Glossary of Terms

A Short Glossary of Terms

All definitions derived from the DK teachings found in the books by Alice A. Bailey.

Ashram
A group of disciples and initiates working within the sphere of influence of a spiritual master.
Buddhic Plane
Plane of intuition situated above the mental plane (see Planes below).
Logos
Solar and Planetary — Evolving Existences within the overall cosmic hierarchy of being.
Rays of Energy
Seven energy streams emanating from the Source. These Rays flow through the seven centres of force (or planetary Logoi) within the body of our solar Logos, influencing all manifestation within the system.
In the teachings of Alice A. Bailey, the Tibetan, or DK (Djwhal Khul) divides the seven Rays into two groups:
Three Major Rays of Aspect
  • Ray I — Will or Power (1st Aspect)
  • Ray II — Love-Wisdom (2nd Aspect)
  • Ray III — Active Intelligence (3rd Aspect)
Four Minor Rays of Attribute
  • Ray IV — Harmony through Conflict
  • Ray V — Concrete Knowledge or Science
  • Ray VI — Devotion or Abstract Idealism
  • Ray VII — Ceremonial Magic or Order

Each of the three solar Logoi corresponds to one of the three major Rays of Aspect. Our solar Logos corresponds to the second Ray of Love-Wisdom. Primordial matter is conditioned by the third Ray of Active Intelligence.

Planes (or Levels of Existence)
In theosophy there are seven planes of manifestation, from physical, through emotional (astral), mental (manasic) and intuitional (buddhic), to spiritual (atmic), monadic (anupadaka) and divine (plane of the Logos).
  • The upper triad and lower quaternary are references to these seven planes of consciousness. The upper triad concerns a linking of spiritual will, intuition and higher mind on the Spiritual (Atmic), Intuitional (Buddhic) and Mental (Manasic) planes. The lower quaternary refers to the physical, emotional, etheric and lower mental planes.
Shamballa
A sacred island in the Gobi Desert existing in the higher ethers of the physical plane, home of the Lord of the World and the Great Council ‘responsible for planetary conditions in the solar system’.
Spiritual Hierarchy
A keynote of theosophy is the existence of a spiritual hierarchy of wiser, more advanced beings dedicated to advancing the evolution of consciousness of humanity. This spiritual hierarchy is one version of the ancient teachings on celestial beings. In this sense, ‘spiritual hierarchy’ is the language theosophists put to describe something ineffable, beyond the limits of human comprehension. The hierarchy is grouped into ashrams comprised of masters, adepts and initiates.