HOME
THE PLAN OF GOD
& HUMANITY
RAY-DATABASE
THE NIRMANAKAYAS
The divine complemtaters
Archetypal man
of a rootrace
LORD MAITREYA
Lord of Love
World Teacher
Lord of
Civilization
MANU
MAHACHOHAN
MASTERS OF WISDOM
Our elder Brothers
The Lords of Compassion
SHAMBALLA
THE CENTRE WHERE THE
WILL OF GOD IS KNOWN
ARTICLE
MASTER
ARTICLE
MASTER
The Plan
SPIRITUAL HIERARCHY
THE NIRMANAKAYAS
The divine complemtaters
SOLAR LOGOS
SANAT KUMARA
THE LORD OF THE WORLD
THE BUDDHA
WISDOM
KUMARA 1
Will or
power
RAY 1
KUMARA 2
Love-
Wisdom
RAY 2
KUMARA 3
Active
Intelligence
RAY 3
LORDS OF KARMA
KUMARA 4
ESOTERIC
KUMARA 5
ESOTERIC
KUMARA 6
ESOTERIC
LORDS OF KARMA
SPIRITUAL HIERARCHY
THE ONE INITIATOR
OTHERS
THE WILL OF GOD
SHAMBALLA
HEAD-CENTRE OF THE PLANET
THE WILL OF GOD
PLANETARY CENTRE 1
MORE ABOUT SHAMBALLA
- Shamballa is the planetary head center, expressing the Will of the Planetary Logos.
- Anchors pure will and purpose, driving planetary evolution and initiation.
- Primarily conditioned by Ray I (Will or Power), synthesizing all rays at the highest level.
- Energy is dynamic and often destructive, responding only to alignment with planetary purpose.
- Expressed on Earth through Humanity and the Hierarchy, guiding the externalization of the planetary Plan.
X
PLANETARY CENTRE 1
- Shamballa is described as the planetary head center, located on the subtle planes and anchored geographically in the Gobi Desert area.
- It is the dwelling place of Sanat Kumara, “The Lord of the World,” who embodies the planetary Logos’ will and purpose.
THE WILL OF GOD
SHAMBALLA
1. Cosmic Center on Earth
- Humanity, the Hierarchy, and Shamballa are three great planetary centers:
1. Humanity – the center of intelligence.
2. Hierarchy – the center of love-wisdom.
3. Shamballa – the center of will and purpose. - Their progressive alignment is part of the unfolding planetary plan.
2. Three Planetary Centers
- Shamballa radiates the energy of divine will (the first ray). This force is impersonal, powerful, and potentially destructive if wrongly used.
- It is the origin of the impulse toward synthesis, initiation, and new evolutionary stages.
- In human history, its impacts have been rare but decisive (e.g., major spiritual crises and world shifts).
3. Shamballa Force
- True contact with Shamballa becomes possible only at higher stages of initiation (the third and above). It requires alignment of the will with divine purpose, not just love or service.
- The Shamballa force tests motives and destroys crystallized forms so that new expressions of truth can emerge.
4. Relation to Initiation
- Shamballa embodies the planetary Purpose, while the Hierarchy works with the Plan (the Purpose expressed in time and space).
- Aspirants and disciples gradually move from working with the Plan to aligning with Purpose, a shift made possible by Shamballa’s influence.
5. Purpose and Plan
- Shamballa energy was first directly released to humanity during the time of Atlantis (leading to crisis and destruction).
- More recently in the 20th century, precipitating both conflict and opportunities for spiritual advancement.
6. Historical Impacts
- Shamballa is the highest planetary spiritual center, embodying divine will and purpose. It is the abode of Sanat Kumara, the “Lord of the World.”
- Contact with Shamballa represents alignment with the will of God, beyond love and intelligence, and marks the evolutionary step of advanced initiates.
7. In short
- Essence: Purpose is the underlying reason for being. It is the divine intention lying behind creation itself.
- Source: It emanates from the Monad and is linked with the “Will of God” as it exists on the highest planes (Shamballa level).
- Nature: Abstract, formless, and ultimately incomprehensible to the concrete mind. Purpose is not about action but about the eternal motive of Life.
- Human Analogy: In the disciple, Purpose emerges as the recognition of a “directional pull” or sense of destiny. It is not about personal desire or even spiritual aspiration, but the discovery of the inner plan the soul is aligned with.
