12/31/2017 study papers | compiled from Agni Yoga Series texts

LIBERATION – VICTORY OVER EARTHBOUND HABITS

Selections from the Agni Yoga Series
Presented before the Agni Yoga Society, January 20, 2009

1. A yogi has no habits, because habits are nothing more than the decay of life. However, it is
natural for a yogi to have his own way of action. It is not difficult for a yogi to cut the bonds of
habit, because his state of tense alertness constantly reveals to him new approaches to
problems. Inertia is the skeleton on which ignorance grows. How many kingdoms have
collapsed because of inertia! Agni Yoga, 198
2. Although much is spoken about obstacles, little use is made of them. Understanding how to
make use of obstacles infuses joy into one's work. But as soon as an obstacle appears, people
usually begin to think of their own feelings, forgetting the advantage that has been offered to
them. People prefer that everything be done in a usual way, by conventional means. But We
prefer unexpected actions and equally unexpected results. People are happy when the
occurrences in their lives are the most ordinary, but We wish them greater success than this.
Teach them to weigh the real harm and the usefulness of what occurs. It is difficult to send
currents of unusual success to people when they prefer to avoid unusual ways. We all know
people who live in self-satisfied comfort. If they could only know what they lose because of
their ease! People want to preserve all their petty habits, forgetting that the habits of the spirit
follow from the habits of the body. The spirit weakens, and begins to fear courageous action.
Thus, people become commonplace, with the same conventional joys and sorrows....
Often we see the great obstacles, while overlooking the multitude of small ones that lie within
sight. After all, a small, unnoticed scorpion strikes just as poisonously as a large one. An eagle
eye is needed, not so much to discern the mountain as to see the smallest grain of sand. Agni
Yoga, 262
3. Habit is second nature—a wise proverb indicating to what an extent habit dominates man.
Precisely, habits render a man immobile and unreceptive. One can suppress habits, but it is
not easy to eradicate them. People are continually encountered who boast of their victory over
habits. But observe the daily routine of such victors, and you will find them slaves of habit.
They have become so imbued with habits that they do not even feel the weight of such a yoke.
It is especially tragic when a man is convinced that he is free, whereas he is really shackled in
the fetters of his habits. It is most difficult to cure a sick man who denies his illness. Each one
can name such incurable ones among people known to him. Yet in order to assimilate the
concept of Brotherhood, mastery of existing habits is indispensable. Under habits We have in
mind not the service for good, but the petty habits of selfhood.
It is Our custom to test those who are approaching the Brotherhood on liberation from
habits.... It is best to begin with small habits. Man is often concerned with defending them
more than anything else. They are considered to be natural qualities, like birthmarks. Yet the

http://agniyoga.org/ay_en/study-papers/study-papers.php 1/4
12/31/2017 study papers | compiled from Agni Yoga Series texts

newly born have no habits. Atavism, the family, and school foster the growth of habits. In any
case, a routine habit is an enemy of evolution. Brotherhood, 529
4. Through realization of true values routine habits will be rendered insignificant. The best
liberation comes through a comparison of insignificance with greatness.... The chief enemies
of cooperation will be the small habits of selfishness. Brotherhood, 530
5. Urusvati knows that self-betterment must begin with the eradication of small, but harmful,
habits. We particularly stress the importance of daily habits. People believe they must
overcome the main obstacles at once, only to find that such drastic measures are beyond their
capacity. One may also often observe instances when people imagine that they have rid
themselves of their major sins, yet remain burdened with little ugly habits....Among them
there are always some of which one is not even aware, and which only a keen-eyed observer
can discern. Yet, the uncovering of such hidden habits often leads to complete transformation.
Remember the ancient saying, "If you seize the lesser devil by the tail, he will lead you to his
superior." Supermundane II, 370
6. Urusvati knows the power of victory. A victory should be kind, for then the fires of the heart
are beautifully kindled.... Everyone can overcome his bad habits and thus ignite the fires of the
heart. Overcoming one’s faults was called in antiquity the opening of the Supermundane
Gates. Certainly, on supermundane paths, one’s earthly habits can be particularly harmful.
Even seemingly harmless habits can enslave one.
A free man is not chained by habits. He will know how to adapt himself to any conditions and
will not regret the past, for he has overcome all obstacles and is free. Man himself accumulates
petty habits and is not aware that he has become enslaved, precisely by the most petty habits
and prejudices. Can one hasten into the Supermundane World with such fetters? Can one
freely and in friendship greet new neighbors, when one is engulfed by yesterday’s refuse? It
must be conceded that the litter of one’s life is composed of petty habits. A conqueror does not
cling to the past, but freely strives towards new creative labor.
The Thinker said, “Come, victory, and liberate me from my rusty chains.” Supermundane IV,
825
7. ...It is best to replace the idea of outliving one’s faults with a command to liberate oneself.
Verily, a firm will can, like a sword, cut away bad habits.
It is especially easy to get rid of these vermin for one who has cognized the Supermundane
World. Only with the realization of continuous life can one firmly drive away all harmful
thoughts. For the sake of one’s unavoidable future, one must intensify one’s will for immediate
self-liberation.
While crossing into the Supermundane World, one will value the liberation from the dark
burden that impedes one’s flight. Truly, why torment oneself with small leaps when one can
fly beautifully? Why remain behind when one can advance?
The Thinker advised, “Love the beautiful feeling of self-liberation!” Supermundane IV, 890
8. Urusvati knows the true meaning of self-enslavement....
Man has bound himself with petty habits. He has ensnared himself in a cobweb of prejudices.
How can such a chained captive fight for the freedom of mankind?...
It is impossible to affirm freedom, when slavery rules.
http://agniyoga.org/ay_en/study-papers/study-papers.php 2/4
12/31/2017 study papers | compiled from Agni Yoga Series texts

