AGNI YOGA WEB TV
SERIES
„INTRODUCTION TO AGNI YOGA“
BROADCASTING 5
The Hierarchy
Ladies and Gentlemen,
welcome to Broadcasting
5 of our Series “Introduction to Agni Yoga”! In Broadcasting 4 we had talked
about the law of evolution. From this follows the principle of Hierarchy, which
we shall be addressing today.
*****
I would like to
remind you: We are not presenting any private knowledge here. Our Broadcastings
are rather a summary and utmost condensation of the main teachings of the 15
books of Agni Yoga.
The disciple asks: "May
I ask a question beforehand? There are already more than 100 videos. Are so
many really necessary? Is there any meaning behind this
huge number, a common thread, a system or a concept that underlies
everything?"
Yes, it is good
that you ask. In all the abundance of details, we must never lose sight of the overall
direction, of the guiding thought, which reads with one single term: New Construction.
All over the world,
the New Man – the immortal, the 6th race – is to rise up
and to establish germ cells of the New World.
"Who says
that?"
Agni Yoga says that.
The rulers of this earth, the Mahatmas of the Brotherhood of Schambhala say
that. I say that. Above all, however, you, too feel very clearly: Life itself,
the necessity of the time, the progress of evolution demand imperatively that
the old, mortal man and the outdated old order disappear and make way for a New
Man and a New World.
All our videos are cornerstones
for this New Construction! Appropriate them! Put them into practice in your
everyday life! Then you do participate in the Great Work of the Mahatmas!
"Much of what
you teach, though, is theory!?"
Yes, there are cornerstones
of knowledge and cornerstones of action. You must first acquire a lot of
knowledge before you can set about creating the New Man and the New World. As long as people do not understand the foundations of
existence such as "Evolution" and "Hierarchy", we will not
get very far with the practical implementation of our great project.
Thus, let us place
upon the scales the most urgent concepts of the great approaching Age — Infinity
and Hierarchy. (Hierarchy 345)
Agni Yoga is linked
inseparably with Infinity and Hierarchy. (Hierarchy 401)
"Hierarchy"
is a key concept of the Teaching of Living Ethics and the very basis for the
New Construction.
Without
acknowledging the Hierarchic Principle, we will be able to create neither the
New Man nor the New World.
*****
"What do you
mean by ‘Hierarchy’?"
The term "Hierarchy"
has three meanings:
First, there is a
hierarchy of souls, the biblical Jacob's Ladder which ranges from the blade of
grass via the Christ up to the Supreme Being which we call "God."
Second, the term
"Hierarchy" refers to a principle which runs: "Above leads and below follows". This maxim applies
throughout the entire Universe and governs the relationship between the
different worlds and their inhabitants.
Thirdly,
"Hierarchy" is an expression for the government of our planet ("earthly
hierarchy") and of the Universe as a whole ("Cosmic Hierarchy").
This government ensures the enforcement of the Supreme Will, the Cosmic Laws,
the Cosmic Order in all worlds and on all levels, from the highest down to the
lowest.
Section I: The Hierarchy of Souls
Let us now discuss
the first meaning of the term "Hierarchy": The hierarchy of souls,
the Jacob's Ladder.
The Hierarchy is a string of pearls which loses itself
in Infinity. (Fiery World I, 612)
1. There is Life
everywhere in the Universe
In the last Broadcasting
on the law of evolution we had said: Everything, from the tiniest atom up to
the mightiest sun, lives, is animated and filled with a more
or less high consciousness. That means:
Everywhere in the
Universe, even beyond earth, there is life.
Today, we are
smiling indulgently about the belief of the Middle Ages that considered the
earth to be the very centre of the Universe around which everything else
revolves.
People are so
imbued with earthly measures that they attempt to subject to them even the
immeasurable. One should guard against improper conclusions such as those that
represent Earth as the center of the Universe. Such
conceit is not befitting an enlightened scientist. (Brotherhood 534)
The idea, however, that
in the whole infinite Universe life is to be found only on earth is just as
childish and self-centred. It is also completely unscientific, because in reality there is not the slightest indication for this assumption.
On the contrary, you must admit: If life has developed here, then the same must
be possible elsewhere as well.
One must imagine
all the stormy, violent cosmic turbulence in order to understand the humble
position of our Earth. Some still believe that Earth is stationary, that it is
the center of the Universe, and that human life
exists only here. Such misconceptions are absurd and harmful for evolution.
(Supermundane 280)
Only a limited
imagination is unwilling to envision that the most diverse forms of life, some similar to the human ones and others quite different, can and
must exist elsewhere than on our planet as well.
There is even
egoism on a planetary scale. You often hear scientists declare that life exists
only on Earth. They claim that Earth has an exclusive position. There are
scientists who boldly insist that in all Infinity there is no life except on
Earth! It is not enough to call such a claim impertinence: only the crudest
egoism can bring forth such an ignorant concept. These
scientists make no effort to examine the conditions that exist in Infinity, but
on the basis of their most limited observations they judge
all Infinity! (Supermundane 273)
Of course, the
myriads of all the other heavenly bodies are inhabited as well.
As an unoccupied
house rapidly disintegrates, a celestial body cannot exist in the long run
without inhabitants either. A planet without life on it, such as the moon, is
dead.
The inhabitance of heavenly bodies remains under doubt to this
day. The reason lies chiefly in the conceit of man. He does not wish to admit
incarnation in any conditions other than earthly. Fear before Infinity is also
a hindrance. Meanwhile, people should think of distant worlds as being
inhabited.
Thus let us diligently
direct our thought to the distant friends, co-workers and Protectors. The
thought that distant worlds are populated is not a supernatural fantasy. Man
will firmly tread the earthly path when knowing about the surrounding
magnitude. (AUM 137).
Man looks up into
the heavens some starlight night with the thought of the immensities of the
spaces between those uncountable points of light and of those millions of
worlds, doubtless inhabited as is his own world with innumerable races of
beings. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. II, Lesson “A Certainty”)
The search of the
scientists for extraterrestrial life should be
considerably expanded. We must not limit it to forms of life like the earthly
ones.
The Great Teacher
often directed the gaze of His disciples to the planets, saying, “Many are the
homes, and there is life everywhere.” (Supermundane 176)
We need more
imagination! There is an often-heard phrase: "On this or that planet there
might be water and thus life." This shows the whole inadequacy of today's
thinking: There may be alien, for example, more spiritual creatures which do
not require any water at all!
People stipulate that the inhabitants of other worlds
must exist in earthly bodies and dwell in earthly conditions. Only an
undeveloped imagination can limit the Universe to such a degree. Therefore I so greatly emphasize the development of
imagination as the basis of striving toward the higher worlds. (Fiery World I,
644)
2. There is Evolution
everywhere in the Universe
When there is life
everywhere in the Universe, we are bound to conclude:
There is evolution
in the entire Cosmos, not only on earth.
Evolution is a
universal principle. It is not limited to our planet. It reigns on the
countless other heavenly bodies in space as well. There, too, takes place involution
and evolution of the spirit, development from apparently unanimated to ever
more spiritual matter. Everywhere, lower forms of life are working their way up
to ever higher ones.
People are hopelessly unaware of Infinity, but if they
continue to believe that Earth is the center of the
Universe, and that they are the only crown of creation, there will be a new
convulsion of ignorance. Conceit is the grave of evolution. The planet Earth
should not be belittled, but her true place amidst the grandeur of the Infinite
should be realized. (Supermundane 280)
3. Man is not the highest Being
When there is
evolution everywhere, it is again childish and egocentric to assume that man of
all things is the highest being that the Cosmos has ever produced in the
billions and billions of years of its existence on all the myriads of celestial
bodies.
Nothing but
complacency justifies this assumption. On sober, scientific judgment, we can
rule it out. When there is evolving life everywhere in the boundless Universe,
we must needs admit:
There must be
innumerable lower and higher forms of existence and of life, lower and higher worlds
and living beings, than man and the earth.
