Update on Stages

    UPDATE ON CLASSIFICATION OF STAGES (March 2008)

In my latest revision of stages of development, I now distinguish 7 bands (as the most general classification of stages) with 3 major levels in each band. This means in effect that we now have 21 major levels in all classified on the full spectrum of possible development.

The basic rationale of the radial approach that I adopt is that each stage is subject to two important means of interpretation that are always related.

Firstly each stage can be given a (linear) discrete identity which distinguishes it as separate from all other stages; secondly each stage can be equally given a (circular) continuous identity establishing its interdependence - ultimately with all other stages - through a series of complementary type linkages. As I see it the problem with most other approaches is that they are invariably too hierarchical with undue emphasis placed on the discrete aspect of stages. This then leads to considerable distortion with respect to many of the key integral dynamics of development. 

The precise relationship as between the two aspects (discrete and continuous) varies considerably throughout development and quite remarkably, their precise encoding for all stages can be coherently given in holistic mathematical terms. Therefore in this important sense, the basic structure of each stage is in fact mathematical.

So a truly integral scientific approach (entailing the refined interaction of both reason and intuition) can be brought to the study of all developmental stages (that greatly deepens realisation of the inherent mystery of the overall process).

Each level can be further defined in terms of three fundamental polarities.

Thus in terms of each level we have the horizontal (internal/external) polarities.

In holistic mathematical terms these are defined by Type 1 Complementarity. 

In this way we can look at development from the internal perspective as representing a spectrum of psychological stages of self(hood) or alternatively from the external as representing a spectrum of physical stages of reality. And while these stages can be given a relatively independent identity in terms of the (linear) discrete interpretation, equally in terms of (circular) continuous interpretation their interdependence with other stages can be established through important complementary type relationships.

The relationship between self and reality is especially significant in explaining the dynamic manner in which horizontal integration (i.e. within stages) takes place.

Then operating between each level we have the vertical (whole/part) polarities which in holistic mathematical terms are defined by Type 2 Complementarity. To be precise the vertical relationship between states or structures (as relatively independent of each other) is defined by Type 1 Complementarity. However the cross relationships between states and structures is defined by Type 2 Complementarity.

In this way we can look at development from the whole perspective as a representing a spectrum of overall states or alternatively - relatively - from the part perspective as representing a spectrum of distinctive structures. Once again these can be defined in both a relatively independent manner as discrete and relatively interdependent manner as continuous with each other.

The relationship between states and structures is especially important in explaining the dynamic manner in which the two-way vertical integration as between “higher” and “lower” stages takes place.

Finally operating simultaneously both within and between levels we have the diagonal (emptiness/form) polarities which in holistic mathematical terms are defined by Type 3 Complementarity. Strictly again, Type 3 is the relationship of these diagonal polarities with the horizontal and vertical (already defined) according to Type 1 and Type 2 Complementarity.

Finally in this way we can look at development at each level as representing a series of “bodies” (in affective terms) or alternatively as a series of “minds” (in cognitive terms).

In effect this entails that development is now defined in terms of psychophysical relationships at all stages (where both physical and psychological aspects are intimately combined).

The relationship between emptiness and form is especially important in turn in explaining the dynamic manner in which diagonal integration in development (both within and between stages) takes place. 

There has been an extension (and minor revision) in the way that I classify bands and stages recently so I will present here the updated position. 

We have now 7 bands (with 3 levels in each band).

In linear asymmetrical terms the first of the bands is the Lower Band.

This comprises three main levels, Level 3 (L3), Level 2 (L2) and Level 1 (L1) respectively relating to what are sometimes referred to as the archaic, magical and mythical levels respectively. 

Development here starts from a situation of totally confused differentiation and integration (i.e. where neither has yet properly taken place) through gradual proper differentiation of structures.

At L3, differentiation with respect to the diagonal polarities (form and emptiness) takes place with the gradual unfolding of the bodyself.

At L2 additional differentiation with respect to the vertical polarities (whole and part) takes place with the unfolding of the emotional self.

At L1 preliminary differentiation also takes place with respect to the horizontal polarities (internal and external) with the unfolding of the mental self.

Though a degree of integration also necessarily occurs, it is of a type that mainly services the dominant need for successful differentiation at these stages.

So the predominant mode of understanding developed is linear - in holistic binary terms corresponding to the digit 1 - geared to conscious interpretation of reality.

The second of the bands is - what formerly I referred to as - the Middle Band and in more recent times denoted as the Lower Middle Band (which serves as an intermediary between Lower and Higher Bands).  

