Three Stages in the evolution of Service.
1. Service to Self:
Gratification of Ego - Self Image/Esteem - Early in life (chronologically and/or spiritually)- the tendency to be motivated by direct ego fulfillment. A valuable form of service - a necessary step.
2. Service to Others:
Gratification of Ego - Self Image/Esteem - Purpose - Meaning - Immortality.
Adopting "service to others" as fulfillment (still ego). In most of us, still rooted in self-service/fulfillment - rewarding the self. A valuable form of service - a necessary step.
3. Service as "Way":
Service - as seamless state of being.
Service - not exceptional acts, practices or behaviors.
Service - an end unto itself.
Service - noticed, or unnoticed - irrelevant.
Service - without meaning, purpose, or reward.
Service - not driven - not drawn.
Service - without past, present or future.
Service - without intent, plan, or measure.
Service - without expectation - without disappointment.
Service - without fixed form or structure - as "Way".
Stage one is practically autonomic, is required for competent functioning as a human, and is necessary before stage two can become available as an option.
Stage two is a choice, and most often a natural outgrowth of and compliment to stage one. Stage two is important and valuable, but is not necessary for competent human function. Stage two is however, a necessary pre-requisite for stage three.
Stage three is seldom understood or experienced, yet may be essential to the survival of our species and our planet. Stage three service unfolds only of it's own accord, in it's own time and only as part of a comprehensive discipline that focuses upon acceptance of "what is". In it's purest form it cannot be described, but only experienced.
If you could, give an example of a real act that is the "Way" Service, please. Similar to what you say, it almost seems to me that #3 is a combo in the purest form of 1 and 2. Like a person has become some "enlightened", if you will, that 1 and 2 happen automatically in his/her life so that #3 happens naturally.
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Ryan,
ReplyDeleteFirst, thanks for reading and evaluating this stuff...
In response to your request for an example of "Way" as service... I think the examples of the service remain consistent... compassion, kindness etc. The the only place to measure the difference is in the unmeasurable realm of the consciousness that generates the service - the energetic pool from which it's spawned - as described (albeit obliquely) in the description of "Stage 3" ... Tough question... amorphous answer... I don't know any other way... :) Open to suggestions.
Thanks again for your contribution Ryan...
Jacques
Yes. That is what I was looking for.
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