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VIDEO 24

The leading Role of Women in the New Era

Dear Agni Yoga Friends,

having recently talked about “The Spiritual Significance of the Heart“, we will now turn our attention with great reverence to women. They have already developed to a high degree refinement and knowledge of the heart. Thus they show us the way to the next stage of evolution, to the New Man and to a better world.

1. The Era of Women

Nicholas Roerich “Mother of the World“

The coming era of Aquarius is the age of women.

The approaching great epoch is closely connected with the ascendancy of woman. As in the best days of humanity, the future epoch will again offer woman her rightful place alongside her eternal fellow traveller and co-worker, man. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 1 March 1929)

The New Epoch under the rays of Uranus will bring the renaissance of woman. The Epoch of Maitreya is the Epoch of the Mother of the World. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter dated 5 April 1938)

The Holy Scripture of the New Age, Agni Yoga, is the yoga of the heart and thus of the feminine principle. (Nicholas Roerich “Madonna Oriflamma”)

The further ascent of humanity requires recognition of the special position, role and task of the woman.

The Epoch of Maitreya is the epoch of woman. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 8 May 1935)

The disciple asks: “Didn’t we say that the soul is sexless and thus neither male nor female?” (see the Videos “The Secret of Immortality Part II: The New Identity – The Immortal Man” and “Sexuality”)

Yes, those who are men today have been women in previous incarnations and will be women again in later ones.

The spirit has no sex, the latter belongs to the realm of forms. Therefore any belittling is ignorant. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter of 09.08.1937)

The so-called “battle of the sexes” is a terrible aberration: If you participate in it, you turn against yourself, namely against your own (former or future) gender!

First Guiding Thought:

When men belittle women,

they belittle themselves!

You must remember that the grandeur of the Cosmos is built by the dual Origin. Is it possible, therefore, to belittle one Element of It? (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 01.03.1929)

By humiliating woman, man humiliates himself! (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 01.03.1929)

Therefore, we are not talking about every single woman, who may well be unfeminine, but about the female principle in general.

Of course, I do not speak of all women, but of those exceptional ones who manifest the subtlest energy. (Supermundane 458)

This feminine side is hidden in every man as well. It can and must be awakened and developed.

Humankind is masculine and feminine, not just man or woman. You can hardly say of your soul what sex it is. If you pay close attention, you will see that even the most masculine man has a feminine soul, and the most feminine woman a masculine soul. (C. G. Jung)

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The World of the Future, as we have already discussed (Videos “We are building the World of the Future“, “What can you do for a better World?“ and “Visit Tabenisi, the New World!“), will be built by enforcing on Earth the principles that apply in Heaven: Truth, justice, beauty and love. As was known already in ancient times, these high values are primarily embodied, cultivated, preserved and defended by women:

Truth by the goddess Veritas or Aletheia, justice by the goddess Justitia, beauty and love by the goddess Aphrodite or Venus. (Venus of Milo)

2. Women as Bearers of Heart-Knowledge

The “Era of Women“ means one thing above all else:

Guiding Thought:

A new era of the

development of the heart is dawning

A time of refinement of the inner senses, of expansion of consciousness and of heart-knowledge. We already talked about this in detail in the Video “The Spiritual Significance of the Heart“.

The great Epoch of Woman will be distinguished by greater refinement of feelings and of consciousness. (Fiery World III, 116)

The heart of a woman is usually more developed and more sensitive than that of a man. She understands so much better to use this organ: for higher knowledge, for the outpouring of love, and for communion with the Spiritual World.

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Every husband experiences daily how his wife senses and recognises things he does not even notice, for example the peculiarity of a situation.

For where is any author in the world teaches such beauty as a woman's eye? (Shakespeare "Love's Labour's Lost" IV 3)

In particular, the woman looks behind the mask, behind the outward appearance, and recognises the true nature of her fellow men. She senses what they are thinking and what their real moods and intentions are.

Women are bearers of the straight knowledge of the heart!

Truly, the Epoch of the Mother of the World is based upon the cognition of the heart. So you can summon women to understanding through the heart. (Heart 106)

Let us remember: Heart-knowledge is infallible (see the Video “The Spiritual Significance of the Heart“)! In this respect, women possess tremendous power!

Women are bearers of wisdom!

The „wise woman“ is actually an archetype of folk wisdom, fairy tales and legends.

It is a terrible aberration when fanatical men demonise, persecute and burn women with special abilities who are spiritually superior to them. (El Greco “Portrait of the Grand Inquisitor Cardinal Fernando Niño de Guevara“)

3. Equality of Rights

It is a disgrace to humanity that even today we still have to remind people that both sexes are equal.