Apart from excessive
vanity, there is no reason for the illusion that it is precisely on our planet
that the universal evolution has advanced the furthest. Those who think
rationally and do not shun their common sense must concede that this is
certainly wrong.
One should observe
oneself, but without making oneself the center of the
Universe. (Supermundane 577)
There are many
planets older than the earth. There, the development will surely be ahead of us.
It is impossible to
understand how such a separation between the worlds came about, since it is not
necessary for evolution, unless people have created a prideful concept of
Earth. Thus, people regard the destiny of this planet as the alpha and omega of
the entire Universe. (Fiery World I, 616)
On the contrary, when
you look at the conditions on our earth without bias, at all the injustice,
violence and selfishness, you inevitably come to a different conclusion:
Humanity is actually on a fairly low level of development!
The Universe shudders from the manifestations produced
by man. (Infinity I, 198)
"Is that not
exaggerated? Our technology has made tremendous progress! "
Yes, but here exactly
is the very proof of how right I am: Technical development has advanced further
than man himself. We have external, material means at our disposal, for the
application of which we are not yet mature enough inwardly, by the spiritual
status we have reached – just think of nuclear energy and what we use it for!
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! (Fiery
World II, 262)
We are living in
the age of nuclear giants and ethical dwarfs. (Omar Bradley, US General)
The Universe would
be in a bad shape indeed if the earthly humanity of all things were the peak and
the role model for all other worlds.
According to Agni
Yoga, man even lags behind the general development. In
actual fact, we have as yet failed to reach the stage
that is scheduled for our planet for the present age.
In the last
half-century, science, despite its speedy growth, has not accomplished a tenth
of what was ordained for it. (AUM 309)
Thus, we ascertain:
As there exist lower
beings than humans, for example plants and animals, there are higher ones as
well.
"Who is it
that stands higher on the Ladder of Hierarchy? And why? Is a human being worth
more than an animal? "
An important
question that the confused minds of our time are unable to answer. A soul is
greater than another when it reveals the grain of spirit, the divine within it
to a larger extent. That is the proper yardstick, even for measuring the size
of people.
That does not mean
animals are worth less. They are just smaller, like children. They are on the way
to man, on which we can and must help them.
4. The higher Levels
We had already said
(Broadcasting "The Law of Evolution"): When we look at the many
different levels of life and of consciousness on earth below us humans, the
conclusion is compelling that this line of development continues beyond man.
Can you say Nature
has belied herself, broken her law of continuity when man as he is now
constituted came into existence, that no higher order of life exists on the
earth, and that therefore the Masters are
non-existent? Go even further: take the races of the earth, the conditions,
intelligence, and attainments of humanity.
Is not the
gradation as perfect as in all lower forms of life? Is not the probability of
the existence of a more highly developed class of human beings than are the
people of any class known to you a reasonable proposition? Would they not, by their
greater power and ability, naturally function on the astral or etheric plane as
well as on the aerial or material plane of life? (Teachings of the Temple Vol. II,
Lesson “Winning of Mastery”)
On the infinite
ladder of evolution we have not only smaller, but also
greater brothers and sisters. Already the Bible mentions in the book Genesis visits
of higher beings on earth.
When men began to
multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, the sons
of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took wives for
themselves from those who were pleasing to them. And when the sons of God had
connection with the daughters of men, they bare
children to them, these became the giants
on earth. (Genesis 6, 1-4)
Earth is not the
highest planet in our solar system. The High Spirits come to our planet from a
higher planet for the acceleration of the evolution of our humanity. (Helena
Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter of 20.04.1935)
On more developed
planets, there are more developed forms of life, even in our solar system.
It is said that on
the higher planets there are fewer animals, and they are far more perfect. Thus there are no insects and beasts of prey on Venus. There
exists a veritable kingdom of flights. People fly, birds fly, and even fish.
And the birds understand human speech. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter
of 13.08.1938)
Is it possible to
speak about stock exchange speculations on Jupiter, or about brothels on Venus?
The concept is simply unthinkable. (Community 36)
It is said
ironically that on Venus the grass is more intelligent than the earthly man.
It is clear that creatures
who live on Venus at temperatures of around 450 ° C, must be built quite
differently than man: More fiery, that is, less
physical and more spiritual.
Human evolution is
regarded as the crown of the Universe, but we know that the earthly man is
still very crude in his form and tissues when compared with, let us say, the
dwellers of Jupiter and Venus. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter of
29.01.1938)
On other far off worlds
there are still higher beings, so great that we cannot even imagine them: Rulers
of solar systems, galaxies and Universes.
*****
The transition from
the lower to the higher levels is fluent. What entity is still a plant and what
already an animal, is not exactly ascertainable.
The next higher
beings develop from man just as naturally as we have worked our way up step by
step from predecessors looking like monkeys.
We cannot determine
precisely where the old man ends and where the next stage of evolution, the
immortal man of spirit begins.
"Is not that
pure theory? Where then is the much-invoked New Man? "
This development is
in full swing. We can already perceive the New Man in his outlines.
The first beings of
the new evolutionary stage are already living in our midst.
It is wrong to
think that our solar system is entirely isolated. On the contrary, all the
worlds are subtly interrelated. Individuals of much older stages of evolution
coexist on Earth with the people of the sixth race. (Supermundane 279)
Creatures who
embody the divine spirit to a higher degree than the average man are, for
example, "Sons of God" such as Buddha, Jesus and Morya; great
spiritual leaders and world teachers like Moses, Krishna, Zarathustra, Elias,
Confucius, Lao-tse, Pythagoras, Plato, Apollonius of Tyana,
St. Paul, Seneca and Mohammed; the saints, martyrs and spiritual warriors of
all times and cultures, such as Saints Francis of Assisi, Benedict, Dominic, Catherine
of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Hildegard of Bingen, Sergius of Radonesh, Gerhard Tersteegen, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Milarepa, Ramakrischna,
Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Tolstoy, Don Bosco, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa
and countless others.
There is a natural instinct or tendency toward hero worship in the
heart of every normal human being. The soul of man intuitively recognizes that
there are beings of a higher order of life than are the men and women of the present
race of the earth. Men believe that honour and love are due to those higher beings, and expect that men will benefit individually and
collectively from their greater knowledge and power. (Teachings of the Temple
Vol. I, Lesson 228 “Hero Worship”)
We recognize: Jesus, Buddha, and all the other Great Masters
whose work on earth still determines our lives today, were nothing else than
highly advanced beings with higher but entirely natural abilities. This is how
the so-called "miracles" of Christ can be convincingly explained.
*****
It is unscientific
to believe that above man there is nothing, and contrary to nature to place there
only God. Since Aristotle we know:
Natura non facit saltus. Nature does not make leaps.
A better concept is
to recognize intermediary stages, mediators between man and God, as the Middle
Ages did with their hierarchy of saints and angels.
*****
The recognition of
the higher levels is crucial for the proper understanding of evolution, for the
scientific identification of the status and the destiny of man in this process,
and for a new spirituality that no longer contradicts reason.
Let us keep in mind
the following first guiding principle, which abolishes our old worldview and gives
rise to a new, better one:
The actual
existence of higher beings is the scientific basis of each religion.
5. Jacob’s Ladder: The spiritual Hierarchy
Michael
Lukas Leopold Willmann „The Angels Ladder“
From that what we
have discussed so far follows: Evolution brings forth a spiritual hierarchy
known not only to esoterics but also to the churches
for millennia. Its biblical symbol is the Jacob's Ladder (Genesis 28, 10 et seqq).
Jacob’s Ladder is
the symbol of Our Abode. (Leaves of Morya's Garden
II, 88)
This ladder
consists of an uninterruptedly ascending chain of souls.
