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New page: Image:lighterstill.jpgright|frame A '''dimension''' or '''plane''', other than the physical plane is conceived as a subtle stat...
[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]][[Image:Shiu_6th_dimension_art07orig.jpg|right|frame]]
A '''dimension''' or '''plane''', other than the [[material|physical]] plane is conceived as a subtle state of [[consciousness]] that [[transcendental||transcends]] the known physical [[universe]].
The [[concepts|concept]] may be found in [[religion|religious]], metaphysical and [[esoteric]] teachings which propound the [[idea]] of a whole series of subtle planes or worlds or dimensions which, from a center, interpenetrate themselves and the physical [[planet]] in which we live, the solar systems, and all the physical [[structure]]s of the [[universe]]. This interpenetration of planes culminates in the universe itself as a physical structured, dynamic and evolutive expression emanated through a series of steadily denser stages, becoming progressively more [[material]] and embodied.
The emanation is conceived, according to esoteric teachings, to have been originated, at the dawn of the universe's manifestation, in the Creator who sent out - from the unmanifested ''[Absolute'' beyond comprehension - the dynamic force of [[creativity|creative]] [[energy]], as ''[[sound]]-vibration'' ("the Word"), into the abyss of [[space]]. On the other hand, it states that this dynamic force is being sent forth, through the ages, framing all [[things]] that constitute and inhabit the universe.
== Origins of the concept ==
The concept of planes of existence might be seen as deriving from [[shaman]]ic and traditional [[myth]]ological ideas of a vertical world-axis; for example a [[cosmic]] mountain, tree, or pole or a philosophical conception of a [[Great Chain of Being]], arranged metaphorically from [[God]] down to inanimate [[matter]].
However the original source of the word "plane" in this context is the late Neoplatonist [[Proclus]], who refers to ''to platos'', "breadth", which was the equivalent of the 19th century theosophical use. An example is the phrase ''en to psuchiko platei'' [Dodds, cited in Poortman, 1978, vol II, p.54].
== Conceptions in ancient traditions ==
Directly equivalent concepts in Indian thought are [[loka]]s and [[bhuvana]]s. In Hindu cosmology, there are traditionally seven lokas or worlds, while Buddhist cosmology has a much larger number of "deva lokas", identified with both traditional [[cosmology]] and states of [[meditation]].
Planes of existence are sometimes referred to as "eggs". For example, the Sanskrit term Brahmanda translates to "the Egg of God". In this context, Brahmanda is thought to encompass the Anda ([[astral plane|astral]] and [[Pinda egg|Pinda]] ([[physical plane|physical]] or [[gross realm|gross]]) eggs, in a way metaphorically analogous to a set of [[Russian doll]]s — the larger containing the next smaller, which contains the next smaller, and so on.
The ancient Norsemen and the Teutonic mythology called "Ginnungagap" to the primordial "Chaos," which was bounded upon the northern side by the cold and foggy "Niflheim"--the land of mist and fog--and upon the south side by the fire "Muspelheim." When heat and cold entered into space which was occupied by Chaos or Ginnungagap, they caused the crystallization of the visible universe.
In the medieval West and Middle East, one finds reference to four worlds (''olam'') in [[Kabbalah]], or five in [[Sufism]] (where they are also called ''tanazzulat''; "descents"). In Kabbalah, each of the four or five worlds are themselves divided into ten sefirot, or else divided in other ways..
== Esoteric conceptions ==
The alchemists of the Middle Ages proposed ideas about the constitution of the universe through a [[language]] full of esoteric [[words]], phrases and signs designed to cloak their [[meaning]] from those not initiated into the ways of alchemy. In his "Physica" (1633), the Rosicrucian alchemist Jan Baptist van Helmont, wrote: "Ad huc spiritum incognitum Gas voco," i.e., "This hitherto unknown Spirit I call Gas." Further on in the same work he says, "This vapor which I have called Gas is not far removed from the Chaos the ancients spoke of." Later on, similar ideas would evolve around the idea of aether.
