Serie D brev EL-7

Magazine Overview

This issue of Agni Yoga, titled 'DEL II' and identified as 'EL-7' within the 'SERIE D' series from 'BREVCIRKELN.', focuses on the four forms of life and existence between incarnations. It aims to clarify terminology to make the subject matter more accessible.

Inledning (Introduction)

The introduction sets the stage by proposing a revised terminology to simplify understanding. It defines 'materia' (matter) as anything vibrating at or below the frequency of our physical body, and 'ande' (spirit) as anything vibrating above it. A transitional state, 'substans' (substance), is introduced, bridging matter and spirit. These three are equated with 'rymden' (space), considered the fifth dimension, following time. The text emphasizes that these states are not rigidly separated but flow into one another.

It also distinguishes between 'plan' (planes) and 'världar' (worlds). Planes refer to the evolutionary level of an individual's 'I' (Jag), while worlds are the 'places' within higher bodies of Earth and the solar system where development occurs. A school analogy is used: a planet is like a grade level, and a world is like a school where one receives instruction. Masters are compared to professors.

1. Övergången från denna världen till astralvärlden (The Transition from this World to the Astral World)

This section details the process of leaving the physical body at death. It states that individuals go directly to the astral world, not first to the etheric world, because they have lived in the etheric world concurrently with the physical world throughout their development on the first planet.

Silversträngen (The Silver Cord): This is described as a subtle band of substance that connects the spirit and matter, an integral part of cosmic life. It is a loan from 'all-life' (all-livet) and must be returned after death, preserving individuality. The 'seed atom' (fröatomen), referred to in esoteric language as the 'seed atom', is the essence that carries the individual through subsequent lives. One part of the silver cord belongs to the earthly realm, representing the physical body's energy, while the other connects to the higher self. At the moment of death, the silver cord breaks at its connection point.

The First Cavalcade: Before the silver cord breaks, the etheric body's 'seed atom' is transferred to the astral body. This seed atom is a concentrated thread that carries all the experiences of life, passing in review like a panorama. This review is not felt emotionally at the time but becomes relevant in the next stage of development. The cavalcade is divided into two parts: experiences during conscious daylight and those during sleep and dreams.

It is noted that the physical body does not retain a seed atom; its properties remain with the earthly part of the silver cord. The reincarnating individual has no physical traits to repeat from past lives and can choose the opposite sex with a new appearance provided by new parents.

The stronger a person's spiritual life during earthly existence, the greater the force transferred to the earth currents. This force, from the physical part of the silver cord, merges with the earth's power lines. Yogis have been known to emit powerful light rays, reminiscent of ancient peoples who did not require artificial lighting for their teachings. This phenomenon is attributed to the physical part of the silver cord gathering life force from higher bodies and radiating it through the chakras into the aura as white light, symbolizing purity.

Kundalini: This is described as a force within humans, connected to the inner earth layers and parallel to the silver cord. In Sanskrit, it is called Kundalini and serves as the connection between the physical body and the 'Cord currents' (Cordströmmarna). It originates from the highest Spirit and represents creative activity. Kundalini is insensitive to physical influence. In undeveloped humans, it lies coiled at the base of the spine, awakening during development to rise through the spinal cord and activate the chakras. Kundalini belongs to the etheric world and represents the bond between the spiritual world and the inner earth layers. After death, it returns to the earth.

Kremation (Cremation): The text states that not all bodies separate at once. The physical body leaves first, then the etheric body dissolves. Cremation speeds this up. It is recommended that cremation not occur until at least 10 days after death to prevent damage to the etheric body. If cremation does not occur, the etheric body may be seen hovering over the grave for a long time.

2. Vistelsen i andevärldarna (The Stay in the Spirit Worlds)

The Second Cavalcade: After the seed atom is transferred from the etheric to the astral body and the silver cord breaks, a new cavalcade occurs, focusing on the astral body's seed atom. All emotional and sensory experiences from conscious life and dreams during earthly life are reviewed. Subjective experiences become objective; harm caused to others is felt as personal pain, and good deeds are experienced as beneficial blessings for the soul.

This review process repeats at each transition to a new plane. First, sensory and emotional experiences from conscious life are processed, followed by those from nighttime experiences (dreams and sleep). The separation of nighttime events is due to the etheric body's sensory life being disconnected from the astral body during sleep, only to reconnect after death before separating again.

The seed atom from the etheric body is stored in the astral body as long as it is connected to the higher bodies. Each seed atom merges with the seed atom of the body above it, retaining its identity. All sensory abilities, emotional interests, and mental characteristics are transferred to their respective seed atoms for expression in the next incarnation.

Skärselden (Purgatory): The Catholic doctrine of purgatory is presented as an esoteric experience of reviewing the harm caused by the deceased to others. By experiencing the pain of the other party, the soul understands its mistakes and feels remorse. This purification is necessary for the journey to higher realms. The text suggests that this review of life's actions can be undertaken during life by critically examining one's own behavior, empathizing with those wronged, and understanding their feelings. This systematic review helps to forget one's own feelings and understand those of others.

The Awakening in the Astral World: Death is presented as a natural event, akin to falling asleep. The awakening in the astral world occurs in stages, depending on age, development, and cause of death. Young people who die suddenly (e.g., in accidents or war) awaken quickly and are shocked because their bodies are healthy. Older individuals who die from illness are assisted by higher powers to restore their subtle bodies to full health.

Children and older people unfamiliar with these concepts may struggle to adjust, feeling abandoned and unable to communicate with their earthly relatives, who they can still see. Initially, their etheric bodies resemble their physical bodies, but the material surroundings become blurred. They cannot hear voices from the spirit side or perceive beings whose bodies are of finer substance than their etheric bodies.

Spiritualist Help Circles: These circles are vital for assisting disoriented deceased individuals who are accustomed to earthly voices. Through mediums in trance, they receive advice on how to navigate their new environment. The text acknowledges the valuable work of these spiritualist circles.

Förböner för den döde (Prayers for the Deceased): The Catholic tradition of vigils and prayers for the deceased is considered highly beneficial, unlike its rejection in the Protestant church. Prayer is said to have the same effect on the spiritual plane as caring for the sick has on the material plane, elevating vibrations and providing upliftment. Gratitude from those who have been helped through séances with mediums in deep trance is cited as evidence.

Currently, the deceased lives in the astral world with their astral, mental, and causal bodies, and higher bodies if developed. The next lesson will cover 'The Stay in the Spirit Worlds'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of existence beyond the physical body, the process of death and transition, the mechanics of reincarnation, and the spiritual development of the soul. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting esoteric teachings from the Agni Yoga tradition, aiming to demystify concepts related to the afterlife and spiritual evolution, drawing parallels with religious doctrines (like purgatory) while offering a distinct yogic perspective. There is an emphasis on understanding and personal responsibility for one's spiritual journey.