From The Doctrines For Spiritual Christianity
The reason a” quaking” or “motion” denotes a change of state, is that it takes place in space and in time and in the other life there is no idea of space and of time but in their stead there is state. It is indeed true that in the other life all things appear as in space, and follow one another as if in time; but in themselves the space and time are changes of state, for they come from this source. This is perfectly well known to every spirit, even to the wicked, who by changes of state induced on others cause them to appear in another place, when yet they are not there. Men may know the same from the fact that in so far as a man is in a state of the affections and of the derivative joy; and in so far as he is in a state of the thoughts and of a consequent absence from the body, so far he is not in time; for many hours then appear to him scarcely as one; and this because his internal man or spirit has states to which the spaces and times in the external man correspond. (Arcana Coelestia 3356)
Moments and progressions there are nothing else because from no other source than changes of the state of life. These changes appear in externals exactly like progressions from place to place. That this is so can be confirmed by much experience in the other life; for I have walked there in spirit with them and among them, through many of their abode., and this though in body I remained in the same place. I have also talked with them as to how this could be, and have been informed that it is the changes of the state of life that make progressions in the spiritual world. This was also confirmed by the fact that by means of changes induced on their states, spirits can appear on high, and then in a moment beneath, or now far to the west, and in a moment to the east, and so on. But as before said this cannot but seem strange to him who knows nothing about life in the spiritual world; for there are no spaces or times there, but states of life instead. These states produce in externals a most living appearance of progressions and motions. The appearance is as living and real as that life itself is in us and therefore our own; when yet life flows in from the Lord, who is the fountain of all life (n. 2021, 2658, 2706, 2886-2888, 3001, 3318, 3337, 3338, 3484, 3619, 3741-3743, 4151, 4249, 4318-4320, 4417, 4523, 4524, 4882). (Arcana Coelestia 5605{2-3})
He who does not know how the case is with representatives and correspondences may wonder that an ox can signify the affection of good or of evil in man, because an ox is a beast. But let him know that all beasts signify such things as belong to some affection or inclination. In the spiritual world this is very well known, for in that world there are frequently seen beasts of various kinds, as oxen, bullocks, cows, horses, mules, asses, sheep, goats, kids, lambs; also evil beasts, as tigers, panthers, bears, dogs, hogs, serpents; and also beasts which are nowhere seen on the earth; besides also birds of various kinds. That such things are seen there surpasses belief with those who believe that nothing exists which they do not see with their bodily eyes. But neither do the same believe that there are any spirits or angels, still less that they appear to themselves as men; that they see one another; speak with one another; and touch one another. The reason is that such persons are so sensuous and corporeal as to believe that only bodies live. It is from this that, as before said, such things surpass belief with them. And yet they have not only been seen by me a thousand times, but I have also been instructed concerning the animals seen; whence they are, and what they signify; thus also that when presented to view in an animal form, affections of good in the natural are seen as gentle oxen; and affections of evil as ferocious oxen; and that all other affections appear in the forms of other animals. Hence it is that beasts of various kinds signify such things in man as they correspond to. But on this subject see what has been previously shown, (n. 142, 143, 246, 714, 715, 719, 776, 1823, 2179, 2180, 2781, 2805, 2807, 2830, 3218, 3519, 5198, 7523). (Arcana Coelestia 9090 {2-3})
Key Points From The Video
The Appearance of Motion and Space: In the spiritual world, motion and space are appearances created by the mind, reflecting changes in states of consciousness. This perception contrasts with the natural world’s assumption that space and motion exist independently of the mind.
Sensory Objects in the Spiritual World: Sensory objects in the spiritual world retain their objectivity but are effects of deeper mental states. They exist within the sentient faculties and are caused by affections and thoughts.
Perception of Causes in the Natural and Spiritual Worlds: Natural thinking attributes sensory objects to physical causes, overlooking their spiritual origins. Spiritual understanding reveals these objects as symbolic representations of deeper truths and affections.
Example of Correspondences: The Ox: In the spiritual world, the appearance of an ox symbolizes an affection for natural goodness. This relationship between spiritual causes and natural effects is intuitive in the spiritual realm but misunderstood by the natural mind.
Misunderstandings in the Natural World: The natural mind struggles to perceive the connection between natural objects and spiritual causes, often dismissing correspondences as inconclusive.
Correspondences and the Holy Scripture: Understanding correspondences is vital for interpreting the spiritual meaning of Scripture. Both the natural and spiritual worlds are created by the same Divine laws, making the natural world a symbolic representation of spiritual realities.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. How is motion perceived in the spiritual world?
a) As a change in states of consciousness appearing as movement
b) As an illusion created by natural laws
c) As a physical phenomenon independent of mind
d) As an eternal constant unrelated to thought
Answer a)
2. What is the spiritual significance of an ox in the Word?
a) It represents strength and endurance
b) It signifies an affection for natural goodness
c) It symbolizes opposition to spiritual truths
d) It stands for worldly desires and ambitions
Answer b)
3. What prevents the natural mind from understanding spiritual causes behind natural phenomena?
a) Lack of faith in Divine laws
b) Over-reliance on Scriptural correspondences
c) Inability to perceive sensory objects
d) Its focus on space and time as independent realities
Answer d)
4. Why is the doctrine of correspondences essential in Spiritual Christianity?
a) To understand natural laws scientifically
b) To reveal the symbolic meaning of Scripture and nature
c) To distinguish between the natural and spiritual worlds
d) To explain the function of sensory faculties
Answer b)
5. How are sensory objects in the spiritual world created?
a) By external forces acting on physical senses
b) By inflowing life manifesting mental states
c) Through random spiritual occurrences
d) By natural processes independent of Divine influence
Answer b)
Reflective Questions
1. How does viewing sensory objects as reflections of mental states reshape your understanding of reality?
2. In what ways can recognising correspondences in nature deepen your connection to spiritual truths?
3. How can the concept of spiritual causes behind natural phenomena influence your reading of Scripture?
Experiential Integration
Identify an object in your environment, such as a tree, a bird, or a household item. Reflect on its possible spiritual correspondence—what deeper affection, thought, or truth might it represent? Contemplate how this connection helps you see the object as part of a greater Divine order.
Journal your insights.
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