To all these insanities is added the most shameful—the struggle between the male and the female principle flares up again. We insist upon equal and full rights for women, but the servants of darkness expel them from many fields of activity, even where they bring the most benefit. (Supermundane 286)

Immeasurable damage is done when primitive societies suppress the special potential of the female part of the population.

All the present and coming miseries and the cosmic cataclysms to a great degree result from the subjugation and abasement of woman. The dreadful decline of morality, the diseases and degeneration of some nations are also the results of the slavish dependence of woman. Woman is deprived of the greatest human privilege—complete participation in creative thought and constructive work. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 1 March 1929)

The subjugation of women leads to the decline of an entire people.

According to the Sacred Teaching, the fall of humanity began from the time of the abasement of the Feminine Principle. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter dated 9 August 1937)

In order to achieve his goal of becoming the full and only ruler of Earth, Lucifer’s chief efforts were directed toward the humiliation of woman. He knew that with the demeaning of woman the coarsening and degeneration of humanity was unavoidable. There exists a most ancient saying, “Where women are revered and safeguarded, prosperity reigns and the gods rejoice.” (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter dated 5 April 1938)

Appropriateness, balance, justice and harmony in general, and especially in the relationship between the two sexes, are indispensable for further evolution of mankind.

Women’s movements have a special significance for the immediate future. These movements should be understood not as an assertion of supremacy, but as the establishment of justice. Much has been said about appropriateness and equilibrium; precisely for the realization of this principle must the full rights of women be strengthened. One should not think that this will benefit only women; it will promote worldwide equilibrium, and thus is necessary for harmonious evolution. (Supermundane 38)

Unfortunately, the Church has played a particularly disgraceful role in the age-old denigration, indeed downright demonisation, of the fairer sex:

It has blamed women for the so-called „original sin“, the Fall of man and the expulsion from Paradise. (Titian, “The Fall“; Doré, “The Expulsion from Paradise“)

What an absurd interpretation of these passages from the Bible! They actually only symbolise that after a certain time the soul must leave Heaven again and incarnate on Earth in order to increase its insight (namely, “to eat from the tree of knowledge“), to gain experience and to develop further.

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Not one gender dominant or even alone, but only the male and female principles together can reach the greatness to which humanity is destined!

Their high purpose clearly indicates:

there is nothing nobler than wife and man.

Man and wife, and wife and man,

Attain divinity.

(Mozart, „The Magic Flute“) (Jenny “Adam and Eve“; Breker “Apollo and Daphne“)

4. The Woman as Priestess

Böcklin “Sacred Grove“

Guiding Thought:

The woman is a born priestess

She ignites, guards and preserves the fire of faith. (Nicholas Roerich “Glory to the Hero“)

“Why is a woman more suited to being a priest than a man?“

She has a much better connection with the Higher World than men. It is proof of extreme ignorance on the part of the Catholic Church to keep her away from this office!

Why is it that women are often awake to the Subtle World? It is because their hearts are far subtler, which makes transcendental perception easier for them. It is women, and women alone, who can solve the problem of the two worlds. (Heart 106)

Throughout history and across all cultures, women have played a predominant role in religious cult:

For example, the biblical prophetess Deborah (Gustave Doré “Deborah”), the druidesses of the Celts (Laroche “The Druidess“, Dieffenbacher “Celtic Warriors Consulting a Priestess“), the priestesses of India, Egypt and Greece, the Pythias of the Oracle of Delphi, or the Roman Sibyls (Michelangelo “The Delphic Sibyl“) and Vestal Virgins (Marchesini “Consecration of a Vestal Virgin“; Böcklin “Vestal Virgin“).

Overcoming the ominous separation of the worlds, bringing the material and the spiritual spheres into harmony, moving Heaven down to Earth and Earth closer to Heaven, is a matter dear to the heart of a woman.

From the very beginning woman was chosen to link the two worlds, visible and invisible. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 01.03.1929)

The woman weaves the thread on which souls ascend to heaven.

Nicholas Roerich “Madonna Laboris”

From Earth up to the far-off worlds woman succeeds in weaving wings of Light. She knows how to preserve the Chalice in different atmospheres. (Brotherhood 282)

Her refined heart enables the woman to communicate with beings, teachers and masters from Higher Worlds and to receive messages from them.

Gambarelli “St. Catherine Praying the Liturgy of the Hours with Jesus“

A shining example of this is Helena Roerich, who for years had almost daily spiritual conversations with a Mahatma, which were recorded in her diaries and ultimately incorporated into the books of Agni Yoga.

Visionaries such as Saints Birgitta of Sweden, Hildegard of Bingen, Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, Frances of Rome and many others stand before our eyes as shining examples of the higher abilities of the man of the future. (Rubens “Teresa of Avila“, Poussin “The Vision of Saint Frances of Rome“)

They were not only blessed with occasional flashes of insight, but so richly endowed that they were able to write entire books full of divine wisdom.

