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Mental & Vital Being, and the Supramental

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Mental & Vital Being, and the Supramental
by Tau Malachi Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 12:26 pm

The subject of the mental and vital consciousness, and the nature of the supramental or supernal
consciousness, commonly arises among Sophian practitioners. Thus, I thought writing on the
subject for the sake of clarification might be called for, perhaps invoking further contemplation
and co-exploration.

Properly speaking, we find in the vital consciousness four distinct manifestations. We speak of two
for simplicity, but in spiritual practice we find four: the mental vital, the higher vital, the central
vital and the lower vital.

The mental vital represent the vital interface with the mental consciousness, and it is this that
gives expression to the vital being through thought, speech or other means; hence that allows for
mental expression of emotions, desires, passions, sensations and the various movements of vital
consciousness. The higher vital is the seat of deep and powerful feelings, such as joy, love, sorrow,
hate and the like; hence the feelings-emotions that come as a response from within, though not
necessarily from the Inner and Higher Self (Christ Self). The central or middle vital is the
foundation of the potent vital longings and reactions, such as pride, arrogance, lust for power,
ambition, fear, love of fame, attachments, aversions, and all sorts of passions and desires that
represent the field of vital activity in life. The lower vital proper is the instinctual nature, and the
most base emotions and desires, such as desire for food, sex, shelter, all smaller movements of
desire-energy, general likes and dislikes, vanity, petty quarrels, desire for praise, anger because of
blame, and every kind of little wish we can imagine – and so many other things that occupy our
egoistic existence.

When only the terms “higher vital” and “lower vital” are used, the higher vital indicates the
mental vital and higher vital proper, and the lower vital indicates the central and lower vital
proper, and reflects that these four aspects of the vital being-consciousness tend to group into
two, especially in the surface consciousness.

“Mind” is the general usage can cover the entire range of consciousness with no discrimination of
aspects, for the human being is a mental being and tends to make everything a mental movement;
but in the language of our spiritual life and practice the terms mind and mental consciousness are
used to indicate the aspect of consciousness which has to do with intelligence and cognition; hence
with ideas, thought and mental perceptions, the reaction of thought to things, and with all that is
truly mental expression, the movements and formations in the mind of thought, mental vision and
the like.

In the ordinary mind we may speak of a thinking aspect, dynamic aspect and manifesting aspect
(“externalizing aspect”). The first is occupied with ideas and knowledge in and of themselves; the
second with the drawing out of ideas and knowledge, conclusions and realization of thoughts; the
third, with the actual manifestation of ideas and knowledge in life. When we speak of the vital
mind, this is the interface between the vital consciousness and the mental consciousness. In the
surface consciousness all of this, the mental and vital, is all muddled together, and consciousness
is unclear and fragmented or scattered, and the distinctions are blurred, but when we go within, in
the inner being and consciousness, and from the view of the Inner and Higher Self, the Christ Self,
these aspects are perfectly clear and lucid – quite distinct; hence, while they are the singular
expression of the one being-consciousness-force, they are also distinct and individual (oneness and
multiplicity). We find these gradations of mental and vital may act altogether, but that they may

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also act in various dimensions individually and simultaneously.

Beyond the ordinary mind there is the higher mind, illumined mind, intuitive mind and the
universal mind (cosmic mind); each a higher grade of human or divine intelligence. The higher
mind is the experience of more lofty and luminous ideas or thoughts, like points of light in the
mental consciousness; the illumined mind is the experience of streams of luminous ideas or
thoughts all connected, like a ray of mental illumination. The intuitive mind is something of a leap
in mental development, for it is the experience of “downloads” of whole areas or subjects of
knowledge, like fields of light in mental consciousness – the common territory of those we call
“geniuses” among humankind. The universal mind or cosmic mind (which some have termed the
“overmind”) is yet again another leap, for not only whole fields of knowledge, but multiple fields
of knowledge, flood the mental consciousness, along with an understanding of their
interconnectedness (with the advance of modern human knowledge on earth what is termed
“genius” will become this). The universal mind may occur apart from the spiritual experience of
cosmic consciousness, but in the deeper dimensions of the universal mind are the various
gradations of cosmic consciousness – those that are experiences of unity with all or the entirety,
devoid of any real perception of Divine Being, and those that include experiences and perceptions
of Divine Being, and certain experiences of unification (unification in which individuality vanishes,
or else in which a subtle separation remains between the individual and Divine Being).

