Agni Yoga

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Originally posted by A.k.M:
I strongly advise all who read this to read the teachings of Agni yoga. It’s a most brilliant teaching.
http://www.agniyoga.org/

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Supermundane

The Inner Life

Book I

1938

Introduction

Friend, how can we discuss the Supermundane if energy is not yet realized as the foundation of Existence? Many will not understand at all what is meant by this, while others may think that they understand the significance of fundamental energy, but cannot think about it with clarity. It is necessary to train one's thought upon the idea of energy until the feeling of it becomes as real as the feeling about any solid object. We speak about feeling, because knowledge alone cannot provide an understanding of energy.

Even if man accepts the truth that fundamentally there is only one energy, this alone will not be enough for progress—one must also learn to picture to oneself its innumerable qualities. Man's customary narrowness of thought limits his perception of the properties of this energy, and thus limits his understanding. Lofty thinking helps one avoid harmful limitation, but it is not easy to establish an appropriate level of beautiful and lofty thought amidst life's misfortunes, and very few are prepared to understand that it is life's difficulties themselves that can assist lofty thinking. Goalfitness will help one's thinking when the properties of the fundamental energy appear to be contradictory. A blind man may be unable to perceive an event visible to others, but everyone can realize the Supermundane by learning to understand the many properties of the fundamental energy.

Those who think of the Supermundane as the very Highest are correct. "As below, so above." Let this ancient saying serve as a guide to cognition of the forces of the Supermundane.

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Leaves of Morya's Garden I
Leaves of Morya's Garden II
New Era Community
Agni Yoga
Infinity I
Infinity II
Hierarchy
Heart
Fiery World I
Fiery World II
Fiery World III
Aum
Brotherhood
Supermundane I
Supermundane II
Supermundane III
Supermundane IV

Letters of Helena Roerich, Vol. I
Letters of Helena Roerich, Vol. II
On Eastern Crossroads
Foundations of Buddhism
Agni Yoga Glossary

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Abhidharma – (Sk.). From Buddhist metaphysics. The light of Abhidharma signifies the highest consciousness, Buddhi-manas. (LHR I, p 496)

The light of Abhidharma is the combination of the fire of higher spheres with the radiation of the consciousness. (AY, 498)

Abodes of the Brotherhood – Let the heights of the Caucasus, Altai, and Himalayas be the abodes of the Beautiful Brotherhood. (BR, 361)
see also Brotherhood, Hierarchy

Abramram – When you hear the word Abramram, it will be a reminder about the center of the Chalice, where is concentrated the straight-knowledge predestined for the future evolution. (AY, 596)
see also Chalice

Absentation – Amidst deeply engrossing occupations you have more than once felt a sudden expenditure of energy. Even during the most absorbing labors you might have sensed an inexplicable absentation. A perceptive disciple values these flights of consciousness. (BR, 603)
see also Cloud of Cognition

Absent-mindedness – May be due to the tension of the cosmic currents absorbing one’s psychic energy. (BR, 517)

Absolute – see Parabrahman

Abyss of Vortices – There could have been noticed extraordinary spatial currents of such tension that they overpowered mental sendings. This manifestation is rare, and the more should it be noted. Raging spatial currents do not continue for long, therefore it is very instructive to observe them. They cannot be prolonged, or they would produce a catastrophe. Equilibrium in itself can resist them, yet each such moment is dangerous. We call this the abyss of vortices. (BR, 313)

Acceleration – Acceleration, as well as retardation, proceeds in waves. Therefore, when perceiving a wave of acceleration one must succeed in casting into it as many seeds as possible. (LMG II, p 128)

Accumulations – The principle of cumulation lies in spirit-creativeness. (INF II, 114)

A sensitive Agni Yogi knows all paths to the realization of Infinity. The spirit-knowledge reads the Book of Life, and the wisdom of ages is deposited as accumulations in the Chalice. (INF II, 500)

