SOME PRELIMINARY EXPLANATIONS BEFORE READING THE TEACHINGS OF THE ASCENDED MASTERS 
(text source: AMTF)

First and foremost, it is very important to realize that reading these Teachings commits you to putting them into practice and using them for yourself, for others, and for our beautiful planet 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Ascended Masters lived on Earth before us and encountered difficulties there—sometimes significant ones—similar to our own. They can therefore advise us on how to walk the path ourselves toward its goal: Ascension, which corresponds to the moment when, having attained mastery, we choose to move to a higher plane of existence in order to act more effectively. After their own Ascension, some of them remained in the earthly realm to help humanity, rather than departing for higher realms. 

They are grouped under the name “Great White Brotherhood,” in reference to the whiteness of the Divine Light (and not to skin color), and they work in close collaboration with the Archangels and the Elohim. This Brotherhood is therefore not composed of human beings living on Earth.

Their involvement is essential for anyone aspiring to their own Ascension, and we owe them a great deal in countless ways. 

On a regular but, by our standards, infrequent basis, the Members of this Brotherhood communicate with the earthly plane through “channels” who have previously undergone extensive training. Shortly after the mid-20th century, they transmitted an entire “new Bible” for future generations—referred to here as the “Teachings”—to complement those of Theosophy and the “I AM” School: the three Plumes of the Triple Flame.  

These Teachings form the foundation of the “Bridge to Freedom” between Heaven and Earth, helping all human beings reconnect with the Divine Plans of which they have become unaware, and mark the dawn of a new era.  

Everything written below refers to this in a condensed form and is intended primarily to provide an explanation. 

The “Foundation for the Teachings of the Ascended Masters” (AMTF) was responsible for compiling them in their original form; otherwise, they would have been lost. 

KEY POINTS and EXPLANATIONS of certain terms

1. The purpose of human life is to develop ourselves so that we may become masters of the substance and energies (emotions, thoughts, memories, physical sensations) that flow through us, to the point of being able to maintain infinite calm in every situation, while still being as deeply engaged and effective as possible, since we are learning to act directly from the Source. 

   Remember that every human being is connected to their Presence in the spiritual realms, an Effigy of which resides in their heart—a Spark of God endowed with all of God’s potential—and that, from this perspective, all are therefore equal.

2. Only an Ascended Master possesses the gift of total discernment and can correctly interpret information from the universe, including, in particular, the contents of the “Akashic Records.” As long as we have not reached the ascended level, we cannot fully understand all of this, due to a lack of perspective. This also applies to the Masters before their Ascension, as they themselves say. This explains many of the misunderstandings reported in certain books regarding the Akashic Records.
3. Teachings from the Masters: Since ancient times, the Divine Teachings have been conveyed to us through very rare individuals considered to be certified channels. For many years, these individuals undergo special training directly from one or more Ascended Masters. They are then able to repeat—without altering their state of consciousness, their personality, or the message itself—what they perceive, which reliably originates from the Heavens (and not from the astral plane). These are referred to as “dictations” from the Masters, addressed to all of humanity. As for these Teachings, they appeared in golden letters before the messengers’ eyes, and anyone with the ability could also see them. 
4. The teachings of “The Bridge to Freedom” were presented to us by the Ascended Assembly as “The New Age Bible, written for future generations.” [Explanations by Archangel Uriel (May 16, 1954) and the Maha Chohan (May 20, 1954)]. We therefore do not need to seek out so-called updates or more recent information (though, of course, everyone can receive guidance for their personal lives through their own Divine Presence).

5. Channels and Mediums. Today, as in many other eras, a great many “mediums” are appearing, causing confusion. Throughout one’s life, it is necessary to take the time to engage with and investigate—particularly through reading—and to seek out the true Spiritual Laws. This is the most difficult task on the Path. It must, of course, also apply to the Teachings described here. 

   "You must not only listen to the voice of your heart—for your feelings are more confused than you realize—but also to that of your most developed faculties: logic, reason, and common sense."

   Maha Chohan

   You must investigate all statements and assertions made by those who call themselves “channels,” as well as their behavior, which must be consistent and in accordance with the so-called teachings. The True Teachings are always clear and powerful: they speak of Love, but also—and this is important—of other Divine qualities, such as Peace, Steadfastness, and above all, Truth; and they ask you to take action through purification, prayer, contemplation, and by issuing “decrees” (a kind of appeal). 

6. In a true teaching, the emphasis must be placed—first and foremost, and in a way that is clear to the student—on connecting with one’s own Higher Self. The Masters, Archangels, and Elohim can help us, but only if we are connected to our own Higher Self. In particular, our attention must not be diverted toward another human being. 
7. A prayer should consist solely of clear, easily understood words that inspire noble feelings. Do not accept anything that is incomprehensible or coded.
8. If, in a teaching presented as spiritual, you are offered shortcuts—namely, less daily practice, less emphasis on your True Presence, and pre-determined invocations— a dependence on instructors, if you’re assigned “levels” of personal realization, if your ego is flattered, and/or if there’s a fee involved, then you’re not dealing with a True and/or Complete Spiritual Teaching.
9. These Teachings cannot be combined with other alternative spiritual approaches, in order to ensure discernment and a clear understanding of the results achieved, and because of the risk of causing everything to fail. However, they are compatible with any religion, which they complement. 
10. Without proper training, a human being can cause harm because forces beyond their control may take hold of them. It is in this sense that certain “groups” or “parties” are sometimes criticized in their Teachings: their initial intentions may have been excellent, but forces beyond their control took hold of them, causing everything to go astray.
11. A student of the Teachings does not consume animal flesh (meat, fish), for obvious reasons of respect for Life on many levels, nor does he or she consume drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes—and avoids excessive amounts of sugar and salt, which hinder a proper connection.  

12. In the texts, when there is mention of armies and swords, these are Armies and Swords of Light and Positive Energy—and not, of course, a call to violence.  

    “We are living in a time when you must devote your worlds of feelings and energies to your Presence, and to the Ascended Master who corresponds to you as your Instructor on the higher planes, in order to use them to spread Hope, Trust, Courage, and Peace to every man, woman, and child. So, ask for the Connection at every moment!” 

    Maha Chohan