The Mystical Christ and the Anti-Christ

Christ may be interpreted mythically, historically, or mystically. In metaphysics we come to realize that there is a distinction between Jesus the man, and Christ the Saviour. From a mystical viewpoint Christ represents a certain occult principle within the microcosm. It is actually what is called the "Higher Self," "Christ Consciousness," or in psychology, the "superconsciousness." Certain esoteric teachings know Christ to be the Spiritual Triad within man's microcosmic being. Concisely, Christ is a part of the spirit within us. The full consciousness or attainment of the awareness of the superconscious mind is the "second-coming," esoterically interpreted. Did not St. Paul declare that we had to develop the "mind" that was in Christ (Jesus)? And that scriptures say that Christ, the higher mind, knocks at the door of our consciousness and waits for its entry? Those who are unaware of this esoteric precept await for the physical appearance of Christ (the Master Jesus, or Lord Maitreya).

However, from a spiritual viewpoint, it is the Christ that awaits our appearance in the higher levels of consciousness where "he" functions. The spiritual attainment of Christhood is facilitated by certain forms of meditation, spiritual disciplines, service to humanity, and metaphysical study. It has naught to do with the unfoldment of psychic or paranormal powers. We mention this for we have seen how many people, especially those who profess to be paranormals deceive themselves into thinking that they are being spiritual and being of great assistance to humanity when in fact they are causing people to go astray with their many misleading "services" and "wares" that do not trigger the evolutionary impulse within the psyche of their patients or clients but simply prolong their state of mortality and spiritual ignorance. Their work offers only temporal relief, nothing more. Like orthodox allopathic medicine, they deal with symptoms but do not go to the heart of the matter. It is the case of the blind leading the blind. We have often been warned of false prophets in scriptures.

According to prophecies, before the advent of the second-coming of Christ, the Anti-Christ would first make his appearance. However, this too should not be taken at face value. That Christ is a spiritual principle to be found within man is also true of his adversary, however, in saying this we do not repudiate the possibility of any individual leader embodying the attributes and spirit of the Anti-Christ. We know that there are many fallen-angels that are presently on earth and are set on corrupting and destroying humanity.

In Islam, the Anti-Christ is referred to as Dajjal. He is the deceiver, the liar, the corrupter. Certain people believe that Dajjal is generally, some person that would shortly make his appearance in world affairs; others interpret the beings navigating UFOs as the cursed Dajjal. As Christ is to be found within man, so is Dajjal, the Anti-Christ to be found within. Dajjal is actually the human ego, or the false ego, the lower self, the beast whose number is 666. This mysterious number that has puzzled Christians for centuries actually has its roots in Kabbalism. In the Arabic alphabet, for instance, every letter has its numerical value. This is called the "Neptu Huruf Hijaiyah" by Islamic occultists in Indonesia. The Greek and Hebrew alphabets likewise have similar numbering systems whereby each letter also represents a value. Certain words in the Greek language meaning or referring to "ego," have letters of which when added-up numerically, give the sum of 666. The beast, or the Anti-Christ, or Dajjal, therefore, is purely symbolic. It represents the human ego in its negative expression. We believe our readers understand the implication of this; hence, we will not dwell on this further, except to inquire: Are we expressing the qualities and nature of Dajjal or Christ in our everyday lives?

From the above illustration regarding the advent of Jesus, the Christ, we can see how important it is to keep an open-mind. It is probably wiser to expect the unexpected rather than to expect something that has no existence aside from being in our own fantasies and beliefs. Even our own interpretations, we admit, are controversial and are susceptible to discussion or debate. We may be wrong in details but not in essence--we know what we speakof.

There is nothing absolute in mortal experience. Even the holy ones may change their approach of assistance to humanity in the solving of karmic problems. Their ways are not wholly predictable, just as the ways of humanity may not totally conform to one's prognostications. There is always the element of free choice that even any individual might not be absolutely certain as to the path he would take when faced with a certain situation where he has to make a decision.

