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Agni Yoga Series - Master Index > LI > LISTENERS (37)

Leaves of Morya's Garden - Book 1 - The Call (1924) - 71:
71. The mist will soon be dispelled, and the sun's radiance will shine upon your path. Expound My Teaching - I shall send listeners. Those who receive must also give. Know that by the shortest path I lead you toward knowledge, labor, and happiness.

Leaves of Morya's Garden - Book 2 - Illumination (1925) - 3.5.7:
Buddha mentioned quietude, but only this external aspect was assimilated by his listeners. For to the people who heard him the idea of rest was very attractive. Action as something meritorious is too little understood.

New Era Community (1926) - 94:
94. Often you talk about the imperfections in existing books. I say more the errors in the books fare equal to a grievous crime. Falsehood in books must be prosecuted as a grave calumny. The falsehood of an orator is prosecuted according to the number of his listeners. The falsehood of an author should be prosecuted according to the number of copies sold of his book. To fill the people's libraries with falsehood is a grave offense. It is necessary to perceive the true intent of the author in order to estimate the quality of his errors. Ignorance will be the worst basis. Fear and meanness occupy the next place. None of these qualities are befitting the community. To accomplish their removal in the new construction is a necessity. Prohibitory measures, as usual, are not suitable; but a discovered error must be removed from the book. The necessity of such removal, and the reprinting of the book, will bring the author to his senses. Every citizen has the right to prove an error. Indeed, one should not impede new views and structures; but incorrect data must not bring one into error, because knowledge is the armor of the community and the defense of knowledge is the duty of all the members.

New Era Community (1926) - 150:
A moment approaches when the eyes of the listener darken and across the physical radiation there run sparks of unrelated color - this color pertains to the radiation of the sender. Indeed, light has succeeded in flashing out most rapidly, affecting the light of the listener's consciousness. It means that the field has been occupied and is prepared for further reception.

Agni Yoga (1929) - 328:
Speak according to your listener's understanding. Intolerance is an outworn garment that must be discarded.

Hierarchy (1931) - 263:
263. Each of Our Counsels was already given many times, but people's lives do not change. Yet space must be saturated, for there are many listeners. What does it matter in what body they are! All of you feel the great tension; each in his own way feels the predestined year. Therefore I say, Guard your health, preserve your courage, because without Us there is no advance. Harken with three ears.

Fiery World - Book 1 (1933) - 140:
140. Science has already established the existence of particular organisms that can hear distant radio stations without receiving instruments. Indeed, this manifestation of a fiery order discloses paths to realization of the possibility of receiving thought from a distance. If the law of sound waves be understood, it is possible to delve into the same principle. It is fortunate that even the timid contemporary science admits the obviousness of such natural possibilities. But it is deplorable that science does not take the trouble to investigate such individuals. One hears that "with the exception of this phenomenal ability the organism is perfectly normal." This is a most ignorant observation. It means that the physician examined such a phenomenal man as carelessly as he would a recruit before a march. We do not wish to offend the physician, because often there is no place for him to carry out the proper observation. Indeed, the conditions of life render difficult all work of a subtle nature. Try knocking at the door of experimental institutions, and you will be met with an absolutely hostile stream of requirements, which will be beyond the capacity of a seeker. It is necessary to change this situation, otherwise where will it be possible to investigate various evidences of a fiery basis? Try to find the means to investigate necessary manifestations, and you will see how hostile your listeners will be; they will remind you of the Inquisition. As if their task were not to assist that which is highly useful, but to destroy possibilities! Thus it has been, thus it is, and people desire that it should always be so. Otherwise, there would be no Armageddon. One should understand whole-heartedly how many of the subtlest conditions there are that can determine important changes in all of life. Yet how necessary it is to knock for admission, to persist, to submit to derision, in order to reveal that which, it would seem, is open to all. Golgotha is erected by lack of understanding and ignorance.

Fiery World - Book 1 (1933) - 655:
In other cases the Decree may be compared with the wings of a frightened bird. Moreover, one must always take into consideration the physical state of both men and nature. During a thunderstorm the fiery arrow may increase the tension to a perilous degree. True, electrophorous manifestations are mutually reinforced, but during these manifestations one should not transgress the safety line of tension in earthly actions. It is wise to observe the physical state of your companion. Unfortunately, a speaker too often listens only to himself and pays no attention to his listeners. Only a fiery consciousness focuses its entire attention to meet the characteristics of the listeners. Such attention in itself partakes of magnanimity.

Fiery World - Book 2 (1934) - 429:
429. People condemn the Teaching for the fact that it does not condemn a fellow-man. One may imagine how many new listeners could be acquired by censure of a neighbor! Such an impediment will be the darkest veil on the path of advancement.

