Community Discussion on Tenet #13, The Human Element

At our ASI community meeting on March 4, 2024, we discussed Tenet #13 of the ASI Honor Code of Ethics and Good Practice: “Acknowledging that, regardless of our spiritual attainment, we are human beings with human personalities, limitations, drives, and needs.”

Key discussion points included:

• Does authentically expressing one’s humanness reduce or enhance one’s efficacy as a spiritual teacher?

• How can we best navigate the Two Truths Concept, i.e., holding both divine and human truths simultaneously? 

• Can certain levels of spiritual attainment limit the awareness of our human needs and limitations? 

• How does personal development continue, or not continue, beyond the achievement of awakening? 

• Why is the presumption of awakening, or the claim to having disidentified with personhood, sometimes used to justify inappropriate behavior?

• How does awakening affect the expression of personality traits associated with the human being who no longer identifies with that individuality?   

• What are the links among transcendence, evolved embodiment, and authentic humility?
• How can we best apply the principles of accountability (transparency, participation, evaluation, and feedback) in both our personal lives and in our roles as spiritual leaders? Can there be real accountability if a teacher does not identify as an individual person?