However I have decided - for reasons that I will explain later - to revert to the former terminology i.e. the Middle Band.

It comprises three main levels. Though sometimes I use the terminology here of Middle 1 (M1), Middle 2 (M2) and Middle 3 (M3), to make complementary linkages between levels more explicit, I generally refer to them as Lower 0 (L0), Lower 0,Higher 0 (L0,H0) and Higher 0 (H0).  

These are often referred to as Concrete Operational, Formal Operational and Vision-Logic, which for simplicity I refer to as Concrete, Formal and Vision respectively.

At L0, specialised use with respect to superficial structures of a local kind takes place. Then at L0,H0, the specialisation of deeper structures of a more universal type occurs and then at H0 the combined specialised interaction of both occurs in a dynamic and creative manner. Where further substantial development is destined to unfold, the limitations of such specialised understanding become more apparent. 

So overall, we have here the specialised unfolding of linear (1) understanding.  

The third of the bands is what I refer to as the Higher Band. 

It comprises again three main levels. These are Higher 1 (H1), Higher 2 (H2) and Higher 3 (H3) which can also be referred to as the Psychic/Subtle, Causal and Nondual.

Overall - following an extreme in terms of rational (linear) development - there is now the gradual unfolding of contemplative i.e. spiritually intuitive (circular) awareness.

At H1, the emphasis is mainly on the transformation of conscious understanding in a spiritual fashion.

Then at H2, the emphasis switches to the unconscious and its corresponding transformation in a spiritually intuitive fashion.

Finally at H3 the ultimate spiritual reconciliation of both conscious and unconscious in a pure and formless manner takes place.   

Overall in holistic binary terms we now have the gradual development of the second of the binary digits, as circular (i.e. 0) understanding, which ultimately represents the experience of pure emptiness.

Thus, whereas the specific differentiation of reality is directly based on linear (1) understanding of form, the overall holistic integration of reality in corresponding manner is directly based on circular experience of emptiness (0).

The fourth of the bands is - what I formally referred to as - the Upper Middle Band. Just as the Lower Middle Band represents the transition from linear (rational) to circular (intuitive) awareness, the Upper Middle Band represents the corresponding transition from circular (intuitive) to experience that combines in mature manner the pure interpenetration of both linear and circular understanding.

However on reflection I feel perhaps that this designation of two middle bands is perhaps confusing so I am now terming - what was the Upper Middle Band - as the Advanced Higher Band.

Once again we have three main levels in this band which represent the specialisation of contemplative awareness.

The first is what I call Higher 3-Lower 3 (H3-L3) which I also refer to as Pure Transcendence. Whereas the previous level was termed H3 (preserving some discrete identity for this level), experience is now so intuitive and formless that continuous - rather than discrete - notions directly apply. Thus this level really represents the integration of extreme “higher” and “lower” stages and (through complementary links with the other stages of these bands) the integration of all “higher” and “lower” levels. However a problem still exists in that an overemphasis on the transcendent aspect of emptiness (as opposed to the immanence of form) may still predominate.

The next level I somewhat inelegantly term as Higher 3-Lower 3, Radial 0 (H3-L3,R0) representing the transition between the previous level and the succeeding ground level - as it were - of radial development. I also refer to it as Transcendence and Immanence.

The key point here is that a better balance is now obtained - though still in a purely empty manner - as between both the transcendent and immanent aspects of Spirit preparing the way for the movement of Spirit out of the unconscious back into the world of newly created form.

The third level is then Radial 0 (R0), also termed Emptiness as Form. With pure contemplative equilibrium now properly obtained, the first dawning of a new reality, transformed in spiritual light appears, setting the scene for the proper unfolding of the radial bands.

Just as the second band represents the specialisation of linear (1) understanding of form, the fourth band represents the corresponding specialisation of the circular (0) experience of emptiness.               

The fifth of the bands is - what I refer to as - the Radial Band which entails the mature interaction of the both the linear (1) and circular (0) experience already attained.

I have distinguished before three types of radial experience.

The first - and most common - is active. Though contemplative development - even to a considerable degree - may also be involved, this type is firmly rooted in the world of form with the predominant exercise of linear type understanding.

The task here through the radial stages is to gradually attain a greater degree of contemplative depth so as to better complement spiritually motivated activity.

The second - and less frequent type - is passive. Though committed active involvement in the world may also be involved, this type tends to be more at home with contemplative withdrawal from reality.

