primordial matter. A light-bearing, manifested thought can only conclude with a flight.

The third characteristic of action is its unexpectedness. Every mind-staggering action has been the result of an unexpected train of thought.

The fourth characteristic of action is its elusiveness. This quality alone protects action from destructive attacks.

The fifth characteristic of action is its convincingness. Just as every lightning bolt connects our consciousness with the Cosmos, every action should strike and astonish like the flash of a sword.

The sixth quality of action is its lawfulness. Only awareness of the fundamentals of world evolution will advance an action in an immutable way.

The seventh quality of action is the pure way it is performed. Thanks to this purity one can move heavy loads without fatigue. The actions of the body and those of the spirit should be understood equally well; this must be repeated because after all that has been said, the action of thought is still not appreciated.

62. About the characteristics of expectation. The loftiest expectation is that the World will evolve. Ordinary expectations are divided into the dark, the drowsy, and the alert. The chaos of dark expectations only brings harm to space. Drowsy expectations are like smoldering coals. Alert expectations show readiness to accept the new at any hour.

An inner characteristic of expectation is its ability to grow and intensify. With what could one connect this trait if not with the evolution of worlds? Such expectation should penetrate our entire life and fill our work with a tremor of action, for in this conjunction is the best and most beautiful.

On entering a house full of fidgety people, tell them, “Look forward to the evolution of the World!”

63. We appreciate a thought that has engendered a decision. The decision is evaluated according to the degree of its applicability. Applicability is judged by the knowledge of the spirit, and then one obtains an action that is cause for rejoicing. Whoever rejoices also believes. Even belief must be well-founded.

The Leader calculates carefully and applies with a firm hand. If people accuse hin of being thrifty, he does not reject what they say, for thrift is opposed to madness, and madness is opposed to the knowledge of the spirit. Whatever circle of reasoning we assign ourselves, we inevitably return to the great knowledge of the spirit.

64. Not words, but the filling of space impels the Leader in an immutable command. The abolishment of fear will help in a difficult hour. It is particularly difficult to conquer the consciousness of solitude. In wise narratives is often mentioned a lone battle. The warrior—he is also a scout, he is also an adviser, he is also a decider, he is also a hero. Take note that this word has been almost thrust out of the vocabulary of the old world. The hero becomes unacceptable in the life of petty hearts. As a stranger, he would be ashamed amid prosperity. Learn to be there where there are heroes. The world will be shaken with the reality of heroism.

Let children call themselves heroes and apply to themselves the qualities of remarkable people. Let them be given books of clear account, wherein the faces of toil and of will have been depicted without any soft coatings. Even for medicinal purposes this valiant call of life is irreplaceable. Such material must be given without delay. For this, safeguard those few who can give.

65. Beware of those who have no time. Being falsely busy indicates first of all inability to make use of the treasure of time and space, and such people can execute only the primitive forms of labor. It is impossible to attract them to construction. We have already spoken about the falsifiers of dates, who steal someone else’s time; now let us speak about paltry idlers and dullards, who clutter up the path of life. They are busy as a pepper-box; they always have a bitterness against labor; they are as puffed up as turkey-cocks; they account for a quantity of stench from smoking; they bring the place of labor into a state of stupefaction. They think up a hundred pretexts to fill in the cracks of rotten work. They cannot find an hour for the most urgent. In their stupidity they are ready to become arrogant and to deny that which is most essential for them. They are as unproductive as are the thieves of another’s time.

We know many workers who find an hour for the most important; it does not seem to them that they are too occupied. Whoever is not grudging in his work will receive bounteously. This quality of containment of labor is indispensable for the expansion of consciousness. Can anything replace the joy of the growth of consciousness?

66. Non-resistance is like a long-opened flask of perfume, but creative patience is like old sealed wine.

The Leader watches the intensity of creativeness in each social structure. True is that structure wherein manifold creativeness is given wings. If it becomes burdensome for creativeness, this is a true sign of error in the structure. Do not let these errors build nests. Summon masons, re-lay the walls, until the song will resound again freely.

The principle of freedom of approach, freedom of service, freedom of labor must be safeguarded. The manifestation of burden at the beginning is only a sign of imperfection. Affirmation of the manifestation of wisdom will be in the steadfast landmarks surrounding the projected figure of knowledge.

Opening the right door will give the right direction.

67. In the life of every cooperation there may occur a situation wherein a development in one certain direction may bring harmful results. Then the Leader must find a path of new tasks, broad enough to absorb the friction. Let us not call the friction rivalry or worse names. In dangerous straits ships go in single file; likewise, in the development of the cooperation there may be need to disconnect the movement of the participants. Instead of possible harm, there may result an acquirement of new domains. When the muscles swell out, know how to provide an outlet for the energy. If crowding of movement is not forestalled, then dissention is assured.

Manifestation of diversity of tasks is indispensable, otherwise the forces of the growing consciousness will collide. It depends upon the Leader to avoid turning useful forces into a jar of scorpions. Fortunately, there are so many current tasks that it is not difficult to direct the forces to an urgent problem. Often the growth of forces is confused with antagonism. Often instead of calm application of a possibility, the coals of hatred are fanned. The Leader should not let this psychological moment slip by, but he should opportunely provide a new task. It is possible to avoid complications through a pledge of victory by the most practical methods. The Teaching of reality must respond to the sweep of the intricate current of evolution. The process of new world structures must be securely shielded.

68.
[…]
Could one appropriate for oneself the free primary matter which saturates every object? Learn to sense the inevitable presence of matter in each object. Often people agree upon acknowledging the matter in a distant ether, but they consider it absurd to acknowledge the matter in objects fashioned for everyday usage. Whereas, recognition of lofty matter in each object raises one’s concept of all the details of life.

69. Contemporary industry and the entire production of objects has become so unbalanced, in quantity and quality, that for the time being they preclude the possibility of a proper distribution of things. Forcible and indiscriminate distribution engenders craftiness and lies. Can one expect new possibilities in inaction, or should one deepen the consciousness in its essence? It is useless to try to take away objects forcibly and thus create a passion for trash. The most important thing is […] to carry out rationally an educational program on the debasing […] significance of possession. It is necessary that this consciousness be manifested not as a denial but as a free conquest. When, liberated from craftiness, people will learn of the impracticality of personal ownership, then a collective of coworkers will grow up.

70. The poisonous breath of the concept of possession can be destroyed only by a clearly conceived school program. […] Literature against the concept of possession does not exist. Only a few have conquered the dragon of trash. But many dream about personal acquisitions. How veracious must historical comparisons be! How strictly must be collected biological details, in order to demonstrate the illegality and the futility of possession. The laws of the properties of matter testify that possession does not conform to the nature of man.

71. Religions and laws have spoken against theft. The very notion of theft is harmful, because it reinforces a sense of personal ownership. Theft does damage to the evolution of the world, and the fate of those who harm universal evolution is not an enviable one. They send themselves a long way back.

It is not important that some object changes hands; what is important is that two people will suffer an outburst of acute feelings of ownership.

The law governing theft is incomplete, because the principal thefts, those of knowledge and creative ideas, cannot be forestalled. You can value the treasure of time only if you work for the Common Good. It is least permissible to steal your sister’s or your brother’s time. Aimlessly stealing time is no different from stealing ideas.

72. Prohibition must be refuted; this is a law of striving. But something of irreplaceable value will have to be protected—this is a law of conservation.

