BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR BOY AN BOEV

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

OF THE AUTHOR BOY AN BOEV

 

Viola Jordanoff Bowman

 

Boyan Boev was born in 1863 in Burgas, Bulgaria. As a young man he studied Natural Sciences in Munich, Germany. Later on he finished at Sofia's University of Sciences, specializing in Natural Sciences.

 

Boyan Boev was endowed with a strong and inquiring intellect, and was well-disciplined by diligent schooling and studies. His knowledge of the German, French and Russian languages allowed him to follow with scrutiny the scientific and philosophical progress in Europe. He was well acquainted with the new scientific theories and familiar with such famous scientific and cultural personalities as Haisenberger, Jordan, Lakovsky, Rudolf Steiner, etc.

 

Around 1911, Boyan Boev returned to Sofia where he met the Bulgarian philosopher, musician, teacher and preacher of Esoteric Christianity, Peter Dounov. Peter Dounov obtained his higher education in Theology and Medicine at Drew and Boston Universities in the United States.

Peter Dounov expressed the view that he valued the new scientific theories but found them limited, as they recognized only the physical, mechanical side of all phenomena. He insisted that behind every mechanical activity stands a Rational Intelligence which directs the processes in every physical form.

 

Peter Dounov also taught that it was time for humanity to begin creating a new culture based upon Wisdom, Love and Truth, the three attributes of One Living Omnipresent God. He expressed the need for educating a new balanced man, one with an intellect shining with Knowledge, a heart radiating unconditional Love and a noble, strong will acting with Justice.

 

For the realization of these high goals, Peter Dounov offered, among other alternatives, one practical, exceptionally innovative educational method, called PANEURHYTHMY. He incorporated deep breathing, music, poetry and body movements to express everlasting thoughts.

 

Deeply impressed by this teaching, Boyan Boev became a devout disciple of Peter Dounov. He moved to Izgrev (Sunrise), the spiritual community established by the followers of Peter Dounov.

 

Now I would like to add my personal memory, despite fifty years passing, still vividly fresh. Whenever I saw Boyan Boev walking on the streets of Sofia, or in Izgrev, or standing close to Peter Dounov taking shorthand notes, he was always impressive with his demure posture and sunbronzed, goodhearted face with its striking expression making it appear that he was intently listening to his superconsciousness whispering to him: serve, serve, serve.

 

Indeed, until his last day, July 7, 1963, his whole life was a total service, helping everybody who needed him and wholeheartedly engaging in the activities, problems and spiritual growth of the Brotherhood. But the highlight of his unselfish service remains the preservation in writing of the supreme knowledge of the Master, Peter Dounov. In this sense his literary work is paramount.

 

In tliis small, but very useful book, the author, Boyan Boev, shares with us his rich knowledge of Breathing, based upon the scientific facts and new spiritual methods of Peter Dounov.