Planes of Existence
Gods of Creation in Hierarchical Order
Hinduism, the oldest and most evolved religion, delves deep into the realm of Gods, Goddesses, and Deities. While some may label Hinduism as polytheistic, it is, in fact, a monotheistic faith that believes in one Supreme God. Various deviations have emerged throughout its existence and certain lineages have strayed. However, this does not negate the existence of the Supreme God.
In Hinduism, the presence of numerous Gods and Deities necessitates an understanding of their hierarchy. In comparison, monotheistic religions like Islam and Christianity oversimplify this aspect. Regardless of the religion, the hierarchy of gods remains the same, but it holds particular significance within Hinduism due to its multitude of Divine beings. Nonetheless, the Supreme God remains constant across all religions.
1) Sat Purush / Purna Brahm is known as the Supreme God Creator. This Divine being is the Master of infinite universes, giving rise to ParBrahm and Brahm. It is fascinating to observe how various spiritual traditions recognize and connect with the same ultimate source of Divinity, highlighting the universality of this highest power and the source of all creation.
2) ParBrahm, the supreme being, holds dominion over 700 quadrillion multiverses (brahmands). These universes exist independently from our own, yet ParBrahm surpasses even the Brahm in magnitude.
3) Brahm / Kaal, is a being that holds dominion over 21 multiverses (brahmands). Brahm is also recognized by other names such as Kaal, Jot Niranjan, or Kshar Purush. He is typically portrayed with 1000 hands. It is within the expanses of Brahm's universes that we all exist and reside.
God Brahm is revered as the father of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Alongside him stands the Goddess Durga, the mother of the Trimurti (the 3 Gods).
4) Goddess Durga is the wife consort of God Brahm and the mother of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. She is a Mahadevi (Supreme Goddess) and it is from her that all Cosmic Gods and 10 Mahavidyas (Goddesses) arise.
5) Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - are children of God Brahm / Kaal and Goddess Durga.
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They are siblings and hold equal positions. However, their ages differ. Brahma has the shortest lifespan, while Shiva has the longest. Each of them presides over distinct domains.
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Brahma is typically portrayed with 4 hands. Brahma is responsible for the act of creation, Vishnu is the sustainer, and Shiva brings about dissolution, destruction and an end of the cycles. Through their virtues, this trinity governs our local universe and the planet Earth.
Planes of Existence
Physical Universe (Pinda)
At the very bottom of the chart is the biophysical universe, which is called the Pinda universe in yogic terms. Regarding the levels of consciousness, it relates to all the states between the very bottom of victim/abuser consciousness to the lower end of Self-Empowerment.
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Pinda correlates with the physical body as an aspect, since it represents the biophysical universe, which is known in classical terms as Saguna Brahman. Saguna refers to that which has a form or shape. Therefore, within the biophysical universe, which encompasses time, space, matter, and energy, the illusion of reality is created.
This is where humanity experiences their day-to-day lives and where the Soul becomes confined by the limitations of the five senses. One could describe this plane as predominantly three-dimensional and as the lower aspects of the universe in which Souls become trapped.
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To ascend beyond this state, it is necessary to transcend the confines of the five senses. This is when we enter into the subtle region of the universe.
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Astral Universe (Anda)
The second layer in the chart correlates with the higher levels of Self-Empowerment, leading to the awakening of Inner Light and progressing towards Inner Love and Unity / Oneness Consciousness. It is referred to as the Anda universe, or the subtle astral universe, encompassing the lower 4D up to the higher 5D. Within this realm, the other 4 lower bodies reside, namely the astral body, lower etheric, lower emotional, and lower mental bodies.
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In the higher aspect of the subtle universe, you encounter your Higher Self. It is also a part of the Saguna Brahman, the universe of form and matter. As a result, polarities and dualities exist here, ranging from lowest desires to higher light, love, and oneness.
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This realm is a domain of psychic phenomena, magic, spirits, and more. It is where astral projections occur, various occult teachings are explored, and the extremes of darkness and light coexist.
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As you ascend to the higher regions of the Anda universe, Inner Love and Unity Consciousness become more prominent, shining brighter and exhibiting greater love. However, it is important to acknowledge that polarities still persist. One day, you may feel a deep sense of oneness with everything, while on another day, you may face challenging situations that require profound healing.
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Causal Universe (Brahmanda)
The third region of the universe is known as the cosmic region, which represents the Cosmic Consciousness. At the level of consciousness, it is associated with Presence and Non-Duality. As a plane or aspect of the universe, it is referred to as the Causal / Mental universe or the Brahmanda universe. This is where the process of connecting with one's I AM Presence begins, allowing for more direct access to the Soul.
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The cosmic region is still part of the Saguna Brahman, and many traditions consider it to be the abode of God, the Brahm. This is because it encompasses the causal region, also known as the lower unconsciousness or the causal body. Some meditators believe that passing through this region signifies enlightenment and the realization of Brahm. In certain yogic lineages, the Brahm is revered as the Supreme Being, however, he is not the highest God in the Divine cosmology.