Everything irreplaceable will be the first in line for conservation.

73. The Leader follows up the goalfitness of instruction in schools. Provide the hastening ones with opportunity for speediest advancement. If a lively ship must reduce sail in order to even up a formation, will this not be a killing of possibilities? Do you know how the harmony in the ship’s sailing effort has been created? And has it not been constructed for resisting the utmost peril? How to make use of it for conveying frozen vegetables? Always preserve a possibility of responsible advancement. From the first year of school let not slow pace be a handicap for rapid pace. Let the teacher keenly discern those able to proceed swiftly. It is not necessary to praise them, but one should clear the path for them. One should create intermediate courses; the fleet ones can run up these steps. Do not conceal difficulties from them. For a certain type of consciousness every movement leading to achievement* is already a light and a joy. The teacher must also be depended upon to determine quickly the direction of thinking of a pupil, because erroneous equipping is a heavy offense and by it the best workers may be lost. Each inflexible program is a corpse which is intolerable under the sun of knowledge. It is necessary as quickly as possible to stabilize the school by examining the consciousness of the teacher. Create for him a better situation in order to repose in him a responsibility for the consciousness of the young workers. It will be inexcusable if schools of the future, like those in which recent generations have been maimed, are reminiscent of the stockyards. Fanaticism and forbiddances are replaced by possibilities.

Introduce the study of handicrafts, allow freedom of choice, and demand quality of work. For this every teacher must understand the meaning of quality.

74. The Leader is opposed to prejudices and survivals. Indeed, with this viewpoint he advises to regard cautiously alien customs. Often in their basis lies mature knowledge, and while it needs to wash away all alluvia, to break up the significance of the rational basis would be unfare, unwarranted. If an architect sees a firm foundation, he makes use of it for a new construction. Needed is a world economy of resources. The luxury of destruction has departed into the pages of history. The world is not in need of new elements but of new combinations. And the path of the new conquest is illuminated not by the red glow of fires but by sparks of re-attracted energy.

75. The art of thinking must be developed in schools. Every art is in need of exercise. Likewise thinking must be strengthened by practice. But such a deepening should not be burdensome nor tedious, therefore the instructor in such a subject must be truly enlightened. It may be seen that the most terrible calamities in the history of mankind have arisen from the inability to think. There may be found a multitude of examples wherein spasmodic thinking and unbridled feelings have led whole nations towards the abyss. On the other hand, laziness of thinking and slow-mindedness have destroyed accumulated possibilities.

The Leader must provide in himself the example of a constant broadening of thinking in order to approach foresight. Of course, foresight results from communion with Hierarchy. But Communion itself requires alertness in thinking and a clear striving. The art of thinking should not be understood as an occult concentration. There is nothing mysterious in the art of thinking and in the refinement of consciousness. Only a lofty quality of consciousness will affirm the path of the thinker. And no one will say that the thinker is a special genus. Every child can be directed towards thinking. Hence, one must regard the art of thinking as the health of the nation.

Leadership of the masses obliges to expand consciousness.

76. It is necessary to indicate the quality of knowledge required. Knowledge must be untrammeled. Each conditioned, shackled science causes irreparable damage. The free combination of elements will result in unprecedented new attainments. Who can dictate to the chemist that he employ only one group of elements? Who can force the historian and the philosopher not to touch historical facts? Who can order the artist to use only one color? To knowledge all is disclosed. The only key to preeminence in the domains of knowledge will be greater convincingness and attractiveness. If you wish to attract with your knowledge, make it attractive—so attractive that the books of yesterday appear as dried leaves. The victory of convincingness liberates from intolerable prohibitions. Most of all, take care to expel prohibitions from the lives of pupils. For the builders of a new life this is particularly easy, because their book can be especially inspiring and attractive. Indeed, a clerk’s account is intolerable. The contemptible pedant thrusts away each one who does not prove to have an untalented, cold attitude toward beauty. Around the construction there must be an inspirational quality.

Plants reach out toward the Light—this law of primary consciousness is immutable. Proceed by the path of immutability and build life. There is nothing abstract, and life absorbs each thought. Therefore let us be realists of true reality.

77. In schools respect must be taught for the pronouncement of a concept. Of course parrots can senselessly project into space concepts often of great significance. But people must understand that the word is the pedal of thought—that each word is a thunder-bearing arrow. Loss of the true significance of concepts has contributed much to contemporary savagery. People strew pearls about like sand. Verily, it is time to replace many definitions.

[…] It is high time that knowledge scientifically built a bridge of aspiration to the spirit. The New World will establish bold learning and cognition in which the Images of the Masters enter into daily life as Friends. The Decree issued by the Master will take its place on a shelf for beloved books.

78. Often you talk about the imperfections in existing books. I say more: The errors in the books are equal to a grievous crime. Falsehood in books must be prosecuted as a grave calumny. The falsehood of an orator is prosecuted according to the number of his listeners. The falsehood of an author should be prosecuted according to the number of copies sold of his book. To fill the people’s libraries with falsehood is a grave offense. It is necessary to perceive the true intent of the author in order to estimate the quality of his errors. Ignorance will be the worst basis. Fear and meanness occupy the next place. None of these qualities are befitting the community. To accomplish their removal in the new construction is a necessity. Prohibitory measures, as usual, are not suitable. But a discovered error must be removed from the book. The necessity of such removal, and the reprinting of the book, will bring the author to his senses. Every citizen has the right to prove an error. Indeed, one should not impede new views and structures, but incorrect data must not bring one into error, and the defense of knowledge is the duty of all the members. No more than a year must elapse before books are verified, otherwise the number of victims will be great. It is especially necessary to stand guard over the book when its merit is shaken. The library shelves are full of abscesses of falsehood. It should not be permissible to preserve these parasites. You may propose to someone to sleep on a poor bed, but it is impossible to suggest reading a false book through.

Why turn over to a lying buffoon the best corner of the fireside? Precisely, bad books litter up the consciousness of children. The problem of the book must be dealt with.

79. Patterns of change in human activity cannot be perceived by subjecting apparent fragments of evidence to human logic. How, then, without a study of all the surrounding processes, can one unravel the knots of the apparatus of thought? Somewhere pink rays flashed out, and a prepared uprising of an entire nation died down. Somewhere the currents of the oceans changed, and altered the patterns of world trade. These are crude, obvious examples, but how many more subtle causes and effects fill space and furrow the strata of humanity!

You, who determine the destinies of nations! Enter the laboratories, climb into the observatories, and, though you may not at once discover an analogy with social problems, your searching intellect will grasp the complexity of the structure of reality. You will realize the inseparability of the fate of human evolution from the cosmic processes. Therefore, real unprejudiced knowledge will be the sure guide to the future. He who separates the science of human sociology from the cosmic processes will thereby cut off his own legs and doom himself to a crippled life.

80. […] Psycho-mechanics will be a true determinant of the application of psychic energy. One may observe interesting experiments in connection with factory work. Each experienced workman knows that machines require rest. It is difficult to explain more in detail this fact, but it is well known even to those who have no conception of psycho-mechanics. We used to perform experiments in textile factories, where there were hundreds of looms and up to a hundred more or less experienced workmen. The looms, irrespective of the experience of the operator, demanded rest beyond the apportioned period. By submitting the operators to a psychic test, it was clearly perceived that in the hands of those possessing psychic energy the looms were less in need of rest, as if a living current were communicated to the loom and prolonged its vitality. This living coordination between worker and machine must be applied in the communities of labor. It is possible to attain this advantageous condition only through study of psycho-mechanics. It is the task of the government to bring into life the most productive conditions, by taking necessary measures and by directing scientists to facilitate the life of the collective.