In the late 19th century, the metaphysical term "planes" was popularised by the theosophy of [[H.P. Blavatsky]], who in ''The Secret Doctrine'' and other writings propounded a complex cosmology consisting of seven planes and subplanes, based on a synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas. From theosophy the term made its way to later esoteric systems such as that of [[Alice Bailey]], who was very influential in shaping the worldview of the [[New Age]] movement. The term is also found in some Eastern teachings that have some Western influence, such as the cosmology of [[Sri Aurobindo]] and some of the later [[Sant Mat]], and also in some descriptions of Buddhist cosmology. The teachings of [[Surat Shabd Yoga]] also include several planes of the creation within both the [[macrocosm and microcosm]], including the Bramanda egg contained within the Sach Khand egg. [[Max Theon]] used the word "States" (French ''Etat'') rather than "Planes", in his [[cosmic]] [[philosophy]], but the meaning is the same.
In the early 20th century, Max Heindel presented in ''[[The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception]]'' a cosmology related to the scheme of [[evolution]] in general and the evolution of the solar system and the [[earth]] in particular, according to the Rosicrucians. He establishes, through the conceptions presented, a bridge between modern [[science]] (currently starting research into the subtler plane of existence behind the physical, the etheric one) and [[religion]], in order that this last one may be able to address man's ''[[Spirituality|inner]]'' questions raised by scientific advancement.
== Emanation vs. the big bang ==
Most cosmologists today believe that the [[universe]] exploded into being some 13.7 billion years ago in a 'smeared-out singularity' called the big bang, meaning that space itself came into being at the moment of the big bang and has expanded ever since, creating and carrying the galaxies with it.
However, in esoteric cosmology expansion refers to the emanation or unfolding of steadily denser planes or spheres from the spiritual summit, what Greek mythology described as "Chaos", until the lowest and most material world is reached. As theosophist [[David Pratt]] emphasizes, at the midpoint of the evolutionary cycle, the reverse process begins: the lower worlds gradually dematerialize or etherealize and are infolded or indrawn into the higher worlds. Thus, outbreathing and inbreathing can refer to the expansion of the One into the many, and the subsequent reabsorption of the many into the One; not to any 'smeared-out singularity' and its subsequent physical expansion as postulated in the big bang theory. ''[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dp5/cosmo.htm Cosmology and the Big Bang]''
According to [[Rosicrucian]]s, another difference is that there is no such thing as empty or void space.
<blockquote>"The space is Spirit in its attenuated form; while matter is crystallized space or Spirit. Spirit in manifestation is dual, that which we see as Form is the negative manifestation of Spirit--crystallized and inert. The positive pole of Spirit manifests as Life, galvanizing the negative Form into action, but both Life and Form originated in Spirit, Space, Chaos! On the other hand, Chaos is not a state which has existed in the past and has now entirely disappeared. It is all around us at the present moment. Were it not that old forms--having outlived their usefulness--are constantly being resolved back into that Chaos, which is also as constantly giving birth to new forms, there could be no progress; the work of evolution would cease and stagnation would prevent the possibility of advancement." [http://www.rosicrucian.com/rcc/rcceng11.htm The Genesis and Evolution of our Solar System]), 1909, ISBN 0-911274-34-0)
</blockquote>
== Who inhabits the various planes ==
Most cosmologies suggest that there are both positive and negative planes. They indicate that an Earth-departed [[soul]] is propelled towards the plane that corresponds to the level of its merits or demerits. One example of this understanding can be found in the secular or popular [[Christianity]], where in afterlife, a departed [[soul]] finds itself in either heaven or hell. Other traditions, including the ''inner'' or esoteric Christianity, suggest that there are finer differences between various positive and negative planes, and that each plane beyond Earth plane becomes more and more subtle. It is commonly believed that positive planes are inhabited by subtle bodies doing righteous deeds, whereas negative planes are inhabited by subtle bodies doing unrighteous deeds.
