Looking back at the yesteryears, we are grateful to the masters and founders of “The Summit Lighthouse” for their blessings in multiplying the light in India. Like any other organization which begins its work from the ground level up in a new land with Eastern cultural values, we have continued to grow steadily by the grace of God. Although it is true that the teachings of the ascended masters are universal in scope and inclusive of all religions of the world, the fact remains that since the teachings were released in the West, they follow more in the patterns of Christianity which are not always easily accepted in India.
India: The Land of the Saints
It has been nearly six years since we opened our ashram in New Delhi in October 2011 with a mission of sharing the teachings of the ascended masters. India, as we know, is the home of many ascended masters, including El Morya, Chananda, Kuthumi, Lord Himalaya, Vaivastvata Manu, and Lord Maitreya, Maha Chohan and several gods and goddesses, including Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the Divine Mother (e.g., Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga and Kali.) It is the land where saints like Gautama, Krishna, Rama, Jesus, Mahaveer, Babaji, Guru Nanak, Ramakrishna, Yogananda and untold other seers have walked and left their footprints on the sands of time.
Uniqueness of the Indian Culture
God has blessed India in many ways through this dispensation of the ascended masters’ teachings:
1) India is the only non-Christian country in the world where 80% of the population is Hindu. Other religions that are in the minority constitute the remaining 20% including, Muslim (14%), Christianity (2.3%), Sikhism (1.7%), Buddhism (0.7%) and Jainism (0.4%.) This poses a healthy challenge in presenting the teachings to a diverse group of people who in some ways, like their counterparts in the West, belong to a singular Hindu faith but also have amidst them other groups with strong independent religious ties.
(2) According to the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna taught Arjuna 5,000 years ago the meaning of OM TAT SAT OM (I AM THAT I AM) as the most effective tool of purification and supreme awakening.1 Thus, this knowledge was known to Hindus 1,000 years before it was revealed to Moses. This is an important key which helps unlock the door to the easier acceptance of the teachings by the Indians.
(3) Although most Hindus are not familiar with the term, ‘Ascended Masters’, they do acknowledge the presence of several gods and goddesses in their belief system which paves the way for acceptance of the ascended masters.
(4) Unlike many in the West, people in India believe in karma and reincarnation, which makes it relatively easier to accept the teachings.
(5) The recitation of the ancient mantras for many centuries in India has opened the doors for people to accept the science of the spoken word and give the decrees without any reservations.
Three Main Pillars of the Teachings Emphasized in India
Simply put, the three main pillars of the ascended masters’ teachings that we focus on in India could be listed as: (1) the knowledge of the I AM THAT I AM;2 the application of the science of the spoken word; and (3) the transmuting qualities of the violet flame. In this installment, we will address the first pillar as viewed thru the eyes of an aspirant in India.
First Pillar: OM TAT SAT OM
The name, “I AM Presence,” I AM THAT I AM, OM TAT SAT OM, corresponds to the Father aspect of God in spiritual traditions around the world. It is the spirit of God individualized for each of us. Keeping in mind a wide spectrum of spiritual diversity in India, the Summit Lighthouse has developed five charts of the I AM Presence2 that included Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism. Each chart is unique in the way it explains the three figures shown in it—the upper, the middle and the lower. It uses the terminologies commonly used by the people of that religious tradition to explain the meaning of each figure.
These charts have clearly proven to be indispensable assets for the ongoing success and growth of our work in India.
(1) The Hindu Chart
To Hindus, Brahman is the one supreme universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the universe. Brahman is conceived as both personal (i.e., with qualities) and impersonal (i.e., without qualities). On the personal side, the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are seen as Father, Son and Holy Spirit—parallel to Christianity.
“This is my response to each and every soul who desires true salvation. Know that I AM THAT I AM and that I have outlined the Way, the Truth and the Life through my Son Christ Jesus, the Christ who is Jesus. Therefore take these teachings restored by his Messengers and mine. Take the Path and sip it. It is the strong meat of the Word. Sip it daily and feel the glow of a holy teaching suffusing the heart, expanding, increasing the law of being.” — Beloved Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Pearls of Wisdom®, Vol. 34, No. 43, September 8, 1991.
(2) The Christian Chart
Christians think of this spiritual power as God the Father. God revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, “I AM THAT I AM. Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you….”
“I, Mary, come to you to give you the understanding that this whirling sun of your I AM Presence is indeed the action that can impel the light upward in you as well as the light descending from your I AM Presence. This whirling sun, then, is intended to establish the forcefield of Alpha and Omega with you in your I AM Presence, very available. AUM.” — Mother Mary, Pearls of Wisdom®, Vol. 30, No. 39, September 27, 1987.
(3) The Sikh Chart
Sikhs call the top figure Waheguru. ‘Wahe’ means an appreciation in wonder and ‘Guru’ means the eliminator of ignorance. He is hailed as the Wondrous One— the Wonderful God. He is immortal, all pervading, the Supreme, Truth, all powerful and without discrimination.
“I come. My hand is upon the shoulder of our Messenger. I stand and I declare to the world: Let those who would be chelas of Krishna, of Yogananda, of the great Light of Kali, of Brahma, of Vishnu, of Shiva and of the saints who have gone before—let those who would follow Guru Nanak and all the rest who have risen from the lotus flower of the Mother hear now: your initiations are required of you this day and the Ascended Masters will give them, as these are the initiations required of your souls.” — Beloved Babaji, Pearls of Wisdom®, Vol. 30, No. 51, November 20, 1987.
(4) The Buddhist Chart
Buddhists call the top figure Dharmakaya or Truth body, which is one of the three bodies (trikaya) of the Buddha. The other two bodies are Nirmanakaya (enlightened body) and Sambhogakaya (the body of bliss). Dharmakaya is absolute, unmanifested essence of the universe, and unity of all things and beings.
“Therefore, let us understand and receive the meditation of the rings of the Causal Body, the mighty spheres of Light. O most beloved ones, if you should one day enter into the congruency of the great Dharmakaya, into the heart of hearts of the I AM THAT I AM, you will then be in the presence of and come to know those great and mighty spheres of the Causal Body of God.” — Beloved Gautama Buddha, Pearls of Wisdom®, Vol. 35, No. 41, October 7, 1992.
(5) The Zoroastrian Chart
In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda (Lord of Wisdom) is regarded as the supreme god, who created the heavens and the earth. He is the creator and upholder of Arta (Truth) and is described as the highest deity of worship in Zoroastrianism.
“In this moment of our meditation, beloved, I AM one with your Holy Christ Self. Now look upon your Holy Christ Self and see the smiling face of Zarathustra.” — Beloved Zarathustra, Pearls of Wisdom®, Vol. 35, No. 36, September 6, 1992.
Meeting of the Paths and Meeting of Our Minds
Thus we see, as the ascended masters have taught, that the inner paths of the world religions unite in the mystical power of OM TAT SAT OM. The Indian chelas seem to recognize this as well once we present it in their language and in easily understood descriptions. They connect with the heart of Guru Ma and Lanello. We hope they will also connect with your hearts from September 7 through 10 when we hold a community violet flame retreat at the ashram in New Delhi which you are invited to attend. There, East can truly meet West as we study and apply the teachings together. Indian students and the ashram staff awaits to welcome you!