81. To renounce or to multiply? Indeed, to multiply sanguinely, joyfully, but for the common good. The smallest hint of sectarianism or bigoted limitation will contradict the sunlike evolution. Austere joy avoids darkness. Moles of forbiddance and limitations will never see the sun. It is possible for the consciousness to assimilate a slavish complaisance to such an extent that each new acquirement of knowledge will seem a crime or madness. Could then reality endure ignorant limitations?

82. It has been said many times about the discipline of the will and about the command of the consciousness. Long ago was established the courage of responsibility, now the keenness must be directed toward the extermination of the narrowness of sectarianism and superstition. The sectarian dreams of seizing power for the subjugation of everything to his own inflexible consciousness. The superstitious man most of all is afraid lest he call up, as if by an accidental movement, any alien sign; and he thinks about himself a great deal. Superstition and sectarianism are signs of a very low consciousness. The potential of creative power has been reduced to nothingness for one to whom the principle of containment is foreign. In every way it is necessary to expose superstition and sectarianism. Do not feel reluctant to stop upon these questions, because in this way you will destroy falsehood and fear.

People can expel superstition by learning to respect man’s innate powers.

83. Cooperation is the depository of all possibilities and all accumulations. Each one who diminishes the boundaries and the power of cooperation becomes a traitor. Cooperation is the chalice of sunlike joy.

84. One must pay attention to the origins of various epidemics. The manifestation of this or that epidemic is reflected upon the general conscious forces. The poisoning penetrates deeper than one may think, and regenerates and creates new microbes. Physical and psychic epidemics are very pernicious. Many degenerations of entire families originate from such regenerated microbes.

85. Certain insects and reptiles choose to perish, only to be able to bite and release their poison. Similarly, the servitors of darkness are ready for the most disagreeable consequences, if only they may create poisonous evil. One must firmly remember these creators of evil, who often do not spare even themselves for an evil deed. Many instances can be revealed of the carrying out nevertheless under the suggestions of the dark ones of a premeditated evil that could not be advantageous to the evil doer himself. The devices of the dark ones must be exposed. For example, sometimes one finds in the vicinity of certain places corpses of some people or animals. The dark ones know that for the attraction of the forces of the lower spheres decomposition is necessary, and they ingeniously arrange such centers of confusion of decay. For this reason I have for long advised not to keep in the house decomposing meat and decayed plants, nor stagnant water. People seldom pay attention to such dangers, which are confirmed even by our contemporary physicians.

86. Man must always be on the threshold of the future. Man is new every moment. Man cannot affirm himself upon the past, because it does not exist any longer. Man can know the past, but woe to him if he wants to apply the measures of the past. […] The past is incompatible with the future. The wisdom of the realization of new combinations unites the past with the future. It is not easy to know constantly and courageously that each moment renovates the worlds, but out of this source is born inexhaustible vigor. The Leader can convene Councils of the Wise, but let no one come there who is senile in spirit, who has turned his face to the past. The light of the future is the Light of Hierarchy.

90. Bribery must be eradicated by any means, but one cannot rely upon punitive measures. They help little. In the lessons in schools the thought must be affirmed that bribery does not conform to the dignity of man. […] The Leader himself should observe very attentively whether such symptoms of corruption are making their appearance. Next to bribery in shamefulness is the nonfulfillment of duty. But this crime is assimilated so early that one can only counteract it by beginning from childhood. Let children get used to the work of grownups. The quality of labor will create the realization of duty. Every negligence, forgetfulness and evasion can be condemned only in one’s own heart.

92. Verily courage can be contained in the seed and never reveal itself as armor of Light. But when our consciousness is completely transported into the Domain where there is no fear and depression, then we are invulnerable to any filth. One should understand where lies one’s strength, and should hasten thither without any evasiveness. Thus can courage be made firm.

95. People usually make the mistake of assuming, due to limitation of consciousness, that an object can exist in only one aspect. Therefore they cannot conceive that in ancient times people could avail themselves of various energies but applied them quite differently. People also forget that they themselves, when moving from their dwelling places, destroy many objects. So, too, the wise teachers took measures for a timely concealment of that which was not to be revealed before its appointed time. Can new discoveries be given out before the appointed date? The very foundations could be shattered by such arbitrary attempts. Does not the Hierarchy participate in all discoveries? Do you not know that many discoveries have been destroyed by Us as harmful because of their untimeliness? Let the Leader remember that the Guiding Hand untiringly watches the current of possibilities for the Good.

96. Verily luxury must leave the new constructive order, the more so since luxury is akin neither to beauty nor to knowledge. But sinuous are the boundary lines of luxury. It is impossible to define them by one law. The Leader […] should completely eradicate every vulgarity, which is the fellow-traveler of luxury. […]

97. In order to stimulate the cognizance of beauty in schools, let there be introduced a study of the beauty of life. The history of Arts and Sciences will enter into this subject, for it must not only embrace conceptions of the past, but also contain indications of contemporary achievement. The instructor in this subject must be truly enlightened, in order to avoid bigotry, which contains in itself the seed of ignorance.

98. The World lives in mystery, and the Highest Mystery is unrevealable. Similarly, in every tension there is an element of mystery. People sense in their hearts the boundary of this Mystery and are capable of respecting it. One must not invent mystery, but one must respect it. In this will lie justification of the human personality. […]

101. To those who cannot accept the concept of the Leader, let us say: All your words presuppose the priority of something or someone. You yourself do not notice that each of your affirmations is based upon a discovery of something established by someone. There is no man who can get along without being taught. One must not become proud in one’s own heart. The understanding of Hierarchy will help to establish the manifestation of the Leader, who in relation to the Higher Ones is not a leader but a follower.

People, under the influence of ignorance, try sometimes to cut the ropes, but any sailor will tell you that masts are cut down when the elements overcome human strength. The same sailor knows that without masts and ropes the voyage is catastrophic. This means that the unavoidableness of Hierarchy throughout the Universe should be affirmed through education.

104. The verbal command remains in life, although humanity has at its disposal thousands of written languages. For this there are three reasons. First, the command is not always renderable in writing; second, people pay little attention when relying on writing; third, the manifestation of the Highest Teachings is never recorded in writing—therefore the lips whisper from heart to heart the Highest commands. […] These considerations, though simple, require recording, for if someone does not know Hierarchy, he will not understand the sacredness of the Command. Many instructions about the laws of Nature are needed, in order to understand the entire beauty of the law of attraction which lies at the foundation of Hierarchy. Ignorant people do not understand that slavery dwells in darkness while freedom dwells in the Light of Hierarchy.

106. Verily the esteem for the spirit will grow. Godlessness must be eradicated. The fact is that it is better to preserve even fragments of the cognizance of Hierarchy, even in conventional forms, than to be cast into the abyss of chaos. When people heard about the unattainability of the Highest they began to reject in general everything Invisible. Therefore by My command godlessness, which has assumed the aspect of most obvious satanism, will be adjudged.

107. […] Many criminals will turn to labor under suggestion. Just as drunkenness and other vices, ailments of crime may be cured by the command of the will. It must not be forgotten also that many crimes are committed under the influence of obsession. Consequently such people need to be cured, and not punished. Definitely, during such treatments, increased, systematic labor has a decisive significance. For the obsessing entities every labor is hateful. They try to cast one into chaos, but the essence of labor is already a counter-manifestation.