The reverse task here at the radial stages is to become more ardently engaged with phenomenal form (as an active witness of Spirit) so as again to obtain better overall balance.

However because of the bias towards one aspect (i.e. form or emptiness), the full expression of the radial stages is unlikely to be attained here by either the active or passive types.

The third - and rarest - is occasionally manifested in an especially gifted mixed type. Here the fullest creative and productive expression of the balanced interaction of both contemplation and activity can now unfold with perhaps extraordinary consequences for mankind.

As stated on many previous occasions, I would see my own particular approach as more representative of the second passive type (and even then as just one limited expression of a particular personality type).

However it does represent a first person account with an authentic attempt to accurately convey the nature of experience involved. Also it provides the precise context in which Holistic Mathematics - and in preliminary fashion Radial Mathematics - have both emerged which in turn strongly informs the overall manner in which the various stages throughout development have been structured.

Again the radial band comprises three main levels.

The first level is Radial 1 (R1) which I also refer to as Spiritual Rebirth.

This can be understood as the correspondent in radial terms of the first of the lower levels.

Just as this earlier stage culminates with the differentiation of the bodyself, we have here the unfolding of the radial bodyself (where one’s body is experienced in refined manner as united with the entire cosmic world of form).

The second level is Radial 2 (R2) which is also termed as Mature Vision.

This in like manner is akin - in radial terms - to the second of the lower levels, where now the emotional self is closely linked with the world of form in a universal type of compassion felt on behalf of all creation. However such compassion is still passively felt rather than actively expressed through phenomenal activity.

The third level is Radial 3 (R3) which I also call Creative Transformation. Again this represents the radial equivalent of the third of the lower levels where now the mental self can operate in a mature manner that is both differentiated and harmoniously integrated. This enables purposeful activity designed to significantly transform reality.

The sixth of the bands is what I now refer to as the Advanced Radial Band formerly referred to as the Ongoing Radial Band (or even earlier as the Phases of Radial Development). Just as linear understanding has its specialised development at the Middle Band and circular at the Advanced Higher Band respectively, the pure mature interaction of both linear and circular understanding has its specialised development at the Advanced Radial Band. 

Again this band is subdivided into three major levels (which in truth now greatly overlap).

However whereas I formerly termed the first of these levels as the Fully Illumined Active Life, I would now see this as comprising three levels (which in practice may be attained to in varying degrees.

So Advanced Radial 1 (AR1) - in this context - relates to specialised radial development of the mental function bringing a refined quality of discerning wisdom to all phenomenal dealings.

Advanced Radial 2 (AR2) relates additionally to associated specialised radial development with respect to the affective function. This could be described as a universal sense of compassion now actively expressed through contingent phenomenal circumstances.

Advanced Radial 3 (AR3) combines also additional specialised radial development with respect to the bodyself i.e. in actively expressing divine love through the medium of bodily form where the intrinsic value of each human person - and by extension all sentient beings  - is affirmed as mediating the one true Spirit.

These three levels can also be expressed as the Fully Illumined Active Life 1, the Fully Illumined Active Life 2 and the Fully Illumined Active Life 3 respectively.

The seventh of the bands - which in part represents a new addition - I now refer to as the Final Radial Band. 

In some respects this mirrors the later two levels of what I formerly included in the Advanced Radial Band.

This relates to the fact that as one gets older, diminishments of body - and perhaps mind – are increasingly experienced. This would lead therefore to a gradual decline in active involvement, an intensification of suffering, and inevitably, preparation for death.

This is still the case in the new treatment. However on reflection I am now giving this final band a slightly different emphasis.

I have mentioned before that the few who genuinely advance to the purer expressions of radial development still tend to suffer from a personality bias - however modified - either to the active expression of the mystical life based predominantly on the linear (1) aspect of form, or the passive contemplative expression based predominantly on the circular (0) aspect of emptiness.

For those that can genuinely operate from this greatly refined spiritual perspective, it is only in this final band that the power to act - as it were - against type is finally attained.

This would mean for example that the person who has always been inherently more at home as a contemplative, now - to a considerable extent - becomes actively committed requiring perhaps prolonged and concentrated external involvement.

And because it is against type this would probably entail a great deal of suffering.

Likewise, in reverse fashion, the person who had been inherently better adjusted to committed active involvement in phenomenal affairs, now likewise discovers the power to act against type, increasingly choosing a much more contemplative form of witness which again would entail increased suffering.

So the three levels of this final Band are:

Final Radial 1 (FR1) relates to the gradual move towards witnessing against type which demands more humility and the promise of increased suffering.     

