Unleashing Inner Growth: The Seven Stages of Knowledge
Stages of Acquiring Information or Comprehending Data
In the realm of spirituality, the ancient dialogue known as the Yoga Vashistha offers profound insights into the human journey towards self-realization. This text, between Maharishi Vashishta and his disciple Lord Ram, sheds light on the varied stages of inner development that a spiritual seeker (sadhaka) experiences.
The Seven Stages of Knowledge serve as a blueprint for the sadhaka, guiding them along the path of enlightenment. These stages began with the initial stirrings of curiosity about the truth and culminate in ultimate liberation.
The Ignition: SUBBECHA - The Longing for the Truth
The journey starts with the awakening of a seeker's inherent curiosity about life's ultimate truth. This stage, SUBBECHA, consists of four preliminary stages:
- Viveka: The Power of Discrimination Here, the seeker gains awareness of what is real and what is unreal. Realities are those that transcend change, such as the soul. In contrast, the unreal refers to material things that can change or be altered.
- Vairagya: Dispassion for the Unreal As the seeker cultivates a deeper understanding of reality, their attachment to temporary things such as belongings and people fades away.
- Shatsampat: Mastery of the Six Senses Mastering the senses is crucial in this phase. Achieving this mastery enables us to use our senses effectively to gather knowledge, without becoming enslaved by them.
- Mumukshutava: The Deep Desire for Liberation In this stage, the seeker cherishes the profound desire to break free from the cycle of birth and death and attain Moksha (liberation).
Once these four stages are achieved, the seeker has developed SUBBECHA and is ready to delve deeper into their spiritual quest.
The Quest: VICHARANA- The Right Inquiry
With the desire for truth driving them, seekers begin to inquire into the right path towards Moksha. They reflect on their past, present, and the lives of enlightened individuals to unveil the secrets to spiritual growth.
The Focus: TANUMANASANA - Bringing the Focus to the One
Having discovered a potential path to enlightenment, the seeker dedicates themselves to this path with unwavering focus and determination. Their goals become singular, with no distractions distracting them from their ultimate aspirations.
The Purification: SATTVAPATI - The Attainment of Purity
As the seeker progresses along their chosen path, they start to purify themselves spiritually. Their thought processes and actions become more in line with the divine principles, leading to a state of spiritual purity.
The Triumph: ASAMSHAKTI - The Ultimate Victory
In this stage, the seeker transcends their ego and desires, gaining control over their senses and actions. They become unaffected by external stimuli and attain extraordinary abilities like walking on water or even healing. However, if their ego re-emerges, they risk being pulled back to the starting point.
The Revelation: PADARTHBHAWNA - Seeing the Truth Beyond Maya
In this stage, the seeker perceives the reality beyond the illusion of maya (the material world). They see life as it truly is, without the distortions of their ego and desires obscuring their vision.
The Separation: TURIYA - The Separation
The final stage of the Seven Stages of Knowledge is that of perpetual Samadhi. In this stage, the seeker's karma has been resolved, and they are ready for liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Mastering the Seven Stages of Knowledge is a lifelong process that requires patience, willpower, and devotion. For those interested in exploring ancient yoga philosophy, check out our 200-hour yoga teacher training courses to delve deeper. Learn more about the Yoga Vashistha, The Four Vedas, and The Principles of Karma.
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Furthermore, as a spiritual seeker progresses through the Seven Stages of Knowledge, they continually purify themselves spiritually (SATTVAPATI). This stage emphasizes the importance of principles aligned with the divine, demonstrating the interconnectedness of yoga philosophy with mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
