Alice A. Bailey, a theosophical and esoteric writer active in the early 20th century, described a system of seven initiations in her teachings, particularly in books such as Initiation, Human and Solar and The Rays and the Initiations. These initiations represent stages of spiritual development along the path to full enlightenment or liberation and are part of her broader synthesis of Theosophy, esoteric Christianity, and Eastern philosophy.
Here’s a concise description of the seven initiations according to Alice Bailey:
1. The First Initiation – The Birth of the Christ (The Birth in the Cave)
Theme: Mastery over the physical body and appetites.
Symbolism: Birth of the Christ within; spiritual awakening begins.
Goal: The individual becomes aware of the soul and begins to live under its influence.
Associated with: The disciple becoming a probationary initiate.
2. The Second Initiation – The Baptism
Theme: Mastery over the emotional or astral body.
Symbolism: Baptism in the River Jordan; purification through suffering and discipline.
Goal: Control of desire and emotional balance.
Key Feature: The individual develops deep spiritual aspiration and service orientation.
3. The Third Initiation – The Transfiguration
Theme: Integration of personality and soul (mental body mastery).
Symbolism: The Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mount.
Goal: Full soul infusion into the personality; the disciple becomes a "soul-infused personality".
Mark of Progress: Begins to be guided consciously by the Spiritual Triad (higher spiritual will).
4. The Fourth Initiation – The Crucifixion or Great Renunciation
Theme: Complete renunciation of the ego or lower self.
Symbolism: The Crucifixion of Jesus.
Goal: Liberation from identification with form and personal desire.
Transformative Point: The initiate lets go of all attachment to individuality.
5. The Fifth Initiation – The Resurrection
Theme: Liberation into the spiritual realm.
Symbolism: Resurrection of the Christ.
Goal: The soul's complete identification with the Monad (the divine spark or spirit).
New Role: The initiate becomes a Master of Wisdom, and a conscious agent of planetary purpose.
6. The Sixth Initiation – The Decision
Theme: Choice of path for higher cosmic service.
Symbolism: The initiate is faced with seven Paths for further evolution.
Goal: The initiate transcends planetary evolution and enters cosmic levels of service.
Example Paths: The Path of Earth Service, the Path to Sirius, the Path of Logos.
7. The Seventh Initiation – The Resurrection or Ascension (Also called the Initiation of Resurrection)
Theme: Full liberation from all constraints of matter.
Symbolism: Ascension into pure being.
Goal: The initiate becomes a Divine Being, functioning consciously on solar or cosmic levels.
Result: Entry into the Council of Shamballa or other higher orders of existence.
Notes:
These initiations are symbolic as well as literal in esoteric terms, and often associated with the life of Christ to parallel the spiritual journey.
Bailey often wrote under the impression that these teachings were transmitted by the Tibetan Master Djwhal Khul, a spiritual adept.
The process involves intense inner transformation and service to humanity, not merely mystical experiences.
No comments:
Post a Comment