DIVINE INTENTION & WILL TO MANIFESTATION
PURPOSE & WILL
1. Purpose
- Essence: Will is the active expression of Purpose. It is Purpose coming into manifestation through directed energy.
- Source: Rooted in the spiritual Triad and expressed by the soul through personality instruments.
- Nature: Dynamic, fiery, and focused. It is the capacity to carry out Purpose in time and space. Will brings about initiation, transformation, and action.
- Human Analogy: For the disciple, Will is the ability to persist, to stand steady, to direct energy toward the realization of the recognized Purpose.
2. Will
- Purpose is the Why (the eternal reason).
- Will is the How (the directed power that implements the Why).
- Bailey stresses that disciples must gradually shift from aspiration (a soul quality) to Will (a monadic quality), and finally recognize Purpose (a Shamballic quality).
- At high initiatory stages, Purpose and Will are experienced as one, but until then, Will is the means by which Purpose is progressively revealed and executed.
3. Relationship
- First detailed presentation of Shamballa.
- Shamballa is the head center of the planetary Logos, embodying will and purpose.
- Described as the residence of Sanat Kumara and the Council of enlightened Beings.
- Shamballa transmits first ray energy to the Hierarchy and Humanity.
- The “Shamballa force” is said to have been released during Atlantean times, causing both crisis and growth.
THE BOOKS OF ALICE BAILEY
SHAMBALLA
1. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire (1925)
- Places Shamballa within the framework of the Three Great Planetary Centers:
• Shamballa – Will & Purpose
• Hierarchy – Love-Wisdom
• Humanity – Intelligence & Creativity - Explains that the divine will is “too strong” for direct human contact; hence the Hierarchy acts as intermediary
- Humanity is slowly being trained to respond to Shamballa energy through crises that demand new synthesis.
2. Esoteric Psychology II (1935)
- For advanced disciples, alignment with Shamballa requires developing the spiritual will.
- Introduces meditation practices aimed at invoking Shamballa energy.
- Stresses motive testing: the Shamballa force destroys selfish ambition and crystallized forms.
- Initiates of the third degree begin to make direct contact with Shamballa.
3. Discipleship in the New Age
I & II (1944–50)
- Strong focus on the Shamballa impact in the 20th century.
- Bailey states that Shamballa force was released in 1825, 1925, and especially 1945.
- The 1945 release coincided with the end of World War II, bringing both destruction and the impulse for renewal.
- The Great Invocation, given in this book, invokes light, love, and will-to-good (the energy of Shamballa) into the world.
- Humanity is being prepared for closer relation to Shamballa, bypassing the old dependence solely on Hierarchy.
4. The Externalisation of the Hierarchy (1957, compiled posthumously)
- Most detailed presentation of Shamballa’s relation to initiation.
- The third initiation (Transfiguration) opens the door to Shamballa influence.
- Higher initiations (fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh) are essentially Shamballa initiations, aligning the initiate with planetary purpose.
- Distinguishes between the Plan (Hierarchy’s work in time/space) and the Purpose (Shamballa’s will beyond time).
- Explains the sevenfold expression of Shamballa energy, especially the aspects of:
1. Will-to-good
2. Will-to-unify
3. Will-to-evolve
4. Will-to-harmonize
5. Will-to-act
6. Will-to-cause
6. Will-to-cause
7. Will-to-express power
5. The Rays and the Initiations
(1960, compiled posthumously)
- Shamballa = planetary head center (Will & Purpose).
- Sanat Kumara = Lord of the World, Custodian of planetary Purpose.
- Hierarchy bridges between Shamballa and Humanity.
- Initiates gradually progress from working with the Plan (Hierarchy) to embodying the Purpose (Shamballa).
- Shamballa impacts are rare, powerful, and bring both crisis and evolutionary advancement.
- Will-to-good is the highest expression of Shamballa energy that humanity can safely contact.
6. Key Themes Across the Books
SANAT KUMARA
- Sanat Kumara is consistently described as the “Lord of the World”, the “Eternal Youth”, and the “One Initiator.”
- He is said to be the head of the Planetary Hierarchy, the representative of the Logos of the Earth, and the custodian of the planetary purpose.
- He is also referred to as the “Ancient of Days”, echoing biblical language.
1. Identity and Titles
- Bailey states that Sanat Kumara came to Earth from Venus millions of years ago, accompanied by other advanced beings, to quicken human evolution.
- This “coming” is described as a sacrifice, for he assumed responsibility for Earth before humanity could guide itself.
