The Esoteric Pythagoras

Pythagoras forbade all raillery among his disciples, because it, above everything, disturbs solemnity. He who greets the sun with a hymn does not notice the small spots. In this command is contained the affirmation of the Beautiful Let the dark ones retain for themselves the fate of mockery. Those who need jesters will leave no memory of themselves among the wise. His insistence on the solemnity of hymns reveals Pythagoras as a Fire-bearer. Let us take an example from such Fire-bearers, who have traversed their assigned earthly path in beauty. Fiery World I, 358. 1933

Our Communions are not merely for information, but are to be accepted with the heart. Soon you will finish the first part of the writings about the Fiery World. They should not be given only to the curious, for this may give birth to blasphemy. The meaning of blasphemy must be understood and full attention paid to it. Blasphemy not only repels Light; it inherently carries an actual infection. The blasphemer is not quite the same after his utterances, for he has rent a part of his protective net. One may then expect various sicknesses, for the protective net is not only a spiritual protection but also a physical one. Therefore blasphemous utterances should be forbidden, even in childhood. It is deplorable that people have lost the sense of responsibility to the extent of forgetting the significance of words. At the Fiery Gates blasphemous words will not come to one's mind, but if we consciously let them take root, they will burn the heart like red-hot knives. Losing the word harmony degrades men. How was Pythagoras able to understand the significance of the glory of the body of Light? Moreover, the appearance of numerous mechanical inventions has destroyed to a considerable degree the evidence of culture. Indeed, the forces of disintegration are very active; they strike all that is beautiful with putrescence, infection, and insensateness. There is a wealth of data on the activity of the dark forces; not superstition, but documents corroborate their intentions. It is possible to guard against them by use of all the fiery energies, but to do this one must recognize Agni itself. Hence, let those who wish to receive a continuation of the records about the Fiery World prove that it is really important to them. Fiery World I, 658. 1933

Certain metals are easily combined, but others repel each other. One 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. Fiery World II, 133. 1934

Great Service has called forth everywhere much misunderstanding. To people it usually has the aspect of something unattainable. They hope that responsibility for such Service will pass them by. But let us reflect upon certain great Servitors. Let us see if They were unapproachable supermen. Pythagoras and Plato and Boehme and Paracelsus and Thomas Vaughan were men who bore their lamps amidst their fellowmen in life under a hail of non understanding and abuse. Anyone could approach them, but only a few were able to discern the superearthly radiance behind the earthly face. It is possible to name great Servitors of East and West, North and South. It is possible to peruse their biographies; yet everywhere we feel that the superearthly radiance appears rarely in the course of centuries. One should learn from reality.
Let us not link ourselves with the vilifiers of Plato and the persecutors of Confucius. They were oppressed by citizens who were considered the pride of the country. Thus has the world raised its hand against the great Servitors. Be assured that the Brotherhood formed by Pythagoras appeared dangerous in the eyes of the city guard. Paracelsus was a target for mockery and malignance. Thomas Vaughan seemed to be an outcast, and few wished to meet with him. Thus was the reign of darkness manifested. Of course darkness, too, has its own laws. The dark ones watch intently a �dangerous� Great Service. Let us apply examples of the past to all days of life. Brotherhood, 175. 1937

Urusvati knows how sometimes a single word can distort the whole theory of cosmogony. The philosopher said to the citizens, �You should feel that Earth is like the center of the Universe, then you will realize the entire duty and responsibility of man.� But his followers misconstrued one of his words and an entirely different concept of the world was created.
Many examples can also be cited of how people have distorted the essence of the Teaching, because words have different meanings in different languages. There have always been innumerable dialects, with even neighboring clans using their own idioms. In the past there were also so-called sacred languages, which were used by the priests and hierophants. Certain sacred words infiltrated the popular language and were wrongly used. In that way, the breakdown of languages has taken place in all centuries.
One should not easily excuse unworthy deeds on the basis of misunderstandings due to differences in language. Unfortunately, shameful deeds are the result of evil willfulness and envy. If one examines the reasons for the persecution of the best minds of different nations, and compares the reasons for the persecution and banishment of Pythagoras, Anaxagoras, Socrates, Plato, and others, one can observe that in each case the accusations and reasons for banishment were almost identical and unfounded. But in the following centuries full exoneration came, as if there had never been any defamation. It would be correct to conclude that such workers were too exalted for the consciousness of their contemporaries, and the sword of the executioner was ever ready to cut off a head held high. Pericles was recognized in his time only after people had reduced him to a sorry state. Only in that state could his fellow citizens accept him as an equal!
A book should be written about the causes of the persecution of great individuals. By comparing the causes is it possible to trace the evil will. I advise you to write such a book. Let someone do it! Through research it will be possible to discover the inner similarities between the persecutions of Confucius and Seneca. Our Brothers and Sisters suffered persecution, and Our memory preserves many such events. Joan of Arc, Aspasia, and a whole list of gloriously heroic women of various centuries can be named. We do not regret experiencing such trials, but there is a need for reflecting on them, because each persecution retards an urgent plan. However, even this We turn to Good. The Thinker used to say, �I wonder, do you persecute me or drive me onward?� Supermundane I, 222. 1938

