George Roerich. "A New Outpost of Science" (1930)
Nicholas Roerich. "American Scientific Station" (a letter)
Helena Roerich. A letter from 13 October 1930
"When defending the work of our societies and communities, let us not forget our scientific expeditions and the great idea of the Banner of Peace, our international contacts, and, finally, our struggle against the cruel and ignorant attitude toward cultural creativeness! Often, it is difficult for us to comprehend the whole significance of our constructive work, and in urgent moments the most significant data and proofs are not evident to us. It is not always that our memory can muster the necessary thought. That is why it is so important to practise the reviewing of our tasks, together with the inspection of our shields and general accumulations. To begin with, let us firmly realize that we are constructing a great work of world importance and that we are invulnerable beneath our shields.
Perhaps the concept of a City of Knowledge is less clear in the consciousness of the co-workers than the other ideas. Therefore, I shall give you — rather, will repeat to you — a few ideas for your outer protection. As to the inner one, you already have it. The center should be developed into a city of knowledge. In this city we wish to create a synthesis of scientific achievements. Therefore, all branches of science should eventually be established there. And, since the source of knowledge lies in the Cosmos, the co-workers of the scientific center should belong to the whole world — that is, should include all nationalities. And, as the Cosmos is indivisible in all its functions, the scientists of the world should be indivisible in their achievements. In other words, they should be united in closest cooperation. The location of the center, in the Himalayas, is selected quite deliberately and purposefully, as innumerable possibilities are open there, and the attention of the scientific world is being directed toward these heights. The discovery of new cosmic rays, which bring to humanity new precious energies, is possible only on the mountain summits because all the finest and most valuable energies are found only in the pure layers of mountain atmosphere.
Are not mountains the greatest of magnetic stations? Would it not be appropriate to explore their magnetism and electricity? Would not the study of magnetic currents bring safety into aerostatics? In the sphere of magnetic currents science is still in its infancy, and modern instruments are nothing but toys, while "great discoveries could take place with proper study and research". The reason we wish so much to begin this research at our center is because the conditions of this locality are particularly favorable. Would it not be timely to pay attention to all meteoric precipitations which fall on the snowy summits and which, by the force of the mountain streams, are carried down to the valleys? For astronomical observations the conditions here are exceptionally good, and in nearby Little Tibet it is possible to establish a section of the main station.
Geologically, the Himalayas are also very interesting, and their caves hold many mysteries for archaeologists, zoologists and anthropologists. There are a great number of hot springs . Also, other unexplored springs and salt lakes, which have various properties according to the statements of local inhabitants. As for botany, zoology, and ornithology — you have already learned from the letters of our botanist-zoologist how pleased he was with the results of his work. On these mountains the rarest medicinal plants and grasses are centered, and the variety of botanic species is unexcelled.
In archaeological respects our valley, of course, is one of the richest and most ancient. There are traces of ancient Buddhist culture. Quite remarkable is the number of local dialects among the mountain tribes. Two neighboring villages frequently do not understand each other. Fiery atmospheric manifestations also could be observed here, and the so-called "Himalayan lights" may often be seen. It is most desirable to establish here a meteorological station to start studying and observing the magnetic currents, with the idea of broadening it eventually, bearing in mind the favorable local conditions. In connection with this, let me quote certain indications: "Further movement of magnetic currents over the surface of the earth manifests the lines of the atmospheric changes. Observation stations should be established in various places, and collaboration between them should be as close and precise as possible. It is true that the trouble lies in the absence of synthesis and that much energy and valuable studies are lost. Therefore, an organization of true cooperators is necessary on Earth".
Let us think of broad possibilities. "Breadth of thought and consciousness will be your test". Have you noticed that all pessimists usually possess small consciousnesses and poor imaginations?
The establishment of a city of synthesized knowledge is a problem of world significance, and that is why we must not ask for help but should demand it. We work not for ourselves but for humanity. Everyone of us is ready to apply his best efforts for the General Good. Let other people also understand this pure striving, and they may become aflame with the desire to advance humanity further toward synthesized knowledge.
Thus, insist that your co-workers examine and cleanse their shields. Search for those shields in every indication, every thought given in the books of Living Ethics. We must have the beautiful, constructive formulae ready. With all our imagination we are unable to embrace the significance of present events which gather around the cultural activities. Therefore, let us absorb the idea that a great world task is being performed and, striving ceaselessly, let us continue to carry the stones for building the Temple of Knowledge.
Once more, I ask all participants to think what great cooperation means. I quote an example given by the Teacher: "Forces which act against each other are mutually destroyed. Forces which act along parallel lines in the same direction manifest the sum of these energies, and forces which act separately are weakened, according to the angle of their divergency. People cannot realize that this fundamental law of physics is also a fundamental law of cooperation". Therefore, straighten out your divergencies so that your forces move in the same direction. Consider the consequences of divergencies. In true cooperation, no one is belittled, and he can help the better who knows and sees more. The more ignorant a person or a nation is, the less cooperation is in evidence. But who would wish to assign to himself the label of stupidity and ignorance? The saying, "I know nothing of it, I meddle not", is very characteristic. But he who knows nothing may never know anything".
13 October 1930
