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*The books of Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a
Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the
Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from
ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.
Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A.
Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such
subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual
evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and
training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the
seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on
esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes
the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths. Five
volumes have been written under the overall title of "A Treatise on
the Seven Rays". This sequence of books is based on the fact, the
nature and the quality of the seven basic streams of energy
pervading our solar system, our planet and all that lives and moves
within its orbit. Of the specialised subjects presented in these
books, two volumes are concerned with esoteric psychology - the
first in relation to basic energy patterns and structures; the
second particularly applied to the soul and the personality of man
and to the working out of the Plan for humanity. Psychology is
defined in Webster's Dictionary as "the science of mind", at one
time considered a branch of metaphysics. Today we are more inclined
to include all the conditioning subjective factors as psychological
in nature - mental and emotional impulses and soul contact, to
whatever degree it exists. These subjective influences constitute
the whole psychological background to a man's attitudes and
behaviour, and create the faculty of spiritual response. The
"psyche" is, after all, the human soul, the centre of
consciousness. Esoteric psychology begins with a consideration of
the human being as a soul, manifesting in the form of a
personality, consisting of mental, emotional and etheric/physical
substance, and more or less in contact and control, depending on
the stage of evolution in the personality consciousness. From the
point of view of esoteric psychology, evolution is the evolution of
consciousness, by which the imbedded fragment of the soul within
the personality progressively identifies its spiritual source and
becomes at-one with it. The seven differentiated streams of ray
energy play a significant role in this evolutionary process. A
blend of five energies in a human being determine his goals, his
problems, his available qualities and energy resources, and the
correct method by which - according to his dominant ray influence -
he may unfold his consciousness and make spiritual progress. In
this volume of Esoteric Psychology many of these distinctive ray
qualities and methods are given as quotations, or interpretations,
of "The Old Commentary" put into poetic and symbolic words. The
seven rays are shown as the Seven Creative Builders, each one
imbued with purpose and power, functioning together as a synthesis
in occult obedience to the purposes of our Solar Logos. Such a
detailed and comprehensive study of the ray energies influencing
our planetary life and all kingdoms in nature is of inestimable
value to the aspirant consciously preparing himself to become of
planetary service as he learns to serve and to unite with his
fellowmen.
The science of esoteric astrology is said to be the basic occult
science for the future. It will come into its own as the esoteric
or soul factors begin to supersede the exoteric focus of the vast
majority of professional and amateur astrologers today. This is the
science which deals with those conditioning and governing energies
and forces which play through and upon the whole field of space and
all that is found within that field. The Ancient Wisdom teaches
that "Space is an entity". It is with the life of this entity and
with the forces and energies, the impulses and the rhythms, the
cycles and the times and seasons, that esoteric astrology deals.
Esoteric astrology can be applied by the trained worker in a
variety of ways; in medicine, psychology, science, education; to an
evaluation of human problems, of the destiny of nations, of a
correct interpretation of world affairs, and so on. It is
necessary, however, that at this stage the application of esoteric
astrology to human life should be recognised as experimental and
tentative, so that each individual worker can adjust his thinking
and his methods according to his own wrought-out experience. As
with all other aspects of occultism and esotericism, accuracy and
facility to work depend entirely on a consciousness evolving out of
control by the personality into the life of the soul, out of
separateness and self-centredness into a realisation of unity, and
absorption into a centre of group consciousness. Astrology is
described in this book as "the science of relationships" - the
relationship existing between all living organisms within the
universe. Not only the qualities of the ray energies affect these
centres of consciousness, but also the quality and energy of the
ruling planets and the zodiacal signs. Seen from the exoteric
outside, astrology is a vast and most involved and complex subject.
From the esoteric inside, while it is still vast, all-inclusive and
complex, it is also possible to perceive the thread which unites
and the pattern which prevails throughout the whole system. A basic
simplicity in the grand design emerges, therefore, which can serve
to interpret the whole. The main chapter headings to this book
provide the sequence in developing study: (1) The Zodiac and the
Rays (2) The Nature of Esoteric Astrology (3) The Science of
Triangles (4) The Sacred and Non-Sacred Planets (5) Three Major
Constellations (6) The Three Crosses (7) The Rays, Constellations
and Planets. In addition there is an appendix which summarises and
tabulates many of the factors of fundamental importance to the
study of esoteric astrology. This is a book for the true occult
student. It may appear to be too highly specialised for some; but
every esoteric worker finds eventually that his work requires an
understanding of the basic astrological factors which affect all
relationships and all forms of life within the ethers of space, so
that he may learn how to cooperate intelligently in the evolution
of the whole by the right adjustment of the part within that whole;
until eventually "the many are absorbed into the One." The books of
Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a Tibetan teacher
between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the Ageless
Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from ancient times
in a form which is always suitable to each period. Intended to
precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A. Bailey writings
offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such subjects as the
teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual evolution; the
spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and training in
meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the seven rays and
the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on esoteric astrology;
and the new world religion, which emphasizes the common thread of
truth linking all the major world faiths.