The magnet of the spirit, this propellent aggregator of the life energies, is nurtured by the manifestation of the cosmic energy. The accumulations in the Chalice gather around the seed of the spirit, enveloping it in their colors. The very striving seed of the spirit responds to the fiery impulsion. Thus, the magnet of the spirit of an Agni Yogi is the creative sower of the affirmed fires. Verily, the sower of cosmic fires into the consciousness of men is a true co-worker of Cosmos. (INF II, 35)
see also Chalice

Achievement – Achievement is not renunciation; it is containment and movement. (LMG II, p 176)

The Golden Path, the combining path, affirms both qualities—achievement and caution. Otherwise all would be driven to suicide. Achievement is created in full consciousness and responsibility. (BR, 155)

Action – If an action is small, it needs the help of various handmade objects. But when the action becomes great it can dispense with earthly objects. This is the first touchstone of action. ...
The second quality of action is its mobility. Like a whirlwind of primary matter, a true action must vibrate with possibilities. Only a flight can crown a luminous manifested thought.
The third quality of action is its unexpectedness. Every action which has astounded the minds of the people was the result of an unexpected way of thinking.
The fourth quality of action is its elusiveness. Only this quality protects the action against destructiveness.
The fifth quality of action is its convincingness. As every lightning flash connects our consciousness with the Cosmos, so each action should strike like a flashing sword.
The sixth quality of action is its lawfulness. Only the consciousness of the fundamentals of the world evolution can advance the action immutably.
The seventh quality of action is its pure motive. By this path one can move weighty loads without fatigue. (LMG II, p 197)

Adaptability – Adaptability is the best means for conservation of forces… The development of adaptability actually takes place in the current of life. To all is known the sensation of the boundaries of spheres… Sternly accustom yourselves to reception of contrasting sensations, to the grasping of unexpectedness. All is expected, because all is realized. (COM, 245)

Aditi – (Sk.). The Vedic name for the Mulaprakriti of the Vedantists; the abstract aspect of Parabrahman, though both unmanifested and unknowable. In the Vedas Aditi is the "Mother-Goddess", her terrestrial symbol being infinite and shoreless space. (TG)

The first differentiation in the periodic manifestations of eternal Nature, sexless and infinite, is Aditi in "That", or the potential space inside the abstract Space. In its next manifestation it appears as the divine immaculate Mother-Nature within the all-embracing absolute Infinity. Thus, Space is called "Mother" until its cosmic activity begins, and Father-Mother in its first stage of awakening. (LHR I, pp 487-488)

Age – Honored is old age in a body with a clear consciousness; for in the essential nature there is then no old age. (COM, 144)

Agni – (Sk.). The God of Fire in the Veda; the oldest and the most revered of Gods in India. (TG)

It is astonishing to what a degree some remember instances from their past lives, whereas others have completely lost all memories of their former accumulations. A karmic cause does not completely explain such a marked difference in the understanding of life. Truly, the deciding factor in such understanding lies not in the circumstances of former lives, but in the acceptance of Agni. People call such wisdom a talent, but it is no special talent to keep Agni alight. Only the kindling of the centers produces uninterrupted vigilance of consciousness. Even a partial manifestation of Agni already preserves the accumulations inviolate. Agni is no violator, but our friend. It must be explained that the ascent of the spirit is indeed a manifestation of Agni. (FW I, 516)

Fire is at the very threshold! One must call to mind how it is to be encountered, and one must understand that only Agni, psychic energy, can be the interpreter at the approach of Fire. (FW I, 567)
see also Agni Yoga, Psychic Energy

Agni Yoga – Deals with the highest fiery transmutations of all centers which cannot be achieved by any mechanical methods but requires the direct controlling influence of the Great Teacher. The high attainment of Agni Yoga can be reached only by a spirit which possesses age-long spiritual accumulations, collected in the center of the Chalice. Another thing that is characteristic of Agni Yoga is that its achievement must be attained during everyday life, while all the other Yogas (except Karma Yoga) demand isolation from ordinary life and thus are not sufficient for the present and future evolution.

