Unfinished Autobiography

This book was left to me by my grandmother (along with all the Alice Bailey books)when I was only 4. This was in the 1950s, and I have read and re-read this book in particular all my life. Although I have been on the Spiritual Path for most of my life, and have read many wonderful books, as well as had the honour of working closely with the realized English Master, Dr. George King for much of this time, this book never fails to inspire me. I picked it up recently and got so much out of it. Alice Bailey was so honest, true, highly intelligent, respectful and loving towards all life, humble, highly evolved, compassionate and perceptive. She made her mistakes and shares them openly and honestly. Despite this, I believe she is a wonderful role model for everyone.

This is probably my favourite of Alice Bailey's books. I often read it when I get the blues, and start questioning where I'm going with my life, am I really as messed up as I feel, etc. Whereas there are so many books on great teachers that depict them essentially as flawless Gods, Mrs. Bailey is honest about her shortcomings and fears, about the mistakes and wrong choices she's made. Her story shows that with dedication to find the truth inside, anyone can find themselves. Her life has taken her from a privileged upper class beginnings to an absolute poverty and abuse. She went from an orthodox "know-it-all" and "in your face I'll save you through Jesus whether you want to or not" to a philosopher that knows there are different paths for different people. Her unwavering faith in goodness in people and ability to find kindness in all works of life has sustained her through situations where many would give up. But it has also made her understanding without being condescending. I believe that this autobiography should be a required reading for anyone on a spiritual path. Especially those who secretly doubt their worthiness. Making mistakes is only human.

An inside look at how A. Bailey came to work with the Tibetan master, Djwhal Khul. She also describes how (despite her orthodox up-bringing)her mind is changed after studying theology. A very human look at the challenges she faced in bringing The Tibetan's work to the public (without appearing self absorbed or "special"). She also describes the wedge created between those in the then spiritual community. Ms. Bailey was English so her writing is in "Queen's English". Not her best work but honest and humble.

A good book with which to start if you're new to metaphysics and even if you're not. It is always interesting to get to know an author once you've read her books or even before you begin. What an author has lived is, more often than not, experienced anew through writing; therefore, what better way to get the most out of an author's writings, than by reading her autobiography?