The online edition of Share International magazine presents a selection of items from the printed edition. Each online edition includes a complete article by Benjamin Creme's Master. Most other articles reproduced here, covering a wide range of topics, are excerpts. The online edition usually also includes a selection of Questions and Answers, Readers' letters, and photographs of Signs of Maitreya's presence.
See the full table of contents of the printed edition at the foot of the page.
From the inception of Share International magazine, Benjamin Creme’s Master provided articles to be published not only at the time they were written, but also whenever appropriate according to world circumstances.
From the earliest times, mankind has feared the natural disturbances of our planetary home. Cataclysms of unimaginable ferocity have destroyed huge areas of the Earth’s surface over and over again. This fact is hard for many to accept and raises, always, grave doubts in the minds of many religious people about the veracity of God’s love for humanity. How can we believe in a loving God who allows thousands of people to be killed in earthquakes, tsunamis and the rest? Were humanity to understand their own involvement in such planetary destruction, they could play a significant role in preventing its occurrence.
The Earth’s crust, as it has evolved over the ages, is not single and evenly spread around the world. As is well known, it takes the form of various plates at different depths, which overlap and are in relatively constant movement. Countries and cities which lie on or near the plate edge, or fault-lines, are consequently subjected to earthquakes and, if near oceanic regions, tsunamis. It is not a question of God’s love failing humanity but of seismic pressure which must be released. What, we may ask, causes seismic pressure to grow to such a destructive extent?
Elemental Devas (or Angelic forces) oversee the mechanism by which these colossal energies act or are modified. The Earth is a living Entity and responds to the impact of these forces in various ways. One major source of impact comes directly from humanity. As humanity, in its usual competitive way, creates tension through wars, and political and economic crisis — that is when we are out of equilibrium — so too do the Devic lives go out of equilibrium. The inevitable result is earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. We are responsible.
How then to end this cycle of destruction? Humanity has the means but so far lacks the will to change. We must see ourselves as One, each man and woman a reflection of the Divine, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the One Father. We must banish war for ever from this Earth; we must share the resources of this planet which belong to all. We must learn to live in harmony with the planet itself to know a future of harmony with each other.
Maitreya has come to show men the way, and to galvanize man’s actions. Across the globe, men are finding their voice and calling for justice and freedom. Many have died to claim their right, God given, to freedom and justice. His call is for all men and women everywhere to see themselves as He sees them, as Divine, Sons and Daughters of Divinity Itself.
(Share International, April 2011)
These articles are by a senior member of the Hierarchy of Masters of Wisdom. His name, well-known in esoteric circles, is not yet being revealed. Benjamin Creme, a principal spokesman about the emergence of Maitreya, was in constant telepathic contact with this Master who dictated his articles to him.
At every lecture he gave around the world, and virtually every day of his life, Benjamin Creme was asked numerous questions covering a vast range of topics. We draw on this large recorded resource and publish answers provided by BC and his Master over the years.
Three letters from the same person
26 June 2007, a hotel near Chicago. It was quite late — I got ready for bed, turned out the light and went to the large window. I opened the drapes and opened the windows wide, looked out, saw the usual parking lot of a hotel and went to bed. After half-an-hour of tossing and turning, I decided to get up — my attention was immediately caught by something. I crossed to the window and saw a very large cross hanging in the sky. It appeared like highly polished gold — the size seemed to be as high as a 15 to 20 storey building. There was no aura surrounding it. The brightness caused no shadow elsewhere. It did not shimmer or anything; it just took up the whole sky and seemed to take away my thoughts. No, it was not a UFO, but a powerful, beautiful, huge cross. I just stood at the window, looking at it, for about 10 minutes. Though I was in awe of its beauty, I did not feel full of ‘oohs and aahs’, but was filled with a sense of calmness and peace. Then I felt so tired and sleepy, looked at “my” cross, went back to bed and fell asleep immediately. I arose early and went to the window — view the same — just a flat parking lot. What happened? I don’t know. Why? I didn’t know. How? I don’t know. The cross is etched in my mind where I visualise it constantly everyday. Frightened? Absolutely not!! What happened? Why to me? Just me? Powerful? Yes!
One night, I was lying on my back in bed [at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico], eyes closed, saying my prayers. When I had finished, eyes partially open, I started to turn on my side when I saw a man at the foot of my bed. He wore an off-white suit, white shirt and tie. He wore glasses, blondish hair. He actually glowed, all of him glowed brilliantly. He had the most beautiful smile on his face, so warm, so happy, a big smile of pure joy. I called out, “Ryan’s here,” turned to remove the blankets and he just disappeared. Immediately, I knew he certainly was not Ryan, but an angel. I’ve often wondered if he were my son, Ross, coming to see me. The episode lasted but seconds I guess — though it seemed like several minutes. I was filled with love and warmth as he looked at me. The feeling of happiness and contentment lasted many days.