*The books of Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a
Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the
Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from
ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.
Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A.
Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such
subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual
evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and
training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the
seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on
esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes
the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths. The
second volume of Esoteric Psychology deals exhaustively with the
ray qualities controlling the life, consciousness and appearance of
a human being on the physical plane. Every man in his totality is
subject to the laws of evolution by which he proceeds from the One
to the many and back to the One, enriched by the experience of life
in form and capable of contributing the results of that experience
to the larger life which pervades him. Because the process of
evolution is one of expansion in consciousness towards the centre
of the One Life, an individual becomes increasingly identified with
larger and larger areas of group consciousness; with the family and
community group; with the nation; with the world and with the one
humanity; with the soul and the ashramic group; and ultimately with
those centres of consciousness we identify as Hierarchy, the
planetary heart inspiring the Plan; and with Shamballa, the
planetary head centre of purpose, will and intention. This is a
long process of discipleship growth and of service response to the
requirements of the Plan and the needs of humanity. This book,
therefore, includes much comment and teaching of the utmost value
to the disciple in training for world service, learning to take his
place within that subjectively united and organised group of
disciples discussed in this volume as "the new group of world
servers". Group consciousness is a major goal for every aspirant to
discipleship. The first part of the book dealing with the Egoic
Ray, includes sections on (1) The growth of soul influence (2) The
seven laws of soul or group life (3) The five groups of souls and
(4) Rules for inducing soul control. While the second part of The
Ray of the Personality, contains detailed teaching on (1) The
appropriation of the bodies (2) The coordination of the personality
(3) Some problems of psychology and (4) Diseases and problems of
disciples and mystics. The final part of this volume on Humanity
Today anchors these pervasive thoughts and energies within the
world arena. The world situation is viewed from the esoteric and
Hierarchical angle and in relation to the requirements of the
dawning new age of Aquarius. A synthesis of thought and a unity of
purpose must be established in the world in order to create
conditions in which peace can prosper and the Christ can reappear.
Supreme effort was made by the Hierarchy to avert the 1939 outbreak
of war, and to this end stimulating and evocative energies were
literally forced into human consciousness through the agency of the
new group of world servers. The requirements of the Plan for
humanity were held up as the vision, without which "the people
perish". Choosing to learn the hard way, humanity is only now
opening the eye of vision as the result of drastic experience.
Disciples and world servers, therefore, face a superlative
opportunity today to equip themselves for service to the Plan, to
humanity and to Hierarchy, by applying the psychology of the soul
to every aspect of their life environment.
- The Sutras have a power and a timelessness about them which
demonstrate the accuracy with which they pinpoint the basic truths
of human evolution from subservience to personality clamours to the
serene freedom of the soul. Most human problems today originate in
selfish desire; the prostitution of the feeling nature to
self-centred physical appetites. This is also brought out clearly
in the teaching of the Lord Buddha, the treading of the Noble
Eight-Fold path providing the only way out of the maze: "Right
Values; Right Speech; Right Mode of Living; Right Thinking; Right
Expression; Right Conduct; Right Effort; Right Rapture or True
Happiness". These are attributes of the soul. Patanjali explores
exhaustively the means, the techniques and the mental posture which
create the connecting thread between the form- centred personality
and these stages towards spiritual achievement and soul fusion. The
four parts of the book develop: 1. The Problem of Union (51
sutras). 2. The Steps to Union (55 sutras). 3. Union Achieved and
Its Results (55 sutras). 4. Illumination (34 sutras). Many
different training techniques have been available over the
centuries, depending on the condition of human consciousness and
the phase of spiritual growth to be accomplished. Each "Yoga" has
had its place, fulfilled its function, and become an absorbed part
of human experience. In this book the factor of mind in meeting
present-day needs is again given prominence as the agent of the
soul, and the key to personality release. These Yoga Sutras of
Patanjali are based on Raja Yoga, the "kingly science of the soul":
"Through the science of Raja Yoga the mind will be known as the
instrument of the soul and the means whereby the brain of the
aspirant becomes illuminated and knowledge gained of those matters
which concern the realm of the soul." The soul is concerned with
the working out of planetary purpose and plan; so again we find
that mental training, and the self-achievement of the individual,
lead to cooperation and service on a scale far more comprehensive
and of far greater evolutionary significance than merely the
individual effects on the life of the disciple. Sutra 31 of Part IV
rings out like a bell and a clarion call to those who venture on
the path of union with the soul. "When through the removal of
hindrances and the purification of the sheaths, the totality of
knowledge becomes available, naught further remains for the man to
do." The books of Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a
Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the
Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from
ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.
Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A.
Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such
subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual
evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and
training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the
seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on
esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes
the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths. Many
translations have been made from the original Sanskrit of the Yoga
Sutras of Patanjali. They have become well loved, well used, and
well applied by many in all parts of the world and of all religious
beliefs.
*The books of Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a
Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the
Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from
ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.
Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A.
Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such
subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual
evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and
training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the
seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on
esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes
the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths. The
final volume in this treatise on the seven rays contains the
fundamental spiritual structure on which the next presentation of
the Ageless Wisdom teaching will build. The book is in two parts;
the first part enumerates and details the Fourteen Rules for Group
Initiation. These are the rules for disciples and initiates,
paralleling on a higher turn of the spiral, the rules for
applicants contained in the book "Initiation, Human and Solar". The
second part of this volume is concerned with the Rays and the
Initiations, those nine major expansions of consciousness through
which the initiate becomes progressively liberated from the various
forms of our planetary life, ultimately proceeding upon his chosen
Path of development and service within the universe. One of the
outstanding principles unfolded through the pages of this book is
that of the growth of the group idea - group service, group
responsibility and group initiation. The possibility of group
initiation seems to be one of the new emerging developments of the
Aquarian era; therefore, the profound value to the disciple of the
Fourteen Rules for Group Initiation. These rules embody great
truths in symbolic form, into which the consciousness expands with
the acceptance of occult obedience, and the meeting of all
requirements on the Path of Initiation in a group penetrating
together towards the centre of an ashram, and into the heart and
will of the presiding Master. Because "the way to the innermost
sanctum is the way of outer service", and because initiation is the
effect of an increasing capacity to intuit the Plan, to register
ashramic purpose and to act accordingly, "these rules are in
reality great Formulas of Approach ...approach to a specific
section of the Path and not approach to the Initiator. I would have
you reflect on this distinction. The initiate is becoming
increasingly aware of the dynamics of the Science of the Service of
the Plan. This distinctive realisation can only come when his fused
and blended personality and soul expression of will has disappeared
in the blazing light of the Divine Purpose." Much of this teaching,
while beyond the grasp of the average student today, is invaluable
in expanding the mind to contemplate the larger patterns and
processes in which the individual function may be viewed in
perspective. In dealing with such abstruse matters, the author
again demonstrates a marvelous capacity to relate the deepest and
most profounds aspects of the Master's teaching to the life and the
consciousness of the aspirant in the world today. Since there is no
separation in life, and since the aphorism "As above so below"
applies in every particular throughout the cosmos, and recognisably
within the solar and the planetary lives, there is great value in
the clear delineation of continuity. "Revelation concerns Oneness
and nothing else. The practical nature of this truth is only
recognised when the disciple attempts to do two things: To realise
it individually and to bring the nature of planetary unity and of
non-separateness to the minds and into the lives of men
everywhere."
With widespread publicity concerning the near death experience,
many people are now searching for a deeper understanding of death
and the process of dying. Esoteric teachings on the subtle bodies
and their interrelationship have much to offer to those pondering
on and researching the mystery of death. Resurrection is the
keynote of nature; death is not. Death is only the ante-chamber of
resurrection.
* The books of Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a
Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the
Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from
ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.
Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A.
Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such
subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual
evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and
training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the
seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on
esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes
the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths. The
theme of "initiation" appears in various relationships throughout
this series of books. An initiation is an expansion of
consciousness - a means of opening the mind and heart to a
recognition of what already exists in reality. It is, therefore, a
result of the ability to transcend those glamours and illusions
which veil the truth and limit the consciousness. As a living
process, initiation is experienced by all forms of life, large and
small, from the universal to the particular. The process of
initiation in our solar system is based on a pattern which is
duplicated and reflected within the whole, and throughout all its
many parts. It could be called the thread of living energy,
accepted and woven into the whole tapestry by each unit of
consciousness in the creation of an ultimate synthesis. The Path of
Initiation, therefore, is the Path of the Antahkarana. From this
somewhat abstract realisation, the individual must concretise the
process in an effort to perceive and to understand how the diverse
and distinctive forms of life included in a whole organism perform
a vital individual function which, in relationship with all other
parts, contribute to the all-encompassing plan of evolution. Even
this effort to stretch the mind beyond its normal limits towards
comprehension of planetary purpose, plan and process, evokes a more
inclusive awareness of relationships within the whole, and forces
growth. A mind so stretched never quite returns to its original
dimensions. One of the great values of this book is that it does
stretch the mind towards a new conception of the intense activity
involved at all levels of consciousness on the planet to create
conditions in which evolutionary growth can proceed. The work of
the planetary Hierarchy, and of some of the responsible workers
within the Hierarchy, is outlined in a way which brings everyday
human life into focus as an outer expression of qualified purpose
through the Ashrams of the Masters. The three departments of
Hierarchy form important planetary focal points of cosmic energy
flow, each one imbued with purpose and responsible for an aspect of
the Plan of God. The inter-relationship and interaction of the many
kingdoms and centres of consciousness are revealed as tending
towards the complete integration and alignment of our Planetary
Logos within the systemic whole. The detailed procedures of
initiation rituals revealed here stimulate the imagination; but
essentially the individual aspirant treading the Path of
Discipleship is thrown back on his own inner spiritual resources as
the only means by which progress can be made and consciousness
expanded. This he does to the extent that he becomes sensitive and
responsive to energy wielded and projected by Hierarchy. A disciple
is "one who serves" - eventually one who serves "the One". So the
vast, dazzling and glorious process of evolution and initiation
opens out in the depths and in the silence of the soul, and the
disciple learns to relinquish all self-seeking - even for personal
spiritual experience - and becomes absorbed with others in the
service of the Plan.
*The books of Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a
Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the
Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from
ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.
Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A.
Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such
subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual
evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and
training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the
seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on
esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes
the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths. The
subject of human free will has always contrived to set men's mental
teeth on edge. The fatalist automatically resigns himself to
whatever befalls him, seeing in effects no cause attributable to
his own action - or inaction; but resigned always to the working of
an inexorable fate. The Christian counterpart tends to accept his
lot as the working of God's Will in which he has no say or part. At
the other extreme stands the rebellious independent, determined to
exercise his right to free, self-willed action. This book, as one
of its many values, shows the extent to which Hierarchy and other
centres of life on the planet are dependent upon the unpredictable
and often irresponsible factor of human free will. During the years
leading up to the outbreak of World War II, every opportunity and
every possible spiritual stimulation was offered to humanity in an
effort to avoid precipitation of conflict on to the physical plane.
Disciples and aspirants to discipleship were asked to give special
cooperation to the Hierarchy, and to make an all-out effort to
provide adequate leadership to human thought and decision. All were
left free, however, to determine their own limits, if any, and to
decide their own actions. According to law, the Hierarchy - even at
danger point - could not infringe human free will and dictate or
impose a course of action based on their own deeper knowledge and
more profound insight. Many of the spiritual factors surrounding
the period of human history from 1919 to 1949 are presented in this
book. The energies at work behind the world scene are shown; and
the identity revealed of certain great Beings magnetically
attracted in service towards this planet at a climaxing moment in
the evolution of our planetary life. These factors are an aid to
our understanding of the interrelated energy patterns within the
universe which operate according to law. But essentially they
provide the esotericist with knowledge of available energy flow
responding to planetary purpose and plan which can be contacted and
given conscious and intelligent cooperation, particularly by those
in whom the selfish, self-centred will has been transcended so that
the spiritual will can be given more adequate expression. Some of
these energy factors are particularly clear in the special
"Messages" given over a period of many years at the time of the
Festivals of Easter, Wesak and the Christ. Many aspects of
Hierarchical work, thought and planning are discussed in these
Messages, with the Hierarchical effect shown of planetary evolution
and initiation and its reflection into humanity. This achieved a
climax at the time of the three Festivals in 1945, when a momentous
decision was taken involving, among other results, the eventual
externalisation of the Hierarchy and the reappearance of the
Christ. The final section of the book discusses the "Stages in the
Externalisation of the Hierarchy". It is often difficult for the
human mind to imagine the problems facing those liberated from the
restrictions of form. It is even more difficult to contemplate the
effects in those so liberated of a free choice to reassume such a
limitation. So we are helped to understand what the interdependence
of life on this planet really signifies in terms of love, sacrifice
and service by the part to the needs of the whole.