The mental and vital being, generally speaking, are Ruach and Nefesh, respectively; though at the
peak of the mental being-consciousness there is an experience of Neshamah – our Divine Nature or
Supernal Soul. When we speak of the Lower Ruach, this is the ordinary mind, and when we speak of
the Upper Ruach, this is the higher, illumined, intuitive, and universal mind.

The Supernal or Supramental Consciousness is beyond the mental and vital consciousness, and is
what we mean by Christ or Messianic Consciousness proper, though there certainly are glimpses of
Christ Consciousness reflected in higher grades of the vital and mental consciousness. Just as we
may speak of the higher grades of mental consciousness, so also we may speak of higher grades of
vital consciousness beyond the ordinary vital – higher grades of the mental and vital are
movements towards Christ Consciousness, and may even be viewed as restricted manifestations of
Christ Consciousness, but the true Christ or Messianic Consciousness is Supernal or Supramental.

How do we know this? One can unite with Divine Being (God and Godhead) through the mental
and/or the vital being, and these unifications are distinct in the experience of them; however,
with the mental or vital unifications the individuality is not maintained in the union, but
individuality vanishes. Through the Supernal or Supramental Consciousness the individual is not lost
in union with the universal, nor in union with God and Godhead, but the individual and universal
fulfill and complete one another – there is a Non-Dual Gnostic Awareness of Oneness and
Multiplicity; it is like the drop of saltwater poured back into the ocean, yet at the same time the
experience of the ocean pouring through the drop of saltwater. In the Holy Gospel you will notice
that though at-one with the Father, the Son remains distinct and individual, so as to say I Am
(Eheieh). This is a supreme mystery that only the experience of Supernal or Messianic
Consciousness can truly disclose.

In the spiritual life and practice we seek to cultivate the higher gradations of the vital and mental
being-consciousness. There are outer and inner manifestations of the mental and vital
consciousness, and going within we seek to purify and consecrate the mental and vital being, and
to develop and evolve the mental and vital being – to heal and refine the holy vessel into which the
influx of the Supernal Light will enter. Thus, first we seek to receive the Spiritual Light from above
to illuminate and clarify the mental and vital being, and to awaken and uplift the Serpent Power –
fully actualizing and realizing the vital and mental being-consciousness. It is when this is
accomplished that the influx of the Supernal or Supramental Force becomes possible.

This development of consciousness is by no means as linear as it may sound in a provisional

teaching describing it, for our experience in development is completely non-linear, and radical
leaps and transformations are possible. We may rightly speak of Christ Consciousness as near to all,
for in truth it is and all who are willing can glimpse it and taste of it. Yet, also we must say that in
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the present humanity or human condition, the actual attainment or embodiment is relatively rare –
few and far between. Why? Because few are fully willing to the spiritual life and practice through
which actual Self-realization in Supernal or Messianic Consciousness becomes possible; most
practitioners seek some degree of Spirit-connectedness, some degree of spiritual or mystical
experience, and some degree of self-betterment in the spiritual life, and only a few are ready and
willing to the fullness of the Divine Life. Likewise, it may be that for many the foundation of the
development and evolution of the soul-being or consciousness is not established and it is not yet
time for them – hence the teaching on the three races in humankind in Gnosticism, the bestial or
material (Cain), the faithful or psychic (Abel) and the spiritual elect (Seth). You see, there is an
evolution underway here, and this world is evolutionary in its nature, and everything has its due
season for maturation. Not all are fully called to the spiritual life and practice, but the call for
many remains only partial. Yet, we may say, at any time Grace may work wonders and facilitate
radical leaps in evolution. Likewise, while the Supernal Light may not be readily accessible to
everyone, the Spiritual Light is accessible to all.

