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Life and Teaching Of The Masters Of The Far East #1
Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East, Vol. 1 by Spalding, Baird T. Published by DeVorss & Company (1983) Paperback
VOLUME 1
Unknown Binding
First published October 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 9, 2015
I have an older edition in hardback, as well as the collection of 6 volumes. My grandmother received the hardback years ago from a dear friend and my mother found it. What a treasure!! Wayne Dyer was tapping into this information & book series at the time of his passing, a great value!
A very enlightening book, inspirational to all those believe in more than the mere physical world. I definitely recommend.
A very enlightening book, inspirational to all those believe in more than the mere physical world. I definitely recommend.
June 28, 2018
Reminiscent of Autobiography of a Yogi, this book will be required reading for my own kids for sure. It’s true. God is in you. And you. And you. All of us. Believe it and be happy and free. Deny it and suffer stuck. Seems a simple choice...
February 8, 2013
Reviewing this book and, I imagine, the later volumes, is probably impossible. I mean, I can tell you what the book is about but how ever am I supposed to pass judgment on it?
The problem is that theologically I agree with the principles that Spalding claims to receive from the Masters of the East: humans can so believe in God that we develop a Christ consciousness, and then can live forever, perform miracles and do other super awesome stuff. I may not agree with the immortal part, but the rest I'm down with. I believe that God does create humans divine like Christ and it is only our refusal to and social training not to believe in that way that holds us back. For that reason I like and appreciate this book. It asks the question of whether or not these things are possible, encourages us to believe that they are, and even gives a theological and philosophical system to back it up. Almost everything else about this book, though, is highly questionable at best.
First of all, the system that Spalding includes here is basically opposed to the entire Old Testament, most of the New Testament, and orthodox Christianity in general. Now, obviously my reading of the Bible may be different from others', but for one person to find contradictions of so much of our tradition is certainly telling. Spalding essentially offers a mix of Platonism and Neo-Platonism wrapped up in Christian language, which results in a strange pantheism or, more accurately maybe, panentheism. If these Masters do exist, of course, they set orthodoxy because they clearly know God better than we do, but then that doesn't excuse the fact that, despite all their talk of a "scientific Law," they often contradict themselves in subtle but glaring ways. If we set aside our difficulty in believing what the Masters say in this book, then we still face extreme difficulties: putting away almost the entire Judaeo-Christian tradition, and the internal contradictions of what the Masters say. As much as I want to believe Spalding, it does unfortunately appear that Spalding is the author of all that is written; rather than Spalding's merely recording what actually happened.
There are other issues as well. Some claims in the book derived from the Masters may appeal to those who are hooked on alternative history, especially the theory that aliens have visited us. For instance, that there was a very advanced civilization dating back 200,000 years in the Gobi. I grant that I believe such a thing is possible... but only if we believe that aliens have visited us, because humanity doesn't quite stretch back that far. But then there are other things that just don't make much sense at all. Apparently there are some temples in India with records resembling the Gospels. False. Apparently from east Asia to France was all a great plain 200,000 years ago. False. Kinda true, but blatantly false. Apparently there are cities buried underground from this ancient civilization. False. In all the time since Spalding published this book (1930's) we could have figured these things out, and we haven't.
The other major problem is that nothing in Spalding's book is verifiable. Of the other 10 persons supposedly joining him on the expedition, not one has been identified. No records or documentation has ever been found or put forward. Spalding never mentions specifics enough for people to follow in his footsteps. Let's say that the Masters don't want to be found except by true seekers... still, you'd think that someone somewhere would admit to knowing of the healings and miracles that apparently occur all the time or of the existence of the ancient records that Spalding talks about. Spalding wrote this in the 1930's, 30 years after the alleged expedition, basically excusing himself from having to produce ten other expeditioners or any evidence. All of it, then, screams fake.
