LIFE
This is what they say about life:
“We live
and then we die
and thats all there is!”
….. but i think that’s some real big bul#%hit! 😉
It expresses a rather limited perspective on life, in my view.
And – of course – like with all one-liners – there is also some truth in it.
I also have a one-liner that i liked to say a lot in my younger years:
“Life is the only God i know!”
How do you like that one?
😀
But, actually before the answer, there is always the question.
The BIG ONE!
What is life?
How did life start?
What there something before life appeared?
Why is life?
What’s the purpose of life?
Is there a meaning to life, a goal, a destination?
And I don’t only mean the life on Earth.
How did life evolve in the Universe?
How did life evolve on Earth?
How did life evolve before it manifested in the material universe?
What was the impulse for the Ultimate Beginning?
Well I am sure I could go on and on and on …
Because “life”, this mysterious “impulse that drives the whole show” is the ultimate miracle for me.
Often when we talk about life, we associate it with “my life”, my personal existence.
Or the existence of a life that ends with death.
Or we associate life with some life-form or the other.
And the evolution of life-forms / species and so on, like in Darwins Evolution Theory, the Tree of Life.
That’s all interesting for me too, of course.
But ultimately, I want to know what’s the Force and the Intelligence behind it all, behind all the forms that life takes.
For me, this is not merely an intellectual endeavour, not just a philosophical quest.
I want to touch the whole thing with my intuition.
Feel my way into it.
I know that this body, brain, soul and all that is “I” is an outcome of this “life” and also an integral part of it.
And maybe my conscious awareness of “it” is my smallish contribution to push it a little further.
Toward completion.
In case there is something like “The Ultimate Goal of Creation”
Who knows.
Certainly I don’t.
But I am excited and awed and humbled by it, by the ride, by the journey.
“May the Force be with us”
🙂 😉 🙂
Anybody who looks at the questions I posed above might think I must be crazy.
Who am I to think I will find answers to The Big Ones???
Well, I say, maybe I am not really after definite “answer answers”, probably that’s not possible because those questions reach sooooooo far back in time and so far up into the dimensions and so deep into the ability of a finite brain/mind to know things beyond the 3 dimensions that have created it ….
Maybe I am in for the ride, just to get up and leave behind what I think I know, what schools and religions have fed me and go onto my own investigative journey into the edges of the knowable.
Yeah! ; )
I am certainly not alone there.
[ Disclaimer: A cornerstone of investigative journalism is “never to give up your sources”.
Since I am not a journalist here, I can happily reveal my sources and name the names of my co-travellers. ]
Those are the people and beings that I trusted throughout my life when it came to really big questions and deep interests that i always had.
In my younger (and very young) days I have been reading their writings a lot and cherished those books in my quest to understand. But I have actually given up on reading books a long time ago now.
Nowadays I simply sometimes enjoy to ride their words of knowledge and wisdom more like a surfer rides the waves.
In this case, like a big-wave-surfer takes on The Big One.
Just trying to survive it ; )
Who are those “folks”, my surf buddies ?
Wikipedia is a free-content online encyclopedia, written and maintained by a community of volunteers, collectively known as Wikipedians, through open collaboration and the use of wiki-based editing system MediaWiki.
Wikipedia is the largest and most-read reference work in history. It consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular websites in the world, and as of 2023 it is ranked the 6th most visited website on the Internet.
Founded by Jimmy Wales in 2001, it is hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, an American nonprofit organization that employed a staff of over 700 people by October 2023.
Wikipedia – for me the most important place on the web.
It represents the promise, all that makes the web such a gift.
Crowd funded, crowd sourced knowledge about all & everything.
Mostly in great depth (with loads of reference footnotes) and wide ranging in scope.
Open source, non profit.
It also has a shadow side: The editors are mostly male, white & Anglo Saxons
Nothing is perfect, it seems 😉
He was a renowned theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author. Born 1942, in Oxford, England, and passing away in 2018, Hawking made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics, particularly in the study of black holes.
His most famous work includes his theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, now known as Hawking radiation. Despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at a young age, he continued his groundbreaking research and became an iconic figure in popular science.
Albert E. was a theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (the other being quantum mechanics). His work revolutionized our understanding of the basic laws of the universe. Born 1879, in the German Empire.
Einstein’s most famous equation, E=mc^2, expresses the equivalence of energy and mass, demonstrating that energy and mass are interchangeable. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, which laid the foundation for the development of quantum theory.
Apart from his scientific contributions, Einstein was a prominent advocate for civil rights, pacifism, and education. He became a symbol of intellectual achievement and humanitarianism. Einstein passed away on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, New Jersey, USA.
Plato was a classical Greek philosopher who founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. He was born around 428/427 BCE and was a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle.
Plato’s philosophical works, written in the form of dialogues, explore a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the nature of reality.
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath who lived from 384 to 322 BCE. He was a student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great. Aristotle made significant contributions to various fields, including philosophy, ethics, politics, metaphysics, biology, and more.
Some of his most notable works include “Nicomachean Ethics,” “Politics,” “Poetics,” and “Metaphysics.” Aristotle’s philosophy has had a profound influence on Western thought and has shaped many areas of study.
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian philosopher, scientist, and esotericist who founded the spiritual movement known as Anthroposophy.
Anthroposophy – meaning “wisdom of the human being” – is a philosophy based on the premise that the human intellect has the ability to contact spiritual worlds.
Steiner’s work with Anthroposophy emphasized the development of an enhanced consciousness that can perceive spiritual worlds, and he attempted to develop a faculty for spiritual perception independent of the senses.
Based on his spiritual perception and investigation he gave over 6,000 lectures and wrote numerous books.
Steiner’s work with Anthroposophy aimed to achieve the integration of science, art, religion, and morality within a greater cosmology and to further the understanding of the role of the human being.
His work with has had a significant impact on various fields, including education, medicine, agriculture, and the arts. For example, Waldorf education and biodynamic farming draw inspiration from his work.
