Comments on: Self Development or Personal Development?

By: jeff

jeff — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:04:39 +0000

Have you written anything else on this anywhere ?

By: tracy ho

tracy ho — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 13:57:06 +0000

Thank you for ideas & tips,
Trully enjoy reading it

Thank you

http://www.wisdomgettingloaded.com

By: Marcus

Marcus — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:11:06 +0000

Yep, guidance is very important, even if only it comes from a friend or a book. The important thing for people to remember though is that their development is always in their own hands. The moment they give up their own sovereignty they are no longer really developing but following. That said though, the more help they can get – so long as they want it – the better.

Spiritual development is an odd thing in so many ways. One thing is for sure; the Ego can create some pretty nasty trips in this area. And yeah, much of the ancient knowledge (especially the more mystical occult practices) are potentially very helpful, yet also potentially very dangerous.

Anyway, were you referring to any specific methods in particular, regarding spiritual development?

By: Attila Borcsa

Attila Borcsa — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:52:28 +0000

For me the question is Personal development or Spiritual development. The term Self development is very permissive and I also like to use it various contexts. If I consider that development has different meanings for both the personal and spiritual, then self development can be like a set that includes them both. Otherwise the spiritual can include the personal, but not necessarily.

I see quite the same pejorative connotations for personal development as you say here. Even if I don’t consider it wrong to offer your help and consultation for money in return, there is still something wrong with this “industry”. Also I think it is all right to follow some recipe for getting rich with all the energy you are capable to invest. Results should show up. The problem I see is that these offered success recipes are fragmenting you, easily making you one-sided and if you are not clear enough on what you are doing, even an addict.

Creating your own method is a tricky one. Yes, after all there is just your own experience that matters. But until you can create a true method, much of the experience part is needed. In terms of personal development not as much as is needed on the spiritual side. Results are more visible and reproducible on the personal level. On the spiritual, you need much more safety and guidance which can come in various forms.

Spiritual development can be much debated, true. But there are very clear methods, even methodologies that can be securely followed. Frames for spiritual work that were proven to be valid not just from yesterday. What needs to be brought to the individual is the practice side, the theory is unifying and valid for all. Even if the historical and geographical perspective is different.

(Excellent post Marcus, I enjoyed it. The topic needs to be clarified and you are doing a great job here.)