Agni Yoga is a synthesis of all Yogas. In all the ancient Hindu scriptures the approaching Fiery Epoch has been predicted. It is said that Agni—the Fire that is found in varying degrees at the foundation of all Yogas will saturate the atmosphere of our planet tremendously, and all the branches of Yoga will be fused into a fiery synthesis. Verily, Agni Yoga is a fiery baptism. (LHR I, p 411)

At first you were shown the crudely material laws. You participated in levitation and in experiments of materialization and transmission of objects. This was performed not for attraction, but for austere knowledge. After that you were shown the astral world, but not for immersion in it. Expanding the consciousness, you received the possibility of knowing the auras and images of incarnations. Finishing with the semi-material world, we have approached cosmic clairvoyance and clairaudience. Using the opened centers of Sister Urusvati, rays of different properties and the structure of finest substances could be shown. Thus we approached the realization of far-off worlds, which is close to the element of fire and therefore dangerous. Hence the regime of cold was needed. The results were brilliant. Without specific shocks to the organism, it was possible to demonstrate the granulation of Fohat, in other words, to receive the so-called prismatic sight.
Why is it important to sense the manifestation of Fohat? The granulation of this finest energy is laid in the foundation of cosmic coagulations. It means that precisely Fohat will be the father that gives the impetus to the formation of new spatial bodies. He who attains the knowledge of far-off worlds will feel the strength and beauty of the crystals of Fohat. This is a difficult experiment, and We rejoice, because the physical body rarely assimilates the finest energies. (AY, 145)
see also Teachings

Ahamkara – (Sk.). The high condition of consciousness during the opening and unification of the higher centers. This concept is the opposite of that of the lower condition of selfhood which is also sometimes called "Ahamkara". (LHR I, p 401)

The high state of the fiery seed when it can already affirm itself without egoism. Thus the Fiery Gates are opened when not only is egoism burned away but a worthy evaluation of self is achieved. Only then can the spirit verily bring its sole heritage to the altar of Light. (FW I, 602)

The conception of "I", Self-consciousness or Self-identity; the "I", egotistical and mayavic principle in man, due to our ignorance which separates our "I" from the Universal ONE-SELF Personality, Egoism. (TG)

Akasa – (Sk.). The subtle, supersensuous spiritual essence which pervades all space; the primordial substance erroneously identified with Ether. But it is to Ether what Spirit is to Matter, or Atma to Kama-rupa. It is, in fact, the Universal Space in which lies inherent the eternal Ideation of the Universe in its ever-changing aspects on the planes of matter and objectivity, and from which radiates the First Logos, or expressed thought. This is why it is stated in the Puranas that Akasa has but one attribute, namely sound, for sound is but the translated symbol of Logos — "Speech" in its mystic sense. (TG)

My Teaching can disclose the waves of the tested Akasa. (AY, 9)

Akbar – The great Mogul Emperor of India, the famous patron of religions, arts, and sciences, the most liberal of all the Mussulman sovereigns. There has never been a more tolerant or enlightened ruler than the Emperor Akbar, either in India or in any other Mahometan country. (TG)

A-lal-Ming – When Tibet’s spiritual teacher, A-lal Ming,
was striving towards the mountains
where first the Lord appeared to Him,
He still remained in the valley and accepted the chalice. (LMG I, 353)

Amrita – The ambrosial drink or food of the gods; the food giving immortality. The elixir of life churned out of the ocean of milk in the Puranic allegory. An old Vedic term applied to the sacred Soma juice in the Temple Mysteries. (TG)
see also Chalice of Amrita

Anemia – Is a result of an outflow of psychic energy. (BR, 473)

Anguish – How can a sensitive spirit avoid the onset of world anguish? There has never been a case of a man being able to detach himself in spirit from the earthly plane without contraction of his nerve centers, exactly like that of the daring aviator who feels a singular tremor in his heart upon detaching himself from the Earth. (LMG I, 83)

In the achievements of the future, special attention must be paid to the coordination of the development of the spirit and the bodily condition. The body has difficulty in overtaking the spirit; attacks of anguish occur when the spirit is raised to heights. (AY, 383)

