Contemporary knowledge about God, Evolution, and the meaning of human life.
Methodology of spiritual development.

---

Tale of Ivan’s Wanderings in an Unknown Country

It all happened a long time ago… But, for some reason, people still have not changed so much since then…

… Once upon a time, there was a man named Ivan. He had two parents: a father and a mother. And he knew God-the-Father. He also loved and honored Mother Earth.

One day, these events happened to him… And what is true in it and what is a tale — it is for you to decide yourself…

* * *

Once, Ivan went on a summer morning stroll in the forest: both to merge with the beauty of nature, and to communicate with God. And he took a basket to collect forest berries.

He had come in the forest to a large bright pine. It was one of those trees, which are called trees of power. Such trees create energy fields around themselves, purifying the human body and soul — of those people who live righteously and are therefore able to perceive the Holy Spirits, by attuning with the Divine, Which manifests Itself in the Creation.

Ivan leaned on the trunk of the pine — to be saturated with the Holy Subtlety and Purity.

And suddenly he saw a Divine Soul — a beautiful Woman, consisting of the Divine Light and coming from God-the-Father.

And She said:

“Ivan! It is time for you — to also begin helping other people, like how you previously helped those who live in your village! Do you agree?”

“Yes.”

The Divine Woman hugged Ivan — and dissolved him in Herself. And She then carried him to another land.

* * *

Ivan woke up in another country under another tree of power. His basket was lying next to him. Ivan got up and picked up the basket. He looked around, surprised — and went to survey this country, unknown to him, where he found himself.

He had been walking for a very long time, and he wanted to eat.

He saw some apple trees growing, which were bent down by the weight of the ripe fruits. He came up to the apple tree, and plucked an apple. But he had not taken more than a bite — when here came a man running with a shovel, looking as if he was wanting to kill him. He screamed:

“Why do you steal my apples?!”

“I’m sorry, my good man, I did not know that this is your apple! I thought that it belonged to the apple tree, and that the apple tree wanted to please the weary traveler with its apple!”

“Do you think you’re some kind of wise guy? Where in the world did you come from? What? Did you fall from the sky? Where have you seen that apples are free to all passerby?! Once you steal an apple — you should pay it back by working! Come work for me as a farmhand! If not, I’ll send you to the court of the king!”

“Well then, I will work it off!”

“That’s better!”

Ivan began to work. He performed any task with great skill! Everything in his hands was as if dancing! In the garden, he would work — and all fruits would become ripe! In the vegetable garden, he would work — and everything would grow and mature there too!

The children of that man — loved Ivan: they asked him about everything, and he — not only just gave them the answers, but he also taught then to be smart, and told them about love-kindness, and showed them good examples.

"If I have been sent here,” — Ivan thought — “this means that God-the-Father wanted it to be so! I will cure people from greed! I will teach children kindness! And then, perhaps, I will know what to do next: maybe I will find a way to return to my home…”

But that man was cunning, he saw how valuable his employee was! He did not pay him money. But Ivan — did not ask for anything. All he needed was a pot of milk and a piece of bread — and, in this way, he was well fed.

The man thought and wondered: “He does not work for his own interest… It’s as if — he’s a fool! But wherein lies his strength? I do not understand!”

And Ivan said to him words of wisdom and goodness:

“Compassion — is not nonsense!

“Trickery — is not wisdom!

“Simplicity — is not poverty!

“Greed — is not wealth!

“You are here — and what do you live for?

“Worldly riches — cannot be taken with you into other worlds!

“What good of yours will be remembered on the Earth? What good of yours will people remember?

“From such a life, what will you obtain — that will not be taken away from you by the death of your body?

“What will you tell God-the-Father about the life you have lived?”

“And you, wise guy, why do you live?”

“I live to decorate every day, at least a little, — with love and kindness!

“After all, God commanded people to live in the world in the following way: co-create the good for others and do not take care of only yourself!

“Let what is done by me today be both simple and small, and even if no one will know about it — I will still serve the good! Like the sun that rises in the morning, I will shine by my heart to all people and show love to all!”

