Transcending the Levels of Consciousness

1. Consciousness Evolves Through Recognizable Levels

The levels of consciousness will be examined specifically for the sake of the spiritual student, devotee, and integrous person interested in self-improvement for its own sake.

A structured path. The book presents a map of consciousness, a scale from 1 to 1,000, where each level represents a different energetic and experiential state. This map isn't just theoretical; it's a practical guide for understanding the obstacles and opportunities on the path to spiritual growth. The lower levels, dominated by the ego, are characterized by painful emotions and limited perspectives, while the higher levels reflect increasing degrees of love, joy, and enlightenment.

Evolutionary journey. This journey isn't about escaping the ego but understanding its origins and limitations. The ego, initially essential for survival, can become a source of emotional and spiritual problems if not transcended. By recognizing the ego's role and the dynamics of each level of consciousness, individuals can navigate their spiritual evolution with greater awareness and intention.

The will to evolve. The human will is the most critical function in spiritual work, for the will is the invitation to Divine intervention. The will is the invitation to Divine intervention. This emphasizes the active role individuals play in their spiritual journey. It's not a passive process but an active engagement with the levels of consciousness, choosing to transcend limitations and embrace higher states of being.

2. The Ego's Grip Weakens Below Level 200

At consciousness levels below 200 (with the exception of most birds), life could be described as rapacious.

Force vs. Power. The critical level of 200 differentiates truth from falsehood. Levels below 200 rely on force, whether emotional, physical, or social, while levels above 200 indicate reliance on power. This distinction highlights the shift from ego-driven actions to actions aligned with truth and integrity.

The animalistic ego. The ego, rooted in animal instincts, is primarily concerned with self-interest, acquisition, and competition. This leads to behaviors characterized by possessiveness, hostility, and aggression. The lower levels of consciousness are dominated by painful emotions like shame, guilt, apathy, grief, fear, desire, anger, and pride, each representing a different facet of the ego's limitations.

Breaking free. The very pain of these lower levels can be a catalyst for change, urging individuals to seek relief and move towards higher states of consciousness. This underscores the importance of acknowledging and understanding these emotions as stepping stones on the path to spiritual evolution.

3. Courage Marks the Shift to Empowerment

At the level of Courage, spiritual energy profoundly alters the experience of self and others; therefore, it is the level of the onset of empowerment.

A turning point. Courage (level 200) is the first level of empowerment, where life is seen as exciting and challenging rather than hopeless or frightening. This marks a significant shift from force to power, from ego-driven actions to those aligned with truth and integrity.

Overcoming limitations. At this level, individuals are able to face their fears and character defects, learning and growing from their experiences. They put back into the world as much energy as they take, contributing to society and creating positive feedback loops that reinforce self-esteem.

The power of truth. The decisive choice to accept responsibility and be accountable for one's actions is a hallmark of Courage. This involves a shift from primitive emotions to intelligence and verifiable validity, leading to a greater sense of inner freedom and the ability to discern truth from falsehood.

4. Neutrality Fosters Flexibility and Non-Judgment

At the Neutral level a person can say, “Well, if I don’t get this job, then I’ll get another.” This is the beginning of inner confidence.

Release from positionality. Neutrality (level 250) is characterized by a release from the rigid positions and dualistic thinking of the lower levels. This allows for flexibility, non-judgment, and a realistic appraisal of problems.

Acceptance of outcomes. Individuals at this level are relatively unattached to outcomes, experiencing less frustration and disappointment. They have a confident capability to live in the world, feeling safe and emotionally undisturbed.

Freedom and responsibility. Neutrality fosters greater freedom for self and others, as there is no need to control or judge other people's behaviors. This level represents a balanced and harmonious state, where individuals are content to be what they are, without the need to prove anything.

5. Willingness Opens the Door to Higher Awareness

Willingness implies that one has overcome inner resistance to life and is committed to participation.

