The Path of Joy

Even as the world we know seems to be descending into ruin, there are tiny shoots of a new world already breaking through in response to the greater light that constantly and quietly draws all towards it. In a recent speech in Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV reminded us of the strength of the human heart: “The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters.”

The passing civilisation has been teaching us, through the building and destruction of forms, that we are not the forms we create but are the living light which animates them, and which is not lost with their dissolution. Our true selves live on in the realm of joy. The discipline of each civilisation takes us closer to realising that joy. The Tibetan Master asks us to ponder on the shift towards the discipline of the coming civilisation:

Have you ever thought …that just as there is a discipline of pain and of sorrow, there may also be a discipline of joy and of achievement? This is a thought worthy of attention. Men need these days to learn this new truth, and its perception will greatly change human consciousness. That which is bliss is today here or on its way, and the disciples and aspirants of this present time must be taught how to recognise and implement it. [Discipleship in the New Age vol II, page 671]

A discipline is a learning environment, and learning is something that arises from within us – it cannot be imposed as tyrants and oppressors fail to realise. While action may be demanded by force and fear, learning and knowing is an internal process that unfolds according to our own will, our own interpretation and decision. The Agni Yoga teachings remind us that:

…enlightenment can be sudden, but for this to occur a great inner tension must be steadily accumulated. It is not the crossing of the legs, but the concentration of good thought that will be effective. Voluntary, daily discipline of thought brings the best results.
We return many times to this concept of voluntariness. It is the foremost condition of discipline. The least thought about forcing destroys all achievements. Not only does the Teacher not compel, but the disciple also must not force himself. The discipline of Good is a self-generated joy. What an indestructible immunity is created through joy! The calmness of a yogi is not due to detached imperturbability, but to an inner, flaming joy. Such is the path of discipline. Some will say: How easy! But they do not know that joy is a special wisdom.
The Thinker taught, “He who has learned joy has already stepped onto the path of wisdom.” [Supermundane, sloka 559]

Joy discerns the tiniest shoot quietly rising amid a desert. It sustains the flame of hope held safely within the human heart. Whatever stirs the heart fans that inner flame. As we come to the end of this era of evolution and witness the breakdown of its familiar forms, it is easy to lose sight of hope. Yet hope lives in the human heart and opens the way into a new and better world. It is the power that carries us towards the new era and the realm of joy. The power of tyrants will not take us there, but as the human heart opens the realm of joy is revealed.  And beauty stirs the human heart. As the Agni Yoga teachings tells us:

…humanity is uplifted when it associates with the Beautiful, looks at the Beautiful, listens to the Beautiful, thinks in the ways of the Beautiful.
…what kind of labor will it be if it is not beautiful? What kind of knowledge can live if it does not contain the Beautiful? What kind of justice can be born if it is bereft of beautiful insights? …each grain of the Beautiful turns man into a co-worker of Higher Forces…
The Thinker pointed out, “Live always with a dream about the Beautiful, and you will be given joy and love.” [Supermundane, sloka 783]

Beauty radiates from all the positive future possibilities we can imagine, and joy guides us there. So let us imagine a future created through joy and achievement.

…how great is the joy of being able to live in the future. Such a way of life is in harmony with evolution. One must learn not to belittle the past and to understand that the present does not exist—everything either was or will be…
We rejoice when We see in others the ability to connect to the future. Such striving is like the hoisting of an anchor, which permits one to set sail to the salutary shore…
The Thinker sorrowed for those who could not feel joy about the future and knew not how to look upward. [Supermundane, sloka 529]

Rather than allowing heavy thoughts to weigh us down and lower our perspective, let us call on the real and lasting power of joy.

…even during difficult days joy generates power. …Truly, joy must be recognized and realized. …Humanity possesses the great gift of cognizing joy. …From the far-off worlds down to the smallest flower joy offers herself to people. A new supply of strength comes to you every time you allow yourself to be joyous, for there is an intensity in joy that opens the next gate…
… a wise hero knows that even at the hour of persecution the path to joy is not closed. People forget the simple truth that everything is in unending motion. Sadness will be forgotten, but sparks of joy shine forever… Look everywhere, and gather all the sparks of joy.
The Thinker taught, ‘Know how to recognize joy. Among the Muses there is the Muse of Joy, but you can invite this Protectress only by beautiful words and thoughts. Do not attempt to threaten and demand, for She comes only by the path of Beauty.’” [Supermundane, sloka 231]

Joy is a multi-faceted power that can bring all into place within divine order – when we allow it entrance.  In summary Foster Bailey’s reflection explains the significance of joy:

D. K. says, ‘Joy results from a blending of power, will and strength with love, wisdom and skill in action and speech.’ It is much more than a pleasant sensation. It is a precipitation of an aspect of the life of the human soul into the life of the personality and a combining with it. It carries specific energies which can be identified and cultivated. It is magnetic and attractive and helps all who contact it. It heals and protects because it harmonises and creates a positive condition. Worry cannot endure and fear vanishes in its presence. It transcends prejudice and petty pride. It is acceptable to everybody, arouses no resentment and kills jealousy. It produces confidence and poise. It increases the effectiveness of every world server. It can be developed in oneself by pondering upon it. To be effective, it must be real, not a pose to get something. True joy is quiet and evidence of an inner peace.