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Originally presented by H. P. Blavatsky back in the nineteenth century, the "Masters of Wisdom", "Mahatmas" or "Elder Brothers" were further developed by C. W. Leadbeater, Alice Bailey, Helena Roerich, Manly P. Hall, and many others in Theosophy based organizations, especially in the United States. The term Ascended Masters was first introduced to the public in 1934 with the publication of "Unveiled Mysteries" by Guy Ballard's "I AM" Activity. This term for the "Immortal Saints and Sages" who have gone through the Initiations of the Transfiguration, Resurrection, and the Ascension was further popularized by The Bridge to Freedom (1951), The Summit Lighthouse (1958), Share International (1974), The Temple of The Presence (1995), and various other organizations.

Beliefs about Ascended Masters

In various descendants and offshoots of Theosophy, Ascended Masters are held to be a group of spiritually enlightened 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 Great White Brotherhood.

Origins

The idea of secret societies and Mystery Schools possessing advanced spiritual knowledge, esotericism, is extremely ancient, and was reintroduced in the West by the Rosicrucians in the seventeenth century.

The founder of the Theosophical Society, H. P. Blavatsky, 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.

".. 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."

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. 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 (Kuthumi) while visiting the "Little Tibet" region of Kashmir.

After Madame Blavatsky's death in 1891, the mahatma concept was developed by her successors in the Theosophical Society leadership, Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater, 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 theosophy developed the theory slightly differently, notably Alice Bailey from whose book Initiation, Human and Solar (1922), Leadbeater may have borrowed some of his details.

Comparison of Unascended Masters & Ascended Masters

There is considerable difference between the concept of Masters in nineteenth century Theosophy (as described by Blavatsky, Olcott, Sinnett, and others) and the current concept of Ascended Masters. The twentieth century teachings of the Ballards, Prophets, and others claim that although Morya and Koot Hoomi (Kuthumi) 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.

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. 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 Babaji. 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 Great White Brotherhood. 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).

One such teaching claims that examples of Unascended Masters are: Yogananda, Mataji, and Lao-tzu. 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.

The Great White Brotherhood

In some versions of the Theosophical belief systems, the Masters are collectively called the "Great White Brotherhood". The use of the term "white" refers to their advanced spirituality (i.e., that they have a white colored aura) and has nothing to do with race. The early versions of Blavatsky's writings described the Masters as ethnically Tibetan or Indian (Hindu), not European. 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.

Belief in the Brotherhood and the Masters is an essential part of the syncretistic teachings of various organizations that have continued and expanded the Theosophical philosophical concepts. Examples of those believed to be Ascended Masters are Jesus, Confucius, Gautama Buddha, Mary the Mother of Jesus, Pope John Paul II, , Kwan Yin the compassionate Bodhisattva, as well as the Master of Alchemy Saint Germain and Kuthumi, (one of Helena Blavatsky'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.

Notes

1. 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."
2. Leadbeater, C.W. The Masters and the Path. Adyar, India: Theosophical Publishing House 1929 (Reprint: Kessinger Publishing 1997).
3. 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."
4. Saint Germain Foundation. The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 2003
5. Vyasa, Krishna-Dwaipayana. Mahabharata. 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."
6. Besant, Annie. Initiation: Perfecting of Man. London: Theosophical Publishing House 1912
7. 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
8. Lewis, James R. Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective Center For Academic Publication 1994.
9. 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."
10. White Paper - Wesak World Congress 2002. Acropolis Sophia Books & Works 2003.
11. Braden, Charles S. These Also Believe MacMillan Publishing Company 2000. pages 257 - 307
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Knoche, Grace F. Mystery Schools Through the Ages. 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.
15. 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
16. Blavatsky, H. P. (1968 ). The Key to Theosophy. London: Theosophical Publishing House.
17. Johnson, K. Paul (1994). The Masters Revealed. Albany, NY: SUNY Press.
18. 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.
19. Prophet, Elizabeth Clare and Prophet, Mark L. Saint Germain on Alchemy: For the Adept in the Aquarian Age. Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1986.
20. 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.
21. Hall, Manly P. The Adepts in the Western Esoteric Tradition, Part Three - Orders of Universal Reformation. Philosophical Research Society 1949.
22. Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi. Self Realization Fellowship 1926
23. 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
24. Hall, Manly P. The Adepts in the Esoteric Classical Tradition, Part Two - Mystics and Mysteries of Alexandria. Philosophical Research Society 1988. page 67
25. Pearls of Wisdom Volume 20 Number 21 Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1997.
26. 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.
27. Hall, Manly P.. The Adepts in the Esoteric Classical Tradition, Part One - The Initiates of Greece and Rome. Philosophical Research Society 1936.
28. Sinnett, Alfred Percy. The Occult World. Boston: Colby & Rich, 1882.
29. K. Paul Johnson: The Masters Revealed. Madame Blavatsky and the myth of the Great White Lodge. Albany, NY 1994: SUNY press
30. 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
31. 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
32. 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
33. 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
34. 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
35. Serapis. Ascension of John Paul the Great. Serapis Bey announced on May 1, 2005: "John Paul II has entered into the Oneness of the Eternal Life with his own God Presence.
36. The Great White Brotherhood in the Culture, History and Religion of America. Summit University Press 1975.

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 0025143603
• 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
• Godwin, Joscelyn (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
• Sharp, Michael (2004). The Book of Life: Ascension and the Divine World Order. Avatar Publications. ISBN 0-9735379-0-6

External Links

• Theosophical Society, The original source of information about the Masters (Before the term "Ascended" was used)
• Agni Yoga Society (USA), The writings of Nicholas and Helena Roerich on the Masters.
• The Saint Germain Foundation , Original publisher of Ascended Master Teachings beginning in 1934
• The Summit Lighthouse, Founded by Mark Prophet in 1958, contains information about the Teachings of the Ascended Masters
• Ascended Master Teaching Foundation Geraldine Innocente's publications of The Bridge To Freedom
• The Temple of The Presence, Ascended Masters, Archangels, and Elohim on the Incarnation of the "I AM" in every individual
• Ascension Research Center, The largest and oldest reference source on the Internet of Ascended Master Teachings

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