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{{short description|Spiritually enlightened beings in Theosophy}}
Originally presented by ] back in the nineteenth century, the "Masters of Wisdom", <ref>Blavastsky, Helena Petrovna ''The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy''. Theosophical Publishing House 1888. Volume I Introductory page xxxviii: "In Century the Twentieth some disciple more informed, and far better fitted, may be sent by the Masters of Wisdom to give final and irrefutable proofs that there exists a Science called ''Gupta-Vidya''; and that, like the once-mysterious sources of the Nile, the source of all religions and philosophies now known to the world has been for many ages forgotten and lost to men, but is at last found."</ref> "Mahatmas" or "Elder Brothers" <ref>Leadbeater, C.W. ''The Masters and the Path''. Adyar, India: Theosophical Publishing House 1929 (Reprint: Kessinger Publishing 1997).</ref> were further developed by ], ], ], ], and many others in ] based organizations, especially in the ]. The term '''Ascended Masters''' was first introduced to the public in 1934 with the publication of "Unveiled Mysteries" <ref>King, Godfre Ray. ''Unveiled Mysteries''. Chicago, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 1934 page vii: "The time has arrived, when the Great Wisdom, held and guarded for many centuries in the Far East, is now to come forth in America, at the command of those Great Ascended Masters who direct and protect the evolution of mankind upon this Earth."</ref> by ] ]. <ref>Saint Germain Foundation. ''The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation''. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 2003</ref> This term for the "Immortal Saints and Sages" <ref>Vyasa, Krishna-Dwaipayana. . Chapter 23 - Arjuna's Quest: Indra addresses Arjuna saying: "This area is the abode of Immortal Saints and Sages. War and war-weapons are just unknown here."</ref> who have gone through the Initiations of the Transfiguration, Resurrection, and the Ascension <ref>Besant, Annie. . London: Theosophical Publishing House 1912</ref> was further popularized by ] (1951), <ref>Partridge, Christopher ed. ''New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities'' Oxford University Press, USA 2004. Describes the Theosophical Society and religious organizations based on a belief in Ascended Masters, such as The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. page 333</ref> ] (1958), <ref>Lewis, James R. ''Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective'' Center For Academic Publication 1994.</ref> ] (1974), <ref>Creme, Benjamin. ''The Ageless Wisdom Teaching'' Share International Foundation 1996. page 9: "They are not Masters in any authoritarian sense, but Masters of Themselves and the Forces of Nature. They have full Consciousness and complete control on all Planes of this planet."</ref> ] (1995), <ref>''White Paper - Wesak World Congress 2002''. Acropolis Sophia Books & Works 2003.</ref> and various other organizations. <ref>Braden, Charles S. ''These Also Believe'' MacMillan Publishing Company 2000. pages 257 - 307</ref>
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{{Theosophy}}


'''Ascended masters''' in a number of movements in the ] tradition<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/legal-and-political-magazines/ascended-master |title= Ascended Master|publisher=]}}</ref> are held to be spiritually ] beings who in past ]s were ordinary humans, but who have undergone a series of spiritual transformations originally called initiations.
==Beliefs about Ascended Masters==


Both '']'' and ''ascended master'' are terms used in the Ascended Master Teachings. The concept of an ascended master is based on the ] concept of the Mahatma or Masters of the Ancient Wisdom. However, Mahatmas and ascended masters are believed by some to differ in certain respects.
In various descendants and offshoots of ], <ref>Partridge, Christopher ed. ''New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities'' Oxford University Press, USA 2004. Describes religious organizations based on Theosophy and on a belief in Ascended Masters, such as The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse.</ref> Ascended Masters are held to be a group of ]ually ] beings, once ordinary humans, who have undergone a process of spiritual transformation. According to these teachings, they remain attentive to the spiritual needs of humanity, and act as superintendents of its spiritual growth. In many traditions and organizations, they are considered part of the Spiritual Hierarchy for Earth, and members of the Great Brotherhood of Light, also known as the Great White Lodge or ]. <ref>Luk, A.D.K.. ''Law of Life - Book I''. Pueblo, Colorado: A.D.K. Luk Publications 1989, Summary of Ascended Master Teachings from 1934 - 1958 as released through The I AM Activity and The Bridge to Freedom.</ref>


According to the Ascended Master Teachings, a "Master of Light", "Healer" or "Spiritual Master" is a divine human being who has taken the Fifth Initiation and is thereby capable of dwelling in a 5th dimension. The teachings hold that an "ascended master" is a human being who has taken the Sixth Initiation, also referred to as Ascension,<ref>Partridge, Christopher ed. ''New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities'', Oxford University Press, USA, 2004. Describes the Theosophical Society and religious organizations based on a belief in Ascended Masters, such as The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. pp. 330–334.</ref> and is thereby believed to be capable of dwelling in a 6th dimension.
==Origins==


The term ''ascended master'' was first used by ] in 1924 in his series of books, ''Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East'' (DeVorss and Co.). ] (Guy Ballard) further popularized this concept of spiritual masters who had once lived on the earth in his book ''Unveiled Mysteries''.<ref name="ReferenceB">King, Godfre Ray. ''Unveiled Mysteries''. Chicago, Illinois: Saint Germain Press, 1934, p. vii: "The time has arrived, when the Great Wisdom, held and guarded for many centuries in the Far East, is now to come forth in America, at the command of those Great Ascended Masters who direct and protect the evolution of mankind upon this Earth."</ref>{{third-party inline|date=January 2024}}
The idea of secret societies and Mystery Schools <ref>Knoche, Grace F. . Due to societal persecution and suppression, these were secret schools for the study of the Mysteries of the Inner Nature of man and of surrounding nature. By understanding these Mysteries, the student perceived his intimate relationship with Divinity, and strove through self-discipline and devotion to become at one with his Inner God.</ref> possessing advanced spiritual knowledge, ], is extremely ancient,<ref>see for instance pp. 117 -118, Antoine Faivre:'' Renaissance Hermeticism and the Concept of Western Esotericism'', in R, van den Broek and W. J. Hanegraaff (eds) '' Gnosis and Hermeticism from Antiqity to Modern Times'' SUNY press, Albany NY, 1998</ref> and was reintroduced in the West by the ] in the seventeenth century.


==Definition==
The founder of the ], ], in the late nineteenth century brought attention to the idea of secret initiatory knowledge, by claiming her ideas were based on traditions transmitted to her by occult means from a group of highly evolved humans which she called the Mahatmas or Masters. These mahatmas, she claimed, were physical beings living in the Himalayas, usually understood as Tibet.
Adherents of the ascended master Teachings hold that the beliefs surrounding ascended masters were partially released by the ] beginning in 1875, by ] and ], and began to have more detailed public release in the 1930s by the ascended masters through ] in the ].<ref name="The_Magic_Presence2">King, Godfre Ray. ''The Magic Presence''. Saint Germain Press 1935. page 89, 95</ref> However, theosophists maintain that the concept of an ascended master is an exaggeration and corruption of the more modest theosophical concept of "Master of the Ancient Wisdom".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine?id=2382|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307154534/https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine?id=2382|archive-date = 2016-03-07|title = Mahatmas versus Ascended Masters - Theosophical Society in America}}</ref>
:".. they are living men, born as we are born, and doomed to die like every mortal. We call them “masters” because they are our teachers; and because from them we have derived all the Theosophical truths... They are men of great learning, whom we call Initiates, and still greater holiness of life."<ref>Blavatsky, H. P. (1968 ). ''The Key to Theosophy''. London: Theosophical Publishing House.</ref>


