The human entity is a trinity, consisting of the Monad, soul, and personality. It is the point of origin and the repository of human consciousness. Each incarnation is a learning experience to help the human entity enhance its strengths, overcome its weaknesses, and progress toward ultimate perfection. Over long eons, the personality develops personal identity and potency, but it is largely ignorant of the overshadowing soul and its purpose. Eventually, the personality begins to respond to the soul and recognizes the possibility of spiritual growth.
Spiritual growth is attained through meditation, study, and service.
Through meditation the personality learns to align itself with the soul, and eventually with the Monad. Through study we acquire knowledge of reality. And through service we reach out to others and develop the capacity for compassion, respect, and tolerance of differences. The latter stages of spiritual development are marked by a series of initiations, or changes in consciousness. At that stage the human entity has a choice, either to stay to help humanity or pursue higher evolution elsewhere.