The Third Stage of Life

The following is based on The Seven Stages of Life as given by Adi Da Samraj

Complied by Beezone

 

Consideration for Adults

Relative to the MENTAL INTENTIONAL Aspects:

1. Have you been through a period of schooling in which you intentionally developed your mental abilities—the ability to think clearly, and the ability to observe carefully and discriminate based on what you observe?

2. Have you studied–and do you consistently continue to study–about the various aspects of life that are important to your well-being, such as diet, health, sexuality, your spiritual practice, the world situation?

3. Are you able to tell when information you’re being given is not sound? Can you think things through, based on real evidence and your own experience rather than inherited beliefs or other forms of bias? Do you have a realistic sense of yourself? Or “Do you see yourself as others see you?”

4. Are you able to determine the best course of action for yourself and are you then consistently able to sustain that course of action in a non-problematic and life-positive way? Relative to diet? Sexuality? Work? Community participation? Spiritual practice? Or are you unable to sustain self-discipline? What are the specific areas you still need to bring discipline to? What exactly WILL you do?

5. Are you able to integrate your mental and willful capacities with bodily well-being and emotional sensitivity? Or do you approach life and relations in a rotely mental way? Do you become overly rigid behind a need to control yourself through discipline?

6. Are you consistently aware of the deeper, psychic functioning of the mind, including remembering and making use of your dream life and your psychic connection to others?

7. By integrating mind and psyche, body, and emotions, are you able to maintain your important values, goals, and relationships in the face of the challenges and difficulties of life?

Relative to CHILDISH VS ADOLESCENT MOTIVES:

8. Do you tend to be passive and childish in relation to others people in your life? To authority figures?

9. Do you tend to be willful and rebellious in relation to others? To authority figures? Do you hear His Words “Obedience” and “self-Discipline” without reaction?

10. Do you swing between the two extremes of childish dependence and adolescent independence? Or do you feel you have resolved these two conflicting motives, and are able to accept both your essential autonomy and interdependence? Is your basic sense of dilemma resolved into the wholeness of radical dependency?

I. Introduction to the Third Stage of Life

  • Transition period from adolescence to early adulthood (ages 12-21).
  • Focus on developing an intentional mind and will.
  • Struggle with independence and self-definition.

II. Key Characteristics of the Third Stage

  • Mental and Willful Development:
    • Building intellectual clarity and focused willpower.
    • Resisting external control and asserting independence.
    • Engaging in self-discipline and commitment to goals.
  • Inner Conflict:
    • The “3-Headed Dragon”: dilemma, doubt, and depression.
    • Overcoming attachment to mental constructs and overthinking.

III. Integration of Self

  • Balanced Integration:

    • Harmonizing mind, emotions, and body for a holistic self.
    • Emphasizing responsibility, resilience, and openness.
    • Developing a life guided by values and goals.
  • Challenges:

    • Avoiding extremes of manipulative or overly abstract thinking.
    • Navigating the tension between autonomy and interdependence.
    • Working through conflicting motives: passivity vs. rebellion.

IV. Emotional and Sexual Maturity

  • Emotional-Sexual Awareness:
    • Understanding personal emotional-sexual patterns.
    • Making conscious choices in relationships and intimacy.
    • Balancing life-affirming sexuality with emotional integration.

V. Reflective Questions for Growth

  • Mental Discipline and Clarity:
    • How disciplined and clear is your thinking?
    • Can you discern sound information from biased beliefs?
  • Balance of Autonomy and Interdependence:
    • Do you accept your autonomy and need for connection?
    • Are you balanced in your approach to authority and relationships?
  • Emotional-Sexual Conduct:
    • Are you aware of your emotional-sexual cycles and choices?
    • Do you integrate heart and desire in relationships?

VI. Conclusion

  • Successful passage through this stage leads to:
    • Accomplishment, psychic sensitivity, and harmony.
    • Clear, discriminative will and the capacity for a fulfilled, intentional life.

 

The Third Stage of Life centers on developing a strong, intentional mind and will as one transitions from adolescence (roughly ages 12 to 21) into early adulthood. This stage is marked by a drive toward independence and the integration of intellectual and emotional capacities. Individuals in this stage often feel a pull to define themselves, resist external control, and establish personal values and goals, which can lead to inner conflict or a “3-Headed Dragon” of dilemma, doubt, and depression due to overthinking and attachment to mental constructs.

To navigate this stage successfully, individuals learn to focus their willpower, exercise discipline, and achieve a balanced integration of mind, emotions, and body. This includes being responsible, resilient, and open to different perspectives, while avoiding the pitfalls of manipulative or overly abstract thinking. There is an emphasis on building mental clarity, understanding emotional-sexual patterns, and maintaining meaningful relationships in a way that respects one’s own autonomy and interdependence with others.

Questions for reflection in this stage might include assessing one’s discipline, the ability to discern sound information, the integration of mental and emotional capacities, and the nature of one’s motivations—whether passive, rebellious, or balanced. A successful passage through this stage leads to a sense of accomplishment, psychic sensitivity, and the ability to harmonize life’s various aspects under a clear and discriminative will, avoiding extremes and cultivating a fulfilled, intentional life.

What Does a Mature Adult Look Like?

A mature adult, especially one who has successfully navigated the complexities of the Third Stage of Life, demonstrates a rich blend of self-awareness, responsibility, and balance. They have integrated personal growth with meaningful connections to others, themselves, and the world around them. Here’s a profile of what a mature adult looks like based on their positive engagement with these profound aspects of life.

At their core, a mature adult is sensitive to the etheric energy within themselves and around others. This sensitivity fosters a deep connection with others, creating a natural moral obligation to act responsibly. They understand how their emotional states ripple outward, impacting others, and take care to nurture a positive emotional environment. This individual also feels a connection to the living energy of nature, acting with responsibility and respect toward the environment, recognizing their part in sustaining life’s harmony.

Within themselves, this mature person conducts their own life-force purposefully, bringing a sense of healing and rejuvenation not only to their own being but also extending it to others. They are comfortable in solitude, finding peace and creative renewal when alone rather than succumbing to anxiety. With close relationships, they are transparent and at ease, avoiding excessive privacy that would distance them from intimacy. Their social interactions are healthy and balanced, neither withdrawing excessively nor seeking attention; they contribute positively to social settings and allow others to shine.

Their relationships are multifaceted and varied, each marked by appropriate closeness and commitment. In each relationship, they seek growth, facing challenges directly rather than withdrawing. They have learned to manage the nuances of self-esteem, maintaining a steady sense of self-worth in all situations. They can observe moments of insecurity, such as the “you don’t love me” feeling, without reacting negatively, and instead remain in a mindset of “I love you,” avoiding any emotional punishment toward others.

A mature adult is also comfortable with their gender identity, embodying both masculine and feminine traits as a natural expression of their wholeness. Rather than feeling conflicted, they accept and honor these qualities within themselves. They are at ease with their physical body, unburdened by excessive rituals or inhibitions around natural bodily functions. Self-care is a regular part of their routine, where grooming, self-massage, and mindful attention to their body foster a respectful and nurturing relationship with themselves.

When it comes to mental clarity, they are aware of moments of overthinking or getting lost in abstract thought patterns. They have the ability to pull back into grounded, present awareness, maintaining a steady mental focus. In choices, they discern between impulsive desires and deeper, value-driven intentions, taking time to reflect on their motivations. This self-trust stabilizes them, reducing reliance on external validation or approval, as they recognize the value of their inner compass.

When setbacks arise, they view them not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Instead of sinking into doubt or dilemma, they actively work through these challenges, drawing lessons and wisdom from each experience. They are comfortable balancing intimacy and personal boundaries in relationships, communicating needs effectively and listening to others with an open heart. Rather than being fixated on controlling outcomes, they reflect regularly to ensure that their pursuits align with their core values.

A mature adult appreciates the ongoing journey of personal growth, knowing that life is not about reaching a fixed state of completion. They find joy in the process of learning and evolving. They are also comfortable balancing independence with interdependence, able to shift fluidly between self-reliance and collaboration based on what each situation requires.

Finally, in times of stress, they have a diverse toolkit. They might use mental strategies, but they also know how to tap into their physical and emotional resources to stay balanced and resilient. This adaptability ensures that they can face life’s inevitable ups and downs with grace and composure.

In sum, a mature adult in the Third Stage of Life embodies an integrated and balanced approach to self, relationships, and the world. Their life is marked by responsibility, self-awareness, and a deeply grounded presence that allows them to navigate life’s complexities with wisdom, compassion, and enduring growth.


 


4o