nonphysical existence非物质存在

In The Early Sessions Book 6, Seth provides an in-depth exposition of the concept of "nonphysical existence," revealing the state of life of consciousness when detached from the body and material form, as well as its complex relationship with physical reality, dreams, and the nature of consciousness:

1. The alternation and forgetting of consciousness between nonphysical existence and physical reality Seth points out that when consciousness re-establishes itself in physical reality, it loses the memory of the interval in which it did not exist in physical form (that is, the stage of nonphysical existence). However, this forgetting is limited to the outer consciousness; our "inner self" actually retains all memories of nonphysical existence ^[1]. This transition between physical and nonphysical states constitutes a regular rhythm of consciousness.

2. Dreams as the memory vehicle of nonphysical existence Dreams play a crucial role in connecting physical and nonphysical existence. Seth explains that dreams allow consciousness to free itself from physical reality ^[1]. While awake we are seldom aware of the occurrence of nonphysical existence, but in fact a great many dreams are precisely memories of this "constantly occurring nonphysical existence" ^[1]. The cycles recently discovered by psychologists that are related to different dream levels actually correspond to the ebb and tide of consciousness appearing and disappearing in physical reality ^[1].

3. The incomplete focus of consciousness and the channels of "non intervals" Seth emphasizes that even during the interval in which human beings exist in physical reality, our consciousness is never completely focused within physical reality ^[1]. When "conscious projections" occur, the individual is actually making use of these "intervals" between materializations. Seth calls these intervals "non intervals," in which the human concept of time does not exist and cannot be brought in. These non intervals are actually channels leading to other realities (that is, nonphysical dimensions), and in theory they can be explored ^[1].

4. The illusory nature of physical reality and the essence of thought energy In order to better understand nonphysical existence, Seth contrasts the nature of the physical world. He points out that physical objects fundamentally do not exist in the form in which they appear, and all physical matter is created or constructed by ourselves ^[2]. Energy does not exist in any particular physical object, but in its inner "idea form" ^[2]. All thoughts are composed of energy and exist within a specific range of electrical intensity, and this is the only fundamental reality ^[2]. Sense data themselves possess a reality independent of any particular object; if our alignment with this intensity is imperfect, "pseudo-physical objects" are produced ^[3]. Therefore, there is no essential difference between so-called hallucinatory objects and physical objects; the only difference lies in the number of people who perceive them ^[4].

In Seth Speaks, Seth elaborates in detail on the concept of "nonphysical existence," pointing out that the fundamental identity of human beings, like his own, is essentially nonphysical ^{[1] [2]}.

1. The core essence and environmental characteristics of nonphysical existence Nonphysical existence is not vague or insubstantial; rather, it is as vivid, changeable, and vital as the physical world, and is even more challenging and enjoyable because it offers more opportunities for creative achievement ^{[3] [4]}. In nonphysical reality, consciousness creates form, rather than form creating consciousness ^{[3] [4]}. Nonphysical environments (such as the level where Seth resides) are jointly created by the individuals inhabiting them, and represent the outward manifestation of their inner development; they do not use permanent structures, but instead directly create the images they need through mental patterns, and their ideas about space differ from those of physical human beings ^[4]. Human beings perceive only a particular portion of the physical world, while they themselves are actually beings that have arisen from a particular probable dimension ^[5].

2. The operation of nonphysical perception Nonphysical existence (such as the soul) does not depend on the physical senses, physical laws, or space and time for its perception ^[6]. Time is only a physical camouflage and does not apply to nonphysical reality ^[6]. The soul can directly perceive events on the mental plane, and this "direct experience" is a complete field of perception without physical clues such as color, size, or weight ^[6]. The inner senses allow consciousness to interpret experience in a much freer manner and to create new forms ^[7].

