7 Stages of Spiritual Progress in 7 Systems #151

The crucially important but almost entirely forgotten dharma teaching of Panchakarana — how manifestation from the internal source proceeds outwards to the gross physical universe in sets of fives — gets presented in this helpful chart. It shows all dimensions of this process of expression, from subtle principles to the five elements, as well as other sets of quintuplications that both serve and support each other in the interim. With this ancient system brought back into contemporary consciousness, dedicated meditators can “connect the dots” leading from outer life to inner existence, like lost souls following a trail of bread crumbs back to the Source.

In an illumined designation reminiscent of Sri Krishna’s Bhagavad Gita teachings on the effects of the three Gunas on different classes of beings, Tantra proffers this helpful list in order to allow discerning spiritual aspirants an understanding of human nature and temperament. Though given as a guide that pertains to people who are already on the path, or who are devotees, this threefold division nevertheless applies to worldly beings as well. The animalistic, the heroic, and the divine — if mankind were to be examined under this triple lens, it would become clear how people fall into the scheme of evolution and involution, both physically and spiritually.