Guy Ballard said his work ''Unveiled Mysteries'' was dictated to him by the ascended master ].<ref name="ReferenceB"/><ref name="ReferenceC">Saint Germain Foundation. ''The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation''. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press, 2003.</ref> Other Ascended Master Teachings are contained in ''The Bridge to Freedom'' (1951),<ref name="Freedom Journal 1961">''The Bridge to Freedom Journal'' (1951-1961) Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation, 1989.</ref> ] and ]'s The Summit Lighthouse (1958) (reorganized as the ] in 1975),<ref name="Lewis, James R. 1994">Lewis, James R. ''Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective'' Center For Academic Publication 1994.</ref> The Temple of The Presence (1995),<ref name="ReferenceD">''White Paper - Wesak World Congress 2002''. Acropolis Sophia Books & Works 2003</ref> The Hearts Center (2005), the ] (2004), and various other organizations such as ] (1936) and the ] (2006).<ref name="Braden, Charles S. 2000, pp. 257-307">] ''These Also Believe'', MacMillan Publishing Company 2000, pp. 257–307.</ref><ref>Watson, Jacob L. "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel" Outskirts Press, 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-4327-4598-1}}</ref>
While some of her critics believe the Masters are pure fantasy, other writers suggest that her changing stories were meant to hide the identities of real human teachers guiding her work.<ref>Johnson, K. Paul (1994). ''The Masters Revealed''. Albany, NY: SUNY Press.</ref> Blavatsky's own claim was that she met numerous of the Masters in person, on countless occasions, and was also the guest of the Master Koot Hoomi (]) while visiting the "Little Tibet" region of Kashmir. <ref>Cranston, Sylvia. ''H. P. B. : The Extraordinary Life & Influence of Helena Blavastsky''. Chapter 8 "Tibetan Sojourn Part 3 Pages 99 - 109. New York, New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons 1993.</ref>


Peter Mt. Shasta, who claims to be channeling the ascended master Saint Germain, has been releasing the ancient teachings in a more modern and simplified form, emphasizing the teaching that the masters can work with those who have an open heart and the desire to benefit humanity.<ref>"Adventures of a Western Mystic: Apprentice to the Masters" (Church of the Seven Rays, 2010)</ref>
After Madame Blavatsky's death in 1891, the mahatma concept was developed by her successors in the Theosophical Society leadership, ] and ], who described the Masters in great detail and added Jesus to their number. In Leadbeater's book, ''The Masters and the Path'' (1925), the Masters are presented as ageless and superphysical, albeit still limited by human bodies. Other branches of ] developed the theory slightly differently, notably ] from whose book ''Initiation, Human and Solar'' (1922), Leadbeater may have borrowed some of his details.


==Beliefs about ascended masters==
==Comparison of Unascended Masters & Ascended Masters==
]
The term ''ascended master'' was first introduced in 1934 by ] with the publication of ''Unveiled Mysteries'', a book which he said was dictated to him by the ascended master ].<ref>King, Godfre Ray. ''Unveiled Mysteries''. Chicago, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 1934 page vii: "The time has arrived, when the Great Wisdom, held and guarded for many centuries in the Far East, is now to come forth in America, at the command of those Great Ascended Masters who direct and protect the evolution of mankind upon this Earth."</ref><ref>Saint Germain Foundation. ''The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation''. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 2003</ref> Other Ascended Master Teachings are contained in ] (1951),<ref>''The Bridge to Freedom Journal'' (1951-1961) Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation, 1989</ref> ] (1958) (known also as The ]),<ref name="Lewis, James R. 1942">{{cite book |last= Melton |first= J. Gordon |author-link= |date=1994 |title=Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective |url= https://archive.org/details/churchuniversalt0000unse |location= |publisher= Stanford, Calif. : Center for Academic Publication |pages=1–2 |isbn=978-0-8191-9634-7}}</ref> The ] (1955),<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ascended Masters & The Spiritual Hierarchy Of Earth|language=en-US|work=The Aetherius Society|url=https://www.aetherius.org/ascended-masters/|access-date=2017-08-02}}</ref> The Temple of The Presence (1995),<ref name="ReferenceD" /> the I AM University (2004), the ] (1936) and the Aquarian Christine Church Universal, Inc. (2006).<ref>Braden, Charles S. ''These Also Believe'' Macmillan Publishing Company 2000, pp. 257-307</ref><ref>Watson, Jacob L. "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel" Outskirts Press 2009 {{ISBN|978-1-4327-4598-1}}</ref>


In Ascended Master Teachings there is also mention of Serapis Bey, a being who was incarnated as a high priest in one of the "Temples of the Sacred Fire" on ], and who migrated to ] at the time of the destruction of Atlantis.<ref>Prophet, Mark L. and Elizabeth Clare ''Lords of the Seven Rays''. Summit University, Livingston, Montana, USA, 1986, p. 149.</ref> It is also believed that he was incarnated as the Egyptian ] ] (who constructed the ] to the god ])<ref>Prophet, Mark L. and Elizabeth Clare ''Lords of the Seven Rays'', p. 153.</ref> and also as ], the King of ],<ref>Prophet, Mark L. and Elizabeth Clare ''Lords of the Seven Rays'', p. 150.</ref> who was killed in 480 BC defending the pass of ] against the invasion of ] by Emperor ] of the ].<!--According to teachings of ],<ref>Roerich, Elena Ivanovna. ''Letters to America''. In 4 Vols (1923–1952). T. 4. Moscow: Sfera, 1999.</ref> -->
There is considerable difference between the concept of Masters in nineteenth century ] (as described by ], ], ], and others) and the current concept of Ascended Masters. <ref>Prophet, Elizabeth Clare and Prophet, Mark L. ''Saint Germain on Alchemy: For the Adept in the Aquarian Age''. Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1986.</ref> The twentieth century teachings of the Ballards, Prophets, and others claim that although ] and Koot Hoomi (]) were Adepts and Masters of the lower matter planes and Elemental Forces of Nature, they had not become Ascended Masters until 1898, while Serapis Bey and the Maha Chohan, who were interacting with Theosophists during Blavatsky's time, already were Ascended Masters. <ref>Luk, A.D.K.. ''Law of Life - Book II''. Pueblo, Colorado: A.D.K. Luk Publications 1989, Summary of Ascended Master Teachings from 1934 - 1958 as released through The I AM Activity and The Bridge to Freedom.</ref>


==Other beliefs about ascended masters==
An Unascended Master has, according to these teachings, overcome the limitations of the lower Matter Octaves (Physical, Emotional, Mental), yet chooses to postpone the final Initiation of the Ascension to remain in time and space to Externalize and Focus the Consciousness of God for the evolutions of the Earth. <ref>Hall, Manly P. ''The Adepts in the Western Esoteric Tradition, Part Three - Orders of Universal Reformation''. Philosophical
Belief in the brotherhood{{what|reason=What brotherhood?|date=January 2024}} and the masters is an essential part of the beliefs of various organizations that have continued and expanded the concepts released in the original Saint Germain instruction in the 1930s through ]. Examples of those believed by the ones proposing these teachings to be ascended masters would be the Master Jesus, ], ], ], St. ] ({{aka}} ]), ], ], ], ], ], ], St. Germain and ].{{cn|date=March 2024}}
Research Society 1949.</ref> If a person takes a Bodhisattva vow, that one may choose to remain with the humanity of this Earth as an Unascended Master in one of the lower Spirit/Matter Octaves, as was the case with ]. <ref>Yogananda, ''Autobiography of a Yogi''. Self Realization Fellowship 1926</ref> It is believed by proponents of these beliefs that if enough Mastery of the Five Pranas and externalization of the Divine Nature has been developed, such an Adept becomes a True Initiate of one of the Brotherhoods or Sisterhoods of Light under the auspices of the ]. <ref>Hall, Manly P. ''The Secret Teachings of All Ages'' "An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy Being an Interpretation of the Secret Teachings Concealed within the Rituals, Allegories and Mysteries of all Ages" H.S. Crocker Company, Inc. 1928</ref> It is claimed that there can be a high degree of attainment within the lower body vehicles of expression (physical, emotional, mental, memory), yet that Adept may still not be Ascended (not primarily expressing through the Higher Bodies). <ref>Hall, Manly P. ''The Adepts in the Esoteric Classical Tradition, Part Two - Mystics and Mysteries of Alexandria''. Philosophical Research Society 1988. page 67</ref>


