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APPLICATION
THE NOTION OF GROWTH
147
The transition from phase two to three is usually so gradual that we become hardly aware of it. Since in phase two we already experienced long stretches of inner clarity, we barely notice that we do not fall back to the level one any more. There is no special experience connected with this particular transition other then that the silver lining of this awareness of ourselves never disappears any more. We might e.g. still feel intense anger, but in contrast to level one there now is always a detached observer in our head who judges our actions and emotions with an impartiality and clarity we sometimes are almost unable to bear. We now know without fail when we do something detrimental to our growth (and still keep on doing it), but we also see clearly what activities and attitudes will enhance our development. The more we listen to this impartial part of us that became aware of itself on this level, the faster our progress to higher stages will be.
Though at this point we might feel unsure which activities will further our growth, this information will come to us the faster the more we desire to progress further.
Once this third and highest phase is reached, we cannot fall down to any of the lower gunasthanas any more. The more comprehensive understanding of the fourth level automatically dissolves our emotional attachment to all karmas (themes of life) of level one to three, which then dissipate without manifesting much of an effect.
Yet this third phase of the fourth gunasthana has a highly static character. We can easily get trapped in a complacency that prevents the ascent to higher levels
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