One ought not be distressed by the thought as to whence will come the strong suggestions. They are many, but they are dissociated. When the Institute of psychic energy will be established, it will bring together many useful co-workers. It should not be forgotten that an Institute of astrology would be very helpful toward the verification of data. Not long ago governments were ashamed to pay attention to heavenly luminaries, as well as to human powers, but psychic energy must occupy the attention of enlightened people.

108. The Leader must always be alert, in order that no one receive from him emanations of depression. But such alertness may be established only when devotion to Hierarchy is present, when the communion has entered the heart. From such Source proceeds magnanimity, which opens the most difficult gates. One must have before oneself the Image of the Hierarch, in order to find in all cases a basis of friendliness. One must know the Fiery Sword of the Archangel, in order to know the boundary of justice. Who can say when all measures of magnanimity are exhausted? The Hierarch alone can take upon himself such a decision. […]

112. The Leader should not appoint for responsible positions people who are embittered. One must guard very carefully against such a quality, because embitterment is a limitation. Of course limitation, up to a certain extent, can be cured, as can embitterment. Both qualities yield to suggestion, but such transformation requires time. A terrible harm results from embitterment. It imprints itself as an unsurmountable obstacle upon all actions of a man who has succumbed to it.

120. The realization of Higher Forces is not taught in schools, nor given from outside, but it lives precisely in the heart, being the very cornerstone of the remembrance of life in the Subtle World. One may say—be blessed, you who have preserved in your heart the most Beautiful. The clouding of humanity comes from forgetting that which is most needed. Night is given for the upliftment of the spirit, but man has said in his ignorance that sleep is like death. It is absurd to compare a wondrous mystery with dissolution. One must reiterate from childhood on that sleep is communion with Angels. When words are unnecessary, then begins the realization through the heart.

121. Surveillance must be very vigilant, but it must not appear as a sign of mistrust. One must transform control into cooperation and reciprocal information. Measures of trust and refinement of quality must be introduced from top to bottom. Many useful measures have been condemned and destroyed only because of hatred of supervision. Of course ignorance is the cause of such lack of goalfitness. When people will become cognizant of the Subtle and Fiery Worlds, they will comprehend the infinity of relationships. In truth, who is outside of Hierarchy?! Only ignoramuses or conscious deceivers can render Hierarchy unintelligible under various names. But they themselves will breathe not the freedom of Hierarchy, but will bear the brand of slavery. The Leader must cleanse the people of all covetousness and bondage. From early childhood the freedom of discipline of spirit should be emphasized. One may arouse all dignity and honor. Without honor a man cannot be honest. It should not be thought that slavery can be approved by Hierarchy. On the contrary, the Fiery World seeks not slaves but co-workers. Consider the refinement of the heart as the measure of honor. Thus let us not forget that in the most everyday life are laid the foundations of the world’s grandeur.

123. One must manifest care about Hierarchy. Hierarchy is not despotism, but the Stronghold of Love. Only out of love is born the reverence which creates discipline. But few love the one who helps them. It means that ignorance is great!

124. If on entering a house you noticed a viper on the host’s table, what would you do? Would you think the matter over, while the snake attacked your friend, or would you decide at once to crush it? We say—save your friend from evil. Do not becloud your head with perplexity, but act for the good. One cannot put on the same scale a man and a snake. It is impossible to put on the same level the lower consciousness and the temple of consciousness. If we cease to discriminate, where will be our responsibility before the world? He is no hero who spares the snake and loses a friend. Not a hero is he who evades his duty while offering excuses. Not a hero is he who does not distinguish between the great and the small. Not a hero is he who has lost the measuring rod of the heart. The Leader knows the heart measure and the fiery solution.

126. The mightiest Avatars do not bear upon themselves signs of earthly distinction, but they affirm themselves by manifestations of spirit-creativeness. One should not be surprised at the fact that strong spirits may not be recognized by their contemporaries. Thus it should be, because their measures relate to the future. A code of laws may be made for only one portion of the approach to any successive step of life. Consider that people cannot ever recognize that the highest attainment is in the development of the heart. Cooperation and close living together are based upon the heart. It seems this simple truth cannot be realized. Mechanization impedes the basic penetrations into the Fiery World.

127. Certain metals are easily combined, but others repel each other. The Leader himself should observe these lines of good and evil. Both sides create complete connected chains. But the chief impediment of government lies in the mechanical mixing of opposite principles; hence comes premature dissolution. Heart and Communion with Hierarchy will tell where would be the combinable parts. Man is in need of equilibrium of mind and heart. Cooperation is confirmation of equilibrium. The sacred number of Pythagoras is the equilibrium of Beauty. Much of this axiom has become inapplicable at the present time. It is a weighty task to speak to people about equilibrium.

128. Competition is one of the difficult concepts. Only the fiery heart understands how many measures may be placed upon the light and upon the dark side. […] A pure understanding of self-perfection will not evoke competition. Where the consciousness is wild and unrestricted, there competition leads to mutual destruction. Envy nests around competition. It leads to the most subtle crimes. Cooperation must bring balance to the misunderstood competition. It is not easy to fix for oneself the boundary of a reasonable competition. The word competition itself is already dangerous; in it is expressed jealousy, in other words, a corrupt devotion. Therefore, it is best wherever possible to replace the concept of competition with that of perfectionment. A great number of concepts must be revised from their contemporary connotation. It should be acknowledged that a just history of beliefs would reveal the roots of many most perverted concepts. Care should be taken that the language of the basic ideas be resounding and as clear-cut as possible.

129. One may enrich the language with new definitions, but senseless buzzing will not bring any benefit. Each letter denotes by its sound a vibration of the centers. It is foolish to infringe uselessly upon harmony. Turn your attention to the resonance of the ancient names of places. The new places do not always produce the same useful vibration. The ancient names had a timeless significance. Often no philology can discover the root inserted by manifest powerful peoples. The more carefully, then, must we regard an inheritance which is unknown but which forces our hearts to resound.

130. It may be observed how furiously people are now objecting to the concept of Leader, and at the same time they are ardently awaiting him. It is instructive to observe the disunity of the processes of brain and heart. The brain follows the conventional thinking and repeats sing-song formulas. But the heart, even though it be weak and unbalanced, preserves grains of Truth. Where the brain finds strength in negation, the heart, though timid, still is atremor with joy at the nearness of the manifestation of a solution. People who raise objections against a constructive move usually have nothing to propose in its stead. Indeed, such objectors are among the first to follow a Leader. They will whisper about disagreement, but willingly and precisely will they carry out a Command. Not because of their slavish nature will they accept Hierarchy, but due to the labor of their hearts. This means that in a moment of danger it is necessary to maintain equilibrium around a strong authority. Therefore let the Leader not be confused by these phantom voices.

131. Why so many tests, if the heart can create spiritual transformation? The answer is simple—the heart has been neglected and not applied to life. Thus many people must improve their consciousnesses in trial. When you hire servants, you either test them by designating a task, or you trust them after looking into their eyes. Thus, too, the heart can flash out convincingly in a glance. But reason may compare the eyes to pewter cups. Thus, at each possibility, advise the way of the radiance of the eyes.