“Here you are talking about love, but where is this “love”? It cannot be seen! Gain and power rule over life! And is not love at all!” — the man said in response.

Ivan said to him:

“You are harming yourself, as if you were your own worst enemy! You ruin your life! You love no one! And love cannot be cognized by the one who lives only for oneself!”

But the man argued:

“How could I even live like that: not loving myself, loving others, giving away to others, not thinking about myself? Here it would be — self-detrimental!

“If something is beneficial for someone — it means that it is not beneficial for someone else! If someone has something, this means that someone else does not have it! Is it not?”

“Ugh! What kind of country is this? Even in your minds, all your thoughts have been as if turned upside down! Living in untruth — all have become lost!

“Well, judge for yourself:

“If the sun is shining over my house — then it also shines above my neighbor’s house!

“If a contagious disease has come into the house of my neighbor — then it, too, is my own trouble and sorrow. For that trouble may make everyone ill, if the disease is not treated!

“And if love has risen above the house — then it shines upon everything around!

“But the same thing happens with hatred, greed, and envy. Like infectious diseases — if one does not treat them — they will cause harm to all around!”

… Often, Ivan talked with the man about the meaning of life, and argued with him about the goodness of the heart…

But Ivan saw that the words of wisdom — were not accepted by the man…

And he decided that the time had come for him to go further.

* * *

But suddenly, a widow-neighbor, living in poverty, came to that man. She asked him to loan her a sack of flour. But the greedy man said:

“You will give me back with interest — two times more than what you now take from me!”

The poor woman cried:

“How can I give you back so much?”

But Ivan said to the woman:

“Take me in as a worker: I’ll help you! I have already repaid this man for his apple. Now — I can work for you. You can give him double — and I will give you four times as much!”

The man did not want to let his employee go. He said:

“Do not go to her! She has four children who sit on benches and always want to eat! She will neither give you bread, nor pour milk!”

“I have repaid you for your apple! So, I am free to go wherever I want!” — Ivan answered him.

Then the kids of the man came running up, and held onto him by the bottom of his caftan, not allowing Ivan to depart:

“Stay! We will be sad without you! Who will tell us stories? Who will show us joy? Who will teach us cleverness?”

But Ivan answered them:

“I do not go into distant lands! Come and visit your neighbor and her kids! Bring gifts! I have taught you kindness, and whoever does not forget my lessons — will not only talk about good in tales, but will do good in reality!”

The kids ran up to their father:

“Daddy, daddy, give away a sack of flour to our neighbor!”

The man thought for a moment, and said:

“Okay, fine, take it for free to feed your children!”

And, all of the sudden, everything became so light and warm in his heart — as never before…

And then Ivan smiled:

“So, this means that I did not just work for you in vain!”

And the widow did not believe her eyes and ears! She thanked him from the bottom of her heart with happiness!

And Ivan said:

“This joy is not happiness yet! It should be even greater!”

* * *

Ivan took the sack of flour, hoisted it onto his shoulder, and went with the poor woman.

They went into the house. There was — emptiness and sadness there… Thin and pale children were lying on the cold stove, wishing for something to eat… Anguish and sorrow clouded up the house like smoke…

Ivan said to them:

“No more lying on the stove picking your noses!

“From grief — ailments come! From melancholy — grief multiplies!

“But from love and joy — life becomes filled with happiness!

“With thoughts of light, and with joy in your hearts — let every day of your life begin! Let every day be filled with good deeds! And with bright calm — let every day end!

“You, children, clean up everything, sweep the house! We will be having dinner soon!”

And he himself — went to milk the cow. And he called upon the eldest girl to help him.

He began to milk and gently talk to the cow. He was nice to the cow!

And the girl patted the cow and rejoiced. She asked:

“May I — milk the cow too?”

“Why not?”

And they milked so much! Four times more than the usual!

They brought it back — and poured a cup for everyone.

Then Ivan began to knead the dough — and it began to grow and rise in his hands! The kids marveled: “Can we also — try?”…

Ivan, meanwhile, called the eldest boy into the yard. And they chopped some wood.

