The Subtle Body
The subtle body
In this post, I will try to cover the main aspects of the multidimensional nature of our existence. Some of the concepts are based on my own direct experiential knowledge during deep states of meditation. While much of this is esoteric, their effects can be felt on an experiential level. Different researchers have focused on specific subtle energy aspects, like Astral travel, past life regressions, books written by prominent psychiatrists, psychologists, biologists and doctors about the connection between the mind and body, near death experiences, psychic mediums who are able to read auras, sound healing researchers who are now studying the vibrational nature of our existence, and the list just keeps on going. With regards to the subtle nature of our existence, there are numerous constructs and ideologies. I see them as different ways to group, perceive and make sense of the true nature of our being. Structure supports perception and understanding of complex information. Many mysteries of life are still beyond the reach of science, but that does not make them any less significant or non-existent. We are what we believe and are limited by our willingness to go beyond the sense perception into subtler realities.
Our physical body, when zoomed in to a subatomic level, ceases to appear “solid”. So, what is the organizing principle that is holding these molecules together in such complexity? The life force that flows through us, the interaction of the spirit with matter, and the consciousness that is underlying our unique expression in the “physical” realm – these are aspects that have been sidelined in Western medicine. At this quantum level, all matter is particles of frozen light, comprised of different frequencies. Our “physical” body is a mass of frozen light particles, organized and held together by electromagnetic bioenergy fields and the principles of resonance in a state of dynamic equilibrium, animated using life force (prana) by a creative consciousness (Gerber, 2001). The perception and direct realization of the most fundamental nature of our existence is possible in deep states of Vipassana meditation, where the entire “physical” body is able to be felt as vibrations and waves, arising and passing with great rapidity. However, one needs to be a serious meditator well established in the technique to be able to reach this level of perception. For me, this is where science meets the metaphysical, evolving as a continuum of perception, wisdom and awareness. The depth and content of one’s experience of their true nature depends on where they are in this continuum, and their object of focus. Do we need to zoom in to get a closer look and sharpen our mind? Or do we need to zoom out and get some distance, to get the bigger picture? Thus, the tools we use to work with the body also then need to be adjusted based on the level at which we are willing to perceive our nature. Do we see the body as only physical? Or are we willing to look at our subtle energies and the deeper causal factors that drive the physical? This is where holistic well-being, developing self-mastery, exploring the interconnections between the subtle layers and their influence on our health and life experiences, living with intentionality and a higher perspective, all come into play.
The below diagram is adapted from Richard Gerber’s model of our multidimensional nature. We are made up of different dimensions that are superimposed on each other, collectively forming our biofield or more commonly known as the Aura. Our body is designed to enable the flow of life force energy (prana/Chi), consciousness, breath and information to and from every cell through different mechanisms. This communication and distribution of energy occurs bidirectionally through all the layers, as shown here:
At the level of the “physical” body, the vibrations are lower and denser. Mainstream medicine and acupuncture work on this level. The body is held in a state of dynamic equilibrium through various mechanisms that relay information through hormones, neurotransmitters, changes in blood chemistry and circulation, electric impulses, and so on. Research has found that Meridians are formed in the womb and are connected to the DNA control centres in the cells. The flow of information and Chi through the meridians is conducted by a duct system in the body that also distributes hormones, nucleotides, electrolytic fluids. Gerber (2001) states that meridians act as one of the interfaces between the physical and Etheric body. This has been confirmed by studies using electrographic body scans, which showed changes in the acupoints of the meridian system preceding the onset of physical illness weeks in advance.
At a higher vibrational frequency level, the aura can be measured as an electromagnetic field, detected through Kirlian photography and direct perception by various energy healers and psychics. The closest layer to the physical body is the Etheric body, which has numerous energy centres (chakras) and channels (Nadis) that interact with the physical body. The etheric field guides the appearance, growth and maintenance of the physical body right from the embryonic stage in the womb. Diseases appear in the etheric field sometimes weeks or months before manifesting in the physical body. Chakras are like spinning wheels or vortices of subtle energy aligned along a vertical column of life force energy called the Sushumna, just like the spinal cord in the physical body. Chakras act as energy transformers that take in high frequency subtle energies and step them down into lower frequencies that the physical body is able to handle. This influx of energy is channelled towards hormonal, physiological and cellular changes in the body. Anatomically, each major chakra is associated with a major nerve plexus, set of organs, and endocrine glands. They record, store and carry information about our inner programming, and how we show up in the world. Each chakra is associated with its own colour in the visible light spectrum, ranging from low frequency red in the root chakra, to the high frequency violet in the Crown chakra, as shown below:
There are many minor chakras located at different joints of the body, palms, soles of the feet, and other areas. Chakras are connected to each other through the Nadis, which are subtle energy channels interwoven with the physical nervous system. In esoteric literature, it is estimated that there are over 72,000 Nadis, and over 360 chakras in our biofield. Due to their interconnection with the nervous system, Nadis impact the quality of nerve transmission in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The health of the chakras is linked to our physical, emotional, mental health, life purpose, lessons and journey. Healthy chakras correspond with good health, balance, alignment and harmony within. If a chakra is blocked, it creates imbalances in the associated organs and has a cascading effect on the functioning of the other chakras (Judith, 2016). Meridians and Nadis connect to different parts of our being energetically, just like the physical nerves in the body.
Hopefully, we now have a wider perspective on our existence and can move on to contemplating these beautiful intricate dynamics and how to conduct ourselves in a manner that honours all these dimensions. With regards to Sound healing, there is no pre-requisite for agreeing with any of the above or even understanding the concepts. Sound healing meets you at the level you are at, and the results will still follow. With western medicine, we take the prescribed medicine without understanding the intricate workings on what the medicine does in the body. The medicines do not stop working on the body just because we do not know how they work once taken, yes? not talking about the Chemists and researchers who create them – that would be a real problem for us, wouldn’t it! The same principle applies to Sound therapy. As long as one doesn’t actively block or resist the healing process and is able to be open to healing and transformation, one is bound to get the benefits in some way or another. Imagine a world where the mystery was taken out completely, and everything was black and white – wouldn’t that feel a bit robotic or mundane after a while? It is in our nature to seek what is beyond, and follow the guidance and instincts of our heart, in its everlasting pursuit of wholeness, expansion, creation, peace and bliss. The question is, do we have the courage to follow our hearts? Do we feel safe enough to trust, let go, surrender, and see where it takes us? Are we willing to perceive that which is beyond the tangible? Should we ride the waves of transcendence and embrace change? There is no right or wrong approach, only what feels right for each one of us.
References:
Judith, A., Ph.D (2016). Wheels of Life (2nd ed.). Llewellyn Publications.
Gerber, R., M.D. (2001). Vibrational Medicine (3rd ed.). Bear & Company.