Product Description

* 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #116097 in Books
• Published on: 1972-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From the Publisher
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.

From the Author
An extract from the Tibetan teacher, written in 1934 briefly explains the intent of these teachings: "The books that I have written are sent out with no claim for their acceptance. They may, or may not, be correct, true and useful. It is for you to ascertain their truth by right practice and by the exercise of the intuition. Neither I nor A.A.B. is the least interested in having them acclaimed as inspired writing, or in having anyone speak of them (with bated breath) as being the work of one of the masters. If they present truth in such a way that it follows sequentially upon that already offered in the world teachings, if the information given raises the aspiration and the will-to-serve from the plane of the emotions to that of the mind (the plane whereon the Masters can be found) then they will have served their purpose. If the teaching conveyed calls forth a response from the illumined mind of the worker in the world, and brings a flashing forth of the intuition, then let that teaching be accepted. But not otherwise. If the statements meet with eventual corroboration, or are deemed true under the test of the Law of Correspondences, then that is well and good. But should this not be so, let not the student accept what is said."

About the Author
*Alice A. Bailey, (1880-1949) 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 many 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 humanity 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 realization. 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 which included the establishment of an esoteric school; and her initially reluctant agreement to work with the Tibetan, Djwhal Khul, in the writing of a series of books presenting the next phase in the continuity of the Ageless Wisdom teaching for the present and the immediate future. An extract from the Tibetan teacher, written in 1934 briefly explains the intent of these teachings: "The books that I have written are sent out with no claim for their acceptance. They may, or may not, be correct, true and useful. It is for you to ascertain their truth by right practice and by the exercise of the intuition. Neither I nor A.A.B. is the least interested in having them acclaimed as inspired writing, or in having anyone speak of them (with bated breath) as being the work of one of the masters. If they present truth in such a way that it follows sequentially upon that already offered in the world teachings, if the information given raises the aspiration and the will-to-serve from the plane of the emotions to that of the mind (the plane whereon the Masters can be found) then they will have served their purpose. If the teaching conveyed calls forth a response from the illumined mind of the worker in the world, and brings a flashing forth of the intuition, then let that teaching be accepted. But not otherwise. If the statements meet with eventual corroboration, or are deemed true under the test of the Law of Correspondences, then that is well and good. But should this not be so, let not the student accept what is said."

Customer Reviews

A genuine New Age revelation
The subject of Initiation is one which, even in the current era of plethora of New Age writing, has remained largely unexplored. The fact that Initiation is a ceremony conducted within the internal consciousness of an individual and that disclosure of Initiate status has hitherto been forbidden, may well have inhibited public disclosure. The modern demand that any statement, hypothesis or conjecture be built on the foundation of independently verifiable fact, and the fact that the Initiation process offers no external data for examination, may also have contributed to the paucity of information on this important subject. This book breaks the silence and addresses that deficiency. Those who are willing to accept the content as an interesting hypothesis - which will stand or fall by the test personal experience - will find that that content offers a unique and invaluable window on a process which, allegedly, lies ahead for all of us no matter where we stand on the ladder of infinite evolution.

Initiation is a ceremony which takes place, not on the physical plane, but in the mind. The mind is the 'organ' of reception, with access to "facts which are [as] substantial and real" as are any obtained by the exercise of the physical senses. (Anyone who has had a lucid dream, or a hypnogogic image while in the borderland between sleeping and waking can see that the physical senses of sight and hearing have their non-physical analogues within that organ of reception). The results of Initiation are not confined to the mental plane; they have their effect, and are felt, in the lower - astral and physical - bodies.

The ceremony itself consists of many parts and is conducted by a Hierophant Who, with two others, forms a triangle of force around the candidate for initiation. Through "direct sight and vision" the candidate becomes aware of his real Self and of the part he has played, and will continue to play, in the forwarding of the Plan of God. The Rod of Initiation, "charged with pure electric force", is applied to the candidate's bodies to eliminate any remaining impurities. He takes the Oath of Initiation "never to reveal ... any occult secret". Next, the words of power, which control the creative processes and the direction of energy, are confided to him. Finally, to the new initiate, is imparted one of the seven secrets of nature.

Additionally to the title subject, this book brings to our attention the existence of the Spiritual Hierarchy of the planet:- its work; its founding; its three departments under the Manu, the World Teacher, the Lord of Civilisation. We learn of the principal players within the Lodge of Masters:- Their names and, in some cases, who They were when They came before us before in the record of history. The Paths of Probation and Discipleship are described, and the work needed to prepare ourselves for the first two Initiations. "... all are disciples from the humblest aspirant up to, and beyond, the Christ Himself ... ." Finally we're shown that even the members of the Spiritual Hierarchy have the opportunity of spiritual advancement - there are Seven Paths of further evolution open to the Masters of Wisdom. All are evolving. All are progressing.

This book is the first in a series of 19 intended to awaken humanity to the spiritual realities and possibilities behind its earthly existence. The series represents, to quote the Tibetan Master Who gave it to the world through the amanuensis of Alice Bailey, "but the ABC of occultism" and more detailed teaching is unlikely to be forthcoming until man has assimilated the knowledge therein and applied it for the general good of all. It would be of great service to the young if a copy of IHaS was placed in each school or college library. It's surprising how easily the content is absorbed to become part of ones everyday thinking.

With the books in this series the achievements of Caxton and Gutenberg are silently honoured. With this book the aspiration of man is raised, from the plough and the pulpit, to the stars.

Great source of esoteric information
This covers the process of initation and gives the reader a little more background on what actually will happen. The Spiritual higherarchy is also mentioned and greater light is shone on the workings of it along with the Masters who work within it making up the Great White Lodge.
The reqirements for initiation are also spoken of and the details involved in making way towards the portal of initiation. For anyone interested in initiation this book serves to explain the important relations and also gives some background on the Masters.
I would recommend it as it was a revelation to me and continues to be a great source of esoteric information.

Enlightening
The Master outlines the mechanics of the Universe and the spiritual Hierarchy. For one who has been lead to this review and book they would be well advised to study this well. Even if you are skeptical about this, it may indeed interest your musing. Whereas if you seek more than worldly treasures and see past them as futile, this shall illustrate the Grander purpose that motivates the Hierarchy. It shall serve to help your faith and underline a potential framework beyond the meaningless of earthly treasures and desires. The purpose shall be explained and the initiations taken along the way in order to ready and prepare your awareness. To one who finds this book as precious and important as I, I would suggest 'A treatie in white magic' also by the same author.
Another Master has his word in print, 'A course in Miracles' Shall wake the light and eternal peace within :)