References compiled from the Agni Yoga Series
The spiritual Ego of man moves in eternity like a
pendulum between the hours of birth and death.
But if these hours, marking the periods of life
terrestrial and life spiritual, are limited in
their duration, and if even the very number of
such stages in eternity between sleep and
awakening, illusion and reality, is also limited,
on the other hand, the spiritual pilgrim is eternal.
The Key to Theosophy by H. P. Blavatsky, Third and Revised Edition, p. 113
II:X:11. Let us speak about the sensitive apparatus.
Imagine yourself a fine needle, of unusual sensitiveness, which reacts to all changes in the surroundings. The needle is connected with a special apparatus which formulates all surrounding currents. The needle vibrates to all currents, all sounds, all images, and the formulating apparatus records all receivings. The sensitiveness is such that even a thought is registered. For preciseness of the work there is needed a constancy of surroundings. A predominant current creates a state of constancy. It means that the apparatus is adapted to this current. If the current is changed, then often the apparatus even stops; especially if the currents are not harmonized.
167. When you place the point of a pendulum above a sandy surface in order to watch the cosmic vibrations, you will not push the needle by hand in order to forcibly accelerate its motion. Such forcing first of all would be stupid, because it would only produce a false indication—the same with the pendulum of the spirit, one cannot force its indications. The designs of the needle of the spirit are complex, and only the striving of the heart can vitally and truthfully strengthen the indications of the pendulum. The Teaching of ancient Tibet speaks about the same pendulum of the spirit. Above the head of the tested one is placed a magnet; not only is the inner reflex noted but the magnet begins to swing, and the character of the movements is noticed as either abrupt or quivering; but they can also be circular, and this sign will be the most indicative of the correct condition of consciousness. Of course, this experiment is a very lengthy and even a tormenting one, because it demands complete immobility, and you know how difficult this is to reach.
437. Intuition and so-called sensitivity will pertain to the Fiery World. People are not occupied with the question why only certain persons are gifted with sensitiveness. In an apparatus indicating fieriness it is possible to observe also the endowment of intuition. Likewise, the manifestation of the oscillations of a pendulum denotes straight-knowledge, in other words, fieriness. Not seldom do We speak about the same thing under different names. It is not easy to fix in the consciousness the fact that such a distant fieriness is close to all life.
250. There can be clairvoyance under suggestion, but then the psychic energy is acting through the brain, and it is always possible to suspect suggestion on the part of the hypnotist himself. It is far more convincing when psychic energy acts directly. The same directness is expressed also in actions with the pendulum of life. Autosuggestion is similarly precluded. An honest investigator does not know the results to be received. He is often more astonished than the others present. In both the first and the second case, onlookers are altogether undesirable. There should be nothing in the vicinity which can influence the psychic energy.
333. The pendulum of life shows by its motion the variation of psychic energy. Just as precisely will the chemism of feelings be determined. The manifestation of the fluctuations of psychic energy shows how continuously vibration goes on, and how it records even the small deviations of energy. So, too, the chemism of feelings cannot be constant. In the microcosm of man it can be observed how intensified are the manifestations of cosmic vibrations. It should not be thought that all these observations are unnecessary; on the contrary, does not perception of the nature of man lead toward the perfection of mankind?
335. At times the pendulum of life can be quite inactive. Such signs will be present around paralysis due to evil. Not accidental is the expression, “He choked with malice.” Thus it has been shown that malice is limited. The current of malice is not infinite. But it is necessary to observe the fluctuations of the vibrations of energy.
339. Each discharge of secretions, each exhalation sends out emanations of psychic energy. Each man lavishly saturates space; therefore he is obligated to show concern about a better quality of psychic energy. If people would understand that each breath has a significance for space, they would take care to purify their breathing. With the simplest apparatus the emanations of psychic energy can be demonstrated. One can see in the swings of the pendulum of life how continuously the energy vibrates. The same means shows the radiations called the aura, which indicates that particles of the aura are being sent out ceaselessly into space, and psychic energy continually weaves a new protective net.
346. Observations with the pendulum of life will show the greatest significance of psychic energy. The simplest means can awaken the most profound perceptions which lie in the depths of the consciousness. Besides, it is especially important to observe the spatial vibration, which acts as a wireless telegraph. Each hour there can be manifested the quality of spatial currents; these describe the condition of entire nations.
Is it not astounding that it has been given to man to know these synthesis of world events, and that he so disregards his own fortune?
356. Amidst observations upon psychic energy the pendulum of life can provide an extremely remarkable experiment. But for such observations one must have disciplined energy. It is not useful to apply the pendulum of life so long as energy has not entered a state of tension. Even a strong potential energy will not be useful so long as a natural accumulation of it has not taken place. All such experiments concern subtle energies and therefore are extremely sensitive.
The observer himself can gradually adopt many individual details. It need not be thought that multiformity of such details will be a violation of the law, on the contrary, apparent exceptions will form combinations of new particles of energy. From the same instrument two musicians do not draw out identical chords, yet it is difficult to say which is the better performer. Each one reveals his own precious character.
During experiments upon psychic energy, it will be natural to follow individuality of the energy itself. In the wealth of the universe each expression of energy is individual. Thus the quests will be the more remarkable.
6. Let us not be confused by the oscillations of the pendulum of life. Despair may be the forerunner of recovery of vision.
250. Is a deluge possible which can wash away entire regions? Can there be an earthquake which destroys whole countries? Can there be a whirlwind sweeping away cities? Can there be a fall of enormous meteors? All these are possible, and the swing of the pendulum can be increased. Does the quality of human thought have no significance? Thus let people reflect about the essence of things. It is very near to thought, and many thoughts are directed here from other worlds. Let us not blame sunspots alone.
A single thought about Brotherhood is already salutary.