It starts at the
bottom with small souls incarnated in minerals, plants and animals. It reaches
man and continues via ever greater souls, which appear as Mahatmas, angels and
archangels, up to rulers over planets, solar systems, galaxies and Universes.
Every diamond,
every crystal, every plant and star has its own
individual soul, besides man and animal, and there is a hierarchy of souls from
the lowest forms of matter up to the World-Soul. (Mahatma Letters No. 9 of
08.07.1881)
Why is it so
difficult for people to imagine an endless chain of Creators from the lowest to
the Highest, up to the Inaccessible? Thus, from the smallest to the Greatest,
proceed by steps, each link being visible and tangible. (Hierarchy 68)
This ladder reaches
up to the highest being that we call God; which,
however, is so far removed from us humans that we cannot yet perceive it for
the time being. However, the concept of Hierarchy allows us to form a
scientific idea of God. We are dealing with this topic more specifically in the
Broadcasting "Who (or what) is God?" (Series "Introduction to
Agni Yoga").
Verily, the ladder
reaches Heaven. (Hierarchy 101)
The ladder rests on
the earth and loses itself in the heavenly spheres. (Leaves of Morya's Garden II, 115)
Huxley wrote that
it was reasonable to think that beings existed in the scale of life, as much
advanced beyond man, as man is beyond the evolutionary status of a black
beetle. All the great religions and philosophies of the world have taught this
truth, and ancient wisdom confirms it fully. Jesus said in effect: even these
stones shall be raised to gods. It is literally true that from stone to
arch-angel, grade upon grade of life arises – all of which the evolving soul
must contact, before it can gain the perfection of divine consciousness – or
become one with the "Father in Heaven." (Teachings of the Temple Vol.
III, Lesson “A Single Sun”)
"Jacob's
Ladder – that sounds very esoteric. How can you prove that?"
The reality of the Ladder
of Hierarchy cannot be grasped by the intellect, but only by the heart. Your
natural feeling tells you: That is how it should be. Only like this is the Cosmos
constructed beautifully, justly and meaningfully. With the heart you can sense
the existence of your greater brothers and sisters.
Now one should
concentrate on the heart as the channel to the Hierarchy. That way nobody can
say that the Hierarchy is not a reality because there is no path to approach
it. Indeed, there is the most substantial approach, that in which the heart
acts as an intercessor. (Heart 340)
We had already said
following Nietzsche (Broadcasting "The Law of Evolution"): In the
infinite chain of the Hierarchy, man is only a link between lower and higher
beings, a transition to the next stage of evolution: the "overman" or
man of spirit.
*****
The Jacob's Ladder of the Hierarchy embraces all peoples, cultures,
religions, teachings of wisdom, and worldviews. All the great teachers, saints
and spiritual warriors of humanity have their place there. Be sure: Your
teacher as well is a member of the Hierarchy – provided he is a true one.
Anyone can join it. To each one of us is assigned a place in this
order.
Everyone is connected to a chain link that stands above
him on the ladder. To each one clings a chain link below him.
We climb the rungs of this ladder step by step (we had already said in
the last Broadcasting about the law of evolution: Man is on the path to God!).
Or we fall down like Lucifer, who had already risen to the state of an angel,
only to fall even at this height and to succumb again to the earthly, the material
(cf. Matthew 25, 41; 2 Peter 2, 4; Jude 6; Revelation
12, 5).
As you go upward you are more and more united with all
who have gone that path before, who lend you strength and help. (Teachings of
the Temple Vol. II, Lesson “Spiritual Triumph”)
He who isolates and places himself outside the Hierarchy will not find
the true path and be unable to live up to his destiny. It is sad to see how thus
many well-meant efforts remain without effect.
When the understanding is not founded upon Hierarchy,
the focus cannot be so vitally displayed; and each one who isolates himself
cannot find his way to Us. Thus, there are so many roaming shadows who cannot
turn the affirmed key. Thus, so many strivings are lost in space. (Hierarchy
171)
6. Connection with the Higher Levels
Filippino Lippi „Maria appears to St. Bernard of Clairvaux“
We now come to a
point that is of crucial importance for the worldview of the future:
When there are
higher levels of evolution, more developed creatures, you should not assume
that humanity lives apart and separated from them. Nature does not make leaps.
On earth, the various stages, minerals and plants, animals and humans, are living
side by side and in manifold connections with each other.
One can observe the
extent to which there simultaneously dwell on Earth living beings of the most diverse
status. (AUM 280)
The lower levels
seek to establish contact with the higher ones, as far as they can.
Thus, the animals are
craving for the guide assigned to them, man. Therefore, it is entirely natural
that man as well is looking for his Lord and Master.
This longing for
connection with Above is the essence, the core of every religion.
Trust in this:
Evolution gives
every living being, man no other than animal, the opportunity to find its Lord,
to establish contact with Him and to place himself under His guidance.
For your dog or
your horse, you are a God! They strive to approach you and are happy to serve
you, because thereby they learn, grow, and fulfill
their mission.
It is quite in the
order of nature that you, too, find the beings above you, approach them, establish
contact and cooperate with them in their Great Work.
Animals receive fiery sparks particularly through
contact with man. Likewise does man nourish his own fiery body through
communion with Hierarchy. One’s consciousness must accept the realization of
the logic of Jacob’s ladder; all creatures can find access to it when they are
imbued with right striving. (Fiery World II, 186)
Be very sure that the Power that has built up and
sustained this universe has never left Itself without witnesses. Find those
witnesses if it cost a life. There is no lasting peace, happiness or divine
usefulness for you until you do find them and lead others to the Source of the
same. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. II, Lesson “Recognition of the Avatar”)
It would be absurd,
contrary to nature and unscientific to assume that evolution had erected above man
of all things an insurmountable barrier that excludes any contact with the next
higher level.
Do not think that
Our Community is hidden from humanity by impregnable walls. The snows of
Himalaya that hide Us are not obstacles for true seekers, but only for the
curious ones. (Leaves of Morya's Garden I, 269 [313])
The worlds are not
only in contact but even overlap one another. The law of consecutiveness is
firmly expressed in all nature. (AUM 133)
"This is beyond
of my scope of experience. How can I establish contact with higher beings?
"
You can achieve this
especially in meditation. The further you develop this practice and the more
sensitive you become, the more reliably you may actually lead
a conversation with a higher, non-incarnated being, in particular with your
spiritual father, your teacher. How you can draw strength, joy, comfort,
knowledge and guidance from this connection is described in our Broadcasting on
"Meditation" (Series "The 10 Pillars of the Practice of Agni
Yoga").
We now come to a
second most important motto:
The actual
connection at least of sensitive people with the higher levels is the
scientific basis of every religion.
The bridge between the life of each Servant of Light
and the succeeding step reveals a saturated striving of the heart. (Fiery World
III, 116)
7. Guidance by the Higher Levels
We humans assist the
beings who stand below us on the evolutionary ladder, our younger brothers, the
animals in a friendly and compassionate way – as far as they are close to us
and willing to be guided. We train and use them for our higher purposes as co-workers; for example oxen, donkeys or horses as pack,
riding or draft animals, and dogs as tracker, shepherd, guide or avalanche
dogs. Thereby we also advance their evolution.
*****
According to the
age-old principle "as below, so above", you may be sure: Our own Elder
Brothers, who stand above us on the Ladder of Hierarchy, act in the same way: They
are watching us humans and our efforts partly with smiling, partly with weeping
eyes, but always benevolent. They assist and promote the development of those of
good will as often as they can and the law permits.
Could you not
imagine how a love for each one of these conscious lives would obtain in you,
and how each action, each effort of the lesser lives to help and sustain
another life or organ would fill you with appreciation, tenderness and love for
the "little ones" so bravely fighting on without hope of special
reward?
