LIFE = 8 LEVELS What Level Are You On?
Are you still in elementary school? If you are over 13 years of age, we hope not.
Are you still in jr. high school? If you are over 16 years of age, we hope not.
Are you still in high school? If you are over 18 years of age, we hope not.
The point is, modern society has expectations of your mental and physical development. You are not allowed to pee in your pants after the age of 5. You are expected to learn many skills and responsibilities.
All religions expect a certain amount of mental and spiritual development. They teach not to lie or steal or kill or have sex with animals...They have more in common than they are willing to admit.
Maybe most religions don't have 8 levels of development they expect you to master. Most have very few expectations of your mental and psychological development.
Religions tend to ignore you, as long as you show up.
Buddhism is the opposite. Buddhism doesn't expect you to show up anywhere, but it does expect you to improve yourself.
Shaolin Zen Buddhism dictates that there are 8 spiritual levels to climb and American Zen is going to achieve each level. Hopefully our Zen dudes will inspire you to advance spiritually and mentally also.