How to provide good and plentiful food is, therefore, a most important question of the day. On the general principles the raising of cattle as a means of providing food is objectionable, because, in the sense interpreted above, it must undoubtedly tend to the addition of mass of a “smaller velocity.” It is certainly preferable to raise vegetables, and I think, therefore, that vegetarianism is a commendable departure from the established barbarous habit. That we can subsist on plant food and perform our work even to advantage is not a theory, but a well-demonstrated fact. Many races living almost exclusively on vegetables are of superior physique and strength. There is no doubt that some plant food, such as oatmeal, is more economical than meat, and superior to it in regard to both mechanical and mental performance. Such food, moreover, taxes our digestive organs decidedly less, and, in making us more contented and sociable, produces an amount of good difficult to estimate. In view of these facts every effort should be made to stop the wanton and cruel slaughter of animals, which must be destructive to our morals. To free ourselves from animal instincts and appetites, which keep us down, we should begin at the very root from which we spring: we should effect a radical reform in the character of the food.
Nikola Tesla
“A poor cook in a family is a worse enemy to the health, the comfort, and even the morals of the household, than would be a swamp generating malaria a half-mile away, a cesspool fever-nest at the back door, small-pox across the street, or a Chinese Joss house in the next block.”
J. H. Kellogg, M.D.
Life is a sumtotal of experiences and not possessions.
W.
A simple affirmation of respect for knowledge will make possible the resolving of all contradictions. True thinking is impossible without reverence for knowledge. The Teacher advises that knowledge be set as the basis for developing the consciousness. Point out that knowledge builds the path to the One Teaching. Is it possible that humanity cannot comprehend that knowledge emanates from the One Source? Therefore, the dividing line between knowledge and ignorance is the dividing line between light and darkness. We are easily able to bring together the Torah with the hymns of the Vedas, or the precepts of Buddha with the words of Christ, for We do not discern differences between Teachings emanating from the One Source.
Agni Yoga – AY
If one can confirm the presence of thought even in a stone, then what a clear rainbow of thought fills space! One must become used to the fact that thought permeates all that exists. Certainly this reality, ponderable and not abstract, remains defined as energy but preserves the potentiality of conscious evolution.
Until recently the sensitivity of plants was considered to be just instinct, but after investigation one now can attribute this “instinct” to the domain of thought. Hence, one must observe upward and downward. The human creature shows a characteristic error in presuming to himself the exclusive ability to think. By the most simple examples, one can demonstrate how human thought is affected by age, circumstances, and nationality. It is striking to see how weak is the rudimentary thinking of the average man; yet anonymously-sent spatial thoughts will uplift his spirit. You know that a radio, with slight alteration, can receive thoughts from space. And thoughts, as living matter, can both nourish and be nourished.
Reflect on the manifestation of thought. Realize its omnipresence and rejoice at the laboratory of thought that, from the mineral cell up to the Infinite, links all kingdoms. The magnetic wave, the electric spark, and thought—these three voyagers greet those who strive into the Infinite.
Agni Yoga – AY
Have you finally learned to rejoice at obstacles? Can We be assured that what seems like an obstacle will multiply your resourcefulness tenfold? Can We accept you as conquering warriors? Can We send you the arrow of help, assured that you will catch it in flight? Can We pronounce the word of the New World in unison with you? Can We believe that for the sake of the beauty of creation you have burned your outworn garments? Can the Mother of the World entrust to your vigilance the texture of Light? Can the Lion hasten to your aid? Can the Light illumine your path? And finally, do you understand how to apply to yourself the given Teaching? Can We entrust to you the wearing of the given signs? Can We dispatch the ray of perfectment? Can We vouch for your vigilance? Can We construct a stronghold from your understanding of self? Can We rejoice at the steadfastness of your path? Can the Mother of the World call you just? Can the Lion become the protector of your dwelling? Can the Light bathe the new steps? Unbolt your doors! Victory is at the threshold!
Agni Yoga – AY
11) And then he went forth with his parents on their way to Nazareth; and when they reached their home he wrought with Joseph as a carpenter.
12) One day as he was bringing forth the tools for work he said,
13) These tools remind me of the ones we handle in the workshop of the mind where things are made of thought and where we build up character.
14) We use the square to measure all our lines, to straighten out the crooked places of the way, and make the corners of our conduct square.
15) We use the compass to draw circles round our passions and desires to keep them in the bounds of righteousness.
16) We use the axe to cut away the knotty, useless and ungainly parts and make the character symmetrical.
17) We use the hammer to drive home the truth, and pound it in until it is a part of every part.
18) We use the plane to smooth the rough, uneven surfaces of joint, and block, and board that go to build the temple for the truth.
19) The chisel, line, the plummet and the saw all have their uses in the workshop of the mind.
20) And then this ladder with its trinity of steps, faith, hope and love; on it we climb up to the dome of purity in life.
21) And on the twelve-step ladder we ascend until we reach the pinnacle of that which life is spent to build – the Temple of Perfected Man.
Jesus – Aquarian Gospel
Do not say, “I do not remember.” Say, “I failed to observe.”
Do not blame the memory, but do look back to note your inability to pay attention. People would sooner fall down stairs than watch the steps.
Do not say, “I do not know.” Say, “As yet I have failed to learn.” Neither age, nor health, nor conditions of life vindicate the funereal “I do not know.” Zeal in life teems with eagerness to learn.
Do not say, “I have decided.” Say, “I believe this is fit for the goal.” It is easy to increase the goal-fitness, but to change one’s decision is unworthy.
Chiefly, do not invite unhappiness persistently, as is usually done.
Agni Yoga.
One may climb a mountain from the north or from the south—the result is still the same.
Agni Yoga.
What thought reaches best? Old people say—that which is from the heart. Such a simple definition is correct. Indeed, the state of psychic energy either attracts or repels the reception of thought. But one should picture to oneself how many unreceived thoughts remain in space! Since thought is energy and does not decompose, then how responsible is mankind for its every thought!
It is possible to verify the sum total of all the thoughts simultaneously flying through the world. It is instructive to learn what humanity is thinking of each minute. The result will be utterly unexpected. It is possible to divide thoughts into a few categories; only a very small number appear to be directed to the Common Good. Such calculations result in the most frightening conclusions.
One need not imagine that mankind has already recognized the value of thought. Do not tire of repeating the fact of the significance of thought and you will of course be accused of an unpardonable innovation, and even of shaking the foundations of society.
How is it possible to assert that concern about thought is dangerous to the state? Yet you have already experienced being accused of introducing something dangerous. But into what a low state must man have fallen that he should consider the mention of thought as athing unpardonable in the human way of life!
How severely philosophy is ridiculed because it teaches one to think!
You already know how closely inspiration unites one with the most powerful energies. Each one has experienced at times how fatigue is dispersed by striving. As a child each one knows the possibility of overcoming fatigue, but, in the course of time, the miserable straggler falters in unbelief.
Agni Yoga – Aum