If this were the
case with you, can you not see how naturally your own heart would plead for the
love of those unselfish, beautiful lives in return for your own love? Could you
imagine yourself indifferent to the cry for help or to any appeal from the
least of those little lives?
Can you imagine
anything happening between any two of them that would not attract your
attention and make you strive to modify wrong conditions and create better
ones, so that they could go on their happy, useful, loving work? What you would
be to those little lives in your body; such is God, your Higher Self, to you,
my child. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. II, Lesson “A Certainty”)
We only await the
right time and opportunity to express our gratification and extend a helping
hand to "our little ones" on a lower step of the ladder of life.
(Teachings of the Temple Vol. I, lesson 14 “Dangers of the Astral Plane”)
What a wonderful
certainty: They do exist, the comforters and guardian angels who are close to
us, to whom we may confidently turn and who oversee our evolution. All you have to do is to trust in their guidance, then you will always
walk the right path.
Every belief reveals the Guardian Angels, Guides, and
Comforters; under the various names lies the same concept of Hierarchy. Verily,
let each one understand in his own way, but let each
heart strive upwards. In this alone is the path to perfection. (AUM 60)
Upon all steps of Hierarchy there is the same
transmission and communion. And how majestic is this Ladder of Immeasurable
Help. (Fiery World II, 94)
But few love the one who helps them. It means that
ignorance is great. (Fiery World II, 98)
As you begin to regard
yourself as a child of God, you may confidently expect to receive from your
Father in Heaven everything that parents grant their children everywhere in
nature.
In endeavouring to
show the right of Man to all things, as well as the probable care for His
offspring by what we know as God, by means of the action of Divine will on the
evolutionary forces of life, perhaps we can do so in no more intelligible
manner than by considering the probable action of a normal father and mother
toward their children; for here we find one of the most perfect correspondences
to the action of the Godhead in and with His or Its creatures. Such a father
and mother will never think of their possessions as belonging solely to
themselves; all that they are, all that they have, is at the disposal of their
children, if those children will make a proper use of it; all just demands are
complied with, as a matter of course. It would never occur to such parents to
deny their children the right to food, shelter, clothing and education, until
such time as those children were perfectly capable of providing for themselves.
(Teachings of the Temple Vol. I, Lesson 41 ”Our natural
Birthright”)
Great Masters,
leaders of the earthly evolution like Jesus or Buddha assist us on our way to
the heights. But they are also constantly on the lookout for suitable co-workers
whom they can employ for their higher purposes in the same way as we make use
of the animals.
Our solicitude for people
far exceeds their thoughts about Us. (Heart 490)
"Is this higher
help for all and everyone, great and small, good and bad alike?"
Well, here, too
applies: "As below, so above": You have to
be ready to serve and to learn. If you do not carry out what your Master
advises and instructs you to do, he will someday stop taking care of you; just
as you cease to employ and promote an overly stubborn donkey or dog.
Let us memorize a
third key phrase:
The actual guidance
of mankind by the beings of the higher stages of evolution is the scientific
basis of every religion.
In the following
Broadcasting on "The Brotherhood of Shambhala," we will cite a
variety of examples of the Mahatmas' intervention into human history.
Swetoslaw Roerich “Sacred Words“
The mysterious
concept of teacher and disciple, guru and chela, so alien to the West, is
naturally explained on the basis of the principle of
Hierarchy: Your teacher is your spiritual father, the next rung above you on the
Jacob's Ladder.
Important for the
understanding of the Hierarchic Principle is to realize: You are at the same
time both a disciple and a teacher!
The chain of
Hierarchy is formed exactly because you are fastened both to a link above and
to a link below you.
Everyone is on the ascending
line the disciple of a higher one and on the descending line the teacher of a
lower one.
The succession of
Teachers glows as a string of interplanetary pearls. Add also your own pearl!
(Agni Yoga 83)
It follows:
There is no
absolute, but only relative teachership.
Even Mahatmas like
Jesus and Buddha are for their part still disciples of a greater one! The Father
in Heaven of whom Jesus speaks is not God, but the next level above him, his
spiritual father, his teacher.
Each Teacher
remains also a disciple, for amid Hierarchy he will be a link in the Chain of
Eternity. Likewise in the descending line, each
disciple will also be a teacher. It is a mistake to think that certain
initiations elevate one to the step of absolute Teachership.
(AUM 492)
We are talking in
more detail about teachership and discipleship in the
Series "The Path of the Disciple".
Section II: The Cosmic Principle “Above leads, below follows”
We are now addressing
the second meaning of the term "Hierarchy".
Hierarchy, like
truth, justice, beauty and love, is a fundamental principle that applies
throughout the Universe.
The principle of
Hierarchy underlies all vital manifestations. The principle of Hierarchy leads
the entire Cosmos. (Hierarchy 457)
Thus, the law of
Hierarchy is the leading principle. (Hierarchy 420)
If you wish to
capture the beauty, goal-fitness and justice of the Cosmic Order, you must
understand the Hierarchic Principle.
For a deepening of the
understanding of the Cosmic structure one should become affirmed by the
recognition of the manifested law of Hierarchy. (Fiery World III, 100)
Above all, it is of
the utmost importance that you recognize:
Evolution advances
according to the Hierarchic Principle.
What that means
exactly, we shall now discuss.
1. Above takes the lead,
below follows
The Hierarchic
Principle says:
Above takes the lead,
below follows.
Whoever is higher
up on the Ladder of Hierarchy, who has advanced further on the path to God,
takes the lead and indicates the direction. The lower beings follow
after the advancing one on the same path he has paved. Only thus can evolution
take place.
*****
The recognition of
the Hierarchic Principle is a characteristic feature of the New Man. He is
constantly connected with his teacher, with the next level of Hierarchy. He
acts in earthly everyday life upon Higher Order and according to Higher Instruction.
Verily, the sign of
belonging to the Sixth Race will be the acceptance of the law of the Highest
Leadership, the acceptance of Hierarchy in all its magnitude. (Helena Roerich
Letters Vol. II, letter of 31.07.1937)
Without realizing
the principle "above leads, below follows"
there will be no progress.
As we shall be discussing
instantly, this applies to the evolution of both the individual and the human society as a whole.
2. New Man created by following the Hierarchic
Principle
The principle
"above leads, below follows" first applies to the evolution of the
individual. An order is perfect, natural and may be called Cosmic, when it makes
sure that:
The smaller beings
follow the greater ones who stand higher on the Ladder of Hierarchy.
A donkey does what
the rider says. The spirit directs the body. And we humans follow the beings of
the higher levels: The saints and spiritual heroes, "Sons of God"
like Jesus, Buddha and Mohammed, and the Mahatmas.
When the rider
subordinates himself to the will of the donkey, or the spirit to the body, the
Cosmic Order is turned upside down and both miss their mission.
The subjection of
the lower to the higher lies at the foundation of Cosmos. But that which should
be dominant, humanity subjects to the lower. (Infinity I, 115)
Only the Higher can
uplift the lower. (Agni Yoga 665)
Evolution according
to the Hierarchic Principle means in practice: If you want to become greater, if
you want to let your soul grow, you have to orientate yourself on those who stand
above you, who have already reached the level that you still want to climb. It
would be downright stupid if you would refuse to be guided by those who have
already acquired that what you still want to learn.
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. (Fiery World II, 80)
If everybody had to
learn by using only his personal experience, rejecting the Leading Hand, we would
not have moved far from our ancestors of the Stone Age! (Helena Roerich Letters
Vol. I, letter of 21.01.1931)
From the principle
of Hierarchy follows the practice of succession.
You emulate your
teacher, your spiritual guide, who himself follows a even greater one. And your own disciples, your
smaller brothers and sisters follow you.
One should follow a Hierarch in full trust, just as
the Hierarch follows his own Hierarch. (Fiery World I, 614)
Without real,
concrete succession in the middle of everyday life, "Hierarchy" is no
more than a fruitless abstraction. We are talking about this most important topic
in detail in the Broadcasting "How do you find your Teacher?"
