Nicholas Roerich quotes

Nicholas Roerich was a Russian painter, writer, and philosopher renowned for his spiritual and artistic contributions. His expeditions and work inspired cultural movements and influenced the development of the Roerich Pact, an international treaty for the protection of cultural heritage. He devoted his life to promoting peace, art, and the unity of humanity. Here are 36 of his quotes:

Family, clan, country, union of nations - each unit strives toward peace, toward betterment of life. Each unit of cooperation and communal life needs perfecting. No one can fix the limits of evolution. By this line of reasoning a worker becomes a creator. Let us not be frightened by the problems of creativeness. Let us find for science unencumbered paths. Thus, thought about perfectionment will be a sign of joy.

Nicholas Roerich

I am - your Bliss I am - your Smile I am - your Joy I am - your Rest I am - your Strength I am - your Valor I am - your Wisdom.

Nicholas Roerich

No name will provoke so many attacks as that of Maitreya, for it is bound up with the future. Nothing provokes so much fear and irritation in people as thinking about the future.

Nicholas Roerich

Understand once again that the time of changes of continents is approaching. Maitreya is coming, in the vanguard of science, addressing its new frontiers. All the problems of science and of the evolution of all that exists are of concern to the Teacher.

Nicholas Roerich

Science, if it is to be redintegrated should primarily not be limited, and thus be fearless. Any conditional limitation will be an evidence of mediocrity, and thus will become an unconquerable obstacle on the path of achievement.

Nicholas Roerich

The essence of striving to the far-off worlds is contained in the assimilation of a consciousness of our life in them. The possibility of life on them becomes for our consciousness, as it were, a channel of approach. Indeed, this consciousness must be dug through as a channel. People are able to swim, yet a considerable portion of them do not swim. Such an obvious fact as the far-off worlds completely fails to attract humanity. It is time to cast this seed into the human brain.

Nicholas Roerich

Now, at the dawn of the age of Maitreya, there is needed a Yoga comprising the essence of the whole of life, all-embracing, evading nought. One remembers the example of those unignitable youths in the biblical legend who valiantly sacrificed themselves to the fiery furnace and thereby acquired power. You may call this the Yoga of Life. But the most precise name will be Agni Yoga. It is precisely the element of fire that gives its name to this Yoga of self-sacrifice.

Nicholas Roerich

He who has envisioned evolution will approach it carefully, joyously brushing away the dust on the path. Most important, there will be no fear in him. And rejecting the unnecessary he will acquire simplicity. It is easy to understand that the realization of evolution is always beautiful. Again they will ask: "Why at the beginning of the path is so much that is pleasant accorded and so much forgiven?" It is because in the beginning all fires are full blown and the called one walks as a torch. It is up to him to choose the quality of his fire. He who comprehends the discipline of spirit will understand the direction of the fire and will approach the cooperation for the General Good. The end of the path can be illumined by athousand fires of the General Good. These thousand fires will light the rainbow of the aura. Therefore, the discipline of spirit is wings!

Nicholas Roerich

When calculations become complex and Infinity is obscured, then will be remembered anew the simplest principle: from heart to heart - such is the law of fraternity, community, fellowship. Toiler, when the energy is transmuted into an ocean of light, does thy consciousness quiver or expand? Toiler, is thy heart fearful or exultant when before thee looms Infinity?

Nicholas Roerich

Into the New World my first message.

Nicholas Roerich

Cease speaking of enemies when an achievement can kindle a great light.

Nicholas Roerich

The Great Helpers of humanity do not abandon the Earth so long as sufferings go unhealed.

Nicholas Roerich

I am not astonished that we receive so many enthusiastic responses to our Peace Banner.

Nicholas Roerich

The abode of the Teacher not only cannot be made known but cannot even be uttered. Your question shows how far you are from the understanding of the Teaching. Even humanly you must realize how wrong your question is.

Nicholas Roerich

By holiness in life, guard the precious Gem of Gems. Aum Tat Sat Aum! I am thou, thou art I - parts of the Divine Self.

Nicholas Roerich

One must manifest discipline of spirit; without it one cannot become free.

Nicholas Roerich

The Renovation of the World will come - the prophecies will be fulfilled. People will arise and build a New Temple.

Nicholas Roerich

Where all the treasures of mankind must be saved, there one should find such a symbol that can open the inmost recesses of all hearts.

Nicholas Roerich

We are dissipating superstition, ignorance and fear. We are forging courage, will and knowledge. Every striving toward enlightenment is welcome. Every prejudice, caused by ignorance, is exposed.

Nicholas Roerich

It argues that mankind has to find a way to agree, that its achievements are global and belong to all the nations. The Banner says: noli me tangere - do not touch - do not dare to disturb, to offend the Universal Treasure with a touch of destruction.

Nicholas Roerich

Put aside all prejudices - think freely. Be not downcast but full of hope. Flee not from life, but walk the path of salvation.

Nicholas Roerich

It is our duty to create for the young generation traditions of Culture; where there is Culture, there is Peace; there is achievement; there is the right solution for the difficult social problems.

Nicholas Roerich