Urusvati knows that people have fantastic ideas about the past lives of great spiritual individuals. They imagine that these evolved spirits were surrounded by the most favorable conditions in all their past incarnations, as if they never suffered, were never in need, and never endured the persecutions that they in fact so often experienced.
People do not believe that great thinkers, such as Plato, Pythagoras, or Anaxagoras, lived the lives of ordinary beings. It is essential to understand that even the most lofty personalities cannot avoid the fullness of their earthly emotions, which are kindled in proportion to the scope of their mission.
Indeed, you should not assume that Plato, when he was sold into slavery, did not react to all the turmoil of such a situation. Of course, he went courageously through all trials, but in his heart felt great bitterness because of the injustice, and it was because of this that he was able to speak so brilliantly about the best forms of government. Pythagoras too was persecuted, endured great poverty, and suffered all kinds of physical humiliation, but these tests did not diminish his ardor. Likewise, Anaxagoras was deprived of everything, yet even on his difficult path he knew how to prepare for himself a majestic crown of thorns.
Many lives must be compared in order to understand how the light that shines so brightly is kindled by the blows of destiny. Chaos can be seen as the hammer that strikes the sparks. Only the unwise think that the Teacher hovers above everything and feels nothing. On the contrary, the Teacher feels not only his own burdens, but also the burdens of those who are connected with Him. Such near and dear ones can be either in their physical or in their subtle bodies. They may be close physically, or physically separated, yet close in spirit.
Do not imagine that the Teacher remains isolated. Every one of you can sense mental messages, but the Teacher feels them more strongly. We call these perceptions supermundane, yet they include all earthly feelings. We do not separate Existence by conventional divisions.
May all people learn to love supermundane thoughts. In time man will realize that in Infinity there is neither mundane nor supermundane, but only Existence. Supermundane II, 268. 1938

Urusvati knows that it is the heroes and martyrs who build nations. Pythagoras and even earlier thinkers knew this truth, but ancient truths should be reexamined in the light of science. So say the scientists, and they are right.
Who, then, are the heroes and the martyrs and how can they be described? From the scientific point of view, like living volcanoes, they throw out the intense energies needed for evolution. In this we can see an example of how subtly ethics and biology are entwined. The Teachings of the New Life show that exaltation is a blessed intensifier, and people cannot exist without these explosions that open the way. If cosmic explosions can be creative impulses, then human explosions are likewise needed for evolution.
Many people call the heroes and martyrs fanatics, but We do not approve of this label, for it belittles the better side of heroism. On the contrary, a real hero knows the truth of self-renunciation. He does not attempt to destroy anything, but tries to apply his powers in the best possible way.
They are foolish who assert that martyrs belong only to the remote past and do not exist today! Heroism and martyrdom are increasingly in evidence, and are presently characteristic of entire nations. These examples are not as clearly discerned, but it can be said that certain nations are creating a completely new rhythm of life.
The Thinker knew that the many would be formed into nations, and that the self-sacrificing work of nations would be of great value, and understood as heroism. Supermundane II, 272. 1938

