Contemporary knowledge about God, Evolution, and the meaning of human life.
Methodology of spiritual development.

Agni Yoga/The Refinement of the Consciousness

The Refinement of the Consciousness

The refinement of the consciousness with its gradual penetration into deeper and deeper layers of the multidimensional space is a way to Mergence with the Divine Consciousness.

However, the spiritual Path begins not with psychoenergetical work but with ethics.

The previously considered ethical principles are not a moral dogma. They contribute very directly to the correct development of the consciousnesses. They help one to gain the main qualities that are characteristic of God in the Aspects of the Creator, Holy Spirit, and Messiah. These qualities are Love, Wisdom, Power, and Subtlety.

We cultivate love in ourselves by caring about other incarnate beings, including plants, animals, different groups of people, and quite concrete people, by increasing our love for God up to the highest level, and through our self-sacrificial service to Him.

We develop wisdom by studying ourselves and other incarnate and non-incarnate beings, and God. Gaining wisdom is not possible without service to God manifested as spiritual service to people. And cognition of God is realized by means of redirecting the inquiring mind and cordial love — to Him. One of the main features of wisdom is the creative ability developed in the process of service.

And the true power, which is born initially in one’s earthly activity, is manifested on the highest stages of growth as the powerful and subtle consciousness.

… Thus one can see that the main principle of development of the Divine qualities in oneself is the refinement of the consciousness.

It begins with a refusal of coarse emotional states and cultivating subtle states in oneself. Only then can one use the psychoenergetical techniques of refinement.

So, it is for the purpose of preparing oneself to really serious esoteric work of self-development that one needs ethical self-correction, development of the ability to admire the beautiful and to attune to it, and the ability to be gentle, tender.

Let us now read some quotations:

“One should not be attached in thoughts to dark and oppressive memories, for they, like leeches, will suck one’s life-energy.

“One should forget about failures, for they happen in the life of everyone.

“Why drag along a needless tail of woes?” [4]

“Beauty: Cosmos establishes the Evolution on this formula!” [40:Infinity]

“It is one thing to reason abstractly about the distant worlds, and it is another thing to realize oneself as a participant there.

“Only they who have not closed for themselves the path to beauty can understand how near to them the distant worlds (eons) are!” [1]

“At first it is necessary to habituate oneself to the refinement of emotions, in order to saturate the spirit with the necessary attraction to the world of beauty. Thus the conventional conception of standards (of beautiful) will be replaced by the true understanding of beauty. … The refinement of emotions must be introduced into life.” [3]

“… We gave the basis for actions and works that are based on beauty!” [2]

“… Wonderful pearls of art can truly elevate and transform the spirit!” [2]

“… One should develop all thoughts leading to the refinement of the consciousness. Thus one can build a higher step (for oneself)!” [2]

“… Only with the force of devotion to the Teacher can one achieve the refinement of the consciousness!” [2]

“… The evolution of the spirit requires (its) refinement, which is essential for constructiveness.” [2]

“… Only subtle energies can be joined to the subtle; therefore, the straightest path is through the heart!” [3]

“The psychic energy can be different in its quality. Its refinement can impregnate the higher manifestations of the vital functions… In the process of refinement, the psychic energy passes through its stages.” [3]