Benjamin Creme (1922-2016), a British artist and long-time student of esoteric philosophy, became the principal source of information about the emergence of Maitreya, the World Teacher. He spent more than 40 years preparing the way for Maitreya’s emergence. He was the author of a number of books, translated into many languages, and was founding editor of Share International magazine.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Benjamin Creme began studying art at an early age, developing into an accomplished painter in the modernist style. He befriended and collaborated with many of the leading figures of the time in British art, music and literature. His paintings have been exhibited in a number of prestigious galleries.

Training

Throughout his early years Creme also studied various aspects of esoteric philosophy, in particular the teachings released in the late 19th century through Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society, and in the 20th century through Alice A. Bailey. Although these teachings led him to believe in the existence of the Masters of Wisdom ― a group of perfected individuals who are the custodians of the Divine Plan for this planet ― it nevertheless came as a complete surprise to him when, in 1959, he was contacted by one of the Masters. He was told at the time, among other things, that Maitreya, the World Teacher ― the Master of all the Masters ― would return in about 20 years and that he (Creme) would have a role to play in the event if he chose to accept it.

More than a decade later, in 1972, Creme began a period of arduous training under his Master's direction to prepare him for his coming task: announcing to a sceptical world the emergence of the World Teacher, awaited by people of every religion under various names ― the Christ, Messiah, Imam Mahdi, Krishna, Maitreya Buddha. Creme's constant telepathic contact with his Master gave him access to up-to-date information on Maitreya's emergence, as well as the total conviction needed to present this story.

Lecturing

In 1974 Creme introduced Transmission Meditation, a group meditation that is both a form of world service in transmitting spiritual energies and a means of personal development. It is now practised world-wide. In 1977 he announced that Maitreya had begun his outer work in the modern world.

In 1975 Creme started lecturing, by invitation, first in the UK and then throughout Europe. During his first US tour in 1980, he spoke to large audiences in many major cities. From the early 1980s, his tours included Western and Eastern Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico and two trips a year across the US. He was interviewed on more than 300 radio and television programs in the US alone.

Creme's books on the emergence of Maitreya have been translated into several languages and are published throughout the world by groups responding to his message. In 1982, with a group of colleagues, he founded Share International, a monthly magazine that focuses on the process of Maitreya’s emergence as well as the political, economic, social and spiritual changes now occurring globally. The magazine is read in more than 70 countries.

Benjamin Creme accepted no payment for this work and made no claims about his own spiritual status. These facts, along with his authenticity, intelligence and humour, lend credibility to an otherwise incredible story, and prompted dozens of well-known broadcast personalities to agree with Canadian Broadcasting host and producer, Max Allen, who said: "The Maitreya story is important and Creme is an admirable spokesman."

Since his first public talk in 1975, millions of people have heard Creme's message of hope, and many have been inspired to help make it known on a worldwide scale. "My job," Creme said, "has been to make the initial approach to the public, to help create a climate of hope and expectancy. If I can do that, I'll be well pleased."