WHAT AGE IS YOUR SOUL
The five stages of our evolution
Written by Rohit, based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and An Introduction to Yoga by Annie Besant, 1907
Have you ever looked into a child’s eyes and felt like you were lost in ancient times? Do you ever wonder why we are different in age? I’m sure you’ve heard the term “old soul” so many times, but what does that really mean? How old? Why are they older than others? And if there are old souls, perhaps there are young ones as well? How can we tell who is young or old? How come some people are completely unable to do certain things, while others seem to have a certain talent from birth?
If you are deeply involved in the path of Yoga, perhaps you wonder: How come it is so easy for some people to stay dedicated and devoted, but others struggle with the simple task of sitting still? One may step on the mat and never leave, while others swing on and off the path for their whole life.
I have come across the following explanation in the Yoga Sutras a while back. As I heard once: there is no question in life that this book could not answer. But my understanding finally crystallized when I read Annie Besant’s “An Introduction to Yoga“. Annie was a member of the Theosophical Society, who visited India for extended time periods at the end of the 19th century. She delivered her message on the method of Yoga in 1907 at a conference in Benares. Her lectures were later transformed into this little book. Her intention in explaining the stages of the soul’s evolution was to offer a tool for self-awareness to all who desire to walk the path of Yoga.
She said: “By the study of one’s own mind, we can find out how far we are ready to begin the definite practice of Yoga. Examine your own mind to recognize these stages in yourself. If you are in either of the two early stages, you are not ready for Yoga. But if you find yourself possessed by a single thought, you are nearly ready, as this stage leads to the next stage, the one-pointedness, where you will choose the idea and cling to it at your own will. Short is the state that leads from here to the complete control of the mind, where we can inhabit all the mind’s motions, which then leads easily to Samadhi.”
This blog post serves all who desire to reach the final goal of Yoga: liberation.
The journey to get there might take thousands of lifetimes, but it doesn’t have to. For those walking the eight-limbed path of Patanjali, the process speeds up and gradually becomes smoother. Not easier! Just less volatile. Filled with awareness and self-responsibility, more conscious choices, less noise and more contemplation.
This explanation assumes that the aspirant already understands that one’s soul is the undying particle of the whole. That one’s spirit, or manifested “traveller”, is always present, with short breaks, while recharging on the other side of life. Always aware, ever living, but in different shapes, forms and bodies.
Now, let us learn about how exactly this evolution takes place.
1. Kshipta- “The butterfly”
The youngest of souls recently became human. Still very much pushed and pulled by their instincts, like our younger sisters and brothers, the animals are still very collectively connected. These people are easy to fire up and easy to soothe. When they kill, they feel no remorse. Was it their “survival instinct” or just a good meal? Their minds fly from one topic to another (like a butterfly). Consequences never matter; there are usually no disciplinary figures watching over them, or they have had very liberal parents. Self-discipline is a laughing matter for them. Everything is OK in their mind, and nothing truly matters, except their own pleasures and satisfaction. The body’s needs override all others; curiosity is their very nature. Imagine a child 2-6 years old, and people who live in a growing body, but with the same attitude throughout their lives. They will come to Yoga class, get extremely excited about the perspective, we might see them for a week or two, and then the next, more interesting modality absorbs them.
2. Mudha – “Confusion”.
The one who knows more has experienced more, but knowledge has not yet boiled into wisdom. Curiosity turns into the desire to learn, to know and concur. The incoming information overload, however, without proper time and practice, can turn into confusion, which then creates emotional swings and extremes. Passionate, but easy to derail, as the next interesting topic ignites new fire in them. Smarter than a child, but not wise yet, almost like a revolutionary, or a teenage mind. Great ideas, great emotions, but the fire is put out at the sight of the first challenging wind of change.
Read also – 6-day Yoga Retreat.
3. Vikshipta- “Preoccupation”.
After so many more lifetimes, our soul will learn some patience. We now understand that learning and applying are two different things, and we are willing to “put the time in.” We become fixed on our goals, able to envision and build anything our minds can imagine. Our projects are also finished, not just started. The importance of discipline becomes natural when we practice diligently. Whatever we choose to manifest, we can. We become focused workers, successful in the world. Whatever our mind believes, we will be preoccupied with, unwavering. Anything. If a Vikshipta thinks he is made of glass, he will act accordingly. Morals, the greater good (or any other limitations) don’t bother them, as long as there is a goal to reach, they will. This person can be a maniac or a martyr, all the same from the soul’s perspective. After many lifetimes being in this stage, the soul is ready for the “return journey.”
4. Ekagrata – “One pointed”.
The difference between this stage and the Vikshipta is the focus on single-pointedness. While the Vikshipta used their mind to achieve anything self-fulfilling, an Ekagrata will make any idea of their own a servant, rather than them becoming the servant of the idea. They are born mature and disciplined. They are born leaders. Not the revolutionary loud kind, but the ones who write books and ignite ideas quietly. Continuously working to free themselves from the world’s grip, they very often choose a monastic or solitary lifestyle. Even when they live in a family, their “noise level” is lower, and their impact on the world becomes less significant. They feel equally comfortable in the daylight, and at night, they have fewer fears (but do not chase excitement or any other worldly pleasures). Their bodily needs become less and less the focus of their lives, and they most enjoy being in untouched nature and around high vibrations. If they stay in society, they usually choose a job involving spiritual studies, and very little noise or talking. These people are usually born into families with many generations of “seekers” before them. Their parents are aware of their mature child’s arrival. These parents usually choose to support their children by providing the exact tools they need to fulfil their mission and purpose in this lifetime. I have heard of a family once who taught their old soul son dedication by asking him to copy handwritten codices to the utmost perfection. The boy was only 9 at the time, and he understood the importance of his education.
5. Nirrudha – “Self-controlled.”
We seldom meet people with little connection to worldly duties and pleasures. These souls choose circumstances of given comfort and freedom to practice high mental and spiritual practices. They become apprentices of Masters and masters of themselves. Their talents and gifts are manifested at will because they have done most of the earthly work before this lifetime. They are naturally clairvoyant, always deeply connected to the outer worlds, slightly disconnected from this one. Death and life are topics of their daily thoughts and conversations. Meditation is their homeland; self-discipline is no longer even a question. Vocal communication becomes irrelevant, and their only focus is their true home.
Understanding offers compassion. Who can be mad at a child or a teen? Knowing where we are on this journey, we can also become more able to improve and grow. Together. Patience towards ourselves and others will change the way we look at this amazing world. I believe that. I wish you all the benefits this path has offered me so far and more.
On this journey, I am with you; therefore, I am grateful.