- "In every age I come back to deliver the holy, to destroy the sin
of the sinner, to establish righteousness." So runs the well-known
passage in the Bhagavad Gita (translation by Prabhavananda and
Isherwood), giving works to an eternal hope in the human heart. In
this book the reappearance of the Christ is recognised as
inevitable within the continuity of divine revelation. Not only has
God never left Himself without witness, but at definite periods in
the history of human evolution, the "word of God", the projected
potency of His vital life, has manifested in form in order to
establish the principles to be demonstrated during the coming
cycle. There have been many such messengers over the ages,
manifesting through one or another of the great world religions or
followed by a new form of religion based on the new revelation.
Divine revelation and the periodic appearance of messengers, or
Avatars, occur, however, according to cosmic law, when certain
conditions exist within the whole scheme affected by, and
affecting, every part, large and small. Then a chain of events is
set in motion which under law must eventually work out. The part
that our little planet Earth plays in this intricate and smoothly
functioning system of inter-relationships seems to be of vital
importance at this time. The esoteric and planetary significances
of the reappearance of the Christ are suggested in this book as
underlying causes for His Aquarian service to humanity. This is the
beginning and end of an age - the beginning of Aquarius and the end
of Pisces - marking also a major turning point in the evolution of
human consciousness from individual need to the needs of humanity
as a whole, from personal salvation to world service, and from
materiality to spirituality. It seems that this climaxing
transition must be "marked" in both its stages, beginning and end,
by the Christ Himself, and a principle anchored in human
consciousness, which embodies not only the love of God established
for the age of Pisces, but also the new potency for the future, the
"Will" of God, into which only the Christ is as yet fully and
perfectly absorbed. The imminence of the reappearance of the Christ
is sensed and expected by many, belonging as He does to all
humanity irrespective of differing religious dogma and doctrine.
"He for whom all men wait" will Himself determine the manner and
the timing of His appearance and the area of His work in a way
which creates no divisions or separations between men, either
religious, social or ideological. Not only does He come as the
first Son of God, but as Head of the spiritual Hierarchy, the inner
government of the planet. He is, therefore, a great world
executive, representing the Kingdom of God, and fulfilling a
definite function in the world of men. He is coming to establish
through precept and example in world service the principles on
which a united, interdependent and interactive world may create its
new material systems and spiritual institutions for the new
civilisation. Preparation for the second coming is the
responsibility of humanity; it is for those who know and accept the
imminent return of the Christ to prepare men's minds and hearts to
recognise and receive Him, and to create those conditions of
balance and spiritual alignment which will ultimately draw Him
forth into our midst. For no matter what message or revelation the
Christ may embody when He comes, no matter what principle or energy
He may anchor on Earth for human use, He is not coming to save
humanity from the results of its own sins, but once more to show
humanity how to save itself in the new conditions and new
opportunities with which the world is faced. The books of Alice A.
Bailey, written in cooperation with a Tibetan teacher between
1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the Ageless Wisdom--a body
of esoteric teaching handed down from ancient times in a form which
is always suitable to each period. Intended to precede and
condition the coming era, the Alice A. Bailey writings offer an
unparalleled spiritual approach to such subjects as the teaching on
Shamballa and the Path of spiritual evolution; the spiritual
Hierarchy; the new discipleship and training in meditation as a
form of service; the teaching on the seven rays and the new
psychology of the soul; the teaching on esoteric astrology; and the
new world religion, which emphasizes the common thread of truth
linking all the major world faiths.
Alive guides tell you what's hot, and what's not, with plenty of
suggestions for daytime activity and night-time fun. Beyond where
to stay and eat, Alive guides focus on the things that make each
destination unique - scenic fall drives in the Catskills,
spectacular architecture in Copenhagen and unforgettable cuisine on
St. Martin. Full details on local celebrations, along with contact
numbers for help in trip-planning. Sunup to Sundown sections
describe daytime activities from sightseeing and shopping to
swimming and beachcombing. After Dark sections give the low-down on
nightlife from mild to wild. An A-Z reference at the end provides a
comprehensive list of useful contacts, including ATM and bank
locations, doctors and medical facilities, tourism offices,
religious services and websites. The islands of St. Martin and St.