==Jesus==
One such teaching claims that examples of Unascended Masters are: ], Mataji, <ref>''Pearls of Wisdom'' Volume 20 Number 21 Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1997.</ref> and ]. <ref>''Pearls of Wisdom'' Volume 32 Number 29. Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1997. Lao-tzu was physically embodied in 6th century B.C. as a Chinese sage and mystic, and is traditionally accepted as the founder of Taoism.</ref> All these have un-Ascended bodies that are not flesh and blood of the lowest of the sub-plane substance of the Physical Octave, but of the "finer matter" that composes the upper sub-planes of the Physical Octave, as well as the Emotional (Astral) Octave, and the Mental Octave. <ref>Hall, Manly P.. ''The Adepts in the Esoteric Classical Tradition, Part One - The Initiates of Greece and Rome''. Philosophical Research Society 1936.</ref>
{{Main|Master Jesus}}
Jesus is believed to be one of the Masters of the Ancient Wisdom in ] and is one of the ascended masters in the Ascended Master Teachings. The Master Jesus is regarded by Theosophists as the Master of the ].<ref name=fire1237>Bailey, Alice A, ''A Treatise on Cosmic Fire'' (Section Three - Division A - Certain Basic Statements), 1932, Lucis Trust, 1925, p. 1237.</ref>

It is believed by Ascended Master Teachings organizations that the Master Jesus was "Chohan of the Sixth Ray" until December 31, 1959, when, according to Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Lady Master Nada{{who|date=January 2024}} fully took on the Office in the Spiritual Hierarchy in his place. According to Prophet, Jesus became World Teacher, along with Kuthumi,{{who|date=January 2024}} on January 1, 1956, succeeding Maitreya, who took the Office of "Planetary Buddha" and "Cosmic Christ".<ref>Prophet, Mark L. and Elizabeth Clare ''Lords of the Seven Rays'' Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1986 page 225</ref>

According to Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Prophet of the Church Universal and Triumphant (the largest Ascended Master Teachings religion), the Master Jesus incarnated twice as the Emperor of Atlantis, once in 33,050 BC and again in 15,000 BC.<ref>Prophet, Elizabeth Clare and Prophet, Mark (as compiled by Annice Booth) ''The Masters and Their Retreats'' Corwin Springs, Montana:2003 Summit University Press Pages 142-143</ref>

According to Alice Bailey, the Master Jesus was previously incarnated as ], the Hebrew military leader in the 13th century BC, and ] in the sixth century BC.<ref>Bailey, Alice A. ''Initiation, Human and Solar'' New York: Lucis Publishing, 1922, p. 56.</ref>

According to the Ascended Master Teachings,<ref>''I AM Ascended Master Dictation List'', Saint Germain Press Inc., 1995, Listing of Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity</ref><ref>Schroeder, Werner. ''Ascended Masters and Their Retreats'', Ascended Master Teaching Foundation, 2004. Listing of those who are believed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity and The Bridge to Freedom</ref><ref>Booth, Annice. ''The Masters and Their Retreats '' Summit Lighthouse Library, June 2003. Listing of those who are believed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom, and The Summit Lighthouse</ref><ref>Shearer, Monroe & Carolyn. ''I AM Adorations, Affirmations & Rhythmic Decrees'', Acropolis Sophia Books and Works, 1998. Listing of Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom, The Summit Lighthouse, and The Temple of The Presence</ref> Jesus was also incarnated as ] of the ] in the 17th century BC/16th century BC (approximately between 1650 BC and 1550 BC), as well as ] (who lived {{c.|1037 BC}} until around 970 BC), and ] in the 9th century BC.<ref>Prophet, Elizabeth Clare and Prophet, Mark (as compiled by Annice Booth) ''The Masters and Their Retreats'' Corwin Springs, Montana: Summit University Press, 2003, p. 143.</ref>

==Sanat Kumara==

According to the post-1900 publications of Theosophy (specifically, the writings of ], Alice Bailey, and ], as well as the Ascended Master Teachings of Guy Ballard, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, ], ], and other Ascended Master Teachings teachers), Sanat Kumara<ref> at ascension-research.org</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195405/http://www.luisprada.com/Protected/a_progress_report_on_our_ascension.htm |date=2016-03-03 }} at luisprada.com</ref> is an "advanced being" of the Ninth Initiation (the highest initiation possible on planet Earth) who is regarded as the Lord or Regent of ] and of ], and the head of the ] of Earth who dwells in ].

It is believed by these authors that he is the founder of the Great White Brotherhood, which consists of Masters of the Ancient Wisdom (Fifth Initiation), ascended masters (Sixth Initiation), Chohans and ]s (Seventh Initiation), Buddhas (Eighth Initiation), and highly spiritually-evolved volunteers from other worlds, who have all joined to advance spiritual evolution on Earth.<ref>Schroeder, Werner. ''Ascended Masters and Their Retreats'', Ascended Master Teaching Foundation 2004. Describes the founding of Shamballah by Sanat Kumara</ref>

Sanat Kumara was mentioned briefly by the theosophist ].<ref>Blavatsky, Helena Petrovna. ''The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy'', Theosophical Publishing House, 1888. Sanat Kumara - Volume I: pp. 89, 457–458; Volume II: pp. 106, 140, 319, 584.</ref> She claimed he belonged to a group of beings, the "Lords of the Flame", whom ] have misunderstood as ] and the fallen angels.<ref>Blavatsky, Helena Petrovna. ''The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy'', Theosophical Publishing House, 1888. Volume II, pp. 243 ff.</ref>

Sanat Kumara gained greater prominence when her follower Charles W. Leadbeater wrote that Sanat Kumara was the "King" or Lord of the World, and the head of the Great White Brotherhood of Mahatmas who had revealed the principles of theosophy.<ref>Leadbeater, C.W. ''The Masters and the Path''. Adyar, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1925 (Reprint: Kessinger Publishing, 1997), pp. 296-299.</ref>

==Maitreya==
{{Main|Maitreya (Theosophy)}}

==Initiation==
According to C.W. Leadbeater, Initiation is a process by which "we try to develop ourselves not that we may become great and wise, but that we may have the power and knowledge to work for humanity to the best effect."<ref name="ReferenceA">Leadbeater, Charles W. ''The Masters and the Path'', Adyar, Madras, India, Theosophical Publishing House, 1925, p. 166.</ref> According to Alice Bailey, Initiation is the "process of undergoing an expansion of consciousness"<ref>Bailey, Alice A. ''Initiation, Human and Solar'' New York: Lucis Publishing, 1922, p. 12.</ref>

== Periodization ==
=== The fall of man ===
It is believed that since the "fall of man" during the time of the incarnation of the ], imperfection, limitations and discord increasingly entered into the world. The memory body is considered to have become known as a "soul", and this temporary personality has taken on the sense of a self that is separated and not connected to God. It is believed that a "Dictation" from Maitreya further clarified this matter through the "Messenger", ], on September 27, 1954, when what occurred during the time of the fourth root race was described:

{{blockquote|Curiosity, rebellion against holding true to the Divine Pattern and the use of thought and feeling in creation of imperfection, began the building of what you call the 'soul'. It is a consciousness apart from the full Purity of God. The first thought a man had that was imperfect and impure, energized by a secret feeling, was a cause and that, sent out into the atmosphere, created an effect. Like a boomerang, the effect came back into the consciousness and made a record. That record was the beginning of an impression. Energy sent out in a certain manner returned to affect the lifestream who had sent it forth and there began to be created a shadow between the I AM Presence and the human consciousness. Endeavoring to contact the Presence, the individual would find these 'tramp' thoughts and feelings flowing through that line of contact until more and more imperfect was the conscious use of them. Finally, those centers got completely away from the control of the ego and acted independently.<ref>''The Bridge to Freedom Journal'', February 1956 (Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation 1989) Purported address from Maitreya on September 27, 1954 "through" Geraldine Innocente</ref>}}

