"I.I.H." Theory: Mental Plane~

In this chapter, Bardon explains further how each level of being in the Self has its own related sphere or plane and how all these emanate from akasa or spirit. He emphasises the notion that thought originates in this causal/mental realm before condensing into the astral and finally the physical manifestation. These are all critical clues, perhaps easy for me to recognize because of being steeped in the Buddhist and Yogic theory that control of our own reality begins in control of thought as thought leads to speech which in turn leads to action. I think it's no little matter that Bardon constantly puts emphasis on the Elemental makeup and the dual or yin/yang nature of all levels of being. We will, no doubt, be spending alot of effort working on their influences during our practical exercises. And he verifies the idea that inspirations do indeed come from some place outside ourselves. I've always suspected this. When I would wake in the early hours of the morning to write down the verses of poetry flowing through my head, it seemed to me that the words were already written in the ether and that I was merely jotted them down as they rapidly streamed by. And we're all familiar with John Lennon's lyrics which need not be quoted. Funny how so many race to be the first to claim the invention of any particular idea.

What strike me as new and interesting is the idea of the mental matrix linking the mental body to the astral body. This immediately aroused in my mind the question of it being possible to "slacken" the mental matrix in order to project the mental body in the same way as one projects the astral body. Furthermore Bardon tells us, in so many words, that the astral plane/body is bound to the realm of space, as the physical is bound to time AND space, but the mental is free of both. This brings to mind another implication, if we are to project through space and possibly time we need to consider projection of the mental body as well as or rather than then astral body. Interesting also is the idea put forth that thoughts too are divided into Elemental and dualistic qualities at the causal level. And then there's the mention of mental elementals. This is a fathomable idea but a new one to me none the less. These ideas bring to mind the ancient belief in muses who would come to bring inspiration only to abandon the author at some later time of need. Unless, of course, he possessed for himself some secret technique to conjure their presence as desired.

Overall, the past couple of chapters have provided an excellent explanation of the working relationship between Spirit, Soul and the physical Body. As well as the personal and spiritual egos and their emanation from highest to lowest in terms of electromagnetic fluid or yin/yang chi. All the while reminding us of the vast wealth of knowledge available through the study of analogy, something I came to appreciate while reading the Vedas during my early twenties and spending no small amount of time or effort in deep contemplation of the mysteries of Life and Divinity.