132. The Leader must distinguish precisely with whom he can work. But if a choice of co-workers has been made one should not remind them about the past. Who knows what may have happened in the past! Indeed, it completely prevents one’s being turned wholly toward the future. And what small earthly stones of the past prevent one’s proceeding rapidly on the path! But one should become accustomed to the hurried path, no other exists. A great number of unfortunates and sufferers are counting the moments, waiting for help. Indeed, ought we not hasten?

133. One should strictly distinguish between a contradiction and a particular manner of work. If a left-handed person can create with the left hand, the significance of his attainment will not be contradictory to right-handed work. But people are hampered by the conventionalities of measures; even at present they cannot comprehend wherein lies the value of labor, and each unusual method immediately arouses suspicion. What a nasty quality is suspiciousness; it has nothing in common with the Fiery World! The approach of suspiciousness makes man worse than an animal, for the latter retains his instincts whereas suspicion corrodes all the senses. Indeed, it is a survival from the darkest past. Fortunately it is subject to cure by suggestion, but one should not neglect such an infection.

135. Certainly, cruelty must be eradicated; not only cruelty of actions but also cruelty of thoughts. The latter is worse than any action. It is imperative that the State take measures to prevent the inceptions of cruelty in infancy. Humanity must be purified of this most inhuman, dull and malicious darkness of low thinking, as of leprosy. Children are not cruel until they see the first cruel action, which reveals the current of dark chaos. Only a few are prepared to oppose the current of darkness. Such accumulation of consciousness is rare. The Leader cannot presuppose such attainment in everyone; on the contrary, he should take measures befitting a lower step. Likewise, let us not repeat in a moribund manner the great Commandment, “Thou shalt not kill!” But let us ponder where is the greater killing, in the hand, in the word, or in the thought? One should reflect that the thought of people is ever ready for murder.

136. You yourself know that the most sure path is the path of altruism. Let us recall the dangers we have escaped through magnanimity. Perhaps we do not even know the limits and dimensions of such dangers. But the heart bears testimony that precisely good-will did help in the most difficult hours.

138. The nature of things must be taught among the most primary subjects. It must be beautifully described in all reality; the succession of worlds must be demonstrated with all scientific comparisons. Not only will religion not contradict such exposition of the foundations, but on the contrary religion will assist, through its most ancient allusions. The study of the nature of things will serve as the threshold to understanding of Living Ethics. One must realize why honor, dignity and all other high human qualities are indispensable. From the earliest years children should hear about the Subtle and Fiery Worlds; they must understand the principle of Hierarchy and of Good. The sooner they are reminded about Hierarchy and the other Truths, the more easily will they recall former knowledge. The concept of God in all its grandeur is clarified on the basis of Hierarchy. Only thus can the Highest Concept emerge from abstraction and blend with all Existence. It is necessary that the Leader and the Government understand how to increase the realization of the Higher Representation. It is necessary that schools attractively depict Existence in all its grandeur.

139. Danger is a concentration of the vibrations of tension. A great number of perils surround people, but only a few of them are noticed. When the Leader says, “live in danger,” he might well say instead, “observe the dangers and thus succeed.” One cannot live outside of dangers, but it is beautiful to make out of dangers a carpet of achievement*. The Leader knows that he bears a mission, and dangers are only propelling forces; therefore the Leader does not even think about dangers. The very thought of peril is harmful. Thinking about dangers, we strengthen their vibrations, and thus disturb our equilibrium.

Conservation of forces must not be disrupted by fear and confusion. We are watchful and careful for the best execution of the commission. But dangers cannot overburden our attention. The Teacher should, first of all, insist upon the disciple’s liberation from the phantom of perils. The disciple should always remember not to expend a drop of the higher energy uselessly. Thought of danger agitates many of our centers and in disorderly fashion consumes the precious energy. Thought of danger reflects even upon the pulse; but the heart is strengthened by the desire to carry out well the mission. Thus, let us act in the most efficient manner.

140. On entrance into the monastic life all difficulties of such a path were usually pointed out. Some would say—all is easy; others would warn—all is difficult. To people with fiery heart one may say—all is easy; but for the ordinary consciousness it is better to caution—all is difficult. If someone takes to flight at a single warning about difficulties, then he, all else being equal, is unfit for persistent labor. One should not gather together people who are obviously unfit. Fear of labor is already a treason.

141. The Alexandrian philosophers used to say—Do not criticize the World, for it was created by great thought. The creation is not at fault, but our conception of it is. We can channel our thoughts either for good or for evil. We could transform the best animal into an evil creature. Cruelty on one side and fear on the other fills our consciousness by means of thought. We can send evil in our glance. We could turn a beneficial plant into a most poisonous and pernicious one. The thoughts of the ancient philosophers penetrated into religions. Clement of Alexandria knew how people themselves debase the great Creation. Even now people may observe how evil can transform the most harmless beings.

Indeed, every animal tamer can tell how often precisely the element of good assists him in his work. But he also knows that besides good there must be measures for self-protection, varying according to the character of the animal. Such a science may be called goalfitting. We cannot criticize the World without wondering why malice was allowed to enter it. So too, protective measures will emanate not from evil but from good.

Each Leader may be advised not to forget the advice of the ancient philosophers.

142. You already know sufficiently about the temperance of certain characters. What is to be done when […] moderateness has crept into the broadest circles? Those who are seemingly the champions of good give themselves up spiritually to moderation. One can see that the dark ones do not often suffer from this defect. There is a story about a devil encountering an Angel. The Angel said, “Thy servants are bitter.” But the devil replied, “Mine are bitter, Thine are sour; we both must look for sweet ones.” And the Angel was crestfallen for he could not prove that they had not turned sour. Thus was it observed long ago by people.

143. One can turn to good from any path of evil whatsoever. But such possibilities are most appreciable in view of the problem of progression. Actually, each lingering in evil carries one away from good in rapid progression. Thus, where yesterday it was possible to jump off the chariot of evil, it is already impossible to return to the same place today. Everyone must be reminded of this who thinks that it is equally possible at any time to cast off the burden of evil. Its substance is very sticky and is overgrown with small truths, of which We have spoken.

144. People who take upon themselves Great Service may be called “Heavenly Stones.” In their striving they fill themselves with light. They pierce through the lower strata and contain within themselves diamond-adamant. But it is not easy to be a diamond, and it is necessary to be affirmed in light in order to conquer darkness. Great Service knows no repose; by incessant vigilance is the spirit strengthened. A heap made up of small earthly truths must be covered with the dome of magnanimity. One must be under the cover of Light issuing from Hierarchy, and must assimilate the Subtle and Fiery Worlds as in the nature of things.

From a pit one may not notice the sun; yet people study the stars from a well. The most unexpected may happen on the path of Service, but the experienced Leader will not forget that each worldly loss is made up for in space.

145. Nowhere do people think about the Living Ethics. They think it possible to pass their lives in the usual way, yet with each day it becomes more evident that it is possible to save people only by means of faith, which surpasses all religions. There is not much of such faith, and let us not try to count in thousands where there are only tens. Unusual are such paths of realization of the Highest.

146. The word chorus is used to mean a consonance of voices, but there can be a chorus of energies, a chorus of hearts, a chorus of fires. The Teaching must turn your attention to the choral principle, which does not interfere at all with the individual principle. One should develop within oneself cooperation, in order to bring about a direct increase of possibilities. Thus, care about the choral principle is linked with constructiveness. People can understand that a chorus needs all kinds of participants. Only very experienced leaders understand why there have been needed participants who are not very active, yet who can bring in originality and harmony. The Teacher rejoices at each originality, in it is born a new aspect of Fire.