The growth of consciousness is accompanied by spasms of anguish, and this is verily unavoidable. The non-conformity of Infinity with earthly reality can but call forth the feeling of a just realization. There is no way to Infinity without sensing all surroundings. Be assured that the greater the consciousness, the greater the anguish. (AY, 568)

Dissatisfaction and anguish often are a response to the call of Space. (INF I, 78)

Do not be disturbed by anguish, it comes from fire. (HIER, 305)

The heart is a temple, but not an abode of idols. Thus We are not against the construction of a temple, but We object to fetishism and to bazaars. Likewise, when We speak of constructing a temple like a heart, We do not mean that it be of heart-shaped design. We speak of its inner significance. A temple cannot exist without realization of the infinite chain; so, too, the heart contacts all the sensations of the Cosmos. The heart’s anguish or joy interresounds with the far-off spheres. Why, then, is anguish sensed more often than joy? Of course, the constant cosmic perturbations agitate the heart that adheres to them. Therefore is the service of such a heart so great upon the scales of the world. Help the structure of the world! There is neither a day nor an hour when the world is not in danger! Two eyes alone cannot foresee these dangers, but only three, as upon the Banner of the Lords! One must comprehend the temple of the heart as an imminent sensation. Not without cause was the heart marked by the sign of the cross. Thus, the sign of the cross eternally accompanied the temple of the heart. (H, 4)

The heart anguish comes ... from straining for luminous desires. Heart-anguish primarily fills our being with the substance of power. Naturally, the sculpture of Akasa is not always connected with heart pangs, but a feeling of anguish reveals, in any case, tension and cooperation with the Primary Thought-Frame. (H, 51)

Resounding on the cosmic note can be transmitted spatially to the spirit which perceives the subtle currents. Among the subtle manifestations of such reverberations of the spirit must be especially noticed those which are audible to the fiery spirit. How vital it is to hearken to that apparently inaudible tone which can transmit to the spirit spatial joy or anguish. The manifestation of inexplicable anguish can derive from the sounding of a spatial tone. The subtle organism of this bearer of Fires shudders from these notes of space. The physical ear cannot hear it, but the subtle hearing detects that which is inaudible to the ear and receives it in the heart. Therefore, the striving spirit is a creator in unison with the Cosmos, and knows the cosmic soundings which intensify space. In them is contained summons or call; in them is victory or battle; in them is sorrow or joy. Verily, he who knows these soundings and experiences the joy and anguish of communion with space, may be called a great fire-bearer. To this the fiery heart of the Mother of Agni Yoga bears witness. Thus let us remember the great unified Heart. (FW III, 187)

Often community members ask whence come the assaults of anguish which they sometimes experience. One must know that without these spasms of anguish no progress is possible. After crossing over a precipice you feel a weakening of the leg muscles. During the expansion of consciousness you cross over many invisible precipices. Nodal growths of the consciousness result in leaps and psychic spasms contract the nerve centers. One should not be afraid of these spasms, a brief rest will right these contractions. Growth of the consciousness is more difficult to trace than the growth of a hair. The consciousness conquers and eradicates. The burning of crossed bridges does not reveal the progressive sign-posts, but it leaves open the one possibility of assault. It is valuable not only to strive forward but also to destroy the rubbish behind one. Just now you perceive how the majority of people could have advanced, but they cling to age-old rubbish. Guard both My signs—the sign of Service and the sign of Community. One is breaking away from the old, the other is evolution.
(COM, 184)
see also Heart

Anonymity – Anonymity remains the ideal of true evolution. This is one of the conditions of realization of the brevity of earthly existence, and it is the best way to successful cooperation. (COM, 176)

Antakarana – (Sk.). In the East, the technique of communication between the lower and the higher Manas is called Antakarana, or bridge, or path. By this, the lower ego, in its turn, extends to the higher Ego all those impressions and thoughts which can be assimilated (due to their high quality) with our eternal beings, thus becoming immortal accumulations of our Chalice. (LHR I, p 473)

