Stages of Spiritual Life

Indian philosophy is about pure psychology and the entire vedic procedures are aligned towards giving a great amount of mental strength.

The entire spiritual journey, as per the ancient Hindu scriptures; is mental elevation of human beings. And one such example is 6 stages of spiritual life.

Krishna in Bhagavad-Gita explains that there are 6 stages of spiritual life.

1)      Stage 1: This is elementary stage, where we all believe this material form of body is one in all and we don’t go beyond this material state of mind. This is kinder garden definition of life.  

2)      State 2: This is slightly elevated state where a human being starts thinking about existence of soul and the relation between body and soul. This establishes the fact that the soul inside me is an eternal truth and is responsible for all the activities of this physical form of the body.

 

3)      Stage 3: This is the stage where one starts understanding the existence of different gods or devatas who will be responsible for each and every organ of the body. Like, Sun god for eyes, Moon god for listening etc. Though we feel we are in full control of our body organs actually it is not right. Even if we feel we don’t want to see a particular scene our inner voice wants to see it, thus it is evident that these organs operate as per instructions of devatas. The third stage of the spiritual life is this where we understand that we actually don’t have control on our own body.

4)      Fourth Stage: If the body parts are being governed by different devats, there has to be a binding force by which there is a perfect coordination between different parts of our body. When in fear our legs start running, when something comes on our way hands automatically come in between to block it. This is the stage where we understand the existence of ‘Paramatma’ or ‘Super God’ who is responsible for all activities of my body, mind and soul. Who is a super power who controls entire working of my body.

 

5)      Stage 5: This stage is extension of knowledge of stage 4 to the entire universe, in other words the relationship between ‘Paramatma’ and this universe. While we establish the relationship between super god and this universe, we also understand our position in this whole universe. This is the stage where we understand what is the role of ‘Paramatma’ in running this whole universe and as how entire system is interdependent and interlocked.

6)      Stage 6: This is the last stage, where one understands the true meaning of ‘Karma’. Since we have understood the meaning of ‘Paramatma’ in stage 4 and extension to the universe in stage 5, it gives a different platform for Karma at this elevated state. This establishes the true sense of Karma where one starts thinking that what all happening here is as per instructions of ‘Paramatma’ and there is a cause/reason in this universe for all our actions. This stage truly burns down our ego as we come to believe that we are not responsible for our karma and neither have we own the outcome.

It is truly amazing to notice as how these stages gradually train us in our real life; to face life, to be a stable minded and to lead a life with full of purpose, energy, positive sense and meaning.