Maitreya's Teachings: The Laws of Life
Maitreya’s Teachings: The Laws of Lifeis the 11th in a series of books written or compiled by British artist and esotericist Benjamin Creme. It represents the most contemporary phase of teachings given by Maitreya, head of the group of enlightened Teachers known as the Masters of Wisdom, our Elder Brothers and the custodians of the evolutionary plan for humanity.These simple yet highly practical teachings offer straightforward, non-doctrinal answers to some of life’s most profound questions from the perspective of one who has experienced – and mastered – every aspect of human life, and who now holds the highest ‘office’ in our Spiritual Hierarchy.Who, in their heart-of-hearts, does not wonder: What is the purpose of life? Who am Ireally? How can God allow so much suffering in the world? What can I do to feel real joy? How can we all live together in peace?According to the esoteric teachings conveyed through modern-day disciples such as Helena Blavatsky, Alice Bailey, Benjamin Creme and others, Maitreya embodies the expectations of all spiritual traditions regarding the advent of a great Teacher. He will, for the first time in history, unite the human family – not under the banner of a new religion, Creme explains, but by revealing the essential truths common to all religions, though long obscured by veils of man-made dogma. Freed from ignorance and fear of ‘the other’, we will finally bring an end to the tensions between religious groups that has incited some of humanity’s greatest crimes against itself.Maitreya teaches that ‘spiritual’ and ‘religious’ are not synonymous terms, the former meaning anything that uplifts life and spirit. With this new understanding we will begin to create spiritual politics, spiritual social policies, a spiritual stewardship of the planet, and religions that cooperate for the common good.Because of the urgent need to transform all our institutions along more just and compassionate lines, Maitreya addresses a wide range of topics, providing insights into the workings of both the inner and outer worlds. For instance, inThe Laws of Life, intriguing headings such as "Gurus can fall" and "In the Light, there are no arguments" dot a chapter on The Self. The chapter on Freedom, Liberty and Salvation discusses not only freedom within countries like China and Russia, but also freedom in relation to husband and wife, to space, to prisoners, to destiny. Another chapter covers the laws governing the material world, such as the Law of Cause and Effect and how it relates to natural catastrophes, and the effects of market forces on such things as the family, crime, violence, and the availability of water. The shortcomings of our current political, judicial, and religious institutions are outlined in detail from Maitreya’s viewpoint, and historical perspectives on the Middle East crisis put current developments in an understandable context. Finally! , we are given a peek into what societies of the future will look like as the transformation now underway brings social regeneration, a new people-centered politics, and scientific breakthroughs such as the Science of Light, which will revolutionize medicine, space exploration and the way we function in the world.But above all Maitreya teaches the art of Self-realization. Three practices are at the core of this discipline: honesty of mind, sincerity of spirit, and detachment. Practice these three, he says, and come to Self-realization, which is God-realization. "It has nothing to do with religion, politics or any form of ideology…Anyone, at any stage, can learn the art of Self-realization and find he will enjoy life. Life is to be enjoyed, with detachment."With this new volume, our Teacher of Old reaches out to the hearts and minds of a human family he knows is coming of age – ready to receive its spiritual legacy and build a new civilization on the bedrock of sharing,!  justice and brotherhood – the only foundation for a lasting peace.