147. Let us observe how nations can perceive the significance of knowledge. We exercise care that the manifestation of knowledge should proceed by an unusual path in order to strike human imagination. Actually it is not easy to know how to awaken the imagination of past incarnations; only a purified consciousness which is not confused by transition, manifests continuous imagination, ever new and untiring.

148. By all means one should assimilate the basic law that the Teacher gives the direction but does not fix the details. One must seek and find them in labor. Especially confused is the understanding of the greatness of the law of striving which directs to discovery. Not only now but even in better years people have always demanded complete formulas, although they do not think them out for themselves.

How instructive were the tests wherein from an initial letter a disciple had to find the whole required word. But not many will seek such a unified consciousness. It must be pointed out how much such searches reinforce the guidance.

149. It was affirmed many times by the philosophers that a gathering of people is permissible only when it has a high moral consequence. Obviously this saying is a strange one for our time. A gathering of people now usually ends in distortion of the simplest precepts. Let us look upon the subtle and fiery surroundings of such populous assemblies. Let us look and be horrified: discordant rhythms admit only the lower entities, and transform the fiery sendings into searing fire. If it is difficult for an earthly benevolent visitor to make his way through a beastly crowd, then subtle beings will be flung away like dry leaves in a whirlwind.

One must await the time when during lessons in psychology counsels about mass reactions will be given. People are willing to join an organization, but they are averse to cultivation of their own will.

150. The Leader is not dismayed by apparent failures, as he knows that the quantity of good can fill up any abyss. He will perceive any swerving from the path, yet it will but give him one more possibility to visit a new region. Likewise, in the hands of the Leader good becomes an actual manifestation of Light. The consolation does not lie in the fact that a failure is not possible, but in the fact that each achievement of good is a manifestation of new progress.

I do not advise you to count the signs of darkness, they lead only to obscurity. Light is one; Light can be a measuring scale and a support. The Fiery World was created by Light, and thought is a product of Fire.

151. Usually people do not even notice the turning course of circumstances. Yesterday your attention was directed to the fact that people do not wish to understand that they themselves create! The ladder has long since been constructed, yet man nevertheless casts himself into emptiness, for he thinks about a former ladder. It seems impossible to affirm people upon reality. The simplest and most beautiful solutions are passed over in silence, and rejected merely upon the assumption that somewhere grandfather’s ladder has been left standing. It has ceased to exist long since, but the average consciousness will not accept such reality.

Let the grandeur of the Fiery World advance people to the steps of reality!

152. One must observe how entire countries can be shaken by one incorrect interpretation. It is impossible to justify this by saying that someone did not know about something. Usually proof can be found that such knowledge had knocked at all doors, had lain on all tables, and had been mentioned many times. It is not right to try to justify inattention and unwillingness to think deeply.

New oppressions are nothing but unconvincing conduct of the Leader. Often people do not know the actual cause, but in their hearts they feel that something unconvincing is taking place. Most of all must a Leader guard himself against the growth of unconvincingness.

153. Deprivation of blessing was an act of the most ancient patriarchate. It is far removed from the later anathemas. Anathema is a product of ignorance, whereas the very ancient act foresaw rupture of the bond with Hierarchy. The bond with Hierarchy is an actual blessing with all its consequences.

The ignorant will say, “We have many times defamed the Highest, and nevertheless we still exist; no fire has seared us, and nothing threatens us.” Then let us lead them to the public square, where blind beggars are crawling in filth, and say to them, “There also are you.” Let us lead them into prisons, into mines, to fires, to executions, and say, “Can it be that you do not recognize yourselves? You have just severed the thread with the Highest, and you have hurled yourselves into the abyss.” It is not necessary to terrify with threats, life is full of examples of such horrors. Remember that the pressure of fire is invisible, yet nothing can escape its consequences. Thus, it can be seen that even the ancients understood the justice of the law, and knew that offense against the Primary Principles is so great and terrible that the result cannot be immediately seen.

155. One should not be surprised when We pronounce a name and thereby fill space with information. We affirm Our decisions in space. He who has understood the bond with Hierarchy must also assimilate the fact that the decision of the World depends upon filling the space. Truly, not the earthly world alone decides, but all three worlds. Thus, even apparently most positive earthly rulings are destroyed, because they have not been accepted by the two Higher Worlds. Likewise the dark forces must be sometimes informed, and because of this their wails merely augment the sound of the announcement. Through all worlds is such a call resounded, and it stirs up new energies. Naturally, those to whom such a manifestation refers must be careful, for a vortex has been directed around them.

156. The principal danger lies in an incredible divergence of consciousness. While some almost touch atomic energy, others have not yet reached even the cave-man stage of existence. Such a difference produces agitation of currents and makes movement difficult. It is possibly easier to move troglodytes than such heterogeneous crowds. That is why forward motion and broadening of consciousness have become so complicated.

159. Yes, yes, yes, if people do not turn to the Hiero-inspiration, many conflagrations will result. Equilibrium and concordance are violated by the mechanistic concept of the world. Half a century ago We were already concerned about the excessive increase of physical knowledge. Verily, much has been attained in this direction, but at the same time the spiritual consciousness was lagging behind the physical. Ethics were lost amidst accumulations of formulas. Machines attracted man away from the art of thinking. Now they are content to be robots! For the equilibrium of the World the heart is needed, and in this Decree is contained undeferrable salvation. Ill-will is pressing upon the earthly aura.

160. An experienced householder finds a use for all discards. The contemporary builder must undertake this achievement*. It is an especially hard one, for it is not easy to make use of robots when the basic requirement is cognizance of the foundation.

161. Let us strive to understand the distinction of the most necessary. The determination of the degree of necessity is a quality of the Leader. One should know how to make a mosaic of successive order out of many simultaneous considerations. Neither logic, nor reason, nor formulas, but the fire of the heart lights the path of such a train of actions. One should realize with full heart where the passage-way is adequate, so as not to jostle a neighbor. The heart will indicate when not to overdo as regards pressure. Such testings of strength are known as the wings of justice.

162. Shamed be the land where teachers dwell in poverty and want. Shamed be those who know that their children are being taught by a man in want. Not to care for the teachers of its future generation is not only a disgrace to a nation but a mark of its ignorance. Can one entrust children to a depressed man? Can one ignore the emanation created by sorrow? Can one rest ignorant of the fact that a depressed spirit cannot inspire enthusiasm? Can one regard teaching as an insignificant profession? Can one expect an enlightened spirit in children if the school is a place of humiliation and affront? Can one perceive any construction during the gnashing of teeth? Can one expect the fires of the heart when the spirit is silent? Thus I say, thus I repeat that the nation that has forgotten its teachers has forgotten its future. Let us not lose an hour in directing thought toward the joy of the future. And let us make sure that the teacher be the most valued member of the country’s institutions. The time is coming when the spirit must be enlightened and made joyous through true knowledge. Fire is at the threshold!

163. One must mellow the hearts of teachers, then they will abide in constant awareness. The child’s heart recognizes what is aflame and what is extinguished. Not the given lesson, but the mutual aspiration of teacher and pupil reveals the world of wonders. To open the eyes of a pupil means to share with him the love of great creation. Who would dispute that one must have a firm foothold if one’s goal is far distant? The archer will affirm this. Thus let us learn to cherish everything that affirms the future. Fire is at the threshold!