Coming home from the market, on a Saturday about 4.30pm, on St Francis’ day, I was in the fast lane when my car stopped — I had no clutch, could not get the car out of neutral. There I was right in the centre of the intersection, cars speeding past me, I turned on my hazard lights and sat there — couldn’t get out of the car for help because I would have been hit by one of the other speeding cars. A few minutes went by, when all of a sudden a beautiful, young woman was tapping on the passenger side window. She told me not to worry — she would push my car down a whole block and into a fast-food parking lot where there was a phone. Somehow, with me steering, cars stopped and she alone pushed that heavy car one whole block and up a slight incline into a parking lot. I got out of the car and thanked her profusely, turned away, then wondered where she came from — she was gone. Then, as I rummaged in my pockets for telephone change, she came up behind me and asked me if I needed money. I told her I had some and thanked her again. As I got out my coins I again looked for her. She was nowhere! I was amazed. I looked for her but she was gone. She had a smile filled with gentleness and love. Her physical presence was gone — but there really was an ‘air’ that seemed to shower upon me that was saturated with her loveliness — she seemed to envelope me for several minutes.
We present here phenomena which, to the editors, are “signs of hope” and “signs of the time”. Fortunately, our current stock of phenomena confirmed as real and genuine by Benjamin Creme’s Master is fairly large. However, in future we will also present material which has not been confirmed. We undertake to be as thorough as possible in our investigation of each ‘miracle’ or ‘sign’ and will present them for your consideration only, since we cannot now make use of the confirmation and additional information which in the past was always provided by Benjamin Creme’s Master. Further details, when available, are given in the captions to the photographs.
At one point, when I looked at the phenomenon with the naked eye, the star disappeared but the ball of light remained intact. It slowly receded and then stayed motionless at a distance of about 120 metres from our building. Then it started to move slowly until it went down to ‘hide’ behind a tree. I stopped filming and sat back down in front of the film, a little confused. Then the phenomenon started again some ten minutes later. I was attracted by the light but this time it was above the tree behind which the ball had disappeared the first time. The phenomenon continued for several more minutes and then vanished. (Y. D-M., Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France)
When the call to service sounds, it behoves each earnest disciple to grasp the opportunity presented with both hands. Seldom is the call repeated, for the Masters have little time to waste. “Many are called but few are chosen” should read: “Many are called but few respond.”
Thus it is in the Great Service; only the elect realize the blessing conferred by the opportunity to serve the Plan. Service is the sacred duty which allows the disciple to shorten by many lives his sojourn on this Earth. Many know this but balk at the lightest task. Many forget the pledge they made long ago and shrug off the inner unease. Not for nothing do the Masters sadly shake Their heads and search once more among the waiting lights.
Not all who serve realize they do so. So instinctive is their response to the soul’s or Master’s call that they plunge in boldly without a second thought. So decentralized are they that the world’s need is their only concern. They serve as they breathe, but in relation to the needs of the time they are few indeed. We on the inner side look for those who know, somewhat, the Plan, and whose priorities are sound. We search for those whose ardour is strong and whose hearts are aflame with love and sacrifice. We welcome such brave ones into Our midst and gladly present a field of service. Then We stand aside and watch. Over and again, their first glad steps slow and falter. Too often, their bright expectations turn to boredom and doubt, their lofty aspiration shrivels and dies.
The failure of faith looms large in these sad happenings. Without faith nothing lasting may be done, and for lack of this one quality many promising disciples have failed. Not for nothing, down the ages, have the teachings emphasized the need for faith, seeing it as the very heart of service.
Faith, to be sure, does not mean blind acceptance and belief. On the contrary, true faith rises only when the intuition, the voice of the soul, prompts an inner knowing, and, past all gainsaying, the heart tells you: this is true. When that moment comes, clasp firmly to you this new-found truth and “stay there.”
When the voices of envy and doubt assail you, keep serenely to your task. Remember that your mind belongs to you and no one has the right to tell you what to think.
Cultivate a wise rhythm which will allow your service to expand naturally. Eschew a service done in fits and starts for in this way is all momentum lost. Remember that you are here to serve the Plan. That, if you did but know it, is your soul’s wish. As you make contact with the soul, the objectivization of experience begins to take place. The soul has no preference, no desire; it relates only to that which is consonant with its purpose, which is to serve the Plan of evolution to the greatest degree possible.
The time will come when the influence of the Masters will provide a field of study and experience by which those now standing on the threshold will enter into the realm of light and knowledge and know themselves for what they are. There are many awaiting the creation of a new age whose manifestation will profoundly affect the structures of their time. Serve and grow, serve and grow should be the keynote of your lives.
(Share International, September 1991)
These articles are by a senior member of the Hierarchy of Masters of Wisdom. His name, well-known in esoteric circles, is not yet being revealed. Benjamin Creme, a principal spokesman about the emergence of Maitreya, was in constant telepathic contact with this Master who dictated his articles to him.
Proactiva Open Arms is a Spanish non-governmental organization (NGO) devoted to search and rescue (SAR) at sea. As well as maintaining a permanent base on Lesbos, the NGO carries out its rescue operations in the Aegean and Central Mediterranean Sea. Sabina Qureshi interviewed Mar Sabé of Proactiva Open Arms for Share International.
