Hope for a World in Crisis
by Ann Finneran

Few would deny the world condition today is critical. Humanity is experiencing the collapse of a socially unjust economic system. Global warming and pollution threaten all life on the planet. Terrorism has become the modus operandi of the politically and socially oppressed as well as the religiously fanatic, while powerful developed countries resort to questionable tactics, even condoning torture, to protect their nations’ “interests” and maintain their citizens’ frequently excessive lifestyle.

The task of finding new and sustainable solutions to these problems is daunting. But all is not hopeless – yet. There are those who maintain optimism and even consider these crises possible blessings in disguise – opportunities for making the structural changes the world needs. Among such positive thinkers are the Masters themselves.

The Masters of Wisdom are the elder guardians of the human race, enlightened teachers who have worked from behind the scenes for millennia. At their head is the World Teacher, known by many as Maitreya. For decades, author and lecturer Benjamin Creme has presented information about the presence of the Masters, and their view of the current world situation.

Creme’s own Master recently gave his perspective in Share International magazine: “Already, the current economic and financial chaos, symptoms of the destructive forces of commercialization, are showing men that they can no longer allow this monster to rule their lives; that they must take stock and assess anew their priorities for a more just and healthy economic structure which will the better serve their needs.”

The Masters are not the only ones who envision and hold real hope for an entirely new future. Essayist Mark Sommer recently wrote for IPS* his own vision for transforming the crisis into a fresh approach: “When all systems, from the economy and environment to conflict and public health, converge at the edge of collapse, the focus of our collective ingenuity turns decisively towards meeting common needs.”

Sommer continues, “The good news in the cascade of terrifying statistics is that we are about to enter an era of unprecedented experimentation. This innovation transformation will occur not only in technological invention but also in our social relationships at all levels – in our habits, attitudes, institutions and behavior...”

This transition to “new ways of living” may prove a difficult row to hoe, especially for those who have been materially well off. People whose lives have been relatively easy need to prepare to work harder than they ever have and plan to learn what it means to share, even to go without. But a positive attitude and a compassionate eye for social justice may go far to mitigate suffering.

The best news in all of this is that the World Teacher and the Masters have emerged from their ancient retreats to help us make this transition and create a brilliant new era based on the principle of sharing, making possible the just distribution of the world’s resources. This recent financial collapse marks the end of the old world, predicted by Maitreya over twenty years ago. The Masters have been patiently awaiting this moment as a final step toward beginning their open mission.
Keeping Maitreya’s own words in mind may also help: “My coming portends change – likewise grief over the loss of the old structures. But, my friends, the old bottles must be broken. The new wine deserves better”.

For more information on Maitreya and the Masters of Wisdom, visit www.share-international.org. Reprinted from Share International, March 2009.