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The Map of Eternity
Adapted from Life After Death, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2006).
We are all traveling in three worlds. According to the rishis, we move between three levels of awareness that account for all experience:
1. Consciousness filled with physical objects.
2. Consciousness filled with subtle objects.
3. Consciousness filled with nothing but itself’s pure consciousness.
In each state the soul looks different. In the physical world the soul is centered around emotions and idealism. It connotes warmth of heart, love, devotion to God. We look to our souls to remind ourselves that we have a divine spark inside, and yet we don’t base our lives on it. The soul flickers in and out.
In the subtle world the soul is spirit, denoting holiness, closeness to God, and freedom from the burdens of physical existence. The soul no longer offers mere comfort; it is the bliss that pain was disguising. The soul is constant now; its guidance can be clearly followed without confusion. The primary feeling is magnetic: One is being drawn inexorably toward the divine.
In the domain of pure consciousness, merging is complete. One sees that self and soul are one. Since there is no here and there, the soul has no location. It exists everywhere and nowhere at the same time. One no longer seeks the soul’s goodness, holiness, or purity. It simply is.
After death a person experiences the subtle dimension automatically, yet to the rishis every dimension is enfolded into the others. The appearance of angels on earth is possible, even though they are properly consigned to the domain of subtle objects, and so is the sojourn of the prophet Mohammed to heaven on a white horse. Each involves a shift in awareness. At the same time each state of consciousness has its own particular qualities and is perceived as its own separate reality.
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6 comments
add your comment »Also total bliss happens when we surrender completly to just being; when we finally stop to worry about earlthly things. Raising my grandson now for 17 years I clearly remember years of worry, when my physical condition was poor and I would worry about dying and leaving a small child helpless and alone. Now 17 years later I am at peace. The child has been raised well and death is not a thread anymore. I should have felt this way a long time ago. But we have to grow into our roles and phases here on earth. So my friends, if you are able to surrender to nothingness as quickly as possible, it could change your life now. Thank you for reading my thoughts.
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I have been reading and practicing staying in the 'Now' for some time. Trying to get to that place of pure consciousness. I am realizing, that in order to do that, I have to completely let go of who I am, as defined by me, and I suppose, society. This is all an illusion. I like that I am passionate and a fierce advocate for the underdog and Mother Earth. I am struggling with this, as this to I must let go in order to get to that place of pure consciousness and be there all the time. Who I think I am is an illusion. Does anyone out there have any suggestions or experiences they can share on this?
Blessings,
Dancing Eagle
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Dear Deepak ji,
Namaskar!
What do you think of the states when one is dreaming and when one is deep asleep. What is the state of souls during these two states?
with much love & regards!
Pravesh
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I have always believed that I am not separate from God but a part of God. It is like being in a coral colony, being a part of the greater Whole. I do not separate myself from God. God is in me and I in God. It is a feeling of pure bliss especially when I meditate and find myself traveling in an endless place with total joy. I find myself flying anywhere I wish. I can be on mountain tops in the snow and not be cold but smell the most wonderous clean air ever. I can see other beings as they make their own journeys to places they conceive. Thank you Deepak for reinforcing my pure bliss.
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I LOVE YOU DEEPAK. The knowledge that the SOUL is deathless, timeless and limitless is LIGHT. To KNOW that ALL is a part of the ISNESS is powerful. We carry this with us, Eternal Beings...God Eternal within our BODIES. THANK YOU
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I really enjoyed reading this piece from Life after Death! It sooths my soul and stops me from worrying and being anxious as I am prone to do. Thank you Deepak. Blessings, Vivienne
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