From Instincts to the Divine
The investigation of the various phases of awareness – or consciousness – represents a profound intellectual pursuit that has been undertaken by a multitude of thinkers across the span of human history and in a kaleidoscope of cultural contexts. The framework of seven levels provides a structured way to comprehend the evolution of human consciousness, from instinctual responses to spiritual enlightenment. Each level represents a distinct stage in the development of awareness, reflecting both individual and collective growth.
One Does Not Exclude the Others
It is important to note that we can experience two or more levels of consciousness simultaneously, since they are found in every human being. Our consciousness is constituted by the prevalence of a certain level of awareness over the others, which are still present. A spiritually evolved person experiences hunger and thirst like everyone else, and finds pleasure in satisfying these too, but their ultimate goal does not lie in satisfying physical needs, for they regard the physical body only as a vessel and not as the core of their identity.
1. INSTINCTUAL
At the instinctual level, consciousness is primarily driven by basic survival instincts. This level is characterized by primal urges such as hunger, thirst, and reproduction. Sigmund Freud’s theory of the id aligns with this level, where he posited that the id operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of desires. As Aristotle noted, “Nature does nothing in vain”, suggesting that these instincts serve essential functions for survival.
- Characteristics: Fight-or-flight responses, reflexive actions, and basic survival behaviors.
- Examples: A newborn crying for food or an animal fleeing from a predator.
2. MATERIAL
The material level of consciousness focuses on the physical world and tangible possessions. Here, individuals are concerned with material wealth and physical comfort. Karl Marx critiqued this level through his analysis of capitalism, arguing that material conditions shape human consciousness: “It is not the consciousness of men that determines their existence, but their social existence that determines their consciousness”. This perspective emphasizes how our environment influences our thoughts and behaviors.
- Characteristics: Desire for ownership, competition for resources, and attachment to physical objects.
- Examples: Striving for financial success or accumulating possessions as symbols of achievement.
3. SENSORIAL (BODILY)
At this level, awareness expands to include sensory experiences—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. The body becomes a primary source of knowledge about the world. In Eastern philosophy, particularly in Buddhism, mindfulness practices emphasize being present in bodily sensations as a pathway to deeper awareness. As Thich Nhat Hanh stated, “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor”. This highlights how sensory awareness can ground us in the present moment.
- Characteristics: Sensory gratification, enjoyment of physical pleasures like eating or listening to music.
- Examples: Appreciating art or indulging in gourmet food.
3+ SENSORIAL (MENTAL)
This sub-level involves mental perceptions derived from sensory experiences but processed cognitively. It includes thoughts about those sensations and interpretations based on past experiences or beliefs. Cognitive psychology explores this aspect extensively; for instance, Jean Piaget’s theories on cognitive development illustrate how individuals construct knowledge through mental frameworks shaped by sensory input.
- Characteristics: Combining sensory input with thought processes; creating meaning from experiences.
- Examples: Remembering a pleasant scent associated with a childhood memory or imagining future scenarios based on current sensory input.
4. RATIONAL (CONCRETE)
Rational (concrete) awareness encompasses logical reasoning based on observable facts and empirical evidence. This level reflects critical thinking skills where individuals analyze situations using rational thought processes rather than emotions or instincts alone. René Descartes famously stated, “I think; therefore I am”, underscoring the importance of rational thought in establishing one’s existence and identity.
4+ RATIONAL (METHODIC)
Building upon concrete rationality, methodic rationality involves systematic approaches to problem-solving and decision-making through structured methodologies such as scientific methods or formal logic systems. This level reflects an advanced stage of reasoning where individuals apply rigorous standards to evaluate information critically.
- Characteristics: Strategic planning; methodical approaches to challenges.
- Examples: Developing scientific theories through experimentation or creating detailed business plans.
5. IDEALISTIC (POSITIVE)
Idealistic awareness represents a shift towards higher ideals such as justice, beauty, truth, and moral values beyond mere material concerns. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant emphasized duty and moral imperatives in ethical behavior: “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law”. This highlights an aspiration toward universal principles guiding human behavior.
- Characteristics: Pursuit of positive ideals; emphasis on ethics and morality.
- Examples: Advocating for social justice reforms or engaging in humanitarian efforts.
5+ IDEALISTIC (PLATONIC)
In this sub-level lies an even deeper engagement with abstract ideals as envisioned by Plato—the realm of forms or ideas representing ultimate truths beyond physical reality. Plato argued that true knowledge comes from understanding these eternal forms rather than relying solely on sensory experience: “The greatest wealth is to live content with little”.
- Characteristics: Exploration of metaphysical ideas; seeking ultimate truths about existence.
- Examples: Philosophical debates about the nature of reality or studying classical works on ethics.
6. SOUL (CONTEMPLATIVE)
Contemplative awareness signifies an introspective journey into one’s inner self—reflecting deeply on personal values and existential questions about life’s purpose and meaning. This aligns with many spiritual traditions emphasizing meditation as a means to connect with one’s soul essence.
- Characteristics: Reflection on life’s purpose; mindfulness practices.
- Examples: Engaging in meditation retreats or journaling about personal growth.
6+ SOUL (ASCETIC)
Asceticism represents a disciplined approach to spiritual growth involving self-denial or renunciation of worldly pleasures for higher spiritual goals—a common theme in various religious traditions including Buddhism and Christianity where practitioners seek enlightenment or divine connection through simplicity.
- Characteristics: Detachment from material desires; focus on spiritual discipline.
- Examples: Monastic lifestyles dedicated to prayer or self-denial for spiritual growth.
7. SPIRITUAL
At the highest level lies spiritual awareness—a profound connection with something greater than oneself often described as universal consciousness or divine presence transcending individual identity boundaries. Mystics across cultures have expressed this experience; for example, Rumi wrote: “You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop”. This encapsulates the realization of interconnectedness among all beings.
- Characteristics: Transcendence beyond duality; realization of universal truths.
- Examples: Mystical experiences described by saints across cultures or achieving Nirvana in Buddhist traditions.
In summary:
- Instinctual: Basic survival instincts.
- Material: Focus on physical possessions.
- Sensorial (Bodily): Awareness through bodily senses.
- Sensorial (Mental): Cognitive processing of sensory experiences.
- Rational (Concrete): Logical reasoning based on facts.
- Rational (Methodic): Systematic problem-solving approaches.
- Idealistic (Positive): Aspiration towards moral values.
- Idealistic (Platonic): Engagement with abstract ideals.
- Soul (Contemplative): Introspection into personal values.
- Soul (Ascetic): Self-denial for spiritual growth.
- Spiritual: Connection with universal consciousness.
These levels provide a comprehensive framework for understanding human consciousness from instinctual drives to profound spiritual connections.
Take the spiritual awareness test to find out where you stand in the pyramid of consciousness.
ARE YOU UNDERGOING SPIRITUAL AWAKENING?
Read the following sentences and choose the ones you agree with and find most meaningful.
Count the number of checked boxes and read the corresponding profile.
0: You are sleeping soundly
1-2: You are sleeping but not completely
3-4: You wish to awaken but something is slowing you down
5-6: You are awakening
The pyramid has many esoteric and spiritual meanings. This article gives a very interesting interpretation of it. Thank you for sharing!