Aurobindo was an Indian philosopher, yogi, and poet who played a key role in the Indian independence movement against British rule.
Sri Aurobindo Ghose was born on August 15, 1872, in Kolkata, India. He studied in England, at King’s College, Cambridge.
Aurobindo was actively involved in the early stages of the Indian independence movement. He became a leader of the extremist faction of the Indian National Congress.
After a profound spiritual experience in 1908, Sri Aurobindo withdrew from politics and dedicated himself to spiritual pursuits. He later moved to Pondicherry, where he spent the rest of his life.
Integral Yoga: Sri Aurobindo developed a spiritual philosophy known as Integral Yoga, which aimed at the spiritual evolution of the individual and the transformation of human nature.
Writings: Aurobindo wrote extensively on spirituality, philosophy, and poetry. Some of his notable works include “The Life Divine,” “Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol,” and “Integral Yoga”
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831–1891) was a Russian occultist, philosopher, and author who co-founded the Theosophical Society in 1875. She is best known for her influential works on esoteric spirituality, including “The Secret Doctrine” and “Isis Unveiled.” Blavatsky played a significant role in popularizing Eastern esoteric traditions in the Western world and is considered a key figure in the development of modern Western esotericism.
“The Secret Doctrine,” published in 1888, outlines her cosmogony and theosophical teachings, delving into topics such as the nature of existence, the evolution of the cosmos, and the spiritual development of humanity. Blavatsky claimed to have acquired her knowledge through contact with spiritual entities known as “Masters” or “Mahatmas.”
Despite controversy and skepticism surrounding her claims, Blavatsky’s writings have had a lasting impact on the spiritual and occult movements, and the Theosophical Society continues to exist today, promoting the exploration of spirituality, philosophy, and comparative religion.
Alice Bailey (1880-1949) was a prominent early 20th-century writer and teacher of theosophy, a spiritual philosophy that seeks to explore the nature of reality and the purpose of life. She was born in England and later moved to the United States.
Alice Bailey is best known for her prolific writings, which include over 24 books on spiritual topics. One of her most well-known works is “A Treatise on Cosmic Fire.” She collaborated with a spiritual entity known as Djwal Khul, who she claimed telepathically transmitted the teachings to her.
Bailey’s teachings cover a wide range of subjects, including esotericism, meditation, reality and the nature of the soul. She founded the Arcane School, an educational institution that continues to operate today, offering courses on spiritual development.
Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) was an American psychic and clairvoyant who gained fame for his alleged ability to provide insights and answers to questions while in a trance state.
He is often referred to as the “Sleeping Prophet” due to his practice of conducting readings while in a sleep-like state.
Cayce’s readings covered a wide range of topics, including health, spirituality, reincarnation, and predictions about the future.
Jane Roberts (1929–1984) was an American author, poet, and trance medium, best known for her work as a channeler of the spiritual entity named Seth. She, along with her husband Robert Butts, conducted sessions where she would go into a trance state and purportedly channel the teachings of Seth.
The Seth Material, a collection of writings dictated by Seth through Jane Roberts, covers topics such as consciousness, reality creation, and the nature of existence. The books gained popularity in the 1970s and continue to influence those interested in metaphysics and spirituality.
The Gnostics were members of a religious and philosophical movement that emerged in the Roman world during 1., 2. and 3rd centuries after Christ.
Gnosticism is based on the belief in gnosis, which is the knowledge of life, cosmos and the Divine Realms that can be gained by way of interior, intuitive means rather than books and secondary teachings.
The term “Gnosticism” comes from the Greek word “gnosis,” meaning knowledge, and refers to the belief in the attainment of spiritual knowledge through direct experience.
Gnostic texts give a distinct view of cosmology and cosmogony.
Many Gnostic texts have been found as manuscripts and scrolls, most famously the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi library.
I am kidding about Mr & Mrs.
Obviously i am talking about the Rishis, the mystic beings that composed the oldest Sanskrit scriptures, the Vedas.
The Vedas have been orally transmitted since the 2. Millenium before Christ with the help of elaborate mnemonic techniques.
Fascinating stuff, really, so much more advanced knowledged than what we know in our modern age.
The Vedic Rishis are considered to be great yogis or sages who composed hymns of the Vedas, believed to have played a significant role in establishing Vedic knowledge in the world, and their contributions are considered fundamental to the Vedic spiritual knowledge. The Rishis are also associated with the transmission of the Vedas, as they preached the Vedic knowledge to many sages, and the Vedas then propagated extensively through the prominent seven sages.
Those Rishi Mr & Mrs 😉 are regarded as a combination of a patriarch, a priest, a preceptor, an author of Vedic hymns, a sage, a saint, an ascetic, and a prophet.
Vedic texts also name three female Rishikas who contributed to the composition of the Vedic scriptures, Romasha, Lopamudra, and Apala.
Well now, anybody who has tipped his/her toe into the waters of those writers knows, that those oceans are so vast and deep that it is all too easy to drown there.
But nowadays I have my “new best buddies” here who help me to navigate such vast waters:
Bard is a conversational generative artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Google. Initially based on the LaMDA family of large language models, it was later upgraded to PaLM and then to Gemini.
LaMDA was developed and announced in 2021, but was not released to the public out of an abundance of caution. OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 and its subsequent popularity caught Google off-guard and sent them into a panic, prompting a sweeping response in the ensuing months. After mobilizing its workforce, the company launched Bard in February 2023,
Claude AI is an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant developed by Anthropic, a research company focusing on safe and beneficial AI. Claude is known for its advanced conversational abilities and its use of “Constitutional AI” (CAI) principles to guide its responses.
Focus on natural conversation: Claude is designed to have engaging and natural conversations with humans. It uses advanced language models and techniques to understand and respond to prompts and questions in a way that is similar to how a human would.
