Board of Advisors
Ongoing study of Agni Yoga / Transcriptions
There are ongoing discussion sessions in the study and understanding of the texts of Agni Yoga (AY). Part of our activities include the transcription of recordings of these with the intention of sharing content with those interested in studying Agni Yoga.
Agni Yoga based content generation
Generation of content in various forms taken from the books of AY and transcriptions from classes of over 30 years is taking place. A database/library of transcriptions is being generated from hundreds of discussion sessions of all aspects of Agni Yoga. We are currently assessing the most useful forms to make this available in and are considering publications both in print and electronic form, podcasts, and live presentations and discussion sessions, to name a few. As AY classes are ongoing we expect the transcription material to grow and provide further insights.
Agni Yoga is an ancient continuation of traditions with roots in the Tibetan Kalachakra tantra, classical yoga and spiritual sciences transmitted orally going back to the time of Atlantis and Lemuria and written teaching. In its simplest work, it is a that blending helps us connect us to our hearts through of many yogas (Bhakti Yoga of devotion, Raja Yoga of perception awareness, Gnana Yoga of inquiry, creativity and & Karma Yoga of service) all with direct binding and creativity through the heart. The Our fire or Agni of Agni Yoga is the same fundamental energy used by the is the alchemists’ Secret Fire of all countries to separate, purify and combine that transmutes a spectrum of mental and physical matters as needed. Through our labors of work , including creative arts and social actions, for someone else on other’s behalf, we attune align ourselves with the Hierarchy of Souls, humans and other souls from distant worlds spiritual coworkers attuned through resonances of the heart that bind us like iron filings lined up responding to the currents of a Cosmic Magnet. We work in love and labor to improve the world for all living creatures and prepare a community for Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future
James Sanner
For two decades, James has actively worked to bring balance to the environment through ecological stewardship. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Philosophy and has pursued graduate studies in social work and education. He was a grounds manager at UC Berkeley for ten years, and worked as grounds and facilities manager at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. For the past two years James has been engaged in grounds and land management at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. He has studied with nutritional consultants and master herbalists, soil ecologists, arborists and agronomists and is working to unify his knowledge in bringing forward research projects around caring for natural spaces. James compiled information and content for Agni Institute in what were then the Herbal Reference Guide, agroecology, and soil science projects. James served on the AI board from 2014-2019, two of those years as treasurer. He continues as an advisor and is actively involved in design of experiments in the research group.
Laura Parnell
Laura served as an Agni Institute board member from 2021 to 2024 and continues her involvement as an advisor. Laura is an Educator who grew up in Colorado and lives in New Mexico. She earned BAs in German and English with a Secondary School Teaching Emphasis and Certification in Secondary Remedial Reading from Western State College in Gunnison Colorado. Her Post-Degree Education includes the University of New Mexico, the UNM Deutsche Sommer Schule in Taos, New Mexico, and a Study Abroad program at the University of Salzburg in Salzburg, Austria.
Her career spans 35 years, teaching High School German and English mostly at Del Norte High School in Albuquerque Public Schools. Beyond language acquisition, her coursework included Holocaust Studies emphasizing the importance of community understanding and acceptance of diversity. She served on her school Governance Board and as Department Chair and was on the Board of Albuquerque Public School's District Student Well-Being Program that focused on creating and maintaining a welcoming and safe student campus environment for our culturally diverse population.
Laura is retired and lives with her husband, Sam, in the Manzanita Mountains east of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they raised their daughters. She remains in contact with many former students both in the US and abroad while continuing a lifelong pursuit of Agni Yoga.
Mark Griffin
Mark is a partner with Davis & Harman, LLP. Mark's legal expertise is taxation and insurance law. He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the American Bar Association Section of Taxation, and a member and former officer of the Federal Bar Association Section of Taxation. Mark has advised the Agni Institute since its founding in 2009, advising us on the 501 (c) 3 public filing with the IRS and, since then, in developing policy and practices.
