Peter Deunov, his initiatory name Beïnça Douno, born July 11, 1864 in Bulgaria, near Varna.
After high school, he enrolled in 1883 at the theology department of the American Methodist school of Svichetov, where he is preparing to become a pastor and evangelical missionary.
Driven by a very broad conception of the Teaching of Christ, he becomes a traveling educator, crossing the entire Bulgaria and giving advice and lectures to all who were willing to receive him and listen.
Around 1898, three deeply Christian Bulgarians, an Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic, become his companions. Convinced that it is not the spiritual aspirations that split Christianity in its history, but. struggles for prestige and power prompted by personal interests, Peter Deunov taught to overcome religious antagonisms communing with the true Christ, one and indivisible source of eternal life, which manifests itself as a current of life always new and constantly regenerating humanity.
His oral teaching attracting more and more listeners of all ages and from all social classes he gives in his improvised conferences solutions to the various challenges faced by each of them. These conferences of Peter Deunov.. are called «lessons». It feels like a school of real life.
In 1914, March 22, Peter Deunov baptizes the spiritual group that he animates «White Brotherhood», and made this day an anniversary, saying: «March 22 marks the first day of the spiritual school year and the beginning of a new age in the sublime world». On March 22 of each year, followers of the Brotherhood start the period of sunrises which lasts from spring until the end of September. In good weather, in the early morning, in a quiet and secluded place, they will contemplate sunrise and practice the Surya-yoga.
In 1917, convicted in a trial at the instigation of the Orthodox Church, Peter Deunov is put under house arrest in Varna This is where Michael Ivanov, warned by friends of the presence of the great sage, asks for an interview, is received by him and soon after will become his disciple.
Back in Sofia, Peter Deunov can teach again. In 1922, he opens his Esoteric School and the same year opens the first summer camp at the Seven Lakes of Rila The simple and fraternal life in communion with nature in the region of Rila lakes and mountain excursions are conditions that allow Master Peter Deunov to guide his followers toward experiences and spiritual work they cannot achieve in Sofia (Read:. Life with the Master Peter Deunov, Prosveta,). Since then, brothers and sisters go every year in summer camp at the Rila lakes.
Image source: Universal White Brotherhood