Heart-awakening stage of life

The spiritual aspirant animates the qualities of true faith, love and surrender at the heart. His progress is typified in [bhakti yoga]

, in the self-transcending service to others of classic [karma yoga]

, and in the Mahayana Buddhist path of the [bodhisattva]

; and by the practice of traditions such as [japa yoga]

, continuous prayer, [Hesychasm]

, [Hasidism]

and [Sufism]

. The subtle, non-physical dimensions of the body-mind begin to develop. This is the "saintly life" where there is transcendence of human interests and the true and full practice of religion commences, with the ability to surrender to the Divine. This leads to close communion with the Divine, self-transcending devotional communion expressed through heart-feeling and meditation and constant service. During meditation there is movement of the spirit current from descent in the frontal line to ascent in the spinal line, with steadiness of concentration at the "third eye". The error is to consider the self separate from but entirely dependent upon the Divine who is constantly called upon for aid. The fourth stage may become an end in itself as opposed to a means of transition.

The fourth of seven stages of life characterized by Master Da Love Ananda (formerly Da Free John).