Final Radial 2 (FR2) relates to a continuation of this trend and the consolidation of suffering involvement now compounded by the diminishments of age.

Final Radial 3 (FR3) represents the culmination of this process and the gradual preparation for a fruitful death.

Alternatively these final levels can be referred to as Suffering Involvement 1, Suffering Involvement 2 and Suffering Involvement 3 respectively.

Now I must stress that I am only able to give a somewhat diminished account of most of the radial levels (due to lack of experience of their nature). What I am offering is designed mainly as an R1 cognitive type account of development. Thus the descriptions given of all the more advanced stages represent but a reduced view (seen from the perspective of this earlier level).  

In my “Stages of Development” (currently ongoing) I have been giving a more detailed account of the bands and levels, firstly in general terms and then more comprehensively in terms of division through the three fundamental polarities, horizontal, vertical and diagonal (that condition all experience).

Thus in horizontal (internal/external) terms I have already dealt in some detail with psychological stages of self(hood) and physical stages of reality; then in vertical (whole/part) terms I am currently dealing with stages as states and stages as structures. And I will later deal briefly in diagonal (emptiness/form) terms with psychophysical stages (as simultaneously body and mind).

However we can study the stages in even more detail (which I also intend to deal with at a later stage).

For example between each level we can identify a transitional event which prepares the self for the transformation required to attain the next level.

So these are the Transitions between Levels.

Then comprising each level we have the Sub-Levels of which there are 3 for each level.

The first of the sub-levels i.e. Concrete (though at certain levels considerable overlap can be involved) relates to the more specific empirical phenomena (as perceptions) associated with the level.

The second of the sub-levels i.e. Formal then relates to the more general dimensional background (as concepts) associated with the level.

Then the third of the sub-levels i.e. Vision relates to the two-way interaction of both perceptions and concepts in a more creative synthesis.

Now it may be noticed here that I am using the same terminology here as for the three levels of the Middle Band. However whereas sub-levels tend to overlap in various ways at all other levels, they obtain their most distinctive expression at the Middle Band where they are best treated as levels (which can be further sub-divided into sub-levels)!

Again there is close link here with the three sets of polarities. The concrete sub-level largely relates to horizontal polarities within that sub-level. The formal sub-level then entails - as well as horizontal - two-way vertical linkages with the concrete stage already established.

Finally the vision sub-level entails both simultaneous horizontal and vertical linkages both within and between the previous two sub-levels. 

In general, all going well, successful attainment at one level prepares the way for transformation to a more advanced level (which quite remarkably can be given a coherent mathematical explanation in terms of holistic number types throughout the spectrum of development).

Though I have not specifically adverted to the fact in my own treatment of levels, I generally provide in this account an explanation also of the sub-levels.

We then have within each sub-level - what I refer to as - the Directions.

Though vital in terms of the integration of the various levels (and substages of the spectrum) these are largely ignored in conventional accounts.

Again the Directions relate intimately to the three fundamental polarities. Initially when development commences these are greatly confused with each other. So form cannot be clearly distinguished from emptiness; whole cannot be distinguished from part; and external cannot be distinguished from internal.

Now the very process of differentiation in experience enables these polar opposites to be gradually separated, so that by the middle stages they can be unambiguously distinguished without undue confusion. However this requires - in any context - the arbitrary fixing of polar reference frames leading to rigid dualistic understanding.

In effect this means that phenomena in experience are interpreted in a linear one-dimensional (i.e. one-directional) manner.

For example this intimately applies to conventional interpretation of the nature of time which is viewed as moving in just one (positive) direction i.e. forward in experience.

However though one-directional interpretation is indeed appropriate where the clear differentiation of phenomena is concerned, corresponding integration requires that the two-way complementary nature of the polarities be also included.

Therefore at H1 we have two directions i.e. two dimensional, where all phenomena are given both positive and negative directions. This relates to the horizontal (internal/external) polarities.

At H2 we have four directions where additionally positive and negative directions are also defined for stages in a vertical (whole/part) manner.

Then finally at H3, we have eight directions where the diagonal polarities (with four additional directions) are defined again in both a positive and negative manner.

As I have stated the directions are vital in terms of integration. Basically the horizontal directions enable two-way integration within a given stage. The vertical directions enable two-way integration between complementary “higher” and “lower” stages. Finally the diagonal directions simultaneously enable two-way integration both within and between stages.

Closely associated with the Directions are Mirror stages.

