What is the definitive guide to understanding Brian D Smith's concept of 'Ascended Masters'?

I don’t actually teach a proprietary or “definitive” doctrine of Ascended Masters the way, say, Theosophy or some New Age systems do, so I want to be transparent about that.

In my work, when I use language like guides, masters, or highly evolved beings, I’m pointing to this basic idea: consciousness continues, souls grow over lifetimes, and some souls are further along the path and choose to help the rest of us. Think “older classmates,” not distant cosmic bosses.

If you want my clearest take, you’ll find it indirectly through:

• My Grief 2 Growth podcast episodes with mediums and NDE experiencers
• My writings about pre-birth planning and soul growth on grief2growth.com and my Substack

What angle are you most interested in—afterlife cosmology, personal spirit guides, or how this relates to grief and healing?