From The Doctrines For Spiritual Christianity
In the truth of faith there are theoretical matters and practical ones; and he who regards the theoretical for the sake of the practical, and who sees the former in the latter, and who thus from both conjoined regards the good use of life, and is affected by both for the sake of this end, is in faith from the Lord. The reason is that the use of life, being the end, with him is good, and all things are formed according to the use of life; and the truths of faith are that by which the formation is effected. That this is so, is very manifest from those who are in the other life. All there, without exception, are reduced to the state of their good, or to the state of their evil, and thus to the use of their life, which had been their end, that is, which they had loved above all things, and which consequently had been the very delight of their life. All are reduced to this. The truths or falsities which had made a one with this use, remain, and more besides are adopted which conjoin themselves with the former, and complete the use, and cause the use to appear in its own real form. From this it is that spirits and angels are forms of their use; evil spirits forms of evil use, and these are in hell; good spirits or angels forms of good use, and these are in heaven. From this also it is that the quality of spirits is known the moment they are present; their truths of faith are known from their faces and the beauty of these in respect to their form; and the good itself, which is the use, from the fire of love therein which gives life to the beauty; and also from the sphere which surges from them. (Arcana Coelestia 9297 {4})
As all things that correspond to interiors also represent them they are called representatives; and as they differ in each case in accordance with the state of the interiors they are called appearances. Nevertheless, the things that appear before the eyes of angels in heaven and are perceived by their senses appear to their eyes and senses as fully living as things on earth appear to man, and even much more clearly, distinctly and perceptibly. (Heaven and Hell 175)
Things, beyond number, are seen by angels and angelic spirits in clear day; and wonderful to say, they are perceived with all fulness of sense. (Arcana Coelestia 1626)
Spirits are exceedingly indignant, indeed are angry, when told that men do not believe that they see, that they hear, that they feel by the touch. They have said that surely men ought to know that without sense there is no life, and that the more exquisite the sense the more excellent the life; also that the objects of their sense are suited to the excellence of their senses, and that the representatives which are from the Lord are real, for all the things that are in nature and the world are derived from them (n. 1632). The words in which they express their indignation are that they perceive by the senses much better and more excellently than men do. (Arcana Coelestia 1881)
If it should be said that in heaven there is no idea of place, thus none of distance, but that instead of these there are ideas of state, this could not possibly be apprehended by man, for this would cause him to believe that there nothing is distinct, but that everything is confused, that is, all in one, or together; when yet all things there are so distinct that nothing can he more so. (Arcana Coelestia 3387{3})
All the angels have their own dwellings in the places where they are, and they are magnificent. I have been there, and have sometimes seen and marveled at them, and have there spoken with the angels. They are so distinct and clearly seen that nothing can be more so. In comparison with these, the habitations on earth amount to scarcely anything. They also call those which are on the earth dead, and not real; but their own, living and true, because from the Lord. (Arcana Coelestia 1628)
Key Points From The Video
Use and Beauty: In heaven, beauty and attractiveness are proportional to use, reflecting the excellence of interior causes and the delights of Divine Love and Wisdom.
The Divine Influx and Sensory Experience: The influx of the Divine into the mind creates sensory experiences that correspond to the Divine Source; these experiences are pure, unobstructed by worldly love, and possess properties associated with matter.
The Distinctness of Sensation: Distinct sensations in heaven reflect the clarity and purity of the minds of heavenly beings, with clear interior perceptions mirrored in distinct exterior sensations.
Superior Sensory Perception in Heaven: Angels experience sensory properties with greater vividness and distinctness than humans, highlighting the connection between interior state and exterior sensory manifestation.
Multiple Choice Questions
1.What is the relationship between the beauty of an object and its use in heaven?
a) beauty is unrelated to use
b) use is only for practical purposes and does not contribute to beauty
c) beauty is a random and arbitrary attribute
d) beauty is proportional to use, reflecting interior causes
Answer d)
2. What ensures that every property within the circle of sensation corresponds fully to its Divine source in heaven?
a) the physical laws of nature
b) the influx of the Divine into the mind
c) the absence of any matter
d) the free will of individual beings
Answer b)
3. What does the distinctness with which sensations are experienced in heaven reflect?
a) the external environment
b) the degree of light and colour
c) the condition of the mind and its interior perceptions
d) the complexity of sensory input
Answer c)
4. How does the sensory perception of angels compare to that of those on earth?
a) they are identical
b) angels have less perception
c) angels experience sensory properties more vividly and distinctly
d) those living on earth have superior senses
Answer c)
5. What aspect of Divine Love and Wisdom is emphasized as creating delights and satisfaction in heaven?
a) the impact on the will and intellect of the angels
b) the rigid and unchanging nature of Divine law
c) the absence of personal freedom
d) the physical beauty and attractiveness of the place
Answer a)
Reflective Questions
1. How does the principle that beauty is proportional to use challenge your understanding of value and worth in the material world?
2. In what ways can you foster an environment of ‘no selfish or worldly love’ so that the influx of Divine Wisdom and Love has greater influence in your perception of reality?
3. How can the understanding that the clarity of interior perceptions can be mirrored in distinct external sensations inspire you to pursue inner purity?
Experiential Integration
Throughout the day, pay attention to objects you interact with and consider their use. Reflect on whether their beauty or appeal seems directly related to their inherent usefulness.
When you witness acts of service or kindness, observe the beauty that emanates from the intention behind that action.
Explore how you might better connect beauty and functionality in your own life and within the daily environments that surround you.