Only the
realization of the Higher Will can lead the spirit toward its goal. (Agni Yoga
660)
It is a natural
endeavour of every creature – not just of humans – to seek and imitate someone
greater than himself.
In approaching a greater one we grow. (Hierarchy 193)
What motivates you?
What awakens in you the childlike enthusiasm to develop, to grow? Surely only
the knowledge, the experience, that there actually exist greater beings, who
are ahead of you, who have already reached the next step, and whom you may
imitate!
If you do not admit
the existence of the best and the most luminous, then there is no need to
safeguard and perfect your own Monad. The existence of Hierarchy is the
foundation of the entire life. (Hierarchy 212)
Your personal
evolution will only make progress if you set out on the path to the top, to the
higher levels, ultimately to God.
Personal
development means ascent on the Ladder of Hierarchy.
Only the Chain of Hierarchy will give the possibility
of ascent. (Hierarchy 28)
The illumination of the spirit
is assuredly the path following the highest Hierarchy. Hence, those who search for Truth can find the
significance of Be-ness only in the path of ascent toward Hierarchy, otherwise
life remains a vicious circle, and for millenniums the spirit will not find its
liberation. (Hierarchy 420)
3. New World created
by following the Hierarchic Principle
The principle
"above leads, below follows" applies not only to the individual, but
also to the evolution of human society as a whole.
The Hierarchic
principle appears as the basis of every construction. (Fiery World III, 100)
Hierarchy and the
creation of a new consciousness are affirmed as the cornerstone of evolution. (Hierarchy
322)
The society of the
future will come true when we put into effect an age-old principle:
As above, so below. (Agni Yoga 4,
Fiery World I, 340, Supermundane 304)
Evolution according
to the Hierarchic Principle means concretely: The laws that applyin
the higher worlds, in Heaven, must apply on earth as well.
The Forces of
Hierarchy are joined across two Worlds—the Guiding Principle, and the principle
of fulfilling the Great Will are one Source. Worlds are built upon these two
Principles. (Fiery World III, 100)
For each one on the
path there is but one immutable Might—Hierarchy. Upon this sacred Principle one
may construct; upon this Stronghold the spirit becomes winged; upon this Summit
can be built a mighty evolution. (Hierarchy 217)
In other words:
In the New World, the
Cosmic Order applies.
"What do you
understand by Cosmic Order?"
The laws and
principles which govern the Higher World: Above all truth, justice, beauty and
love.
This planet will
only recover, distress, suffering, greed, violence, selfishness, poverty and
unemployment will only disappear if we actually enforce
these principles down here. Then, the much-invoked and
dreamt of Kingdom of God will reign on earth, too. We had already discussed
this concept in detail in the Broadcastings on "The New World".
On the other hand,
where untruth, injustice, ugliness and unkindness rule, the Cosmic Order is being
trampled upon, from which only chaos will result.
4. The Principle of Leadership
"How can we
realize this noble goal?"
It is important for
you to realize: No abstract system can create the Cosmic Order on earth. Only
living people can do that.
Principles as such
cannot prevail. Only human beings can make them rule.
Man is the creative
fulfiller of the Cosmic Will! (Hierarchy 72)
Personal desires
are transformed into the all-guiding Universal Will. (Heart 68)
The realization of
the Hierarchic Principle "above leads, below follows" therefore
requires in practice: We establish the concept of leadership.
"What do you
mean by that?"
Those who have climbed
up higher on the Ladder of Hierarchy must also take the lead in society. This applies
not only to large entities such as the state, but also to smaller ones like business
enterprises, schools and families. Only in this way can we make sure that
"above actually leads and below actually follows", whereby a higher
order is established on earth.
Hierarchy and leadership are affirmed by the cosmic law. (Hierarchy 415)
When the higher
dominates, then the lower, through transmutation, is regenerated into the quality of a
higher order. (Infinity I, 115)
No community, not
even a band of robbers can exist without leadership.
Otherwise it will
break apart. Especially the smaller souls, who do not know the way and are hardly
able to cope with the demands of everyday life on their own, are in urgent need
of reliable leadership.
The Thinker [Plato] once saw
a shepherd who was followed by his large flock of sheep. The Thinker smilingly
asked, “By what magic do you compel the animals to follow you so obediently?”
The shepherd answered, “I live with them and love them, and they feel that they
are safe if they follow me.” (Supermundane 359)
Like the animals,
for example the migratory birds, we humans as well seek a leader.
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.
(Hierarchy 417)
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
We proclaim the Leader—the Hierarch! (Hierarchy 433)
This is the natural
consequence and realization of the universal Hierarchic Principle.
When the people of
the world come to recognize the fact of the disciple's impersonality,
compassion, and desire to serve them unselfishly they will do as they have
always done – "follow like sheep" that disciple who has been made
their leader by the very force of his devotion to them individually and
collectively. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. I, Lesson 98 “Questions answered by
the Master”)
The Leader shows the
future. Each of his actions impels forward. He must bring the people to the
Mount of Perfection. (Fiery World II, 48)
Today's man, who prefers
to put himself at the head and even in the place of God, does not want to admit
this longing.
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. (Fiery World II, 141)
Nations are
realizing that “life is wearisome without a hero.” Everywhere one can see this
longing for powerful leadership, in cultural, in social, in governmental life.
(Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter of 06.06.1935)
*****
"Being a
German, it terrifies me even to hear the word ‘Führer’ ('leader'). Is not there
a great danger of abuse of power? "
Yes, the dark
forces have destroyed or at least discredited many indispensable foundations.
In Agni Yoga, however, "leader" is a key notion.
Of course, not even
the highest concept is immune against abuse. Just think of what has been committed
in the name of Christendom. In order to counter this danger, we have to develop such a sensitivity of the heart that we can reliably
distinguish true from false leaders.
You have to recognize a leader and an impostor when you see one.
This requires a lot
of practice, refinement, and expansion of consciousness. It is not easy to
sense whether someone else stands hierarchically above or below you. You have to learn that. Because if you are wrong, this will have
terrible consequences: Then you will follow a wrong leader in the wrong
direction – namely into the abyss.
We send messengers
of truth, whose task is to repeat untiringly about the
future steps of evolution. Respect those who lead others onto the right path.
(Supermundane 613)
Your reservations against
the introduction of the Hierarchic Principle will dissipate when you keep in
mind: The leader to whom you ought to submit is someone who is greater and
wiser than you; someone who knows better than you yourself, what is good and
what is bad for you.
To a true Master of
Life, you will voluntarily and even happily subordinate yourself.
Remember to what an extent people are
in need of the concept of a Leader. They want to have someone who will
be a Guarantor before the Highest. They understand how impossible it is to find
the path without this link. (Fiery World II, 50)
One who has been warmed by the sun carries warmth with
him. People wish to warm themselves in proximity to him. Is it not the same
with the flaming heart which is in communion with the Fiery World? People
hasten to the glowing heart to warm themselves. Simple and close is the
presence of the Higher World. (Fiery World III, 478)
5. Without Hierarchy Chaos reigns
The conditions on
earth are so terrible for one reason in particular: People do not want to know
anything about hierarchy, leadership and submission to a higher will. They
refuse to integrate into the Cosmic Order.
Humanity has
suffered most through its severance from the Higher Will. The non-acceptance
of the Higher Will complicates the entire construction. This should be
remembered! Each construction is based on its focus. Hence, one must act
by striving consciously toward Hierarchy. (Hierarchy 279)
Humanity grows weak
to such an extent, because it evidences disunion with the Highest Will. Therefore We so powerfully affirm the focus, for without the
center the Highest Will cannot be assimilated. Therefore We summon so powerfully to Hierarchy. (Hierarchy
293)
People recognize no
one and nothing above themselves. Especially those who are not even able to manage
their own lives refuse any guidance and prefer to abuse "those up
there".