Urusvati knows that profound similarities underlie all the moral Teachings of the ages. And how else could it be? The Law is one. There may be details that vary according to local life, or differences of language, but the foundations are changeless. Of course, it should be understood that We refer to real foundations and not to imagined ones.
For example, We say that the illusion of so-called peace is worse than actual war. People who are full of hatred may assure you that they live in peace, but they are liars. Such a lie is not easy to wash away; it continues to exist in the Subtle World. People should consider whether they have the right to pollute the subtle worlds, but they seldom think about their responsibility to the Universe. The continuity of life is not taught in the schools. There are few, if any, courses taught that reveal the grandeur of human life, and the teacher is rare who is capable of impressing upon students the dangers of false concepts. Yet all the Teachings testify to the Great Reality of true peace.
It is hard to accept human indifference to reality. People are fond of the untruths that mask the ulcers of corruption, and they refuse to understand that a lie created by them remains with them.
Speaking about false concepts, one should not relate them to only a few significant events. It should be remembered that man's entire life is filled with petty but characteristic falsehoods. So much false courage, so much false devotion, so much false diligence is manifested throughout the world!
It is deplorable to see how such make-believe concepts can lead to demoralization and mass lies. People put these lies into the very foundation of life, and there can be no evolution based on lies. Such lies produced by the make-believe mentality are sheer perversion, and should not be mistaken for Maya, which expresses the relativity of concepts.
Courage and fearlessness can truly protect one from all evil attacks, but the courage must be real and true. The borderline between the real and the false is subtle, and only from a distance is it possible to evaluate precisely where the corrupting process starts. It must be understood that only the real will bring lofty results.
The Thinker pointed out that the disciples must test their fearlessness. When the Teacher observed that a disciple was afraid of something, He placed him at once face to face with what had frightened him. The same trial was also used in the schools of Sparta. There, the expression of the eyes was watched in order to confirm the disciple's courage. Thus We also watch the motion of the spirit, and rejoice when We perceive true courage.
Fear of scarecrows in this earthly life only shows an unpreparedness for life in the Subtle World, where one is also confronted with frightening images. But the courageous do not even notice them! Only fear breeds ghosts. Such was the teaching of Pythagoras. Supermundane II, 295. 1938

Urusvati knows that the mundane and the Supermundane are in essence the same, because every earthly action is linked to all of existence. But when We speak about the foundations of life We call them supermundane. People should be taught by all possible means that the Supermundane is real, but man fears the Supermundane and tries to escape the grandeur of Infinity by burying his head here on Earth.
During a rainstorm most people will take cover in a shelter, even an insecure one, while a few will stand fast, facing the downpour in an open field. Similarly, while only a minority will understand the supermundane nature of life, the majority, full of doubts because of their fear, reject such an idea. Even the thought of life on far-off worlds seems impossible to them. In this, both atheists and religious believers are in agreement, and there are even scientists who still believe that Earth is the center of the Universe!
There are many beliefs by which people shield themselves from reality, and it is therefore necessary to goad humanity into participating in all aspects of life. Many ancient thinkers emphasized this, but unfortunately their advice came down in the form of maxims which today are read, but never applied. The thoughts of Confucius, Pythagoras, and Marcus Aurelius are recorded in the pages of history, yet the average man is loathe to accept their authority. People are ashamed to reveal the cause of their ignorance, therefore it is important to persist in reminding them about participating in the totality of life.
Many wish to be called Our co-workers, but for this they must learn to think in unison with Us. They may cooperate to different degrees, but there should be no room for distrust. First of all, the Teacher must find out how much the thinking of the disciple is purified and free of misconceptions. Only then can he be guided to the truth, and only then will mundane and Supermundane be understood as aspects of one whole.
The teacher should speak so that each word sounds like a familiar truth, but the results will be a new and deeper consciousness. We could use the word �higher� instead of �deeper,� because, in truth, space knows neither height nor depth.
And where will our Supermundane be in a few hours? What new chemistry will affect us? It will not only touch us, but will also pierce the denseness of the entire planet. It will destroy certain metals and give life to new combinations. People cannot escape this laboratory; therefore it is wise and useful to participate in the work with all one's consciousness. The Thinker said, �Participate in all of existence. It is meant for you and you are meant for it.� Supermundane II, 310. 1938

Urusvati knows that Nirvana is a condition of high, harmonious intensification of energy. Paranirvana is a state of even higher tension. People believe that Nirvana is inaccessible to them, and for Samadhi lengthy bodily and spiritual exercises are needed. But let us remember that the human organism is a perfect microcosm, in which are contained infinite possibilities.
Everyone can experience fleeting sensations of Nirvana and Samadhi, but these hints pass so quickly that the earthly consciousness is incapable of assimilating them. A person may feel that he is losing consciousness for no reason, or has been ignited by an unexplainable fire, or has lost all sense of having weight. There is much that can be noticed only by a broadened consciousness. Only the exceptional, who are few, can understand what is happening. There have been many achievements by science, but not one has affirmed that everyone is able to experience the higher sensations. In order to do so the spirit must be kept pure.
Who, then, can achieve spiritual purification? Some may say that for this one must become a great philosopher, like Anaxagoras, Plato, or Pythagoras. But besides philosophers, the world was directed by such leaders as Pericles and Akbar, who left us memories of great ages of well-being. In addition to magnanimity and compassion, they demonstrated firmness in leading their nations on the path of salvation. Everyone has heard of the shoemaker Boehme, and the chemist Vaughan. There have been many such examples throughout the ages, and people can understand that spiritual purification is achievable in all walks of life.
At present, too, there are those on Earth who are conscious co-workers for the cause of evolution. People may not know them, but the crowd has never recognized the great achievements of the lowly. On Earth the hand and the foot are co-workers of the spirit. Those who carry the burden of evolution are not distinguished by royal garments, and they go unnoticed. History will reveal their path. People should rejoice that there are always special souls on Earth, who bolster their faith in the coming of the New Era. The Thinker, even when He was sold into slavery, said, �This is splendid proof of the diversity of the human path.� Supermundane III, 527. 1938