Anura – The manifestation of Anura—in other words, charm of the heart—is very highly valued. It belongs among the cumulative and undefinable qualities. Anura is charm of the heart, or regal heart. It can be seen how from one’s childhood this charm unfolds, sometimes even as a burden to oneself, because people of differing tensions confuse the rhythm. (H, 489)

Appollonius of Tyana – (Gr.). A wonderful philosopher born in Cappadocia about the beginning of the first century; an ardent Pythagorean, who studied the Phoenician sciences under Euthydemus; and Pythagorean philosophy and other studies under Euxenus of Heraclea. According to the tenets of this school he remained a vegetarian the whole of his long life, fed only on fruit and herbs, drank no wine, wore vestments made only of plant-fibres, walked barefooted, and let his hair grow to its full length, as all the Initiates before and after him. He was initiated by the priests of the temple of Asclepios at Aegae, and learnt many of the "miracles" for healing the sick wrought by the god of medicine. Having prepared himself for a higher initiation by a silence of five years, and by travel, visiting Antioch, Ephesus, Pamphylia and other parts, he journeyed via Babylon to India. ... At Babylon he was initiated by the Chaldees and Magi. After his return from India, he shewed himself a true Initiate, in that the pestilences and earthquakes, deaths of kings and other events, which he prophesied duly happened. At Lesbos, the priests of Orpheus, being jealous of him, refused to initiate him into their peculiar mysteries, though they did so several years later. He preached to the people of Athens and other cities the purest and noblest ethics, and the phenomena he produced were as wonderful as they were numerous and well attested. ... After crossing the Hindu Kush, Appollonius had been directed by a king to the abode of the Sages, ... by whom he was taught unsurpassed knowledge. His dialogues with the Corinthian Menippus indeed give us the esoteric catechism and disclose many an important mystery of nature. Appollonius was the friend, correspondent and guest of kings and queens, and no marvelous or "magic" powers are better attested than his. At the end of his long and wonderful life he opened an esoteric school at Ephesus, and died aged almost one hundred years. (TG)

Arhat – (Sk.). "The worthy one", lit., "deserving divine honours". This was the name first given to the Jain and subsequently to the Buddhist holy men initiated into the esoteric mysteries. The Arhat is one who has entered the best and highest path, and is thus emancipated from re-birth. (TG)

For the achievement of true immortality, in other words, for the maintaining of consciousness on all the four planes of existence, and for becoming an Arhat, it is essential to connect, precisely in the physical body, the fourth, fifth, and seventh principles and fuse them in the sixth—Buddhi. All the qualities of the basic energy, being separately transmuted by its fire, must be harmonized and expressed in the highest quality of psychic energy. (LHR I, p 473)

Armageddon – The great decisive Battle between the Forces of Light and darkness. It was predicted in all the ancient scriptures, and the name, "Armageddon" as well as the description of it, can be found in the Apocalypse. The year 1936 is indicated as most significant. It is interesting to note that these calculations are also found in the pyramid of Cheops. Thus, today we find ourselves in the midst of this Battle, which will increase. This Battle is still more fearful in the Subtle World, but eventually its reflections will be intensified on the earthly plane. Great is the tension of space, and the tensed fiery energies are surging in the subterranean and superterranean spheres, threatening an explosion. Verily, the planet is in convulsion. The time is most ominous. Verily, we are facing an incredible world catastrophe. As it is said, "The hostile elements of the race refuse to submit to destiny. The departing race seeks to destroy the chosen successors, but we must save them. Destiny may be eased and the Battle ended sooner." So far, there are no signs of easement. But the ark of the sixth race is already being built. Let us trust that it will be larger than that of Noah. (LHR I, p 325)

The essence of Armageddon lies not only in the exhaustion of old causes but also in the establishment of new ones. (BR, 146)

Armor of Light – Investigators of psychic energy can bear witness that the evidences of the energy are infallible. ... The primary energy cannot show the negative to be positive. Such purely scientific evidence protects people against an evil approach. Not without foundation is such discrimination called the armor of Light. (BR, 28)