Those who reject
the necessity of understanding the leading concept of the Teacher should be
told that the present day predominance of
all-pervading decay is the result of negation of authority in all spheres of
life. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter of 18.02.1936)
That is why down
here prevails an "order"– or better, a "disorder" – that is
diametrically opposed to the Cosmic Laws, to the principles of truth, justice,
beauty, and love.
True attainments
are realized by the striving to cognize the Will of the Highest Reason. It is
difficult to accept a cosmic direction without understanding the Will of the Highest
Reason. Three-fourths of human strivings are directed against the Cosmic
Ordainments. The human spirit is not penetrating beyond the boundaries of visibility,
and the opposition to the Will of the Highest Reason is leading to destruction.
(Infinity II, 458 [58])
That is why the
earth is so far removed from Heaven.
*****
Furthermore, people
violate the Hierarchic Principle by allowing that below reigns, that the impure,
the ignorant, or the weak take the lead. Then the natural order is turned
upside down. The result can only be chaos.
Dresden 1945
We all know very
well what happens when a false leader comes to the top of a state or a business
enterprise: All members of this institution will have to pay for his mistakes by
suffering violence, wars, poverty, unemployment or bankruptcy.
The success of a whole state depends upon the quality of the psychic
energy of its leader. (Supermundane 503)
A proverb says:
The fish rots from
the head.
That means, whether
you admit it or not:
The destiny of every
community, from the family via the nation up to the global community, depends upon
the quality of leadership.
Human beings
working hard for the upkeeping of themselves and their families are more or less the same in the businesses and countries
all over the world. If some of them are worse off than others, this is almost
entirely due to unworthy, unsuitable leaders.
Each evil in the world is generated because of
resistance to the great principle of Hierarchy. Each victory is gained only by
the principle of Hierarchy. Therefore, one must be so strongly based upon the
affirmed Hierarchy. (Hierarchy 276)
The welfare of nations is moulded 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 a synthesis is nothing but the
manifestation of the power of Hierarchy. Actually in
all manifestations the Hierarchy selects a focus upon which a current can be
directed. Besides, a personality of this order possesses a realized or
unrealized fire which makes the communion easy. (Fiery World I, 525)
Section III: World Government and Cosmic Hierarchy
Finally and thirdly,
"Hierarchy" refers to the government of this earth and of the Cosmos
as a whole.
We had just said in
scientific language: In the New World apply the Cosmic Order, the higher laws,
principles such as truth, justice, beauty, and love. We must bring the
conditions on earth closer to those in Heaven.
Evolution means: Something
that already exists in the higher world as an idea, an ideal or a thought-construction
strives to embody itself on the material plane.
In addition, we say
in spiritual language: Evolution is the plan of God for our planet and the Universe
as a whole. From this follows:
If we want to
advance evolution, we must know and execute the Will of the Creator.
You do not
necessarily have to think of a person (see the Broadcasting "Who (or what)
is God?"). You may also understand the Higher Will as the spirit which dwells
in all matter, which strives to reveal itself more and more, and which therefore
drives us in a certain direction, towards further development and perfection
(see the Broadcasting "The Law of Evolution").
The realization of
the Hierarchic Principle therefore demands: We implement the commandment of
Christ:
Thy will be done on
earth as it is in heaven. (Mt 6, 10)
The words "Thy
will be done" do not mean to invite cowardly submission to circumstances
and conditions. They should voice the cry of the Soul for perception of the
nature of the divine Will and for strength to use that Will aright. (Teachings
of the Temple Vol. I, Lesson 144 „Only one Will”)
A new departure
must be made, a new step taken, and that step must be in the direction of
renunciation, submission to the Divine Will, regardless of the effects on the
personality. In other words, the personal will must become subservient to the
Divine Will. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. I, Lesson 140 „The neutral Center”)
The Will of God
must prevail everywhere, in the highest as well as in the lowest spheres, even in
the last corner of the material world.
Then indeed the world
would be a great reflection of the Higher Will. (Fiery World III, 260)
"How can we
achieve this high, almost fantastic goal?"
We have to create a new order here on earth, the goal of which
is:
The Higher Will is
transmitted from the very top via many intermediary stages down to the very
bottom and is actually implemented in the various small
dealings of everyday earthly life.
Such a form of government
is called "Hierarchy".
The establishment of
a Hierarchic Order is the natural and necessary consequence of the realization
of the principle of leadership: Hierarchy is nothing else but leadership on all
levels in all social institutions. Thus, nothing and nobody remains without
connection to and guidance from Above, whoever he is and wherever he stands.
"What exactly
does it practically mean to establish a hierarchy on earth?"
You must recognize:
The Higher Will as such cannot govern. Only people imbued with it can rule.
The enforcement of
the Higher Will means in practice to enforce the will of a higher one.
Therefore, if we
want to create a Hierarchic Order, we have to make
sure that:
Spiritual rulers
take over the government.
Agni Yoga calls
such spiritual rulers Hierarchs. This Greek word expresses: A truly worthy person
is endowed with power because of his reliable connection with the higher levels
and his particular spiritual qualities.
*****
The task of a Hierarch
is to make sure: In the area for which he is responsible – whether that be a
state, a city or a kindergarten – the Higher Will is carried out and the Cosmic
Order of truth, justice, beauty and love is actually enforced.
The whole
governmental and social order can be set up according to the cosmic law. (Fiery
World III, 65)
"Who is a
Hierarch?"
The one in a
community who has risen highest on the ladder of the hierarchy of souls and who
is firmly attached to the next higher rung.
A Hierarch is a
Link in a Chain, and One who fulfills the Will of an
even Higher One. Only by knowing this is it possible to properly respond to the
higher mission. (Hierarchy 35)
"What does
that mean? Who stands higher than others? "
He is closer to the
Higher Powers than the others and therefore able to assimilate the laws and
orders transmitted from Above.
The appointment of
a Hierarch is the appointment of One who fulfills the
Higher Will. (Hierarchy 36)
There is nothing
greater than approaching the deity more than other people and from there
spreading the rays of the deity to the human race.
(Beethoven)
A Hierarch possesses
three main qualities:
Purity, wisdom and
power,
so that he can do
three things:
Recognize the Higher
Will,
convey it to the people
and
enforce it on this
planet.
One can build only when Our Carriers of Fire carry Our
Will and the disciples accept that which is sent. Each builder knows the law of
Hierarchy. (Hierarchy 73)
Are ye of those fragments of Divinity who have eyes to
behold the outstretched hand of the Father, those who have ears which listen
for the sound of His voice, tongues which fail not to speak the word which will
open the windows of Heaven to other hungry souls? (From the Mountain Top II, 136)
Such a spiritual ruler
must have true authority.
Therefore I so often
reiterate about authority. 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. (Fiery World I, 525)
A "Hierarch"
in this sense is not just a head of state, but also a teacher at a school or a
mother in a family. A spiritual leader is anyone who stands higher than the
others in his field and therefore can and must take the lead; anyone who joins
the chain of Hierarchy as a member, in order in his place to assimilate, to
implement and to pass down the Higher Will transmitted to him from Above.
The Chain of
Hierarchy is built by fulfillment of the Higher Will.
(Agni Yoga 661)
Since Plato we
know: Hierarchy, the rule of the wise men, of the philosophers as kings is the
ideal form of government. We had already talked about the details of this
concept in our Broadcasting "The New World – Form of Government: Hierarchy".
3. The World
Government
"What needs to
be done in order to eliminate distress and misery anywhere on this planet and
to build the Kingdom of God down here?"
What we need is a
world government.
This is obvious and
required by the very nature of things. Only in this way can we actually enforce the Cosmic Order everywhere on earth.
