Moncure D. Conway visited Blavatsky and investigated claims of the Mahatmas in 1884. Most of the mahatmas either returned to India or were dismissed. Both "Mahatmas" and "Ascended Master" are terms used in the Ascended Master Teachings. He had initiated more than a thousand Mahatmas and Baijis as disciples. He is one of the Mahatmas who inspired the founding of Theosophy and Agni Yoga. Skeptics have described Koot Hoomi and the other Mahatmas as a hoax. Some Western followers took up communal life in dozens of ashrams, guided by DLM Mahatmas. The Indian mahatmas were replaced with Westerners, and Indian terminology fell from use. However, "Mahatmas" and "Ascended Masters" are believed by some to differ in certain respects. However, Mahatmas and Ascended Masters are believed by some to differ in certain respects. It featured speeches by mahatmas and by Maharaj Ji's mother, Mata Ji. On this auspicious occasion, more than two and a half thousand saintly Mahatmas participated. Mahatmas (both male and female) live in these ashrams.