Symbols and Images of Ancient Russia and Ancient East in Nicholas Roerich creative work

In the era of globalization, when integration covers different areas of people’s livelihoods, studying artistic, scientific, philosophical and literature heritage of an outstanding artist, thinker and a public figure of 20th century – Nicholas Roerich is especially actual. Review of Nicholas Roerich artistic creative work in the context of the dialog of East and West cultures, Christian and Buddhist images and symbols promotes the education of the young generation in the spirit of culture of peace, cooperation, understanding, respect between nations and peoples.Ancient wisdom of East and extensive material collected by the artist during the Central Asian expedition made him realize the existence of the cultural and historical commonality of humanity in the past, and the idea of the inevitable synthesis of East and West cultures in the future. Nicholas Roerich was firmly confirmed that synthesis of spiritual heritage of East, it’s religious and philosophic thought with the newest scientific achievements of West will promote evolution of the whole humanity and promote overcoming the global crises of the civilization: anthropological, cultural, economical etc.The subject of motherland takes a significant place in artistic, literary and epistolary Nicholas Roerich’s heritage. For Russian people we were working. For them we carry knowledge and achievements (form Nicholas Roerich’s essay The quarter of century (1945)). In 1922 the artist created a series of paintings Sancta , dedicated to St. Sergius of Radonezh, a saver of Russian land, creator of Russian statehood. Spiritual work of the Great Russian Saint helped to unite the principalities and to win a victory against Tatar-Mongols. Sergius of Radonezh enlivened and set in motion moral feeling of people, raised their spirit higher than the usual rate of the obedience and the despair. The whole life of the Great Mentor was selfless service to people, who found refuge, protection and the source of ineffable power in him. The Monk, making the character of the people, taught them by his own example – ceaseless glad work and prayer of heart. The spirit labor as physical one helped strengthening the moral, dignity and national self- consciousness of Russian people.