In this we are speaking about the Gnostic Path and the acquisition of Gnosis, the Supernal or
Supramental being called True Gnosis; hence Truth-Consciousness. At least, this is the view of the
Gnostic Path in the Sophian lineage, and it is the embodiment of Higher Consciousness that defines
the Gnostic Apostolic Succession to us – the sons and daughters of the Great Seth, the Supramental
Humanity.

Perhaps this will serve to clarify the teachings on the mental and vital being-consciousness, and
give some insight into what we mean by the supernal or supramental being-consciousness. Perhaps
it may also inspire further discussion…

May the Divine Mother open the Way before us, and lead us in the Path of the Great Ascension
and Transformation, amen.

Blessings & shalom!

Interior Stars
by Elder Gideon Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:17 pm

Shalom Malachi!

This post on vital and mental consciousness was indeed very clarifying!

In this model you've described, this continuum of mind could be stacked vertically as well as
spherically, so to speak, meaning one within the other, like a telescope. As a depth above is
equally a depth within, a fun contemplation asks which experience of mind is innermost or
outermost? For example, different angles of teaching emerge when alternating the lower vital with
the universal mind as the outermost or innermost "circle" of mind. The supernal seems
transcendent altogether of whatever is outermost or innermost, as though--mysteriously--they
coexists in a common ground without contradiction. (':shock:')

Seeing how in this model the continuum from lower vital to universal mind is eightfold, I can't help
but ask if this could be reduced to seven by way of any overlap at higher vital and higher mind? If
this overlap of terms is possible and maintains consistency within the model, two things potentially
happen: 1) your entire post becomes then a dialogue of interior stars (or chakras); and 2) the vital
being from which we've evolved and the higher mind and beyond towards which we're destined,
share as a threshold the heart center. (':!:')

Thank you!

brothersmiley

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the pattern that connects

by Elder Sarah Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:28 pm

Greetings Malachi and Brothersmiley

Thank you for that post Malachi, it is very helpful, yet in a certain way hard to think about in
surface conciousness. You are right about the "muddled" perception of these things when
aproached from the surface. This leads me to ask what it is that enables us to become aware of
the distinctions of the levels found in "Mind". I know that you mentioned that the Spiritual Life and
Practice is where one can begin to see the difference. I was wondering if this is because one is
actually making room for the influx of the Supernal Light? and if so is it the Supernal Light that
actually joins these levels and in joining one is able to see the distiction? Also is this a vast part of
the Path? a Knowledge and understanding of the many levels of consciousness and a awareness of
the levels One is linking to therefore embodying?

Shalom, Sunny

Vital and Mental Interaction

by Tau Malachi Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:56 am

Greetings Brother Michael and Sister Sunny!

I do not know that I'd view the higher mental consciousness and higher vital consciousness as
"overlapping" or the same, for at the outset we first wish to see the distintion for the sake of
clarification - purification. Yet, the mental and vital being are completely interwoven in us, for as
mental beings we mentalize virtually everything, just as when the supramental enters in we
supramentalize all aspects and levels of consciousness. As we develop higher mental states of
consciousness we must refine the vital and take up the vital in ascent, for the Will must be
tempered with Love, only then does the Will reflect and embody the Divine Will.

The nature of the Self-realization we seek is integral and holistic, for we wish the Supernal Light-
presence to enter in and take up this life. Thus, we wish to align and bring into harmony all
aspects and levels of consciousness, and we wish the various levels to be linked to one another.
One of the key obstructions to the Spiritual Light and to the Supernal Light is that these various
aspects are not properly aligned, integrated and harmonized - thus, purification and integration is
a significant part of the spiritual work.

