In this belief system, a Master is an individual who has passed the Fifth Initiation, whereas an Ascended Master is an individual who has passed the Sixth Initiation (the passing of which initiation is the same thing as attaining "Ascension"). "Ascension" is defined as the attainment of the complete, permanent union of one's purified outer self with one's "I AM" Presence. One's "I AM" Presence is literally each person's unique Individualization of God, and it is each person's True Identity.
In this belief system, a Master represents an individual who has progressed through the Fifth Initiation, whereas an Ascended Master signifies an individual who has reached the pinnacle of spiritual evolution by achieving the Sixth Initiation. This attainment is synonymous with "Ascension", which denotes the ultimate union of one's purified outer self with their inherent divine essence.