there is a natural progression in our spiritual unfoldment which occurs over time, usually over a long time, except in the rare cases of people who are born near enlightenment. In spite of what we may have heard, enlightenment is not an overnight event for most people. There is no getting around this, because each of us must go through a process of inner purification and opening, and it takes time, even with the best of teachings. Along the way, there are grades and stages, and the journey never ends, even for those who are very advanced.