Direct communion with the Highest Forces needs to be passed on to women. (Leaves of Morya's Garden II, 136)

Women as seers or fortune tellers are an integral part of popular wisdom. (Traversi “The Fortune Teller“)

It is wrong to always speak only of male spiritual teachers or gurus.

Precisely women are destined to be teachers and guides in the spiritual realm. (Corneille “Aspasia in Conversation with Greek Philosophers“; “Saint Catherine in Dispute with the 50 Philosophers“, Liebfrauenmünster Ingolstadt; Saints Teresa of Avila, Sophia and Louise de Marilla)

Woman, the bearer of sacred knowledge, can become a calling power, kindling with fiery words the souls that are ready. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 7 October 1930)

It is, of course, no coincidence that the spiritual foundations for the coming Age of Aquarius were conveyed to three women:

“The Secret Doctrine”, “Isis Unveiled” and numerous other theosophical writings to Helena Blavatsky, the Teachings of the Temple to Francia LaDue and Agni Yoga to Helena Roerich.

The greatest truths are revealed by women. Reality confirms this. (Supermundane 458)

5. Women as Guardians of Beauty and Culture

Edward Burne-Jones “Hero”

Throughout history, women have always been the guardians not only of the hearth and temple fires, but also of the fire of culture.

When woman enters as the protectress of culture, all life will become transformed. (AUM 424)

Did you not already experience how a single woman in a society of male colleagues immediately raises the cultural level? The so-called stronger sex pulls itself together, is ashamed of its coarseness, and all of a sudden refrains from primitive, animalistic behaviour.

The woman who strives to knowledge and beauty, who realizes her lofty responsibility, will greatly uplift the whole level of life. There will be no place for disgusting vices which lead to the degeneration and destruction of whole countries. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 1 March 1929)

Who else turns a household of men, which often resembles a den of predators, into a cosy home for the family and a haven of culture?

Who ensures refined manners, civilisation and beauty everywhere, in home and garden; in appearance, in clothing, in interpersonal relationships, in everyday life and on feast days, if not women? (Monet „Lady in the Garden“; Nicholas Roerich „Song of the Morning“)

I for one can confirm that every girlfriend or woman with whom I had a closer relationship has introduced me to a higher way of life and taught me to refine my habits.

It is in the nature of women to cherish and cultivate the arts. (Carlo Dolci “Saint Cecilia Playing the Organ“)

But content with quiet glory,

The women break the flower of the moment,

Nurturing it carefully with loving diligence,

Freer in their bound work,

Richer than he, in the realms of knowledge

And in the infinite circle of poetry.

(Schiller „The Dignity of Women“) (Nicholas Roerich “Beneficial Herbs – Vasilisa the Wise“)

Women typically have what is called a „green thumb“ for flowers. (Lewis “In the Garden of the Bey“)

Why is the participation of woman so necessary in experiments with psychic energy? Why is woman’s care for flowers so beneficial? (AUM 428)

In the hands of women plants wither more slowly. (Supermundane 458)

6. The Woman as Leader of the People

Delacroix “Liberty Leading the People“

A woman’s leadership goes beyond the private, the cultural and the spiritual spheres.

A true woman is a queen like Cleopatra, the Queen of Sheba, Zenobia of Palmyra, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elizabeth I of England, Maria Theresa of Austria, Catherine the Great of Russia, Elisabeth „Sissi“ of Austria and Queen Victoria. (Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, Cabanel “Cleopatra“; Makart “Death of Cleopatra“; Luca Giordano “Solomon and the Queen of Sheba“; Herbert Schmalz “Queen Zenobia of Palmyra“; Lampi “Catherine II“; Winterhalter “Empress Elizabeth of Austria“; James Sant “Queen Victoria“)

Right now the task is to create a spiritually sovereign position for woman. (Leaves of Morya's Garden II, 136)

A shining example of a spiritual and secular leader who was able to inspire because she herself was inspired is St. Joan of Arc: Guided by visionary instructions of Saints Catherine and Margaret and the Archangel Michael, she initiated the liberation of France from English occupation. (Nicholas Roerich “Jeanne d’Arc“; Statue Place des Pyramides, Paris)

Women must take on leadership positions precisely in government, institutions and commercial enterprises. If the special female perspective and approach are not respected there, their work will be less successful.

Woman—bearer of the sacred power and knowledge of spirit—can indeed become “The Leading One.” (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 7 October 1930)

Let us not forget that for every important achievement, the Feminine Principle is absolutely necessary as the foundation and essence. (Heart 106)

„But I don’t regard myself as a leader or a queen at all.“

Well, spiritual leadership, providing orientation, is necessary at all levels, right down to the care, upbringing and education of children in nurseries, schools and universities.