The World-Teacher and Spiritual Directors

It is not known to most people that in the background of the external governments of the world lies a single spiritual government that directs the affairs of planetary evolution. In esoteric teachings, this is the Spiritual Hierarchy of Terra within God's vast kingdom. We may be skeptical as to the existence of this spiritual government/hierarchy, its purpose, and even of the members composing it; nevertheless, many students of the occult have verified their existence through personal experience.

At the head of this Spiritual Hierarchy is the planetary deity, Sanat Kumara. Directly serving under this deity or King of this planet is the Planetary Buddha, presently held by Gautama; and under this officer, the Cosmic Christ. The latter is the director overseeing the three main departments in the Hierarchy: the "Department of Manu," the "Department of the World-Teachers," and the "Department of Civilization," or the office of the Mahachohan. The three departments in turn direct the activities of the guardians of planetary evolution, the Seven Lords of the Rays. The present World-Teachers are Masters Jesus and Kuthumi. It should be understood that the above titles and offices are not always held by the same entities, and that these beings who hold those offices are often well-known historical saints, prophets, avatars, and saviours.

In association with the Spiritual Hierarchy is the Karmic Board, the members and directors of which are called "Lords of Karma." The Karmic Lords regulate and dispense karma to every individual, group and nation on this planet. The Spiritual Hierarchy works in cooperation with the Lords of Karma in their many activities. It should be known that the purpose of the Spiritual Hierarchy and the Karmic Board is to assist humanity and all sentient beings to evolve to a higher state of being. What is relevant to our discussion here is that the Cosmic Christ who formerly held the office of World Teacher is the Great Being and Saviour that humanity is waiting for. All of the world's religions have their source in the department of the World-Teacher, and that divine being who presently holds the post of Cosmic Christ. This entity is the Messiah, Imam Mahdi, Christ, Kalki Avatar, and the Buddha Maitreya expected by religious devotees all over the world. He is generally known as Lord Maitreya, however, this in turn is but a title. His real name is not generally known; some say he goes by the name of "Harjas." Regarding his identity, Virochana Khalsa in his book, "Tantra of the Beloved," believes the present holder of the title Lord Maitreya to be none other than the Great Deathless Avatar, Babaji, alias Nagaraj.

Babaji was born some time in the third century AD. As a physical-immortal, he is said to be alive to this very day. One of his gurus is the Rishi Agastya, also said to be deathless, or an immortal. According to history, this Great Seer once visited the Indonesian archipelago. This is the theme of Poerbatjaraka's book "Agastya di Nusantara ("Agastya in the Indonesian Archipelago)." One of the former theosophical leaders here in Indonesia, R. S. Suyatno, already deceased, believed the real identity of Semar, the "dhanyang," "Manu," or guardian of Indonesia to be none other than Rishi Agastya.

Babaji was the one who sent Paramahansa Yogananda to the Occident, earlier this century, to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga--a yogic science based on certain esoteric teachings to be found in the Bhagavad Gita. This yogic science accelerates soul-evolution by leaps and bounds.

We should mention here that this planet is host to many cosmic visitors of lofty spiritual development. Sathya Sai Baba who resides in India is just one of the many beings who have descended on earth to assist the evolution of humanity. He is one of the Cosmic Avatars and is considered as an incarnation of Vishnu, or even Shiva.

Then what about Ratu Adil and Satria Piningit? They too are members of the Spiritual Hierarchy and the Karmic Board as these appellations suggests. However, let us first deal with the Christ, Lord Maitreya. We should add before continuing that these beings may or may not possess physical bodies. Most of them work from spiritual levels. These beings are spiritually immortal, meaning basically that they possess a continuity of consciousness encompassing the lowest realms of life to the very Throne of God. Wherever they may be they maintain awareness of their identity, their function, and purpose without ever lapsing into the state of unconsciousness, even should they shift planes or dimensions. They work in many ways and in ancient times, these beings were called, "gods."

Andrew Tomas in his book, "Shamballa: Oasis of Light" narrates of his journey to Tibet and his discussions with certain Lamas. In reply to one of his questions regarding world affairs, one of the senior Lama says: "Maitreya will show the way but it will be up to mankind to tread the road." Tomas then inquired, "How about the advent of Maitreya?" The Lama solemnly replied: "In the last quarter of the twentieth century mankind must prepare for the coming of the Arhats (Saints), even Maitreya himself, at this crucial period of the world's history."