Fiery World - Book 3 (1935) - 560:
560. The Teacher who has not overcome intolerance cannot mold the future. The Teaching is given for the future. The spirit cannot advance without forging perfectionment. Thus, it is possible to command the attention of listeners, but it is far more necessary to arouse a movement forward. The Teacher does not forbid reading different books. Everyone who fears puts limitations on himself, but the leader summons to a broad cognition. He will not restrain one from good in all of its aspects. This liberality of spirit is indispensable. He who does not even wish to listen is already afraid of something. Thus, the fiery condition requires broad gates and the speediest of wings.

AUM (1936) - 105:
When man takes upon himself communion with the Higher World, he is truly daring, but this daring is sacred. The Subtle World listens to these calls and understands their significance. Such communion attracts a multitude of listeners - co-workers, as it were - therefore egoism must be excluded from prayer; for the best prayer will be renunciation and desire for the Good.

AUM (1936) - 183:
183. Again about reactions. You may have heard of an experiment of a certain chemist which illustrated the conflict of influences. He invited some friends to listen to some well-known authors; at the same time he prepared several chemical compounds conducive to laughter or tears, irritation or sympathy. In the midst of the most emotional passages of the reading the chemist filled the room with a contrasting gas. The result was that the listeners laughed during a funeral scene, wept during a joyful one and during a description of peaceful events they became bellicose. Thus, at the conclusion of the experiment it was strikingly apparent to what an extent words had been conquered by something unseen and unheard.

AUM (1936) - 249:
249. You yourselves see how many people fail to understand the meaning of simple words. At such a level it is necessary to excuse their confused minds and to repeat the words as to a deaf person. Many times, in speaking with the deaf, one is uncertain whether or not many of the words reached their consciousness. It is very difficult to take into consideration all deficiencies of hearing, sight, and the other senses. But go forward, knowing that though few listeners hear, and few see, yet space sees and hears. Thus proceed.

AUM (1936) - 329:
329. It is a pity that at graduation from high school a useful test, applied in olden times, is now omitted. The students had to expound a thesis, selected by themselves, before the most diverse listeners. This required that expressions be found that were comprehensible to all; the task was difficult. For some the students had to find simple words, ant yet avoid boring the more educated listeners. Although the gathering was not always satisfied, nevertheless the students applied their best efforts to make themselves understood and, at the same time, touch upon complex and lofty concepts. Such exercises are always useful.

AUM (1936) - 361:
361. The ability to understand what it is that least of all reaches one's listeners provides in itself the best paths for reaching their consciousnesses. But do not let it be known that you can see their condition. Such keenness people will not forgive; they may become enemies.

AUM (1936) - 565:
565. You have heard that a person suffering with defective speech suddenly was able to deliver a beautiful inspired address. The personal will alone could not achieve this, there was required the participation also of another energy. Someone has sent His Shielding Force. It may be that such a Force will cure the defect forever. It is possible that the nervous spasm may depart forever if the same degree of enthusiasm which filled the speaker when he rendered the beautiful speech can be retained. Let him observe the rhythm of his heart. Let him remember how his successful speech, which so inspired his listeners, was harmonized. To retain the manifested harmony will already be an achievement. Many examples may be cited when the rhythm of psychic energy uplifted a man and helped him surmount all nervous spasms. Many cases may be named when people, under the influence of higher energy, forgot forever their defects.

Brotherhood (1937) - 59:
59. Many listeners, no doubt, would prefer to hear sooner about Brotherhood itself; but let them first abandon curiosity and the obstructing habits. With dignity it is possible to enter. Therefore, it is first necessary to ascertain how different feelings are understood. One should not give precious things into someone's safekeeping if it is assumed that they will be resold instead of being carefully guarded.

Brotherhood (1937) - 60:
60. We strengthen our listeners with all the qualities necessary on the path to Brotherhood. It is not enough to possess only certain separate qualities, it is needful to realize their complete combination. The symphony of qualities is like the symphony of the spheres. If one quality develops beautifully while others are straggling, there results a destructive dissonance. Dissonances can be weakening or irritating, or even destructive. Equilibrium of qualities is achieved through great tension of consciousness. The shepherd must carefully tend his flock, and likewise man must cure an ailing quality. A man himself knows definitely which of his qualities is ailing. Life provides him with an opportunity to test any quality whatsoever. In everyday life there can be found the possibility of application of any quality. If a man begins to insist that he has been deprived of the possibility of applying his best qualities, he will reveal his own dullness. On the other hand, if a man rejoices at a chance to apply his qualities, he exhibits broadening of consciousness. Then comes the next step of joy, precisely that concerning the beauty of symphony of qualities.