I would like this book much more, and perhaps recommend it, if Spalding said, "This is an expedition that COULD have happened" rather than, "This is an expedition that DID happen on this date." Of course, if the expedition really did happen then he could have done better in supporting that claim. But I don't care if the expedition happened or not because I approve of the general idea behind the books, of a mostly lost and unknown human potential. The problem is that Spalding claims what is clearly false, which renders the whole series valueless. Readers now are more likely to reject the books in their entirety instead of wondering about the possibility.
The problem is that theologically I agree with the principles that Spalding claims to receive from the Masters of the East: humans can so believe in God that we develop a Christ consciousness, and then can live forever, perform miracles and do other super awesome stuff. I may not agree with the immortal part, but the rest I'm down with. I believe that God does create humans divine like Christ and it is only our refusal to and social training not to believe in that way that holds us back. For that reason I like and appreciate this book. It asks the question of whether or not these things are possible, encourages us to believe that they are, and even gives a theological and philosophical system to back it up. Almost everything else about this book, though, is highly questionable at best.
First of all, the system that Spalding includes here is basically opposed to the entire Old Testament, most of the New Testament, and orthodox Christianity in general. Now, obviously my reading of the Bible may be different from others', but for one person to find contradictions of so much of our tradition is certainly telling. Spalding essentially offers a mix of Platonism and Neo-Platonism wrapped up in Christian language, which results in a strange pantheism or, more accurately maybe, panentheism. If these Masters do exist, of course, they set orthodoxy because they clearly know God better than we do, but then that doesn't excuse the fact that, despite all their talk of a "scientific Law," they often contradict themselves in subtle but glaring ways. If we set aside our difficulty in believing what the Masters say in this book, then we still face extreme difficulties: putting away almost the entire Judaeo-Christian tradition, and the internal contradictions of what the Masters say. As much as I want to believe Spalding, it does unfortunately appear that Spalding is the author of all that is written; rather than Spalding's merely recording what actually happened.
There are other issues as well. Some claims in the book derived from the Masters may appeal to those who are hooked on alternative history, especially the theory that aliens have visited us. For instance, that there was a very advanced civilization dating back 200,000 years in the Gobi. I grant that I believe such a thing is possible... but only if we believe that aliens have visited us, because humanity doesn't quite stretch back that far. But then there are other things that just don't make much sense at all. Apparently there are some temples in India with records resembling the Gospels. False. Apparently from east Asia to France was all a great plain 200,000 years ago. False. Kinda true, but blatantly false. Apparently there are cities buried underground from this ancient civilization. False. In all the time since Spalding published this book (1930's) we could have figured these things out, and we haven't.
The other major problem is that nothing in Spalding's book is verifiable. Of the other 10 persons supposedly joining him on the expedition, not one has been identified. No records or documentation has ever been found or put forward. Spalding never mentions specifics enough for people to follow in his footsteps. Let's say that the Masters don't want to be found except by true seekers... still, you'd think that someone somewhere would admit to knowing of the healings and miracles that apparently occur all the time or of the existence of the ancient records that Spalding talks about. Spalding wrote this in the 1930's, 30 years after the alleged expedition, basically excusing himself from having to produce ten other expeditioners or any evidence. All of it, then, screams fake.
I would like this book much more, and perhaps recommend it, if Spalding said, "This is an expedition that COULD have happened" rather than, "This is an expedition that DID happen on this date." Of course, if the expedition really did happen then he could have done better in supporting that claim. But I don't care if the expedition happened or not because I approve of the general idea behind the books, of a mostly lost and unknown human potential. The problem is that Spalding claims what is clearly false, which renders the whole series valueless. Readers now are more likely to reject the books in their entirety instead of wondering about the possibility.
December 12, 2018
Keeps getting better
Every time I read this wonderful account, I see more and I understand more. The more I study the great mystical works and come back to this account, my understanding, appreciation, and love for the guidance given here deepens, and the more I desire to express it in my own life.
I highly recommend reading this book more than once and try to apply the guidance in your own life. In my opinion, this account is a true work of love.