Over and above man’s work stands the manifestation of woman. She leads, she inspires, she guides on all paths, and she displays an example of synthesis. It is astonishing how quickly she enters any domain. (Brotherhood 282)

My sister, earn the title “High Lady“ by becoming a queen of the spirit. (Nicholas Roerich “She Who Carries the Stone“)

This is possible in any social position, even as a poor, simple worker!

„Where does a woman’s claim to leadership result from?“

From her infallible heart-knowledge! It enables her to judge correctly, to distinguish correctly, and to show the right path.

7. Women as Peacemakers

Angel of Peace, Munich

Guiding Thought:

Women are by their very nature peacemakers!

This applies within the family, but also in the state. We know deep down:

There would be far fewer wars on this Earth if women had the power of decision making and could apply their way of resolving conflicts.

David “The Sabine Women“

„What do women do differently, better than men?“

The male principle tends to emphasise existing differences and even to aggravate them.

The feminine principle, on the other hand, strives to bridge divisions and helps the connecting forces to prevail everywhere. (Leshan Bridge, China)

Women are increasingly taking on leading roles in politics, business and society when it comes to correcting undesirable developments and alleviating the suffering and destruction caused by behaviour driven by male thinking and violence.

Hostile is man’s striving,

With crushing force

The wild man goes through life,

Without rest or respite.

What he created, he destroys again,

Never does the conflict of desires rest,

Never, like the head of the Hyder

Eternally falls and renews itself.

(Schiller „The Dignity of Women“) (Nicholas Roerich “Gorynych“)

Women are outraged and protest loudly like Mary Magdalene against heartlessness, injustice, suffering and crime produced by cold, loveless, male thinking.

Titian “Pietà“

In the domains ruled by men,

Strength defiantly prevails;

With the sword, the Scythian proves,

And the Persian becomes a servant.

There feud in fury,

The desires wild and raw,

And the harsh voice of Eris

Reigns where Charis fled.

(Schiller „The Dignity of Women“) (Tüshaus “Battle between Germanic tribes and Romans“)

The Masculine Principle strives for conquest, regardless of the heart of man. The Masculine Principle makes bridges for its achievements by trampling upon hearts and heads. The issue is not brain power, for potentially the Feminine Principle contains the same fires. But the Feminine Principle is in need of freedom for heart expression. (Fiery World III, 284)

But with gentle persuasion,

Women wield the sceptre of custom,

Extinguishing discord that rages fiercely,

Teaching forces that hate each other as enemies

To embrace each other in a lovely form,

And uniting what eternally flees from each other.

(Schiller „The Dignity of Women“) (Botticelli “Spring“)

8. The Woman as Leader of the Man

It is precisely the man who needs and longs for guidance from an empathetic, understanding, wise woman. In his despair, he instinctively seeks a way out, salvation and help from the female sex.

When it becomes customary to allow the Feminine Principle to live and develop its potential toward regeneration through its feeling of continuous giving, then will the Feminine Principle outdistance the Masculine in all directions. (Fiery World III, 284)

Guiding Thought:

The woman can and must

spiritually uplift and inspire the man

History shows how many artists, writers, philosophers and statesmen have relied on a woman as their teacher, guide or „muse“.

As the Teacher creates through the disciples, so does woman create through the masculine principle. Therefore woman flamingly uplifts man. (Fiery World III, 241)

It is your task as a woman to guide the man on the Spiritual Path.

Nicholas Roerich “She who leads“

The great epoch of Woman is coming. Verily, woman has a two-fold heroic task: to uplift herself and to uplift her eternal companion, man. All the Forces of Light are awaiting this heroic deed. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 17 August 1934)

Woman must raise herself to such a degree, spiritually, morally and intellectually, that it will enable her to carry man with her. Remember the painting by N. K., “She who Leads.” Thus woman must occupy the place destined for her. She must become not only an equal cooperator in the construction of the whole life, but also an inspirer to heroic deeds in life. The greatest task is to spiritualize and to restore the health of humanity by filling it with aspiration toward heroic deeds and beauty. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 17 August 1934)

The man is ruled by his passions. It is the woman’s task to free him from these shackles!

Eternally from the boundaries of truth,

Man’s wild power strays;

His thoughts drift restlessly

On the sea of passion;

He greedily reaches into the distance,

His heart is never satisfied;

Restless through distant stars

He chases the image of his dream.

(Schiller „The Dignity of Women“) (David “Napoleon Crossing the Alps“)

But with enchantingly captivating glances

The women beckon the fugitive back,

Warning him to return to the present.

