First level of gross-conscious which relates to the sensory world (Jagath-Chetna). It encompasses all categories of life. As we reach this level of consciousness after rigorous discipline, and mastery over our senses/gross mind (relating to presently awakened consciousness) our mind acquires (becomes aware) knowledge of the sensory world. With the added element of extreme concentration, our will-power can make or de-make sensory objects. The persons who acquire these powers do not have to belong to the category of spiritual realms. They are simply mini-geniuses, who have assumed material powers through intense concentration on specific aspects (memory-chambers) of the mind. But in modern day, they are known as God-men because besides this, they have done one extra-exercise of acquiring scholarships of their religious scriptures. It is very easy to understand their level (in spiritual depth) as in spiritual discipline, their practical knowledge is nil. They cannot change or transform the character of their disciples. In simple terms, they can’t shower the treasures of Divinity – also known as Grace- on their followers, because they themselves are shallow of its depth. Mere scholarship of sacred books, mastery of senses, control over matter, are irrelevant to a seeker whose quest is Reality.
In the search of genuine masters and of higher realms of consciousness, let us leave the dirt at the base (gross-mind) any try to know the purity of the sacred waters of knowledge at the surface (wisdom) where it is pure-clean-potent. We are not, now, discussing about the negative tendencies or the hollowness of the so-called holy men, but the levels of pure-consciousness, that we acquire by following the discipline expounded by different faiths/religions/sects. Each faith has mastered a discipline that releases a seeker from worldly shackles in consonance to the levels he has attained. But you will be surprised to know that there exists only one discipline, which is perfect and result oriented ‘Yoga’ mastered by Patanjali (ancient Indian sage) and being practiced, even today under various garbs but is showing excellent results. There are countless others, which either promise heaven or ultimate salvation which in each case is the reality or the Gods personified into narrowed limited scopes of human vision. Their version (assertion) of “heavens” “promised lands”; Godly-kingdom ‘Reality’ differs from god-man to god-man. In case some of them realized the Ultimate – Realty, they were non-committal about God.
It shows either their realization level or Reality was not ultimate or they were unable to explain in clear terms, whatever they experienced as ‘Reality’ is incomplete and they did not or could not reach to the next higher levels, which could reveal to them, Existence and the Source of all.
The next level of consciousness belongs to subtle-level which we can class as cosmic consciousness. This is the realm, where we know the true existence of our conscience. It is already an admitted fact that each entity synthesizes into fine subtle state, which is known as conscience. To reach its level of consciousness (awareness – knowledge) one has to cross the conscious-level of mind-intellect-wisdom and merge in the circle of conscience- consciousness.
A few who venture into its realms, acquire the Universal powers. As one goes on attaining upper levels of consciousness, accompanying corresponding powers come natural and one behaves in that circle accordingly.
Those few who attain this level of consciousness are the real masters whose duty is---self-imposed or enjoined by the Higher-one---to bless and bless grace, whose oceans are at their disposal. Though they are highly Selfish, but their selfishness is centered on their inner-Selfishness not on the worldly selfishness of material possessions. They also possess, but their possession is the treasure of bliss (love) not the mansions, dera, ashrams and temples.
Their distinguishing mark is in their harmony of thought, word and deed. They live simply and exemplify their lives for others to follow. They speak less but live in practice their ideology. In the recorded history, very few have successfully been able to give practical shape to what they believed in and lived the truth they preached. They don’t amass but distribute. They don’t start new religions, preach not new gospels, and erect no temples. Their speech and attire is very simple. They have a hollowness that anyone with a bit of awakening could ‘feel’ and experience. They don’t plant religious nurseries but open schools-colleges-Universities-medical colleges which cater free services to all poor sections of society.