=== Dawning Golden Age ===
Students of the Ascended Master Teachings believe that this world is destined to again have a ], a "Heaven on Earth", that will be permanent, unlike previous Golden Ages millions of years ago.<ref name="Unveiled_Mysteries">King, Godfre Ray. ''''. Saint Germain Press 1934. pages 42, 97, 136–137, 142, 167–168, 171–172, 225–226, 228, 236</ref>


==The Great White Brotherhood== ==The Great White Brotherhood==
The ], in belief systems akin to Theosophy, are said to be supernatural beings of great power who spread spiritual teachings through selected humans.<ref name="barrett">{{cite book|title= Sects, 'Cults', and Alternative Religions: A World Survey and Sourcebook|last= Barrett|first= David|year= 1996|publisher= Blandford|location= London|isbn= 0-7137-2567-2|url-access= registration|url= https://archive.org/details/sectscultsaltern00barr}}</ref> The members of the Brotherhood may be known as the Masters of the Ancient Wisdom or the Ascended masters.<ref name="barrett" /> Various people have said they have received messages from these beings, including most notably Helena Blavatsky (Theosophy), ] (]), Alice Bailey (]), Guy Ballard (]), Geraldine Innocente (The Bridge to Freedom), ] & Elizabeth Clare Prophet (Church Universal and Triumphant) and ] (]).<ref name="barrett" />


The Masters are collectively called the "Great White Brotherhood" by various theosophists and esotericists. The use of the term ''white'' refers to their advanced spirituality (in other words, that they have a white colored
In some versions of the Theosophical belief systems, the Masters are collectively called the "]". The use of the term "white" refers to their advanced spirituality (i.e., that they have a white colored ]) and has nothing to do with race. The early versions of Blavatsky's writings described the Masters as ethnically ] or ]n (]), not ]. <ref>Sinnett, Alfred Percy. ''''. Boston: Colby & Rich, 1882.</ref> One author claims that his research indicates that the descriptions and names used by Blavatsky for her teachers were intended to hide their real identities, some of whom were allegedly well known Indian rulers and influential people of her time. <ref>K. Paul Johnson: The Masters Revealed. Madame Blavatsky and the myth of the Great White Lodge. Albany, NY 1994: SUNY press</ref>
]) and has nothing to do with race. Blavatsky described many of the Masters as ethnically ] or ]n (]), not ].<ref>Sinnett, Alfred Percy. '']''. Boston: Colby & Rich, 1882.</ref> She did, however, describe them as being from all cultures and races, such as the "Greek gentleman" known as ].<ref name="enigma">Sisson, Marina Cesar. ; originally published as ''Informativo HPB'', No. 3, 4 and 5 English translation.</ref>


Belief in the Brotherhood and the Masters is an essential part of the ] teachings of various organizations that have continued and expanded the Theosophical philosophical concepts. <ref>''I AM Ascended Master Dictation List'' Saint Germain Press Inc., 1995, Listing of those who are claimed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity</ref> <ref>Schroeder, Werner ''Ascended Masters and Their Retreats'' Ascended Master Teaching Foundation 2004, Listing of those who are believed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity and The Bridge to Freedom</ref> <ref>Luk, A.D.K.. ''Law of Life - Book II''. Pueblo, Colorado: A.D.K. Luk Publications 1989, Listing of those who are claimed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity and The Bridge to Freedom</ref> <ref>Booth, Annice ''The Masters and Their Retreats '' Summit Lighthouse Library June 2003, Listing of those who are believed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom, and The Summit Lighthouse</ref> <ref>Shearer, Monroe & Carolyn ''I AM Adorations, Affirmations & Rhythmic Decrees'' Acropolis Sophia Books and Works 1998, Listing of those who are claimed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom, The Summit Lighthouse, and The Temple of The Presence</ref> Examples of those believed to be Ascended Masters are ], ], ], ], ], <ref>Serapis. Serapis Bey announced on May 1, 2005: "John Paul II has entered into the Oneness of the Eternal Life with his own God Presence.</ref>, ] the compassionate Bodhisattva, as well as ] ] and ], (one of ]'s "Mahatmas"). It is believed that all of these put aside any differences they might have had in their Earthly careers, and unite instead to advance the spiritual well-being of humanity. <ref>''The Great White Brotherhood in the Culture, History and Religion of America''. Summit University Press 1975.</ref> Belief in the Brotherhood and the Masters is an essential part of the ] teachings of various organizations that have taken the Theosophical philosophical concepts and added their own elements.<ref>Melton, Gordon J.; Partridge, Christopher. ''New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities'', Oxford University Press, 2004.</ref> Examples of those believed to be ascended masters by these organizations are: Jesus, Sanat Kumara, Buddha, Maitreya, ], ] (Confucius' historical mentor), Mary the mother of Jesus, Lady Master Nada, ], ], Saint Germain, and ] (Kuthumi), to name but a few.<ref name="AM Ascended Master Dictation List' 1995">''I AM Ascended Master Dictation List'', Saint Germain Press Inc., 1995, Listing of those who are claimed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity</ref> It is believed that all of these put aside any differences they might have had in their Earthly careers, and unite instead to advance the spiritual well-being of humanity.<ref>''The Great White Brotherhood in the Culture, History and Religion of America''. Summit University Press, 1975.</ref>


==Notes== ==Dictations==
Within "The I AM Activity" (founded by Guy Ballard in the early 1930s), claimed contact and cooperation with the ascended masters became a central part of each member's life. Through the Ballards as "messengers", the ascended masters were believed to have regularly communicated with the students of "The I AM Activity". These supposed addresses (known as "Dictations") were delivered before gatherings of members in Conclaves held throughout the United States of America, and published in the monthly periodical ''The Voice of The "I AM"'', and some were collected and reprinted in the "green books" of ''The Saint Germain Series''. In all, 3,834 claimed Dictations from the Masters were received through Guy and Edna Ballard. Other "Ascended Master Activities" believed that the ascended masters, cosmic beings, Elohim, and Archangels continued to present a program for both individual development and spiritual transformation in the world.<ref name="Partridge 2004. pages 330 - 334">Partridge, Christopher ed. ''New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities'' Oxford University Press, USA 2004. Describes the religious organizations based on a belief in the Ascended Master Teachings, such as The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. pages 330–334</ref> They believe that further instruction from the ascended masters and the rest of the spiritual hierarchy continued through new Dispensations with new Messengers, such as the Bridge to Freedom,<ref name="ReferenceE">''The Bridge to Freedom Journal'' 1951 - 1961 Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation 1989</ref> the Summit Lighthouse, and the Temple of The Presence.
<references/>


== References == ==The Aquarian Church==
The Aquarian Christine Church Universal, Inc. (ACCU) is a denomination founded in 2006 based on '']'', said to be transcribed from the ] by ]. The Aquarian Christine Church actively promotes Ascended Master Teachings and shares many beliefs in common with the I AM Movement, White Eagle Lodge and New Thought and Theosophical groups. The book "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel" by ACCU founder Jacob L. Watson, expounds on the church's teachings which draw heavily from the writings of A.D.K. Luk (pen-name of Alice Beulah Schutz) (1905–1994), the Saint Germain Series published by the Saint Germain Press (The Saint Germain Foundation), and especially from "The Lost Years of Jesus" compiled by Elizabeth Clare Prophet and published by The Summit Lighthouse.<ref>Watson, Jacob L. "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel"</ref>


