Even though one may feel like they are growing, there are often times when the ego expands, making it difficult to realize this. On the other hand, by being "disciplined" or being taught "ideal forms" through doctrine, one may appear to be behaving correctly, leading them to think they are growing, or to be evaluated as such by those around them, further reinforcing the misconception.

This is a deeply rooted problem, even if it is not done with malicious intent, and it is precisely because of this lack of malicious intent that it is so difficult to overcome.

It seems particularly difficult to realize this when one is incorporated into the hierarchy of a group.

The same is true of family lineage. Being born into a good family or a prestigious lineage can lead one to think that they are superior.

Here, "group" refers to any group that aims for enlightenment. While there are often environments that make it easier to reach enlightenment when one joins a group, there are also these pitfalls.

From what I have observed, about 80% of people tend to fall into these pitfalls or get stuck in them for a short time.

I believe that a group can be effectively utilized as an "environment" for enlightenment, but in reality, being incorporated into the hierarchy within the group is not very helpful for one's own growth.

However, there are exceptions. If there is an excellent teacher, and if that teacher treats everyone equally, including oneself, and one can become a member of the initial group formed by that teacher, then it may be worthwhile to join. In that case, one can learn a lot by being close to the teacher.

However, if the teacher is distant or treats people based on the hierarchy, making it difficult to interact with them, then being incorporated into the hierarchy is not very useful.

If one only uses the group as an "environment," there are often cases where one does not need to become a disciple. And if one cannot use the facilities unless they become a disciple, then accepting the hierarchy and receiving guidance and using the facilities is a compromise that is acceptable.

However, climbing the ladder of the hierarchy is not a very wise approach. The hierarchy should ideally reflect one's own growth or the stage they have already reached, but when a group is formed, the older members often have more influence, and there are often cases where the degree of spiritual growth does not match the hierarchy within the group. In such cases, it is troublesome when someone with a clearly lower level of understanding (even though they may have a strong sense of pride) is placed above oneself.

My basic stance is to only use spiritual groups as an environment.