Master Hilarion
Ascended Master and Chohan of the Fifth Ray.
Within the I AM movement and the Ascended Master Teachings, Master Hilarion is recognized as a saint and a member of the Great White Brotherhood, a collective of ascended beings. He holds the title of Chohan, or Lord, of the Fifth Ray, which is part of the Seven Rays system.
Theosophical tradition associates Master Hilarion with several past lives. He is believed to have incarnated as the Apostle Paul of Tarsus and the Neoplatonic philosopher Iamblichus. Some also identify him with the Christian Saint Hilarion. Notably, the lifetimes of Iamblichus (c. 245–c. 325) and Saint Hilarion (291–371) overlapped, but certain spiritual traditions, including Hindu and Tibetan Buddhism, hold that advanced beings can experience multiple incarnations simultaneously.
In October 1884, Helena Blavatsky referenced a figure she spelled "Hillarion," describing him as an Eastern adept who had passed through Bombay on his way to Tibet for his final initiation. She clarified that this was not the Mahatma Koot Hoomi but a Greek gentleman she had known since 1860. An entry in Henry Olcott's diary from February 19, 1881, notes that "Hillarion" was in Bombay en route to Tibet, offering observations on various subjects.
According to Theosophist C.W. Leadbeater, Master Hilarion's primary influence is on the world's scientists. In the Ascended Master Teachings, he serves as the Hierarch of the Brotherhood of Truth on the etheric plane over Crete, where he is said to assist scientists and spiritual leaders with the flame of truth. Before Hilarion assumed the chohanship of the Fifth Ray, Lord Ling held that role.
K. Paul Johnson has speculated that the "Masters" described by Blavatsky, including Hilarion, were idealized versions of her real-life mentors. He suggests that "Master Hilarion" was actually Ooton Liato, a Cypriot stage magician Blavatsky met in New York City in 1873.
- Known as
- Master Hilarion, Chohan of the Fifth Ray
- Incarnations (Theosophical belief)
- Apostle Paul of Tarsus, Iamblichus, possibly St. Hilarion
- Overlapping lifetimes
- Iamblichus (c. 245–c. 325) and St. Hilarion (291–371)
- Primary influence (per C.W. Leadbeater)
- Scientists of the world
- Etheric plane location
- Crete (Hierarch of the Brotherhood of Truth)
- Speculated origin (K. Paul Johnson)
- Ooton Liato, a stage magician from Cyprus
Lore & Background
Theosophists believe that Master Hilarion was incarnated as the Apostle Paul of Tarsus and the Neo-Platonic philosopher Iamblichus. Some have believed that he was the Christian saint Hilarion. Although the years Iamblichus (c. 245–c. 325) was embodied overlap the lifetime of St. Hilarion (291–371), various traditions such as Hindu and Tibetan Buddhism hold that it is possible for the spiritually advanced to have more than one incarnation happening at the same time.
In October 1884 Helena Blavatsky made reference to Hilarion (using the spelling 'Hillarion'), describing him as an 'Eastern adept, who has since gone for his final initiation,' who had passed from Egypt to Tibet through Bombay and visited in his physical body. His travel to his 'final initiation' is referred to in an entry in Henry Olcott's diary dated 19 February 1881, written in Bombay: 'Hillarion is here en route for Tibet and has been looking over, in, and through the situation.'
Theosophist C.W. Leadbeater wrote that the Master Hilarion's primary influence is upon the scientists of the world. In the Ascended Master Teachings, as Hierarch of the Brotherhood of Truth in the etheric plane over Crete, Hilarion is said to assist the scientists and spiritual leaders of the world with the flame of truth. It is believed that before the Master Hilarion took over the chohanship of the Fifth Ray, Lord Ling fulfilled that function.
Reader's Guide
Master Hilarion holds significance within the I AM movement and Ascended Master Teachings as the Chohan of the Fifth Ray, a role associated with truth and science. Theosophist C.W. Leadbeater emphasized his primary influence on scientists, while the Ascended Master Teachings describe him as assisting scientists and spiritual leaders with the flame of truth from the etheric plane over Crete. The figure is also notable for the overlapping incarnations attributed to him—the Apostle Paul, Iamblichus, and possibly St. Hilarion—which reflect the belief in multiple simultaneous incarnations for spiritually advanced beings. K. Paul Johnson's speculation that Master Hilarion was actually Ooton Liato, a stage magician from Cyprus whom Blavatsky met in New York City in 1873, introduces a skeptical perspective on the historical reality of the Masters. This entry preserves the uncertainty and dispute inherent in the source material, presenting the figure as a blend of esoteric belief, historical speculation, and contested origin.
Did You Know?
- Theosophists believe Master Hilarion was incarnated as the Apostle Paul of Tarsus and the Neo-Platonic philosopher Iamblichus.
- Helena Blavatsky referred to Hilarion in October 1884, using the spelling 'Hillarion'.
- Henry Olcott's diary entry from 19 February 1881 notes Hilarion was en route to Tibet.
- K. Paul Johnson speculates that Master Hilarion was actually Ooton Liato, a stage magician from Cyprus.
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