What Is Agni Yoga?
An introduction to the Teaching of Living Ethics that inspires the Institute's work.
The meaning of Agni
Agni is the god of fire found in the classical Hindu text the Rig Veda, dating to roughly 1500–1200 BCE. He also appears in the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. As the god of fire, he represents physical, vital and spiritual fire within living beings. Agni is considered a protector, purifier and transformer of beings, and a mediator between humanity and a divine hierarchy.
The Agni Yoga books
Agni Yoga is the name given to a collection of writings recorded by Helena Roerich. These were essentially dictated to her between 1924 and 1938 by Eastern teachers. The series covers philosophy, ethics, spirituality and the evolution of human consciousness, and is sometimes referred to as the Teaching of Living Ethics. Together the books are regarded as a teaching given for modern times.
They comprise a synthesis of tenets, understanding and disciplines from Buddhist and Hindu traditions, with an emphasis on the transformation of consciousness, and were given with the intention of informing and mentoring humanity in a new era. The relationship between consciousness itself and the "fires" of life, in all their variations, is explored, bringing about an awakening of consciousness. Agni Yoga in this sense is intended to bring about an awakening and mastery of the fires of illumination of consciousness.
Themes of the Teaching
- Living ethics: spiritual growth is shown in daily conduct, labor and cooperation, not set apart from ordinary life.
- Heart and consciousness: the heart is treated as a center of understanding, and the expansion of consciousness as the aim of evolution.
- Psychic energy and thought: the books repeatedly invite investigation of the energy of thought and its effects.
- Science and spirit: the Teaching encourages experiment and the joining of knowledge with conscience.
- Community and service: striving is directed toward the common good.
Agni Yoga at the Institute
The Agni Institute takes its inspiration from these writings while remaining independent of any organization. We support study through dialogues and mentoring (see Studies in Agni Yoga and Study Groups), practice meditation as a way to verify insights for oneself, and pursue research suggested in the texts.
Read the books
All the books in the series can be downloaded free in PDF and ePub on our Books of Agni Yoga page.