In Theosophy and other spiritual traditions, the concept of Ascended Masters refers to advanced spiritual beings who have reached a high level of spiritual development and have transcended the cycle of reincarnation. These beings are believed to have achieved a state of spiritual enlightenment and have chosen to remain in the physical plane to assist others in their spiritual journey.
The concept of Ascended Masters is rooted in the belief that the soul is an eternal and immortal entity that is continuously reincarnated in physical bodies in order to fulfill its unique mission or purpose in life. According to this belief, the soul's ultimate goal is to achieve spiritual liberation or "moksha" in Sanskrit, which is the state of consciousness where the soul is liberated from the cycle of reincarnation and is reunited with the divine source of all being.
Ascended Masters are believed to have achieved this state of spiritual liberation and have chosen to remain in the physical plane to assist others in their journey towards spiritual enlightenment. They are seen as spiritual guides and teachers who possess a deep understanding of the spiritual path and are able to assist others in their journey towards self-discovery and self-realization.
So, how does one become an Ascended Master? According to Theosophy, the path towards becoming an Ascended Master involves a process of spiritual self-discovery and self-realization, where the soul gradually develops and evolves to a higher level of consciousness. This process is believed to be a gradual and incremental process, where the soul learns and grows through each lifetime, building on the lessons learned in previous incarnations.
Theosophical teachings suggest that the path towards becoming an Ascended Master involves the following steps:
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Developing a strong spiritual practice: This includes regular meditation, prayer, and self-reflection, which helps to quiet the mind and connect with the divine source of all being.
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Cultivating virtues and ethical behavior: This includes practicing virtues such as compassion, kindness, and selflessness, which helps to purify the soul and develop a strong moral character.
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Developing self-awareness: This includes becoming aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions, which helps to gain a deeper understanding of
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Working on spiritual development: This includes studying spiritual texts and teachings, seeking guidance from spiritual teachers and guides, and working on personal spiritual development.
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Living a selfless life: This includes dedicating oneself to serving others and working for the betterment of humanity.
It is important to note that the concept of Ascended Masters and the path towards becoming one is a belief system and varies from one spiritual tradition to another. Additionally, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for spiritual development, and each individual's journey is unique.It is also worth noting that the idea of becoming an ascended master is a complex concept, that implies a mastery over oneself, reaching a state of enlightenment and the ability to help other souls on their spiritual journey. It's important not to confuse this concept with the idea of becoming a guru or a spiritual leader, or with the idea of attaining superhuman powers.
Ultimately, the path towards becoming an Ascended Master is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to spiritual growth and self-discovery. It is a journey that requires one to be patient and to take one step at a time, with the understanding that spiritual growth is a continuous process and that the ultimate goal is to achieve spiritual liberation and enlightenment.