had appeared to her in England when she was
only 15 years old. She later learned that the figure
was Koot Houmi, one of the ascended masters
who had communicated with the society founder
Helena P. BLAVATSKY. Bailey went on to become an
active member of the society, where she met her
future husband, Foster Bailey.
While working with the society she was con-
tacted by another of the masters, Djwhal Khul,
usually referred to as D.K., or simply the Tibetan.
Bailey began to channel writings from the Tibetan,
later compiled into 19 books. In an appendix to
her unfinished autobiography she explained her
method of receiving teachings and writing texts
in cooperation with the Tibetan. In the same book
she stated the founding principles of the school
she would later establish.
Bailey’s first book, Initiation: Human and Solar,
was initially well received. However, Annie Besant,
the international president of the society, frowned
upon writings independently received from the
masters, and both Alice and Foster were soon
relieved of their positions in the society.
The Baileys were married in 1921. Soon after-
ward they founded Lucis Trust and the Arcane
School, to publish and disseminate the writings
and teachings of the Tibetan and to facilitate
the work of interested students. These teachings
continued the synthesis of Western and Hindu
thought first articulated by Blavatsky that had
become the hallmark of Theosophy. The teachings
emphasized the divine plan for humankind, the
role of karma and reincarnation, and the existence
of a spiritual brotherhood or hierarchy, overseeing
the evolution and welfare of humanity. Of note is
Bailey’s prolific writing on the science of the Seven
Rays, first introduced by Blavatsky.
Bailey’s work also emphasized the practical
aspects of spiritual discipleship, applied on a
human level, in particular the importance of group
consciousness and world service. To this end, she
also founded World Goodwill, a nongovernmental
organization dedicated to the promotion of good
human relations on a global scale. The Lucis Trust
has consultative status at the United Nations,
and World Goodwill is affiliated with the United
Nations Department of Public Information. Bailey
also introduced a world prayer for peace, enlight-
enment, and spiritual assistance called the Great
Invocation, as well as a set of creative meditations
designed to be observed cyclically, primarily at the
time of each full Moon, in order to create human
alignment with the divine Plan.
In addition to the 19 titles written in coop-
eration with D. K., Bailey authored five books by
herself. All 24 books carry Bailey’s name. Bailey
continued to head the Arcane School until her
death on December 15, 1949, when Foster took
over to lead the organization for several additional
years. The Arcane School and the Lucis Trust,
together with the service activities World Good-
will and Triangles, continue to function today.
In addition, a number of other groups attempt to
perpetuate the Bailey teachings.Further reading: Alice A. Bailey, The Externalisation of
the Hierarchy (New York/London: Lucis, 1957); ———,
Initiation, Human and Solar (New York/London: Lucis,
1922); ———, The Reappearance of the Christ (New
York/London: Lucis, 1948); ———, The Unfinished
Autobiography (New York: Lucis, 1951); John R. Sin-
clair, The Alice Bailey Inheritance (Wellingborough,
England: Turnstone Press, 1985); Thirty Years Work:
The Books of Alice A. Bailey and the Tibetan Master
Djwhal Khul (New York/London: Lucis, 1957).Balarama
Balarama is the elder brother of KRISHNA. He is
depicted as having a light color in contrast to
Krishna’s dark skin; one legend says that Balarama
was created from a light hair of VISHNU, and
Krishna from a black hair. Sometimes Balarama is
seen as an AVATA R of Vishnu alongside his brother
Krishna; sometimes the two are considered to
share an avatar as two “parts” of the whole. He is
also sometimes seen as an incarnation of ADISHE-
SHA, the divine serpent on whom Vishnu rested.Balarama 65 J