By George A. Boyd © 2003

The process of identification with different states of consciousness (SOC) is a gradual one, marked by progressive encounter, activation and integration. These seven stages are shown below.

1. Mirroring or modeling of a nucleus of identity or ensouling entity by others, creation of a desire to know this or experience this for oneself. Getting the idea that this SOC is possible.
2. Union of attention with this nucleus of identity or ensouling entity. First experience of this center. In Zen Buddhism, this is called kensho, glimpsing or touching on this SOC for a brief time.
3. Activation of the will component of that center – making choices from that center. Moral vows or confessions of faith that require one to make a choice from this center sometimes activate this higher octave of the will
4. Reflection or intuitive prehension of reality from that center – understanding the world from that context. There is a construction of reality and meaning from this perspective. This is reified by the study of books or scriptures written from this SOC.
5. Activation of the emotional aspect of this center, experiencing relatedness to and feeling for others who are experiencing the same center. This is the beginning of the feeling of being part of a family, of belonging to a group of like-minded others.
6. Incorporation of objects from the vehicles surrounding that center, resulting in the creation of sub-personalities or pseudo-personalities related to that center, changes in languaging of experience, creation of habits or rituals related to that center, making commitments based on the provisional identification with this center. This begins the process of integrating this material into the personality, moving toward full identification.
7. Sense of full identification with this center with integration of personality functions. The conviction arises "I AM this" nucleus of identity or ensouling entity. The individual begins to incarnate this center in daily living. This is the state of full identification with this SOC.

The conversion and indoctrination methods of religious groups and spiritual sects work to produce identification with a nucleus of identity or an ensouling entity at one band of the GCC. Their efforts sometimes unite their followers’ attention with levels of the Continuum that are other than the spiritual cutting edge, which leads to states of ecstatic trance split off from their authentic spiritual nucleus.

It is in these states of misidentification that we see the deleterious changes to personality functioning characteristic of cultic groups. It is also in these states of misidentification that fanatical and overzealous belief systems arise that influence political policies, cultural customs and social practices in the believers’ society, which give rise to fundamentalism and terrorism.

We hold that it is most important for aspirants to discern what is their authentic spiritual nucleus or, as we term it, their spiritual cutting edge. By finding this natural center, they can begin to fulfill the Divine Plan and Purpose in keeping with their spiritual destiny (Adi Karma).

We also recommend that aspirants meditate on the process of identifying with their inner centers, so that they can disidentify from those states out of attunement with their own authentic spiritual nucleus. This will free them to embrace the path integral to their own nature, and not one imposed from without.