That same salutary energy which purifies the consciousness also creates an armor. (BR, 240)
see also Protective Net, Shield

Arrows – In all Teachings the dark forces are represented as shooting their fiery arrows at the Illumined One. This battle is depicted in beautiful symbols. No less beautifully is it indicated that the malevolent arrows do not reach their target but form a protective net. Let us not regard this heedlessly; this symbol is entirely realistic, even from the viewpoint of modern science. The malevolent flame encounters the great fire of the heart and becomes subservient, only augmenting the Agni of the Great Spirit. Thus, the heart which manifests all its power is invincible. (FW I, 650)

Aryavarta – (Sk.). The northern part of India. Valleys in the Himalayas where the emigrants of Central Asia established their homes after the disaster of Atlantis. Translated, it means "The Country of the Aryans." (LHR I, p 427)

Ashrams – (Sk.). If we look on our planet from above, we will observe, besides the evident volcanoes, particular vortices of light and darkness. The human spirit can create powerful manifestations of energy. One may state that the vortices of Light are saviors of the equilibrium of the planet. Nor is it far from the truth to state that the vortices of darkness contain a destructive gas, which is not only deadly to the crust of the planet but can alter the climate and even significantly effect a shifting of the poles. Thus powerful is the significance of the human spirit. Hence We treasure the Ashrams where purified Agni is gathered. Many teachings have pointed out the importance of pure places where psychic energy can be affirmed. References to the importance of pure places are found in the Sacred Writings, in the Bible, and in the Rig-Veda; the Tao likewise contains knowledge of these treasure-places of Earth. We rejoice when We notice the rise of new Ashrams, for people so seldom think of the power of their spirits! (FW I, 664)

Verily, Ashrams have a great importance for the earthly and for the Subtle World. Ashrams may be defined as magnets and ozonators. Being filled with heart energy provides a conduit for many things. (FW II, 203)

Assistance – Is it possible to imagine how diversely is assistance given? It should not be thought that the means of assistance are limited only to the methods of charitable institutions. The best help arrives unexpectedly, but one must accept it. There are many meetings; there are many unknown letters; many unexpected books are sent, as if by chance. Over many years, he who possesses a searching mind will compare these strange incidents, and if he is not devoid of a sense of gratitude, he will send his thankfulness to the unknown Guardians. (BR, 572)

People talk much about the aid that should issue from Our Dwelling. Let us analyze the capacity of people to accept this help. Each person who dreams of assistance has already defined selfishly the direction and measure of it. Can an elephant find room in a low cellar? But the seeker of help considers neither the proportion nor the suitability of it. Lilies should flower during wintertime, and in the desert a spring must burst forth; otherwise the Teacher’s merit is small.
"But, maker of the desert and lord of the cold, you created your own thirst and shudder from the cold of your own heart. My spring remained beyond your vision and you did not turn to regard My flowers. You encrusted your way with selfishness and found time only to guard your cherished soles from the thorns which you yourself grew. My help took flight like a startled bird. My messenger hastens back, and white Lobnor bays mournfully. My help is rejected."
But the traveler continues dully to call for help, and directs his attention to the site of his future destruction. Therefore We always advise alertness, flexibility, open-mindedness. Otherwise one cannot keep in step with reality. (AY, 164)

Astral Qualities – They (astral qualities) exactly correspond to the five senses which function in the earthly body plus the sixth (the straight-knowledge, or so-called intuition, which is still rare), and then the seventh (synthesis, or spirituality). The astral feelings exist in the same way as the physical but as their subtle counterparts. It is impossible to separate them; unity manifests its harmony. There is a complete correspondence between the subtle and the physical bodies. Therefore, the axiom "as above, so below" must always be borne in mind.
But indeed, just as the outward feelings are manifested only when there are conditions suitable for them, even so, the inner spiritual abilities are manifested when the astral or spiritual conditions are created on the inner plane. The outer world is only a reflection of the inner one. (LHR I, pp 253-254)