Barts at the tip of the Lesser Antilles are a delightful mix of
cultures. Dutch-style architecture is still evident throughout Sint
Maarten; French chefs work in the best restaurants. St. Barts is
the quieter of the two, with a refined atmosphere and laid-back
style. It's a big yacht haven, drawing hundreds of boats to its
tiny harbours.
"The Labours of Hercules" - an astrological interpretation by Alice
Bailey, gives a vivid account of the journey of the soul as it
incarnates progressively through the twelve signs of the Zodiac.
The labours that Hercules is required to perform symbolise the
specific challenges that face all disciples as they seek to equip
themselves to better serve their fellow human beings. It is an
excellent introduction to a more esoteric understanding of
astrology.
*The books of Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a
Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the
Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from
ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.
Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A.
Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such
subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual
evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and
training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the
seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on
esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes
the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths.
Although this book was one of the first to be written by Alice
Bailey in collaboration with the Tibetan, it is probably the most
timeless, profound and least understood. "A Treatise on Cosmic
Fire" deals with the underlying structure of occult teaching for
the present era, with vast cosmic processes reproduced though all
areas of life from universe to atom. It is, therefore, no book for
the proof-demanding concrete mind, or for those who dabble in the
spectacular and the phenomenal. The true student, however, the
seriously applied aspirant, will find his mind stimulated and his
consciousness expanded. The book is dedicated to Helena Petrovna
Blavatsky, and is said to be "the psychological key to the Cosmic
Creation". Certainly in its revelation of relationship and
correspondences throughout the Cosmos, all aspects of life
unfolding through consciousness are included, based on the aphorism
- "Having pervaded the entire universe with one fragment of Myself,
I remain." The One Life manifests through all form within the
universe as fiery energy; and the three main streams of cosmic
energy, differentiated into seven systemic rays, are shown in
relation to the three aspects of fire controlling all manifested
life: Electric Fire, the Fire of Spirit; Solar Fire, the Fire of
Mind; Fire by Friction, the Internal Fires. A large section of the
book is directed to a detailed exposition of Solar Fire, the Fire
of Mind, since this is the dominant energy to be understood and
controlled during this second solar system. The cosmic Laws
operating through the system are shown in relation to the lesser
laws of planetary origin and the laws of nature, operating through
substance, as distinct from the life and the consciousness of the
planet. In her foreword to the book, the author mentions a
five-fold purpose within its teaching; briefly: (a) To provide a
compact and skeleton outline of a scheme of cosmology, philosophy
and psychology which may serve as a reference and textbook; (b) As
an elucidation of the relation between Spirit and Matter,
demonstrating as consciousness; (c) To show the coherent
development of all that is found within a solar system and to
demonstrate that everything evolves; (d) To give practical
information about focal points of energy found in the etheric
bodies of the Solar Logos, the macrocosm, and of man, the
microcosm; (e) To give some information of the place and work of
those sentient lives who form the essence of objectivity, and to
indicate the nature of the Hierarchies of Existences who form out
of their own substance all that is seen and known. These five
objectives, and more, the book encompasses; for the effect in the
individual consciousness is such that theories become transcended
and the mind begins to experience through contemplative thought
what the words on paper reveal to the intelligence. The finite
human mind can touch its cosmic origins and its fiery essence when
it opens to the three cosmic Laws of Synthesis, of Attraction and
of Economy. The fire of love, the flame of life within the heart,
is the touchstone for all intuitive thought, and the alchemist to
the dense materiality of gross substance.
- Occultism is concerned with the scientific facts behind the
spiritual idealisms many accept because of a natural human tendency
to idealise. One of the most highly idealised concepts is that of
the brotherhood of man. Occultism shows that the scientific basis
for that ideal rests on the fact of the one etheric structure
underlying all forms within the solar system, energised and held in
being by one life force. Mankind is, therefore, one in life and in
form; he is merely unaware of unity in his own consciousness. And
evolution is essentially the means by which he becomes
progressively conscious of the Fatherhood of God and the
brotherhood of man. In this whole process the faculties of man play
an important part - the five objective senses with their five
higher spiritual counterparts. The mental principle or faculty is
of tremendous importance to humanity at this stage in his
evolutionary unfoldment. The three-fold mind unifies as one faculty
the higher or abstract mind, the soul - the son of mind, and the
lower concrete mind. As this condition of mental fusion and control
develops, the disciple is learning to use the mind in new ways,
particularly in wielding energy which, as it vitalises and animates
his etheric body, influences through radiation his effect on
others. It is through this conscious, controlled use of mental
energy that telepathic communication can be scientifically
established with other minds by means of the etheric structure
common to all. And by the same means the mind of the disciple, or
of a group of disciples developing group consciousness, can be
impressed by the clarity of thought and purpose of those members of
the spiritual Hierarchy concerned with the working out of the Plan
for humanity. The spiritual Hierarchy, we are told, works only
through the minds of disciples, using the science of impression,
and only for the purposes of the Plan. The impression is conveyed
as a stream of ideas - those ideas inherent in the Plan for man -
which the disciple or the group can then interpret and translate
into self-chosen action. The form of telepathy now developing
within the spiritually awakened aspirants of the world is not,
therefore, that of the solar plexus centre which is of the animal
nature, but the result of a mental polarisation and penetration in
consciousness towards the soul and the Triad. This produces an open
channel of communication in two directions - vertically towards the
spiritual Hierarchy of the planet, seeking to impress the Plan on
all receptive minds, and horizontally towards the minds of men
united within the mental substance of human consciousness as one.
