Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov
“Through my teaching, I wish to give you essential notions about the human being: how he is built, his relationship with nature, the exchanges he must make with others and with the universe, in order to drink from the sources of divine life.”
An authentic and exemplary spiritual master
It was in 1937 that Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov (1900-1986), of Bulgarian origin and disciple of the master Peter Deunov (1864-1944), came to settle in France.
Philosopher, teacher and spiritual master (in the oriental sense of the term, in reference to self-control and pedagogical qualities), he has for nearly half a century given strictly oral instruction and has developed a lively and original way of thinking in front of diverse audiences, sensitive to his concrete pedagogy, his benevolent radiance and his unfailing exemplarity.
The unique and vibrant clarity of his lectures (nearly 5,000) allowed for a broad understanding of complex subjects such as the Kabbalah as well as an unprecedented illumination of oriental teachings such as the subtle bodies, chakras, aura, karma and reincarnation.
Although he approaches the multiple aspects of spirituality (Initiatic Science in his own words), he specifies: "The questions that we will always face will always be the same: understanding the beings that we are, discovering the meaning of our earthly existence and overcoming the obstacles that stand in our way. So, don't ask me to talk to you about anything else, I will always come back to these same subjects: our perfection, the path to follow and the methods to follow it."
The importance of daily life and the present moment
In this, he always insisted on the fact that "initiation" - whose objective is to discipline the physical body as well as feelings and thoughts - is no longer practiced in temples, caves or other subterranean places but in our very lives, through a modest and patient work of making small daily efforts. This is why he often said: "It is up to the present to impose its will in order to transform the past and guide the future." For his teaching is above all pragmatic, guided by constant attention in all our activities whether it be nutrition, breathing, physical exercises, meditation as well as in our relationships with others (love, education, friendship, etc.).
Universalism at the heart of spiritual practice
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov has explored human nature in all its dimensions: individual, family, social, planetary and has never ceased to give us clear and concrete notions, necessary for our fulfillment. But, at the same time, he makes us aware of the relationships we need to maintain with the world around us, not only human, but nature and the entire universe. For spiritual work only makes sense if, beyond one's personal development, each person is fully aware of the idea that he or she is a member of the great human family and a citizen of the cosmos.
Thus, the teaching of Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov invites us all, without distinction of race, nation, religion, social class, to join our efforts to live together in peace and brotherhood.
Georg Feuerstein writes about the life and teaching of Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov in his book "The Mystery of Light".
The Mystery of Light by Georg Feuerstein.
The Mystery of Light is the first book-length account of the life and teaching of the Bulgarian-born spiritual adept Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov (1900-1986), who was one of the twentieth century’s greatest luminaries of Western spirituality. He was a disciple of the saintly Peter Deunov (Beinsa Douno), modern Bulgaria’s most remarkable spiritual figure. In 1937, at the behest of his teacher, Aïvanhov moved to France where he taught the timeless secrets of a universal gnosticism for nearly a half century. This book holds great appeal for seekers both within and outside established spiritual traditions.
Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., was an internationally renowned Yoga researcher and historian of religion with thirty books to his credit, including the award-winning The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga and the best-selling Living Yoga. He was also the founder-director of the Yoga Research Center and editor of Yoga World newsletter.