Atlantis – (Gr.). The continent that was submerged in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans according to the secret teachings and Plato. (TG)

Atma, Atman – (Sk.) Are often mentioned as synonomous. Exoterically, they manifest the seventh principle which is the eternal vital force spread throughout the whole Cosmos. But esoterically Atma often means The World Soul. (LHR I, p 439)

Atma must be understood as the energy of space purified by unceasing rotation, like a great churning. One must understand how the spirit and Atma cooperate like electron and proton. (HIER, 241)

The Universal Spirit, the divine Monad, the 7th Principle, so-called, in the septenary constitution of man. The Supreme Soul. (TG)

Augoeides – (Gr.). Bulwer Lytton calls it the "Luminous Self", or our Higher Ego. But Occultism makes of it something distinct from this. It is a mystery. The Augoeides is the luminous divine radiation of the Ego which, when incarnated, is but its shadow—pure as it is yet. This is explained in the Amshaspends and their Ferouers. (TG)

AUM – (Sk.). The sacred syllable, the triple-lettered unit; hence the trinity in one. (TG)

Why say Aum, when it is possible to say prayer? In substance they are the same, but because of its antiquity and refinement the sound Aum will be the stronger in its vibration. (AUM, 25)

Besides the many definitions of the word AUM let us recollect that: A is Thought—the Basis; U is Light—the Primary Cause; M is Mystery—the Sacred. (AUM, 132)

Aura – (Gr. & Lat.). A subtle invisible essence or fluid that emanates from human and animal bodies and even from things. ... It is called in Theosophy the akasic or magnetic aura. (TG).

Many qualities are inherent in the aura. They are measured not only according to the size of the aura, but also by its inner tension. Indeed, the highly tensed aura is both the best shield and the most potent influence on its surroundings or environment. Sometimes radiations are good in color, but are not sufficiently intense.
Strengthening of the aura occurs through communion with the Higher World, as egoism falls away and selflessness is kindled. Thus, each communion with the Higher World will induce a strengthening of radiations. (AUM, 121)

Let us speak of the auras.
The egg-shaped aura is natural to the astral body. The most usual, the narrow aura, which emanates from the entire body, extends outward about two inches. In accordance with the degree of spirituality, it begins to expand from the upper nerve centers. Starting from the solar plexus, it afterwards rises toward the brain centers, forming the so-called solar aura. Influxes of blood are characteristic of the transposition of the aura, when the current of tension shifts its pressure. Even fainting spells are possible. Finally, the radiation leaves the lower extremities and forms a surrounding ring. The organism while yet in the midst of life becomes acutely sensitive, especially to sounds and colors. The utmost tranquility is needed during this transitory period. The solar aura may be of ten or fifteen inches, and of course its dimensions may increase.
In spite of the discomfort of transposition of the aura, one may congratulate him who has acquired the upper radiation. The opportunity for repose should be cautiously created. Later on a seeming new armor grows, as the nerves of the skin become strengthened. One cannot exactly divide the physical and the spiritual. The balance fluctuates and the waves travel over the organism. This must not be called a malady, but the organism must be assisted every moment to fortify itself in its new condition. (LMG II, pp 50-51)

Small as well as important events strike upon the aura, as upon musical strings. The growing aura has its advantages, and these Aeolian wings multifariously resound. The burden of the world plays its symphonies upon them. One cannot say that a man illumined by the aura is motionless. The outer shell of the aura is like a surging sea. What a task for the scientist—to trace the nourishment of the aura from within and the reflection from without. Verily, a world battle!
The symbol of the burden of the world is a man carrying a sphere. All complex sensations are increased to the point of pain. An impression can be received as being between the hammer and an anvil. Therefore, the attainment of the rainbow aura is so practical, because it carries within itself the means of assimilation of all that exists. Even the best monochromatic auras must quench the conflagrations by themselves, drawing from their own ocean. Whereas a rainbow aura easily repels and takes in the rays. (LMG II, pp 77-78)