Brotherhood (1937) - 89:
89. Do not tell much about the far-off worlds to people who in their earthly existence are unable to understand their own destination. They will lose that little bit of their own, and will not acquire anything useful from the realm of higher knowledge. Observe very attentively what can be contained by a man. People do not begin dinner with a dessert. It is especially harmful to feed people with indigestible food. The more so is it essential to develop attentiveness within oneself. Listeners must not be bored, for boredom is stagnation.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 54:
54. Urusvati has acquired the quality of instantaneousness. This quality is easily spoken of, but rarely applied in life. It is easy to say that thought is instantaneous, but it is difficult to realize such instantaneousness amidst the whirl of events. At times We send one word from which an entire message must be determined. For the majority such a word will flash out without result, but a broadened consciousness will vigilantly grasp each sign. There are many reasons for such brevity. Sometimes the whirl is so intense that it becomes impossible to send each sound. Sometimes there are so many ears trying to eavesdrop on this "radio" that one must be careful not to inform uninvited listeners. For this it is easier to establish an especially inaccessible wavelength during a calm hour, but at a time of raging battle even the best currents can be disturbed and their excessive tension can be fatal for the receiver.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 76:
76. Urusvati knows how to guard what has been entrusted. It is not easy to find a balance between withholding and disclosing. Beginners are eager to impart all they have learned, not thinking about the consequences, and many calamities have resulted from their foolish diffusion. But experience forges the measures of wisdom, and with time one can find the true ways of dissemination. The path is difficult, and you should weigh how much those with whom you speak can contain. A panacea must be dispensed in proper measure, neither more nor less. One can recall occasions when, after a long conversation, a question was asked that proved the listener's lack of understanding, the answer to which could have produced harmful results. We advise that the books of the Teaching simply be placed at the crossroads, so that they may find their own destiny. Thus We indicate special means of dissemination.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 163:
The Teacher preferred to discuss those subjects that caused arguments with each person individually, for only in this way could he transmit the Truth according to the listener's level of consciousness. There were many such talks with individuals, which at times dealt with elementary subjects. At other times highly educated philosophers came to Him. Some came timidly and only by night, while others were bold enough to come during the day. He practiced great patience with all of them.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 170:
In His thoughts the Teacher could separate the strands of prejudice and ignorance, and He chose words to correspond to the consciousness of His listeners. Thus, when they pressed him with questions such as whether Earth is flat, for some He would answer that it is flat, and for others the answer would be adjusted according to the level of their consciousness. In everything the Great Pilgrim always answered according to the listener's capacity, and one can learn from the simplicity of His answers. The Brotherhood stresses the importance of speaking according to the listener's consciousness.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 170:
Many of His Teachings were profound, but His listeners could accept them only according to the level of their thinking. The task of the Teacher is the same in all centuries. He must continually deal with the same questions without hurting the feelings of those who ask by telling them that their questions have already been answered in ages past. If one could imagine the mental level of those who questioned Him, one would be amazed at the inexhaustible patience of the Teacher!

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 176:
One can imagine how much of His Teaching never reached the consciousness of His listeners. Much was only partially remembered, and the sequence, the original meaning, and the beauty of His words were lost. In the same way, many Great Teachers suffered the distortion of their thoughts.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 186:
Thus the Thinker prepared His listeners for the perception of the Subtle World.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 219:
219. Urusvati knows that the subtlest combinations are unrepeatable. Once the Thinker noticed that His listeners had not completely understood the concept of uniqueness. He took a large bronze mirror and covered it with an even layer of sand. Then He tapped out different rhythms at the edge of the mirror, causing the sand to fall into different designs. Afterward, the Thinker asked His disciples to repeat precisely the same rhythms and produce the same designs. Of course, no one could do it.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 351:
We can provide an example of information that was prematurely interrupted. Once, We sent a mental message about the sad condition of a certain Western country, but as soon as the first word, "space," was sent, unwanted listeners were discovered and the communication had to be interrupted. In order to fulfill Our intention We used a code word, which was sent at night. We continued with our communication the following night, not naming the country, because Urusvati could then understand the meaning of Our message.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 362:
You are also right in assuming that the waves of distant transmissions are quite varied. Some may be caught by certain intended receivers, but others may reach the most undesirable listeners, and in this respect caution is always needed.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 368:
The Thinker often questioned His listeners, "Of whom are you really speaking, a son, a father, or a grandfather?"

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 403:
403. Urusvati knows that the majority of people, instead of choosing responsible cooperation, prefer to remain in a state of passive learning. They prefer to be listeners and readers, and when the hour comes for them to demonstrate the power of Spirit they disperse.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 415:
415. Urusvati knows that every teacher may find himself in a position similar to Ours. As long as he simply instructs in the fundamentals of life he will be listened to and agreed with, but as soon as he appeals to people to actually apply his precepts, the listeners disperse. Such is the fate of much of Our advice.

Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 419:
Teachers must convince their students of the great joy in working for the saturation of space. It does not matter if the listeners show signs of forgetfulness, for they are also a part of living space, in which every useful thought unfolds as a beautiful flower.

 


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