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By Jim Kingsnorth
This
is basically what this group believes. They are a new age
mystic organization. They do not hold the Bible as final
authority for doctrine, as you will see.
People from all faiths study esoteric teachings and mystic
philosophy through Astara. You may maintain membership in
any religion and still become an Astarian. This is in
essence a
universalism type of teaching. They believe that any
religion will do.
Astarians believe that they are able to express the hidden
potential of the mind and the "Higher Self" through Astara.
They believe that through Astara they will find healing for
their body and soul. The Bible says that Jesus
provided healing for our bodies.
They
Also believe in the inner potential, another
New Age
belief. They claim that
Astara is a Cosmic Expedition through the Aquarian Age. They
believe this Cosmic Expedition is a search into the inner
spaces of the soul and mind. This journey vehicle is the
study of Astara's Book of Life.
Their
claims of what the teachings provide:
- Help you organize
your life on a new basis, harmonized with the eternal,
mystic truths which have endured throughout time
- Instruct you in a
secret mental technique of spiritual unfoldment, of
Self-mastery and the pathway to illumination
- Give you a
comprehensive view of life processes including birth,
death, the afterlife
- Reveal how to use
your 'third eye,' the all-seeing eye of the superconscious
- Unfold the science
of soul progression as revealed in the teachings of the
ancient Mysteries
- Explain the whole
person, divine and human, including the Monad, oversoul,
soul, auric forcefields, your higher bodies, the higher
planes of life, immortality, the true meaning and mystery
of salvation, regeneration, and the ultimate liberation of
the soul
- Provide mystic
teachings of the silver cord, seed atoms, the cosmic
kundalini fire, chakras, the science of healing and
numerous other significant arcane factors of your life
As you can see by their
claims the are nothing more than a new wrinkle of the New
Age Movement.
Quotes from Astara
"Walking the Astarian
path offers the seeker a unique freedom. Unlike a cult,
Astara presents an ever-widening image of spirituality,
encouraging each seeker to walk his or her personal path.
Never are Astarians told what or who to believe."
Notice how they try to
distinguish themselves as not being a cult. They like
universalist's and some other cults try to separate
themselves from known cults by saying "We accept everyone!"
The one thing that most cults have in common is the fact
that they claim to be The True Church of Jesus Christ.
"The Degree Lessons are
available only to members of Astara. They have been
channeled through Robert and Earlyne Chaney for many years
from Masters of the divine hierarchy, teaching ancient
Wisdom from the times of the Mystery Schools of antiquity.
They light the way for the seeker of spiritual evolution.
They reveal the arcane soul pageant from before birth,
through life, death and the afterlife."
Channeling is also part of
the experience for those of higher degree's in the
teachings. Basically a stairway to heaven.
"When confronted with a
difficult problem regarding any of life's apparently
unyielding situations, you may receive added prayer help by
sending a 'Cosmic Help Petition' to Astara. We all share the
same light when our needs are placed within it. Every
problem is held in strictest confidence."
I guess my question is; Who
do they pray to?
"Astara
is a "Place of Light" where all paths merge, a point in the
eternal plan where the light of the ages flows from the past
into the present, illumining the future. Through the
Astarian teachings, your search for truth becomes a
thrilling adventure and a joyous experience. The spiritual
fellowship of Astarians all over the world brings to each
seeker the warm security of "family" which is unchanged by
time, or death, or earthly limitation."
Notice the remark about
Astarians being part of a family. This is to draw in people
who are either lonely or searching for relationships. The
get a Warm Security from the Astarians. This is
something that many people are looking for.
Conclusion: Astara is
nothing more than the New Age in a new package. It has all
the teaching of the new age and some new ones thrown in.
They seem to be a mixture of
Universalism,
New Age,
Unity, and TM. This group should be avoided.
Jesus said I am
THE Way, The Truth, and The
Life, not I am A Way, A Truth,
and A Life. There is only one way and that is Jesus.
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