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Abstract

This article introduces the modern esoteric worldview of Alice A Bailey, a comprehensive cosmology and epistemology inclusive of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, and explores its potential for providing new understandings of communication. After sketching an outline of the hierarchical structure of the macrocosm—from the mind of God to humanity—and of the microcosm—from the human spiritual Self to the physical body—the article utilizes this model to expand the concept of communication beyond the current Western rational framework. The article then explores implications the esoteric worldview may have for the future direction of critical theory and for the cultivation of prajñā, or compassionate wisdom, to help achieve the global solidarity necessary to confront the major crises facing humanity.

Keywords

Alice Bailey critical theory esotericism Habermas prajñā public sphere solidarity soul

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Communicative prajñā : Cultivating solidarity and establishing right human relations

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