164. Not without reason did the ancient sages choose to occupy themselves with some art or handicraft. Each one had to acquire some manual skill. They had in mind a means of concentration. Each one, in his striving for perfectionment, thus intensified his will and attention. Even in the few objects which have come down to us, there can be seen a high quality of workmanship. Precisely at present, the time has again come to return to quality in manual work. It is impossible to place spiritual limitations within the confines of machines. It is necessary to take the time to produce a quality of workmanship that will revivify the imagination. Precisely quality and imagination are united on the steps of fiery attainment. [Let the Leader remember the advice of the ancient sages.]

It is precisely necessary to understand the sources of antiquity. When their significance is revealed, then will also come new discoveries. There is much to be found, but a savage inclination must not touch the treasures. Let us not reject the logic of evolution.

165. The evil of unbelief inundates the World. Such evil is most ferocious, for it contends with the very essence of existence. It provokes its harborer and in falsehood kills all possibilities.

166. Often people inquire how to deal with the wills of departed ones. Often such commissions do not coincide with the convictions of the executors. Excepting fratricidal commissions, it may be proposed to carry out everything else. One should not take on another’s Karma, the more so since the departed ones continue to develop energy in the direction taken by them. It is truly very difficult to alter a conviction that continues over into the Subtle World. Therefore the fulfillment of testaments is very useful for the harmony of currents.

168. Hence, everywhere one can perceive three paths: the easy, the difficult, and the terrible. The first is molded through the realization of all successful, useful and good combinations. The second, when certain good combinations are covered by most destructive and harmful structures. Such a path is difficult and is like a race with the eyes blindfolded. The third path, when the ignorance draws one into the darkness of dissolution, is truly terrible. But for this horror people do not have the right to blame others; they themselves have closed their eyes and ears. They have rejected assistance and have admitted chaos into their thinking. Therefore let the Builder follow the first path.

169. Can Light form an alliance with darkness? It would have to extinguish itself in order to become united with the opposite principle. Let a Leader of Light not consider taking into his camp the extinguishers and opponents of Light. Light cannot magnify darkness; likewise darkness cannot enhance the Light, consequently such unions contradict Nature.

170. The right path is good for the reason that each of its dimensions is useful. One should not even wonder where the boundary line of the path is. It is possible to become better in any dimension whatsoever.

171. A diver prepares himself for the lowest depth of water. The upper layer of water does not concern him, but he must foresee the entire pressure of the lower layer. So too, in dealing with nations one must have a conception of the lowest consciousness. Everyone who thinks about the Fiery World must be able to understand the thinking of the semi-animal consciousness. One should not ignore the understanding of the very lowest consciousness. On the contrary, one must equip oneself with all resourcefulness, so as to catch the human note even in animal roaring.

Most dangerous it is not to be able to adapt oneself to another’s consciousness. How many misfortunes have resulted from words spoken not at the right moment! Manifest resourcefulness.

172. A messenger being overtaken by pursuers throws himself with his horse into the broadest part of the river. The pursuers stop in the hope that the messenger is drowning, but he instead rides out to the opposite shore. The pursuers, in their haste, rush to a narrow place, and drown in the current. Verily, where it is narrow, there it is dangerous. This consideration should be applied everywhere. Seeking the mirage of alleviation does not lead to achievement*. The most difficult is the most accessible. People do not wish to understand that persistent quests awaken powerful energies. Therefore let us not strive for the narrow, let us prefer the broad principle.

173. It has been said that humanity must abandon luxury. Not without reason have people themselves so isolated this concept. Luxury is not beauty, not spirituality, not perfectionment, not construction, not benevolence, not compassion; no good concept can replace it. Luxury is destruction of resources and possibilities. Luxury is dissolution, for all structures without rhythm mean only disintegration. One can see clearly enough that worldly luxury has already been shaken, but, as a cure, harmonious cooperation must be found in order to rid the world of the plague of luxury. Egoism will raise the objection that luxury is an earned abundance. It will also be said that luxury is regal. This will be slander. Luxury has been always a sign of decay and eclipse of the spirit. The chains of luxury are most terrible too for the Subtle World. Needed there are advancement and continuous perfectionment of thought. The encumbrance of luxury will not help one to the next Gates.

175. The wise Leader first listens to his companion in conversation, and only then speaks his opinion. He listens not only to learn the essence of the thought, but also in order to find out what language the speaker uses. The latter condition is of no small importance. It is no great achievement when a law-giver alone understands his own laws. It is necessary that the fundamentals of Existence ring out for everybody, in each one’s own understanding. Thus the art of adopting the language of one’s companion in conversation pertains to great development of consciousness. It is mastered by Hiero-inspiration or by conscious refinement of attention. No arrogance will be contained in it; on the contrary, it means an interest in the understanding of the companion in conversation. Many a useful consideration is belittled by an odd expression, but the fiery eye discerns these seeds of truth.

176. Thought about impossibility definitely derives from the dark principle. Any depression of spirit must be abolished, because this path does not lead to Truth. Men of the most diverse nationalities identically express joy and sorrow. This means that the path to understanding lies open.

177. It is inadmissible even indirectly to violate the fundamentals of cooperation. To the concepts of cooperation should be added those of teachership, of guidance, of respect for one’s fellowman, respect for oneself, and for those who follow. Precisely at present it is impossible to lessen the significance of cooperation, as a means of broadening the consciousness. One must grow to love cooperation as a pledge of general success.

178. People are unable to think about the future usually because they live under the spell of illusions of the past. Imagine a man who many days afterward receives unpleasant news of something which took place previously. This event no longer exists, the man himself has already lived for some time since the occurrence, yet he sinks into the past and loses connection with the future. Surely, the tree of the future must grow, and it should not die from the injury of a plunge into the past. Attention must be paid in schools to the study of the future. Each Leader in his own field will ponder about the future, otherwise he is no Leader.

179. It has already been said that blasphemy must be ejected, but one should recognize that each and every blasphemy is inadmissible. Sometimes people are freed from blasphemy only in a narrow circle of concepts, yet their tongues utter grave calumnies in regard to their neighbors. Who can tell what lofty heart channels may be touched by these evil revilements? Therefore blasphemy must be altogether excluded from life as an action unworthy and harmful.

180. The ignorant assume that the Radiant One comes to avenge Himself upon darkness. But Light does not even kill darkness. More accurately, darkness is confounded and destroyed by approaching the Light. It is very essential to understand that darkness destroys itself when it approaches Light. This the Leader must keep in mind, when the ignorant speak about vengeance.

181. Once, after a state council, a certain ruler took an earthenware vase and smashed it before the eyes of everyone. When asked the meaning of his action, he said, “I am reminding you about irreparability.” Even when we break the simplest object we understand irreparability, yet how irreparable are thought-actions! We have become accustomed to surround ourselves with crude concepts, and they have thrust out all the higher concepts. If rulers would remind more often about the irreparability of mental decisions, they would forestall a great number of misfortunes. A ruler who is ignorant of the spiritual principle of self-perfectment cannot lead the multitude of consciousnesses entrusted to him. A ruler is a living example. A ruler is the one who lays out the paths through all the worlds. He lays the foundation for prosperity, but it will not be prosperity on the material plane alone. Thus, he will be no true ruler for whom Fire exists only at the end of a match. His scope will be equal to that of his concepts.

