Levelling up
It’s been a while since I posted here, but make no mistake, I’m still here.
During a Buddhist meeting in Second Life last weekend, there was a mention of levels of attainment and such things. Later, I fell to thinking. The whole thing with the notion of “levels of attainment” has its place, but at what point does it become a hinderance?
I know of martial arts instructors who don’t offer grading or belts because these things have been seen to cause elitism and attitude among students. I can see the same risk with levels of attainment, but also they are something for us to cling to.
There are stories in Zen that illustrate this when a person in a humble position demonstrates greater knowledge and insight than the “worthies” in the upper reaches of the hierarchy. So, in order to reach the truth, shall we let go of levels and hierarchies? Do we recognise that the highest level is no level?
We need to be honest, are we doing this for an acknowledgment of an instructor/mentor, or for the rewards of the process?
Is this an ego trip or are you here for real?
Levels of attainment? Not in the Buddhism I know. For me it’s always “Beginner’s Mind”!
I know the feeling Peter, for me it’s about being in the moment and releasing our attachments.
There always seems to be an edifice of orthodoxy built around everything, I often wonder what would happen if the founders of the various religions could come back and see how things have progressed in their names. What would they think?
Thanks for visiting, Richard, and for the comment. I wrote a brief response, if you care to check back sometime. Blessings…
Well put, Richard. The term I use is “Spiritually Significant” as in if I reach such and such level I am more spiritually significant than _____ (fill in the blank). Comparing yourself to others is a spiritual trap, you are unique. Your spiritual journey is your own and cannot be compare to anyone else. Levels of attainment might fool oneself into thinking there is less work to be done. Anyway, great thought you made here.