(This is chapter 26 of the Nicholas Roerich's book Shambhala.)
JOY OF
CREATION
Is
not our epoch one of the most significant? Are not the most wonderful
discoveries approaching for our daily use? And are we not becoming familiar
with some of the most subtle energies? Is it not a happiness, not only to know
about these energies but also to be able to utilize them actually in life?
Before
our very eyes, everything is being transformed. We know already how to divide
our energies between individuals and the millions. And we know where and how to
reach millions and how to exercise our energy with the individual.
The
boundaries of spiritual life are broadening. And the physical frontiers are becoming
flexible and vibrating.
East and
West
The
idea of East and West—the idea of the twain which never shall meet—is to our
mind already a fossilized idea. We are already ashamed to believe that
superficial walls can exist and can divide the best impulses of humanity, this
impulse of creative evolution. And now before our eyes is the so-called West
and the so-called East. Piercingly they look at each other. They examine every
movement of each other. They can be the closest friends and co-workers.
The
West can easily understand the principal ideas of the East and cherish the
eternal wisdom which is emanating from that part of the world, from where, as a
fact, all religions and all creeds originated. And the great East is following
the Western discoveries, and values the achievements of these creative minds. They
desire the products of civilization. I avoid the questionable expression
“mechanical”—because to my mind nothing is mechanical, when we know that matter
and spirit is Energy, and we, as well as our Far-Eastern friends, are ready to
accept the benediction of progressive evolution. But life through ignorance is
full of misunderstandings. They are not enemies.
There
are no enemies of evolution—there are misunderstandings; misunderstandings of
family; misunderstandings of sex; misunderstandings of age; misunderstandings
of countries; of continents, of worlds. And only through open-minded
constructive thought can we solve them; when we are thinking not of ourselves
but of the future generations.
I
repeat that the East can be a close friend, a most skilled co-worker, but this
billion of people can also easily become an enemy through a simple
misunderstanding. Is it not a beautiful task for our generation to solve the
problem of misunderstanding, if we feel the oneness of the great Energy?
Reflections
The
same single impulse of betterment, of upliftment, of creation, is the same for
all humanity. With the same hand we may give our benediction and with the same
hand we may commit murder. I do not believe in so-called varying conditions.
One condition exists for all humanity—the mutual language of the heart, and
with this language you destroy all misunderstandings because you are acting in
full sincerity. You can proceed, you can surmount, because you know for what unifying
purpose you are working.
We
speak so often about eternal peace, but from whence emanate the wars?
From
misunderstanding.
And
if we are so skillful in our discoveries, is it not also a most important
discovery to determine how to solve the misunderstanding through the language
of the heart?
I
am not speaking about anything metaphysical. After forty years of activity I
affirm that everything is not ephemeral but if every energy can be discovered,
measured and weighed, then in the same way our thought is also a tangible
emanation. And the power of thought, without any metaphysical powers, can
approach in the most friendly way each misunderstanding.
Hence,
from the highest, from the future, we can approach our reality. And our
optimism is not the product of far-off dreams, but the result of studying
dozens of countries and of approaching widely differing peoples, with quite
varied psychologies. And after all, in spite of all variations, they are one.
And the language of the heart, the language of love, is also one.
If
the sign of malice is the minus, sharp as a piercing dart, then the sign of
love is the plus, the eternal flaming cross which from immemorable time
enlightened the consciousness and uplifted life.
Shambhala's
message
Amidst
the glaciers of the Himalayas, someone is coming from the summits. In his hands
he carries a chalice. Whence has he come? And where shall he disappear in the
cliffs, this silent, lonely pilgrim?
Such
are the unforgettable memories of the Himalayas. The carriers of the messages
of Shambhala are recalling the links between the great traditions of the past
and our aspirations of the future. He is the messenger of Rigden-jyepo, ruler
of Shambhala, ruler of the future, ordainer of the coming achievements of
humanity, who sends his messengers throughout the world.
From
many nations have come these messengers. In devotion and reverence they bring
the sacred message of the coming evolution.
What is the message?
Throughout
the world billions of hearts are beating.
What
shall link them together?
In
my article “Beauty the Conqueror” is the thought that the best way to approach
an unfamiliar dwelling is in song. Not by night, not with covered face.
Unbound
art, unprejudiced science, bring the smile of understanding. The great
traditions of past and future, the high teaching which emanated from the
eternal heights make it possible to approach the sacred spaces in cooperative
understanding. Then hearts are opened and an immense blessed work is at hand.
Not
war, not hatred, but the best constructive concepts shall bring to all the
world the messengers of Rigden-jyepo, the ruler of Shambhala. The iron birds
predestined by Buddha are already in flight, peacefully demolishing the
conventional boundaries. In beautiful, scientific rays of Agni Yoga, evolution
is knocking at the door. The messengers of Rigden-jyepo are speeding and
blessed discoveries are bringing light and benediction to all mankind.