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Upon surpassing the lower unconsciousness, meditators often encounter a magnificent, radiant light, assuming that they have reached the final stage and completed their spiritual Self-Realization journey. However, it is important to recognize that this is merely the third significant region. Nevertheless, in some traditions, this region is equated with God.
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The cosmic region is also where the Akashic records reside, it is in this realm that the Soul releases its densest karmic patterns. This region serves as the source of philosophy, ethics, morals, and the teachings of various spiritual paths. It is also the Monad, the Oversoul of all souls in the universe, the universal mind, the universal consciousness, the Universal Self.
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It is often said that the cosmic region can create an illusion of finding God and heaven. If one remains at this stage, the influence of negative polarity and duality continues to play a role. Even if one has entered into the first step of Non-Duality and believes they have transcended these aspects, a negative current still manifests within the experience in the cosmic universe of Brahm.
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Many individuals catch a glimpse of the Brahm and perceive the universal light, assuming that they have reached the ultimate goal. However, beyond the Brahm is the fourth step, the fourth region, known as the Supra-Cosmic plane.
Supra-Cosmic Universe (Para Brahmanda)
The fourth region is called the Para Brahmanda and in terms of the levels of consciousness, it correlates with Awareness. It is a higher mental or purely etheric universe. In the yogic traditions that is the ultimate goal, the ParBrahm is the ultimate, also known as the Param Shiva. The light is even brighter, the light is intense, and it envelops seemingly infinite universes.
In ascension teachings, it's the perfection of the Individuated Buddhic or Christed Self. Here, one may experience the greatness and vastness of this light, which powers up the universes below. Thus, many see it as the source of the universe. It is the light of All, of everything. Many meditators settle at this place and they're happy to be here.
In its classical name, it's called the Nirguna Brahman, or ParBrahm, meaning beyond the form, or formless Brahm, like Awareness it has no form or shape.
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Many meditators may assume that this is the absolute already and that this place is the God of most religions, serving as a blueprint of perfection. It represents the underlying structure of the universe. The entire universe is perceived in its complete illumination, revealing its nature. However, at this stage, one also becomes aware of the existence of positive and negative polarities below. The cause and effect, as well as the streams of creation are recognized as fundamental aspects that govern the universe.
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Although individuals may choose to remain in a state of Awareness, they will still encounter the fluctuating currents of positive and negative forces, striving to maintain their state of Awareness. However, certain limitations still exist within this realm.
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If we consider it on a global scale, not many yogis move beyond this stage, as they assume that the ParBrahm is the ultimate light that encompasses all other lights and that there is no further reason to continue the journey. It is a profoundly fulfilling state, already suffused with great light. Having already transcended the lower realms of unconsciousness in the cosmic region, one might assume that there is no higher level of unconsciousness.
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Someone might argue that they have already traversed the realm of emptiness, the state of absolute nothingness, and have delved into the depths of unconsciousness. Yet, there exists a far greater void beyond that. If one is willing to relinquish this radiant state of Awareness and explore the completely unknown, even while experiencing omniscient Awareness (since the entire universe is within their grasp if they truly remain and integrate at this level), they can then enter the fifth region.
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Great Void (Mahasunyata)
If one somehow becomes more humble and realizes that the previous state is not the ultimate endpoint, and that there is more beyond it, then, with Grace of a Master they will enter a state of total voidness known as the Great Void. This state is also referred to as the great or higher unconsciousness and is characterized as Nirguna Brahman, completely formless. It serves as the womb of all universes and acts as a barrier between the causal planes and the higher pure spiritual planes. In this state, one transcends the entire creation of the universes and the light that sustains them.
Liberated Soul Plane
This is the realm of the purely spiritual region or plane of existence. It is where one begins to sense the presence of the Divine, which represents the pure spiritual aspect. As a plane, it is referred to as the pure Soul Plane, and it has the name of Sat Lok. This is the starting point and the path further into the Supreme Divine unfolds from here.
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In this realm, the aspect is that of the Divine, and it is where a Soul becomes liberated. A truly liberated Soul does not reside within the universe itself or bask in the magnificence of the universal light. Instead, it transcends the universe, rising above it. This marks the liberation of the Soul and serves as a dividing point.
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The classical name for this state is Purna Brahm, with 'Purna' meaning complete, signifying the pure essence of Supreme Brahm. Information about this realm is scarce on the internet due to its rarity and depth. Only the most advanced yogic lineages possess this knowledge of the Supreme Divine and the realms beyond.
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The inception of the purely spiritual plane is where true liberation lies. It is the realm of the pure Spirit, where one experiences the freedom and individuality that transcend the limitations of the mind.
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This realm represents a higher form of Self-Realization, surpassing the self-realizations found in the supra-cosmic and cosmic universal planes. It transcends the regions of the Brahmanda and Para Brahmanda, and so on. The most fitting word to describe it is 'Divine'.
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Invisible Plane
The second Divine region is known as the invisible plane. This vast plane is filled with yellow-white light and offers an unparalleled sense of bliss, joy, and satisfaction. In many advanced yogic lineages, this state is considered the pinnacle of bliss or the highest degree of Samadhi.
