Tibetan Buddhism couldn't really have worked for most people in the 1920s and 1930s because people weren't educated enough about other cultures then here in the U.S. or Europe

 

Sunday, November 8, 2026

I asked about whether the AI could find whether Mr. And Mrs. Ballard studied Tibetan Buddhism before 1930. This is the answer which is interesting to me

begin quotes from: 

AI Overview

No, Mr. and Mrs. Ballard did not formally study Tibetan Buddhism before 1930. Instead, their exposure to Eastern mysticism, spiritual masters, and esoteric concepts came from their extensive study of Theosophy and Western occultism. 

Prior to Guy Ballard’s pivotal 1930 encounter on Mount Shasta, the couple was deeply immersed in the Chicago metaphysical scene: 

Theosophical Influence: They heavily studied the literature of Helena Blavatsky’s Theosophical Society. Blavatsky's work popularised the idea of a "Great White Brotherhood" of enlightened Mahatmas guiding humanity from secret retreats, including Tibet.
Occult Bookstore Work: During the 1920s, Edna Ballard worked at the Philosopher’s Nook, an occult bookstore in Chicago.
Metaphysical Publishing: Edna also edited the periodical American Occultists. 

While their subsequent "I AM" Activity framework incorporated concepts like reincarnation and ascended masters—mirroring aspects of Eastern traditions—these ideas were filtered entirely through a Theosophical and New Thought lens rather than direct training in Tibetan Buddhism. 

If you're researching the roots of the "I AM" movement, would you like to explore how Guy Ballard modified the Theosophical master framework or see a timeline of their legal battles regarding their religious claims?