==Criticism==
* Braden, Charles S. ''These Also Believe'' MacMillan Publishing Company 1960 (Reprint 2000). The classic study of minority religions in the United States of America. ISBN 0025143603
] wrote a detailed critique of Theosophy titled ''Theosophy: history of a pseudo-religion'' (1921). In the book Guenon speculated that Blavatsky had acquired all her knowledge naturally from other books not from any supernatural masters. Guenon points out that Blavatsky spent a long time visiting a library at New York where she had easy access to the works of ], ], the ] and other ] treatises. Guenon also speculated that Blavatsky had borrowed passages from extracts of the '']'' and '']'', translated by the eccentric orientalist ], published in 1836 in the twentieth volume of the ''Asiatic Researchers of Calcutta''.<ref>{{cite book | first1=René |last1= Guénon |others= Alvin Moore, Jr. and Cecil Bethell (trans.)| title = Theosophy: history of a pseudo-religion | year=2004 | pages= 82–89 |publisher= Sophia Perennis |isbn= 9780900588808 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=7_WwVFntyFwC }}</ref>
* Partridge, Christopher ed. ''New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities'' Oxford University Press, USA 2004. Describes the Theosophical Society, The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. ISBN 0195220420
* Hall, Manly P. ''The Secret Teachings of All Ages'' "An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy Being an Interpretation of the Secret Teachings Concealed within the Rituals, Allegories and Mysteries of all Ages" H.S. Crocker Company, Inc. 1928 (Reprint: Tarcher 2003) ISBN 1585422509
* ] (1994). ''The Theosophical Enlightenment''. SUNY Press. ISBN 0-7914-2152-X
* Leadbeater, C.W. ''The Masters and the Path''. The Theosophical Publishing House 1925 (Reprint: Kessinger Publishing 1997). ISBN 1564596869
* Cranston, Sylvia. ''H. P. B. : The Extraordinary Life & Influence of Helena Blavastsky''. G. P. Putnam's Sons 1993 ISBN 0966211510
* Saint Germain Foundation. ''The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation''. Saint Germain Press 2003 ISBN 1878891995
* King, Godfre Ray. ''Unveiled Mysteries''. Saint Germain Press 1934. ISBN 1878891006
* King, Godfre Ray. ''The Magic Presence''. Saint Germain Press 1935. ISBN 1878891065
* Saint Germain. ''I AM Discourses''. Saint Germain Press 1935. ISBN 1878891480


] suggests in his book ''The Masters Revealed: Madame Blavatsky and Myth of the Great White Brotherhood'' that the Masters that Madam Blavatsky claimed she had personally met are idealizations of certain people she had met during her lifetime.<ref>Johnson, K. Paul. ''The Masters Revealed: Madame Blavatsky and Myth of the Great White Brotherhood'', Albany, New York: State University of New York Press, 1994.</ref>
==External Links==


] in his book ''The skeptic's dictionary'' (2003) speculates that Blavatsky used trickery into deceiving others into thinking she had paranormal powers. Carroll further speculates that Blavatsky had faked a materialization of a tea cup and saucer as well as written the messages from her masters herself.<ref>Carroll, Robert Todd. ''The skeptic's dictionary'', 2003, p. 376.</ref> The article "Talking to the Dead and Other Amusements" by ], ''New York Times'' October 5, 1980, also speculates that Madame Blavatsky's revelations were fraudulent.<ref>Zweig, Paul. "Talking to the Dead and Other Amusements", ''The New York Times'', 5 October 1980.</ref>
* , The original source of information about the Masters (Before the term "Ascended" was used)
* (USA), The writings of Nicholas and Helena Roerich on the Masters.
*, Original publisher of Ascended Master Teachings beginning in 1934
* Geraldine Innocente's publications of ''The Bridge To Freedom''
* , Founded by Mark Prophet in 1958, contains information about the Teachings of the Ascended Masters
* , Ascended Masters, Archangels, and Elohim on the Incarnation of the "I AM" in every individual
* , The largest and oldest reference source on the Internet of Ascended Master Teachings


==See also==
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== Citations ==
{{Reflist|32em}}

== General and cited references ==
* Braden, Charles S. ''These Also Believe'' MacMillan Publishing Company 1960 (Reprint 2000). The classic study of minority religions in the United States of America. {{ISBN|0-02-514360-3}}
* Cranston, Sylvia. ''H. P. B. : The Extraordinary Life & Influence of Helena Blavastsky'' . G. P. Putnam's Sons 1993 {{ISBN|0-9662115-1-0}}
* ] (1994). ''The Theosophical Enlightenment''. SUNY Press. {{ISBN|0-7914-2152-X}}
* King, Godfre Ray. ''Unveiled Mysteries''. Saint Germain Press 1934. {{ISBN|1878891006}}
* King, Godfre Ray. ''The Magic Presence''. Saint Germain Press 1935. {{ISBN|1878891065}}
* Milanovich, Norma & Shirley McCune. ''The Light Shall Set You Free''. Athena Publishing 1996, 2004. {{ISBN|0962741752}} Includes "quotes" from numerous Ascended Masters
* Leadbeater, C.W. ''The Masters and the Path'' . The Theosophical Publishing House 1925 (Reprint: Kessinger Publishing 1997). {{ISBN|1-56459-686-9}}
* Hall, Manly P. ''The Secret Teachings of All Ages'' "An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy Being an Interpretation of the Secret Teachings Concealed within the Rituals, Allegories and Mysteries of all Ages" H.S. Crocker Company, Inc. 1928 (Reprint: Tarcher 2003) {{ISBN|1-58542-250-9}}
* Partridge, Christopher ed. ''New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities'' Oxford University Press, US 2004. Describes The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. {{ISBN|0195220420}}
* Partridge, Christopher ed. ''New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities'' Oxford University Press, US 2004. Describes the Theosophical Society, The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. {{ISBN|0-19-522042-0}}
* Saint Germain Foundation. ''The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation'' . Saint Germain Press 2003 {{ISBN|1-878891-99-5}}
* Saint Germain. ''I AM Discourses'' . Saint Germain Press 1935. {{ISBN|1-878891-48-0}}
* Mt. Shasta, Peter. ''Apprentice to the Masters: Adventures of Western Mystic, Book II'' {{ISBN|978-0692570449}}.
Mt. Shasta, Peter. My Search in Tibet for the Secret Wish-Fulfilling Jewel  ISBN 978-0998414317
Mt. Shasta, Peter. Lady Master Pearl, My Teacher  ISBN 978-0692356661
Shuddhaanandaa Brahmachari. The Incredible Life of A Himalayan Yogi: The Times, Teachings and Life of Living Shiva, Baba Lokenath Brahmachari, Lokenath Divine Life Mission. 2004. ISBN 81-87207-07-8

== Further reading ==
* Campbell, Bruce F. ''Ancient Wisdom Revived: A History of the Theosophical Movement'' Berkeley: 1980 University of California Press {{ISBN|9780520039681}}
* ] ''The Masters Revealed: Madam Blavatsky and Myth of the Great White Brotherhood'' Albany, New York: 1994 State University of New York Press {{ISBN|978-0791420645}}
* ] ''Encyclopedia of American Religions'' 5th Edition New York:1996 Gale Research {{ISBN|0-8103-7714-4}} ISSN 1066-1212
** Chapter 18 "The Ancient Wisdom Family of Religions" Pages 151–158; see chart on page 154 listing ''Masters of the Ancient Wisdom'';
** Section 18, Pages 717-757 Descriptions of various Ancient Wisdom religious organizations
* Melton, Gordon ''American Religious Creeds'' (Detroit: Gale, 1988; republished in three volumes, New York: Triumph Books, 1991) See chapter on the ''Ancient Wisdom'' group of religions. {{ISBN|978-0800730147}}
<!-- Unreliable or self-published sources previously listed:
* Mt. Shasta, Peter. "Apprentice to the Masters: Adventures of a Western Mystic, Book 2" 2010 Church of the Seven Rays
* Watson, Jacob L. "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel" 2009 Outskirts Press -->

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote|Ageless Wisdom teachings|Ageless Wisdom Teachings}}
* , Original publisher of Ascended Master Teachings beginning in 1934

{{Ascended_Master_Teachings}}

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Latest revision as of 14:58, 20 December 2024

Spiritually enlightened beings in Theosophy
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Ascended masters in a number of movements in the theosophical tradition are held to be spiritually enlightened beings who in past incarnations were ordinary humans, but who have undergone a series of spiritual transformations originally called initiations.