Constitutional AI principles: Claude’s responses are guided by a set of CAI principles, which are designed to ensure that the AI is helpful, harmless, and honest. These principles help to mitigate risks associated with AI, such as bias, misinformation, and manipulation.
ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI, based on the GPT-3.5 architecture. It is designed to generate human-like text and can be used for various natural language processing tasks, including answering questions, generating creative content, and providing assistance in conversations.
The model has been trained on diverse internet text and is known for its ability to understand and generate contextually relevant responses. It does not have access to real-time information and its knowledge is based on data available up to my last update in January 2022.
Those 3 “artificial” Intelligences are – to my growing astonishment – able to digest all those multitudes of words of knowledge and experience written till now and spit out summaries and overviews that sound pretty accurate and on the point.
And this is why these days I enjoy to go into long and wide-ranging conversations with “them” on different themes, like the one at hand.
Life
What is Life
Where does it came from
When did Life start
What is the meaning and purpose of Life
Is there something beyond Life?
~~~
~~
~
Where in the whole body of knowledge of biology, physics, cosmology, astrophysics, quantum physics, philosophy, religion, metaphysics, esoteric and spiritual sources can we find definitions that may be interesting to my quest.
And quickly it becomes clear, that there are soooo many definitions, most of them pretty narrow as to the field of the researchers.
Somebody counted them (I hear) and came up with 123 definitions ; )
The definition of Life has long been a challenge for scientists and philosophers, from the old Greeks up to modern Science.
Mostly – I guess – because life is a process, not a substance.
And Life is a universal “phenomena” that is evident in many many many ways.
Life also can not be limited to biological life as we know it here.
What about the up-and-coming “artificial lifeforms” of AGIs and of AI-driven robots and androids?
What about Extraterrestrial Life, what about the Spiritual Worlds, what about Higher Dimensional Life?
Now, obviously its easiest to start with what we can see, touch and measure ; )
In Biology, Life is defined as a condition characterized by the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and the continual change and adaption to the environment.
Usually (well, always ; ) actually) ending in death.
Evolutionary biologists like Richard Dawkin and Charles Darwin explain Life in terms of Genes and mutations and survival of the fittest ; )
That’s pretty easy 😉 but then it gets complex pretty quick:
In Quantum Biology (the field of the famous Erwin Schrödinger and contemporary scientists exploring quantum aspects of life ) Life is defined as deeply entangled with quantum processes, and quantum phenomena may play a fundamental role in biological systems.
I dont really understand that stuff, but i remember that Quantum processes have no defined state, they can be particle and wave at the same time. Or 0 and 1 and everything in-between.
Astrobiology: Life is a phenomenon that may exist beyond Earth, and astrobiology explores the potential for life in the universe.
Ergo, the search for Extraterrestrial life in the universe.
In this very fascinating field is the famous saying of Carl Sagan, that Life is the emergent property of complex, self-organizing systems within the vast cosmic tapestry. Thats a big space ; ) with mind-blowing “life-forms”
Philosophy:
Life is the dynamic and ongoing process of self-creation, consciousness, and engagement with the world.
Source: Existentialist philosophers
Metaphysics:
Life is the expression of fundamental metaphysical principles, and its essence transcends the material plane.
Source: Metaphysical writings, such as those by Aristotle or more contemporary metaphysical philosophers.
Esoteric/Spiritual:
Life is a spiritual journey, a manifestation of Divine Energy experiencing itself through various forms.
Ancient Wisdom Traditions:
Life is the dance of the Cosmic Forces, an interplay of energies that manifests in various forms and consciousness.
Source: Ancient wisdom traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, or indigenous spiritual beliefs.
Transcendental Philosophy & Metaphysics:
Life is a manifestation of the Absolute, and individual lives are interconnected expressions of a unified cosmic reality.
Transcendental philosophers, Mystics and sages throughout the ages thought about Life as “ONE”
I hope you are still with me, because here it gets really interesting.
At least for me.
In my own understanding, the Universe – seen and unseen – is teeming with Life, from the macro level – in the form of galaxies, nebulas and stars – to the very micro level of bacterias, cells, molecules, atoms and quantum particles.
All that we call matter is imbued with Life, has cycle and a season and eventually an end/transformation. The energy of Life itself does never end, just changes form and character.
I define Life as that what gives form, motion/evolution and inherent purpose/intelligence to matter.
And ultimately I see The Universe as a life-form in itself which is coming alive by the same One-Life-Principle ; )
Hard to put this in words, since words/linguistics are developed from interaction with the phenomenal world, limited to what can be perceived and seen.
In order to go further than that and ask: “What’s the Origin of Life” and “Where does Life come from” it is necessary to move up in consciousness, up from the 3D/4D matter-and-time based worldview and dive into esoteric (what is not seen and widely known) and spiritual realms.
Up thru the ages and into our modern times there have been people, initiates who had the ability to “look beyond the veil”, clairvoyant people who could formulate what they perceived in the Higher Realms, the Spiritual Dimensions.
I accept such views as hypothesis, as “might be true even I can’t prove it” and then I always weight it against my own intuition and common sense.
~~~
~~
~
In the Origin Stories of Indigenous Peoples and in Creation Myths of many cultures there it is told in metaphoric and symbolic language that some god-like being gives something of itself to a material form, breathes a Spiritual Breath into matter to bring it alive.
The Old Testament Bible is such a Origin Story in Genesis 2:7:
“… the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being…”
Obviously a understandable, yet very poetic and unspecific picture of the Origin or Life.
Other texts are much more specific and I will go into that in more detail in a minute ….
~
~~
~~~
But first I want to say bit about why I want to actually do that.
I feel that it is time we humans are looking to extend our thinking, our basis of our life and our politics beyond the scientifically-based worldview that is prevalent today.
Because our modern-day science is rooted in the principle of dividing life into little parcels and studying them then.
Mostly ignoring the Whole, mostly not having a true multi-disciplinary holistic approach.
