Initiation (Theosophy)

Initiation is a concept in Theosophy that there are nine levels of spiritual development. According to Alice A. Bailey, Initiation is the "process of undergoing an expansion [toward higher levels of] consciousness" It is believed by Theosophists that all souls that reincarnate (that includes everyone) gradually evolve upward through these levels of consciousness over millions of years, although evil acts may cause bad karma which may cause one to temporarily regress.

Initiations zero through two

The vast majority of ordinary humanity lies on the probationary path (below the first initiation), while initiations one and two consist of gradually advancing a person's spiritual development.

Third initiation ("the transfiguration")

An individual who is at the level of the third initiation has acquired fully developed clairvoyance and clairaudience.

Fourth initiation ("the crucifixion")

An individual reaching the fourth initiation is known as the perfected one, or an Arhat (Pali) or a Paramahansa (Sanskrit). Symbolically the fourth initiation is denoted as the crucifixion initiation. An Arhat is supposed to be one who does not need to be incarnated again to develop.

Fifth initiation ("the resurrection")

The fifth initiation, called the resurrection, comprises beings designated as Masters of the Wisdom or Ascended masters. According to both Alice A. Bailey and Benjamin Creme, there are a total of 52 beings at this level of initiation.

Sixth initiation ("the ascension" or "masterhood")

The Chohans (Lords) of the Seven Rays - El Morya,Master Kuthumi, Paul the Venetian, Serapis Bey, Master Hilarion, Master Jesus and the Count of St Germain - are seven of the beings at the level of the sixth initiation, while Djwal Khul is another.

Seventh initiation ("bodhisattva" or "avatar")

The seventh initition is known as the initiation of the Bodhisattava (Buddhism)or the Avatar (Hinduism). The Maitreya or World Teacher (known as Krishna by Hindus, the Christ by Christians, Maitreya by Buddhists, Messiah by the Jews, the Iman Mahdi by Muslims, and the Peshotan by the Zoroastrians) is at this level. At this level also are said to be the Manu and the Mahachohan.

Eighth initiation ("buddhahood")

Level eight is the level of the Buddha.

Ninth initiation ("godhood")

Level nine is the "Lord of the World": Sanat Kumara - the "Ancient of Days", believed by Theosophists to be the governing deity of Earth.

Tenth initiation ("planetary logos")

The tenth initiation is considered to symbolize perfection and is used to describe the Planetary Logos.

Further reading

• Leadbeater, C.W. The Masters and the Path Adyar, Madras, India: 1925--Theosophical Publishing House--Chart on page 249 (diagram 5), provides details AbOUT the Great Ones functioning on initiation levels five through nine. 1
• Bailey, Alice A. Initiation, Human and Solar New York: 1922--Lucis Publishing
• Creme, Benjamin Maitreya's Mission Amsterdam: 1986--Share International Foundation-- Chart on pages 373-393 gives the Level of Initiation of famous people of history (all the indicated levels are between one and five).

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