These various aspects and levels are known by going within and living within, and by opening
ourselves to the Mother's Force, which first comes "down" as the Spiritual Light, a Light that
illuminates the mental, vital and life, and which guides and empowers us in the purification and
integration process. They are "seen" from the inner consciousness, specifically the Inner Self, and
to look and see them we must generate an Inner Center of consciousness and receive the Light
from above.

I do not know that we are exactly "making room" for the Supernal or Supramental as much as
drawing ourselves into alignment and harmony with it - preparing ourselves as a vehicle of channel
of that True Light of God Most High. Yet we can say that there is a widening or expansion of
consciousness that must take place, along with a clarification and refinement. As I wrote
elsewhere in the practice forum, the first step is mental silence, and then quieting the vital - then,
with Intention, we can turn upward to receive the Spiritual Light from above, which will lead us in
the Way.

Remember also to use affirmation, speaking the truth of your capacity to be aware of the various
gradations and aspects of consciousness, as well as your capacity for illumination and
transformation of them - the Integral Self-realization in Christ.

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Sunny, you are familiar with the influx of Light from above, go within and follow that, abiding in
the silence, let that Light-power move, and let it open the centers in its descent - ask the Mother
to bless you and to awaken the Serpent Power (but do not focus on it yourself, rather let the
descent of Light naturally and spontaneously awaken it). At every stage, do as the Mother Spirit
directs you to do, following the Spirit of Truth rather than anything external. This will lead you to
the influx of the Supernal Light proper. In other words, trust the experience you have had thus far,
and trust in the Spirit of Yahweh. Offer yourself up to the Mother completely, and be surrendered
to Her.

May the Mother bring forth the Pattern-That-Connects from within us, amen.

Blessings & shalom!

by BeingOFLight Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:02 pm

Greetings All!

Blessings in the Name of Yeshua!

This discussion is both enlightening and confusing. lol Yet, I see the confusion comes from not
seeing from the inner perspective. As Malachi has said, these levels become clearer when viewed
from within. I have had some limited experience with them. I saw within how on one level I
wanted something for myself, and yet on another I wanted it because it would benefit others,
namely at the time, my family. I realized they were two distinct desires, they were in conflict only
so long as I held on to the desire to recieve for self alone. They were both the desire to recieve,
yet one level wanted to keep for self, another wanted to share. There are many levels to this
experience, I'm sure. Some have been discussed before. Yet, my question is this, if one sees
something like I have mentioned above, how can one bring that back into alignment? It seems not
so much the desire thats wrong...but that there is fear there otherwise there wouldnt be the need
to possess and keep, one would want to share willingly and openly, without the internal conflict on
many levels. Or is the conflict at least in the early stages something of a sign post? Such as, one
has to be aware of something before one can do anything about it? And also, how can one use
affirmations to help facilitate the purification of the mental and vital being so that the reception
of ruach becomes a nearer reality? Thanks for the topic Malachi! It is surely a blessing.

Peace and Love to All,

Damiean

Clarity
by Tau Malachi Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:20 am

Greetings Brother Damiean!

You are perfectly correct when you say that the first step to tikkune/healing and the Self-
realization process is simply to become aware of the work to be done. This reflects the wisdom of
the process of preparation for the Threefold Initiation in Christian Gnosticism – the esoteric
meaning of “confession” and “repentance.” By confession we mean the generation of self-
awareness and the bringing to the surface, into the light of awareness, all shades and shadows, all
contradictions, conflicts, hindrances, obstructions – all that is not aligned and in harmony with the
Truth and Light in us. By repentance we mean a turning from Falsehood and Darkness to the Truth
and Light, and a constant choice for the True Light (God); hence the cultivation of the Desire to
Give in place of the Desire to Receive for Oneself Alone, and seeking to be a Cause for the Greater
Good rather than be an Effect. In other words, we actively take up the spiritual life and practice,
and we become proactive rather than reactive, seeking to live according to the Truth and Light
revealed in our experience (the Holy Gospel).

