Seven rays

The seven rays is a concept that has appeared in several religions and esoteric philosophies in both Western culture and in India since at least the sixth century BCE.[1]

In occidental culture, it can be seen in early Western mystery traditions, such as Gnosticism and Mithraism, and in texts and iconic art of the Catholic Church as early as the Byzantine Empire.[2][3][4][5] In India, the concept has been part of Hindu religious philosophy and scripture since at least the Vishnu Purana, dating from the post-Vedic era.[6][7][8]

Beginning in the late 19th century, the seven rays appeared in a modified and elaborated form in the teachings of Theosophy, first presented by Helena Blavatsky.[9] The Theosophical concept of the seven rays was further developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the writings of Theosophist Charles Webster Leadbeater, and by other authors such as Alice Bailey, Manly P. Hall, and others — notably including the teachings of Benjamin Creme and his group Share International,[10] as well as the philosophies of organizations such as Temple of the People,[11] "I AM" Activity,[12] The Bridge to Freedom, The Summit Lighthouse,[9][13] The Temple of The Presence (1995)[14] and various other organizations promulgating Ascended Master Teachings, a group of religious teachings based on Theosophy.

As the New Age movement of the mid-to-late 20th century developed, the seven rays concept appeared as an element of metaphysical healing methods, such as Reiki and other modalities,[15][16] and in esoteric astrology.[17]

  1. ^ York, Michael (2004). "Seven rays". Historical Dictionary of New Age Movements. The Scarecrow Press, Inc. p. 162. ISBN 0-8108-4873-2.
  2. ^ Barbara G. Walker (1983). The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets. HarperCollins. p. 253. ISBN 0-06-250925-X.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bartoli was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Joseph was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Silvia Schroer; Thomas Staubli (2001). "Translated by Linda M. Maloney". Body Symbolism in the Bible. Liturgical Press. p. 92. ISBN 0-8146-5954-3.
  6. ^ Colebrooke, Henry Thomas (1858). Essays on the Religion and Philosophy of the Hindus. Williams and Norgate. pp. 79, 83, 119. Reprinted from 'Asiatic researches' and from the 'Transactions of the Royal Asiatic society.' Original from Harvard University.
  7. ^ Garrett, John (1871). A Classical Dictionary of India: Illustrative of the Mythology, Philosophy, Literature, Antiquities, Arts, Manners, Customs, &c. of the Hindus. Higginbotham and Co. pp. 41, 48, 99, 203, 216, 242, 314, 452, 621, 627. Director of Public Instruction, Mysore, India; Original from Oxford University
  8. ^ Sri Aurobindo (1971). The Secret of the Veda. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Dept. pp. 97, 182. ISBN 81-7058-581-3.
  9. ^ a b Robert Emmet Long (1994). Religious Cults in America. H.W. Wilson Publishing. pp. 79–80. ISBN 0-9745866-1-7.
  10. ^ Creme, Benjamin. The Ageless Wisdom Teaching Share International Foundation 1996. This book presents an introduction to that great body of wisdom underlying the spiritual teachings of all groups throughout the ages
  11. ^ The Teachings of the Temple (Halcyon, California: The Temple of the People, 1948) Volume I, Lesson 45, "The Seven Rays of Evolution."
  12. ^ Saint Germain Foundation. The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 2003
  13. ^ Lewis, James R. Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective Center For Academic Publication 1994
  14. ^ White Paper - Wesak World Congress 2002. Acropolis Sophia Books & Works 2003.
  15. ^ Carolyn E. Jackson (2004). The Spirit of Reiki. Innate Foundation Publishing. pp. 122–128. ISBN 0-9745866-1-7.
  16. ^ Primrose Cooper (2001). The Healing Power of Light: A Comprehensive Guide to the Healing and Transformative Powers of Light. Weiser. pp. 115–116. ISBN 1-57863-231-5.
  17. ^ Alan Leo (1989). Esoteric Astrology. Inner Traditions / Bear & Company. p. 21. ISBN 0-89281-181-1.