The younger kids began to carry and stack the split wood…

Ivan lit up the stove, and baked breads, bagels, and pretzels…

The children were happy, and the widow was surprised…

Hardly a week had passed, and the widow and her children had already forgotten about poverty!

Then Ivan began to teach the children to please their mother, by radiating light and love from their hearts.

And he taught all of them how to work: the eldest daughter — how to tend the cow and to bake bread, the eldest son — how to chop wood, how to heat the oven, how to walk in the forest to gather mushrooms and how to salt them, the younger children — how to wash and clean. And he taught all of them — how to help one another in everything good!

And the neighbor kids started to come to visit and bring gifts.

In this way, a strong friendship began to form amongst the children!

Ivan knew: he had sown good seeds here — for many years ahead! For many years from now, good sprouts will grow! These children will grow into adulthood — with good hearts and skillful hands! Consequently, they will live a life of goodness and beauty — for other people around!

* * *

And so, it became time for Ivan to say goodbye, and he traveled further.

He observed how people live in the country. But people were living wrongly and awkwardly…

Ivan stayed in one house, then in another — and, everywhere he went, he gave good advice on how to live, and how to light love in the house. Sometimes people only learned to smile to each other — and were only just beginning to look with good to the world!

… Ivan carried on in this way, and, one day, he passed by a house and saw a husband and wife who lived in one house, but did not get along with each other.

Anything that the husband did or even wanted to do — his wife in defiance would reject… And anything that his wife would do — the husband would be unhappy about and say: she did not see it correctly, and she prepared it wrong, and that it was unnecessary… Like this, they quarreled every day…

They lived as if together, but everything was apart between them… Every day consisted in battles and quarrels over any trifle…

Ivan heard how the husband and wife quarreled — and knocked on their door, asking to drink some water.

The wife opened the door, yelling rudely:

“Go away, beggar! We do not have anything extra!”

Ivan responded to her:

“Even just a little water for me to drink would be appreciated: I still have a long way left to go… I have just come back from the forest, and I have some ripe berries, they would please you!”

Her husband, after hearing about the berries, began shouting at his wife:

“You have enough water to not become poor! Let him drink some water — and he will give us the berries!”

Ivan sat down on the bench. He poured the berries into bowls for the hosts. He took the scoop with water, and took a sip. And he said:

“Would you like to have little kids in the house? This would bring joy to your lives, and you would not fight anymore!”

“Yes, we wanted this for a long time, but…” — said the husband and wife — and they began to blame and scold each other…

Ivan said to them:

“What child would like to have such parents: to listen to their quarrels? All kids — must be born and grow up in love! Love cannot exist among arguments and objections! Love — transforms! A kind person is beautiful! And an angry person is dangerous!”

“What are we to do? Teach us: how can we not fight?” — the husband and wife asked.

“Well, this is easy! My father and my mother taught me to:

— not want something against someone else’s volition,

— never say unkind words,

— always forgive insults,

— do not remember insults from other people.

“And the one who remembers old evil — becomes the enemy of good!

“So now I teach you the same things. And to make it easier for you — my advice is simple: when you’d like to say an angry word to someone, fill your mouth with water — and be quiet until you feel love in the spiritual heart!

“Your water is delicious and healthy, you will be healed in a month! And if you will think about a future baby with tender heart love— then after a year you will have a miracle: you shall have a good child!”

And so, Ivan said all of this, and, with some berries left, he went on…

… How much water did the husband and wife drink? — no one knew. Only they say that since then, they have finished their quarrels.

And after a year or two, kids were born by them. And a saying in those regions remained: “be silent, as if your mouth were filled water!”. And why they say so — it has already been forgotten…

* * *

Ivan travelled further into the country… And he heard — a woman singing a beautiful yet sad song:

“Salty drops of dew are on my gray eyes,

My blond braids are now white like snow…

Where are you, my dear husband to be?

How had I missed my happy day?”

Ivan asked her:

“Why is your song so sad? Why do you live so lonely?”

“I live lonely in this world, because I am not needed by anyone… I have no husband, or children… How can I not be sad about such a fate, how can I not be hurt to live such a life?”

“Stop loving your infirmities! Stop crying over yourself!

“Help others — and they will help you!

