The spiritual Hierarchy of the planet functions through three major aspects, or "departments" of work: the department of Government, the department of Religion, and the department of Education with its subsidiary aspects of Science, Philosophy, Psychology, and Culture and the Arts.

These departments are reflected into and through all human affairs everywhere. Therefore, all disciples preparing for active service to the Hierarchy find their place within one or other of these seven major areas of human life, either actively through direct contribution, or by the building of clear, Plan-imbued thoughtforms through the technique of occult meditation.

The seven studies have been prepared with the intention of helping to stimulate this sense of recognition and co-operation. They contain most of the fundamental teachings given by the Master Djwhal Khul and contained in the books written with the co-operation of Alice Bailey. The essentials relating to the work of each of the seven groups have been brought together, with some related material from other sources and a suggested form of special meditation. Here is an outline of the Table of Contents of each study: