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The Externalisation of the Hierarchy

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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 arid 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.

Paperback

First published June 1, 1957

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About the author

Alice A. Bailey

467 books222 followers
Pease note: this is a different author from Alice Bailey.

Alice A. Bailey (1880-1949) was an English esoteric practitioner and writer.
At the age of 35, she entered the Theosophical Society center in Los Angeles (USA), at the Pacific Grove Theosophical Lodge. In 1919, Bailey (39 years old) severed her ties to the Theosophical Society and began to write texts that he claimed were dictated telepathically by a certain "Tibetan," or "D. K. ». She published those texts under the title Human and Solar Initiation. There she made known the existence of the spiritual hierarchy, which Madame Blavatsky had already spread, although not in an orderly way.
She later revealed that the Tibetan D.K. was the master Djwal Khul. She wrote using the teacher's name for 30 years, from 1919 until her death in 1949.

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for MizzSandie.
349 reviews382 followers
May 13, 2017
I liked parts of this book very much. Other parts got me bored and a few things I disagreed with.
Like the (at times?) rather literal understanding of Christ returning.
And the admonition to go and spread that word around the world.
That just felt completely off for me.
But I also found much that I resonated with and that rang true.
So overall a (big) mixed bag, but something of a disappointment compared to other a.a.bailey books.
Profile Image for Alex Lee.
953 reviews140 followers
September 6, 2016
Bailey talks about the interrelation of different aspects of life (and humankind) interwoven throughout the world. She predicts a coming age of unity. The reason for this hierarchy is that there are different levels of closeness to the source -- the hierarchy is made so that lesser beings can ascend through rigorous religious and psychology development. Much of the ladder is constructed with current events (WW2 and so on) in mind, with a recognition of what kind of emphasis human beings should have in order to become enlightened.
Profile Image for Steven Chernikeeff.
Author 4 books19 followers
October 8, 2018
A wonderful summary of the Externalisation process. AAB and her collaborative work with the Master DK is always worth the struggle of reading.
Profile Image for Alèjah Tate.
11 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2021
This book was recommended by someone I truly admire, I’m so glad I was able to discover it.
Profile Image for Paul Bard.
984 reviews
December 13, 2021
"Externalization of the Hierarchy" was about the social message of Jesus creating a world of peace, brotherhood and goodwill. She holds noble political ideals.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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