This book traces the evolutionary process as presented through the extensive writings of Alice Bailey. This is not really the Darwinian evolution that our science knows, or that in which the Creationist believes, yet it is a presentation that accepts something of both schools of thinking. Mostly this book presents an evolutionary process that is not scientifically verifiable in the strict sense, in fact it often contradicts current mainstream science. The reader should be able to acknowledge that just because we cannot see or sense something, that does not mean that that something does not exist. The abilities of clairvoyants are established and well documented. In some cases this book draws upon information by persons having firsthand knowledge of the particular topic they are dealing with even though that topic may be entirely subjective to most people. Numbered notes in the text will lead the reader to these sources.
As the book title implies there are two main types of evolution. The most well known type is the Darwinian that concerns the physical form, which involves the Deva or Angelic evolution. Evolution in consciousness, on the other hand, concerns the life process that is non-material or formless. In order for the life process to find a means to express itself it must have a form as a point of activity as well as objectivity. The book deals with the nature of the “aspects” that in a sense relate to what most of us know as the Trinity although it is not really the Trinity we may have met in church.
Form evolution is usually viewed like a “tree of life” where forms seem to naturally grow progressively from one into another, but this tendency only exists in nature to a limited extent. It is otherwise necessary for conscious direction from the second Aspect to provide for a basis of form development. Thus all forms that we see in nature are the product of some subjective mind. Once a new form is created it can maintain itself, and to some extent alter itself through the manasic process that relates to the universal mind.
This book is composed of five parts plus an appendix. The approach is to build the esoteric concepts around the nature and development of man over millions of years. Through an understanding of our own being we can first begin to recognize the correspondence that exists at all evolutionary levels.
There is an appendix covering three separate topics that provide additional material to supplement areas of particular interest and importance. This approach was taken so as not to distract the reader from the central topic. While no pictures are included, a series of eight figures as well as numerous tables are presented to give the reader a visual point to assemble and correlate what is in effect a new way of thinking about our selves, our world, and everything in it. Each of the five parts will now be examined to bring forward some of the principle concepts presented in the book. Also, a Blog is included to provide additional insight into this complex subject.