- He took up residence in the centre called Shamballa, which Bailey describes as an etheric retreat on Earth where the will of God is anchored.
2. His Origin and Arrival
- Sanat Kumara embodies the first aspect of divinity — Will or Power.
- He is portrayed as an exalted being of flawless purity, who has remained “eternally young” and “eternally vigilant.”
- His consciousness is said to be far beyond that of any Master or Chohan, as he represents the will of the Planetary Logos directly.
3. His Nature
1. Planetary Ruler
- He governs the evolution of all kingdoms of nature under the larger Plan of the Logos.
- He directs the great cycles of initiation for humanity.
- Shamballa is described as the “centre where the will of God is known.”
- Sanat Kumara is the focal point of Shamballa, distributing the will-energy throughout the Hierarchy and into human affairs.
3. The One Initiator
- At the higher initiations (especially the third initiation and beyond), it is Sanat Kumara himself who bestows the initiatory contact.
- He alone confers the highest initiations, acting as the link between the Planetary Logos and advanced disciples.
4. Custodian of the Planetary Plan
- He embodies the Purpose (a higher concept than the Plan).
- The Plan, as worked out by the Hierarchy, is the reflection of his Purpose adapted to humanity’s capacity.
4. His Role in Planetary Life
- Sanat Kumara presides above the Hierarchy (the community of Masters).
- The Christ and the Masters act as transmitters of his Purpose in forms that humanity can receive.
- He does not work directly with individuals or groups of disciples but impresses the Hierarchy with his Will, which they then step down and distribute.
- Humanity is the field of expression through which his Purpose must ultimately manifest.
5. His Relationship with the Hierarchy and Humanity
- He is called the “Silent Watcher” and is said to have “stood in the centre of the Earth for untold millennia.”
- His presence is portrayed as one of immense spiritual radiance, yet hidden from ordinary human perception.
- Bailey often emphasizes his ageless youth, a symbolic expression of eternal vitality.
6. Symbolism and Descriptions
- Sanat Kumara is said to be releasing stronger currents of the Shamballa force into the world since 1825, 1925, and especially since 1936.
- These releases are described as difficult and dangerous energies, producing both destruction and spiritual stimulation.
- The Shamballa force, emanating from him, is behind world events that break down old forms and prepare the way for the new civilisation.
- He is preparing humanity for greater contact with Shamballa, making the will aspect more accessible.
7. His Work in Present Times (Bailey’s 20th-century context)
- At the third initiation (Transfiguration), the initiate becomes aware of Shamballa and of Sanat Kumara as the Initiator.
- At the fifth initiation (Revelation), the initiate stands before Sanat Kumara himself and receives energy directly from him.
- At the seventh initiation, Sanat Kumara is again central, since it is he who represents the highest point of initiation possible on Earth.
8. His Relationship to Initiation
Bailey describes three major planetary centres:
- Shamballa – Will, directed by Sanat Kumara.
- Hierarchy – Love-Wisdom, directed by the Christ.
- Humanity – Active Intelligence, still in development.
Sanat Kumara is the head of the highest
centre and therefore the primary link with
the Planetary Logos.
9. His Function in the Planetary
Triad of Centres
In Alice Bailey’s books, Sanat Kumara is the
supreme spiritual regent of Earth, who:
supreme spiritual regent of Earth, who:
- Came from Venus in a great act of sacrifice.
- Established Shamballa as the planetary centre of Will.
- Embodies the Purpose of the Planetary Logos.
- Governs initiation and planetary evolution.
- Transmits Shamballa force that shapes both crises and progress in the world.
- Stands as the One Initiator, before whom advanced initiates must eventually stand.
His presence is the hidden, silent foundation of
planetary life, beyond direct contact for most
humanity, yet profoundly influential through
the Hierarchy and the unfolding of the Plan.
10. Summary Essence
THE KUMARAS
- “Kumaras” = Lords of the Flame / Lords of Will: Super-human beings associated with the first aspect (Will/Purpose) and the fifth principle (manas, mind). They are not part of human evolution but stand behind it as its progenitors and governors.
- Sanat Kumara is the head: the Lord of the World, “Ancient of Days,” “Eternal Youth,” the planetary Representative of the Planetary Logos. He embodies planetary Purpose and presides in Shamballa.
