90
- The Ten Stages of Mind’s Development
The Great Vehicle Buddhism believes that dogmatic
differences between sects, schools, and religions are useful and
necessary for different persons with different abilities and
perspectives. Some dogmas are suitable for the layperson while
others are reserved for the selected few that are more advanced.
But all dogmas and religions are constructive in generating peace
and happiness and in advancing human spirituality. There is no
right or wrong doctrines but tailored ones for the novice and
untailored for the adept.
Kukai (or Kobo 774-835) has compiled the complete set of
Secret Buddhism Sutra. In the Mahavairocana Sutra, he has
analyzed the development of the human mind and classified it
into ten stages, similar to the development stages of the lotus
flower.
- Abnormal birth - the Goat’s mind
The lowest stage of consciousness and behavior is
impulsive and instinctual. Here the person lives blindly, acting
like sheep, and devoid of moral and spiritual values, being barely
distinguishable from animals. This realm is not much different
than beings in the realms of hell, ghosts and beasts. His nature is
different from other good people. In India, they are called goats,
the most dumb and stupid animal.
The mind at its first stage is compared the lotus's germ
buried in the mud.
- The common mind-The follower (the Human vehicle)
The second stage is characterized by an emergent ethical
awareness coupled with naivety and ignorance. Individuals at this