Planes of Existence
As we delve into the topic of planes of existence we can begin to unpack the concept that there is more to us and all of existence than meets the eye. There have been systems of philosophy developed over the millennia that discuss the concept of multiple planes of existence. Some of these include Hinduism, Buddhism, Tantrism, Platonism, Neoplatonism and Theosophy.
The Hindu Taittirya Upanishad book of Ancient India indicates that there are five levels of the Self known in Sanskrit as Koshas. Kosha translates as sheath or covering. These are the:
Annamaya Kosha - Physical/Food Sheath
Pranamaya Kosha - Breath/Life Force Sheath
Manomaya Kosha - Mental & Emotional Sheath
Vijnanamaya Kosha - Astral/Psychic Sheath
Anandamaya Kosha - Bliss/Seed Sheath
These sheaths can be visualised as subsequent layers surrounding the seed of the soul making up the united individual. Understanding the concept of these sheaths enables a deep dive into the exploration of our soul and potential within spiritual practice.
Leading spiritual philosopher of Theosophy, Blavatsky, continued to analyse and interpret this concept through her research and psychic investigation. She delineated these sheaths into planes of existence as well as distinguished sub-planes within these planes which brought the concept to the West in a way that could be more readily understood in Western culture.
Through spiritual practice we can gain first-hand experience and understanding of these planes. To give some idea of what to look for on that journey, I’ve written a brief description about each primary plane below.
THE PHYSICAL PLANE
This plane is the visible reality of space, time, energy and matter. This is the level at which we are born into, our daily lives play out and our physical bodies exist. We are able to experience spiritual and elevated emotional states on this level through our bodily functions such as through the nervous and cardiovascular systems. The physical plane is the first and lowest in existence. Many try to bypass it on their quests for emotional and spiritual transcendence due to the pain and suffering it can hold and bring. Developing bodily awareness through conscious practices such as yoga and meditation is the gateway to accessing deeper planes of existence wherein the energy is more subtle than solid. It is also common that many hold the belief that the physical body is all that we are, rather than seeing the body as a temple for the soul. Regardless of how the physical body is viewed, it needs to be respected and well cared for with balanced eating, periods of fasting, proper rest and healthy movement practices to have us survive and thrive in life with longevity.
THE EHTERIC PLANE
The plane of life force energy, the Etheric Plane, also known as the aura, is commonly witnessed by clairvoyants with a wide array of colours. It’s also called the Pranic plane due to Prana, the multi-faceted Sanskrit term for life force, breath, air and ether. This is a plane of subtle energy which can be felt by allowing oneself to be truly still and at peace in one’s environment and within oneself. Being alone in quiet places in nature can be one way to access its vibrations. Seated meditation with breath work is another way. A dedicated yoga practice will also have your awareness of the etheric plane emerge. This level is where the Chakras reside. They enable energy from the earth to flow through us from our base (pelvic floor and feet) and divine energy to flow into the crown (top of the head). Blockages on this plane create issues that follow through into the physical and emotional/mental levels which is why it’s crucial to cultivate and maintain healthy subtle energy flow through open chakras (energy centres) and nadis (energy pathways). This level links the physical level with the emotional, mental level.
THE MENTAL & EMOTIONAL PLANE
Also the Psychological Plane, holds the unique immortal blueprint of each individual and is typically what most people become consumed and unresolved with and limited by. It consists of our thoughts, desires, mental constructs and belief systems which develop throughout time and continually influence the motivations of our actions. Our desires, emotions and thought forms are influenced by the chakras we have most active and strong. Base chakras bring focus upon and desire for territory, money, sensual intimacy, pleasure and power. Upper chakras bring focus upon and desire for reason, love, generosity, peace, intellectual creativity, knowledge, order and genius. Having access to the various aspects of our psyche enables us to reach resolved emotional and mental states, understand the motivations behind our desires and potentially master the psyche which promotes health and balance of the lower planes and grants access to the higher planes. Through this plane, we can also develop relationships with not only people, but with everything we commune with such as animals, places and spirits. This plane also translates our experiences via the information received at sensory levels so that we can make sense of ourselves in relation to our contexts and those we interact with. In addition to healthy movement practices, fasting, meditation, pranayama and time spent in solitude and silence, this plane can also be accessed and harmonised through song, chanting, altruism and positive affirmation.
THE ASTRAL PLANE
From the Astral Plane we can access realms wherein we can traverse through worlds of our own spiritual crafting as well as those of others’, often even without their permission if they don’t have psychic protection. The astral realms are believed to be populated by immortal souls, demons, angels and other spiritual beings. This plane also deals with dreams, prophetic visions and psychic phenomena. It is believed some souls land in the astral plane after they die and stay until they are ready to reincarnate into a different life form. Once we consciously learn how to exist in the astral, we have begun to develop extraordinary psychic powers and depth of wisdom. The astral plane is often accessed through lucid dreaming and astral projection, both of which can be practiced and near-death and out-of-body experiences, which should not be practiced.
THE CAUSAL PLANE
As the highest plane of existence, the Causal plane is where matter is subordinate to consciousness and we see with ultimate clarity the entirety of All That Is. From this plane, Nirvana, Samadhi or Enlightenment are achieved. This is a blissful state arising from being in union with the Divine. Abstract lessons about the structure and origins of the universe are learned on this plane and deep self realisation is achieved. Once access to this plane has been granted, it is believed that we are able to craft universes alongside the Creator or True Self. Important to note, however, that ego does not exist on this plane and the only way to access it is through dissolving the ego entirely and transcending all previous planes. With deep, devoted spiritual development, consciousness elevated to the Causal plane becomes more readily available, however, unless one maintains an enlightened state of being such as through extended meditation (days), we only ever achieve temporary immersions into this plane. There is complete awareness of one’s union with the Source on this plane and the physical plane may no longer be required. Though, desires within and attachment to one’s physical life form will keep one confined to it and continually in the process of reincarnation.
By exploring alternate planes of existence, we are able to powerfully self-reflect and reach states of differing vibrational awakening, divine power and self emergence. Transcending through all levels via devoted spiritual practice is said to bring Nirvana and pure bliss, the uniting of the “I,” Individual Consciousness with the “All,” Universal Consciousness.
