New Era Community (1926) - 193: 193. The Teacher Milarepa often conversed with animals. Near his retreat bees nested, ants built cities, parrots flew about, and a monkey was accustomed to perch himself in imitation of the Teacher. The Teacher said to the ants "Tillers and builders, no one knows of you, yet you raise up lofty communities." He said to the bees "You gather the honey of knowledge and of the best forms, let no one interrupt your sweet labor." He remarked to a parrot "By your screeching I see that you are preparing yourself to be a judge or a preacher." And he admonished the mischievous monkey "You have destroyed the ant's structure and have stolen another's honey. Perhaps you have decided to become a usurper." Agni Yoga (1929) - 269: 269. You correctly remarked that We often repeat discussion of subjects already covered. But if one follows Our discourses, one will see an ascending spiral of thought. It could not be otherwise. If even once an inferior thought were admitted it would cause a breach in the spiral. The same would result if, in one's thought, one were to leap over a great distance. Again a breach would occur. But no lines of life can be wilfully severed. This is evident in every manifestation in life. The question is only whether the consciousness can steadily ascend. Yes, of course, but only if we agree to understand rest as a time for the purification of thought. Thus shall we avoid the chief enemy. Hierarchy (1931) - 70: You have also correctly remarked that the majority of tubercular cases are nothing else but the kindling of the centers of the lungs. Certainly the fires that have been stored up by karma, but not realized or applied, may become destructive. Hierarchy (1931) - 122: 122. Chiefly, do not become dwarfs. For a dwarf even the threshold of a door is more difficult to overcome than a mountain. The thoughts of a dwarf will lead to shallow-mindedness and afterward to disintegration. It was correctly remarked that one should observe the influence of the basic aura. Those who have accepted it can cooperate, but its denial will be an actual sign of unfitness. One does not have to be persuaded about foundations; if they are not within the heart, nothing can explain them. Therefore, do not observe the motions of life as dwarfs. Likewise, the Teacher should not be adopted by the brain of subterranean dwarfs. Heart (1932) - 80: The belt of labor must be drawn more tightly, not as a misfortune, but as the attainment of a step. The husbandman who proffers his strength for the transformation of the earthly crust often can stretch his hand to the Rishi himself, who blesses mankind with thought. You correctly remarked that every reaper was a sower and the sower, a reaper. Heart (1932) - 440: 440. The Teacher sends an understanding of world events. Without Hierarchy the chaos of events is transformed into billowing clouds. Thus, it has been correctly remarked that the present period cannot be systematized without the purification of consciousness. The confirmation of nodal movements of peoples can be made from the Mountain. Heart (1932) - 460: Thus in simple words was the Command given; thus has the path to Infinity been laid through the knowledge of one's self. But is it possible that we have not gone beyond the ancients, and that we were not able to visualize the path of the tremor, the path of eternal motion? You correctly remarked that the potency of motion is the pledge of perfection. Therefore, a static state devoid of tension and striving will not uplift the thought of humanity. Fiery World - Book 2 (1934) - 379: 379. Once Akbar, in the midst of the State Council, ordered that the Book of laws be brought to him. On the book appeared a small scorpion. The meeting was interrupted and all the councilors gazed at the small, poisonous insect until the servants killed it. Akbar remarked, "The very smallest miscreant can suspend judgment pertaining to the state laws." Thus also on the path to the Fiery World the most insignificant detail can do harm. Only the heart can determine the fine point of balance between striving and caution. If the minds of all of a group of statesmen became dumb at the sight of an insignificant scorpion, then a cobra could throw an army into retreat. A warrior can be intimidated by a mouse if in his heart burns not the fire of faith and striving. Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 67: Our co-workers will never call themselves initiates, nor will they boast of being superior. Our measures are above all earthly degrees. Even if Our friends are sometimes required to accept earthly distinctions, they at least know their true value. Once upon a time, when one of Our Brothers appeared at a state gathering wearing decorations, His friend smiled and remarked on how heavy his medals and awards must be. Our Brother answered, "The doorkeeper's keys are not so light either!" Thus must earthly distinctions be understood. Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 190: The disciples indicated the first man. The Thinker remarked, "Verily, you are right. The first one should be recognized, for in full sobriety and knowledge, amidst dangers, he manifested true courage. Actions performed while intoxicated are unworthy; nor should we accept as heroic an accidental good deed or a good deed performed in ignorance. Such "achievements" can be displayed even by wild beasts. Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 1 (1938) - 248: The Thinker, having heard about a vision of relatives, remarked, "Perhaps High Spirits materialized through those forms." Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 379: One Hellenic sage, observing his very good health, was quite saddened, and remarked, "I would rather give my energy where it could be of use!" There are many examples to show that great service to humanity is not necessarily associated with good health. It is also well-known that some ill people live longer than supposedly healthy ones. Remember that giving one's energy is the highest generosity and mercy. Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 416: The Thinker long ago observed how poisonous the smoke from furnaces and bonfires could be. When He saw lighted torches, He remarked, "Whose destiny is it to inhale such poison?"
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