planes of existence存在层面

In The Early Sessions Book 1, Seth offers an in-depth and multidimensional exposition of the concept of "Planes of existence":

1. The essential definition of planes of existence Seth emphasizes that a plane is by no means a "cosmic location" or geographical place; comparing planes to "emotional states" is far more apt than comparing them to geographical provinces, because emotional states do not occupy space ^[1]. A plane can be a time, or even just a tiny bit of seemingly independent life force ^[2]. It is a pattern formed for the fulfillment of the entity at different stages, and is a "climate" conducive to the development of unique abilities ^[2].

2. Spatial coexistence and the "wire" structure metaphor Seth uses "five-dimensional space" and an "interwoven maze of wires" to describe the coexistence of planes. Our plane and Seth's plane are like two small bird's nests on the same enormous tree [chunk:3463, 3465]. Different planes constantly pass through one another in the same space, and this "true transparency" means that planes can move and pass through one another [chunk:3463, 3464]. The earth is solid to us, but not to the inhabitants of other planes, who can even pass through the core of the earth [chunk:3791, 3961].

3. Camouflage, vitality, and mental enzymes The boundaries of planes and the matter within them are actually the result of the inner senses applying "camouflage" to "vitality" [chunk:3538, 3539]. These "wires" are composed of solidified vitality, that is, solidified emotion and intellect [chunk:3466, 3500, 3533]. "Mental enzymes" are the tools that cause vitality to change form in order to adapt to the laws of a particular plane, such as the time laws of our plane [chunk:3500, 3533, 3534].

4. Cross-plane travel and the "dilemma of form" Inhabitants of different planes sometimes cross planes because of scientific progress or by accident [chunk:3539, 3540]. When a foreign object enters a new plane, it must wrap itself in the camouflage of that plane ^[3]. For example, "flying saucers" come from a technologically advanced plane, and when they enter our plane, they fall into a "dilemma of form" between retaining their original structure and transforming into the earth's camouflage patterns, thereby producing distortion [chunk:3541, 3542]. In addition, Seth mentions that he himself cannot travel to planes higher than his own, because the keener senses there would immediately detect him ^[4].

5. The definition and evolution of terminology In the book, Seth revises his definition of "plane." At first he used "plane" broadly to refer to any unfamiliar realm of existence ^[5]. Later he states explicitly that he will restrict the use of the term, using "plane" only to refer to existences related to our own level, such as the continuation after death, because in these planes the laws of cause and effect still apply to some extent; the countless other "existence quadrants" are far more complex [chunk:3794, 3795].

6. Special planes and plane transitions The book mentions the "Midplane" or "Semiplane," a "waiting plane" for fragment personalities at a particular stage of development who have not yet acquired enough knowledge to advance [chunk:3547, 3552]. In addition, death is described as the process by which consciousness gradually frees itself from one plane and gathers and manifests on another [chunk:3786, 3788].

In The Early Sessions Book 2 (1964), Seth offers an in-depth exposition of the concept of "planes of existence," revealing the operative mechanisms of multidimensional reality. First, regarding the illusory nature of the physical plane and the true essence of energy, Seth points out that humans are accustomed to regarding the physical universe as a "place," but it is in fact not a place at all, and space and location are meaningless. The space we perceive is only a distortion of our own perception, and what we call space and matter are essentially energy ^[1]. Not all energy manifests on the physical plane. Within our physical plane there exist psychic gestalts of intelligence that have not physically materialized and therefore cannot be detected by our physical senses, yet they do exist and exert a limited influence upon our plane ^[1]. Second, regarding actual constructions on other planes and the dream world, Seth clarifies that all thoughts and energy are constructed in some manner. Those thoughts that cannot be realized on the physical plane for psychological or psychic reasons are directed to other planes or levels for construction ^[2]. These nonphysical constructions are real in atomic structure, but because their density and speed differ from physical matter, the physical senses cannot perceive them; they can, however, be perceived by the inner senses and are utilized by the subconscious and the inner self as very important realities ^[2]. Furthermore, there exists a plane given to the dream world, and this plane represents real constructions that are by no means vague, formless semi-real states; their existence is as real as physical reality, only on a different level ^[2]. Finally, regarding the simultaneous coexistence of multiple planes and "points of overlapping," Seth uses the example of a glass to illustrate the coexistence of multiple realities: when ten people observe the same glass, there are actually ten personal perspectives, ten space continuums, and ten real glasses ^[3]. Each person forms his or her own physical construction within a self-created space continuum. This mechanism explains how other planes and reality continuums can coexist simultaneously with our own plane without being perceived by our consciousness ^[3]. In all universes there exist extremely important "points of overlapping" ^[3]. These points of overlapping are fundamental elements of multidimensional travel. Seth points out that "death" on the physical plane is actually the arrival at such a point of overlapping; and Seth's communication with humans itself is also achieved by utilizing such a point of overlapping ^[3].

In The Early Sessions Book 3, Seth offers an in-depth exposition of the concept of "planes of existence / planes of actuality," revealing its nonphysical nature, multidimensional coexistence, and deep connection with human consciousness.

I. The Essential Definition of Planes of Existence Seth points out that a "plane" does not necessarily refer to a planet or a spatial location; it can even be merely a "focus of awareness" ^[1], or a "field of mental vitality" ^[2]. There is no absolute hierarchy among planes of existence. Seth emphasizes that "levels of existence do not necessarily imply higher or lower levels, but concentric levels," just like the levels of the subconscious, and such divisions are made only for convenience of expression ^[3].

II. The Coexistence and Interpenetration of Multidimensional Planes Within the same space and time there exist countless planes of reality ^[4]. These planes or dimensions of activity often interpenetrate one another, but because their reference points (such as space and time) differ, they do not collide ^[2]. What appears as weight or mass on one plane may appear as something entirely different on another plane ^[2]. Furthermore, in certain respects, all planes or fields of existence are actually by-products of other planes ^[5].

III. The Camouflage Mechanism and the Limitations of Perception Humans cannot perceive other planes because they lack the specific "camouflage equipment" required to perceive them, and the inhabitants of other planes cannot perceive our plane for the same reason ^[6]. Seth points out that many planes of reality can never be explored by any physical means of transportation ^[7]. Humans are accustomed to judging whether something exists by whether it protrudes into the material world, which is actually a "defense mechanism," whereas independence from material construction can bring freedom ^[8]. These planes of reality all operate within the spacious present and the "value climate" ^[9].

IV. The Dream World as the Closest Plane For humans, the closest plane of existence is the "dream world" ^[4]. Dreams are the consciousness and existence of the ego in another plane; the ego maintains inner communication by changing its focus to keep in touch with its own various parts ^[1]. We assist in creating and manipulating this plane on unconscious levels, and although the camouflaged ego on the conscious level cannot enter it, its existence is as permanent as our own ^[10]. In dreams, when the ego is free of camouflage, it is possible to travel spontaneously to other planes of reality ^[7].

V. The Cross-Plane Existence of the Multidimensional Self Every consciousness on the human plane or any other plane existed simultaneously and essentially before the world began ^[1]. In addition to the plane it currently occupies, the human being also exists and operates on other planes, but is consciously unaware of this ^[11]. Furthermore, "karma" has fundamental meaning only within the specific human plane, and the personality resolves personal issues through multiple reincarnations within that plane ^[3]. What humans call an "ending" is, in Seth's view, actually only a "change of planes" ^[12].