Ascension can mean different things to many people. Because of this, many people are confused about it means. The literal definition of the word ascension means: the act of ascending or ascent; to be risen up or to climb. When it is referred to in the spiritual sense ascension can be explained in several different contexts depending on the spiritual tradition or philosophy.
Ascension, in a simple and spiritual sense is very similar to the Eastern concept of enlightenment found in Buddhism. To become enlightened can simply mean to have "full comprehension of a situation". Enlightenment is a spiritual revelation or deep insight into the meaning and purpose of all things, communication with or understanding of the mind of God or Source, profound spiritual understanding or a fundamentally changed consciousness whereby everything is perceived as an interconnected unity.
Ascension in its basic spiritual or mystical sense can be thought of as the highest state of humanity. It is the expansion of awareness. It involves the realization of one's unity with the Creator and all of creation. An individual is 'ascending' in the sense that something of a lower vibration is ascending; is is being 'raised up' or becoming higher in vibration. For this reason, many spiritual traditions seek the dissolution of the human ego (lower self) in order to realize the true nature of their being, or Higher Self.
Ascension, in this spiritual sense of the word, does not mean that one's physical body is lifted off the ground and flies through the air, ascending up into or above the clouds towards a physical place called 'heaven', although some religious adhernts still literally imagine this very scenario.
Ascension can also be understood in a more metaphysical way as the shifting from one dimension, frequency, plane of existance or conscious (such as the 'lower' physical Earth plane) to another plane, dimension or state of consciousness that is of a 'higher frequency'.
The Ascension of Christ
In traditional Christian religions, ascension is the concept of
entering heaven alive (sometimes called "assumption", or
"translation"). Ascension, in this sense, refers to entering heaven
without dying first. In various denominations, the significant event
known as the Ascension actually
specifically refers to the bodily ascending of Christ from earth to
heaven after the resurrection.
The Ascended Masters and the I AM Presence
There are various other human beings
throughout history that are said to have completed the Ascension
process while on Earth. These individuals are known as the Ascended
Masters, a concept stemming from Theosophical teachings.
Adherents of the Ascended Master Teachings believe that each person
on Earth is an incarnation of an "Individualized Presence" of the
"Most High Living God," which is called the "Mighty I
The Inner Path of Ascension
The Ascension is also a chosen path that
an individual can consciously commit themselves to. It is a way or a
path of Being, a conscious choice, and a matter and manner of living
A Spiritual Awakening
In yet another sense, the ascension is taking place right now and
many people are already ascending. These individuals are not
'dissapearing' in the literal sense, but in a way, their reality is
changing. The process can be immediate or it can take a lifetime.