Rayma Ferrer
Rayma was one of the founding members of the Agni Institute, serving on the board since 2009 as Vice President and then President. Rayma now has joined our valued Advisors. She has a BA in European History from the University of Puerto Rico and studied Hotel Management in Mexico City. She is an inspirational trainer and motivational speaker. Rayma has over 20 years of hospitality management experience in the areas of human resources and operations. Rayma has been involved with Agni Institute for nearly ten years in various capacities, part of that time serving on the Board of Directors. She has also served as Vice-President and President.
Sam Parnell
Sam served as an Agni Institute board member from 2021 to 2024. In his early years in life he grew up on Air Force bases in SC, TX, and Puerto Rico until his family moved to Aurora, Colorado. He later joined the Coast Guard Reserve in 1969 and served until 1976 mostly as a Second Class Engineman (E5) on the Point Winslow (WPB 82360) at Base YBI in San Francisco Bay doing SAR. He attended Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, and later moved to New Mexico where he taught in public schools for 38 years (language arts, social studies, reading, Latin, English, US/World History, and Govt).
Sam studied Latin and Classical/Medieval History at UNM, sponsored a chapter of the American Junior Classical League, took delegations to the annual convention ten times, and led students and parents to the Mediterranean (1999-2007) to visit archeological sites in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. He also helped found an AFT local in Socorro, NM, and later served as an officer in the ABQ Teachers Federation. Though no longer teaching he continues to maintain contact with many former students both in the US and abroad.
Sam has for many years been pursuing Agni Yoga in building a lifestyle based on practical philosophy. Now retired he lives with his wife, Laura, in the Manzanita Mountains east of Albuquerque, New Mexico and continues to support the work of the Agni Institute by serving on the Advisory Board.
Susan Carlin
Susan was one of the founding members of the Agni Institute, serving on the Board since 2009 as a Board Director, a term as Vice President, two terms as President, and as Division Director of the Agnium Research Group, where she was the primary researcher for Electric Field, Plant, and Thought Research. Susan holds a Master’s Degree in Education and has pursued additional education in Electrical Engineering, physics, plant electro-physiology, botany and hydroponics, which directly supports the Plant Research. Prior to her work at the Agni Institute, Susan enjoyed a rewarding 36-year career in public education. Susan now joins us as one of our valued Advisors.
Offerings to the public of Agni Yoga publications as well as preservation and dissemination of writings are under way. This includes dialogues focused on deepening an understanding of Agni Yoga as well realizing its pursuit as a natural part of one's daily lifestyle. Activities include ongoing discussions focused on various topics and aspects of practicing inner yogas, broadening of consciousness and the blossoming of heart and awareness. Understanding, developing and sustaining methods of meditation and personal striving are provided through discussions, periodic sittings and meditation retreats. Ongoing mentoring and support are a foundational aspect of this work.
Although we at Agni Institute take inspiration from the writings and teachings of Agni Yoga the Institute is not officially affiliated with any organization. The writings of Agni Yoga are owned by the Roerich Museum of New York, and are provided by them free of charge on the sole condition that no modifications will be introduced by any third party.
Our Work
Our work is based on the living ethics and science of heart and consciousness as presented in the philosophy of Agni Yoga. Most of the core group of volunteers at Agni Institute are engaged in cultivating lifestyles based on the wisdom presented in Agni Yoga. The work in AI is a direct outgrowth of a set of core values that include self-cultivation, improvement and discovery. This encompasses living a life of making contributions and providing service for the greater good of all.
Affiliation
Although we at Agni Institute take inspiration from the writings and teachings of Agni Yoga the Institute is not officially affiliated with any organization.
For Your Support ...
Some founding members of the Institute have spent their lives studying and applying Agni Yoga and are willing to support others striving to do so. As such, if you have questions or inquiries you’d like to discuss from your reading of the Agni Yoga Series books, we would be more than happy to converse with you. Feel free to contact us using the form below.
Contained in the texts of Agni Yoga are hundreds of suggestions and indications regarding research into natural law and the nature of consciousness. In the internal research of the organization co-workers at Agni Institute are engaged in collating these suggestions and writing up research and test protocols. Laboratory space and equipment currently used by the Quantal Research group is available for various kinds of benchwork – such as the fabrication of various fixtures and circuits required for measurements and data collection -- and a space newly constructed in 2024 will also be used for these and other projects.