In
twenty-five countries we have seen countless hearts who consider art, beauty,
knowledge as the most unifying powers. Truly it is cause for the greatest
enthusiasm to perceive how so many different peoples consider beauty and
knowledge as the great motive power which set the stones for the coming
progress.
Why have we the right
to regard beauty and knowledge as real motive powers?
For
a moment imagine the history of humanity without the treasures of beauty and
knowledge. For a moment erase from our memories the majestic images of Egypt
and Assyria. Let us forget the beauty of the Gothic primitives, the enchantment
of Buddhist glory and classic Greece. Let us disrobe the epics of heroes and
rulers of the garb of beauty.
How crude would the
pages of history remain!
Truly,
not a single heroic achievement, not one constructive victory may be imagined
without the sense of the beautiful. The form of life is the synthesis of
evolution. Is it not inspiring to realize that the evolution of humanity
culminates in beauty?
A
beautiful conception of life is growing in America and throughout the world.
Humanity begins to realize that the summa
summarum of art and knowledge is the noblest crest of the nations.
(Cid's observation: I note that
Nicolás Roerich was obsessed with aesthetic beauty, but that is not important
for the masters of Shambhala who affirmed that true beauty is that of the
soul.)
America
When
we begin to think about something constructive, upbuilding, forward looking,
not accidentally to our minds come both the lofty towers of North America and
the majestic outlines of South America.
Not
occasionally, on the sites of the most ancient culture, are growing the seeds
of new peaceful conquests and erection. Pan-America stands as a balance of
Asia. It is most instructive to learn how, on the places of the most ancient
achievements, are growing the new flowers of human attainments. Even from the
cold-blooded scientific point of view, we are already accustomed to speak about
currents, rays and emanations. These emanations of culture fertilize the soil,
and who knows, perhaps they provide the real enthusiasm of this constructive
spirit.
As
yet I have never been in South America. But in spirit I feel this physically
unseen friendship and mutual understanding. From where does it come?
Well,
some have asked me if the root of our family comes from Spain, because a branch
of our family is in Barcelona. Perhaps such pan-human feeling of advancing,
searching and construction is deep in every human heart. Perhaps the sacred
sense of adventures, in search of the great solutions, came into my being from
the first years of consciousness, when as hunters, we traveled for days and
days through the immense forests of Russia, certainly not with the idea of
killing but with the comradeship of nature as our guiding star.
When
we studied old structures of India, China and Tibet, our first comparison was
with the remnants of the Mayan culture. And in my old article, “Joy of Art,” I
could not finish this conception with anything other than with some reference
to the ancient Mayas. In this way, that which was most ancient and most
beautiful came to mind.
Just
now I look upon a ring from Asia, with an inscription of the coming Age of
Maitreya. And I cannot forget how one lady, who has studied the remains of
Yucatan, recognized the same inscription there, with the meaning of the Union
of Fire. Now comes the solution in this formula: Our spiritual, unseen
friendship and devotion—does it not come from the all-pervading element of
fiery space? In these all-pervading beneficial flames our hearts are
enlightened and through them we recognize our friends, sincerity and
co-workers.
Is
it not the Union of Fire which now illumines the builders of Pan-America? And
Asia when she speaks of the Blessed Shambhala, about Agni Yoga, about the
Teaching of Flame, knows that the holy spirit of flame can unite the human
hearts in a resplendent evolution.
In
March, 1914, I exhibited a series of paintings in which was previsioned the
coming war; now I have been happy to bring for the Americas the visions of
Asia— the Agni Yoga, the Teaching of Flame, the same conception outlined by the
wisdom of the old Yucatan wise men, the Union of Fire.
Again
some of the Great Truth comes to us and this Truth expresses the gathering of
all the bearers of fire of the heart, to enlighten the world with peaceful and
beautiful labor. The abstract conception of love can again be transmuted into
benevolent action, because without constructive action love is dead. But in the
New Era nothing is dead, everything lives, uplifted by enlightened labor and
enthusiasm. When I hear beautiful songs of Spain and South America, they reveal
for me the great East.
Where
is East and West? After Asia you come to Greece and you feel the wisdom of the
East; you reach Italy and the same wise romance penetrates you; Corsica, Spain—in
all these places is something still of the Great East. And the banners of
Ferdinand and Isabella are close to Moresque ornaments. You reach New Mexico
and in the spaces of this beautiful country again sounds for you the anthem of
the East; and you know that in Mexico, in Yucatan, in all castles of South
America, the same note of great romance, of great vision, of great wisdom,
shall be everywhere.
I
do not diminish either west, nor south, nor north, nor east—because in practise
these divisions are non-existent. And the entire world is divided only in our
consciousness. But when, with this consciousness, the fire of space penetrates,
then is created the Union of Fire, and the Fire of Enthusiasm is unconquerable.