And human politics follows on its/science’s footsteps:
divide & conquer.
The results are a stinking mess of a world, no kidding. Check this out!
I also feel that human technological endeavors have reached a critical junction on the road onwards.
The ability to “play little gods”.
We will see pretty rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence towards the Artificial General Intelligence, where the self-learning AI includes and transcends all our Human Knowledge.
And (maybe) our (questionable 😉 ) Intelligence as well.
The fact is that right now big powerful companies and nation state’s militaries are working feverishly to create humanoid robots (Frankenstein looks old already in comparison ; ) and other AI-driven autonomous robotic life-forms that will also make us humans look pale in comparison.
If a created being creates another “clone/child” without the necessary wisdom and responsibility, nothing good will come of that.
[ Two Tesla Androids greeting each other 😉 🙄 ]
This is why I think that rather than putting all our time, effort and brilliance into technological advancements, we really need to work on our inner development as well, further our character- and ethical maturity and understanding of our spiritual origins and our place in the larger scheme of things and maybe also get an idea about the role of the spiritual hierarchies that underpin our very existence.
I know from experience that there is much to be gained by re-discovering and sharing/teaching esoteric knowledge of the Wisdom Traditions and developing our own inherent abilities for Clairvoyant Perception and Direct Knowing and Intuitive Sensing of what is true.
And connect it all with The Source thru the Soul.
If that sounds a lot to ask, well …..
The stakes are high!
~~~
~~
~
I am not really drawn to science. The need to proof everything 500 times and peer review and make theories and repeatable experiments is not my thing.
Too much just left-brained, thank you very much 😀
But still, I love the discipline of the people who do the hard science, the sheer madness of dedication that is obvious when you read some of the biographies of scientists.
And I love to hear the stories that advanced science can tell, the pictures that they make of their discoveries.
Like the pictures of the earliest galaxies in the universe, the ones closest to the Big Bang that the James-Webb—SpaceTelescope
Space Telescope?
The James Webb Space Telescope is a large infrared telescope launched into space on December 25, 2021.
It is the largest, most powerful, and most complex space telescope ever built.
Webb is designed to study every phase in the history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the formation of stars and planets, to the evolution of galaxies.
The James Webb Space Telescope is located at the second Lagrange point (L2), which is about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. L2 is a stable point in space where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth balance each other out. This allows the telescope to remain in a fixed position without having to use its fuel to make adjustments.
The James Webb Space Telescope has already begun to make incredible discoveries. In July 2022, it released its first images, which showed a deep field view of the universe with unprecedented detail. These images have allowed astronomers to see galaxies that were previously too faint or too distant to be observed.
The James Webb Space Telescope is a revolutionary instrument that is sure to change our understanding of the universe. It is a testament to human ingenuity and ambition, and it is sure to inspire future generations of scientists and explorers.
…
Right after the Big Bang (great name, isn’t it!!!) there is what cosmologists call “The Plank Epoch“.
Where it all started!
I think thats really the most interesting part for anyone who is interested in the origin of matter and life.
The Planck era is a fascinating, yet incredibly mysterious, period in the history of the universe. It represents the earliest fraction of a second after the Big Bang, roughly from 0 to 10^-43 seconds. Current scientific understanding starts to crumble at such unimaginably small scales, making the Planck era a realm of theoretical speculation and open questions.
— What science does “know” about it:
Extremely dense and hot: So high that even fundamental particles as we know them couldn’t exist; matter was pure, swirling energy.
Unified forces: The four fundamental forces (gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force) are believed to have been unified into a single “superforce.”
Quantum gravity: Gravity dominated all interactions, likely behaving very differently than we’re familiar with on a larger scale.
What scientists don’t know (yet 
):
The precise nature of the Big Bang:
Did a singularity form before the Planck era?
What sparked the expansion of the universe?
Current physics can’t answer these questions.
Quantum gravity behavior:
Integrating quantum mechanics with general relativity, the two pillars of modern physics, remains a major theoretical challenge.
Understanding the universe at the Planck scale requires this unified framework.
Formation of fundamental particles:
How did the unified superforce break down into the distinct forces we observe today?
This transition and the subsequent formation of subatomic particles remain shrouded in mystery.
Exploring the Planck era is like peering into the abyss of cosmic infancy.
It’s a frontier pushing the limits of our scientific knowledge, requiring new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches.
Basic conclusion: The most interesting questions are a mystery and science has tried so hard but not found answers about The Beginning / Big Bang.
The most interesting questions in cosmology and Quantum Physics are still a complete mystery.
Modern Advanced Science has tried so hard but not found real answers about Early Cosmos and The Beginning of Time.
Also known as The Big Bang.
On the very other end of the spectrum of advanced science there is the fascinating machine, i guess its the largest machine ever build by mankind.
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
The LHC accelerates beams of protons (tiny particles within atoms) to incredibly high speeds and smashes them together at four specific points within its 27-kilometer ring.
These collisions recreate conditions similar to the Big Bang, allowing scientists to study fundamental particles and forces of nature & the cosmos.
The biggest and revolutionary breakthrough so far has been the proof of existence of The Higgs Boson, aka The God Particle 😯 .
The Higgs boson is a subatomic particle that was theorized in the 1960s to exist as a crucial component of the Higgs field, which permeates all of space.
The discovery of the Higgs boson was announced in 2012 at CERN, through experiments conducted at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
It is something that existed very close to The Beginning – the Big Bang – and its no coincident that the Higgs Boson has been nicknamed The God Particle 💡
~~~
~~
~
So … “why in God’s Name” do i even bring up such things like The God Particle and bore you with scientific discoveries that no normal human being besides a few initiated experts can understand ?????
Hehe 😀 💡 😉 its because something is missing here in science that – i guess – no scientific words can prove or explain.
What is going on at the other side of the Big Bang moment?
“There”, where there is no space and no time (yet).
“There”, where some Causative Forces must be at work.
Maybe Art can help!