The second part of this book discusses the etheric structure of the
planet and the solar system of which each man and each form is an
integral part; the pattern of the triangle in controlling energy
flow and establishing a continuity of circulation through the whole
system is of immediate importance to humanity. We are involved in
the life of the Planetary Logos - "in Him we live and move and have
our being" - and we are a contributing part of the present effort
to bring the etheric body under the influence of the soul,
symbolised by the triangle. To the extent, and at the rate, that we
succeed, so is the planetary etheric structure changing in form to
become more consciously integrated into the energy system of which
our planet is one small unit. So the living process of unity is
exemplified - the part contributing to the whole, and the whole
affecting the part through every cell and atom of every grade of
substance which it contains. The books of Alice A. Bailey, written
in cooperation with a Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute
a continuation of the Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching
handed down from ancient times in a form which is always suitable
to each period. Intended to precede and condition the coming era,
the Alice A. Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual
approach to such subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path
of spiritual evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new
discipleship and training in meditation as a form of service; the
teaching on the seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the
teaching on esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which
emphasizes the common thread of truth linking all the major world
faiths.
- Alice Ann Bailey somewhat reluctantly agreed to attempt her own
autobiography. What finally decided her to write about her life was
a letter from a friend who, she said, felt deeply that "I would
really render a service if I could show people how I became what I
am from what I was. It might be useful to know how a rabid orthodox
Christian worker could become a well-known occult teacher." From
her conservative British background, Alice Bailey's life led her in
many directions, but always in one direction - towards the time
when through drastic personal experience of may kinds she had
acquired a synthesis of outlook and understanding, and an absolute
conviction that one divine life pervades and animates the one
humanity; that the Plan for man requires the cooperation and
service of trained and dedicated human beings intelligently
informed about world affairs, in collaboration with those who form
the spiritual Hierarchy, the inner government of the planet. Her
life work became an integral part of this synthesis and this
realisation. Without in the least losing any of her very human
qualities and involvement, her soul took up its commitment to her
Master, and her personality provided full cooperation in the field
of her accepted service. Basically her work developed as a duality
- her discipleship service to her own Master, Koot Humi, which
included the establishment of the Arcane School; and her initially
reluctant agreement to work with the Tibetan, the Master Djwhal
Khul, in the writing of a series of books presenting the next phase
in the continuity of the Ancient Wisdom teaching for the present
and the immediate future. This work with the Tibetan Master started
in 1919. In his introduction to "A Treatise on Cosmic Fire", Foster
Bailey remarks: "The story of many years of telepathic work by the
Tibetan with Alice A. Bailey is revealed in her Unfinished
Autobiography published in 1951. This includes the circumstances of
her first contact with Him on the physical plane which took place
in California in November 1919. Thirty years work was planned. When
this has been accomplished and within 30 days after that period (in
December 1949) Mrs. Bailey gained her release from the limitations
of the physical vehicle." This quick release accounts also for the
fact that the autobiography is unfinished. As her work with the
Tibetan developed, and as her own writing, lecturing and early
Arcane School work began to demonstrate their usefulness, the
Tibetan took advantage of his close telepathic link with AAB to
establish certain activities required by the work of Hierarchy for
humanity. The Arcane School, although never controlled or
supervised by the Tibetan, was used to anchor such service
activities as Triangles, World Goodwill and the distribution of the
Great Invocation. Certain types of meditation work were also
suggested by the Tibetan as a planetary service, particularly the
Redemptive Meditations of Preparation for the Reappearance of the
Christ and on Attracting Money for Hierarchical Purposes; and the
Arcane School in 1947 began a serious study of the basic problems
of humanity based on his book of that title. The Arcane School,
therefore,as an increasingly useful and useable channel between
Hierarchy and humanity, was used by the Master DK with AAB's co
sent and cooperation to anchor certain needed esoteric principles
and realities firmly in human consciousness and to demonstrate the
fact that esotericism is a way of life, and not an escape into
vague, mystical abstractions. Her whole life work, although devoted
to two distinct services, demonstrated that synthesis of outlook
and attitude characteristic of every world disciple. In the words
of Foster Bailey, included in the introduction to the
Autobiography: "By far the greater part of her life work has always
been subjective. We have seen the outer effects, watched the outer
comings and goings, helped her and loved her, sometimes criticised,
sometimes complained, but always gone on with her, and because of
her yet a little higher and a little better than would otherwise
have been the case...Her chosen path is on the line of the World
Saviours. She has gone back to her own Master KH for yet more
daring work with Him and for the Christ." The books of Alice A.