An initial investigation is currently being designed by two scientists in the organization and will be pursued over the course of 2025. It is expected work will take place in the AI lab as well as in regional universities.
Depending on the nature of the work some of the method may also migrate to the Collaborative Research programs to encourage the participation of citizen and professional scientists.
Agni Institute looks forward to and welcomes the inclusion of new team members in these efforts. AI also anticipates reporting on and sharing its findings with the public.
Agni is the god of fire found in the classical Hindu text the Rig Veda dating back to 1500 - 1200 BCE. He also appears in the epic stories of the Mahabarata (400 BCE – 400 CE) and Ramayana (700 – 300 BCE). As the god of fire he represents physical, vital and spiritual fire within living beings. An eternal deity Agni is considered to be a protector purifier and transformer of beings and serves as the mediator between humanity and a divine hierarchy.
Agni Yoga was the name given to a collection of writings made by Helena Roerich. These were essentially dictated to Mme Roerich between 1924 and 1938 by Eastern Arhats. The series of books covers philosophy, ethics, spirituality, the evolution of human consciousness, and are sometimes referred to as the Teaching of Living Ethics. They are collectively considered to be the canon of a teaching given for modern times. They comprise a synthesis of tenets, understanding, and disciplines from both Buddhist and Hindu traditions but with an emphasis on the transformation of consciousness. They were given with the intention of informing and mentoring humanity in a new era where the relationship between consciousness itself and the “fires” of life in all their variations are explored and assimilated and thereby bring about a complete awakening of consciousness. Thus Agni Yoga in this context is intended to bring about an awakening and mastery of the fires of illumination of consciousness.
Practice of Meditation: internal and external inquiry
In the lifestyle promoted by Agni Yoga meditation is considered a central method of self-inquiry. It is also considered to be a method of verification of the assertions and insights given in AY. As such the exercise of various disciplines of consciousness is pursued. In the context of research into consciousness this is considered fundamental training in the sharpening and extending of subtle aspects of sensory awareness external to the human body. Establishing the methods of external inquiry lays the foundation for including human consciousness itself in the instrumentation of laboratories. The practice of meditation is individually pursued by AI co-workers on an ongoing personal basis. Additionally periodic sessions focused on aspects of meditation and disciplines of consciousness are held. For the more committed seekers 3 or 4 day meditation retreats are held from time to time and more formal annual week-long retreats have been held for over 35 years. This is expected to expand to serve the public through introductory sessions and retreats.
Our main purpose is to spread an understanding of the Teaching of Agni Yoga. Agni Yoga aims at expanding and fully awakening the human consciousness so as to bring the greatest benefit to the greatest number of beings.
At Agni Institute, we put its counsels into practice through our program work, which fosters a sense of personal and community strength, achievement, and resilience. We are all volunteers here, each undergoing our own personal journey of self-transformation, self-discovery, and growth of consciousness. Together, we produce material such as books, videos, collaborative websites, and recordings, and we organize meditation retreats and meditation practicums to spread the practice of meditation.
Outreach and engagement with the public happen as a natural result of our program work. We have programs where we do our own research and other programs that are more collaborative and invite others to participate (as citizen scientists, for example). We design and offer up experiments given in the Teaching of Agni Yoga that can be done at home (our Collaborative Research program), or that can be done while asleep (our Subtle Realm program).
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Thousands of suggestions for beneficial research are present in the texts of Agni Yoga. The research group at AI is engaged in establishing and carrying out viable experiments to pursue these suggestions. These are intended to verify the reality of aspects of nature alluded to in the texts and to determine ways to apply them beneficially. Research will follow established protocols and methods and will be graded according to the skill of the participants into enthusiast, citizen scientist or career industrial/academic investigator. An open-source approach will be taken, collaborators may live in any country and mentoring is expected to be a standard aspect of exchange.
Developments and updates are in progress.
We are all volunteers here. Each one of us knows we can contribute something different to the common goal of sharing the knowledge being acquired through the research sponsored by Agni Institute, so we are all contributing in our own way. We are getting and staying engaged with the work in order to help the common good, which is our main motivation. We hope to inspire others to do the same!