Does
“The Intermediate Zone”
Of Sri Aurobindo
Explain the Sexual Promiscuity, Bullying, Fits
And False Spiritual Pretensions
Of Madhukar?Sri Aurobindo's "Intermediate Zone" is a powerful concept. It helps us to at least partially understand at least some of the "spiritual teachers" out there who have "missed." They have "missed" in that their personal focus(es) still revolve around Sex, Drugs, Fame, Power, and/ or Money.
A Note-- Madhukar is the fourth "teacher" whose behaviors I have looked at from the perspective of Sri Aurobindo's "Intermediate Zone." The first two, James Swartz and Aaravindha Himadra, were found to be so "low" that it is unlikely they got even this far. The third, Anadi ("Anadi-free") is just about, it seems, in the same place as Madhukar. For more on this, please check the Topics dedicated to these persons.
Regarding Madhukar, there is much evidence that he has sex with whomever he wants (after promising spiritual benefit to the "partner"), has angry fits, bullies, demands to be worshiped, and excuses it all by saying, "It's okay. I'm a guru." (This is so "wrong" from the perspective of the Buddha, Jesus, Sri Ramakrishna, Ramana Maharshi, or any true enlightened Sage that it can barely be perceived as a serious statement.)
Could it be that Madhukar is another "teacher" who got trapped in "The Intermediate Zone"? Let's examine a summary of Sri Aurobindo's concept to look for the answer.
Quote
Sri Aurobindo (from a letter to a disciple)
Aurobindo asserted that spiritual aspirants may pass through an intermediate zone where experiences of force, inspiration, illumination, light, joy, expansion, power, and freedom from normal limits are possible. These can become associated with personal aspirations, ambitions, notions of spiritual fulfilment and yogic siddhi, and even be falsely interpreted as full spiritual realisation. One can pass through this zone, and the associated spiritual dangers, without harm by perceiving its real nature, and seeing through the misleading experiences. Those who go astray in it may end in a spiritual disaster, or may remain stuck there and adopt some half-truth as the whole truth, or become more an instrument of less.
To me, the answer is “Maybe." (This is terrible but also hopeful, because if this is the case then Madhukar--similar to Anadi-- has a chance to move out of this horrific situation.)
It would seem that teachers who were out there due to this concept might at least start out believing that they are awakened or even enlightened. The fact that Madhukar, Anadi, or another has had some sort of "powerful spiritual awakening" and gives out an energy that attracts many people might be enough to convince him/her that "I am special. I should teach! People want what I've got."
Right...
Was Madhukar one of those trapped in the Intermediate Zone. Is he still stuck there?
Quite likely. (Your thoughts on this, and evidence to support, would be appreciated.)
Meanwhile, for Madhukar, a simple note:
"Madhukar,
it seems you are in a really bad spot.
The Masters both in the ancient past up to the present have considered
that to "teach" from your vasana and samskara-driven framework is a terrible sin, a soul-bleaching act.
Please, stop. Take time for yourself. Attempt to go 'all the way' in what was likely a promising start to a profound spiritual life.
For your own good and that of others, don't keep teaching from this false framework."