With
this holy banner, we can reach most beautiful lands and we can awaken ancient
cultures for new achievements and for new splendors.
On
one of the most ancient Druidic images of far-off Mongolia I have seen in the
hands of a stony giant a flaming chalice. These beginners of the great
migrations remembered also about the holy spirit of flame. And certainly this
inextinguishable torch could bring them through all expanses of Asia, Europe
and across all oceans. In the antiquities of Yucatan is inscribed the ancient
commandment about fire. In the name of this unifying, great wise symbol, I
greet you, my unseen friends of South America.
New York
What
a joy it is to see again the towers of New York! How often in the deserts of
Asia and especially in Tibet we remembered the skyscrapers, the Indian Pueblos and
the ancient cities of Italy and Spain! The many-storied Tibetan buildings evoke
images of skyscrapers. The labyrinthian clay walls of the usual Asiatic home
recall the Pueblos of New Mexico and Arizona. The monasteries, proudly clinging
to the summits, resemble the old eagles’ nests of Italy. When I saw once more,
the towers of New York, I recalled the joyous exclamations which the
photographs of these strongholds of human achievement evoked in Asia.
Never
did we hear more enthusiastic admiration at the sight of postcards and
photographs of New York than in the towns and nomad camps of Central Asia. The
dwellers of clay-houses and yurtas tore these souvenirs out of each other’s
hands and exclaimed: “This is the land of Shambhala!”
What
more can a son of Asia say than this, his most sacred conception, in which are
united all his hopes and aspirations? In prayers, Asia awaits Shambhala—this
new era of mankind; and therefore each comparison with Shambhala is indeed the
highest praise.
The
inhabitants of Asia added: “America is the chichab over all countries!” And chichab
means protector.
How
many reproductions of the towers of New York have remained in the desert! And
they are kept in the sacred corners, where the most revered objects are
collected.
In
the remote yurtas of Asia’s deserts, President Hoover is the giant Savior of
starving peoples. Ford is considered as a symbol of motive power. The Mongols
consider American Indians their lost relatives. All our latest discoveries are
regarded by the East as signs of the era of Shambhala. Milliken’s cosmic ray,
Einstein’s relativity, Teremin’s music from the ether, are regarded in Asia as
signs of the evolution of human consciousness, confirmed by Vedic and Buddhist
traditions and the teachings of Shambhala. According to these ancient
teachings, the forties of our century are regarded as the era of cosmic
energies and expanded consciousness.
These
touching memories rose before me, when I again saw the towers of New York. And
among the old friends I noticed so many new strongholds, which rose during the
last five years.
Such
unarrestable creation gives real joy.
USA
When
thirty years ago I arranged the first exhibition of paintings of artists of the
United States in Russia, I expressed the firm opinion that Art in this great
country would expand widely as all its vigorous activities.
Eight
years ago, summarizing the position of art in America, I wrote an article
“Collectors,” observing what colossal conquest of cultural principles had been
achieved by America. In 1923, leaving for my long Central-Asiatic expedition, I
could hear of the growth and art-movements in America, only from casual
newspapers and clippings from magazines, or from letters, which rarely reached
us. Of course it could be felt that the cultural-artistic and scientific work
grew each year and that new co-workers and admirers entered. But returning to
America and now stepping again into its cultural life, one must express sincere
astonishment!
In
the history of human achievement, America is an unique example of prodigious
progress. Not bound by conventionalities and old forms, without prejudice,
America built its life with the powerful hands of toil. Naturally, the question
of material existence and life had first to be settled. Then attention was
turned toward problems of technical necessity and social life.
Having
built the foundation of civilization, America began to aspire toward the firm
establishment of cultural principles. Knowledge and Beauty became imperative
requirements in the life of the young country. In most unexpected ways,
meriting great admiration, grew the conquest of Art and Science. The quality of
production advances still higher, and this is always a sign of the growth of
national creative genius. The wide industrial growth reaches the poesy of
creation.
Business
life becomes enriched with the true friends of the human spirit-books and
creations of art. All the steps of culture lead, as they should, beyond
national limitations. And another sign of true culture is the fact that what is
gamed is not kept for personal use alone. The treasures of achievement are open
to society as a whole.
The
most striving and vital forces of all nations have gathered in America,
contributing to the gigantic growth of this country. By voluntary, faithful and
sometimes even by anonymous hands, huge American institutions are built.
May
the light, which has illumined human hearts, shine for all. These results of
voluntary and conscious human aspirations are highly instructive. In them can
be measured the specific value of the co-workers for the general good. It is
also most interesting to note how American organizations and institutions are
developed. One notices not limited specialization, but a broad outlook,
unfrightened by prejudiced opinion. One can feel that there is liberality and
true good will not hindered by chauvinism, nor by fossilized systems.