In their mother’s humble hut

They have remained with modest manners,

Faithful daughters of pious nature.

(Schiller „The Dignity of Women“) (Rodin “Jeune fille au chapeau fleuri“)

Better men actually wish to be redeemed from the bondage of their lower self. They sense that the greater purity of women can help them with this.

The gloomy embers that I feel burning here,

should I, wretched man, call them love?

Oh no! It is a longing for salvation:

may it be granted to me by such an angel!

(Richard Wagner „The Flying Dutchman“)

Men tend to idealise women. For them, their beloved is an angel, the Virgin Mary or at least a saint.

Before I introduced my future wife to my family, they mockingly called her “Saint Clara“, so much had I idolised her in my narratives.

Women can use this to help their partners to control their animal instincts and awaken their better nature.

As woman has been the temptation to which the lower nature of man has yielded, it is only as woman refuses to become accessory to his fall and shows forth to his mind's eye the beauties and graces of the higher aspect of womanhood that man can be compelled to recognize and desire those higher aspects. Man will eventually either bless or curse womanhood and it will be according to the extent and use of her power to dominate and control his lower nature, whether it will be blessing or cursing. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. I, Lesson 95 “To my Daughters”)

By overcoming the animalistic self, which is so much stronger in men than in women, not only individuals but humanity as a whole will reach a higher level. To contribute to this process and to take a leading role in it is the high destiny of women!

Every woman who helps to save a man from his lower self by refusing to yield to the temptation her lower nature places in her way, thus proving the existence of a higher phase of life than he has previously known, does more to save the race to which both belong than any man, however great he may be, can possibly do in the present age. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. I, Lesson 95 “To my Daughters”)

To achieve this, you as a woman must first of all keep yourself pure!

Guiding Thought:

My sister: Your power lies in your purity!

It is womankind that will finally be held to strict account for the laxity in morals of the present race, far more than man. His time will come in another age, as it came in a preceding age. The present cycle is woman's great opportunity, so again I appeal to you, daughters of the King, pray the God within to keep you clean. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. I, Lesson 95 “To my Daughters”)

The man reveres the purity of the woman – woe to her if he is disappointed! (St. Catherine of Siena)

However gross may be the man, he creates an ideal and clothes it in the form of the woman he loves. That ideal is destroyed as soon as lower desire gains the upper hand in the contest between virtue and vice – between the real and the unreal. He may even deceive himself for a short time into believing that it still exists, but it is only a similitude of the real ideal that still lives in such an instance, and the frivolous, over-sexed nature of the woman soon palls upon him, satiety follows and finally utter disgust. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. III, 95)

9. Preserve your Womanliness, do not imitate Men

Anders Zorn “The Cigarette Girl“ (Detail)

If you as a woman want to lead men, you must not stoop to their level but place yourself on a higher rung. You must truly be the “better half“ of which popular wisdom speaks.

It is precisely your feminine nature that enables you to lead the way on a higher, spiritual path!

The Eternal Feminine draws us upwards. (Goethe “Faust”)

You can only take on this leadership role because of your particular sensitivity.

Guiding Thought:

As a woman, your first and foremost

responsibility is to develop your womanliness!

Let the woman not lose the beauty of the feminine image; let her not lose tenderness of heart, subtlety of feelings, the self-sacrifice and the courage of patience. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 7 October 1930)

„Isn’t it a sign of equality that women can finally pursue the same professions, offices, sports and other activities as men?“

No, it is a mistake for a woman instead of expressing her special feminine nature to imitate the coarse attributes of masculinity! They are outdated, and we want to leave them behind as we ascend to a higher, more refined level of culture!

Western woman is awake and realizes her powers. Her cultural contributions are already evident. However, the majority of Western women—as with all beginners—start with imitation; whereas it is in original self-expression that real beauty and harmony are found. Would we like to see man losing the beauty of manhood? The same is true about a man who has a sense of beauty. He certainly does not wish to see a woman imitating his habits and competing with his vices. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I/1, 29; letter dated 1 March 1929)

Our generation is becoming so busy trying to prove that women can do what men can do that women are losing their uniqueness. Women were not created to do everything a man can do. Women were created to do everything a man can not do. (unknown author) (Nicholas Roerich “Song of the Waterfall“ (1), “In a Monastery“, “Drops of Life“, “Song of the Waterfall“ (2))

What a sad, shameful sight an unfeminine woman presents!

Doesn’t your heart tell you how it contradicts the inner feminine nature, how ugly it is when women practise coarse sports like football, rugby or even boxing?

