Only from the Heart can you Touch the Sky

In the turbulent times now sweeping through our world the retrogressive forces can be clearly seen in the most prominent embodiments – so clear that all those with true sight must see them and, by contrast and in sharp relief, see therefore all that is good, true and beautiful in the human heart. The vision of human harmony, care and loving understanding is emerging from the prison of materialism as the prison walls buckle and the expanding human heart breaks through. That vision becomes more powerful, magnetic and immediate as we hold to it. Our line of vision directs the creative forces and the more we look for the human spirit, the more we will see it and give it presence and power. It could certainly be seen shining in the eyes of those who joined the recent global Women’s March – each smiling into the soul of each.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring demonstrations affirming the beauty of the soul despite material destruction is that of Karim Wasfi playing his cello in the midst of the devastation from a recently exploded bomb in Baghdad, Iraq. The beautiful strains of harmony, expressing the sadness and beauty of things, radiating through the destroyed shops and homes, seemed to build something more subtle and transcendent, weaving a tapestry of beauty through the hearts of those around and bringing tears of joy to their eyes.
For a video of this and an interview with Karim see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7lfPFTqh4

On the other side of the world a renowned violinist played in the Metro in Washington D.C. as an experiment. His exquisite playing was ignored by passers-by whose hearts, immersed in daily cares, seemed deaf to the beauty being showered on them. One might wonder what it takes to open the human heart. The violinist was Joshua Bell.
The video of this experiment is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZeSZFYCNRw

In the Agni Yoga writings we are told:

People desire communion with Us; the first key for them will be the realization of their own inner rhythm. There can be the finest music and singing, yet nothing will resound in the heart that is deaf. In contrast, a refined heart will tremble in harmonious response to the rhythm. The seeker will then become better, more courageous and strong; he will be a worthy co-worker of the earthly and of the Supermundane, and will find joy…” Supermundane, 605

For some it might seem easier to criticise the closed heart in others than to simply open their own. Insulated within their little selves they do not realise that their vision is limited by self-reference and that they draw around their own dimness the little light that penetrates there. Once they break free they too will shine the searchlight of a willing heart out into the world. And what joy to see how many are now waking out of the prison of the little self to shine into and push back the encroaching shadows. The will of the human heart, the Fire of Love, is rising up – not just as individual flickers here and there, but as a growing fire sweeping the world. The Tibetan Master reminded us of the imminent return of the World Teacher:

It is the Fire of Love which He will bring; it is the message of the purificatory fire which He will sound; He will not teach anent the waters of purification, as has hitherto been the symbolic imparted truth; He will impart the fire which burns and destroys all barriers in man’s nature, all separating walls between individuals, between groups and between nations…” Discipleship in the New Age, page 722

The capacity of the human heart to be ignited by beauty may guide us in these end times when, through the detritus of the passing Age, the new civilisation of the Age of Light is rising up. And hearts will need the fiery wings of will to navigate into the new dawn.

… Some may ask, ‘What if some strata of the Supermundane World are made ugly by the ignorance of their dwellers? Not every newcomer will be able to go beyond these dark strata.’
Answer, ‘Everyone, if not burdened by offences against morality, can fly through the darkened strata and reach the sphere of Harmony.’
People are given powerful wings called the will; but it must not be thought that the will can be formed by oneself, forcibly. It must be cultivated, as a precious flower. And man does not know when the ‘Fiery Lotus’ will blossom. Sometimes the lowest, everyday conditions will not be an impediment to a wonderful flowering; thus, man can prepare himself for a most important flight. He will be able to pass by the darkened strata, almost without noticing the ugliness of ignorance. Man is able to ascend to wherever the guiding magnet attracts him.
In ancient initiations the disciple had to pass through a chamber filled with most frightful images. The disciple had to proceed with open eyes, but it was up to him not to notice the surrounding horrors. This test of will preceded entrance into the Chamber of Beauty. Similar tests take place at the entrance to the Supermundane World. The traveler must strengthen his will and learn to focus his thinking toward the final consummation.
The Thinker said, ‘Be able to fly above all barriers.’” Supermundane, 813

Ordinary citizens, who may once have had difficulty believing that there could be inequity and abuse, are becoming more clear-eyed and the light of their vision is shining through and inspiring others as they bring help and change for those in need. The Australian of the Year Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of ordinary Australians enacting extraordinary change. They highlight the resilience and compassion of the human spirit often against great odds. Only four receive awards but all nominees share similar qualities in lives made sacred through the will of a great heart. More details are at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-25/australian-of-the-year-who-are-the-nominees/8207864

We judge by what we know and ordinary people of goodwill often attribute their own sound values to others. They may believe those who speak compellingly of good actions even as they enact the very opposite. It can take a while for good people to accept malfeasance when it is dressed in a slick disguise of goodness. But we are learning to listen through all outer seeming, to listen and see with the heart.

To see with the eyes of the heart; to hear the roar of the world with the ears of the heart; to peer into the future with the understanding of the heart; to remember past accumulations through the heart—that is how the aspirant must boldly advance on the path of ascent. Creativity embraces the fiery potential and comes to be saturated with the sacred fire of the heart. Therefore, on the path of the Hierarchy, on the path of the Great Service, on the path of Communion, synthesis is the one luminous path of the heart. How can seekers radiate the rays manifested if there is no flame affirmed in their hearts? It is precisely the quality of a magnet that lies latent in the heart. The loftiest creativity is pervaded with this great law. Thus, every consummation, every unification, every cosmic union is achieved through the flame of the heart. In what way can a foundation be laid for great steps? Truly, only by way of the heart. The arcs of consciousness merge in the flame of the heart.
So let us keep in mind the wondrous attraction of the magnet of the heart, which links all manifestations. Indeed, the silver thread that connects the Teacher with the disciple is the great magnet of the heart. The unification of the Teacher and disciple affirms the essence of all aspects of evolution.” Heart, 1

And so we enter the time of “the parting of the ways”. It is a time for clear decision – whether we choose the way of the fiery heart, the willing soul, or that of temporary material gain. For those with eyes to see the old order is crumbling thus bringing a clarity to the choice. It is time to shake off naïve expectations, apathy and perhaps even willful ignorance, when those we have put in position to uphold the law act outside the law and we find that, in our innocence, we may have put our trust in the untrustworthy. Let the wise heart be our guide.

The heart thinks, the heart affirms, the heart unifies. One can always recall the significance of the heart, which for so long has been obscured by the brain. The heart will be the first to thrill, the heart will be the first to quiver, the heart will discern a great deal before the reasoning of the brain dares to begin thinking. Could we fail to eliminate the tortuous path of the brain? Could we pass over in silence the heart’s most direct attainment, the arrow-like ray that the miraculous heart is capable of emanating? So it is possible to commune with the heart and protect oneself from all the attacks of evil. Only through the heart can one sense the brown gas and arrest the process of asphyxiation in time. For the same reason, too, the victory on the field of Armageddon will belong to the heart. That is why I so strongly advise that you safeguard the heart as a sword that smites any and all evil.” Heart, 353

Let us prepare our hearts for the World Teacher and pave the way for the coming of His Feet.

“Only from the heart can you touch the sky” ~Rumi