== References ==
#David Pratt, Cosmology and the Big Bang, a Theosophic viewpoint, Sunrise - Jun/Jul & Aug/Sep 1993 (last update: June 2000)
#Heindel, Max, The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception (Chapter XI: The Genesis and Evolution of our Solar System), 1909, ISBN 0-911274-34-0
==Further reading==
* Johannes Jacobus Poortman, ''Vehicles of Consciousness. The Concept of Hylic Pluralism'', The Theosophical Society in Netherlands, 1978
* Heindel, Max, ''The Rosicrucian Mysteries'' (Chapter III: [http://www.rosicrucian.com/rms/rmseng01.htm#Chapter_III The Visible and the Invisible Worlds]), 1911, ISBN 0-911274-86-3
* H.P. Blavatsky, ''[[The Secret Doctrine]]'', Theosophical Publishing House, 1888
==External links (Planes' diagrams)==
* [http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/planetarium/index.htm#15 Vedic cosmology - planetarium]
* [http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/spiritualresearch/spiritualscience/afterdeath/#2 Planes of Existence] - Spiritual Science Research Foundation
* [http://www.kheper.net/integral/planes.html Planes of Existence] - Kheper website
* [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/loka.html The Thirty-one Planes of Existence] - according to [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] cosmology
* [http://spirits_quest.tripod.com/Genesis.htm Genesis, Planes of Creation, Positive & Negative Powers] - cosmology according to [[Radhasoami]]/[[Sant Mat]] teachings
* [http://www.santji.allegre.ca/planes-640.jpg “The Grand Scheme of All Creation”] - part of the [http://www.santji.allegre.ca/ Sant Ajaib Singh Ji Memorial Site] (a small Radhasoami cosmological diagram)
* [http://www.geocities.com/santmat_mystic/ChartPlanes.jpg The creation according to Sant Mat]
* [http://www.geocities.com/santmat_mystic/Cat.pdf The inner planes of creation] (pdf) - a [[Surat Shabd Yoga]]/Sant Mat diagram
* [http://www.mudrashram.com/GCC2.html The Great Continuum Of Consciousness] according to [[George A. Boyd]]
* [http://www.rosicrucian.com/images/rccen001.gif The Material World a Reverse Reflection of the Spiritual Worlds] according to [[The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception|Rosicrucian cosmology]]:
** [http://www.rosicrucian.com/images/rccen002.gif The Seven Worlds]
** [http://www.rosicrucian.com/images/rccen006.gif The Supreme Being, The Cosmic Planes and God]
* [http://new-ecopsychology.org/en/books/ecopsychology/eco-3.htm Multidimensionality of the Universe] - based on the philosophy of [[Vladimir Antonov (scientist)|Vladimir Antonov]]
[[Category: Philosophy]]
[[Category: Religion]]
A '''dimension''' or '''plane''', other than the [[material|physical]] plane is conceived as a subtle state of [[consciousness]] that [[transcendental||transcends]] the known physical [[universe]].
The [[concepts|concept]] may be found in [[religion|religious]], metaphysical and [[esoteric]] teachings which propound the [[idea]] of a whole series of subtle planes or worlds or dimensions which, from a center, interpenetrate themselves and the physical [[planet]] in which we live, the solar systems, and all the physical [[structure]]s of the [[universe]]. This interpenetration of planes culminates in the universe itself as a physical structured, dynamic and evolutive expression emanated through a series of steadily denser stages, becoming progressively more [[material]] and embodied.
The emanation is conceived, according to esoteric teachings, to have been originated, at the dawn of the universe's manifestation, in the Creator who sent out - from the unmanifested ''[Absolute'' beyond comprehension - the dynamic force of [[creativity|creative]] [[energy]], as ''[[sound]]-vibration'' ("the Word"), into the abyss of [[space]]. On the other hand, it states that this dynamic force is being sent forth, through the ages, framing all [[things]] that constitute and inhabit the universe.
== Origins of the concept ==
The concept of planes of existence might be seen as deriving from [[shaman]]ic and traditional [[myth]]ological ideas of a vertical world-axis; for example a [[cosmic]] mountain, tree, or pole or a philosophical conception of a [[Great Chain of Being]], arranged metaphorically from [[God]] down to inanimate [[matter]].
However the original source of the word "plane" in this context is the late Neoplatonist [[Proclus]], who refers to ''to platos'', "breadth", which was the equivalent of the 19th century theosophical use. An example is the phrase ''en to psuchiko platei'' [Dodds, cited in Poortman, 1978, vol II, p.54].
== Conceptions in ancient traditions ==
Directly equivalent concepts in Indian thought are [[loka]]s and [[bhuvana]]s. In Hindu cosmology, there are traditionally seven lokas or worlds, while Buddhist cosmology has a much larger number of "deva lokas", identified with both traditional [[cosmology]] and states of [[meditation]].
