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The texts of Alice A. Bailey : an inquiry into the role of esotericism in transforming consciousness

This thesis places for consideration the esoteric teachings of Alice A. Bailey, written between 1919 and 1949, as part of the theosophical current of western esotericism. Bailey’s overarching concern for human betterment underpins her appropriation of esoteric thought, into a reformulation that incorporates her own version of Christian faith. Bailey argues that humanity faces a major turning point, involving a reorientation towards spiritual living. Alongside the vast number of contemporary writers seeking similar goals, Bailey’s work constitutes another voice attempting to foster such change. Investigating how well the esoteric contents of Bailey’s work serve her intention drive this research. The author follows with some critical reflections upon Bailey’s work with relation to its potential to transform consciousness, reorienting a reader towards spiritual living and human betterment. After exploring aspects of her work considered opposite to transforming consciousness, the author speculates upon how Bailey’s texts might achieve her goal. In essence, it is found that any transformation that may occur through exposure to Bailey’s texts results from a reader’s own efforts at penetrating to the heart of esoteric thought, and not through the adoption or application of esotericism. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/216339
Date January 2006
CreatorsWightman, Isobel, University of Western Sydney, College of Business, School of Management
Source SetsAustraliasian Digital Theses Program
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish

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