Then came the announcement made by Benjamin Creme in the late seventies and early eighties that Lord Maitreya was already here on earth and living somewhere in London, England, among the Asian community. According to Creme, Maitreya, the Christ descended from his retreat in the Himalayas in July 1977 and took residence in the British Isle, and that he has already met privately with journalists and influential leaders from all fields of human endeavor. In June 11, 1988, Maitreya was said to have appeared miraculously to thousands of people in Nairobi, Kenya, who recognized him as the Christ. Some say that this was a secret institution's first successful experimentation on teleportation and that the whole purpose of presenting this Maitreya is to control the masses. Nevertheless, Creme states that Maitreya comes with a divine mission. We quote from the periodical Emergence the purpose of Maitreya, the World Teacher:

"Concerned primarily about the economic, political and social imbalances in the world today, He (Maitreya) will first launch a call to action to save the millions of people who starve to death every year in a world of plenty. He will then show humanity the way to regenerate itself and to anchor brotherhood and peace in the world by creating a civilization based on sharing, justice and cooperation. His presence is our guarantee that there will be no third World War. Nevertheless, it is humanity itself which must make the required changes and fashion the saner and more just world the Christ will inspire us to create."

Creme also says that Maitreya will reveal himself to the whole world at the earliest possible moment, and this is designated as the "Day of Declaration":

"On the Day of Declaration, the international radio and television networks will be linked together, and Maitreya will be invited to speak to the world. We will see His face on television, but each of us will hear His words telepathically in our own language as Maitreya simultaneously overshadows all humanity. Even those who are not watching Him on television or listening to the radio will have this experience. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of spontaneous healings will take place throughout the world. In this way we will know that this man, and only this man, is truly the Christ."

Whether Creme's announcement be true or not it is to be noted that his declaration of Maitreya's emergence is not well received by certain spiritual leaders. For instance, Elizabeth Prophet, one of the foremost spiritual teachers living in the States, and an active "channel" for the Masters and the Hierarchy denounces the claims made by Creme. According to her, Maitreya will not appear in person, but he will indeed overshadow groups and humanity as a whole. Elizabeth Prophet may be right in her assertions, but then, many esotericists of rival schools or even ex-members of her very own claim that she and the organization run by her are not truly sponsored by the Hierarchy and the Spiritual Masters--thus, the information she receives regarding Maitreya may not reflect the truth.

One claimant to the name and title of "Maitreya, the World-Savior" is a man by the name of Mohammad bin Abdulkarim. Born in 1944, and for years up to adulthood was unexposed to spiritual teachings, even unaware and unknowledgeble of the name "Maitreya." It was only later when he was involved with a spiritual organization and its practices was he given the name by his Initiator and discovered its significance. His greatest spiritual achievement is his written work, the book "THOTH," or "The Holiest of The Holies," which presents the key to the unity of religions and humanity's evolution. We can well recommend his teachings as they are of a high spiritual level--certainly a new revelation for humanity but something that esotericists have sensed all along. In essence, "Maitreya" states that there is no one religion greater than the other, but all provides a key to spiritual development. They are like pieces of a picture-puzzle that presents the whole single, major Revelation of God to humanity. Unless one embraces the essence of all religions as well as practicing their own minor, unique revelations in one's daily life, it would be impossible to establish peace on earth and to evolve. We have often heard of spiritual teachers claiming that all religions are essentially the same--they all lead to God. In his teachings, Maitreya asserts that all religions have something unique that requires incorporation within the path of spirituality.

His life circumstances also seem to fulfill the Tibetan prophecies and those to be found in all scriptures. Whether truly the Maitreya, the Imam Mahdi, the Christ, or the Kalki Avatar, only time will tell--or one's spiritual heart at this very moment. Those interested in studying his teachings may visit his website: http://www.maitreya.org/.

So what do we make of all that has been revealed thus far? What do they all mean or portend? Whatever their signification, one thing is certain: we should maintain an open mind and resort to our Inner-Self for answers.

The Orders of Chivalry

Before we discuss "Satria Piningit" (the Hidden Knight), or knights in general, it is essential that we know and comprehend certain things regarding knighthood and chivalry. We will therefore deal briefly on this subject.

Chivalry was an established feudal military institution of the nobility of Europe. It defined the code of behavior of the Knight while in society, during times of war, while in combat, while in the presence of royalty, etc. The ideals that were once associated with chivalry are now deemed as the proper behavior of gentlemen in our contemporary times. For instance, courage, gallantry, generosity, and honor were all chivalric ideals that characterized a knight.

Chivalry originated through the influences of military customs, religious ideals, and the "love" concept as popularized by the wandering Troubadours. The knight, though a warrior, had to unfold the finer side of his character so as to earn his "nobility."

