26. Seven categories

A first class disciple
Is he who sees good
In all, and everywhere.

A second class disciple
Is he who sees good
As good and bad as bad.

A third class disciple
Is he who uses his binoculars
To enlarge the bad qualities
And diminish the good qualities of others.

A fourth class disciple
Is he who enjoys his good qualities
And enjoys others’ bad qualities.

A fifth class disciple
Is he who tries to devour
Others’ good qualities
And ignores his own bad qualities.

A sixth class disciple
Is he who feels that
Even God Himself is not always
Perfect, let alone his Master.

A seventh class disciple
Is he who thinks that he has made
A serious mistake
In accepting the spiritual life.
Sri Chinmoy, The Wings of Light, part 1, Aum Press, Puerto Rico, 1974