Mirror stages essentially relate to the process by which (rigid) dualistic phenomena that are initially consciously posited in experience are then dynamically negated.

This enables experience to switch from an unduly conscious to a complementary unconscious focus. 

So the mirror stages serve as an essential means by which complementary two-way appreciation of directions (in horizontal, vertical and diagonal terms) can take place.

Now directions and mirror stages are also implicitly included in my account of the main levels.

For example initial illumination at H1 – relating to the concrete sub-level - leads to the positing externally of super sensory phenomena (i.e. in a spiritually transformed appreciation of nature).

However undue secondary attachment requires that these phenomena be dynamically negated in an unconscious manner. So this purgation or “night” represents mirror stages at work.

This in turn enables the direction to switch to subjective (internal) experience gradually leading to a new existential form of paradoxical appreciation. Again secondary attachment to such forms requires further mirror development in the negation of subjective type attachments (entailing an even deeper degree of unconscious awareness).

This again enables the direction of experience to switch once more with the next illumination - now with respect to the formal sub-level of H1 - carrying a more externalised focus.

Overall in development the first task is the successful differentiation of experience which culminates with experience of the middle levels. Though integration also necessarily takes place at earlier levels, it is of a somewhat reduced nature (serving the dominant need of the differentiating personality).

The emphasis then primarily switches at the higher levels to integration (rather than differentiation). This is especially the case where one is destined for pure contemplative attainment.

However this can lead to a corresponding downgrading of linear (differentiated) experience with integration largely involving both “higher” and “lower” levels (with the middle levels significantly bypassed).

So the radial levels then entail both a renewed mature emphasis on differentiation in experience, together with corresponding integration of the middle with the other levels. So paradoxically the full integration of all stages with each other requires that they also maintain a distinct independent (i.e. discrete) identity. 

The next division of stages entails - what I refer to as the – Modes. When referred to in a linear context, these represent Lines (or Streams) of development. However a proper integral appreciation of the Modes requires corresponding circular treatment.

Now I chiefly concentrate on the Primary Modes (which are vital in terms of the integration process). The three primary modes are affective (related directly to the senses), cognitive (related directly to reason) and the volitional (related directly to will). Though from a certain valid perspective, the volitional mode is central, strong complementary links are involved as between the three modes.

Secondary Modes generally represent a specific expression of one or more of the Primary Modes. For example musical ability could represent a secondary mode which however represents a specific expression of the affective (combined in various ways with the other two primary modes).

The most important of the Secondary Modes I would see as art, science and religion which in turn are closely related with the Primary Modes (affective, cognitive and volitional).

Though my present focus on Holistic (and more recently Radial) Mathematics relates directly to the intuitively inspired cognitive mode, ultimately it can only be successfully utilised in a balanced context where the other modes are likewise nurtured in an appropriate manner.

Thus with respect to each direction (and mirror stage) of every sub-level of development we can likewise specifically detail cognitive, affective and volitional development.

Though my first attempt at a personalised “stages” approach to development i.e. “Transforming Voyage” was written many years ago (and now suffers in many ways from that fact), it was specifically designed to reflect the unfolding, especially at the higher stages, of the three primary modes i.e. affective, cognitive and volitional.

I also define Personality Types that are based on a simple holistic mathematical rationale. This leads to 3 major groupings with 8 types in each group (leading to 24 in all).

So the precise manner in which development unfolds depends - among several other factors - on personality type.

One important aspect of this approach is that the structures defining Personality Types can be equally applied - in complementary manner - to physical realty as corresponding Impersonality Types (representing the fundamental structures of matter).

This approach I believe can be of significant use for example in explaining the true philosophic nature of “dimensions” at the level of string reality.

Finally I use the term Phases to refer to the dynamic account of the unfolding of stages enabling one to view the dynamic interaction of various elements - either at a general or local level - over a limited range of development.

In summary I would emphasise that my approach is specifically designed to offer a golden mean a between two extreme approaches.

Firstly we have the linear (dualistic) approach where intellectual interpretation - even when dealing with spiritual experience - does not significantly go beyond the understanding that characterises the middle levels. Unfortunately this form of interpretation still greatly dominates most treatments of development leading to a considerable amount of reductionism. For example it leads to an unduly hierarchical treatment of stages that unfold in a framework of space and time (informed by linear notions of progression).

At the other extreme we have the pure circular (nondual) approach which attempts to directly point to the nature of ineffable Spirit (from intimate experience of such Spirit).