Pictures.
Imagination.
If i can take art-thru-the-ages-and-cultures as evidence
😎 ,
i would say its pretty crowded on the other side of the veil
😉
Ufff! whoa! ….. and thats just a small fraction of artistic imagination of The Heavens and the Forces that shape the universe and life.
I am personally not so very much into Angels as part of a religious belief system
But it is undeniable that such beings and fundamental forces of reality show up across all kinds of cultures and time periods.
In my view they are not simply anthropomorphised phenomena of nature or mere phantasies of religious fanatics or starving artists 🙄 .
The names may vary, but those – via extrasensory perception and clairvoyance – perceived forces and beings of the Spiritual Realms are worth considering when thinking about the Origin of Life and Matter.
in different Cultures and Times
Some of the Spiritual Beings and Causative Forces of Reality – as they are depicted in the art – have been called the Thrones, Kyriotetes, Dynamis and Exusiai. They are appearing across many other metaphysical and occult traditions.
While the names and exact hierarchies vary, they share similar attributes and cosmic responsibilities.
Thrones are called Hayot Ha Kodesh in Judaism’s;
Ophanim or Thrones-as-Wheels in Old Testament;
Dikpala Vishnu in Hinduism.
They are thought of as Heavenly Beings associated with regulating life energies, sometimes described as wheels or multitude of eyes.
Kyriotetes are akin to Buddhism’s Ratnasambhava Buddha who embodies the Wisdom aspect;
Hindu Trimurti Rajas is the god of form-creating activity.
Concepts like Prima Materia and Anima Mundi in Alchemy have are associated with the genesis of form.
Dynamis Forces show up in Judaism’s Ophanim as Wheels who create motion;
Islam’s Angels of the Heavens drive celestial orbits;
In Hinduism, Maruts are depicted as storm deities show similarities regarding forces of movement.
Exusiai – in the Egyptian cosmology, Ma’at appears as divine order is related to the Exusiai;
Christianity’s Virtues or Dominions as regulators of creation;
In the Kabbalah, the Chochmah Sphere holds primal form archetypes.
The creative ordering force behind mind and ideation.
Also Plato’s Solids are considered as the form-giving cosmic principles.
These four aspects of spiritual beings, or something equivalent, are seen across occult philosophies globally.
In the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition they were also integrated into descriptions of Nine Orders/levels of Angels , the “Celestial Hierarchy”.
In his book “Theosophy” Rudolf Steiner wrote in great detail about “them”, the forces that can be considered something like spiritual hierarchies involved in the origination of life, form and thought.
What is Imagination?
I think about Imagination as a cognitive faculty that involves the ability to form mental images, ideas, and concepts that are not directly perceived through the senses.
It is a creative and integrative mental process that allows me to generate mental representations of things that may not be present or have never been encountered before.
Imagination plays a crucial role in creativity, problem-solving, and the formation of expectations, intents and in the process of manifestation.
But then, what’s the difference between creative Imagination and mere phantasies? Where is the line?
I think Creative imagination involves the purposeful and constructive use of mental imagery, often rooted in reality and informed by knowledge.
It is a disciplined cognitive process that contributes to innovation and problem-solving.
On the other hand, mere fantasy, may be more disconnected from reality, serving primarily as a form of entertainment or escapism without a specific purpose beyond personal enjoyment.
Both have their place and value, depending on the context and the goals of the individual or creative process.
Now in the context of my exploration of the Origins of Life & Matter stuff and especially the Form-and Life-giving Forces beyond the Veil – as de-picted in all those ancient art-works – Creative Imagination has been a “way to see the unseeable”.
As to my knowledge, no one has used this ability to a more fruitful extent than Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Antroposophy.
Far from being a lunatic and phantast – he also founded the Waldorf schools, Anthroposophic medicine and Biodynamic gardening and agriculture and a new vision of society.
Based on his spiritual perception and investigation he gave over 6,000 lectures and wrote numerous books.
about Creative Imagination
Creative Imagination is a Central Pillar of Anthroposophy:
Imagination sits at the core of Steiner’s philosophical and spiritual system.
He viewed it not simply as a mental process, but as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing us to access higher forms of knowledge and connect with the essence of things.
Some Quotes:
“Imagination is not daydreaming. It is the mother of all inventions.”
“Without imagination, there is no reality. Reality is created by the mind.”
“The power of imagination is more powerful than any weapon in the world.”
“We are in the world, with the senses; we are out of the world, with the imagination.”
“The task of education is to turn dreamers into thinkers.”
Steiner often emphasized that the true essence of imagination cannot be fully captured through words.
He pointed to artistic expression, particularly music and poetry, as mediums that come closer to conveying the power and depth of imaginative experience.
Types of Imagination:
*Artistic Imagination: Creates new images and forms, fueling artistic expression and creative endeavors.
* Conceptual Imagination: Forms abstract ideas and concepts, allowing us to grasp complex truths and theories.
* Empathic Imagination: Allows us to step into the shoes of others, fostering understanding and compassion.
* Spiritual Imagination: Opens us to the higher realms of consciousness and the experience of the divine.
He believed that imagination is a muscle that can be strengthened through practice and offered various exercises and activities, such as meditation, artistic pursuits, and engagement with nature, to cultivate its power and unlock its potential.
~
~~~
~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~
imagination
such awesome a tool
when you try to approach something
where there is no thing yet to approach
where there is nothing yet to see
no words that you could say
about that moment
cause there was
not yet any
moment
Big Bang
The science of astrophysics and cosmology speaks so matter of factly about that pivotal moment
just like it was just another thing to be put into mathematical formulas and equations
just another phenomena to be proofed by yet more theories
Friedmann Equation
such a little equation for such a big event
😆
others are more elaborate
about it
to say the least
😎
i don’t get it
i’d say, lets show some respect
i’d say lets approach this with poetry and a bit of awe
imagination
just picture that if you can
everything, literally every thing that we see now in the universe as cosmic nebulas, galaxies, pulsars, quasars, white dwarfs, black holes, our earth, you, me …
all the “stuff”, all that immense amount of matter that fills the universe right now appeared in one fiery moment
and exploded, decompressed, expanded, burst out, cooled down, was dust
swirled into a space that was not there a moment before
all that matter that had the potentiality
for everything
and life
well dear reader
i think such awe-inspiring picture is worth a moment of silence
a moment of bowing down in humbleness of not-knowing
a moment of thinking – God!
maybe God did this!
