Roerichism
Helena Roerich was born in 1879 into a family of Ivan Shaposhnikov, a well-known Saint-Petersburg architect. Her mother belonged to the ancient Golenischev-Kutuzov family, traceable to Novgorod at the end of the 13th century. Significant members included Prince Mikhail Kutuzov and composer Modest Mussorgsky. Helena maintained frequent communication with artists like Vladimir Bekhterev and Sergei Diaghilev. In 1901 she married Nicholas Roerich, who was born in 1874. They became inseparable partners in life and spiritual-creative paths. The Agni Yoga Society was founded by them in 1920 in the United States. Together they participated in the Transhimalayan expedition between 1924 and 1928. After settling in Kullu Valley, they established the Himalayan Institute of Scientific Studies. Helena served as honorary president until her death in 1955.
Agni Yoga is a religious doctrine transmitted by Helena and Nicholas Roerich starting from 1920. Followers believe the teaching came from Master Morya, the guru of Helena Roerich and Helena Blavatsky. The sixteen volumes of Teaching of Living Ethics are translated into English from original Russian texts. The authors state that cosmic laws determine planetary motion and human behavior. A man influences cosmic processes greatly through his thoughts and deeds. Thought is energy capable of filling space and affecting surroundings. Moral perfection and strict ethical observance form basic principles for spiritual development. The universe is an immense spiritual-energy system where humans play the most important role. Agni Yoga teaches evolution of planetary consciousness as a pressing necessity for mankind. It affirms existence of hierarchy of light and center of heart as link with far-off worlds.
Nicholas Roerich twice toured Central and Eastern Asia during 1924 and 1934. He traveled through Mongolia's Gobi, Altai Mountains, and Himalayan Mountains. Following these travels he wrote books titled Heart of Asia and Altai-Himalaya. The family conducted heroic Transhimalayan expeditions in Central Asia between 1924 and 1928. Roerich lived in Russia for forty-two years and India for twenty years. He also spent three years in United States, two in Finland, one in France, one in England, two in China, half-year in Tibet, and seven-eight months in Mongolia. Roerich knew Buddha legend and searched for legendary Shambhala in Indian and Tibetan mountains. The Roerichs introduced Shambhala to Buddhist teachings of Western countries. Their paintings depict hidden ideas and deep meanings through combinations of colors and symbols.
The Roerich Pact grew rapidly during early nineteen-thirties with centers in many countries. Three international conferences occurred in Bruges Belgium, Montevideo Uruguay, and Washington D.C. The pact declared necessity for protection of cultural product and activity during war and peace. It prescribed method by which all sites of cultural value would be declared neutral and protected. The Red Cross does similar work with hospitals. Indeed the Roerich Pact was often called The Red Cross of Culture. Some ideas still are not implemented in international law especially principle of preference for preservation over military necessity. Nicholas Roerich initiated the pact during World War II together with Albert Einstein and Tagore. The American-Russian Cultural Association organized in USA in 1942 encouraged ties between Soviet Union and United States. Nicholas served as honorary president until his death in 1947.
George de Roerich was born August 1902 in Okulovka Novgorod Oblast. He studied Sanskrit and Pali under Edward Denison Ross at London University from 1918. George became world-renowned scientist and orientalist after spending almost thirty years in India. He returned to Russia in 1957 acquiring Soviet citizenship despite distorted opinions about family. Bans were lifted on everything associated with Roerichism due to his efforts. First exhibition of Nicholas Roerich's works organized in Moscow 1958 then spread to Leningrad Riga Kiev Tbilisi. George died the 21st of May 1960 ashes placed in Moscow Novodevichy Cemetery. Svetoslav Roerich born the 23rd of October 1904 in Saint Petersburg graduated Columbia University architecture department. Since 1923 he directed International Centre of Art Corona Mundi New York founded by Nicholas. In 1989 Soviet Foundation of Roerichs established under Svetoslav initiative. the 30th of January 1993 Svetoslav gave archives kept in India to Foundation before dying Bangalore that year.
World Organisation of Culture Health founded year 1994. Victor Skumin elected president-founder of international social movement To Health via Culture. Organization operates according charter registered Ministry Justice Russian Federation. Key element culture health implements innovative programs supporting holistic approach physical mental spiritual well-being inside workplace. Relationship between Skumin doctrine and Roerichism confirmed by scientists like V.P. Goraschuk professor Kharkiv National Pedagogical University. 2004 thesis wrote speciality general pedagogics history pedagogics. Anthem WOCH four stanzas capital letters each form word Agni. Another hymn termed Urusvati begins phrase fire heart ignites Urusvati teaches spirit take-off wings grace. Helena known as Tara Urusvati in Agni Yoga. Journal World Organisation Culture Health based Novocheboksarsk. 1995 Victor Skumin first editor-in-chief journal To Health via Culture ISSN 0204-3440. Main topics magazine dissemination ideas culture health holistic medicine Roerichism Agni Yoga. Organization publishing house right publish books International Standard Book Number ISBN.
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Common questions
When was Helena Roerich born and who were her parents?
Helena Roerich was born in 1879 into a family of Ivan Shaposhnikov, a well-known Saint-Petersburg architect. Her mother belonged to the ancient Golenischev-Kutuzov family traceable to Novgorod at the end of the 13th century.
What is Agni Yoga and when did it begin according to Nicholas Roerich and Helena Roerich?
Agni Yoga is a religious doctrine transmitted by Helena and Nicholas Roerich starting from 1920. Followers believe the teaching came from Master Morya and the authors state that cosmic laws determine planetary motion and human behavior.
Where did the Transhimalayan expedition led by the Roerichs take place between 1924 and 1928?
The family conducted heroic Transhimalayan expeditions in Central Asia between 1924 and 1928 while traveling through Mongolia's Gobi Altai Mountains and Himalayan Mountains. They later settled in Kullu Valley where they established the Himalayan Institute of Scientific Studies.
When did George de Roerich die and where are his ashes placed?
George de Roerich died the 21st of May 1960 with his ashes placed in Moscow Novodevichy Cemetery. He was born August 1902 in Okulovka Novgorod Oblast and spent almost thirty years in India before returning to Russia in 1957.
Who founded the World Organisation of Culture Health and when was it established?
World Organisation of Culture Health was founded year 1994 with Victor Skumin elected president-founder of international social movement To Health via Culture. The organization operates according charter registered Ministry Justice Russian Federation and publishes a journal based in Novocheboksarsk.