A spiritual network focusing on global transformation through sharing, justice, and peace.
Share International is a non-profit, non-denominational organization rooted in the belief that the world is on the cusp of a major transformation, guided by Maitreya, the World Teacher, and the Masters of Wisdom. Founded by Benjamin Creme in the 1970s, it promotes a unique blend of spiritual and political thought aimed at preparing humanity for imminent global changes. The organization’s philosophy is built around the principles of sharing, justice, and peace, emphasizing the need for an equitable distribution of world resources to solve pressing global issues.
Origins and Beliefs
The origins of Share International can be traced back to 1974 when Benjamin Creme introduced Transmission Meditation, a group meditation practice designed as a form of world service to transmit spiritual energies for the benefit of humanity. Creme, a British artist and esoteric philosophy student, claimed to be in telepathic communication with the Masters of Wisdom, a group of spiritually advanced beings overseeing human evolution. He announced that Maitreya, the head of the Masters and the World Teacher for the coming age, had begun his gradual emergence into public life, with a mission to guide humanity towards a future characterized by peace, sharing, and justice.
Maitreya’s Emergence
According to Creme, Maitreya made his descent from the Himalayas in 1977, relocating to London’s Indian-Pakistani community. Although Creme was often vague about the specifics of Maitreya’s public appearances to avoid sensationalism, he confirmed notable instances such as Maitreya’s address to 6000 Kenyans in 1988, an event reportedly accompanied by miraculous healings and widely covered by international media. Creme’s announcements about Maitreya’s imminent public emergence continued until his death in 2016, maintaining that Maitreya’s approach would be gradual, respecting humanity’s free will.
Philosophical Underpinnings and Activities
The core message of Share International revolves around the concept of sharing as the solution to the world’s problems, advocating for the recognition of basic essentials—such as food, housing, healthcare, and education—as universal human rights. The organization publishes a monthly magazine, Share International, which explores the interconnection between spiritual and contemporary global issues, promoting activism, social justice, and environmental restoration.
Reception and Criticisms
The reception of Share International and Creme’s claims has been mixed. Some have seen in them a hopeful vision for the future, while critics, particularly from evangelical Christian circles, have denounced Creme and Share International as deceptive or misguided. Despite skepticism, the organization has fostered a global community of supporters drawn to its vision of a fairer, more spiritually aware world.
Share International represents a unique intersection of spiritual belief and global activism. Its emphasis on sharing, peace, and the spiritual evolution of humanity offers a hopeful perspective on the challenges facing the world. While the veracity of its claims regarding Maitreya and the Masters of Wisdom remains a matter of faith, the underlying message of universal justice and harmony resonates with many across the globe.
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