The Early/Lower/Near/Basic Intermediate Zone
Introduction
The Near Intermediate Zone is so called because it is still close to (even if beyond) the ordinary consciousness. Alternative descriptive terms are Early (because one has not yet matured in one's realisation), Basic, or Lower (relative to later stages and states). All these terms are misleading in some way or another, which is why I decided on a simple letter, IZ-a (Intermediate Zone gradation A)
At this level the individual has undergone a radical awakening or enlightenment experience that has taken him or her beyond the normal limitations of understanding, into the transpersonal. There may be many enlightenment and transformational experiences and phenomena of a subtle, causal, and transcendent nature, such as are often described in mystical, spiritual, and New Age literature, and in the teachings of many gurus. Such an experiences, which may be archetypal in nature, can easily overwhelm the ego or outer personality, resulting in experiences of a delusional or narcissistic nature, and it is important to take care that one does not allow oneself to be swept up into this. Nevertheless much of the old personality structure remains, so essentially it is the limited personality plus this other element. It is the "I" having an experience, there is still an element of duality. Also some people at this level who claim to be teachers respond with bitterness and antagonism when challenged or criticised (because the ego is still there).
Definition
Definition: This stage is characterised by transpersonal and enlightened experiences, but these are accompanied by Egotism, Desire, and subconscious Samskaras.
Some possible distinguishing characteristics that may or may not occur at this stage are:
positive: magnetic charisma and amazing presence, profound transpersonal experiences, in some cases siddhis
negative: egotism and narcissism (and hence hypersensitivity to criticism, and shadow projection), self-indulgence, desire, abuse of privelage, paranoia, deceitfulness and defensiveness when under attack. Note that all of these characteristics also define the ordinary ignorant human consciousness; these persist at this stage and thus juxtapose with the genuine enlightenment experiences, creating an inextricable mixture of truth and falsehood,
It is important to note that not all of these characteristics would occur to someone at this level. Much depends on the personality and samskaras of the individual in question, and their spiritual sincerity or lack of sincerity.
Subdivisions
As with the Intermediate Zone in general, all the stages and levels of being can be experienced here, giving the following. In all instances the self remains although there may be partial ego deaths.
Gross Early Intermediate Zone - Tantric and Taoist bodily realisations, experiences, and transmutations, which are holistically integrated with and derive from experiences of the subtle body, kundalini, ch'i, chakras, healing, etc. These experiences result in or the result of a either a long-term or a permanent change in the nature of individual, although the sense of ego remains. This stage shades into the next one.
Subtle Early Intermediate Zone - experiences of occult forces and phenomena on the subtle planes, remote healing, meeting with deities, transpersonal dream experiences and astral experiences. The difference between these experiences here and in ordinary ignorant consciousness is that the experiences are constant, and associated with transpersonal insights. However the sense of ego remains
Causal Early Intermediate Zone - experiences of deep meditative states, nondual states that are formless, deep samadhi, subtle archetypal realities. The sense of a separate self disappears. But these experiences would seem to be temporary, or if permanent do not result in ego transcendence.
Transcendent Early Intermediate Zone - experiences of the transcendent Absolute or abiding in the Supreme. The nondual teaching; Advaitin or Mahayanist realisation , not in words but in actual practice and fact, formless or else equally beyond form and formless. Again the experiences are either temporary or if permanent do not result in ego transcendence.
Possible Examples
A possible and very provisional list of IZ-a gurus and teachers might include:
Andrew Cohen - among the more notorious of Papaji's ambassadors, due to 
abusive behaviour and (according to several anecdotes) lack of emotional restraint. Friend of Ken Wilber, claims to be Enlightened and to be a teacher, has written books on this and is ( controversially) recommended by Wilber. Teaches "Evolutionary Enlightenment" which however still follows the basic Vedanto-Buddhist approach. May indeed have had subtle, causal, and transcendent experiences, but these experiences have had no impact on his behaviour, so it can be assumed that they are not as potent as claimed. Influence of Intermediate zone may only be sporadic, as implied by his dependence on Wilber.
Sathya Sai Baba - very powerful on the Subtle levels. Apparent gross materialisations have been shown to be fake; however the subtle experiences including remote healings and appearing in disciples dreams are genuine. Nothing in the personality or teachings indicate the causal or transcendent (talks are basically popular and watered down Hinduism). Defensive and critical when allegations came to light, this indicates egotism. Extensive abuse of devotees indicate serious lack of empathy and/or emotional immaturity. Hence not at the level of the Middle Intermediate Zone. Most of the power of the movement comes from an attractor on the subtle levels. Most sincere devotees have left, remaining devotees either do not know of abuses or if they do are themselves highly antagonistic and slanderous
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche - One of the chief popularises of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, he (or his followers?) coined the term "crazy wizdom". Big problems with sex and alcohol, authoritariam and emotionally distant to his followers. But nice vibe from his photo, he obviously had something genuinbe about him. Well respected and widely read in the alternative movement.
Ken Wilber, n obsessive writer whose vast literary output masks the fact that 3/4 of all of his books are just rehashing the same thing. Hugely charismatic New Age philosopher, brilliant intellect but enormous ego prevents him from acknowledging criticism, and resulting instead in hystrionic outbursts and attacks on critics. Backed by a powerful attractor. Strong influence from the Intermediate zone and rigid mental understanding indicating a textbook "mental fortress". Hugely influential in the New Age / Alternative / Transpersonal / New Paradigm movement due to his voluminous literary output, eloquent style of prose, and charismatic personality. Despite being touted by his followers and devotees as "the greatest living philosopher", Wilber is not considered as anyone serious by real academia. Apparently very proficient at meditation, implying development at the Causal, and perhaps also to a more limited degree the Transcendent level. Activity on the gross and subtle limited to the astral-mental power of the afore-mentiuoned attractor. Large following among young intelligent alternative types, and loyal following in the form of an Integral Institute, although recent emotional outbursts resulted in loss of prestige.
Muktananda?, Osho?,
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