Both mahatma and ascended master are terms used in the Ascended Master Teachings. The concept of an ascended master is based on the theosophical concept of the Mahatma or Masters of the Ancient Wisdom. However, Mahatmas and ascended masters are believed by some to differ in certain respects.

According to the Ascended Master Teachings, a "Master of Light", "Healer" or "Spiritual Master" is a divine human being who has taken the Fifth Initiation and is thereby capable of dwelling in a 5th dimension. The teachings hold that an "ascended master" is a human being who has taken the Sixth Initiation, also referred to as Ascension, and is thereby believed to be capable of dwelling in a 6th dimension.

The term ascended master was first used by Baird T. Spalding in 1924 in his series of books, Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East (DeVorss and Co.). Godfre Ray King (Guy Ballard) further popularized this concept of spiritual masters who had once lived on the earth in his book Unveiled Mysteries.

Definition

Adherents of the ascended master Teachings hold that the beliefs surrounding ascended masters were partially released by the Theosophical Society beginning in 1875, by C.W. Leadbeater and Alice A. Bailey, and began to have more detailed public release in the 1930s by the ascended masters through Guy Ballard in the I AM Activity. However, theosophists maintain that the concept of an ascended master is an exaggeration and corruption of the more modest theosophical concept of "Master of the Ancient Wisdom".

Guy Ballard said his work Unveiled Mysteries was dictated to him by the ascended master St. Germain. Other Ascended Master Teachings are contained in The Bridge to Freedom (1951), Mark Prophet and Elizabeth Clare Prophet's The Summit Lighthouse (1958) (reorganized as the Church Universal and Triumphant in 1975), The Temple of The Presence (1995), The Hearts Center (2005), the I AM University (2004), and various other organizations such as The White Eagle Lodge (1936) and the Aquarian Christine Church Universal (2006).

Peter Mt. Shasta, who claims to be channeling the ascended master Saint Germain, has been releasing the ancient teachings in a more modern and simplified form, emphasizing the teaching that the masters can work with those who have an open heart and the desire to benefit humanity.

Beliefs about ascended masters

Helena P. Blavatsky

The term ascended master was first introduced in 1934 by Guy Ballard with the publication of Unveiled Mysteries, a book which he said was dictated to him by the ascended master St. Germain. Other Ascended Master Teachings are contained in The Bridge to Freedom (1951), The Summit Lighthouse (1958) (known also as The Church Universal and Triumphant), The Aetherius Society (1955), The Temple of The Presence (1995), the I AM University (2004), the White Eagle Lodge (1936) and the Aquarian Christine Church Universal, Inc. (2006).

In Ascended Master Teachings there is also mention of Serapis Bey, a being who was incarnated as a high priest in one of the "Temples of the Sacred Fire" on Atlantis, and who migrated to Egypt at the time of the destruction of Atlantis. It is also believed that he was incarnated as the Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep III (who constructed the Temple of Luxor to the god Amon) and also as Leonidas, the King of Sparta, who was killed in 480 BC defending the pass of Thermopylae against the invasion of ancient Greece by Emperor Xerxes I of the Persian Empire.

Other beliefs about ascended masters

Belief in the brotherhood and the masters is an essential part of the beliefs of various organizations that have continued and expanded the concepts released in the original Saint Germain instruction in the 1930s through the "I AM" Activity. Examples of those believed by the ones proposing these teachings to be ascended masters would be the Master Jesus, Confucius, Gautama Buddha, Mary the mother of Jesus, St. Paul of Tarsus (a.k.a. Hilarion), Ashtar Sheran, Sanat Kumara, Melchizedek, Archangel Michael, Metatron, Kwan Yin, St. Germain and Kuthumi.

Jesus

Main article: Master Jesus

Jesus is believed to be one of the Masters of the Ancient Wisdom in Theosophy and is one of the ascended masters in the Ascended Master Teachings. The Master Jesus is regarded by Theosophists as the Master of the Sixth Ray.

It is believed by Ascended Master Teachings organizations that the Master Jesus was "Chohan of the Sixth Ray" until December 31, 1959, when, according to Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Lady Master Nada fully took on the Office in the Spiritual Hierarchy in his place. According to Prophet, Jesus became World Teacher, along with Kuthumi, on January 1, 1956, succeeding Maitreya, who took the Office of "Planetary Buddha" and "Cosmic Christ".

According to Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Prophet of the Church Universal and Triumphant (the largest Ascended Master Teachings religion), the Master Jesus incarnated twice as the Emperor of Atlantis, once in 33,050 BC and again in 15,000 BC.

According to Alice Bailey, the Master Jesus was previously incarnated as Joshua, the Hebrew military leader in the 13th century BC, and Joshua the High Priest in the sixth century BC.

According to the Ascended Master Teachings, Jesus was also incarnated as Joseph of the coat of many colors in the 17th century BC/16th century BC (approximately between 1650 BC and 1550 BC), as well as King David (who lived c. 1037 BC until around 970 BC), and Elisha in the 9th century BC.

Sanat Kumara

According to the post-1900 publications of Theosophy (specifically, the writings of Charles W. Leadbeater, Alice Bailey, and Benjamin Creme, as well as the Ascended Master Teachings of Guy Ballard, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Geraldine Innocente, Joshua David Stone, and other Ascended Master Teachings teachers), Sanat Kumara is an "advanced being" of the Ninth Initiation (the highest initiation possible on planet Earth) who is regarded as the Lord or Regent of Earth and of humanity, and the head of the Spiritual Hierarchy of Earth who dwells in Shamballah.

It is believed by these authors that he is the founder of the Great White Brotherhood, which consists of Masters of the Ancient Wisdom (Fifth Initiation), ascended masters (Sixth Initiation), Chohans and Bodhisattvas (Seventh Initiation), Buddhas (Eighth Initiation), and highly spiritually-evolved volunteers from other worlds, who have all joined to advance spiritual evolution on Earth.

Sanat Kumara was mentioned briefly by the theosophist Helena Blavatsky. She claimed he belonged to a group of beings, the "Lords of the Flame", whom Christian tradition have misunderstood as Lucifer and the fallen angels.

Sanat Kumara gained greater prominence when her follower Charles W. Leadbeater wrote that Sanat Kumara was the "King" or Lord of the World, and the head of the Great White Brotherhood of Mahatmas who had revealed the principles of theosophy.

Maitreya

Main article: Maitreya (Theosophy)

Initiation

According to C.W. Leadbeater, Initiation is a process by which "we try to develop ourselves not that we may become great and wise, but that we may have the power and knowledge to work for humanity to the best effect." According to Alice Bailey, Initiation is the "process of undergoing an expansion of consciousness"

Periodization

The fall of man

It is believed that since the "fall of man" during the time of the incarnation of the fourth root race, imperfection, limitations and discord increasingly entered into the world. The memory body is considered to have become known as a "soul", and this temporary personality has taken on the sense of a self that is separated and not connected to God. It is believed that a "Dictation" from Maitreya further clarified this matter through the "Messenger", Geraldine Innocente, on September 27, 1954, when what occurred during the time of the fourth root race was described:

Curiosity, rebellion against holding true to the Divine Pattern and the use of thought and feeling in creation of imperfection, began the building of what you call the 'soul'. It is a consciousness apart from the full Purity of God. The first thought a man had that was imperfect and impure, energized by a secret feeling, was a cause and that, sent out into the atmosphere, created an effect. Like a boomerang, the effect came back into the consciousness and made a record. That record was the beginning of an impression. Energy sent out in a certain manner returned to affect the lifestream who had sent it forth and there began to be created a shadow between the I AM Presence and the human consciousness. Endeavoring to contact the Presence, the individual would find these 'tramp' thoughts and feelings flowing through that line of contact until more and more imperfect was the conscious use of them. Finally, those centers got completely away from the control of the ego and acted independently.