3. The interweaving and pulsation of the physical and the nonphysical Seth points out that the physical world and the nonphysical world are not completely separate. Anything that manifests in matter also exists in less materialized form on other levels, and there are even "supersystem realities" with stronger energy and different forms than physical reality ^[8]. Atoms, the physical body, and even the entire physical universe are in a state of "pulsation" or "flickering," now bright and now dark ^{[9] [10] [11]}. In the intervals of "nonphysical projection" when atoms and consciousness are inactive, consciousness is actually focused on entirely different reality systems ^[9]. Therefore, so-called "death" is only a pulsation process involving a longer stay in another reality ^[11]. In fact, human beings already undergo the process of consciousness leaving physical reality and stepping onto the threshold of other existence during the state of sleep ^[12].

4. The multiple forms and levels of nonphysical life Nonphysical consciousness does not exist only in a single dimension ^{[3] [4]}. Its forms include:

5. Consciousness that has never been physically incarnated: at deep levels of awareness (such as below A-5), there exist nonphysical consciousnesses that have never incarnated in the physical world, but are connected with the physical system as "guardians" or "custodians" ^{[13] [14]}.

6. Spiritual bodies: entities that have left the cycle of reincarnation evolve into "spiritual bodies," casting off the physical form and serving as deities of the earthly realm, providing support and energy for the earth ^[15].

7. Thought-forms and projections: space is filled with secondary constructions such as "thought-forms" built from emotions and thoughts ^[16]. After death, individuals find themselves in another roughly physical form, with "honorary guardians" providing assistance ^[17]. Seth points out that human beings, both now and after death, are actually "ghostly phenomena" ^[16].

8. The distinctiveness of wording and concepts In his discussion, Seth uses different terms such as "nonphysical existence" ^[1], "nonphysical consciousness and forms" ^{[13] [14]}, and "spiritual bodies" ^[15] to describe the state of life after leaving the physical body. He emphasizes that the words "life" and "death" themselves limit human understanding, erecting barriers where originally there were none ^[16].

In The Nature of Personal Reality, Seth provides a profound exposition of the concept of "nonphysical existence," breaking down the traditional dichotomy that opposes matter and spirit, body and soul, and emphasizing the inherent continuity and naturalness between nonphysical existence and physical existence.

First, the conscious mind and the soul possess independence from and priority over bodily life. Seth points out that the conscious mind existed before this individual lifetime and will continue to exist after it ^[1]. During physical existence, although the conscious mind is entangled with the brain and relies on this subtle alliance to maintain a stable focus within a particular space-time system ^[1], it is by no means lifeless matter confined to the body. Seth clearly states that continuing to live after death is completely natural, and returning the body to the earth and forming another body again is also natural ^[2]. Human beings' possession of "probable selves" and "reincarnational existences" likewise belongs to the category of the natural ^[2].

Second, nonphysical existence and nature are not isolated, but highly unified. Seth redefines "nature," pointing out that any kind of existence occurs within the context of nature, and nature itself includes the soul ^[2]. The soul does not exist alone outside nature; nature itself is the result of the soul becoming flesh, or materializing, and the body and the soul are equally spiritual and natural ^[3]. If life after death or nonphysical existence is regarded as "unnatural," human beings will feel disconnected and isolated ^[2].

Third, nonphysical ideas and mental images are the source of physical reality. Seth explains that when a person creates a mental image in the mind, it is composed of inner sound, electromagnetic properties, and light values; in a very real sense, the mental image is "incipient matter" and will automatically attempt to materialize in physical existence ^[4]. Thoughts, like feelings, are part of nature ^[2]. The body itself is "the psyche made flesh," a living gestalt composed of other living, conscious existences such as atoms and molecules, rather than lifeless clay imprisoning the soul ^[3].

Finally, Seth criticizes nonphysical pursuits that negate material experience. He points out that the purpose of the soul hidden within muscles and bones is "to experience this world, not to negate it" ^[5]. He criticizes religions or Eastern philosophies (such as certain Buddhist schools or psychic schools) that emphasize negating the body and mortifying the flesh, arguing that they preach denial and contempt of the self ^[5]. Whether it is the concept of "nirvana" that loses individuality in the bliss of undifferentiated consciousness, or the blindly worshiped concept of "heaven," neither understands the role of the conscious mind, the evolution of consciousness, and the law that energy is never diminished ^[5].