Agni Yoga

(Redirected from Agni Yoga Society)

Agni Yoga, also called the "Teaching of Living Ethics" or (in Russian) the Rerikhovtsi, is an esoteric group founded by the Russian symbolist painter Nicholas Roerich (Nikolai Konstantinovitch Rerikh) and his wife, Helena Roerich(Elena Ivanova Rerikha). Inspired by the Theosophical Society of H.P. Blavatsky, the Roerichs published the "Agni Yoga" series of books, with contents allegedly inspired by the Mahatmas or Masters of the Great White Brotherhood from their stronghold in Shambhala. The Roerichs attracted a following in New York City, where they built an art museum; in India, where they retired; and in Russia, where their teachings have remained an influential part of the esoteric scene.

Agni means "fire" in Sanskrit, and is the name of a Vedic deity. As used by the Roerichs, it refers to a spiritual fire within the heart (a teaching with a close parallel in Russian Orthodox Christianity) which may be cultivated. "Yoga" meanwhile refers not to the familiar physical exercises, or even to any of the philosophical schools which inspired them, but to a more general striving after the will of the Masters, ideally in one's everyday life and work.

Followers of Agni Yoga are especially likely to be encountered at the various Roerich museums (in New York City, Moscow, and Naggar, India) as well as around Mount Belukha, in Russia's Altai region.

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Categories: Theosophy