Bailey, written in cooperation with a Tibetan teacher between
1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the Ageless Wisdom--a body
of esoteric teaching handed down from ancient times in a form which
is always suitable to each period. Intended to precede and
condition the coming era, the Alice A. Bailey writings offer an
unparalleled spiritual approach to such subjects as the teaching on
Shamballa and the Path of spiritual evolution; the spiritual
Hierarchy; the new discipleship and training in meditation as a
form of service; the teaching on the seven rays and the new
psychology of the soul; the teaching on esoteric astrology; and the
new world religion, which emphasizes the common thread of truth
linking all the major world faiths.
This Is A New Release Of The Original 1922 Edition.
This Is A New Release Of The Original 1922 Edition.
2013 Reprint of 1950 Third Edition. Full facsimile of the original
edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Volume
One Only. The books of Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with
a Tibetan teacher between 1919 and 1949, constitute a continuation
of the Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from
ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.
Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A.
Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such
subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual
evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and
training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the
seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on
esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes
the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths. Five
volumes have been written under the overall title of "A Treatise on
the Seven Rays." This sequence of books is based on the fact, the
nature and the quality of the seven basic streams of energy
pervading our solar system, our planet and all that lives and moves
within its orbit. Of the specialized subjects presented in these
books, two volumes are concerned with esoteric psychology - the
first in relation to basic energy patterns and structures; the
second particularly applied to the soul and the personality of man
and to the working out of the Plan for humanity. Psychology is
defined in Webster's Dictionary as "the science of mind," at one
time considered a branch of metaphysics. Today we are more inclined
to include all the conditioning subjective factors as psychological
in nature - mental and emotional impulses and soul contact, to
whatever degree it exists. These subjective influences constitute
the whole psychological background to a man's attitudes and
behaviour, and create the faculty of spiritual response. The
"psyche" is, after all, the human soul, the centre of
consciousness. Esoteric psychology begins with a consideration of
the human being as a soul, manifesting in the form of a
personality, consisting of mental, emotional and etheric/physical
substance, and more or less in contact and control, depending on
the stage of evolution in the personality consciousness. From the
point of view of esoteric psychology, evolution is the evolution of
consciousness, by which the imbedded fragment of the soul within
the personality progressively identifies its spiritual source and
becomes at-one with it. The seven differentiated streams of ray
energy play a significant role in this evolutionary process. A
blend of five energies in a human being determine his goals, his
problems, his available qualities and energy resources, and the
correct method by which - according to his dominant ray influence -
he may unfold his consciousness and make spiritual progress. In
this volume of Esoteric Psychology many of these distinctive ray
qualities and methods are given as quotations, or interpretations,
of "The Old Commentary" put into poetic and symbolic words. The
seven rays are shown as the Seven Creative Builders, each one
imbued with purpose and power, functioning together as a synthesis
in occult obedience to the purposes of our Solar Logos. Such a
detailed and comprehensive study of the ray energies influencing
our planetary life and all kingdoms in nature is of inestimable
value to the aspirant consciously preparing himself to become of
planetary service as he learns to serve and to unite with his
fellowmen.
THIS 22 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Consciousness of
the Atom, by Alice A. Bailey. To purchase the entire book, please
order ISBN 0766100464.
THIS 22 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Consciousness of
the Atom, by Alice A. Bailey. To purchase the entire book, please
order ISBN 0766100464.
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