Ascended master
Ascended master
Theosophy Society Seal
The probable main designer of the original emblem, Madame Blavatsky, died 1891 - based on various published documents since 1875
Ascended masters, also known as Mahatmas, are believed in several theosophical and related spiritual traditions[1] to be spiritually enlightened beings who in past incarnations were ordinary humans. Through a series of spiritual transformations, or initiations, they are said to have achieved a higher state of being.
Although the terms mahatma and ascended master are often used synonymously, the Ascended Master Teachings define them differently, associating "ascended master" with a higher level of spiritual attainment, specifically the Sixth Initiation or Ascension.[2] This contrasts with "Masters of Light," "Healers," or "Spiritual Masters" who are said to have taken the Fifth Initiation and reside in a fifth 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.[3][independent source needed]
Definition
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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.[4] 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".[5]
Guy Ballard said his work Unveiled Mysteries was dictated to him by the ascended master St. Germain.[3][6] Other Ascended Master Teachings are contained in The Bridge to Freedom (1951),[7] Mark Prophet and Elizabeth Clare Prophet's The Summit Lighthouse (1958) (reorganized as the Church Universal and Triumphant in 1975),[8] The Temple of The Presence (1995),[9] 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).[10][11]
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.[12]