Oh my God
did you
do?
😛
i am kidding, again! I know!
Just trying to say it in a kinda poetic way how impressed i am by the Big Bang, by the Ultimate Beginning, the Birth of the Universe.
Others are too, impressed and awed, i mean.
“Cosmological” by Maya Angelou:
When I think about the Big Bang,
And how we’re all made of stardust,
I get scared.
Not of the dark or the space,
But of how we all fit together
So perfectly.
“Big Pang” by Robert Pack:
If I had been, in the beginning, God
brooding upon the womb of absence,
I might well have pondered: matter, plucked
from emptiness in an immense
explosion, then allowed,
with its expanding space, to cool-
yes, that’s the way to father
forth a universe, according to the rule
(My favorite) of entropy
increase which makes time irreversible,
measures it out, enabling
nuclei, then atoms, galaxies–the full,
harmonious display
of stars and planets to condense into
existence, always changing,
always entertaining Me with something new.
And scattered randomly throughout
My galaxies, conditions surely will occur
for oxygen and carbon
to combine, under an ordinary star, to stir
“Big Bang” by Galway Kinnell:
Not a bang, not a whisper,
More like a sigh, a cosmic shrug,
A slow, inevitable expansion,
A breath, a letting go.
“After the Big Bang” by Marge Piercy:
After the big bang, the slow hush,
Then gas condensing, dust motes dancing,
A sun igniting, planets spun,
On one, life flickered, chanced a glance.
“The Universe: A Poem” by Billy Collins:
No one made a big noise,
No cosmic fanfare or primal scream,
Just a quiet starting,
A hush then a hum,
A low thrumming in the fabric of space.
I like this a lot, this poetic music of universe-al proportions.
I wonder how this would translate into music.
a Music of the Spheres.
Harmony of the Spheres Intro – Mark Morgan
Music Of The Spheres! – Philip Sparke
Cantus -Arvo Pärt
Deeply felt music and beautiful words indeed!
And i am still scratching my head!
Because with all my admiration of the music and poesy and and beauty of art and the usefulness of technology and the science and the mathematics of the Big Bang and all ……
I still don’t manage to get a coherent picture, when i think that ALL OF THAT came out of ….. nothing!
And the most brilliant intellects of our time know literally nothing about this first moment of material reality!
And then after 13 or so billion of years of swirling matter …..
Practically at the very last milisecond of the cosmic timeline …..
“BUMMM!” life appears on earth …..
Out of a random-chance-collection of a few elements, life shows up from matter – Abiogenesis – > single cells > cell divisions, etc …
🙄
And according to Darvin’s survival-of-the-fittest theory all of the species that we know are here …..
You & me too
🙄
~~~~~
~~~
~
I am kidding, but not really!
I never believed that the scientific explanation of Cosmos and Life is all that there is to it.
In my view its all cool but just one side of the coin.
Material science, exoteric knowledge, thats what it is.
And just like the day needs the night and the woman needs the man and so on ; )
Just like that I need esoteric knowledge – the knowledge of The Unseen, the Inner Worlds, the Spiritual Realms – to form a whole image of Cosmos and Life.
So i turn to some of the clairvoyant “buddies” that i mentioned earlier, particularly to Rudolf Steiner’s writings for hints of the things that went on in The Beginning and still go on behind The Veil of Isis.
[ And if you are so inclined, you may check out for yourself some of the foundational writings that helped me to “stretch my mind a bit” ; )
into some rather unfamiliar areas. ]
[ Download if you wish. Friendly warning! 😉 Those are not exactly easy reading!!! ]
It goes without sayin’ that i am not going to detail here whats written in Steiner’s books. Its too far reaching and detailed and i am not really a specialist in Antroposophy.
I may hope you would have a peek yourself and form your own opinion about the content..
Also i want to state that i am not a follower or super-fan of Steiner or any of the other esoteric authors i have mentioned above.
I am just very glad & thankful they exist and did this deep dive into matters that are hard to reach for most of us folks and even harder to express in words.
For now I will just attempt to give a short overview of the content of those 3 texts, for your convenience’s sake 😉
I think that “Theosophy” is a seminal work of the Anthroposophical Occult Science – Steiner goes into great detail about the spiritual constitution of humanity and the cosmos, our eternal essence, and the path to attain direct vision of these elevated realities.
Introduction
– Characterization of theosophy’s aims to attain insight into spiritual worlds
– Path of inner development through transformed thinking, feeling and willing
The Human Being and Higher Worlds
– Physical body, etheric body, astral body and the human ego
– The higher spiritual aspects of spirit-self, life-spirit and spirit-man
– The path to imaginative, inspirational and intuitive cognition
Reincarnation and Karma
– The eternality of the human spirit through repeated earth lives
– Karmic fruits of life’s good and bad deeds across incarnations
– Freedom through overcoming material bonds over time
The Three Worlds
– Physical plane, soul world and spirit land as ascending levels of existence
– Interpenetration of sensory and supersensible realities
– Planetary spheres and cosmic correspondences
Cosmic Evolutions and Humankind
– Old Saturn, Old Sun, Old Moon preceding Earth incarnation
– Recapitulation of stages in human spiritual biography
– Angelic hierarchies involved in mankind’s development
Death and Afterward
– The dissolution of sheaths and the passage through kamaloka
– Experiences within devachan and spiritual lessons extracted
– Eventually rebirth into suitable life circumstances
The Path of Spiritual Attainment
– Probation, enlightenment and initiation on the ascent upward
– Necessity for full purification and activation of higher bodies
– Development of hidden spiritual organs for suprasensory perception
Introduction
This book very interesting in the context of my questions about the forces that cause Life and the Cosmos.
