Seven Levels to Nirvana

According to many Sufi Teachers, there are seven levels of the self or of development, ranging from absolutely self-centered and egotistical to purely spiritual.

The Commanding Self

Also been described as the domineering self or the self that incites to evil. The commanding self seeks to dominate and to control each individual. At this level there is unbridled selfishness and no sense of morality or compassion, and people at this level are like addicts in denial. There is no hope of change because they do not acknowledge any need to change.

The Regretful Self

At this level, wants and desires still dominate, but now the person repents from time to time and tries to follow higher impulses. The addiction is still far too strong to change, but there is a realization that of the pain that has been caused to the self and to others.

The Inspired Self

The seeker begins to take genuine pleasure in prayer, meditation, and other spiritual activities, and is truly motivated by ideals such as compassion, service and moral values. Before this stage, the best anyone can accomplish is superficial outer understanding and mechanical outer worship. Though not free of desires and ego, this new level of motivation and spirtual experience significantly reduces the power of these forces for the first time.

The Contented Self

The seeker is now at peace. The struggles of the earlier stages are over and the old desires and attachments are no longer binding. This level of self predisposes one to be liberal, grateful, trusting, and adoring. If one accepts difficulties with the same overall sense of security with which one accepts benefits, it may be said that one has attained the level of the contented self.

The Pleased Self

At this stage the individual is not only content with her or her lot, but pleased with the difficulties and trials of life, realizing that these difficulties come from God. The difference in this state is how we usually experience pain in the world: now the individual accepts it with love and gratitude to God.

The Self Pleasing to God

Those who reach the next stage realize that all power to act comes from God, that they can do nothing by themselves. They no longer fear anything or ask for anything. The self pleasing to God has achieved genuine inner unity and wholeness, by healing the multiplicity within.

The Pure Self

Those few who attain the final level have transcended the self entirely. There is no ego or seperate self left, only union with God. It is now realized that there is nothing by God, that only the Divine exists, and that any sense of individuality or separateness is an illusion.

Rumi illuminates this state for us:

If you could get rid, of yourself just once,

The secret of secrets would open to you.

The face of the unknown, hidden beyond the universe

Would appear on the mirror of your perception.

(excerpted from 'Essential Sufism' HarperCollins Publishers)