RELIGION - Messages from space key to human survival, says Aetherius Society

Dr Glenville Ashby, Contributor

California is the home of The Aetherius Society, a religious movement that continues to pique the curiosity of truth seekers. They have a message that challenges orthodoxy while introducing a doctrine that some have dismissed as cult-like and incredulous.

Yet, sitting with the Reverend Paul Nugent was enlightening as he explained beliefs that are arguably no more fantastical than mainstream religious doctrines.

With his distinct British accent he detailed the origins of the movement in the 1950s and that of its founder George King whose past was nothing short of impressive.

A western master of yoga, King's dedication to the discipline paid dividends of immeasurable importance having attained Samadhi (enlightenment).

And it was during a quiet moment in his apartment that he heard a distinct voice conveying that he would be the medium for the Interplanetary Parliament - a pronouncement made by Aetherius, a cosmic master.

Interestingly, it was a period during which unidentified flying object or UFO sightings were so prevalent that the United States military was forced to respond to a curious public.

"You have to understand the enormous effort Dr King put into his work. Despite his regular job, he devoted eight hours daily to yoga and pranayama (a form of yogic breathing), making him the perfect vehicle for transmissions," said Nugent as he went on to extol King's overall philosophy.

"He was sensitive or psychic at birth and was a conscientious objector of World War 2 because of his stance on killing, yet he headed a fire brigade when Britain was relentlessly blitzed by Nazi bombers."

It was after the war that King received and codified the messages from other planets.

"It may sound a little complex," Nugent conceded, as he proceeded to delineate some of the beliefs that befuddle many.

"We believe that when we die we go to other dimensions depending on our vibratory level. Some go up to the heavenly state; others go under, in the allegorical sense. However, our purpose is to ascend, to evolve to a higher consciousness and ultimately become ascended or cosmic masters both of whom comprise the Great White Brotherhood."

King was quick to point out that "white" should be construed as "light" or "purity" and has nothing to do with race.

"Ascended masters make a conscious decision to serve earth so they can enlighten us. On the other hand, cosmic masters go to other planets with the same purpose and intent."

Nugent likened humans to gods in the making, ever evolving through a series on incarnations.

SPIRITUAL LAW

"Reincarnation is a spiritual law. As we gain wisdom we ascend, losing our individuality and personality in the process, becoming beings of superior technological and spiritual intelligence."

Nugent was passionate and expectedly spoke with conviction with words that would surely ruffle feathers.

"Jesus transmitted messages to Dr King from Venus." These taped messages were compiled and called 'The Twelve Blessings', one of which is played during Sunday services.

"These blessings are really a cosmic extension of the Sermon on the Mount," Nugent explained.

"These blessings are more than messages. They are spiritual lessons and practices that are profoundly mystical and have transformed countless lives. It is testament to Dr King's heightened state and his very pure form of mediumship."

The Aetherians hold that while Jesus and Buddha "inhabit" Venus, Sri Krishna's messages emanate from Saturn, the planet with the highest vibratory frequency.

When pressed, Nugent preferred not to discuss the precise whereabouts of founders of other religious paths, because "existing messages did not address this subject".

However, he impugned some of today's New Age movement and referred to most channelling as "fluff," and warned against spiritist practices.

What Nugent and the society are certain of is that we are living in a decisive time.

"The earth is a living and breathing organism that has a long history. She contains the very source of life and she is vibrating at a rate as never before. We must now raise our consciousness so that we are consistent with her rhythm. This is a serious and critical juncture in our existence."

He cautioned that the state of the world should sound alarm bells. "If we are not enlightened, we will destroy ourselves."

Like mainstream churches, The Aetherius Society is comprised of an ecclesiastical class - a hierarchical structure inclusive of ministers, priests and bishops, with members and initiate members at the lower rungs.

Upward mobility demands study and loyalty to the philosophy and practices of the society as reflected in the three-year period required for a member to become an initiate.

There are Aetherian chapters in dozens of countries but their absence in the Caribbean is notable.

"Individuals have contacted us in countries where we are not visibly present. In these situations we use every method available to convey our teachings, and individuals have benefited immensely even without an active community."

Feedback: glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby. Dr Glenville Ashby is the president of the Global Interfaith Council Corp, NYC