The vulnerability resulting from injury to the aura is terrible. One can imagine how one breach in the aura leads to the mutilation of its entire structure. Drowsiness, which can be noted when the aura is rent, originates from the consistently increased activity of the fiery energy when directed toward external radiations. During the process of restoration, the organism, and especially the heart action, is in a state of depression. For this reason I deem caution necessary in one’s actions as well as during the counterblows. During the battle why should one burden the hearts of friends? One could perform numerous experiments revealing how the violation of the radiations has actually been reflected upon the heart. People accept with reluctance advice about observing caution in regard to their own radiations; but even prior to their being photographed, science is already aware of the existence of these radiations from every object. One should have full respect for the human organism and understand that each shock harms the astral body primarily. Besides, if organisms have worked together for a long time in unity, they can injure each other even more severely. And such injury will be not only of each other, but also will be reflected upon others near to them. One should therefore most assiduously eliminate all conflicts. One can visualize a dark legion which makes an onslaught upon each break in the aura. It is dreadful to feed such vermin with the inner layers of radiations. The protective net alone blocks the attack of the dark forces. Each breach in the aura also threatens one with obsession. Let us therefore be even more cautious. (FW I, 520)
see also Auric Egg, Protective Net

Auric Egg – The seventh and sixth principles form the so-called magnetic field or auric egg. Thus by the width and emanations of the aura it is possible to determine the high standing or quality of the spirit. (LHR I, p 485)

Austerity of Labor – The very austerity of labor can acquire a beautiful meaning by the elimination of all coarsening effects and the introduction of the concept of cooperation. (BR, 58)

Austerity of labor has nothing in common with a censorious attitude. Only limited people condemn. Not out of condemnation is perfection born. (BR, 41)

Authenticity – Authenticity creates power, authenticity does not fear. Following authenticity one may be assured as to timeliness of decision and amplitude of means. (COM, 194)

Avakara – (Sk.). You know and understand the lofty concept "Avatar", but in order to attain it, it is needful to become "Avakara"—the fierily inspired. (COM, 180)

Avalokiteshvara – (Sk.). "The on-looking Lord". In the exoteric interpretation, he is Padmapani (the lotus bearer and the lotus born) in Tibet, the first divine ancestor of the Tibetans, the complete incarnation or Avatar of Avalokiteswara; but in esoteric philosophy Avaloki, the "on-looker", is the Higher Self, while Padmapani is the Higher Ego or Manas. The mystic formula "Om mani padme hum" is specially used to invoke their joint help. While popular fancy claims for Avalokiteswara many incarnations on earth, and sees in him, not very wrongly, the spiritual guide of every believer, the esoteric interpretation sees in him the LOGOS, both celestial and human. (TG)

Avalon, Arthur – Translator of Indian Yogic Writings.

Avatara – (Sk.). A divine incarnation. The descent of a god or some exalted Being, who has progressed beyond the necessity of Rebirths, into the body of a simple mortal. (TG)
see also Maitreya Buddha, Kalki Avatar

Avidya – (Sk.). Ignorance opposed to Vidya, Knowledge. ... which proceeds from, and is produced by the illusion of the Senses or Viparyaya. (TG)

Militant darkness is familiar to all peoples under different designations. In the last analysis, darkness remains the most frightful aspect of Avidya. But it is very dangerous when it begins to act. One must courageously meet its attacks in action sustained up to the point of its destruction. It has been said—darkness is as a carpet to the Fiery World. But in order to pass more quickly over the dark terrain, one should become kindled in heart. Thus the Fiery World will be the goal of victory over darkness. If darkness is perilous, then the goal must be great. (FW II, 364)

Avitchi – (Sk.). A state; not necessarily after death only or between two births, for it can take place on earth as well. Lit., "uninterrupted hell". The last of the eight hells, we are told, "where the culprits die and are reborn without interruption —yet not without hope of final redemption". This is because Avitchi is another name for Myalba (our earth) and also a state to which some soulless men are condemned on this physical plane. (TG)

Ayur Veda – (Sk.). The Veda of Life. The Teaching of Life. (TG)