“You’re — not old yet! And you’re singing beautifully! Take into your life an orphaned baby — and make it happy! Look: there really is an orphan-girl in your village, accept her into your life! You will live together in love and goodness — and your life will change, and a new smile will appear in your fate!”

The woman was surprised and pleased:

“What a great truth that is: to stop living for just myself, to stop waiting for luck in my fate, and to stop being sad about myself! I’ll take the orphan as a daughter!”

“You have decided correctly, you beautiful one!” — Ivan said. — “The person who helps others — will rise from all troubles and diseases! The joy in such a person will increase, and his power will awaken! All the good that such a person has planned — will be realized, and will become true!”

* * *

Whether Ivan travelled a long distance or a short distance, wherever he was, good seeds germinated in souls!

And wherever people learned to love each other — peace and harmony and the joy of God in their hearts remained and grew!

… He came to another village — where recruitments into the royal army were happening. Soldiers needed to serve ten years in the army of the king. And not many men came back alive, because their king, Mokey, was always ready to fight and always found a reason for war…

In the village, wailing and moans were heard!…

Ivan saw a girl and a guy who were saying their goodbyes, with floods of tears pouring from their eyes.

The guy said:

“You will forget me during my ten-year service in the army…”

And she answered him:

“I will not forget you, I will wait for you forever! Only come back!…”

Ivan said to the guy:

“Do you want me to go into the army instead of you? I want to see: why such an army is needed, and for what reason so much tears and sorrow are around!”

“Will you really go yourself, voluntarily, — instead of me having to serve?!”

“I’ll go.”

The young guy bowed, and thanked Ivan.

* * *

So, Ivan had become a soldier.

But it was only the commanders’ minds that were tortured by Ivan: he only asked questions, and argued. But in the army, this cannot happen! Back-talk in the army is not allowed, rather one just needs to perform commands!

They said to him:

“We will teach you the military science!”

But Ivan answered:

“I knew that there is a science, for example, on how to plant a garden. There is a science, on how to raise bread, on how to build a house. But I did not know that there is a science, on how to ruin people!”

The bosses worried: this will turn into a riot! If one begins to behave like this — then others will also want to! The voivode ordered him to be arrested and sent him to the court of the king: “He is insubordinate and a rebel, he does not want to march, he does not want to fight! He conducts dangerous discussions, leading to sedition!”

Ivan was arrested and taken to King Mokey in court.

… They brought Ivan to the king.

And King Mokey was formidable and bad-tempered. If something was wrong in his opinion — he immediately strove to execute that person: one person — would get put on a stake, another — would get his head cut off.

That was why war in the kingdom never ended: the king, Mokey, could not be in peace with his neighbors! Any quarrel would lead to a fight! People were dying, and the countries were becoming poorer…

And the king had pleasure only when there was someone against whom to wage war, to judge, or to execute.

The king rubbed his hands, wanting to hold court: he wanted to mock Ivan, to relish in his fear, and to be proud of his kingly power!

He began to terrorize Ivan with a cruel penalty and a terrible death. But saw that Ivan is not afraid… And he was curious as to why.

So he asked:

“Why are you, Ivan, not afraid of death?”

“I never transgressed in my life, I have always acted according to my conscience! So why should I be afraid?

“And I know that the soul does not die: it is only the death of the body that occurs. Then the soul incarnates in a new body.

“If one lives not by one’s own initiative, but by the commands of God — then death does not frighten such a person! God controls my destiny! According to His plan all is done!”

“Well-well…” — Mokey wondered: he had not heard such talk before… — “Then answer me: why, Ivan-troublemaker, do you not want to fight in my army?”

“I do not want to, sir, because I must first understand: what are the goals of the war, for which I have to shoot at people, depriving them of life? If there is no reason to — then kill me, but I will not shoot!”

“A punishment! You must be given a punishment! Because such cases cannot be permitted! Even to think or talk in such a way must not be allowed! If everyone in the army would understand the reasons for a war — then war will not exist!”

“But why is that — bad?

