form形式

In The Early Sessions Book 2, Seth explores the concept of "form" in depth, revealing the essential relationship between form and matter, consciousness, and psychic structure. The core discussion is presented mainly in the following dimensions:

First, form is not a characteristic of matter, nor is it imposed upon matter. Seth points out that matter itself is transient, while form in many cases can still be recognized, which proves that form is by no means a characteristic of matter ^[1]. At the same time, form is not imposed upon matter. The formation of any material object must depend on the cooperation and inner consent of the atoms and molecules that compose it. Under the guidance (not coercion) of the individual responsible for a particular physical construction, atoms and molecules combine into a specific physical object through their own "capsule comprehension" ^[2].

Second, form is a characteristic of consciousness, created and manifested by consciousness. Although form is not a characteristic of matter, it is one of the characteristics of consciousness ^[3]. On the human level, the forms perceived by the outer senses are indeed always composed of matter, but consciousness itself takes many forms and exists in the various perspectives in which it can manifest itself. In fact, it is consciousness that creates these perspectives in order to manifest itself in form within them ^{[3] [4]}. Because this kind of "form projection" requires a high degree of concentration, individual consciousness at certain stages may even be unable to perceive its own diversified manifestations or divisions ^[4].

Third, there exist "psychic forms and structures" that serve as the basis of matter. Beneath material forms, there exist psychic forms or structures that cannot be perceived by the outer senses, and these are the prerequisite for the structure of the material universe ^{[3] [4]}. These psychic structures possess depth and solidity in another perspective (i.e., "psychic solidity"), are composed of gestalts, and have their own reality and validity ^[3]. For example, the inner senses represent such psychic structures; and emotions in the field of psychic perspective also possess definite form, mass, depth, and solidity, and even have their own unique shape, color, and structure ^[4].

Finally, physical forms are reflections and projections of inner psychic structures. Before an individual builds inner psychic shapes into physical forms, these psychic forms already exist. The individual first deals with, manipulates, and plays with these inner psychic shapes, and then builds them into physical forms. Therefore, some basic shapes in the physical universe are actually reflections and reproductions of these inner psychic structures in matter, and these inner psychic structural patterns largely determine the shape and form of physical structures ^[4].

In The Early Sessions Book 6, Seth elaborates on the three different "forms" that consciousness takes in projection and dream states, reflecting the camouflage appearance or structure that consciousness adopts in specific realities. The first form is called the dream body or astral body, which is the most familiar form and is used mainly in ordinary dreams ^[1]. It feels physical, and although it can perform very limited levitation, it usually cannot pass through walls, and its perception of past, present, and future is relatively limited ^[1]. This form originates from the ordinary dream state; its projection time is short but exceptionally clear, and its range of activity is limited to the human system itself and is mainly related to the earth (for example, it may visit New York in the year 2000) ^[2]. In this state one may encounter subconscious apparitions that seem extremely real, but as long as one realizes that one is projecting, one can command them to disappear ^[2]. In addition, when using the first form, the projector can look back and see the physical body lying in bed ^[3]. The second form is called the "mind form." When entering different dimensions, the operating capacity of the body form changes and it transforms into this form ^[1]. It still appears physical in shape, but the projector can use it to pass through physical matter and truly levitate within the solar system (but cannot go beyond the solar system) ^[1]. In this form, the range of consciousness is further opened, the perception of past, present, and future is broader, and it is often used for appointments with other people in the dream state ^[1]. People usually shift from the state using the first form to the second form; in this state one usually does not encounter subconscious apparitions, there is less interference from ordinary dream elements, and the projection lasts longer and is exceptionally vivid ^[2]. At this time, the projector cannot see the physical body in bed from this form, but is still aware of the existence of the physical body and experiences a certain duality ^[3]. The third form is called the "true projection form," which allows the projector to travel beyond the solar system and perceive other systems as well as the past, present, and future of one's own system ^[1]. In the third form, the projector is no longer aware of the physical body in bed and cannot see it, and contact with the physical body is minimal ^[3]. Although its experience is the most vivid and its possibilities are fascinating, it is the most difficult form to maintain, and it carries dangers that the other two forms do not have ^[3]. Seth emphasizes that the form used does not itself determine the various abilities; rather, the individual "puts on" a particular form according to his or her own abilities ^[1]. The form presented during projection gives the individual a rough idea of his or her ability level in that projection ^[3]. In addition, these forms can be converted: an experience can begin in one form and change to another, or one can project from the first form into another form to enhance the experience ^[1][3].

In The Early Sessions Book 7, Seth offers an in-depth exposition of the concept of "form," revealing the essential connections among form, consciousness, thought, and multiple selves. The following are the core statements and distinctive aspects of the concept of "form" at this stage:

1. Form is directly produced by thought and possesses objective definiteness

Seth points out that the sensory mechanisms in the nonphysical state are keener than those of the physical body and are entirely free from the limitations of any physical mechanism. In this state, "form will be directly produced by idea" ^[1]. Although such form is not composed of matter, "in objective terms it will be a definite form" ^[1]. However, under ordinary circumstances, a person still in physical form is unable to perceive this form directly produced by thought ^[1].

2. The automatic shaping and alteration of form by consciousness

The essence of form is an expression of consciousness. Seth explicitly emphasizes: "In all cases, it is consciousness that forms the image" ^[1]. Form is not fixed and unchanging, but adjusts dynamically with the state of consciousness: "When consciousness changes, or travels at certain frequencies, it automatically changes its form" ^[1]. This characteristic of automatically changing form demonstrates the high degree of flexibility and adaptability of consciousness in different dimensions of reality, and even in ordinary projection, "it is indeed possible to be involved with more than one form at a time" ^[1].

3. The incompleteness of projected form and the division of vitality

Seth compares the above form directly produced by thought with the form a human being takes during out-of-body projection. He points out that this form is very similar to the form one projects, but "the form you project is not truly complete" ^[1]. This is because during out-of-body experience, a certain "division of vitality" must be carried out in order to maintain the continuance of physical existence ^[1]. Therefore, the completeness of the projected form is limited by the division of vitality.

4. The coexistence of multiple forms and the simultaneity of selves

Based on the principle that "the selves exist simultaneously," consciousness possesses great freedom in the selection and transformation of forms. Seth explains that because these selves exist simultaneously, consciousness may enter, or actually form, such an image, experience within the characteristic patterns of a particular reality, and then project into another image ^[1]. In the projected state, the individual may enter a trance state in any form ^[1]. Furthermore, because of the simultaneity of selves, the individual may even project himself into one of his own previous identities ^[1].

5. The time factor and its distance relationship to physical form

In the process of projection, time and the distance of form exhibit an inverse relationship. Seth states: "When you project from the physical image, the time factor is important" ^[1]. However, "the farther away you are from the physical form, the less important the time factor becomes" ^[1]. This indicates that time, as a rule of reality, exerts its influence mainly within the physical form and its immediate vicinity.

6. The shaping of the physical self by the subjective self

Finally, Seth extends the discussion of form to the psychological level. He points out that any true psychology must take into account all these levels of the self. For the physically-oriented self with which humanity is familiar "is to a large extent formed by the subjective self of which you know very little" ^[1]. This further demonstrates that the outer physical form is only an extension and shaping result of inner subjective consciousness.