Dawning Golden Age

Students of the Ascended Master Teachings believe that this world is destined to again have a Golden Age, a "Heaven on Earth", that will be permanent, unlike previous Golden Ages millions of years ago.

The Great White Brotherhood

The Great White Brotherhood, in belief systems akin to Theosophy, are said to be supernatural beings of great power who spread spiritual teachings through selected humans. The members of the Brotherhood may be known as the Masters of the Ancient Wisdom or the Ascended masters. Various people have said they have received messages from these beings, including most notably Helena Blavatsky (Theosophy), Aleister Crowley (Thelema), Alice Bailey (New Group of World Servers), Guy Ballard ("I AM" Activity), Geraldine Innocente (The Bridge to Freedom), Mark L. Prophet & Elizabeth Clare Prophet (Church Universal and Triumphant) and Benjamin Creme (Share International).

The Masters are collectively called the "Great White Brotherhood" by various theosophists and esotericists. The use of the term white refers to their advanced spirituality (in other words, that they have a white colored aura) and has nothing to do with race. Blavatsky described many of the Masters as ethnically Tibetan or Indian (Hindu), not European. She did, however, describe them as being from all cultures and races, such as the "Greek gentleman" known as Hilarion.

Belief in the Brotherhood and the Masters is an essential part of the syncretistic teachings of various organizations that have taken the Theosophical philosophical concepts and added their own elements. Examples of those believed to be ascended masters by these organizations are: Jesus, Sanat Kumara, Buddha, Maitreya, Confucius, Lord Lanto (Confucius' historical mentor), Mary the mother of Jesus, Lady Master Nada, Enoch, Kwan Yin, Saint Germain, and Koot Hoomi (Kuthumi), to name but a few. It is believed that all of these put aside any differences they might have had in their Earthly careers, and unite instead to advance the spiritual well-being of humanity.

Dictations

Within "The I AM Activity" (founded by Guy Ballard in the early 1930s), claimed contact and cooperation with the ascended masters became a central part of each member's life. Through the Ballards as "messengers", the ascended masters were believed to have regularly communicated with the students of "The I AM Activity". These supposed addresses (known as "Dictations") were delivered before gatherings of members in Conclaves held throughout the United States of America, and published in the monthly periodical The Voice of The "I AM", and some were collected and reprinted in the "green books" of The Saint Germain Series. In all, 3,834 claimed Dictations from the Masters were received through Guy and Edna Ballard. Other "Ascended Master Activities" believed that the ascended masters, cosmic beings, Elohim, and Archangels continued to present a program for both individual development and spiritual transformation in the world. They believe that further instruction from the ascended masters and the rest of the spiritual hierarchy continued through new Dispensations with new Messengers, such as the Bridge to Freedom, the Summit Lighthouse, and the Temple of The Presence.

The Aquarian Church

The Aquarian Christine Church Universal, Inc. (ACCU) is a denomination founded in 2006 based on The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ, said to be transcribed from the Akashic records by Levi H. Dowling. The Aquarian Christine Church actively promotes Ascended Master Teachings and shares many beliefs in common with the I AM Movement, White Eagle Lodge and New Thought and Theosophical groups. The book "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel" by ACCU founder Jacob L. Watson, expounds on the church's teachings which draw heavily from the writings of A.D.K. Luk (pen-name of Alice Beulah Schutz) (1905–1994), the Saint Germain Series published by the Saint Germain Press (The Saint Germain Foundation), and especially from "The Lost Years of Jesus" compiled by Elizabeth Clare Prophet and published by The Summit Lighthouse.

Criticism

René Guénon wrote a detailed critique of Theosophy titled Theosophy: history of a pseudo-religion (1921). In the book Guenon speculated that Blavatsky had acquired all her knowledge naturally from other books not from any supernatural masters. Guenon points out that Blavatsky spent a long time visiting a library at New York where she had easy access to the works of Jacob Boehme, Eliphas Levi, the Kabbalah and other Hermetic treatises. Guenon also speculated that Blavatsky had borrowed passages from extracts of the Kanjur and Tanjur, translated by the eccentric orientalist Sándor Kőrösi Csoma, published in 1836 in the twentieth volume of the Asiatic Researchers of Calcutta.

K. Paul Johnson suggests in his book The Masters Revealed: Madame Blavatsky and Myth of the Great White Brotherhood that the Masters that Madam Blavatsky claimed she had personally met are idealizations of certain people she had met during her lifetime.

Robert Todd Carroll in his book The skeptic's dictionary (2003) speculates that Blavatsky used trickery into deceiving others into thinking she had paranormal powers. Carroll further speculates that Blavatsky had faked a materialization of a tea cup and saucer as well as written the messages from her masters herself. The article "Talking to the Dead and Other Amusements" by Paul Zweig, New York Times October 5, 1980, also speculates that Madame Blavatsky's revelations were fraudulent.