- Seven in total, four “exoteric” + three “esoteric”: Bailey often speaks of four Kumaras (with Sanat Kumara as the One) and hints at three more esoteric Kumaras, making a septenary. In functional language she frequently describes a triad around Sanat Kumara—the Three Buddhas of Activity—who are Kumaric in nature and handle planetary intelligence/karma. (Her presentation varies by context: sometimes “four Kumaras,” sometimes “seven,” sometimes she emphasizes the triad of Buddhas of Activity.)
1. Who/What the Kumaras Are
- Venusian linkage: Bailey reiterates the theosophical teaching that highly advanced beings from the Venus scheme intervened in early Earth evolution. This event—“the Coming of the Lords of the Flame”—individualized early humanity by igniting the mental principle, making self-consciousness possible (TCF).
- Foundation of Shamballa: With that advent, Shamballa was anchored on the etheric levels over the Gobi region—becoming the head center of the planet, the seat of the Council Chamber of the Lord of the World.
2. Origin & the “Coming of the Lords
of the Flame”
- For humanity, the Lords of Karma determine the conditions of incarnation—birth, environment, opportunities, and challenges.
- They ensure that each soul receives the experiences necessary to balance past actions and to move forward in evolution.
3. Where They Function:
Shamballa, Hierarchy, Humanity
- Custodians of Planetary Purpose: They hold the “why” of Earth’s evolution; all cycles, crises, and dispensations are measured against that Purpose (RI).
- The One Initiator: Sanat Kumara is the Initiator for the higher initiations; from the third initiation onward the “Rod of Initiation” is wielded under His authority (IHS, RI). The Christ officiates the first two as His representative for Humanity.
- Karmic & Civilizational Governors: Through the Buddhas of Activity, the Kumaras govern the intelligent unfolding of civilizations, timing the release of forces that precipitate major shifts, destructions, or seedings (TCF, EH).
- Custody of the “mystery of electricity”: In Bailey’s fire-metaphysic, they are linked with electrical fire (will) and with the manasic spark that made human self-consciousness possible (TCF).
- Cyclic Release of Shamballa Force: In certain world cycles the Council of Shamballa releases a measured impact of first-ray energy—bringing crises that end old forms and anchor new purpose (EH, RI).
- Number, Titles, and Relationships (how Bailey threads them)
4. Their Roles & Functions
- Rays: The Kumaras are the first-ray custodians for the planet; the Buddhas of Activity channel third-ray intelligence in service to first-ray Purpose. Their work conditions the three planetary centers: Shamballa (1), Hierarchy (2), Humanity (3).
- Centers: Shamballa functions as the planetary head center; the Kumaras are its “Lives.” Hierarchy is the heart, Humanity the throat. The descent of Purpose through these centers is the grand pattern of planetary initiation (RI).
5. Number, Titles, and Relationships (how Bailey threads them)
- In Bailey’s esoteric astrology, karma is closely linked to planetary rays and cycles.
- The Lords of Karma are behind the apparent fate of nations and individuals, regulating opportunities for growth in alignment with planetary purposes.
6. Rays & Centers
- Individualization (past): The Venusian intervention (Kumaric act) produced mind in early humanity—launching true human evolution (TCF).
- Initiation (present): The Hierarchy prepares humanity to withstand voltage from Shamballa. From the third initiation, the disciple comes under the One Initiator (Sanat Kumara) and must demonstrate alignment with Purpose, not just love and intelligence (RI, IHS).
- World events: Shamballa impacts often register as world crises that force a choice of values, clear out crystallized forms, and seed new patterns. The Kumaras stand behind such “initiatory pressure” at the planetary level (EH).
7. Human Evolution & Initiation
- Approach via the Hierarchy: Bailey cautions that direct Shamballa contact is dangerous; the safe path is soul alignment and group service under the Hierarchy, which steps down Will as purposeful love (EH).
- Will as selfless purpose: The “Kumaric note” in practice is not hardness but impersonal, sacrificial purpose—the power to end what obstructs the good and begin what serves the Plan.
- Group initiation: As Humanity becomes a conscious center, the Kumaras can transmit more Purpose with less destruction—accelerating the externalisation of the Hierarchy and the reappearance work (EH, RI).
8. Practical/Esoteric Implications
(for group work)
- She retains the classic themes (Venusian origin, Lords of the Flame) but reframes them in a tri-centered planetary psychology (Shamballa–Hierarchy–Humanity) and a Ray context. The emphasis shifts from historical narrative to energy science (Purpose/Love/
Intelligence) and initiation as group planetary process.