Commitment to participation. Willingness (level 310) is a positive level of energy where individuals are committed to participating in life and have overcome inner resistance. This leads to success in all endeavors, as work is done well and growth is rapid.

Openness and friendliness. At this level, people become genuinely friendly and open-minded, leading to social and economic success. They are helpful to others, contributing to the good of society and facing inner issues without major learning blocks.

Positive feedback. Willingness is characterized by high self-esteem, reinforced by positive feedback from society. Individuals at this level are excellent students, capable of learning from experience and bouncing back from adversity.

6. Acceptance Transcends Duality and Embraces Harmony

At this level of awareness, a major transformation takes place with the understanding that oneself is the source and creator of the experience of one’s life.

Taking responsibility. Acceptance (level 350) marks a major transformation, with the understanding that oneself is the source and creator of one's life experience. This involves taking responsibility and living harmoniously with the forces of life.

Emotional calm. At this level, there is emotional calm, widened perception, and a transcendence of denial. Individuals see things with less distortion and are dedicated to resolving issues and finding solutions.

Equality and inclusion. Acceptance is not polarized by conflict or opposition, recognizing the equal rights of others and honoring equality. This level is free of extremes of discrimination or intolerance, embracing social plurality and understanding that equality does not preclude diversity.

7. Reason Provides Clarity, Yet Has Limitations

Reason is limited in that it does not afford the capacity for the discernment of essence or the ‘critical point’ of a complex issue.

The power of intellect. Reason (level 400) brings intelligence and rationality to the forefront, transcending emotionalism. This level is characterized by the ability to handle complex data, make correct decisions, and understand intricate relationships.

Limitations of the mind. Despite its strengths, Reason is limited by its focus on symbols and its inability to discern essence. This can lead to intellectualizing, infatuation with concepts, and missing the essential point.

The need for transcendence. Transcending Reason requires a shift from the descriptive to the subjective and experiential. This involves recognizing the limitations of the linear mind and embracing higher levels of consciousness.

8. Love Transcends the Mind and Connects to Essence

Love takes no position and thus is global, rising above the separation of positionality.

A shift in focus. Love (level 500) marks a shift from the linear mind to a focus on essence and subjectivity. This level is characterized by a capacity for instantaneous understanding and a major expansion of context.

Unconditional nature. Love is not intellectual but emanates from the heart, lifting others and accomplishing great feats due to its purity of motive. It is a global force that rises above separation and positionality.

The goodness of life. Love focuses on the goodness of life in all its expressions, dissolving negativity by recontextualizing it rather than attacking it. This level is benign, supportive, and nurtures life, leading to true happiness.

9. Unconditional Love, Joy, and Ecstasy: The Path of Saints

From level 540 upward is the domain of saints, spiritual healers, and advanced spiritual students.

The domain of saints. Unconditional Love, Joy, and Ecstasy (levels 540-599) represent the domain of saints, spiritual healers, and advanced spiritual students. This level is characterized by enormous patience and a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

Compassion and influence. The hallmark of this state is compassion, with individuals at this level having a notable effect on others. They are capable of inducing a state of love and peace through their prolonged, open visual gaze.

The beauty of creation. At the high 500s, the world is seen as illuminated by the exquisite beauty and perfection of creation. Everything happens effortlessly by synchronicity, with the world and everything in it seen as an expression of Love and Divinity.

10. Enlightenment: Merging with the Divine

At this level of realization, the sense of one’s existence transcends all time and all individuality.

Transcendence of individuality. Enlightenment (levels 600-1,000) represents the transcendence of time and individuality. There is no longer any identification with the physical body, and its fate is of no concern.

The power of the Presence. At this level, the self merges back into the Self, with awareness equally present everywhere. This is the level of non-duality, or complete Oneness.

The Great Avatars. The highest level of Enlightenment (1,000) is attained by the Great Avatars, such as Jesus Christ, Buddha, Zoroaster, and Krishna. These individuals were enlightened by the Divine Presence that replaced the linear, limited human mind with the nonlinear Reality.

Last updated: April 8, 2025