See also

Citations

  1. "Ascended Master". Encyclopedia.com.
  2. Partridge, Christopher ed. New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities, Oxford University Press, USA, 2004. Describes the Theosophical Society and religious organizations based on a belief in Ascended Masters, such as The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. pp. 330–334.
  3. ^ King, Godfre Ray. Unveiled Mysteries. Chicago, Illinois: Saint Germain Press, 1934, p. vii: "The time has arrived, when the Great Wisdom, held and guarded for many centuries in the Far East, is now to come forth in America, at the command of those Great Ascended Masters who direct and protect the evolution of mankind upon this Earth."
  4. King, Godfre Ray. The Magic Presence. Saint Germain Press 1935. page 89, 95
  5. "Mahatmas versus Ascended Masters - Theosophical Society in America". Archived from the original on 2016-03-07.
  6. Saint Germain Foundation. The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press, 2003.
  7. The Bridge to Freedom Journal (1951-1961) Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation, 1989.
  8. Lewis, James R. Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective Center For Academic Publication 1994.
  9. ^ White Paper - Wesak World Congress 2002. Acropolis Sophia Books & Works 2003
  10. Braden, Charles S. These Also Believe, MacMillan Publishing Company 2000, pp. 257–307.
  11. Watson, Jacob L. "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel" Outskirts Press, 2009. ISBN 978-1-4327-4598-1
  12. "Adventures of a Western Mystic: Apprentice to the Masters" (Church of the Seven Rays, 2010)
  13. King, Godfre Ray. Unveiled Mysteries. Chicago, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 1934 page vii: "The time has arrived, when the Great Wisdom, held and guarded for many centuries in the Far East, is now to come forth in America, at the command of those Great Ascended Masters who direct and protect the evolution of mankind upon this Earth."
  14. Saint Germain Foundation. The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 2003
  15. The Bridge to Freedom Journal (1951-1961) Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation, 1989
  16. Melton, J. Gordon (1994). Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective. Stanford, Calif. : Center for Academic Publication. pp. 1–2. ISBN 978-0-8191-9634-7.
  17. "Ascended Masters & The Spiritual Hierarchy Of Earth". The Aetherius Society. Retrieved 2017-08-02.
  18. Braden, Charles S. These Also Believe Macmillan Publishing Company 2000, pp. 257-307
  19. Watson, Jacob L. "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel" Outskirts Press 2009 ISBN 978-1-4327-4598-1
  20. Prophet, Mark L. and Elizabeth Clare Lords of the Seven Rays. Summit University, Livingston, Montana, USA, 1986, p. 149.
  21. Prophet, Mark L. and Elizabeth Clare Lords of the Seven Rays, p. 153.
  22. Prophet, Mark L. and Elizabeth Clare Lords of the Seven Rays, p. 150.
  23. Bailey, Alice A, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire (Section Three - Division A - Certain Basic Statements), 1932, Lucis Trust, 1925, p. 1237.
  24. Prophet, Mark L. and Elizabeth Clare Lords of the Seven Rays Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1986 page 225
  25. Prophet, Elizabeth Clare and Prophet, Mark (as compiled by Annice Booth) The Masters and Their Retreats Corwin Springs, Montana:2003 Summit University Press Pages 142-143
  26. Bailey, Alice A. Initiation, Human and Solar New York: Lucis Publishing, 1922, p. 56.
  27. I AM Ascended Master Dictation List, Saint Germain Press Inc., 1995, Listing of Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity
  28. Schroeder, Werner. Ascended Masters and Their Retreats, Ascended Master Teaching Foundation, 2004. Listing of those who are believed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity and The Bridge to Freedom
  29. Booth, Annice. The Masters and Their Retreats Summit Lighthouse Library, June 2003. Listing of those who are believed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom, and The Summit Lighthouse
  30. Shearer, Monroe & Carolyn. I AM Adorations, Affirmations & Rhythmic Decrees, Acropolis Sophia Books and Works, 1998. Listing of Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom, The Summit Lighthouse, and The Temple of The Presence
  31. Prophet, Elizabeth Clare and Prophet, Mark (as compiled by Annice Booth) The Masters and Their Retreats Corwin Springs, Montana: Summit University Press, 2003, p. 143.
  32. Sanat Kumara at ascension-research.org
  33. A Progress Report On Our Ascension Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine at luisprada.com
  34. Schroeder, Werner. Ascended Masters and Their Retreats, Ascended Master Teaching Foundation 2004. Describes the founding of Shamballah by Sanat Kumara
  35. Blavatsky, Helena Petrovna. The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy, Theosophical Publishing House, 1888. Sanat Kumara - Volume I: pp. 89, 457–458; Volume II: pp. 106, 140, 319, 584.
  36. Blavatsky, Helena Petrovna. The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy, Theosophical Publishing House, 1888. Volume II, pp. 243 ff.
  37. Leadbeater, C.W. The Masters and the Path. Adyar, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1925 (Reprint: Kessinger Publishing, 1997), pp. 296-299.
  38. Leadbeater, Charles W. The Masters and the Path, Adyar, Madras, India, Theosophical Publishing House, 1925, p. 166.
  39. Bailey, Alice A. Initiation, Human and Solar New York: Lucis Publishing, 1922, p. 12.
  40. The Bridge to Freedom Journal, February 1956 (Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation 1989) Purported address from Maitreya on September 27, 1954 "through" Geraldine Innocente
  41. King, Godfre Ray. Unveiled Mysteries. Saint Germain Press 1934. pages 42, 97, 136–137, 142, 167–168, 171–172, 225–226, 228, 236
  42. ^ Barrett, David (1996). Sects, 'Cults', and Alternative Religions: A World Survey and Sourcebook. London: Blandford. ISBN 0-7137-2567-2.
  43. Sinnett, Alfred Percy. The Occult World. Boston: Colby & Rich, 1882.
  44. Sisson, Marina Cesar. Helena Blavatsky and the Enigma of John King; originally published as Informativo HPB, No. 3, 4 and 5 English translation.
  45. Melton, Gordon J.; Partridge, Christopher. New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities, Oxford University Press, 2004.
  46. I AM Ascended Master Dictation List, Saint Germain Press Inc., 1995, Listing of those who are claimed to be Ascended Masters by The I AM Activity
  47. The Great White Brotherhood in the Culture, History and Religion of America. Summit University Press, 1975.
  48. Partridge, Christopher ed. New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities Oxford University Press, USA 2004. Describes the religious organizations based on a belief in the Ascended Master Teachings, such as The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. pages 330–334
  49. The Bridge to Freedom Journal 1951 - 1961 Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation 1989
  50. Watson, Jacob L. "Initiations of the Aquarian Masters: The Theosophy of the Aquarian Gospel"
  51. Guénon, René (2004). Theosophy: history of a pseudo-religion. Alvin Moore, Jr. and Cecil Bethell (trans.). Sophia Perennis. pp. 82–89. ISBN 9780900588808.
  52. Johnson, K. Paul. The Masters Revealed: Madame Blavatsky and Myth of the Great White Brotherhood, Albany, New York: State University of New York Press, 1994.
  53. Carroll, Robert Todd. The skeptic's dictionary, 2003, p. 376.
  54. Zweig, Paul. "Talking to the Dead and Other Amusements", The New York Times, 5 October 1980.

General and cited references

  • Braden, Charles S. These Also Believe MacMillan Publishing Company 1960 (Reprint 2000). The classic study of minority religions in the United States of America. ISBN 0-02-514360-3
  • Cranston, Sylvia. H. P. B. : The Extraordinary Life & Influence of Helena Blavastsky . G. P. Putnam's Sons 1993 ISBN 0-9662115-1-0
  • Godwin, Joscelyn (1994). The Theosophical Enlightenment. SUNY Press. ISBN 0-7914-2152-X
  • King, Godfre Ray. Unveiled Mysteries. Saint Germain Press 1934. ISBN 1878891006
  • King, Godfre Ray. The Magic Presence. Saint Germain Press 1935. ISBN 1878891065
  • Milanovich, Norma & Shirley McCune. The Light Shall Set You Free. Athena Publishing 1996, 2004. ISBN 0962741752 Includes "quotes" from numerous Ascended Masters
  • Leadbeater, C.W. The Masters and the Path . The Theosophical Publishing House 1925 (Reprint: Kessinger Publishing 1997). ISBN 1-56459-686-9
  • Hall, Manly P. The Secret Teachings of All Ages "An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy Being an Interpretation of the Secret Teachings Concealed within the Rituals, Allegories and Mysteries of all Ages" H.S. Crocker Company, Inc. 1928 (Reprint: Tarcher 2003) ISBN 1-58542-250-9
  • Partridge, Christopher ed. New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities Oxford University Press, US 2004. Describes The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. ISBN 0195220420
  • Partridge, Christopher ed. New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities Oxford University Press, US 2004. Describes the Theosophical Society, The I AM Activity, The Bridge to Freedom and The Summit Lighthouse. ISBN 0-19-522042-0
  • Saint Germain Foundation. The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation . Saint Germain Press 2003 ISBN 1-878891-99-5
  • Saint Germain. I AM Discourses . Saint Germain Press 1935. ISBN 1-878891-48-0
  • Mt. Shasta, Peter. Apprentice to the Masters: Adventures of Western Mystic, Book II ISBN 978-0692570449.

Mt. Shasta, Peter. My Search in Tibet for the Secret Wish-Fulfilling Jewel  ISBN 978-0998414317 Mt. Shasta, Peter. Lady Master Pearl, My Teacher  ISBN 978-0692356661 Shuddhaanandaa Brahmachari. The Incredible Life of A Himalayan Yogi: The Times, Teachings and Life of Living Shiva, Baba Lokenath Brahmachari, Lokenath Divine Life Mission. 2004. ISBN 81-87207-07-8

Further reading

  • Campbell, Bruce F. Ancient Wisdom Revived: A History of the Theosophical Movement Berkeley: 1980 University of California Press ISBN 9780520039681
  • Johnson, K. Paul The Masters Revealed: Madam Blavatsky and Myth of the Great White Brotherhood Albany, New York: 1994 State University of New York Press ISBN 978-0791420645
  • Melton, J. Gordon Encyclopedia of American Religions 5th Edition New York:1996 Gale Research ISBN 0-8103-7714-4 ISSN 1066-1212
    • Chapter 18 "The Ancient Wisdom Family of Religions" Pages 151–158; see chart on page 154 listing Masters of the Ancient Wisdom;
    • Section 18, Pages 717-757 Descriptions of various Ancient Wisdom religious organizations
  • Melton, Gordon American Religious Creeds (Detroit: Gale, 1988; republished in three volumes, New York: Triumph Books, 1991) See chapter on the Ancient Wisdom group of religions. ISBN 978-0800730147

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