Mantle
A mantle is a symbol of authority, preeminence or responsibility. For instance, you might say that a great painter passes his mantle to his protégé. In the spiritual sense of the word, a mantle is a spiritual office. And with its bestowal, there is passed from Guru to disciple a great sphere of light.
For thousands of years the great spiritual teachers of mankind have passed down their mantle and their teaching to deserving disciples. Around each successive teacher would gather students dedicated to studying that teaching and becoming the living example of that teaching. With the transfer of the mantle from Master to disciple comes the transfer of responsibility. The disciple pledges to carry on the mission of his Master.
See also
Sources
Elizabeth Clare Prophet, June 30, 1996.