Take as role models not unpolished mannish women, but rather true queens of the spirit in all their feminine beauty and dignity, such as these:

Botticelli “Birth of Venus“, Helena, Uta von Naumburg, Gérard “Saint Teresa of Avila“, Feuerbach “Nanna”, Maria Callas, Botticelli “Portrait of a Lady“, Sophia Loren, Sebastiano del Piombo “Vittoria Colonna“

It is contrary to the nature of women to participate in the brutal activities of men and go to war as soldiers. (Rubens “The Battle of the Amazons“)

Her tasks are much higher, namely finer!

It is essential to change the status of women. The subtlety and refinement of women’s nature must be understood, so that they may achieve equal rights and the desired balance. It would be a sad mistake for women to replace soldiers on the battlefield, or perform heavy labour. When we are aware of the presence of valuable subtle energy we ought to be able to apply it accordingly. Thus, we once again come to the notion of true cooperation. (Supermundane 458)

The time of the Amazons is over! (Franz von Stuck “Amazon“)

We must find the right use for every ability. The era of the Mother of the World is not a return of the age of Amazons. A far greater, loftier, and more refined task is before us. (Supermundane 458)

The particular dignity to which the female sex is entitled is not given to you at birth. My daughter, you must earn it by working on and continually perfecting yourself. Only then, according to the law of correspondence, will you eventually be given the role that befits your high nature.

Woman must first of all change herself! Therefore, the call to woman must be primarily the call to self-perfection, for the realization of her dignity and her great destiny and to lay the foundation of Be-ness and for the awakening of the impulse toward creativeness and beauty. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 17 August 1934)

10. The Woman as Guardian of the Fire of Love

Vincent “Apollo and Vesta“

Guiding Thought:

Woman is, by her very nature,

a loving creature!

Just as with the hearth fire, it is the woman’s task to ensure that the fire of love between human beings, especially between spouses, does not go out. This too is work – inner work, spiritual work, hard work every day, for which someone has to take responsibility.

„Do you really want to release the man from this obligation?“

No, of course this does not mean that the man should burden his partner with all the work of cultivating the relationship. Typically, however, she is better suited to take the lead in this area.

I don’t know what would become of my marriage if my wife didn’t repeatedly, especially in difficult situations, come to me, reconcile with me and implore me: „But we do love each other, don’t we!“ If she didn’t „steal“ a kiss from me every now and then throughout the day, even without any particular reason (formerly I used to be the „robber“).

Women seem to be able to love better, more deeply and more faithfully over the years than men.

Strict and proud, self-sufficient,

Knows the cold breast of man,

Warmly nestling against a heart,

Not the gods’ lust for love,

Knows not the exchange of souls,

Does not melt away in tears;

Even life’s struggles steel

His hard mind even harder.

(Schiller, „The Dignity of Women“) (Gaius Julius Caesar)

Mastery is first of all the power to love more. (Teachings of the Temple Vol. III, Lesson “Nirvana”)

We men should at least allow ourselves to be inflamed again and again by this sacred fire!

Honour women! They weave and knit

Heavenly roses into earthly life,

Weaving the blissful bond of love,

And in the graceful veil of modesty,

They vigilantly nourish the eternal fire

Of beautiful feelings with holy hands.

(Schiller „The Dignity of Women“) (Caillebotte “Roses in the Garden“)

11. Women as Healers

St. Hildegard of Bingen

Guiding Thought:

Women are born healers!

With their heart-knowledge and intuition, they sense exactly what a patient is suffering from, which processes are disturbed, what is to be recommended and what should be avoided in order to restore health.

A great number of manifestations can be named wherein precisely woman can lend a special tension of psychic energy. But due attention has not been paid to such special qualities of women. Why is woman’s touch so curative in cases of illness? It is rarely understood among physicians why the participation of a woman in operations can be particularly useful. The eternal Feminine Principle has not yet found its just interpretation. (AUM 428)

It is no coincidence that since time immemorial it has been women, such as Florence Nightingale or Mother Teresa, who have devoted themselves to nursing and healing the wounds that men inflict on each other.

Saint Hildegard of Bingen has set a shining example worthy of emulation: She developed an entire system of medicine with healing methods, medicaments and dietary rules, which is still valid today.

The healing power of women acts not only upon people, but even on objects:

One can observe that machines often function better in the hands of women. (Supermundane 458)

Women are also at the forefront when it comes to healing the planet’s illness: Preventing the destruction of the foundations of life, preserving the treasures of the Earth and counteracting climate change.

12. Women as Givers

David “Belisarius begging for Alms“

Women play a particularly important role when it comes to building the New World: More than men, who often act egotistically, they embody the principle of selflessness, which is crucial for a higher culture.

Another quality belongs to woman—she manifests the highest degree of devotion. (Supermundane 458)

The Kingdom of God on Earth, the reign of truth, justice, beauty and love, the overcoming of poverty and unemployment will only succeed if we all develop our feminine side: When we strive to contribute selflessly to the common good rather than egotistically claiming benefits from the community for ourselves.