From this perspective the present moment alone exists (which is eternal). One can do nothing to grasp this moment (which would imply temporal concerns) so one is therefore encouraged to freely accept that state which already simply is.  So here the temporal world of space and time (with all its desires and strivings) is made to appear illusionary. Often with this nondual approach there is an implication that a “stages” approach to development is somewhat mistaken.

However both the dual and nondual realms are interdependent and - properly understood - mutually enhance experience of each other.

When we look at development in (linear) discrete terms, development seems somewhat as a ladder with - starting at the lowest rung - ascension through various stages which most be largely completed before progress to the next more advanced stage can take place.

However when we now look at the development from the alternative continuous perspective - due to the interdependence of all stages - one is already experiencing any given stage (regardless of how advanced it might appear from the discrete perspective).

For example, in my approach the radial levels represent the most advanced stages (in discrete terms).

However there is a certain valid (continuous) sense in which it can be said that everyone’s experience of development is already at the radial levels.

The radial stages after all represent a certain relationship as between both differentiation and integration. And because these capacities are necessarily present in all development then everyone already has a certain experience of these levels.

However in most cases this will be severely attenuated due to lack of sufficient development with respect to both aspects (i.e. differentiation and integration).

So though we may already have some experience of all levels, we must keep going both back and forwards (in discrete terms) through the various stages so as to improve the quality of experience of each stage.

Thus though the classification of various levels and stages of development again necessarily has a discrete meaning, because of all the important complementary links both within and between stages, actual development – for any individual – entails a unique configuration (of both differentiated and integrated elements) that can never be exactly duplicated elsewhere.

So though - from one perspective - we can indeed identify in scientific terms the universal structures that unfold in all development, their actual manner of combination is unique for each person.

And it is the great benefit of the radial approach in that in wedding the circular to linear interpretation, it continually enables us to see development in bi-directional terms, both horizontally within stages, vertically between stages, and finally diagonally where development simultaneously takes place bi-directionally both within and between stages. And then the combination of both linear and circular aspects enables us to appreciate the tremendous diversity involved in the actual development of stages.

So the circular does not replace the need for linear understanding. Rather it calls for more refined linear interpretation (that can always be taken from two opposite directions).

And when we can truly “see” in this fashion, dualistic notions lose any residual meaning and we enter into pure nondual awareness (where only the present moment exists).   

It is indeed correct from the perspective of attained nondual awareness that phenomenal reality appears as an insubstantial play on the eternal present moment (in experience of pure Spirit). However one cannot simply experience this present moment without engaging in “skilful play” with respect to the transient phenomena of temporary reality. So the very desire to directly experience what is nondual and essential requires a prolonged knowledge of what is dualistic and secondary. And success in this regard depends on the skill with which one can play with these phenomena, gradually learning not to confuse one’s ultimate desire for eternal meaning with what is merely transient and temporary.

Our true home can alone be experienced as Spirit in the pure present moment (that eternally exists).

However one can never remain complacent even when substantially anchored in this home. Human nature always remains fragile threatening to weaken any anchor.

So contemplative (nondual) attainment can only be secured with great vigilance and humility.

Also it is immediately apparent when one looks outward that the world is filled with so many that are lost far from their true home and greatly in need of active support and guidance if they are to renew their search.

So the contemplative cannot ultimately be divorced from the active dimension of serving others who are less fortunate with their temporal “play”.

So though this stages approach is indeed ultimately illusionary in the light of true ineffable experience of the present moment, yet it in the context of the created world of play, it is designed as a skilful means of cognitive interpretation.

Therefore though we have many discrete stages (as relatively independent) one must aim to also discover, from an integral perspective, their truly continuous nature. And in the moment of true nondual awareness, they become ultimately irrelevant as one’s being finally melts, without intermediary, into what is truly present and eternal.

However when one awakens - as it were - back into time, the relative importance of phenomena is again restored and we must skilfully learn to play with them to rediscover anew our eternal destiny.

The greatest exponents of radial development - as exemplified by the famous religious leaders down through the ages - are those who have most truly discovered their true home in Spirit and who then have greatly assisted others in making that same discovery.

However I firmly believe that the time has come where the artistic, scientific and religious domains - when properly interpreted from the radial perspective - can significantly aid that need so desperately felt in our strangely wonderful - but also so disturbing - world for authentic guidance in “homecoming”. 

Indeed without proper integration of these three great domains, each is separately doomed to considerable distortion and reductionism that in many ways will continue to hinder rather than assist that wondrous journey to our eternal destiny.