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Within this realm, there exists supreme creative energy, as the Soul experiences complete liberation and blissful satisfaction. There is not even a single atom of negativity, cause and effect, or error, as anything above the universe itself is indestructible. However, once we enter the universe, below the Great Void, it becomes subject to cycles, cause and effect, and is inherently dissolvable.
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In contrast, the first and second Divine regions, the pure spiritual planes, are entirely indestructible. Here, the Soul is immersed in bliss, freedom, and a deep sense of fulfillment. It feels completely united with the source, with God, without even the slightest atom of separation.
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At first glance, one might assume that this is the final state, the ultimate bliss where no aspect of separation exists, and therefore, there seems to be no reason to strive further. However, this is only the second Divine region.
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The Soul within this realm has no desire to leave its state of bliss and fulfillment. It perceives itself as completely satisfied and fulfilled. Every atom of the Soul resonates with being one with the Divine God Source. Yet, as we delve deeper, we realize that there are still realms beyond, waiting to be explored.
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Divine Eternity
The third divine region is known as the Divine Eternity, representing the aspect of Full Consciousness and God-Realization. The presence of Divine Eternity is profoundly felt in this realm. It is an eternal and boundless expanse of radiant light, an everlasting place where eternity never ends. Referred to as the true home or the ultimate abode, it embodies total eternality, giving rise to the perception that everything begins and ends here. It stretches endlessly, spanning forever and ever, an infinite expanse of light.
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Upon entering this region, the Soul begins to fully comprehend God, experiencing the profound love and the love aspect of the Divine. There is an absolute absence of separation. It is in this realm that much greater power and love of God emerges and in yogic terms, it is the ultimate devotional state of Nirguna Bhakti.
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Inaccessible Plane
When the Soul ascends even further into the fourth divine region, it becomes highly focused on the aspect of Power of God. Here, the Soul attains the ability to realize its creative potential and create entire universes. It recognizes itself as God and acknowledges the immense power of God. It possesses this power of God to bring forth its own worlds and universes. Consequently, within this realm, the Soul can create its own universe and assume the role of its Lord.
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The universe we currently experience is the creation of the God Brahm and his 3 sons Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. These great souls are the ones who have brought about the existence of our local universe that we are now experiencing.
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After witnessing numerous examples of how other great Souls have created their own universes and dedicating millions or billions of years (Yugas) to learning and understanding, your Soul may come to the realization that it also possesses the power and creative ability to fashion its own universe.
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This is the region where the Soul realizes and attains the powers to do so, and then realizes God to a much greater degree in the Inaccessible Plane. Not all Souls reach this stage and attain these great powers. While they can enter this region, attaining those powers is a significant process that takes millions and billions of years (Yugas).
Therefore, not everyone pursues it because many Souls are content in the first Divine plane, where they feel total joy, bliss, fulfillment, and love. They don't feel compelled to do more than that. However, if they become curious about the braver Souls who have created universes, they may find inspiration from these greater Souls to one day do the same by entering the Inaccessible Plane.
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As a level of consciousness, it corresponds to a deeper aspect of Full Consciousness because that's where the seeds of creation are.
On the accelerated awakening journey, we swiftly progress through these stages, taking the highway, the elevator approach. However, this is comparable to taking the fastest plane from London to Singapore, bypassing much of what is below and not witnessing it in detail.
However, as you awaken to the first stage of the Divine or progress all the way to Full Consciousness, and as you spend more time exploring to a greater degree and in more detail, you will begin to differentiate among the Divine regions. You will see and experience this as your integration and the level of advancement continue.
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In the fourth Divine region the soul may remain here for eons, delighting in, learning from, experiencing, experimenting with, and creating it’s own worlds and universes.
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Nameless Plane
As we ascend to the fifth Divine region, the very pinnacle of the Divine realms, it is associated with God-Realization & Beyond State and referred to as the Nameless Plane. This plane is beyond description and language, defying any attempt to attribute characteristics to it. It represents the realization of God (Full Consciousness) and extends even beyond that, as it is an indescribable light, the purest essence of all, formless and colorless.
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This concept may seem bewildering, but some may assume that God resides in the cosmic region, at the lower end of the scale. Many religious and yogic traditions believe that God is the illuminating force encompassing the entire universe, located at the fourth lower stage of this chart. Consequently, at the highest region, it is the realization of God and goes beyond that, as it represents an incomprehensible light and the purest spirit, devoid of form and color.
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Ocean of Love and Mercy & Beyond
At the very top of the chart, we find God in Beyond Beyond State, the deepest Full Consciousness, the Ocean of Love and Mercy, and infinitely beyond. It represents God in a state of Beyond and Beyond, that transcends absolutely all. It is absolutely indescribable, the most pristine manifestation of the Adi-Sat plane, completely formless and colorless.
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An important point to note is that this is not the end. While it occupies the highest position on this chart, it is not a final destination, as it infinitely extends beyond and beyond and beyond. We must understand that the top of the chart is not a conclusion. It does not mark the endpoint, for it stretches infinitely beyond. This realization allows us to grasp the true vastness of the Supreme Divine and its Creation.