Planes of existence are sometimes referred to as "eggs". For example, the Sanskrit term Brahmanda translates to "the Egg of God". In this context, Brahmanda is thought to encompass the Anda ([[astral plane|astral]] and [[Pinda egg|Pinda]] ([[physical plane|physical]] or [[gross realm|gross]]) eggs, in a way metaphorically analogous to a set of [[Russian doll]]s — the larger containing the next smaller, which contains the next smaller, and so on.
The ancient Norsemen and the Teutonic mythology called "Ginnungagap" to the primordial "Chaos," which was bounded upon the northern side by the cold and foggy "Niflheim"--the land of mist and fog--and upon the south side by the fire "Muspelheim." When heat and cold entered into space which was occupied by Chaos or Ginnungagap, they caused the crystallization of the visible universe.
In the medieval West and Middle East, one finds reference to four worlds (''olam'') in [[Kabbalah]], or five in [[Sufism]] (where they are also called ''tanazzulat''; "descents"). In Kabbalah, each of the four or five worlds are themselves divided into ten sefirot, or else divided in other ways..
== Esoteric conceptions ==
The alchemists of the Middle Ages proposed ideas about the constitution of the universe through a [[language]] full of esoteric [[words]], phrases and signs designed to cloak their [[meaning]] from those not initiated into the ways of alchemy. In his "Physica" (1633), the Rosicrucian alchemist Jan Baptist van Helmont, wrote: "Ad huc spiritum incognitum Gas voco," i.e., "This hitherto unknown Spirit I call Gas." Further on in the same work he says, "This vapor which I have called Gas is not far removed from the Chaos the ancients spoke of." Later on, similar ideas would evolve around the idea of aether.
In the late 19th century, the metaphysical term "planes" was popularised by the theosophy of [[H.P. Blavatsky]], who in ''The Secret Doctrine'' and other writings propounded a complex cosmology consisting of seven planes and subplanes, based on a synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas. From theosophy the term made its way to later esoteric systems such as that of [[Alice Bailey]], who was very influential in shaping the worldview of the [[New Age]] movement. The term is also found in some Eastern teachings that have some Western influence, such as the cosmology of [[Sri Aurobindo]] and some of the later [[Sant Mat]], and also in some descriptions of Buddhist cosmology. The teachings of [[Surat Shabd Yoga]] also include several planes of the creation within both the [[macrocosm and microcosm]], including the Bramanda egg contained within the Sach Khand egg. [[Max Theon]] used the word "States" (French ''Etat'') rather than "Planes", in his [[cosmic]] [[philosophy]], but the meaning is the same.
In the early 20th century, Max Heindel presented in ''[[The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception]]'' a cosmology related to the scheme of [[evolution]] in general and the evolution of the solar system and the [[earth]] in particular, according to the Rosicrucians. He establishes, through the conceptions presented, a bridge between modern [[science]] (currently starting research into the subtler plane of existence behind the physical, the etheric one) and [[religion]], in order that this last one may be able to address man's ''[[Spirituality|inner]]'' questions raised by scientific advancement.
== Emanation vs. the big bang ==
Most cosmologists today believe that the [[universe]] exploded into being some 13.7 billion years ago in a 'smeared-out singularity' called the big bang, meaning that space itself came into being at the moment of the big bang and has expanded ever since, creating and carrying the galaxies with it.
However, in esoteric cosmology expansion refers to the emanation or unfolding of steadily denser planes or spheres from the spiritual summit, what Greek mythology described as "Chaos", until the lowest and most material world is reached. As theosophist [[David Pratt]] emphasizes, at the midpoint of the evolutionary cycle, the reverse process begins: the lower worlds gradually dematerialize or etherealize and are infolded or indrawn into the higher worlds. Thus, outbreathing and inbreathing can refer to the expansion of the One into the many, and the subsequent reabsorption of the many into the One; not to any 'smeared-out singularity' and its subsequent physical expansion as postulated in the big bang theory. ''[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dp5/cosmo.htm Cosmology and the Big Bang]''
According to [[Rosicrucian]]s, another difference is that there is no such thing as empty or void space.