Cosmic Right reveals the Feminine Principle as a manifested power. Cosmic Right reveals the greatness of the Feminine Principle, which manifests self-renunciation, and before which verily the great Arhats bow themselves. Verily, We reverence the great Feminine Principle. Verily, We reverence the giving Principle which bestows the life of Beauty and of the Heart. (Fiery World III, 194)

However, women must guard against the danger of devoting themselves solely to their families, which is ultimately just a higher form of egotism.

The self-sacrificing service of women should be for the common good and for the evolution of all humanity.

The quality of self-sacrifice is fundamental in woman, but she should learn not to limit her self-sacrifice to the narrow concept of home life, which is often nothing more than encouragement of the family’s egotism—she should apply it on a world scale. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. II, letter dated 17 May 1937)

13. The Woman as Mother

Raphael “Madonna Tempi”

As a mother, a woman gives life and plays a decisive role in shaping its course: The individual mother for her children, all mothers for the entire future generation and thus the destiny of our planet.

Mother, the life-giver, has every right to direct the destiny of her children. The voice of woman, the mother, should be heard amongst the leaders of humanity. The mother suggests the first conscious thoughts to her child. She gives direction and quality to all his aspirations and abilities. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 1 March 1929)

As givers of life, women are also the natural protectors of all living beings on Earth. (Ghirlandaio “Madonna of the Mantle“; Nicholas Roerich “Madonna Protectrix”)

The procreation of the human race of the future cannot be accomplished without the decisive participation of women.

Agni Yoga calls upon men and women to jointly beget and raise a race of heroes.

The Thinker [Plato] said, “O, ye wise men, your efforts will be fruitless if woman does not stretch out her hand to you, and if you do not raise a generation of heroes!” (Supermundane 700)

To this end, men must concede women the high position which is rightfully theirs, otherwise their children will not achieve greatness either.

A woman who is a slave can give to the world slaves only. The proverb “great mother, great son” has a cosmic, scientific foundation. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I/, letter dated 1 March 1929)

„Can you express that in terms more suitable for everyday use? I fear that my children will not become demigods of the body like Achilles and Heracles, or of the brain like Socrates or Einstein.“

Well, what is the goal of Agni Yoga?

„The New Construction, the next stage of evolution, the New Man and the New World.“

This is correct. And where do we begin?

„With the New Man, who alone can create a better World.“

Correct again. And where is the man of the future educated? First and foremost in his very early years, in the family! This is where the foundation for future growth is laid.

Guiding Thought:

In the upbringing of the next generation,

a sublime, sacred task is entrusted to the mother

Thus, women determine the future of humanity and of the Earth!

*****

Do you want to raise children who will be higher one day and do better than you? Then you, as a spiritually advanced woman, should educate them yourself and not entrust them to the care of strangers, of spiritually inferior employees.

Do you really think that any fortuitous Kindergarten teacher can raise your child with the same care, attention and love as you, the mother – and that in the overcrowded operation of a nursery school?

The mother who possesses no culture of thinking can convey to the child only the lower expressions of human nature. (Helena Roerich Letters Vol. I, letter dated 01.03.1929)

Are we not rightly outraged at the parents of earlier centuries who did not care for their children and had them raised by uneducated servants? But are we not doing the same thing today by sending our hope, our greatest treasure, the generation of the future, to full-time childcare?

Those who say that their profession fills their lives are either lying or are not cut out for marriage by birth and nature. For the rest of us, what good is a profession? We do not want to look after other people’s children, teach other people’s children, run other people’s businesses, care for strangers who are ill; instead, we want to love, care for and suffer, and even die for what belongs to us. (Gustav Frenssen „Hilligenlei“) (Dora Arnd „Gustav Frenssen“)

14. Role Model Pallas Athena

An ideal image of the woman of the New Age is Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of both wisdom and war.

She gives her followers, such as Odysseus, good advice in difficult situations.

As Athena Promachos, she fights in the front line of battle – a female Archangel Michael! (Leopold v. Klenze “Acropolis and Athena Promachos“; Athena Fountain, Vienna)

Today’s times call for a female spiritual warrior!

With truly feminine abilities: Not only knowledge, but also emotional intelligence and wisdom; as well as the strength and courage to enforce in everyday life that which is recognised as right, necessary and ethically imperative against the resistance from ignorance, sluggishness and malice!

Of course, not in a masculine way with coercion and violence, but in a feminine manner with spiritual means, with loving conviction. A female spiritual warrior wages a spiritual battle! (Nicholas Roerich “Beyond the Sea there are great Lands”)

15. Role Model Mary

Botticelli “Madonna of the Magnificat”

For centuries, Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been a great role model for every woman, and she still is today.