Urusvati knows the many warnings and instructions that have been sent to humanity. Compare the teachings of Pythagoras, the letters of Prester John, the activities of St. Germain, and the letters of the Mahatmas. You will find in all of them a concern for the purifying of humanity.
It matters not in which languages they were given or how they were adapted to each era. The fundamental ideas underlying all of them can be traced. Sometimes the writings were considered to be forgeries, but is it not obvious that the same thoughts lived throughout the ages? Many of the writings were attributed to particular individuals, but far more of them were anonymous. One can see how all of them found their following in various countries. This vast literature should be studied; it has never been fully collected, and the inner meanings of the many writings have not been adequately compared.
People often complain that they have no guidance, but the library shelves are stuffed with these manuscripts and printed works. You need only examine them, and you will see how many authors, known and unknown, labored for the evolution of humanity. Some of them wrote under various pseudonyms, and it is therefore not possible to collect the works according to the authors, but only according to the variations in their inner meaning.
We do not see Our names as being of great importance. These names change often in Our long lives. We value the labor itself, and do not pay attention to whether the author�s name can be found on the top or the bottom shelf. Let us not forget how many manuscripts have been destroyed by the hands of enemies. The Thinker used to say, �Can We be certain that Our writings will be preserved under Our names? Let us not concern ourselves about it, for such thoughts are but a waste of time.� Supermundane III, 539. 1938

Urusvati knows that when We speak about Krishna, Orpheus, Zoroaster, and other Teachers of mankind, We have important reasons for this. All of them gave instruction, differing in language and custom, but the essence of their teaching was the same.
As yet, the work of comparing these Teachings has not been accomplished. One can point to studies in comparative religion, but We now have in mind an analysis of the common foundations given by the Teachers. A scholar who sifts through the characteristics of all nations and ages will find at their foundations teachings that are as if given by one source. One could mention those few individualities who in succession fulfilled their mission of teaching humanity, thus helping mankind�s progress.
At different periods, Teachers, at times without knowing the teachings of others, pronounced ideas that were similar to the others, not only in language but also in feeling. Even someone ignorant of this might think that one individual alone gave these teachings. But those who knew more will draw their own conclusions.
The work that will reveal the universality of these teachings will be of great benefit. Such work will be very difficult, for, in order to be believed, it will be necessary to utilize the recognized sources. The most valuable of the apocryphal writings cannot be cited, for they are not trusted by people. But even the accepted historical data permit useful comparisons. Truth must be proven by recognized methods of reasoning. In spite of the tragic loss of materials beyond counting, many valuable records can still be found. For example, the writings of the disciples of Appolonius of Tyana and Pythagoras can be studied. Perhaps only some words from these will be found dependable, but even these fragments will sufficiently convey the essence of the Teaching. It will become evident that the Teachers, though belonging to different religions, affirmed the same principles. In studying Origen, ancient ideas will be found that he himself could not have previously heard. During deep study, every individual will come to similar understandings.
The Thinker used to say, �When I listen to the narrations of the pilgrims, it sometimes seems to me that it is one person who speaks. I see different garb, hear different tongues, but my heart recognizes the one source. Supermundane III, 665. 1938

The Cabbala, as any other religious and philosophical system, is an echo of the Sacred Teachings of the East - through the Vedas, Upanishads; the Teachings of Egypt, Chaldea, Assyria; of Orpheus, Pythagoras, etc. In any case, the substratum of the Cabbala is very similar to other systems. The foundations of the Cabbala originated in very remote antiquity. In The Secret Doctrine it is indicated that the Jewish people originally came from India. One of the lower Tamil tribes came out from India and, through marriage, mixed with the Semitic tribes they met during their travels. Letters Of Helena Roerich I, 26 May 1934. 8.

Almost all of the sciences originated in India. Egypt, Greece, and ancient Chaldea borrowed their knowledge from India. Similarly, Osiris, Hermes, and Orpheus came from the East; also, Pythagoras received his initiation in India. Letters Of Helena Roerich II, 8 October 1935. 4.

Often through illness the achievements become intensified. St.. Francis and St. Theresa were often ill. Pythagoras had heart disease. The best zurnas often lacked some strings. Leaves of Morya's Garden II, Illumination, I:VI:7. 1925