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You are also perfectly correct when you say that desire is not the problem, for desire is merely
energy – the manifestation of consciousness-force or energy-intelligence, hence the phrase “desire-
energy.” Essentially, desire is distorted and tainted by self-grasping or the egoistic condition,
which gives rise to attachment and aversion, and all the gross and subtle forms of negativity. Self-
grasping restricts the flow of Light and corrupts desire-energy, thus whatever we can do to
diminish the power of the egoistic self naturally increases the flow of Light and serves to purify the
arising of desire-energy. One must bear in mind that in Gnostic terminology, the egoistic self is the
“child of the Demiurge,” and likewise is called the “sitra ahara” (evil inclination), “Samael”
(poison of God or poison of Good) and “Satan” (Adversary or Opponent). We may say that in the
individuation process the egoistic self plays a role – like a husk or shell that protects the fruit until
it is ripe, but receiving the call to the Divine Life it is time to shed that klippah-husk and seek our
freedom. Thus, as we take up the Divine Life we must recognize self-grasping and egotism for what
it is and actively strive to overcome it.

There is no doubt that our surrender is not passive, but is active and dynamic, for we must do our
part to cooperate with the Anointed and Mother Spirit. Yet, it is not we who will accomplish the
Great Work in us, but it is Divine Grace that will accomplish it. In this sense confession and
repentance imply something more, for it is the process of offering everything up to the Divine
Mother, to the Anointed and Holy Spirit, and seeking the reception of the Light from above through
which everything is illuminated and ultimately transformed. As much as seeking to look and see
ourselves, and gain self-awareness and self-knowledge, we wish to open ourselves to the Mother’s
Force, the Light from above, which empowers and guides us in the spiritual life and practice.

Self-awareness and self-knowledge are cultivated by such practices as the Silent Witness and
Primordial Mediation, but the opening to the Mother has no method – it is the simple intention to
do so. We go within, and we center ourselves in the heart, or in the head, or above the head, with
the conscious intention to open to the Mother, to the Light that comes from above. We may
support this effort with various practices, such as Partzuf Mediations, Giving and Receiving
Meditation and such, yet there is no method for this opening and surrender – we just open and
surrender. It is an exercise of faith, hope and love – of active spiritual aspiration. Cultivating the
presence or awareness, and opening to the Mother and surrendering ourselves to Her in a complete
self-offering, this is how we set ourselves on the Path, this is the heart of the Divine Life to us.

Affirmation is best spun by ourselves – “I Am” statements in our own words phrased always in the
present tense, directly expressing what we seek to manifest. For example, “I am in the Divine
Mother and the Mother’s Force flows with, in and through me.” Or, “I am self-aware and the
knowledge of the self comes easily to me – I see clearly.” Or, “I am awake and alert, and I am
empowered to live from Higher Consciousness.” When you use an affirmation, focus upon it
completely and say it a minimum of seven times in a row, and use it often. In creative ways put it
around you in writing so you see it and it comes to mind – it is very simple, we just need to
practice it and get creative with it. However, in the process of affirmation, remove vital demand
and envision what you seek to manifest as a present reality – do not give in to self-doubt, and it
shall come to pass.

It is true, on the surface we cannot discern the various gradations and movements of
consciousness; likewise, without a language to express what we look and see we cannot become
conscious of the gradations and movements either. Thus, becoming well acquainted with this
model/language and going within we can become increasingly more conscious of the various
gradations and movements – but we must become very familiar with the language or model,
understanding that it is founded upon direct experience and not theory. Then when we go within
and look and see we can be fully conscious of what we are seeing. If we truly desire to see and be
fully conscious, eventually that’s exactly what will transpire.

May the Mother fulfill our inmost heart’s desire, amen.

Blessings & shalom!

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