What are the 4 stages of spiritual evolution?

Spiritual evolution, sometimes referred to as higher evolution, is the idea that the mind or spirit can collectively evolve from a primitive form in blind submission to nature, to a higher form more strongly influenced by the presence of the spiritual or divine. According to several ancient schools of thought, this evolution happens in four stages, gradually building up to a complete understanding of the divine and our relationship with it.

The First Stage: Awakening

The first stage of spiritual evolution is the awakening stage. This is the period in which a seeker of spiritual wisdom begins to realize that there are greater aspects of the world than simply the physical plane of existence. In this stage, the seeker begins to explore questions such as who they are, what is the purpose of life, and what is their connection to the divine. This is typically a period of intense contemplation, examination, and analysis as the seeker attempts to make sense of the spiritual teachings they are exposed to.

The Second Stage: Giving

The second stage of spiritual evolution is the giving stage. This is where the seeker begins to appreciate the interdependence of all things, and the importance of considering the needs of others before their own. At this stage, the seeker starts to focus on ways to help the world around them, turning their attention away from the pursuit of power, material gain, and personal glory, and instead towards service and kindness. This is the stage at which a person begins to view service to others and service to the divine as equally important.

The Third Stage: Expressing Faith

The third stage of spiritual evolution is the expressing faith stage. At this stage, the seeker begins to understand the importance of developing a personal spiritual practice and living out their convictions. This is typically the stage at which a person begins to meditate, recite mantras, and practice mindfulness as a means of deepening their connection to the higher wisdom of the divine.

The Fourth Stage: Becoming

The fourth and final stage of spiritual evolution is the becoming stage. In this stage, the seeker begins to experience the inner peace and joy of being connected to the divine. The seeker begins to recognize their inner strength and potential, and to understand the importance of living out their personal spiritual practice each day. This is the stage at which the seeker typically finds true unity with the divine, and develops a new understanding of their connection with the divine.

Conclusion

The four stages of spiritual evolution – awakening, giving, expressing faith, and becoming – are a broad framework that help us gain a better understanding of where we stand on our spiritual journey, and how to continue making progress. Understanding how to navigate these stages can be the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of the divine and our relationship with it. With dedication and practice, each one of us can journey through these stages and develop a strengthened understanding of our connection to the divine.