http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/science-of-spirituality/the-four-stages-of-spiritual-growth
Spirituality has four stages depending on the colossal advancement of a seeker.
1. INITIAL STAGE (Aarambha)
2. EFFECTIVE STAGE (Parinaama)
3. SELF REALIZATION STAGE (Vivurta)
4. SELF LIBERATION STAGE (Ajaata)
Aarambha is the initial stages for a seeker here he is unable to grasp the enormity of Absolute hence surrendering, accepting, and understanding IT as Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent is absent. In this stage proof to get convinced id necessary. At this stage Moral Value, Discipline, Dharma, Prayer, Respecting elders, Service to others etc are included and emphasized. Here karma (action) takes the main stage so rituals are prominent here.
Parinaama is the next stage new subtle teaching and more advanced thoughts are induced as he is already introduced to Moral, Ethical, Discipline aspects. Here the seeker starts to ask questions like “WHY AM I HERE?” His intellect is allowed to nurture and he is let to find out why a particular thing needs to be done. Hence at this stage the prominence is shifted from the work or action to the reason behind the action.
Vivurta is the third and the turning point of the seeker where logical reasoning is not given much importance and the thought of Absolute Consciousness stems. At this level the most important question “WHO AM I?” arises in the seeker. He finds out that he is not the body but soul. He realizes that Atman and Paramatma is the one. He becomes conscious of paths like Karma, Bhakthi, Jnana, for Self Realization. He contemplates and meditates to know his core and asserts that by threading any of those paths he is one with Him and in fact he is Him. At this stage some of the Seekers may think that they know all and try not to move further in Spirituality. But a true seeker will question thus: ‘If I am the God then why do I need to surrender? Does this very idea of surrender indicate duality?” It is time for the Guru to reveal the highest doctrine called Ajaata.
At the Ajaata stage Guru advices the disciple that, if he makes mental effort to meditate to realize his true nature, then it is of no use. All he has to do is abide in Self, since he is Atman there is no need to make an effort. If he considers ignorance as an illusion, then Moksha (Salvation) is even bigger illusion. Guru teaches his worthy disciple that at this stage he has to elevate from this plane and know that nothing exists: No World, No Maya, No Personal God, nothing, except Brahman (Absolute Consciousness).
He has to accept everything as it is and there is even no need to renounce. Who is renouncing whom or what? There is no second one. The dual nature of mind to select or reject has been dissolved into reality. Mind is introduced to the Third Dimension of stillness by becoming just witness. Such a person is blessed with absolute completeness and dwell in uninterrupted and infinite bliss. Such a soul, worthy of worship, is very very rare and is called Jivan Mukta (Liberated before Death).
Now having told about these stages it is for the benefit of every seeker, instead if starts taking the “level” seriously, it becomes another element of his ego and an impediment to further growth. His only competition and comparison should be with self. As long as he is making progress and is learning something each day that makes him a better person on the path. He has to walk the path with his own sadhana (Practice) feet, hence comparing his “progress and experiences” with those of other seekers is futile. Instead, he should just keep faith in the HIS scheme of things and move on ………ultimately every one will be realized and will merge with Him someday.
Spirituality has four stages depending on the colossal advancement of a seeker.
1. INITIAL STAGE (Aarambha)
2. EFFECTIVE STAGE (Parinaama)
3. SELF REALIZATION STAGE (Vivurta)
4. SELF LIBERATION STAGE (Ajaata)
Aarambha is the initial stages for a seeker here he is unable to grasp the enormity of Absolute hence surrendering, accepting, and understanding IT as Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent is absent. In this stage proof to get convinced id necessary. At this stage Moral Value, Discipline, Dharma, Prayer, Respecting elders, Service to others etc are included and emphasized. Here karma (action) takes the main stage so rituals are prominent here.
Parinaama is the next stage new subtle teaching and more advanced thoughts are induced as he is already introduced to Moral, Ethical, Discipline aspects. Here the seeker starts to ask questions like “WHY AM I HERE?” His intellect is allowed to nurture and he is let to find out why a particular thing needs to be done. Hence at this stage the prominence is shifted from the work or action to the reason behind the action.
Vivurta is the third and the turning point of the seeker where logical reasoning is not given much importance and the thought of Absolute Consciousness stems. At this level the most important question “WHO AM I?” arises in the seeker. He finds out that he is not the body but soul. He realizes that Atman and Paramatma is the one. He becomes conscious of paths like Karma, Bhakthi, Jnana, for Self Realization. He contemplates and meditates to know his core and asserts that by threading any of those paths he is one with Him and in fact he is Him. At this stage some of the Seekers may think that they know all and try not to move further in Spirituality. But a true seeker will question thus: ‘If I am the God then why do I need to surrender? Does this very idea of surrender indicate duality?” It is time for the Guru to reveal the highest doctrine called Ajaata.
At the Ajaata stage Guru advices the disciple that, if he makes mental effort to meditate to realize his true nature, then it is of no use. All he has to do is abide in Self, since he is Atman there is no need to make an effort. If he considers ignorance as an illusion, then Moksha (Salvation) is even bigger illusion. Guru teaches his worthy disciple that at this stage he has to elevate from this plane and know that nothing exists: No World, No Maya, No Personal God, nothing, except Brahman (Absolute Consciousness).
He has to accept everything as it is and there is even no need to renounce. Who is renouncing whom or what? There is no second one. The dual nature of mind to select or reject has been dissolved into reality. Mind is introduced to the Third Dimension of stillness by becoming just witness. Such a person is blessed with absolute completeness and dwell in uninterrupted and infinite bliss. Such a soul, worthy of worship, is very very rare and is called Jivan Mukta (Liberated before Death).
Now having told about these stages it is for the benefit of every seeker, instead if starts taking the “level” seriously, it becomes another element of his ego and an impediment to further growth. His only competition and comparison should be with self. As long as he is making progress and is learning something each day that makes him a better person on the path. He has to walk the path with his own sadhana (Practice) feet, hence comparing his “progress and experiences” with those of other seekers is futile. Instead, he should just keep faith in the HIS scheme of things and move on ………ultimately every one will be realized and will merge with Him someday.
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