„Do you mean the sugary-sweet, distorted picture that some church circles like to paint of her?“

No, we are talking about the heroine she really was!

Notre Dame de la France, Le Puy-en-Velay; Titian “Presentation of Mary in the Temple“; Titian “Assumption of Mary“

Agni Yoga tells us much about the life of Mary that is not to be found in the Bible:

It would be an exaggeration to say that she made Jesus who he was. But it is true that she encouraged the greatness in him and helped him bring it to light and fulfil his mission. That is the wonderful task of every mother!

History knows little about the Mother of the Great Pilgrim [Jesus], who was as great as Her Son. The Mother came from a great family and was the embodiment of refinement and nobility of spirit. She took the best route to bring the child to safety. She was the one who laid the foundation for His first high ideals and was a source of strength for His heroic deeds. She knew several languages and thus made the path easier for Him. She did not object to His long pilgrimages but gathered all that was necessary to make the travels easier. In childhood she sang a lullaby to Him in which She foretold His miraculous future. (Supermundane 147)

Mary shared Christ’s life and provided support in his surroundings, in particular by strengthening the disciples in the new faith.

She directed His attention to the common people and knew that they would guard the treasures of His Teaching. She recognized the grandeur of his accomplishments and even encouraged those who had succumbed to faint-heartedness and denial. She was prepared to go through the same heroism as Her Son, and He entrusted to Her His decision, which was confirmed by the Testaments of the Teachers. (Supermundane 147)

Mary was truly Jesus’ spiritual guide!

It was the Mother who understood the mystery of His wanderings. For the fundamental truth about the Mother’s life to be clear, one must not understand the local conditions of those times. She was led by Her insight into the future and able to rise above the customs of Her country. In truth, very little is known about Her, but when one speaks about the Great Pilgrim one has to say a word about the Mother who led Him invisibly to the Heights. (Supermundane 147)

The shocking truth is that Mary was in fact Christ’s only support and thus participated in his heroism.

The heroic deed had already been predestined, but He had to accept it wholeheartedly, without doubt and without regret. This indomitable striving was supported by no one in his environment, except by His Mother. But Her guidance compensated the Great Pilgrim for all His great sufferings. (Supermundane 149)

„But my children are not giants like Jesus.“

Well, your offspring – whether biological or spiritual – also have a spiritual side that you can develop. They too have their own unique life task. You can help them to recognise it and to acquire the necessary skills to fulfil it.

16. Role Model of the Saints

Fra Angelico “Communion of the Saints”

„Mary, the Mother of God, is far too exalted to serve as a role model for me to emulate.“

Then why not study the lives, works and writings of the great female saints:

From the Athenian philosopher Aspasia, wife of Pericles, to the Alexandrian philosopher Hypatia (whom Raphael painted as the only woman in a male society in his famous fresco „The School of Athens“) and Mary Magdalene via Elizabeth of Thuringia, Mary Ward and Thérèse of Lisieux to Mother Teresa. (Raphael “The School of Athens“; El Greco, Titian, Bellini “Mary Magdalene“; Holbein “Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia“)

They will provide you with inspiration and guidance for your own life!

17. Role Model Helena Roerich

Svetoslav Roerich “Helena Roerich”

„How can I not only study theoretically what has been said, but also apply it practically in my daily life?“

A realistic, shining example in flesh and blood from the present day is Helena Roerich!

Svetoslav Roerich “Helena Roerich“; Sarov “Helena Roerich“)

Take this truly great woman as your role model and emulate her! She embodies the role of women in the New Age in a particularly outstanding way:

She was married and led the normal, everyday life of any woman and mother. She raised two children without a governess! Although – or precisely because (!) – she was such a spiritually advanced creature, she did not consider herself too good to take on all the primitive tasks, efforts, burdens, torments, disappointments and setbacks naturally associated with this worldly assignment.

She elevated her husband Nicholas Roerich and inspired him to create great works, magnificent paintings and important writings.

She had such a close spiritual connection with her non-incarnated teacher, her spiritual father, a Mahatma (!), that she was able to write down his messages word by word and to compile from them the books of Agni Yoga.

Through personal conversations and her numerous, groundbreaking letters, she was a spiritual guide and true teacher for many people during her lifetime and remains so to this day.

„But I am nowhere near as great as Helena Roerich.“

No, but you can become so one day by following the same path she is walking ahead of you, even if it takes several incarnations.

Dear sister, are you still searching for your personal guru, your true, eternal spiritual mother? Then why not entrust yourself for a start to Helena Roerich’s guidance? Should it turn out that she is not your teacher, she will certainly help you find the one who is.