<blockquote>"The space is Spirit in its attenuated form; while matter is crystallized space or Spirit. Spirit in manifestation is dual, that which we see as Form is the negative manifestation of Spirit--crystallized and inert. The positive pole of Spirit manifests as Life, galvanizing the negative Form into action, but both Life and Form originated in Spirit, Space, Chaos! On the other hand, Chaos is not a state which has existed in the past and has now entirely disappeared. It is all around us at the present moment. Were it not that old forms--having outlived their usefulness--are constantly being resolved back into that Chaos, which is also as constantly giving birth to new forms, there could be no progress; the work of evolution would cease and stagnation would prevent the possibility of advancement." [http://www.rosicrucian.com/rcc/rcceng11.htm The Genesis and Evolution of our Solar System]), 1909, ISBN 0-911274-34-0)
</blockquote>
== Who inhabits the various planes ==
Most cosmologies suggest that there are both positive and negative planes. They indicate that an Earth-departed [[soul]] is propelled towards the plane that corresponds to the level of its merits or demerits. One example of this understanding can be found in the secular or popular [[Christianity]], where in afterlife, a departed [[soul]] finds itself in either heaven or hell. Other traditions, including the ''inner'' or esoteric Christianity, suggest that there are finer differences between various positive and negative planes, and that each plane beyond Earth plane becomes more and more subtle. It is commonly believed that positive planes are inhabited by subtle bodies doing righteous deeds, whereas negative planes are inhabited by subtle bodies doing unrighteous deeds.
== References ==
#David Pratt, Cosmology and the Big Bang, a Theosophic viewpoint, Sunrise - Jun/Jul & Aug/Sep 1993 (last update: June 2000)
#Heindel, Max, The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception (Chapter XI: The Genesis and Evolution of our Solar System), 1909, ISBN 0-911274-34-0
==Further reading==
* Johannes Jacobus Poortman, ''Vehicles of Consciousness. The Concept of Hylic Pluralism'', The Theosophical Society in Netherlands, 1978
* Heindel, Max, ''The Rosicrucian Mysteries'' (Chapter III: [http://www.rosicrucian.com/rms/rmseng01.htm#Chapter_III The Visible and the Invisible Worlds]), 1911, ISBN 0-911274-86-3
* H.P. Blavatsky, ''[[The Secret Doctrine]]'', Theosophical Publishing House, 1888
==External links (Planes' diagrams)==
* [http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/planetarium/index.htm#15 Vedic cosmology - planetarium]
* [http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/spiritualresearch/spiritualscience/afterdeath/#2 Planes of Existence] - Spiritual Science Research Foundation
* [http://www.kheper.net/integral/planes.html Planes of Existence] - Kheper website
* [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/loka.html The Thirty-one Planes of Existence] - according to [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] cosmology
* [http://spirits_quest.tripod.com/Genesis.htm Genesis, Planes of Creation, Positive & Negative Powers] - cosmology according to [[Radhasoami]]/[[Sant Mat]] teachings
* [http://www.santji.allegre.ca/planes-640.jpg “The Grand Scheme of All Creation”] - part of the [http://www.santji.allegre.ca/ Sant Ajaib Singh Ji Memorial Site] (a small Radhasoami cosmological diagram)
* [http://www.geocities.com/santmat_mystic/ChartPlanes.jpg The creation according to Sant Mat]
* [http://www.geocities.com/santmat_mystic/Cat.pdf The inner planes of creation] (pdf) - a [[Surat Shabd Yoga]]/Sant Mat diagram
* [http://www.mudrashram.com/GCC2.html The Great Continuum Of Consciousness] according to [[George A. Boyd]]
* [http://www.rosicrucian.com/images/rccen001.gif The Material World a Reverse Reflection of the Spiritual Worlds] according to [[The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception|Rosicrucian cosmology]]:
** [http://www.rosicrucian.com/images/rccen002.gif The Seven Worlds]
** [http://www.rosicrucian.com/images/rccen006.gif The Supreme Being, The Cosmic Planes and God]
* [http://new-ecopsychology.org/en/books/ecopsychology/eco-3.htm Multidimensionality of the Universe] - based on the philosophy of [[Vladimir Antonov (scientist)|Vladimir Antonov]]
[[Category: Philosophy]]
[[Category: Religion]]