*****
At the head of this
world government, there can be no one else but the most advanced beings, the
leaders of the evolution on this planet, the Mahatmas of the Brotherhood of
Shambhala. The New Order therefore looks like this:
The Mahatmas take
over worldwide leadership.
They hand down
their laws, rules and instructions to the human beings standing nearest to
them. These closest co-workers of the Brotherhood must first implement the
orders from Above in their own area and secondly forward them further downwards.
The Higher Will is
transmitted to the closest spirit. Hence, the Will of the Hierarch must thus be
fully executed. (Hierarchy 178)
The Mahatmas have
been directing the destiny of this earth for millennia, as we shall discuss in
detail in our next Broadcasting "The Brotherhood of Shambhala". Their
ability to help and to advance humanity would increase significantly if we would
finally acknowledge this fact, consciously submit to their leadership, and
execute their orders.
Where can one find a leading ray, if not in Hierarchy?
Humanity has been drawing its power, not from within itself, but from the power
of the great Hierarchy. Thus through centuries Our
creation has guided humanity. Thus man can be directed
only by the Higher Power of Hierarchy. (Hierarchy 420)
4. The
earthly Hierarchy
The world
government cannot possibly make all the necessary decisions down to the
smallest detail on its own, and in addition execute or supervise them. It has to rely on a graduated order, a hierarchy of leading,
middle and lesser spirits who, selflessly serving, receive the Higher Will, execute
it in their place and forward it downwards for further implementation.
Those Masters are
so lofty in their spiritual achievement that they are no longer able to accept
the burden of purely earthly existence and of a personal, direct leadership of
and contact with the masses. Therefore They use Their
nearest trusted ones and disciples for the purpose of transmitting the
spiritual Teaching. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter of 30.08.1935)
Below the Mahatmas
the hierarchy of humans begins.
At its head are Hierarchs
such as Moses, Salomon, Helena Blavatsky, Nicholas and Helena Roerich, as well
as others who have been cooperating with the Brotherhood for eons and are in
constant contact with it.
The one who better fulfills his tasks will be closer to Hierarchy. (Hierarchy
42)
We can impart Our
treasures to the spirits closest to Us. (Infinity I, 72)
These highest
specimens of the human race establish the connection
between the normal people and the Mahatmas.
While the world
waits for that one who can sway the multitude, millions go down into darkness. That
one of whom I speak must be a link between two great divisions of life – the
multitude and the Masters. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. I, Lesson 177 “The Multitude”)
This discontent will
continue until a body, strong, united, unselfish, and wise enough to obey the
law can be formed on the outer plane of this world; a body composed of those
who are physically and mentally able to catch, translate, and teach those
details of the mystery language by means of which alone the beings of other and
more advanced spheres can communicate with the men of earth. (Teachings of the
Temple Vol. I, Lesson 115 “The Law of Primogeniture”)
They are the
authorized representatives of the Heavenly Powers on this planet.
We have on your
planet Our entrusted one, who has drained the chalice of sublime experience.
She is sent to you as a witness of cosmic manifestations, as a bearer of My
missions, as your prophetess of the future. (Infinity I, 5)
Who will take upon
himself the sacrificial labour? He who represents the Heavenly Forces on Earth;
He who knows the fiery Cult of Renunciation; He who knows Cosmic Service.
(Fiery World III, 59)
They replace the
previous more or less unsuitable rulers.
It will be
impossible to admit in the future the appearance of those arbitrary leaders who
have overrun the planet. The right of leadership belongs to a spirit linked
with the Forces of Light. Therefore, according to the Higher Law, there can be
no accidental leaders. When the consciousness has become expanded, then will
become possible the realization of the great law of Leadership. In each field
there should be applied a subtle understanding of the law of Leadership. Thus,
statesmanship must be manifest in the entire construction of life. (Fiery World
III, 51)
They proclaim to
humanity the will of the higher levels.
Moses said: Because
the people come unto me to enquire of God, I do make them know the statutes of
God, and his laws. And he showed them the way wherein they must walk, and the
work that they must do. (Exodus 18, 15 ff)
There are personalities who can foresee the direction of evolution. Such co-workers of
Ours can be found in different countries and ages. We use them as channels
through which We transmit the varying degrees of aspiration that correspond to
the needs of evolution. (Supermundane 369)
They receive
instructions and advice from the Mahatmas.
One must possess
great equilibrium to understand the wisdom of Our Guidance without crippling
one’s own free will. The best leaders of nations had this balance, and it was
therefore easier to send them Our decisions. The “Green Laurel” [the Russian Field
Marshal Kutuzov, winner over Napoleon] about whom you have often spoken could
combine leadership with sensitivity to the Counsels of the Brotherhood.
(Supermundane 25)
You see how
important it is to be able to lead a conversation with your non-incarnated,
invisible teacher: This skill, which Helena Roerich possessed, is urgently
needed for the guidance of mankind!
For immemorial ages the Divine son has spoken from
time to time to those who have evolved to the point where they were capable of hearing His voice and interpreting His
language. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. II, Lesson “A Certainty”)
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. (Fiery
World II, 48)
*****
Below these
representatives of the Mahatmas, there must be an earthly hierarchic chain.
How does humanity
expect to approach the Highest without acknowledging the entrusted earthly
representatives of Hierarchy? How can a link be established if humanity does
not admit the greatness of the Chain of Hierarchy? Hierarchy is affirmed as the
link between the worlds! (Hierarchy 338)
The carriers of the
higher thoughts of evolution realize Our Will. Thus is
being established the higher cosmic cooperation. Thus, We
carry the Cosmic Service together. (Infinity II, 781 [381])
We organize every
single community and social institution (state, country, city, government
agency, court, business enterprise, university, school, kindergarten, family,
etc.) in such a way that they and all their levels and departments, from top to
bottom, are headed by that spiritual ruler who has access to the next higher
level.
Only contact with
the Higher can give the direction. (Hierarchy 63)
Such a hierarchic
order ensures that we reach the great goal which we had formulated at the
beginning of this Section and which, because of its particular
importance, we repeat again:
The Higher Will is
transmitted from the very top, from the Mahatmas, down to the very bottom, and actually executed there.
All the way down to
the treatment of the last child in family, school or kindergarten, to the instruction
of the simplest worker in a factory, and to the most insignificant official act
of the lowest civil servant, the entire system works in harmony with the Cosmic
Order.
*****
Precisely the small,
not so much developed souls fare best when they confidently submit to the
guidance of a greater one and join an order of truth, justice, beauty and love,
established and run by the sages.
Of all principles,
the principle of Hierarchy is the most powerful. Whither can the spirit direct
itself without the Guiding Hand? (Infinity II, 548 [148])
Everyone must find his
place in this hierarchic order and be embedded as a link in that infinite
chain. Being a Hierarch means nothing more than to integrate oneself: Below
one’s superiors and above one’s smaller brothers and sisters.
Be the most
devoted, the most ardent executors of the Will of Hierarchy! (Helena Roerich
Letters Vol. I, letter of 29.05.1931)
It does not really matter
whether you are standing higher or lower on this ladder. What is important is
only one thing:
In your place, the Hierarchic
Chain must not be interrupted.
The Chain of Hierarchy is built by fulfillment
of the Higher Will. (Agni Yoga 661)
The recognition of Hierarchy is not a formal
discipline, but a conscious cooperation. The spirit realizes that it has joined
an endless chain. Our own Leaders have entrusted to Us the vessel to quench the
conflagrations of evil, and We relay this mission to chosen emissaries,
entrusting to them the task of further transmission. Obeyance
to Hierarchy facilitates progress into the Infinite. To the Builder it is
not important to be the Highest One, but to fulfill
the mission entrusted by the Masters. (Agni Yoga 431)
When you place
yourself outside that chain, when you refuse to obey, to follow and to pass
down the Higher Will; when you block it at your level and instead pursue your
own personal selfish ends; then you will lose the connection to the progress of
evolution. Thereby you harm not only yourself, but also all those who are attached
to you.