It seems that knighthood was first established in France but was later followed by the other European countries. Knights became the elite of the military forces. Under the rules of knighthood, the aspirant passed through two stages before becoming a perfect knight which was conferred upon him in festive occasions should he be entitled to it; this entitlement to knighthood occurred usually after the aspirant had done some heroic deed. The two stages preceding the status of knighthood are the ranks of the Page, and the Ecuyer or Squire. Esoterically speaking, these stages together with the status of knighthood represent certain major planetary initiations that each human soul undergoes as it evolves. At each stage the aspirant had to learn certain things regarding knighthood and chivalry, such as the ideals that he should embody. The knight had to inspire all those around him the many noble qualities of the soul. In essence, he had to be an exemplar.

There have been many Orders of knighthood established in the past and the present, however not all of them were fully militant Orders. Some were semi-monastic, or fraternal Orders. Among the famous Orders of Knighthood were the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, the Knights of Malta, the Order of the Teutonic Knights, Knights of Pythias and the most controversial of them all--the Order of the Knights of the Temple, or the Knights Templar, for short.

It is not our intention to deal at length here concerning chivalry. The above is sufficient for our purpose. The reason why we had to discuss briefly regarding chivalry is that the entity known as Satria Piningit was the founder, inspirer, sponsor and even director of many Orders of Knighthood, Esoteric Fraternities, and Mystical Orders in both the Occident and in the Orient--not solely in his latest incarnation but in his past lives as well. For instance, in the "Age of Chivalry," the time of King Arthur, Satria Piningit was then embodied as Merlin, the Druid sage and magician. He was the guardian and also the preceptor of young Arthur, and taught the lad many subjects in Druidism and Celtic lore. The sword Excaliber is a well-known sacred object associated with the Authurian legend.

When Arthur became king, Merlin inspired him to found the Order of the Knights of the Round Table. The purpose of the Order is not clearly given in literature; however, it may have something to do with the quest for the Holy Grail. This Grail is supposed to be the cup that Jesus drank from during the Last Supper. From one aspect, students of esotericism know the Holy Grail to be none other than the Christ-Mind. The Order of the Knights of the Round Table, therefore, was a mystical school teaching the secrets of Christian mysticism.

In recent times it is believed that Satria Piningit established the Keepers of the Flame Fraternity, through the agency of Mark and Elizabeth Prophet. This fraternity teaches the student-member how to become a knight in the truest sense of the word. The disciples of this mystical school are often brought to the spiritual retreats of the Masters of the Spiritual Hierarchy in the etheric planes during the night. This is done through soul-projection. Students visit the retreats of their Masters for study, instruction, initiation and empowerment. Satria Piningit holds the title of "Knight Commander" in this august fraternity. He is a commander not seen with the physical sight of the student-member; in this sense, he is hidden (Piningit).

Local psychics claim that Satria Piningit will prove his identity by revealing certain sacred objects in his possessions, called by Javanese, "pusakas" such as kerises, whips, spear heads, etc. This should not be taken too literally, however. These objects are symbolic of divine virtues or powers. This should be evident to those who have made an in-depth study of the esotericism of the keris and other sacred metallic objects (tosan aji). In its fabrication, such pusakas are often consecrated with a certain power by the empu (blacksmith-mystic); this might be a positive or a negative quality. What we would like to stress here is that in Western esotericism, the armour-parts and weapons of a knight are likewise symbolic of the qualities that lies inherent within a true knight of the spirit and is considered sacred. For instance, the helmet, breastplate, shield, lance, sword, gauntlet, spurs, brassard, épaulière, etc, all signifies noble, chilvaric qualities, such as courage, gentleness, vigilance, purity, faith, etc. As we can see from this, Satria Piningit possesses many divine qualities in active expression. Here we should mention that the spiritual status of the Knight-exemplar, Satria Piningit, far exceeds that of a Saint, a Master, or a perfect human being. He is now a "god" living in the Kingdom of God. The Knight-Commander is an ascended being, a "Chohan," or a Lord--the significance of which will be explained presently.

We anticipate criticisms by our Indonesian readers who might say that what we are presenting in this paper is sectarian in nature, that it is based on western concepts, and has naught to do with the situation in Indonesia and notions regarding Satria Piningit. Sectarian it is not, though the concepts may well be alien to the traditional-mind of the Javanese. In our view, "western" ideas or knowledge may offer the solution to the problem of the existence of Satria Piningit, and other matters that the eastern-mind has not yet solved. The same principle applies to the Occident as well. East and West are both complementary. They both have something to offer each other. There is much "western" metaphysical and occult knowledge that are not known to Indonesians, and vice versa. We Indonesians take pride in our occult knowledge, our "gudang ilmu," or "storehouse of occult wisdom," and yet, if we do not conduct any research into western mysticism, metaphysics and occultism how shall we know the extent of western occult wisdom as compared to ours? Therefore we appeal to our Indonesian readers to investigate and study before judging, and also to maintain humility.

If we were starving we would not care who gives us food, it could come from the hand of a Westerner or an Easterner, it makes no difference to us; we would be grateful all the same. Food is food; likewise, knowledge is knowledge. Therefore, do not put any limitations upon the mind.