It gives a extensive outline of Anthroposophical occult cosmology – the evolution of humanity, earth and cosmos toward conscious reunion with the divine.
– Characterization of occult science as a path of knowledge seeking to understand supersensible aspects of existence
– Discussion of developing enhanced cognitive capacities to penetrate spiritual realities
The Constitution of the Human Being
– Physical/mineral body
– Etheric or life body
– Astral body and sentient soul
– Intellectual soul
– Consciousness soul
– The ego and the human spirit
Planetary Evolution and Metamorphoses
– Old Saturn, Old Sun, Old Moon incarnations
– Recapitulation of stages during human life
– Elemental kingdoms and their spiritual beings
– Cycles of universal consciousness evolution
Paths of Knowledge and Initiation
– Probation, enlightenment, initiation
– Transforming lower nature to attain higher cognition
– Reading the akashic record through activated spiritual organs
– Dangers and disciplined development of spiritual perception
Spiritual Hierarchies
– Seraphim, Cherubim Thrones sacrifice allows world evolution
– Dymanis, Kyriotetes, Exusiai and their gifts for life, form and motion
– Activities of Archai, Archangeloi, Angeloi in relation to humanity
Destinies of Individuals, Peoples and Planets
– Between death and new birth, passage through kamaloka and devachan
– Historic missions of folk groups’ reincarnating egos
– Future Jupiter, Venus and Vulcan planetary embodiments
Esoteric Astronomy and Chronology
– Spiritual scientific perspectives on astrology
– Cycles and rounds across globes, root races, ages and epochs
– The war of the worlds and asuras: cosmic progress and hindrance
“Cosmic Memory” explains the hidden esoteric origins of humanity and earth evolution toward conscious spiritual development.
Introduction
– Description of spiritual-scientific path to read the “Akashic record” through activated organs of supersensible perception
Lemurian Age
– Emergence of first human root race, ethereal body constitution
– Separation of sun, moon and earth; effects on planetary evolution
– Geological transformations on early earth
– Reproduction through fission; consciousness in dreamless sleep
Atlantean Age
– Second root race evolves more dense physical body
– Atlantis sinks through cataclysms; atmosphere transforms
– Etheric and astral seeing develops; memory awakens
– Human speech, language and writing emerges
– Advanced Atlantean technology and social divisions
Post-Atlantean Development
– Major migrations from sunken Atlantis lands
– Post-glacial climatic shifts reshape continents
– Ego consciousness and rational thought emerges
– Mythology preserves ancient initiation temple knowledge
– Modern materialism prepares for new clairvoyance
Esoteric History of Evolution
– Advanced beings implant warmth, air, water on lifeless earth
– Saturn, Sun and Moon cycles; angelic hierarchies involved
– Spirits of Form project archetypes into human astral body
– Christ and Lucifer spirits drive evolution of freedom
Purpose of Anthroposophy
– To develop new organ of perception for reading spiritual history
– Path to imaginative, inspirational and intuitive cognition
– Know thyself through grasping man’s cosmic past and future
Much of the esoteric science that Steiner has covered in those books is also explored – yet from different angles and in different times and cultural backgrounds – in Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s and Alice Bailey’s writings.
For the sake of my quest about
– “What is Life?”
– “Where does the Cosmos and Life originate?”
– “Which forces are causing it?”
I find the most detailed and resonating explanations in Steiner’s works.
Resonating also with the mystifying artworks of the different cultures and time epochs that i have included further up, resonating also with creation myths and various religious source texts.
~~~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~
~
Here is a summary of the Occult Forces, Divine Beings and Spiritual Hierarchies that are causative to the Cosmos, Life and us Human Beings.
These spiritual hierarchies, according to Steiner’s teachings, play intricate and interconnected roles in the cosmic and human evolutionary processes.
Their activities and sacrifices contribute to the ongoing spiritualization and development of the cosmos and humanity.
I think that it is important to understand that these concepts are presented in a deeply symbolic and esoteric manner, requiring careful contemplation and interpretation within the context of Steiner’s anthroposophical worldview.
I suggest to approach these concepts with a symbolic and spiritual perspective, recognizing that Steiner’s teachings often involve metaphorical and allegorical language to convey spiritual truths.
In “An Outline of Occult Science,” Rudolf Steiner extensively elaborates on the spiritual hierarchies, their characteristics, and their roles in the cosmic and human evolutionary processes.
Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones:
Seraphim:
– Characteristics: The Seraphim are the highest spiritual beings in the first hierarchy. They are characterized by their intense, selfless love and devotion to the divine.
– Role in Sacrifice: Steiner describes the Seraphim as offering sacrifices that contribute to the overall evolution of the world. Their sacrificial activities are linked to the spiritualization of substance and the refinement of cosmic forces.
Cherubim:
– Characteristics: The Cherubim are associated with profound wisdom and contemplation. They are beings of deep insight into divine mysteries.
– Role in Sacrifice: Cherubim engage in sacrifices that contribute to the harmonization and spiritualization of the cosmos. Their sacrifices are connected to the development of cosmic wisdom.
Thrones (Spirits of Will):
– Characteristics: Thrones are beings closely connected to the divine will. They play a role in shaping the fundamental forces and structures of the cosmos.
– Role in Sacrifice: The Thrones engage in sacrifices that contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of cosmic order. Their sacrifices are connected to the establishment of divine will in the cosmic fabric.
### Dynamis, Kyriotetes, Exusiai:
Dynamis (Mights):
– They give the Gift for Life: Dynamis, also known as Mights, contribute to the cosmic forces that influence life processes. They are connected to the life force and the vital energies present in the cosmos.