“If people would understand why they should fight — then there could not be more reliable troops! If everyone in the army knows the meaning of what he participates in — then this army is invincible! Such an army cannot be bribed, these soldiers cannot be defeated!

“And wrongful wars — will not be!”

Mokey even turned purple in indignation:

“But how is it possible — to not fight?! It is clear from antiquity: if something is not shared by people, then — they must battle! And whoever is stronger — he will own it!”

“But it is possible to solve problems in peace, and share in goodness!

“Maybe you need to decide otherwise: who needs it more — he owns it!?

“Why are you now at war? What did you not share with the King Dermidon?”

“He has searched distant lands and captured Vasilisa-the-Wise! And he keeps her in his prison! And I heard that the person who owns wisdom — can dominate over any power! I will conquer Vasilisa from him — and will be the owner of all the kingdoms and lands! No one will be stronger than me!”

“But is it really possible for someone to own wisdom, by keeping a Wise One in captivity? Is it possible to grow wiser from this? What is the benefit of wisdom that is kept locked, and not applied in real life?

“Only that wisdom which is applied, can be useful!

“But wisdom can be born and grown — only from the goodness of the heart!

“And only with the spiritual love — is wisdom mastered!

“Would you like for me to become your ambassador to King Dermidon? I will reconcile you with him and marry you with his daughter. And Vasilisa-the-Wise will be released from prison — and all people will learn from her wisdom! In your kingdoms, peace will co-exist, and you will arrange a wedding feast in both your kingdoms! You will understand, King Mokey, how wonderful it is to live without war!

“And are you bored to live so many years without a wife?”

… King Mokey began to think about his life… And indeed: for so many years he fought and fought… But how to find a bride in such a life? And the daughter of King Dermidon, Barbara, would be a good pair for King Mokey: not the best in temperament; grumpy, moderately haughty, not too clever, but not bad…

And so, suddenly, King Mokey wanted to become married!

He spoke to Ivan:

“Well-well! So that’s how it shall be! I had thought that I would impale you on a stake! But now you have become an ambassador…

“Well, so be it, go! Only, do not come back without Princess Barbara!”

* * *

And Ivan went to King Dermidon.

He arrived — and spoke to Dermidon:

“I, Ivan the Ambassador, have come from King Mokey. King Mokey asks for the hand of your daughter in marriage!”

King Dermidon answered:

“For ten years, Mokey wanted only to fight! And why now does he decide to parley? Well, I don’t want to! I know him: he has decided to capture me by cunning! He wants to take Vasilisa-the-Wise away from me! He wants to own both kingdoms! That is why we are at war! And no agreements between us are possible!”

“I have come to reconcile you, to stop the feud between the realms, to carry out kinship and peace between you! And, with regards to Vasilisa-the-Wise, I have come to liberate her. Arrange the wedding — and make peace!”

“No! Do not say that!” — Dermidon shouted.

… But the beautiful Barbara, the daughter of King Dermidon, heard the whole conversation.

Barbara was still without a husband! For many years already, she wanted to marry, but she still did not have a suitor!… Either — King Dermidon did not like the suitor: because he was poor, or not famous… Or, she herself did not like him: because he was too old, or his face was not beautiful…

And during ten years of war, so many had been killed!… And because of this nobody had proposed to her yet…

She entered — and cried out loudly:

“And why am I not asked, father?! Make peace! I want to get married!”

She began to howl so much that King Dermidon understood: if he does not marry her right now, then, for sure, he will never have a calm life…

“Well,” — he said — “I will give my daughter in marriage! But I will not give up Vasilisa-the-Wise until all her wisdom has become mine! This stubborn girl does not want to obey me, she does not want to share her wisdom with me! She gives me strange tips, and laughs at me!…

“For example, she said: ‘Stop eating dead bodies, King Dermidon! Look: animals suffer so much because of you! And because of eating the dead flesh — your abdomen is boiling up inside of you, and your mind is closed from the light of truth, it is coarse and not prolific!’

“Or she says: ‘Do not accumulate wealth for yourself! There is no use in such riches: it will be lost in vain! A good sovereign — is rich by the wealth and prosperity of his country! He is glad to defend the contentment and peace of his people! He rules with the help of goodness, and not violence! He uses his power only to stop the outrage and anger of certain people!’”