To all the Masters whom this book speak of, Thank You.
Every time I read this wonderful account, I see more and I understand more. The more I study the great mystical works and come back to this account, my understanding, appreciation, and love for the guidance given here deepens, and the more I desire to express it in my own life.
I highly recommend reading this book more than once and try to apply the guidance in your own life. In my opinion, this account is a true work of love.
To all the Masters whom this book speak of, Thank You.
October 1, 2020
This first volume along with the others was in my library since the 1970s but I had not read them! So I began to do so this year of the pandemic when we were homebound. It became a great journey into a world that was spiritually inspirational! I recommend volume 1 especially because it opens the door to a dimension of light and possibility!
November 12, 2024
THE FIRST VOLUME IN A SERIES OF PURPORTED METAPHYSICAL ENCOUNTERS
The introductory section of this 1924 book states that Baird Thomas Spalding (1872–1953), “whose name became legend in metaphysical and truth circles during the first half of the 20th century, played an important part in introducing to the Western world the knowledge that there are Masters, or Elder Brothers, who are assisting and guiding the destiny of mankind.”
Spalding wrote in the Foreword, “I wish to state that I was one of a research party of eleven persons that visited the Far East in 1894. During out stay---three and a half years---we contacted the Great Masters of the Himalayas, who aided us in the translation of the records, which was of great assistance in our research work. They permitted us to enter into their lives intimately and we were thus able to see the actual working of the great Law as demonstrated by them. One living the life described herein is entitled to reverence and consideration as a Master.
“Records and manuscripts---our actual experience with the Masters---were preserved. Personally, at that time, I thought the world was not ready for this message. I was an independent member of the research party and I am now publishing my notes… with the thought that the reader or reject, as he wishes. This book, which will be followed by others of the … series… gives the first year’s experience of the expedition in relation to the Masters. It includes their teaching, which was taken by us stenographically at the time, with their permission and approved by them.
“The Masters accept that Buddha represents the Way to Enlightenment, but they clearly set forth that Christ IS Enlightenment, or a state of consciousness for which we are all seeking---the Christ light of every individual; therefore, the light of every child that is born into the world.”
He wrote in the first chapter, “There is so much being printed at the present time regarding spiritual masters, and there is such a great awakening and seeking for the truth regarding the great teachers of the world, that I am prompted to place before you my experience with the Masters of the Far East. In this book I am not attempting to expound upon a new cult or religion. I am only giving a resume of our experience with the Masters, in which I am undertaking to show the great fundamental truths of their teaching.
“These Masters are scattered over a wide territory and, since our metaphysical research covered a large portion of India, Tibet, China, and Persia, no attempt to authenticate these experiences is made. There were eleven practical, scientifically trained men in our party. The greater part of our lives had been spent in research work. We had been accustomed to accept nothing unless it was fully verified and we never took anything for granted. We went thoroughly skeptical and came away thoroughly convinced and converted, so much so that three of our number went back determined to stay until they are able to perform the works and live the life, just as these Masters are living today.
“Those who so greatly assisted us in our work requested that they names be withheld in the event of our publishing the expedition’s memoirs. I shall relate nothing but the facts as they happened, using, as nearly as possible the words and expressions of the people I met and with whom I was thrown in daily contact during the expedition. It was one of the conditions of the agreement before taking up the work that we should at first accept as fact everything we witnessed, and no explanations should be demanded until we had gone into the work thoroughly, taken their lessons, lived and observed their daily lives. We were to accompany these Masters, live their lives, and determine for ourselves. We were at liberty to be with them as much as we liked, ask any questions we wished, use our own deductions in getting results, and finally accept what we saw as fact or take. There was no effort at any time to influence our judgment in any way. They wished us to become thoroughly convinced before we gave credence to anything we saw or heard. Therefore, I will place these happenings before the readers and ask them to accept or reject as they see fit.” (Pg. 9-10)
This book may appeal to some interested in ‘Ascended Master’/I AM teachings, and similar )topics. (There are six volumes in this series, two of which were published posthumously._
The introductory section of this 1924 book states that Baird Thomas Spalding (1872–1953), “whose name became legend in metaphysical and truth circles during the first half of the 20th century, played an important part in introducing to the Western world the knowledge that there are Masters, or Elder Brothers, who are assisting and guiding the destiny of mankind.”
