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realization. These phases refer to the same process of transition and transcendence that Wilbur described in terms of differentiation, transcendence (dying of the old and rebirth into the new) and integration—and Hegel (1949): “To supersede is at once to negate and to preserve.”
I’d like to investigate these steps along the path of a spiritual education by way of recounting how I experienced them on my journey. The journey, the incidents and lessons along the way, are really a puzzle, an intimate play between the aspirant and God Himself, filled with the unexpected, trials and tribulations, sorrows and joys, humor, excitement, and awe. Although being born into the new is exhilarating and awe-inspiring, as one dies to the old, one must have courage and faith. And always, one must be open to the unexpected, able to accept uncertainty, and be filled with constant appreciation and awareness of God’s presence as teacher, guide and Lord.
(1) Self-Confidence: The development of confidence in the higher self begins with an explosive awakening. The sudden insight
that a spiritual dimension higher than mind actually exists is shocking— all previous concepts of the world crumble before it, the mind
is humbled. The awakening may be so profound and moving that
the psyche is almost shattered; the experience is commonly described as a death. It is being “unmade,” to be born into a new dimension of reality with a new organization and integration of character. This is a stage of great vulnerability as one faces the fears associated with the death of the old. with the innocence and openness of a newborn babe. It requires courage to face all fears, including mortal fear, with a steady vision of the divine. Accompanying the process may be a period of retreat into this new inner world to gain stability in and familiarity with it. It is like building a fence around a small sapling to give it protection to grow and mature so that one day, when it is strong enough, it can face the outer elements by itself, and even provide shelter and protection for others. With growing confidence from direct experience with this higher inner self, the delusion of the old, limited self crumbles.
(2) Self-Satisfaction: The reality of higher consciousness becomes stabilized and solidified by experiencing profound “satisfaction”—the sense of peace, bliss and love that accompanies all acts directed to the higher experience, such as thoughts, contemplation, meditation, devotional practices, and the development of a just and moral character as well as selfless