Only through
adherence to Hierarchy and by fulfillment of the Higher
Will can one be truly successful and attain everything that is affirmed.
(Hierarchy 127)
What everyone can
and must do to take the first steps towards creating such a New Order will be
discussed in more detail in the Broadcasting "We
are building a New World".
"It is not yet
quite clear to me: How is this earthly hierarchy being formed? How do we choose
the most suitable leader among many candidates? "
Well, we had
already said (Broadcasting "The New World – Form of Government: Hierarchy"):
In a collective of selfless servants, in which everyone knows everyone, it will
quickly transpire who has the best connection to the top. For them, power is
not an object of quarrels, but a sacrifice they do not push for and which they take
upon themselves only when they are summoned to do so.
We need a
completely new attitude towards governance and must recognize:
A spiritual ruler is someone who is called upon to lead!
Therefore, all we have to do is "only" to find the one who in the
circumstances is destined to fill a certain vacant position.
*****
Ideally, it works
like this: A Mahatma has 7 disciples, such as Helena Blavatsky, Helena and Nicholas
Roerich. Each one of them has 7 disciples as well, and each of those 49 again has
7, and so forth in infinity. Thus, a network is being formed that reaches from
top to bottom, from the greatest down to the smallest souls, and through which
the Brotherhood can rule the world.
In order to receive
and be able to respond to the action of the energies from the center of the earth, for instance, they must pass first
through the seven most highly organized and highly evolved Beings upon or
within the earth. These Beings are vehicles for the transmission of attenuated
forms or degrees of the energies referred to. They are sometimes erroneously
termed Gods; they are in fact Masters of a very high degree.
In turn there must
be seven lesser beings, and again seven times seven, through whom in constantly
lowering degrees those streams or lines of energy must pass in order to safely
reach and accomplish their divine mission of growth and development in the
masses of less developed human beings, and thence to the heart Center of every other living creature. (Teachings of the
Temple Vol. I, Lesson 198 “The Number Seven”)
You see how
important it is for everyone to take his place.
The structure is
predetermined, but most positions remain vacant.
The reason for this
is: Today's men do not want to recognize the Hierarchic Principle, let alone apply
it in everyday life.
You see how
important it is for you to regard yourself as the disciple of a teacher, the son
of a spiritual father, or at least the member of a universal chain.
Upon that depends
the well-being and the future of the earth!
5. Education
of Hierarchs
Raphael
„The School of Athens“
We underline once
again: Without the New Man, there will be no New World. Without Hierarchs, there
will be no Hierarchy, no world government and no Cosmic Order on this planet.
He who cannot
establish the rule of the spirit over himself will not be able to enforce it in
the world either.
How can we rule
cities, nations, planets – rule with God – until we rule ourselves? (Teachings
of the Temple Vol. II, Lesson “The Foundation Stones of the Spiritual Temple”)
As
long as we cannot name a suitable person for each level, for
each step, for every position of the earthly hierarchy, the Hierarchic
Principle is not yet fully realized.
To seek to achieve
political reforms before we have effected a reform in human nature, is like
putting new wine into old bottles. (H. Blavatsky, The Key to Theosophy)
"Where are
these Hierarchs? I cannot see them. For me, no leaders are recognizable. "
Yes, you are right.
When you look around among your fellow human beings, when you review the many
faces you have encountered in the course of a
lifetime, there are only a few who would seem suitable. Nevertheless, let us not
lose courage!
We are working for
the future, for the generations to come!
No germ of the New
Consciousness, of the New Creation that we place into the hearts of our fellow
human beings today, is lost at their death. At some point in time, this seed must
yield fruits. More and more people will continue to transform into the beings
of spirit of the next evolutionary stage. One day the first small communities of
New Men will emerge, which, as a precursor to others, will realize the Hierarchic
Principle in their ranks.
We work to develop hard-working personalities of
strong character and dynamic will. It is not easy to find people whose higher
perceptions have already been developed. Entire generations must be cultivated
before the ranks of new co-workers are sufficiently increased. (Supermundane
508)
No man is born a
master. This applies all the more to the New Man and
certainly to a spiritual ruler. Therefore, we have to identify
suitable candidates, educate, qualify and test them again and again, and then
gradually entrust them first with less and then slowly with more and more
power. A nation that neglects the selection and training of its teachers and
leaders, inflicts the greatest harm on itself.
It is necessary to
select from the very young to bring forth a new generation. (Infinity I, 192)
Create heroes—thus
it is ordained! (Fiery World I, 555)
We actually need schools for Hierarchs.
However, these will
be significantly different from the traditional educational institutions.
Because they must not only impart intellectual knowledge and technical skills,
but above all develop the aptitude of the character.
Refine, refine the
co-workers! Stagnation is the greatest danger for human work. (Agni Yoga 415)
"What a
gigantic project!"
Yes, there are only
a few models in world history: The Egyptian Mysteries, the schools of
Pythagoras, Buddha and Confucius, Plato’s Academy, the Stoa,
the early Christian community under Jesus and the monasteries of St. Benedict,
Bernard of Clairvaux and Francis of Assisi.
We have therefore
to establish a school of the Lord’s service. (Rule of St. Benedict, Foreword,
45)
Out of such men,
disciplined and trained by austere renunciation of everything personal and
consequently virile and fearless, did Gotama Buddha
desire to create workers for the common welfare, creators of the people’s
consciousness and forerunners of the World Community. (Helena Roerich, Foundations
of Buddhism, 33)
We can go on building
upon this tradition, develop it further and create new schools for the training
of spiritual rulers for all levels of the society of the future.
In the schools of the future
the ways of spiritual growth will be taught by those who know the entire path. My
chosen ones will bring My simple Word of what is due to the great nation. (Leaves
of Morya’s Garden I, 162
[180])
6. The Cosmic Hierarchy
Above the earthly
there is the Cosmic Hierarchy.
The leaders of this
earth, the Mahatmas of Shambhala, receive instructions and support from even
higher up.
The teachers and
leaders of the Brotherhood are not on earth, but on higher planets, such as
Venus or Jupiter.
The Higher Ones
send Us Bliss. We transmit it to you. (Leaves of Morya's
Garden I, 218 [249])
Agni Yoga reports
that the great Plato established contact with higher beings on higher planets in
order to bring higher knowledge to earth.
People cannot
approach the far-off worlds in the earthly state, yet in the subtle body the
best spirits have already approached such planets and brought back remembrances
about their surface structure, coloration and inhabitants. (AUM 137)
After deep and long contemplation, the Thinker [Plato] decided to bring his knowledge from a new
planet. Thus he created a new communion. (Supermundane
179)
The Thinker pointed
out many times that he would one day go to another world and from there
establish a communication. Centuries would be needed for the fulfillment of this task. (Supermundane 206)
This example shows:
There is an immense potential lying dormant within us. Higher developed humans
have already unearthed it. 2500 years ago, Plato was able to communicate by
thought with aliens from distant stars! But we today do not even want to
acknowledge this possibility, let alone begin to use it. That means: We are lagging behind Plato for at least 2500 years!
*****
The Hierarchic
Principle links our planet to the Cosmic Order. All of a
sudden, an esoteric fantasy becomes a scientific possibility: The
Supreme, the Divine Will is transferred via the rulers of Universes, Cosmosses, galaxies, solar systems and higher planets down
to our little earth and into its last corners. Thereby we bring the earth closer
to Heaven.
The realization of
the Principle of Hierarchy requires conscious cooperation with higher and
highest worlds and powers.
The whole evil that
we observe on earth today has one main cause: We have broken loose from the
Cosmic Chain of the Hierarchy, moved away from the Higher Worlds and rejected
the guidance from Above.
The salvation of
the earth requires the recognition and worldwide enforcement of the Hierarchic
Principle.