Ascended master

Ascended masters, as written about in the theosophical tradition, are held to be enlightened beings who in past incarnations were ordinary humans, but who have undergone a series of spiritual transformations called initiations. Theosophists believe in: 1) the Law of Rebirth or reincarnation; 2) the Law of Cause and Effect; and 3) the Law of Harmlessness. Most importantly, evolution is considered to be spiritual in nature. Spiritual development occurs over many life-times, with humans slowly learning to observe themselves and to come to terms with who they are on a moment-to-moment basis. In addition, the Law of Cause and Effect, or karma, forces individuals to experience inevitably what they have imposed on others, as well as to acquire the spiritual fortitude to face all they are and ever have been — for every thought, feeling and action has a karmic impress. Painstakingly over many lifetimes, individuals thus are afforded the opportunity to witness their very own lives, while learning how to master their bodies, emotions, and mind. (This is true freedom, unlike the pursuit of desires, which ends up by enslaving one.)For within you is the light of the world — the only light that can be shed upon the Path. If you are unable to perceive it within you, it is useless to look for it elsewhere. It is beyond you, because when you reach it you have lost yourself. It is unattainable, it forever recedes. You will enter the light, but you will never touch the Flame. Consciousness expands slowly, largely through meditation, self-observation, voluntary suffering, and restraint or harmlessness. With self-mastery comes the capacity for sustained, higher states of consciousness or self-realization. When clarifying the role of the Masters of Wisdom vis-à-vis humanity, the Master Djwal Kuhl stated:Emphasis should be laid on the evolution of humanity with peculiar attention to its goal, perfection. This is not the idealistic perfection of the visionary mystic, but the control of the instrument, man in incarnation, by the indwelling and overshadowing soul.

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Related concepts (8)

Mediumship

Mediumship is the practice of purportedly mediating communication between familiar spirits or spirits of the dead and living human beings. Practitioners are known as "mediums" or "spirit mediums". There are different types of mediumship or spirit channelling, including séance tables, trance, and ouija. Belief in psychic ability is widespread despite the absence of objective evidence for its existence. Scientific researchers have attempted to ascertain the validity of claims of mediumship.

Theosophy

Theosophy is a religion established in the United States during the late 19th century. It was founded primarily by the Russian Helena Blavatsky and draws its teachings predominantly from Blavatsky's writings. Categorized by scholars of religion as both a new religious movement and as part of the occultist stream of Western esotericism, it draws upon both older European philosophies such as Neoplatonism and Indian originated religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.

Ascended master