“Let me King Dermidon, talk with Vasilisa! I’ll do this so that she will disclose all her wisdom: everyone will take as much as he or she wants and can accommodate!

“There is no benefit in the wisdom that is contained under lock and key and is not applied in life!

“But one needs to learn wisdom for a long time! Everyone needs to work here much!

“To learn to be wise — one should illuminate one’s own thoughts with love!

“Wisdom is a property of the soul, which has great heart love!”

… And, unexpectedly, Dermidon agreed and ordered to take Ivan to the dungeon, where Vasilisa-the-Wise was being held.

* * *

The guard guided Ivan. King Dermidon, Princess Barbara, and the servants — went as well. It was something that everyone wanted to see! They were afraid to miss the moment when Vasilisa would begin to distribute her wisdom to all!

The locks were unbolted, the doors to the dungeon were opened.

Ivan and Vasilisa saw each other. And they united by souls in love!

Now they understood each other’s thoughts without words! They stood and looked at each other — as if there was no one else around!

The silence of their lips did not hinder them from hearing each other:

“I waited for you! I waited for you to come for me!”

“I’m sorry that I took so long! I felt that there was a reason for me to come here. But if I knew about you — then I would have hurried more…”

And King Dermidon began to worry:

“Why are you silent? What is it? Do you hide the wisdom from us?”

Vasilisa looked kindly and said to Ivan so that all could hear:

“Don’t be sad that you met up with me after so long a time! You have done a lot of good deeds on your way! And because of this, I love you even more!

“And I lived without sorrow in the prison, I lived as if I were free! I was hovering by the soul like a bird above the land and hugging everyone and everything with my heart love! I sang songs of love — and people’s hearts listened to these songs! Either a beautiful girl would hear my song — and sing it to her beloved! Or a mother, sloping over a cradle, would connect her affection and my affection, while rocking a baby to sleep! Or a shepherd would hear my heart melody — and play it on his pipe! Or birds in autumn would sing like in spring! Or a breeze would rustle the leaves of a birch tree — in rhythm with my song — and embrace a good one with its warm breath!

“And by the body, I was not lazy! Here, in prison, I did not pass time in vain: I have written a book for people. The book outlines what I know about why people are born on the Earth, why they have to learn kindness, how to create happiness, how to control and manage one’s own emotions, how to connect one’s own life with the Divine Commandments, and how to fulfill life’s meaning… And I have also recorded advice for rulers — so that people’s prosperity in the kingdoms might increase.

“If all people were obedient to the Laws of God, if they were kind to their neighbors — then, perhaps, life would begin to change, so that all could live more beautifully!”

And then Ivan spoke like that too, so that both Dermidon, and Barbara, and the servants, and the guards could hear:

“Come with me, Vasilisa-the-Beautiful, to my house! Be my friend, companion, and faithful wife! And the book, which you have written in prison, in which all wisdom is stored, — let all people read it! And when they learn the wisdom — there will be no conflicts, nor strife between people!”

And Vasilisa replied to him:

“Yes, I agree.”

* * *

King Dermidon agreed to the wedding of his daughter. And between the kingdoms — peace was established.

King Mokey married Barbara. And he now was at war sometimes only with his wife. However, Barbara did not allow him to take precedence over her.

The “Book of Wisdom”, which Vasilisa had written in prison, was many times copied and sent out to all corners of the two kingdoms.

Sometimes people read the book. And where they introduced in life the wise advice of Vasilisa-the-Wise — kingdoms prospered.

… In this way, Ivan and Vasilisa helped to establish the life in those lands. And it was time for them to return home.

* * *

They went to Ivan’s house, and his father and mother met them.

They said to Ivan:

“You were picking berries for a very long time!”

Ivan bowed to them and apologized for his delay:

“Sorry that it took so long to gather berries! But: I went for berries — and found the perfect wife! Rejoice! Meet her!”

* * *

What happened next — cannot be told at once! About all their good joint achievements — it’s impossible to tell at one time!

Because this is the end of our tale.

And love is the crown for all good deeds!