9. How Bailey’s Teaching Differs
in Tone from Earlier Theosophy
- Sanat Kumara: Head of the planetary government in Shamballa; the One Initiator.
- Kumaras: Superhuman Will-beings associated with the Venusian intervention; Sanat Kumara plus other Kumaric Lives (often counted as four exoteric + three esoteric).
- Buddhas of Activity: Three Kumaric Beings who implement planetary intelligence/karma under the Will of Sanat Kumara.
- Shamballa: Planetary head center; Council Chamber of the Lord of the World; source of the Shamballa force (first-ray Will).
10. Quick Glossary
LORDS OF KARMA
- The Lords of Karma (sometimes called the Lipika Lords) are great Beings who act as recorders and adjusters of the Law of Cause and Effect.
- They maintain the equilibrium of the cosmic law within a solar system, ensuring that every cause has its rightful effect and that no energy is ever lost or misapplied.
- They stand between the solar Logos and humanity, upholding divine justice.
1. Cosmic and Solar Function
- They are said to inscribe into the “astral light” or “akashic records” the causes set in motion by all beings.
- Their role is not punitive but administrative and balancing: they guarantee that the evolution of consciousness proceeds according to universal law.
2. Recording and Balancing
- For humanity, the Lords of Karma determine the conditions of incarnation—birth, environment, opportunities, and challenges.
- They ensure that each soul receives the experiences necessary to balance past actions and to move forward in evolution.
3. Relation to Human Destiny
- Alice Bailey mentions four Lipika Lords specifically associated with our planetary system.
- These four act under higher cosmic influences and are sometimes symbolically related to the “Four Maharajas” (Lords of the Quarters) found in Eastern esoteric traditions.
- They transmit karmic law through planetary Logoi and Devas, down into the human kingdom.
4. Hierarchical Order
- At certain initiations, the disciple becomes directly aware of the Lords of Karma.
- Particularly from the third initiation onwards, a soul consciously cooperates with karmic law instead of being unconsciously swept along by it.
- Eventually, through liberation and service, the initiate transcends personal karma, but still remains under group and planetary karma.
5. Initiation and Karma
- In Bailey’s esoteric astrology, karma is closely linked to planetary rays and cycles.
- The Lords of Karma are behind the apparent fate of nations and individuals, regulating opportunities for growth in alignment with planetary purposes.
6. Esoteric Astrology
- The Lords of Karma in Alice Bailey’s writings are exalted cosmic beings who administer the Law of Cause and Effect within our planetary and solar life.
- They are not judges in a human sense but custodians of balance, ensuring that every soul, nation, and hierarchy progresses according to divine law.
7. In essence
BUDDHA
- The Buddha was the Messenger of Light for humanity, bringing the doctrine of the Middle Way and freeing humanity from the extremes of indulgence and asceticism.
- He embodied the principle of wisdom, complementing the principle of love later expressed by the Christ.
- His enlightenment under the Bodhi tree symbolizes humanity’s awakening to higher consciousness.
1. Historical Role
- The Buddha did not withdraw after his enlightenment; he remains a living force within the Hierarchy.
- Bailey describes him as one of the few who can move freely between Shamballa (the center of divine will on Earth) and the Hierarchy (the center of love-wisdom).
- He acts as the intermediary between Shamballa and the Hierarchy, transmitting spiritual energy from the planetary head center to the heart center.
2. His Ongoing Work
- Every year at the Taurus full moon, the Buddha returns in a body of light to bless the world.
- At the Wesak ceremony in the Himalayas, he transmits energy from the “Great Council at Shamballa” to the Christ and to humanity.
- This event strengthens the link between East and West and pours forth wisdom and enlightenment upon all aspirants.
3. The Wesak Festival
- The Buddha and the Christ together represent the two great pillars of the Hierarchy: Wisdom (Buddha) and Love (Christ).
- They work in close cooperation, preparing humanity for the externalization of the Hierarchy and the eventual reappearance of the Christ.
- The Christ distributes the energy of the Buddha into the hearts of humanity.
4. Relation to the Christ
- The Buddha embodies the Light of God (wisdom, illumination, understanding).
- The Christ embodies the Love of God (compassion, sacrifice, relationship).
- Together, they are preparing humanity to express both qualities in a new world religion and culture.
5. Symbolic Function
- The Buddha represents the achievement of the Fourth Initiation (Renunciation), demonstrating freedom from attachment to the world of form.
- His continuing presence shows that great initiates never truly leave humanity but serve as living links in the chain of planetary evolution.