From the Publisher
In his first book, 'The Reappearance of the Christ and the Masters of Wisdom', British artist Benjamin Creme stunned the world with his announcement that the Christ, as World Teacher for the coming age, is already among us--gradually emerging into full public recognition. And, further, that this great Spiritual Presence, known as Maitreya, is the same One expected by many religions, albeit it under different names. Along with a group of highly-evolved spiritual men who have long inspired humanity from behind the scenes, Maitreya is here to promote cooperation among the many ideological factions, galvanize world goodwill and sharing, and inspire sweeping political, social, economic and environmental reforms.
A portrait of humanity's destiny
A long-time student of the Ageless Wisdom teachings, first made available to the public in the late 1800s by H.P. Blavatsky and later by Alice A. Bailey, Creme has traveled the world for more than 20 years further elucidating upon these teachings and alerting people to the imminency of this event, dubbed by one journalist as "the biggest story in history". In the nine inspiring and provocative books which have emerged from this process, Creme paints an ever more detailed picture of humanity's destiny, both worldly and spiritually. "We are talking about nothing less than the total transformation of every aspect of our lives," he says.
From the stock market to weeping Madonnas
Creme's message is both profound and immensely practical. Each book covers a vast range of topics: from meditation and the growth of consciousness to political and economic change, from initiation and group work to ecology and world service. Compelling explanations are offered for the ever-increasing 'miraculous' or unexplained phenomena such as weeping Madonnas, crosses of light, healing waters, crop circles and UFOs. Creme also clarifies misunderstandings about the 'antichrist' and the 'last judgment'.
Benjamin Creme is chief editor of 'Share International', a monthly magazine read in over 70 countries, that addresses the changes that are both needed and actually occuring in every field of endeavor to bring about a more just and compassionate global society. He accepts no remuneration or royalties for his work.
From the Author
(Preface)'The Great Approach: New Light and Life for Humanity' is about the coming into the world of the Masters of Wisdom, with Their leader Maitreya, the Christ, as World Teacher; and about the implications for humanity, as well as for the Masters Themselves, of this great event.
The book is divided into three independent but related parts. It includes articles from my Master, my own edited talks, and a very wide range of questions and answers arising from these talks.
Part One, 'Life Ahead for Humanity', provides an overview of the background and history of the Masters and Their return to the everyday world. In particular, it focuses on the events leading to the gradual emergence of Maitreya and to the Day of His Declaration. This will be an extraordinary 'Pentecostal' experience for humanity, and the start of the gradual transformation of all our structures and institutions. Part One continues with a series of questions and answers which point to ways of recognizing Maitreya before His true identity is revealed; His appearances to fundamentalists worldwide, and the creation of healing wells. This section also deals with market forces and commercialization, and through Maitreya's influence the creation of a just economic order. The environment and pollution are underlined as major priorities and the various activities of 'extraterrestrials' in ameliorating this crisis are revealed. It also covers His concerns for the problems of humanity, such as the divisions in the world, especially the plight of millions in developing countries, and it puts forward His proposals for solving these problems.
Part Two, 'The Great Approach', which lends its title to the book as a whole, deals with that most extraordinary event, the externalization of the work of the Spiritual Hierarchy onto the physical plane for the first time in 98,000 years in Their role as teachers. This is a climactic event for the Masters Themselves, as well as for humanity: They return to physical-plane activity, only now in group formation, in order to re-enact Their own life expression in preparation for the Way of the Higher Evolution. This is part of the long-term plan of the coming together of the Masters and humanity, and the evolution of Hierarchy Itself as a centre on this planet. In Their relation to humanity, the Masters, with Maitreya at Their head, have provided a blueprint for the future of a brilliant, transformed world free from want and war. The Ways of the Higher Evolution are so far beyond humanity's consciousness that we cannot conceive what might lie ahead for the Masters. For this reason, I have elected, unusually, but hopefully not irreverently, to treat this section of the book from a humorous stance, underlining how far beyond our knowledge that future is.
Topics arising from the article on the Great Approach include ways in which Masters actually work, both individually and as a group, and more on the work of preparation and its implications for those involved.
Part Three begins with my commentary on an article by my Master, 'Let there be Light', which was previously published in 'Share International' magazine (December 1983). It deals with Light from the esoteric point of view, including the Light of Knowledge, the Christ Principle, Cosmic Electricity and the new Science of Light, which will transform our future. An extraordinary vista opens before us of awareness and discovery.
I describe our long evolutionary journey, and how each incarnation adds a modicum of light to the matter of our vehicles--physical, emotional and mental. The different aspects of light are discussed, and the Christ Principle introduced as the first Master, through the soul. The Light of Knowledge is released into the world by the Masters, so bringing us into the initiatory experience. This esoteric process is shown as the method by which we expand our consciousness to work intelligently with the Plan of evolution, and eventually to become a Master.
The Atlantean civilization is shown not as myth but as a reality of the human evolution. The great war between the forces of Light (the Masters of the Spiritual Hierarchy) and of Darkness (the Lords of Materiality) brought it to a premature end. This interrupted the evolutionary Plan, and led the Masters of the time to retreat to the mountains and deserts of the world, seemingly leaving humanity to cope on its own. Now, after 98,000 years, They begin Their return.
One important aspect of the reappearance work which this book does not cover is Transmission Meditation. This crucial part of the work was introduced by my Master in March 1974, when the first Transmission Meditation group was formed in London. Transmission Meditation is fully covered in 'Transmission: A Meditation for the New Age' as well as 'Maitreya's Mission' Volumes One, Two and Three (Share International Foundation).