Share International: How did Open Arms begin?
Mar Sabé: It began in response to a photo: Alan Kurdi, the 3-year-old found dead on the Turkish shore in September 2015. Oscar Camps, who at that time ran a lifeguard company based in Badalona on the east coast of Spain, was with his 11-year-old daughter the day that photo appeared in the media. She asked him why, if he, Oscar, was a lifeguard, there was a dead child on the beach. Oscar asked himself, “What is happening? I’m a lifeguard, there are children dying, and I’m not doing anything.”
So, he and another lifeguard from his company went to Lesbos, Greece. No one in Spain or the rest of Europe knew what was happening on Lesbos. What they found was far worse than they expected. There were no NGOs or government representatives there to save people. They saw this clearly on 28 October 2015, when they faced the deadliest shipwreck in Greece. A boat with more than 400 people on board capsized in the Aegean Sea. Only four lifeguards from Open Arms and some local fishermen — who used their nets to take people out of the water — were there to rescue those on board. Many people drowned.
The next day the Greek government announced that only five people had died. Open Arms’ lifeguards knew this was not true; they had had to choose who to save for the first time in their lives. They realized they needed to tell the world what was happening or nobody would know because, of course, in the middle of the sea there is no one. That’s why Open Arms began taking journalists on board all its missions. Communication is a very important part of its work.
Open Arms should never have to exist. Its goal is always the same: to disappear. But when Open Arms’ boats get to the open sea, it’s always too late. Governments should be there, protecting the lives of people who are migrating.
SI: During the time Open Arms has been operating, has there been a change in the situation in the Mediterranean?
MS: Yes — a change for the worse. In 2015, the situation in the Aegean Sea was very difficult; many people were trying to reach the Greek coast. Open Arms was helping thousands of people every day. Then, in March 2016, the European Union signed an agreement with Turkey to limit the flow of irregular migrants into the EU in exchange for six billion euros. Immediately, from thousands per day, the number of people trying to reach Greek shores fell to tens or dozens. Open Arms kept one team there in case it was needed, but decided to focus its efforts where there was more need.
The central Mediterranean migration route, the deadliest in the world, was the obvious choice. In only four months, Open Arms rescued over 15,000 people. Back then there were 13 boats from multiple NGOs, all under the co-ordination of the Italian coastguard. All these NGOs worked well together, also with the various governments. They were able to rescue and protect the lives of many people.
Now however, there is just one Open Arms boat on this route. Why? Because the governments concerned forced the other NGOs to stop operating, essentially for political reasons. They want Open Arms out because it not only saves people’s lives, it tells the world what’s happening.
Currently, Europe doesn’t want to know what’s happening; if Europeans know, they will have to do something about it. These are Europe’s shores; it’s Europe’s responsibility. European countries who signed treaties to prevent migrants from entering Europe also work to stop them from coming. That’s why Open Arms is not welcome. It’s also why Open Arms faces a lot of difficulties, which have grown over the years. And now with Covid, everything has gotten worse because governments can use this excuse to say the migrants might have Covid. Open Arms tests everyone on board before and after each mission, but the crews are forced to quarantine for two weeks before they can start operating again. This happens to all Open Arms’ boats. (The migrants quarantine in another boat or on land).
SI: Are there people of all ages among those Open Arms saves?
MS: Not anymore. In Greece there were people of different ages [in 2015], but currently no. You have to understand that the migrants Open Arms see are those who have been travelling for years and years, being tortured, persecuted, robbed, raped, etc. The ones who make it to the end are the strongest ones, and sadly not everyone makes it. We rescue a lot of children, and that is terrible, of course. In Open Arms’ last mission a 6-month-old baby was rescued, but in the end he died, after two hours of CPR. Sadly, there are also a lot of pregnant women. Many of them have been raped. It’s insane and it’s really hard.
SI: Does Open Arms encounter people migrating out of a desire for a better life as well as those fleeing war and conflict?
MS: Why people flee doesn’t concern Open Arms. To migrate is a human right. If you have the right to go to London to learn English, why don’t these people have a right to go anywhere they want, to do whatever they want? …
September 2021
Full contents of the printed edition
- The Master —, through Benjamin Creme: Man’s responsibility
- Jake Johnson: ‘Poverty is a policy choice'
- Six-fold increase in people suffering famine-like conditions
- Service: “Re-orientation, reconstruction and change”
- Julia Conley: Planet’s vital signs reach ‘tipping points’
- Youth activists shape UN’s first Food Systems Summit
- Compilation: Right relationship with all Life
- Interview with Mar Sabé of Open Arms by Sabina Qureshi: “Because you do know”
- Signs of the Times: ‘Here on a spiritual mission’
- In conversation with Jeane Manning: Hidden Energy — hope for a clean and sane world
- Elisa Graf: Pope Francis: Giving and sharing
- Mariko Matumoto: Ten years after Fukushima — Part Two
- Letters to the Editor: Sign of hope and peace
- Benjamin Creme: Questions and answers
