Spiritual growth differs significantly before and after "abandonment" (vairagya).

Before abandonment, one remains within the realm of the mind, what is known as the astral dimension. While higher levels of consciousness may appear, the fundamental reality is that of the astral dimension, and it is rare to reach the dimensions of Karana (causal) or Purusha.

After achieving abandonment, even when operating in lower realms, the path to reaching higher dimensions is only through abandonment. My unseen guides say that even if it appears otherwise, that is the only way.

For example, if someone claims to achieve something through techniques or summon higher beings, it is essentially happening within the astral dimension. While techniques based on the aura or the five elements may be used in areas closer to the physical body, such discussions about the aura are related to the astral realm and are not of a particularly high level. When moving from the astral realm to the higher causal realm, there are no forms; there is only geometry, but fundamentally, there are no forms. Some people claim to use techniques from the causal realm or higher, but very few can actually use them, and my unseen guides say that it is impossible to reach higher levels through the path of techniques.

My unseen guides say that abandonment is essential to move beyond the causal realm.

For example, if someone has mastered various techniques in the astral realm, they must let go of them (at least temporarily). This letting go may take a lifetime, or it may take years, decades, or even a shorter period. Some people may achieve abandonment through near-death experiences. In any case, whether it happens slowly or rapidly, the process of abandonment occurs.

There is a clear difference between those who are in the process of abandonment and those who are not.

Those who are in the process of abandonment are calm.
Those who have not abandoned are likely to get angry, react strongly, or argue when their pride is hurt. They still have pride.

Abandonment brings calmness to the mind and body, and reduces anger. In particular, anger caused by pride tends to disappear unless the person is dealing with someone who is extremely difficult.

Until abandonment is achieved, one can be considered a spiritual intermediate or lower.

Even if someone appears to be highly skilled in using techniques and manipulating energy, such techniques fundamentally operate within the astral dimension. It is fundamentally different to manipulate astral energy (based on the five elements and physical aspects) and to reach higher realms such as Karana.

Just as having incredible muscles or excellent massage techniques is a matter of the physical realm, and is unrelated to higher realms (although there are those who have developed those higher realms), there is a similar distinction. It may be misunderstood, but when the body is strengthened, the aura that is closest to the physical body is also activated, and it affects the astral aura. Therefore, there is a connection, but they are different levels. Just as physical matters are specific to that level, matters of the astral realm are specific to that world. While there is a smooth connection between the physical and astral realms, and they influence each other, and the upper part of the astral realm is somewhat connected to the causal realm, in principle, the astral realm and the Karana (causal) realm are quite different levels.

Abandonment is the way to break through this limitation, and the level of spiritual growth differs significantly depending on whether or not this has been achieved.