Physically, Maitreya is said to be of Western origin--or at least brought-up in the western culture. Statues depict him sitting as a westerner, in a western pose, with both feet on the floor, instead of the usual "lotus" asana assumed by the many buddhas and bodhisattvas.

Maitreya Buddha, the World Saviour, is associated with the "mythical" land of Shamballa. There are many legends known in Tibet, China, Russia, Ceylon, Burma and many other countries regarding Shamballa. To some Shamballa might represent a city, valley, palace, temple, monastery, or a state of consciousness. James Hilton modeled Shangri-La in his book, "Lost Horizon," after the legend of Shamballa. Many great souls, warriors or knights of the spirit have their training in this mystical place.

According to the Ageless Wisdom Shamballa is the spiritual retreat of the Lord of the World, or the planetary deity, Sanat Kumara, known by Tibetans as Rigden Jyepo. Occult teachings refer to him as the "Youth of Sixteen Summers." Shamballa was established 18 million years ago by Sanat Kumara when he came from Venus with other cosmic beings to take charge of earth's spiritual unfoldment. Shamballa is said to lie over the Gobi desert in the etheric plane; others believe that Shamballa lies physically somewhere in the heart of the Himalayas. Doreal, a student of esotericism, says in his work, "Maitreya, Lord of the World" that Shamballa is believed to cover a vast area, and that it is divided into a Northern and a Southern portion:

"It is divided into two parts. In Southern Shamballa there dwell those beings called masters, adepts, or great Gurus. In Northern Shamballa there dwells the Avatar or new World-Teacher who is to come into the world and that there he has gathered together all of the warriors of Shamballa. That is, all those souls who in past incarnations, have evolved to the place where they are worthy to be the light bearers in the Age (the Aquarian Age) that is to come . . ."

The warriors and knights of Shamballa come armed not with physical swords or armaments, not with physical force; they come with spiritual power in order to conquer the dark forces of the world. Maitreya is said to lead them into Armageddon, the great "Jihad" or spiritual war, riding on his symbolic white steed. The following is a Tibetan prophecy made in 1915:

"It is predicted that the manifestation of Maitreya shall come after the wars. but the final war shall be for the cause of the true teachings (spirituality, in contradistinction to religious dogmas). But each one rising up against Shamballa shall be stricken in all his works. And the waves shall wash away his dwellings. And even a dog shall not answer to his call. Not clouds but lightning shall he see on the final night. And the fiery messenger shall rise up on pillars of Light. Each warrior of Shamballa shall be named the Invincible. The Lord Himself hastens, and his banner is already above the mountains."

The Historical Christ and His Modern Appearance

Several centuries before the appearance of the Master Jesus and his associate, John, the Baptist--who was the prophet Elijah in a past incarnation--preparations were already underway for the coming of the Cosmic Christ. The Essenes, a mystical brotherhood existing on the western shore of the Dead Sea area during the time of the early Roman empire, was established for the purpose of preparing candidates that would be the earthly parents of the "vehicle" or child that the Christ would overshadow, or function through; and also to prepare the child himself for the vital part that he would play in forming a perfect instrument or channel that would be used by the Christ. The Essenes was a mystical branch of the Great White Brotherhood and they were well known as the "brothers in white," indicating that they were perhaps, the forerunners of Islamic Sufism. The historians Pliney, Josephus, and Philo mentioned them in their writings, and the famed "Dead Sea Scrolls" have gained the contemporary public's attention of their former existence. However, it is notable that this mystical sect was not mentioned in the New Testament, except for the various references regarding the men in white who appeared in Jesus' tomb, and at the time of his Ascension. It is also quite odd that they are not mentioned in Rabbinical literature or in the Talmud.