Spalding wrote in the Foreword, “I wish to state that I was one of a research party of eleven persons that visited the Far East in 1894. During out stay---three and a half years---we contacted the Great Masters of the Himalayas, who aided us in the translation of the records, which was of great assistance in our research work. They permitted us to enter into their lives intimately and we were thus able to see the actual working of the great Law as demonstrated by them. One living the life described herein is entitled to reverence and consideration as a Master.
“Records and manuscripts---our actual experience with the Masters---were preserved. Personally, at that time, I thought the world was not ready for this message. I was an independent member of the research party and I am now publishing my notes… with the thought that the reader or reject, as he wishes. This book, which will be followed by others of the … series… gives the first year’s experience of the expedition in relation to the Masters. It includes their teaching, which was taken by us stenographically at the time, with their permission and approved by them.
“The Masters accept that Buddha represents the Way to Enlightenment, but they clearly set forth that Christ IS Enlightenment, or a state of consciousness for which we are all seeking---the Christ light of every individual; therefore, the light of every child that is born into the world.”
He wrote in the first chapter, “There is so much being printed at the present time regarding spiritual masters, and there is such a great awakening and seeking for the truth regarding the great teachers of the world, that I am prompted to place before you my experience with the Masters of the Far East. In this book I am not attempting to expound upon a new cult or religion. I am only giving a resume of our experience with the Masters, in which I am undertaking to show the great fundamental truths of their teaching.
“These Masters are scattered over a wide territory and, since our metaphysical research covered a large portion of India, Tibet, China, and Persia, no attempt to authenticate these experiences is made. There were eleven practical, scientifically trained men in our party. The greater part of our lives had been spent in research work. We had been accustomed to accept nothing unless it was fully verified and we never took anything for granted. We went thoroughly skeptical and came away thoroughly convinced and converted, so much so that three of our number went back determined to stay until they are able to perform the works and live the life, just as these Masters are living today.
“Those who so greatly assisted us in our work requested that they names be withheld in the event of our publishing the expedition’s memoirs. I shall relate nothing but the facts as they happened, using, as nearly as possible the words and expressions of the people I met and with whom I was thrown in daily contact during the expedition. It was one of the conditions of the agreement before taking up the work that we should at first accept as fact everything we witnessed, and no explanations should be demanded until we had gone into the work thoroughly, taken their lessons, lived and observed their daily lives. We were to accompany these Masters, live their lives, and determine for ourselves. We were at liberty to be with them as much as we liked, ask any questions we wished, use our own deductions in getting results, and finally accept what we saw as fact or take. There was no effort at any time to influence our judgment in any way. They wished us to become thoroughly convinced before we gave credence to anything we saw or heard. Therefore, I will place these happenings before the readers and ask them to accept or reject as they see fit.” (Pg. 9-10)
This book may appeal to some interested in ‘Ascended Master’/I AM teachings, and similar )topics. (There are six volumes in this series, two of which were published posthumously._
January 28, 2018
Great book true story it lets you know god who is everything he is the entire universe the ae to havee a veryir you. Breathe he in everyone their are six volumes I recommend you read all 6the world is remarkable written in the late1800 hundreds written by B R Spalding true accounts of 8men searching for old records and past civilization s in the Gobi Mountains you have strong faith in the alpha and Omega the ever present one.
August 29, 2020
I read this twenty years ago, and just now read it again. It is a very interesting, spiritual book with a lot of concepts that most people won't be able to fathom. Because of the subject matter, and the depth of the writing, it takes me a while to read. I'll be starting on Vol 2 this weekend.