182. He who says that heroes are not needed expels himself from evolution. Observe that on the border of mediocrity, lack of faith, and egoism, lies self-annihilation. Decades may pass before the process of self-devouring becomes evident, but it grows from the very hour that Hierarchy is denied. It is impossible to imagine the affirmation of a progressive action without Hierarchy. One must repeat this most simple Teaching, because people are headed toward the abyss. The rays from the shoulders are causing pain not because of the convulsions of the planet but because of the raging of humanity. As waterspouts divide water into columns, so disunited humanity whirls about. It is a very significant year of the revolt of the human spirit. Fire can be held back only up to a certain point. Inevitably it will break through all manifested obstructions.

183. Each abuse of the Saviour, the Teacher, and the Heroes plunges the world into savagery and precipitates chaos. How can it be explained that chaos is very near, that there is no need to cross an ocean to find it? It is also difficult to explain that savagery begins with the very smallest. When the treasure of solemnity is lost and the pearls of the heart’s knowledge are scattered, what remains? One can remember how people mocked the Great Sacrifice. Has not the entire world answered for this savagery? One can see how it is reflected in degeneration. This degeneration is the worst of all. I say, “Blessed be all energies; but let there be no sinking into the miasma of dissolution.” Thus let us remember all Great Days!

184. One may imagine the beauty of the conjoined service of multitudes of people when their hearts aspire in one ascent. We shall not say, “Impossible,” or, “Denied.” From Power one can borrow, and from Light one can become illumined. If one could only realize wherein lie Light and Power! Someone is already laughing boisterously at this, but he laughs in darkness. What can be more hideous than boisterous laughter in darkness! Yet Light will abide with him who seeks it.

185. Cooperation based on personal feelings is not steadfast. Besides respect for the labor itself, reverence for Hierarchy is indispensable. Under the whirl of personal feelings people will bob about like cork manikins, and will jostle each other and be occupied with spasmodic actions. But each labor, in its very nature, does not tolerate convulsions. Labor is a fiery action, but the fire must not lead to convulsions. Moreover, external personal feelings can impede recognition of new possibilities. How many beautiful actions have suffered due to transitory personal mirages!

186. Technocracy should be regarded as a device of the dark ones. The dark ones have often led people on to mechanical solutions, thereby hoping to occupy the attention of humanity, only to divert it from spiritual growth. Yet the problems of life can be solved only by the expansion of consciousness. It can be seen how mechanical hypotheses easily ensnare the hopes of humanity. Such also was the Maya of the ancients, which could be interrupted by the slightest shock.

187. It is apparent that people desire to have a change of existing conditions. A ruler asked that a contented man be found. Finally after long quests one was discovered—he was deaf, dumb, and blind.

188. The path of joyous achievement* is a hundredfold shorter than the path of mournful duties. How steadfastly must this ordainment be kept in mind by the travelers of the fiery march! Only the sign of achievement* raises them above danger, but the significance of achievement* must be cultivated in the heart as joy of the spirit. One cannot discover the best path if one’s eye does not follow the star of achievement*. Even the obscurities themselves must be illumined by the one Light. Nothing, no one, is ever forced to turn back into darkness!

189. Day-dreaming must be transformed into disciplined thinking. The ancient sages advised mothers to pass on to their children tales about heroes, and to acquaint them with the best songs about great deeds. Is it possible that humanity nowadays wishes to renounce this wise advice? The Fiery World is first of all open to heroes—to those who achieve.

191. When will humanity learn to understand wherein consists the true dignity of a nation? When will humanity understand that the sacred spirit should be protected, and that the carriers of thought, as the sole source, can guide nations? Thus, through the annihilation of thought one may deprive a nation of its strength or of the predestined influence. Hence each nation should take care of its Pilot first of all, since the boat without a rudder cannot withstand the storm. Therefore, the great care of a nation and of each construction must be founded upon Hierarchy; for each structure must be saturated by the power from Above.

Thus, as long as the understanding of Hierarchy is not affirmed, humanity will sink in the ignorance and darkness of destruction.

192. What state flourishes without a great Leader? What affirmed undertaking has existed without a Leader? Verily one must understand that the concept of a Leader is the synthesis of all the highest strivings. Thus, only the concept of Hierarchy, of an Illumined Leader, can direct the spirit. Thus, let all, all, all ponder upon and remember the Might of Hierarchy. Only through this realization can one advance. Only through this realization can one attain. Let it be remembered that each stone thrown at Hierarchy will be transformed into a mountain against oneself. Thus let all remember! Thus We proclaim the Leader—the Hierarch!

193. Each spirit creates its own karma. Each nation builds its own Karma. Certainly nations are looking for a Leader, because even an established prestige cannot sustain those people who think erroneously. Neither gold nor vulgar, glamorous names, nor piles of inapplicable counsels will save a nation. Verily, the fiery thought, the fiery spirit of the Leader will provide new ways. Therefore, let the star of the Spiritual Leader shine brightly at the time of cosmic perturbations!

Thus, let the great Realm of Light rise upon the ruins of the old world!

==========

* In paragraphs 73, 139, 160, 172, 188 the word «achievement» is used to translate the word «podvig» — «подвиг» from the Russian original (remark of «AGNI»)

The collection of translations by the Roerich team of paragraphs from “Wishes to the Leader”, published in other books of Agni Yoga, has been completed.

https://irc-agni.livejournal.com/5210.html

and https://irc-agni.livejournal.com/5584.html )

6 комментариев для “WISHES TO THE LEADER (1933)”

Уведомление: Начало 2024 года: о некоторых итогах и перспективах — Блоги журнала "Семь искусств"
Белла Розенблат:

11 сентября 2023 в 18:21

The collection of translations by the Roerich team of paragraphs from “Wishes to the Leader”, published in other books of Agni Yoga, has been completed.

(Copied from

https://irc-agni.livejournal.com/5210.html

and https://irc-agni.livejournal.com/5584.html )

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Белла Розенблат:

18 августа 2023 в 15:58

A remark (concerning new good translation of the entire book) was added at the end of the text.

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Белла Розенблат:

12 августа 2023 в 0:45

A new English translation of the entire book «Wishes to the Leader» is found!
It is presented as the chapter «Guidance for the Leader» of the book «The Secret World Government: Cosmic Guidance for the Leader»
(Radiant Books, 2023):
https://books.google.co.il/books?id=Gk-_EAAAQBAJ&hl=ru&source=gbs_navlinks_s .
From the fragments presented there for free reading, it can be seen that the translation is good, except that the Leader is often referred to as «she» for the purposes of political correctness.

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Белла Розенблат:

11 августа 2023 в 16:40

Updated on 11/08/2023 — our preface has been changed. Now it includes details concerning original English translation by Roerich’s team and concerning another translation named «The Leader».

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Белла Розенблат:

8 августа 2023 в 21:39

Updated on 08/08/2023 — at the beginning, we added the link to the Russian original on html-pages:
https://agniyoga.sibro.ru/living-ethics/naputstvie_vozhdu/

Книга «Напутствие Вождю» — читать оригинал на русском языке :
https://agniyoga.sibro.ru/living-ethics/naputstvie_vozhdu/

Скачать оригинал на русском языке в формате pdf:

https://nrm.s3.amazonaws.com/website/archive/14_Agni_Yoga/In%20Russian/1933%20-%20%D0%9D%D0%B0%D0%BF%D1%83%D1%82%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B5%20%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B4%D1%8E.%20%28Riga%2C%201937%29.pdf

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8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30