In 1929 Professor Roerich launched the Roerich Pact and Banner of Peace.This
unique project stipulated that all educational, artistic, scientific and
religious institutions, and all sites of cultural and historic significance
and value should be recognised as inviolate and respected by all nations
in times of war and peace. In 1929 Professor Roerich was also nominated
for the Nobel Peace prize. A treaty was drawn up to be signed by all nations.
On April 14th. 1935 in the office of President Roosevelt at the White
house in Washington, the official representatives of the United States
of America and all the twenty Latin-American countries signed the Treaty
of the Pact. After the signing of the Pact, President Roosevelt delivered
the following message in an international broadcast.
“ It is appropriate that on this day, designated as Pan American
Day by the chief executives of all the republics of the American continent,
the governments ( Members of the Pan American Union ) should sign a treaty
which marks a step forward in the preservation of the cultural achievements
of the nations of this hemisphere. In opening this pact to the adherence
of the nations of the world, we are endeavouring to make of universal
application one of the principles vital to the preservation of modern
civilisation. This treaty possesses a spiritual significance far deeper
that the text of the instrument itself. Let us bring renewed allegiance
to those high principles of international co-operation and helpfulness,
which, I feel assured, will be a great contribution to civilisation by
the Americas”.
The Roerich Banner of Peace has the following design: three red spheres
on a white background encircled by a red circle. This sign of the triad
is interpreted by some as a symbol of past, present and future, enclosed
in the ring of eternity. Others consider that it refers to religion, science
and art held together in the circle of culture. His spiritual life was
closely linked with the realm of mystic quests, so that he makes us believe
in the eternal return through new incarnations. many of his themes are
taken from visions and dreams.
“In Beauty we are united
Through Beauty we Pray
With Beauty we conquer”
It is possible to reach a higher level of thinking. And as we are part of the world, and the world in microcosm we can play our part. We are not pieces of clay; the inner spark that can appreciate beauty indicates a far more profounder source that we can tap into.
Through Peace, Brotherhood and a deeper search into the meaning of life in all its facets, we can play our part in changing the world. For a new world is coming.
Truly he earned the name given to him “THE MASTER OF THE MOUNTAINS Through all his”. paintings and writings runs the continuous thread of a great message, the message of the Teacher calling to the disciples to awaken and strive towards a new life, a better life, a life of Beauty and Fulfilment. He fully exemplified the words of Plate:
“From Beautiful images we shall go to Beautiful thoughts.
From Beautiful thoughts to a Beautiful life.
And from a Beautiful life to absolute Beauty.”
(1)
“Real Peace, Real Unity, is desired by the human heart. It strives to labour creatively and actively. For its’ labour’s a source of joy. It wants to love and expand in the Realisation of Sublime Beauty. In the highest perception of Beauty and Knowledge all conventional divisions disappear. The heart speaks its own language; it wants to rejoice at that which is common to all, uplifts all and leads to the radiant Future. All symbols and tablets of humanity contain one hieroglyph, the sacred prayer - Peace and Unity”. (2)
Michael Breen. Sydney. Australia
Sources - Nicholas Roerich by Sina Fosdick.
- Quoted by Svetoslav Roerich in 1974, the 100th. anniversary of N.K.Roerichs birth.
- Nicholas Roerich - ( Cultural Unity ).