The Thinker warned, “Before thinking of the freedom of others, liberate yourself.”
Supermundane IV, 902
9. Every day try to learn something, and be grateful to every co-worker who can help you
develop the right attitude toward petty personal affronts and thereby liberate yourself from
them. Only when we try to understand the main point can we learn to ignore the attacks of an
uncultured heart. N.K. always recollects with gratitude his most hostile associates because
those were the ones who helped him develop his vigilant eye, his readiness of wit, and the
essential firmness and discipline of spirit. Thus, you too must learn to regard the conduct of
captious people as based on whims that cannot insult you but can only make you feel sorry for
those who return to the nonsensical habits of childhood. Letters of Helena Roerich I, 7 October,
1931
10. I shall be very happy if you are able to apply the Teaching in everyday life. Indeed, I advise
you to think more about spiritual perfecting than about cosmogony. Without the purification
of the heart and the broadening of consciousness by the methods of Living Ethics, no true
knowledge can be obtained. Thus, the elimination of one of your undesirable habits will bring
you more benefit than learning by heart all the existing systems of cosmogony. Indeed, true
understanding comes to us through closeness to the Hierarch and the unification of our
consciousness with the consciousness of the Hierarch. But such unification may take place
only when our inner essence is purified to such an extent that it is able to perceive and
respond to the vibrations sent by the Great Teacher. I shall never tire of repeating about
applying the Teaching in daily life, and once more I suggest that you attend to the work of self-
perfection. As it is said in Agni Yoga, determine your three worst vices and try to rid yourself
of them. A tremendous victory will be yours. Letters of Helena Roerich I, 12 April, 1935
11. Achievement is impeded primarily not so much by doubt as by inchoate thoughts,
generated by old habits. I affirm that it is not difficult to liberate oneself from habits if we can
sufficiently project the consciousness into the future. Often people measure the future
according to the present and thus clip the new wings. Heart, 523
12. ...The people who wish to approach the Teaching should thoroughly analyze to what extent
their habits have changed after their acceptance of the Teaching. What happened to their
prejudices? Have they changed their lives, or just their words? Let them confess their thoughts
to themselves or to the chosen Guru. There are too many parrots; what is the use of
multiplying them? Often, parrots place their owners in awkward positions; they utter
blasphemy instead of praise, and vice versa.
It is also useful to note our worst habits and immediately start to eradicate them. Every day
the disciples should enter into their diaries what has been done in this respect. Let them first
struggle with one habit, as it is not so simple to alter oneself. It is very useful to watch the
quality of thought and not allow any malicious, petty, and, in general, mean-spirited thoughts.
The purifying of consciousness is the first step. After that, we advise the discipline of thought:
to learn how to think in one direction, without being distracted even for a moment. It is
wonderful if one can concentrate on the Image of the Teacher. Letters of Helena Roerich I, 3
June, 1931
13. If we are able to drive away the whispering shadows, irritation, touchiness, and a careless
attitude toward work, we shall move ahead with gigantic steps. Really, is it not distressing to
remain static, in the same place? The worst obstacle is touchiness, which holds us back, which
http://agniyoga.org/ay_en/study-papers/study-papers.php 3/4
12/31/2017 study papers | compiled from Agni Yoga Series texts

destroys all sense of striving. Wonderful possibilities flee from us when we are busy analyzing
outrages against us which, in many cases, are imaginary and self-suggested. Let us discard
these destructive habits and let us give all our hearts to the fulfillment of the entrusted work.
Let us put all our interest, our whole lives into our work, and a miracle will occur. This very
self-denial will bring us most unexpected, most lofty joys. Letters of Helena Roerich I, 21
August, 1931

http://agniyoga.org/ay_en/study-papers/study-papers.php 4/4