I have the whole set, Vol 1-5, and just ordered the newly discovered Vol 6.
I have the whole set, Vol 1-5, and just ordered the newly discovered Vol 6.
November 25, 2020
On the spiritual path? This book is for you.
The book chronicles a journey of enlightenment with the masters of the far East, it is immensely profound and details the path to awakening.
The book chronicles a journey of enlightenment with the masters of the far East, it is immensely profound and details the path to awakening.
September 18, 2021
A most fascinating introduction into Mr. Spalding journey with the masters. I'm both touched and amazed at the experiences and teachings that was covered in vol. 1. I'm eagerly awaiting to start vol. 2 and continue with this wonderful journey.
April 4, 2022
Worth a read. Release what you think is true and read with an open mind. Then follow your intuition. I found this to be very useful and along the lines of Autobiography of a Yogi. However, I liked this better.
February 5, 2019
Could not even read it in one sitting despite having just less than a 100 pages. I had to take it all in one at a time. This book is life changing.
January 26, 2020
An spirit awakening read
For those seeking the divine within these volumes are a vital start. A beautiful, engaging read and an enlightening one.
For those seeking the divine within these volumes are a vital start. A beautiful, engaging read and an enlightening one.
February 9, 2020
Enlightening
A must read for all those on the spiritual path of awakening
A must read for all those on the spiritual path of awakening
April 2, 2021
May it be Fiction or non fiction, this book contains a lot of enlightening spiritual truths and wisdom to be reminded of.
April 25, 2021
Different but interesting
Don’t know if I really understand this book, but it’s an enlightening spiritual journey.
Very comforting writing with memorable encounters.
Don’t know if I really understand this book, but it’s an enlightening spiritual journey.
Very comforting writing with memorable encounters.
February 16, 2023
This is the first of an incredible series. I highly recommend this series for anyone who wants to read about an incredible adventure in connecting with Divine Masters.
September 4, 2023
Originally published 1924.
January 20, 2024
Looking forward to reading the additional Volumes.
June 20, 2024
These books changed my life. Opened my mind. Made me believe again.
July 23, 2024
Incredible information but a tough read, much better on audible
January 11, 2025
I always will remember the time that I was informed that it was all fantasy. What a pity 😃
January 30, 2023
Most of it unbelievable for me and filled with gaps, yet I found the concept of frequency energy compelling to help me navigate some of the miracles and mysteries of the Bible and the universe.
July 8, 2021
. This book left me feeling very confused, on the one hand I found the spiritual teachings found withing to be very in sync with teaching from other masters and mystical traditions and many times was thrown into contemplative meditation and empowered states by this book, however I find it a little hard to believe.
. The book is comprised of about 10% spirtual teachings, 60% accounts of miraculous events like manifesting food and items out of nothing, teleportation, thousand year old enlightened sages that can reincarnate on will and have apparently even taught John the baptist! The remainder of the text is very dry autobiographical recounting of traveling through the himalayas.
. If you are interested in mystical interpretations of christ and christ consciousness there is definitly some valuabel nuggets of information in here, although I'm quite convinced you could find them in much better sources than this. It also plays on my mind that while I believe many of the philosophies kept within this book to be genuine, they are all tainted by the likely falsifications of the author; then again, maybe it is just the conceptions of the western indoctrinated mind that makes me dismiss miraculous claims immediately as falsehoods?
In summary I would really only recomend this text to the spiritually hyper curios or even for those who are interested in the new age movement at the end of the 19th century or even those that want to read an interesting 'fictional' text set in the context of the mystical enclaves of tibet with some spiritual teachings sprinkled in there. So probably not a very big sample size lol.
. The book is comprised of about 10% spirtual teachings, 60% accounts of miraculous events like manifesting food and items out of nothing, teleportation, thousand year old enlightened sages that can reincarnate on will and have apparently even taught John the baptist! The remainder of the text is very dry autobiographical recounting of traveling through the himalayas.