The Knight Commander maintains universal perspectives. He is not bound or limited to any creed, sect, religion, order, or mystical school, and certainly not to any country or nation. This applies likewise to the Christ, and Ratu Adil. The Knight Commander's metaphysical influence is worldwide, his activities surround the globe. At present, he has an intense interest in Australasia. Wherever and whenever freedom and justice are called for on a national scale, there will his presence and influence be felt. He inspires, motivates, and strengthens those individuals who are his instruments to carry-out their tasks on behalf of God, humanity, the Hierarchy, and all sentient beings. Needless to say that Indonesians waiting for the emergence of Satria Piningit shall not be disappointed; for he is already here--though not in the way expected. The same goes for Ratu Adil. Their influence may be seen in the many events that have occurred and are occurring in Indonesia and also globally--such as the demands and movement for political reformation, justice, peace, and freedom.

Nevertheless, we recognize that what some people seem to desire is a flesh-and-blood character to be Satria Piningit to sit and rule the people as President. This is not in accord with Cosmic law or karmic decree. The leaders of the Spiritual Hierarchy are somewhat restrained: they are not allowed to be directly involved in world affairs in a personal and direct way except through special dispensations given by the Karmic Board. They may only work through their willing instruments. Their assistance is also dependent upon the prayers, invocations and calls given by humanity. The more prayers we offer to God, the more karmic boundaries are removed from them that they may have more leeway to aid us. The people of any country acquire the sort of national leadership that corresponds to the state of their collective consciousness. If the majority is pure in mind, body and soul, their leaders will likewise be pure. If their consciousness are filled with impurities, so will their leaders. Like begets like. An apple tree does not bear pineapples, it bears apples.

From another point of view, one must realize that we are all evolving, as individuals, and as groups. Sometimes we have to experience hardship under tyranny in order to evolve; perhaps it is because we will not learn in any other way. For instance, we may tell children that fire burns and results in pain. Some children may believe and stay away from fire and respect its nature; others, not believing will learn the hard way through personal experience. This principle applies to our society. We may have not respected goodness, justice, and freedom in the past, and so they were taken away from us. If we had respected those principles we would have fought for them and defended them no matter what. Many of us were afraid and did not desire to get involved. Now we have learnt the effects in politics of our negligence and ignorance such as the widespread practice of corruption, collusion, and nepotism. However, we did all cry-out for help in our hearts, and our call was heard by God and the spiritual government of the world, the Spiritual Hierarchy--and they have responded. The initial stage of the reformation-process in our (Indonesian) government is proof of that, however, there is still much to be done. It appears that we are now indeed ready for the kind of leadership that will assist us to be lifted onto a higher plane of consciousness. Our spiritual realization will give birth to the kind of leadership that befits us.

No matter who assumes the post of presidency or leadership in any nation, in our opinion that individual will receive influences and inspirations from Satria Piningit and Ratu Adil--however, how the chosen leader will respond to that influence remains to be seen. Let us hope that leaders of all nations cooperate with the Spiritual Hierarchy, otherwise Nature will rebel and succeed where human reformers and freedom-fighters have failed. But in the meantime, we have to realize that our own personal efforts are required to make the spiritual reformations in our governments a reality and a total success without requiring the help and radical action of Nature in the form of cataclysms.

Though the Knight-Commander may not appear in the flesh or in person, he has many representatives, and not all of them work in the field of politics. Some are economists, reporters, writers, artists, social leaders, etc. They all possess many qualities of the Knight Commander to a lesser degree, and they all work, whether consciously or unconsciously, under the direction of Satria Piningit and Ratu Adil--the latter being the goddess or principle of Justice.

In one of his incarnations as Francis Bacon, Satria Piningit was the Imperator, or President-Director of the Rosicrucian Order. This mystical brotherhood teaches mysticism, and occultism. According to its tradition, it had its inception in ancient Egypt. Many scientists, philosophers, and famous personalities in history were members of the Rosicrucian Order. This fraternity is associated with a chivalric Order called Militia Crucifera Evangelica.

Francis Bacon was the illegitimate child of Queen Elizabeth I, and also the real author of the Shakespearean plays. There are many secret codes and cryptograms to be found in the Shakespearean works revealing the identity of the true author.

Students of esotericism also know the Knight Commander, or Satria Piningit to be the spiritual, and invisible leader of Esoteric Freemasonry--the outer organization of which some have called "evil" and related to the "Illuminati." Certainly there are corrupted members and leaders in every organization and religion--Freemasonry is no different.

The Knight Commander, or Satria Piningit, is also presently active giving messages to humanity at this time through the many channels (mediums) attuned to his mind.

Like the West, in Indonesia there are many mystical Orders and martial-arts group. It is no coincidence that some of these brotherhoods of Ilmu Hikmah/Tenaga Dalam and Pencak Silat are Orders of knighthood as their ideals or name suggest; for instance, Satria Kemuliaan, Satria Nusantara, etc. We detect here the handiwork of the Knight Commander.

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