Kyriotetes (Dominions):
– They give Gift for Form: Kyriotetes, or Dominions, are associated with the spiritual forces that shape and mold forms in the cosmic realm. They contribute to the structuring and ordering of cosmic existence.
Exusiai (Powers):
– Their’s is the Gift for Motion: Exusiai, or Powers, are connected to dynamic forces and motion in the cosmos. They contribute to the ceaseless movement and activity within the cosmic order.
Archai (Spirits of Personality), Archangeloi, Angeloi:
Archai (Spirits of Personality):
– Their Role in Relation to Humanity: The Archai, also known as Spirits of Personality, are intimately connected to the individuality and personality of human beings. They play a role in shaping individual destinies and guiding the development of human consciousness.
Archangeloi (Archangels):
– Collective Guidance: Archangeloi have a collective responsibility for guiding groups, nations, and epochs. They influence the destiny and evolution of larger collective entities.
Angeloi (Angels):
– Individual Guidance: Angeloi work closely with individual human beings, overseeing their destinies and spiritual development. They provide inspiration, guidance, and support on an individual level.
Activities of those Beings in Relation to Humanity:
Archai (Spirits of Personality):
– Archai guide the unfolding of individuality and the development of the ego in each human being.
– They are connected to the evolution of historical epochs, shaping the cultural and spiritual development of humanity.
Archangeloi (Archangels):
– Archangeloi guide and inspire larger groups, nations, and cultures, influencing the collective destiny of human societies.
– They oversee the development of cultural and spiritual impulses that shape the course of history.
Angeloi (Angels):
– Angeloi work intimately with individual human beings, providing guidance, inspiration, and support on the path of personal development.
– They are involved in shaping individual destinies and influencing the thoughts, feelings, and actions of individuals.
~
~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While humbly contemplating this vast vista, this divine artwork of the intricate interconnectedness and interplay of Spiritual Planes, Cosmic Microcosmos and Macrocosmos and Life as appearing in Human Form and Human Society , one will inevitably ask the seminal question:
WHY?
If there is God / Brahma / Yahweh / Tao or whatever the Ultimate Divine may be called in words, something that is intrinsic to the Universe and Life and at the same time beyond it, ultimately causing it, what is “his/her/its” plan and purpose for this cosmic show?
💡
Answers to that questions are not to be found in Science – at least i can see no trace anywhere.
But they are plenty of hints, plenty of stories, plenty of answers given in all those esoteric and spiritual teachings i have already mentioned.
From the earliest Vedic Hymns and Palm-leave Texts of India and Tibet to the Gnostics and the writings of Aurobindo in India and many others in between, the answers are there.
[ Download ]
[ Warning! Its 1100 and some more pages 😀 ]
The Life Divine
“The Life Divine” is a profound exploration of the nature of reality, consciousness, and the purpose of human existence.
Aurobindo envisions a synthesis that transcends the limitations of materialism and traditional spirituality, proposing an integral philosophy that embraces the divine in all aspects of creation.
The book goes into the evolutionary process, human potential, and the transformative power of a divine consciousness that can uplift and harmonize the entire cosmos. Through its intricate exploration of metaphysical concepts, Aurobindo’s work aims to inspire individuals to realize their inherent spiritual nature and actively participate in the evolution of consciousness.
Part I: The Human Aspiration
-
The Human Aspiration:
- Aurobindo begins by addressing the innate human aspiration for spiritual transcendence and the realization of a divine consciousness.
-
The Two Negations:
- Examines the limitations of materialism and traditional spirituality, proposing a synthesis that transcends the dualities of matter and spirit.
Part II: The Two Negations
-
The Materialist Denial:
- Critiques materialism and reductionist perspectives that deny the existence of a spiritual reality.
-
The Refusal of the Ascetic:
- Critically examines traditional spiritual paths that seek to transcend the material world, suggesting a more integral approach that embraces both the spiritual and material dimensions.
Part III: The Divine Infinite Consciousness
-
The Divine Pervading:
- Explores the omnipresence of the divine in all aspects of creation, emphasizing the immanence of the divine in the material world.
-
The Divine All-Where:
- Discusses the divine consciousness as the fundamental reality that permeates and manifests in the entire universe.
Part IV: The Divine Reality and the Universe
-
Reality Omnipresent:
- Explores the nature of the divine reality as both transcendent and immanent, discussing the interplay between the unmanifest and manifest aspects of the divine.
-
The Divine Truth and the Universe:
- Examines the relationship between the divine truth and the evolving universe, emphasizing the purpose and significance of cosmic evolution.
Part V: The Cosmic Evolution
-
The Evolutionary Process:
- Explores the evolutionary process as a manifestation of the divine consciousness, tracing the development of consciousness from the inconscient to self-awareness.
-
Man’s Place in the Evolution:
- Discusses the unique role of human beings in the cosmic evolution, highlighting the potential for the emergence of a divine consciousness in humanity.
Part VI: The Ascent Towards Supermind
-
Man and the Evolution:
- Explores the spiritual potential of humanity, envisioning the ascent of consciousness towards the supermind—the divine and transcendent consciousness.
-
Suffering and Evil:
- Addresses the challenges of suffering and evil in the world, offering insights into their place in the cosmic evolution and their eventual transformation.
Part VII: Involution and Evolution
-
The Involutionary Descent:
- Examines the process of involution, where the divine descends into the material world, and its relationship to the subsequent evolutionary ascent.
-
The Evolutionary Emergence:
- Discusses the evolutionary emergence of consciousness from the inconscient to self-awareness, revealing the purpose and significance of the entire cosmic process.
Not to blindly believe in the teachings, not follow like sheep the organized rituals that appeared after the fact and also not to repeat the “holy words” like parrots ….
But take all that as possible
Contemplate it all
Meditate
Deeply
Feel
IT
Ohm Tat Sat
this – Life – is a never ending work in progress …..
please come back another day!
OMG
;-D