. If you are interested in mystical interpretations of christ and christ consciousness there is definitly some valuabel nuggets of information in here, although I'm quite convinced you could find them in much better sources than this. It also plays on my mind that while I believe many of the philosophies kept within this book to be genuine, they are all tainted by the likely falsifications of the author; then again, maybe it is just the conceptions of the western indoctrinated mind that makes me dismiss miraculous claims immediately as falsehoods?
In summary I would really only recomend this text to the spiritually hyper curios or even for those who are interested in the new age movement at the end of the 19th century or even those that want to read an interesting 'fictional' text set in the context of the mystical enclaves of tibet with some spiritual teachings sprinkled in there. So probably not a very big sample size lol.
July 22, 2020
The awakened one perceives the creative pulse within their heart and soul; they come alive to the life-force coursing through their veins. At this point, one can see a path towards the progressive realization of their dreams. Having close regard for the wilderness of experiences that must be overcome "on the way" facilitates the awakening process - the expansion of consciousness. Like many teachings from the East, this book describes, through prose and literary license, the path back to Source consciousness, where we are reunified with the Primordial Alpha and Omega. First published in 1924, the contents are strangely prophetic. The messages are as applicable today as they were 100 years ago. So much so that I often had an experience when reading that Baird T. Spalding was a time-traveler, a shapeshifting shaman who could see 2020 before it happened, which made this a spine-tingling read.
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July 21, 2020Here are my thoughts after reading this book which will require you to stretch your mind:
Can downplaying a person's magnificence be looked at as brilliance in the case of who and what this book is about?
It shouldn't be considered humility; maybe it is spiritual conservation as defined by the Laws of Physics. Think of it as a sort of immaterial armor. Or, more accurately, it is some equilibrium being reached collectively, yet through one individual, and eventually achieved by all us as a whole, restoring mankind into a healthier way of being.
One human, one brick, one act at a time builds a wall.
A New Age is dawning and as the curtains peel back to reveal the true power in all of us, you step into your true power. Be brave.
Can downplaying a person's magnificence be looked at as brilliance in the case of who and what this book is about?
It shouldn't be considered humility; maybe it is spiritual conservation as defined by the Laws of Physics. Think of it as a sort of immaterial armor. Or, more accurately, it is some equilibrium being reached collectively, yet through one individual, and eventually achieved by all us as a whole, restoring mankind into a healthier way of being.
One human, one brick, one act at a time builds a wall.
A New Age is dawning and as the curtains peel back to reveal the true power in all of us, you step into your true power. Be brave.
February 14, 2020
this is pure fiction it should be in the fantasy section. i like reading books on eastern philosophy/buddhism so i was excited to pick this up. but all this is is hogwash about jesus and god and the holy spirit. i don't even know how they found christians/catholics in nepal in the 1920s and secondly, why those christians/catholics had all those magic powers. if faith alone is the result of their powers then everyone in the vatican should have the same powers as they do.
i don't doubt they found spiritual masters there, but all the "miracles" and his talk about jesus blah blah in his book are all fiction copied from the bible.
i don't doubt they found spiritual masters there, but all the "miracles" and his talk about jesus blah blah in his book are all fiction copied from the bible.
September 13, 2021
Excellent
It’s recommended for people who really want to know the Truth (of Christ in man) and for those spiritual thinkers who need loose ends tied up. It resonated with our souls meaning that as I read, I knew I was reading the truth and that I knew it and have always known it (the truths given in the book)
It’s recommended for people who really want to know the Truth (of Christ in man) and for those spiritual thinkers who need loose ends tied up. It resonated with our souls meaning that as I read, I knew I was reading the truth and that I knew it and have always known it (the truths given in the book)
June 14, 2014
Excellent, informative addition on my spiritual journey. Read many years ago.
June 15, 2015
Incredibly insightful and revelatory.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews