The Paradox of Perfect Realization in Adi Da’s Teachings
Adi Da Samraj, October 2004.
Adi Da Samraj’s teachings present a unique and profound vision of spiritual realization, encapsulated in what he terms “The Seven Stage Way” or “The Perfect Practice.” This path is one of paradox, where the ultimate goal is not reached through a series of progressive steps but through an immediate and deep recognition of one’s true state. This essay explores the complexities and inherent paradoxes within Adi Da’s teachings, drawing from his October 2004 talk.
The Nature of the Seventh Stage Way
Adi Da emphasizes that the Seventh Stage Way is the only true path to Perfect Realization. However, this does not imply that a devotee suddenly attains the Seventh Stage of Life. Rather, it involves the recognition of Adi Da’s state and, consequently, an intuitive understanding of one’s own true nature. This recognition is not merely intellectual but is accompanied by a lawful and spontaneous response rooted in the understanding of renunciation, granted by grace.
The beginning of the Seventh Stage Way, or the Way of Prior Divine Self-Abiding, exists prior to the body and mind, known as the body-mind. This state is singular and encompasses the entirety of existence. Although thoughts, feelings, and samskaras (imprints of past actions) continue to arise, they no longer have the binding power they once held. The devotee exists in a state where the world, mind, and body are present but no longer necessary or binding. This creates a linguistic paradox for the unilluminated mind.
The Progressive Way and the Paradox of Recognition
Adi Da’s teachings have often been misconstrued as a progressive path, which contradicts the essence of his message. True devotees who have experienced real recognition would naturally embody the Seventh Stage Way, or the Perfect Practice. This recognition reveals the illusory nature of the world, self, and others—not in the conventional or absolute sense, but through the lens of Transcendental Logic, akin to Madhyamika philosophy in Buddhism.
While Adi Da asserts that the Seventh Stage Way is the only path from the beginning, he acknowledges the practical reality that conditional existence still binds the body and mind of devotees, regardless of their stage in life. This creates a paradox: the Seventh Stage Way is inherently non-progressive, yet a form of progression exists due to the conditional realities of life.
The Challenge of Conditional Existence
Adi Da criticizes the current culture of his devotees, which remains entrenched in the first three stages of life, focused on material concerns such as money, food, sex, and survival. This culture operates at the level of a “talking school,” endlessly discussing disciplines and renunciation without embodying true recognition or realization.
Adi Da acknowledges a form of progression within the Seventh Stage Way, though it is distinct from traditional spiritual paths. This progression is based on an initial recognition but not yet perfect recognition. This imperfect recognition still binds the devotee to conditional existence, requiring a deep and profound penetration into the futility of seeking and identification with the ego.
The Role of Grace and the Path to Profundity
From the time Adi Da was a child, he understood only the Seven Stage Way. This path is singular and non-progressive but also involves grace, implying a form of divine intervention. This grace introduces a profound paradox: while there is only one way, the existence of grace suggests a process of realization that involves intervention.
Adi Da has crafted a practice for those who have necessitated a progressive way. This practice is a response to the limitations of logic, language, and the talking school culture of Adidam. The cost of refusing perfect realization, and thus remaining in the conditional awareness of the first six stages, is a life of endless cycles of ups and downs, ultimately leading to a conditional existence devoid of profundity.
The Appeal for True Recognition
Adi Da’s teachings continuously return to the need for true recognition and the subsequent renunciation that accompanies perfect realization. This process is not a gradual attainment but an immediate, prior recognition of reality as it always already is. This recognition transcends the body-mind and conditional existence, embodying inherent freedom and perfect renunciation.
In his teachings, Adi Da appeals to his devotees to move beyond mere intellectual understanding and to embody true, profound devotion. This requires a shift from mummery—empty ritualistic practice—to genuine spiritual receptivity and recognition. Despite his efforts, Adi Da acknowledges the challenge posed by the entrenched ego and conditional awareness, which continues to resist perfect realization.
Conclusion
Adi Da’s teachings on the Seven Stage Way present a profound and paradoxical vision of spiritual realization. The path to perfect realization is not progressive but involves an immediate recognition of one’s true nature. This recognition is accompanied by inherent renunciation, granted by grace. While the current culture of Adidam may remain in the early stages of material concern, the ultimate goal is a profound and immediate recognition of reality as it always already is. Adi Da’s message challenges devotees to transcend the limitations of conditional existence and embody true spiritual realization through profound devotion and recognition.