Ascended master

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Ascended Masters, in various descendants and offshoots of Theosophy, [1] are held to be a group of spiritually-enlightened beings, who in past incarnations were ordinary humans, but who have undergone a process of spiritual transformation. The term "Ascended Master" was first introduced to the public in 1934 with the publication of Unveiled Mysteries [2] by Guy Ballard in The "I AM" Activity. [3] This term was further popularized by The Bridge to Freedom (1951), [4] The Summit Lighthouse (1958), [5] The Temple of The Presence (1995), [6] and various other organizations. [7]

Contents

[edit] Beliefs about Ascended Masters

Originally presented by H. P. Blavatsky in the 1870s, the "Masters of Wisdom", [8] "Mahatmas" or "Elder Brothers" [9] 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. They believe that Ascended Masters are individuals who were formerly embodied on the Earth and learned the lessons of life during their incarnations. They gained mastery over the limitations of the matter planes, balanced at least 51% of negative karma, and fulfilled their Dharma (Divine Plan). An Ascended Master, in such an understanding, has become God-like and a source of unconditional Love to all life, and through the Ascension has united with his or her own God Self, the "I AM" Presence.

It is further claimed by various groups and teachers that the Ascended Masters serve as the teachers of mankind from the realms of Spirit, and that all people will eventually attain their Ascension and move forward in spiritual evolution beyond this planet. [10] According to these teachings, they remain attentive to the spiritual needs of humanity, and act to inspire and motivate 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. [11]

[edit] Origins

Esotericism is defined as the belief that secret societies and Mystery Schools [12] possess advanced spiritual knowledge. Such beliefs are extremely ancient. [13] This idea was re-introduced 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." [14]

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. [15] In assessing the veracity of Blavatsky's claim regarding the existence of these Masters, it is worth noting that at least twenty-five other people left a written account of having met the Mahatmas themselves during Blavatsky's lifetime. [16] Blavatsky claimed that she personally met numerous Masters on countless occasions, and was also the guest of the Master Koot Hoomi while visiting the "Little Tibet" region of Kashmir. [17]

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.

[edit] Comparison of unascended and 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. [18] The believers in "Immortal Saints and Sages" [19] claim that these individuals have gone through the Initiations of the Transfiguration, Resurrection, and the Ascension [20] to become "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 the elemental forces of nature, they had not become Ascended Masters until 1898, while Serapis and the Maha Chohan, who were interacting with Theosophists during Blavatsky's time, already were Ascended Masters. [21]

An unascended Master has, according to these later teachings, overcome the limitations of the lower matter octaves (physical, emotional, mental), yet has chosen 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. [22] 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. [23] It is believed by proponents of these beliefs that if enough mastery and externalization of the Divine Nature has been developed, such an Adept becomes an Initiate of one of the Brotherhoods or Sisterhoods of Light under the auspices of the Great White Brotherhood. [24] 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). [25]

One such teaching claims that examples of unascended Masters are: Yogananda, Mataji, [26] and Lao-tzu. [27] The belief is that they 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 etheric sub-planes of the physical octave, as well as the emotional (astral) octave, and the mental octave. [28]

[edit] 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. [29]

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. [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] Examples of those believed to be Ascended Masters are Jesus, Confucius, Gautama Buddha, Mary the Mother of Jesus, Pope John Paul II, [35] Kwan Yin the compassionate Bodhisattva, as well as alchemist Comte de Saint-Germain, Vaivasvata Manu 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. [36]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ 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. pages 330 - 334
  2. ^ 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."
  3. ^ Saint Germain Foundation. The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 2003
  4. ^ The Bridge to Freedom Journal 1951 - 1961 Reprinted by Ascended Master Teaching Foundation 1989
  5. ^ Lewis, James R. Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective Center For Academic Publication 1994.
  6. ^ White Paper - Wesak World Congress 2002. Acropolis Sophia Books & Works 2003.
  7. ^ Braden, Charles S. These Also Believe MacMillan Publishing Company 2000. pages 257 - 307
  8. ^ Blavatsky, 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."
  9. ^ Leadbeater, C.W. The Masters and the Path. Adyar, India: Theosophical Publishing House 1929 (Reprint: Kessinger Publishing 1997).
  10. ^ Glossary of Ascended Master Terminology Definition of "Ascended Masters" from The Temple of The Presence
  11. ^ Luk, A.D.K.. Law of Life - Book I. Pueblo, Colorado: A.D.K. Luk Publications 1989, pages 23 - 27.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ 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
  14. ^ Blavatsky, H. P. (1968 [1889]). The Key to Theosophy. London: Theosophical Publishing House.
  15. ^ Johnson, K. Paul (1994). The Masters Revealed. Albany, NY: SUNY Press.
  16. ^ "A Casebook of Encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas" A compilation of printed and online sources describing encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas during the 1880s and 1890s, compiled and edited by Daniel H. Caldwell, Blavatsky Study Center (2003)
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ Prophet, Elizabeth Clare and Prophet, Mark L. Saint Germain on Alchemy: For the Adept in the Aquarian Age. Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1986.
  19. ^ 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."
  20. ^ Besant, Annie. Initiation: Perfecting of Man. London: Theosophical Publishing House 1912
  21. ^ Luk, A.D.K.. Law of Life - Book II. Pueblo, Colorado: A.D.K. Luk Publications 1989, pages 241 - 254.
  22. ^ Hall, Manly P. The Adepts in the Western Esoteric Tradition, Part Three - Orders of Universal Reformation. Philosophical Research Society 1949.
  23. ^ Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi. Self Realization Fellowship 1926
  24. ^ 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
  25. ^ Hall, Manly P. The Adepts in the Esoteric Classical Tradition, Part Two - Mystics and Mysteries of Alexandria. Philosophical Research Society 1988. page 67
  26. ^ Pearls of Wisdom Volume 20 Number 21 Livingston, Montana: Summit University Press 1997.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ Hall, Manly P.. The Adepts in the Esoteric Classical Tradition, Part One - The Initiates of Greece and Rome. Philosophical Research Society 1936.
  29. ^ Sinnett, Alfred Percy. The Occult World. Boston: Colby & Rich, 1882.
  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. The Temple of The Presence organization claims that 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.

[edit] 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
  • 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 0-19-522042-0
  • 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
  • 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 1-56459-686-9
  • Cranston, Sylvia. H. P. B. : The Extraordinary Life & Influence of Helena Blavastsky. G. P. Putnam's Sons 1993 ISBN 0-9662115-1-0
  • Saint Germain Foundation. The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation. Saint Germain Press 2003 ISBN 1-878891-99-5
  • King, Godfre Ray. Unveiled Mysteries. Saint Germain Press 1934. ISBN 1-878891-00-6
  • King, Godfre Ray. The Magic Presence. Saint Germain Press 1935. ISBN 1-878891-06-5
  • Saint Germain. I AM Discourses. Saint Germain Press 1935. ISBN 1-878891-48-0

[edit] External links

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