s are striped with fire and from the lid of the coffin appear
tongues of flame. The eldest Goro stands before him with covered head
and face and with hands folded across his chest. This Goro never removes
the covering from his face, for his head is a nude skull with living
eyes and a tongue that speaks. He is in communion with the souls of all
who have gone before.

"The King of the World prays for a long time and afterwards approaches
the coffin and stretches out his hand. The flames thereon burn brighter;
the stripes of fire on the walls disappear and revive, interlace and
form mysterious signs from the alphabet vatannan. From the coffin
transparent bands of scarcely noticeable light begin to flow forth.
These are the thoughts of his predecessor. Soon the King of the World
stands surrounded by an auriole of this light and fiery letters write
and write upon the walls the wishes and orders of God. At this moment
the King of the World is in contact with the thoughts of all the men who
influence the lot and life of all humankind: with Kings, Czars, Khans,
warlike leaders, High Priests, scientists and other strong men. He
realizes all their thoughts and plans. If these be pleasing before God,
the King of the World will invisibly help them; if they are unpleasant
in the sight of God, the King will bring them to destruction. This power
is given to Agharti by the mysterious science of 'Om,' with which we
begin all our prayers. 'Om' is the name of an ancient Holyman, the first
Goro, who lived three hundred thirty thousand years ago. He was the
first man to know God and who taught humankind to believe, hope and
struggle with Evil. Then God gave him power over all forces ruling the
visible world.

"After his conversation with his predecessor the King of the World
assembles the 'Great Council of God,' judges the actions and thoughts
of great men, helps them or destroys them. Mahytma and Mahynga find the
place for these actions and thoughts in the causes ruling the world.
Afterwards the King of the World enters the great temple and prays in
solitude. Fire appears on the altar, gradually spreading to all the
altars near, and through the burning flame gradually appears the face of
God. The King of the World reverently announces to God the decisions and
awards of the 'Council of God' and receives in turn the Divine orders of
the Almighty. As he comes forth from the temple, the King of the World
radiates with Divine Light."

CHAP