Being the spiritual guardians and teachers of Jesus (not his original name), the Essenes had a strong influence upon the lad and during his ministry in later years, Jesus taught many of the precepts and tenets of the Essenes. One such teaching is that of angelology or perhaps what Islamic occultists here in Indonesia call "Ilmu Khodam."

Through certain mystical means and signs that even the Magi recognized, the council of the Essenes chose a young virgin to be the Mother and an aged carpenter to be the Father. It is related in the gospels how the mother was informed of her coming pregnancy by Angel Gabriel. Some occult students believe this Gabriel to be one of the senior brothers of the Essenes, or at least the channel for the lofty being. Angel, from the Greek "angelos" simply means "messenger." At this time, however, we will not discuss the problem of the "Immaculate Conception" that has so vexed scholars and laymen alike.

Jesus was born to be the vehicle of the Cosmic Christ, or Lord Maitreya, and to assist in the initiating of a spiritual awakening in the inception of the Age of Pisces. The Master Jesus and Lord Maitreya, or the entity that presently holds the title of Cosmic Christ are two different beings. The latter was and still is the Guru of the former.

When the Master Jesus commenced his ministry, Lord Maitreya often took over the body of Jesus to establish physical contact with humanity. This mode of operation was also chosen for the second-coming that would have occurred in the early decades of the 20th century, but somehow failed.

In the early years of the last century, the leaders of the Theosophical Society, Annie Besant, and C.W. Leadbeater were on the lookout for candidates among the young, who would be the vehicle for Lord Maitreya's second-coming--just as Tibetan Lamas would search for their "tulkus," or incarnations of Dalai Lamas and other spiritual dignitaries. They discovered one exceptional child of Indian origin: Krishnamurti. They eventually took him and his brother under their wing, educated them and trained the young Krishnamurti for the tasks that he would have to face ahead. Almost every night Leadbeater took him by means of astral travel to his personal Master, and to do certain work in the astral planes. Krishnamurti's love for his Master and his teachings were immeasurable. It seemed that Krishnamurti's spiritual preparation was progressing smoothly and only the day was waited in which Lord Maitreya would overshadow Krishnamurti's body. Then an unfortunate incident occurred. Krishnamurti's brother became gravely ill. Krishnamurti sought help from his Master and other members of the Spiritual Hierarchy but without a seeming response. His brother eventually passed away and this had a traumatic effect upon his youthful mind. He eventually rejected anything to do with Theosophy, the Masters, and their teachings. He even rejected his role as the vehicle of the Christ and dissolved the Order that was established for the purpose of presenting Lord Maitreya to the world. Although he eventually became a world-teacher in his own right, the holy ones were ever sadden by Krishnamurti's attitude and actions. They said that Krishnamurti's teachings presents a lofty goal to people, but at the same time he takes away the ladder through which the goal could be reached.

According to further communications from the Hierarchy, though, Krishnamurti's refusal to play his part in Maitreya's emergence had a positive effect. Lord Maitreya decided to appear personally on earth without overshadowing or operating through any single individual.

Ruth Montgomery once wrote an article in the Reader's Digest, and in it she quotes a prediction made by Jeane Dixon concerning a world-saviour who was supposed to have been born on Feb 5, 1962. Dixon says that:

"Mankind will begin to feel the great force of this man about 1980, and his power will grow mightily until 1999, at which time there will be peace on earth to all men of goodwill."

Judging by appearances, it seems that this prediction has not been fulfilled. And a 10-year span seems too short for peace to be established worldwide--knowing human-nature. No person is able to establish peace in the world single-handedly. It takes the collective effort and cooperation of humanity.

Perhaps we should consider the phrasing of this prediction for Dixon may have emphasized that peace will descend on earth only to "all men of goodwill." If the latter is the case then the meaning is clear: that peace in one's heart is only established when one has a goodwill-attitude. This indicates that there are many who are experiencing peace at this very moment--these are those with goodwill.

As can be reasoned, the Peace-bringer would focus more on the masses than those few who are already living in bliss--only the sick need healing. But could this person that Dixon predicted be the Lord Maitreya, the Imam Mahdi? People could do nothing but wait in lively anticipation in the ensuing years.

[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as originally published at our website]