It
is most valuable to confirm for oneself, how the artistic creativeness of
America has expanded, and how in addition to the old known art patrons, many
new and vigorous collectors welcome this creation.
There
is a saying: “Flowers do not grow on ice.” Artistic and scientific
achievements, museums and schools, are necessary. But the essential thing is a
broad response of the nation. It is necessary to have those loyal enthusiasts,
who understand that striving toward culture is the highest duty and joy of
humanity.
One
notices that often colossal sums are paid for art works and for books. Is this
folly on the part of the collectors or something which results from conviction?
When humanity will become conscious that spiritual and creative genius are the
highest achievements, and the milestones in the histories of nations, the
prices of these works will become a special indicator. In our life, how can we
compensate works of creative genius? With money?
But
only recently humanity had occasion to convince itself what a changing and
precarious thing money is. Therefore the price for works of creative genius is
very relative. If we hear that somewhere high prices are paid for products of
culture, then we know that culture is valued there. And this fact will remain
on the pages of history as the witness of the growth of this nation.
The
people can value highly the results of labor of the creators of culture. The
people can wish to have in their midst the best specimen of creative genius of
bygone epochs. One must welcome every striving of thought in this direction. In
life everything is relative; mistakes may occur, but it is the direction of
thought which is valuable. At present, when old forms are changed so rapidly
and vigorously into new, the direction of people’s thoughts is extraordinarily
precious.
America
follows in its development the path of true progress. During the last few years
America stands alone in the creation of new museums, schools, societies,
agencies, lectures, theaters… One is amazed at the colossal resources of the
country which absorbs this rich stream of creative power. Opportunity is also
found both for the development of a national art, as well as for collecting the
treasures of the whole world. There are multitudes of people who welcome
artistic events and show response.
Reading
the pages of history of the most cultural nations, we are glad to note when the
people turned toward values of science and beauty. This always occurred at
moments of the nation’s ascendance. Now having returned from a long journey, it
is admissible for me to express my joy at the artistic and scientific growth of
America’s consciousness. This is the very thing in which I had faith. When I
was accused of excessive idealism I asserted that, on the contrary, my beliefs
were real and practical. And I was right, because it is just the most practical
people who show signs of high valuation of cultural achievements.
Creativeness
is in its essence real and affirming. A creative nation cannot limit its
activity to narrow civilized paths. The expanded consciousness leads to a
synthesis of the whole life. The highest impulses and decisions become real and
convincing.
America
animates the consciousness by broad decisions; in her generosity she wants to
have the best objects and wants to hear the best words and aspires to make of
her children future creators. The statesmen of America and her finest leaders
are at the same time collectors of most varied forms of creative genius. There,
where leading men, and where great men, devote the best part of their mind to
creative products—there also the masses express the same aspirations and will
think in the same direction of true evolution.
Unbound
by prejudice or superstition, people want to have not only a convenient, but
also a beautiful life. No small habits hang behind the back of the builder of
life. And his success will be followed by new progress and even the very
obstacles will become levers of energy.
I
trust the Secretary of Labor, Mr. James Davis, will not mind if I quote a
passage from his letter, sent to the Roerich Museum on March 24, 1929, on the
occasion of the laying of the cornerstone:
As we grow in material wealth it is all the
more necessary to keep alive our knowledge and love of the beautiful things of
the spirit and mind, otherwise we are in danger of gaining the world and losing
our souls. It will gratify every high-minded American who has the destiny of
his country at heart, to see enlisted in this preservation of culture and
intellect a body of people and an organization as influential, vigorous and
enthusiastic as yours.
In whatever direction your endeavors reach
out, I wish you a great and ever-growing success through the years. After all,
while this is a time of danger to things of the spirit, that time has also its
propitious aspect. Civilization attains its highest peaks only after it has
amassed the material means with which to recompense the artist and the thinker.
These ample means we have. The need is only for leaders to call forth this
wealth and see that it is expended in cultural advancement. You and your
associates are such leaders. May you build not only this building but a great
new movement among us toward a love of the beautiful, and may both endure to
serve our people and bring more light into their lives.
These
are indeed remarkable lines from the mind of a statesman! There, where people
think in such ways, there the land is on the path of happy achievements.
When
you come from the mountains and deserts, where the best culture lies hidden in
the shadow of centuries, the extraordinary growth of artistic and scientific
work in America deeply amazes you and brings you great joy. The conquest of
culture does not pass unnoticed. It creates that finesse of thought—the
creative imagination and the ability to perceive the new wave of progress.
The
era of happy attainments is predestined for America. As the rapid movement of a
big ship attracts everything movable, so also is the irresistible development
of America joined by the highest and the best.
New
York, 1929.
OBSERVATION
Nicolás Roerich
did not organize his reflections, so there is a lot of jumble in his text.
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