2024, The Hidden Reality of Multiple Subtle Bodies and Cosmic Soul Journey

The Hidden Reality of Multiple  Subtle Bodies and Cosmic Soul Journey

Introduction

Across many spiritual traditions, it is said that human existence is far deeper than what is visible. Beyond the physical body lies a vast multidimensional reality where souls exist simultaneously in different realms. This teaching explains that many humans possess multiple subtle bodies functioning in higher worlds, even though they remain unaware of them in daily life.

This article explores the concept of subtle bodies, the structure of cosmic realms, avatars, and the soul’s journey across universes — presenting a comprehensive spiritual perspective on human existence.

The Existence of Subtle Bodies

According to esoteric knowledge, every human being is not limited to a single physical form. Alongside the gross body (physical body), there exists:

• A subtle body operating in higher realms

• A formless essence rooted in the supreme abode

These subtle forms exist in realms such as:

• Bhur Loka — the earthly plane

• Swarg Loka — the celestial realm

• Maha Loka — the realm of great sages

Great rishis and advanced souls maintain subtle ashrams in these higher planes, guiding souls and transmitting knowledge. Even while appearing in human form on Earth, their higher aspects remain active in these subtle realms.

Avatars and Divine “Shells”

A key spiritual idea is that divine beings manifest through “shells” — temporary forms used to operate in the material world.

• Vishnu manifests through avatars such as Rama and Krishna

• Shankar (Shiva) manifests through forms like Hanuman

• Many deities send portions of their essence to Earth

During divine incarnations, the original divine presence remains in its higher abode while a manifested form operates in the physical world. This explains how divine beings can exist simultaneously in multiple dimensions.

The Structure of the Universe and the 14 Lokas

Spiritual cosmology describes a universe composed of many realms populated by souls at different levels of evolution. These include:

• Swarg Loka (heavenly realms)

• Mahar Loka (realm of sages)

• Tap Loka and Satya Loka (higher spiritual realms)

• Patala Loka (lower realms)

Beyond these lie divine abodes such as Brahma Puri, Vishnu Puri, Shiv Puri, and the supreme Paramdham — the timeless state where souls exist in their pure essence.

Souls often have three simultaneous forms:

1. Eternal form in the supreme realm

2. Subtle form in higher lokas

3. Manifest form in the physical world

Souls Across Galaxies and Universes

Spiritual teachings also suggest that souls are not limited to Earth or even one universe. Many originate from:

• Other galaxies such as Andromeda, Parallel universes, Vast cosmic clusters

An original soul can send many fragments or essences into different worlds to gain experience. These fragments explore various realms, while the original consciousness remains in a higher state. Just as there are many religions, sects, and traditions on Earth, similarly there are many types of humans. In the same way, they also have subtle bodies in the subtle realm, and those subtle bodies guide and operate their gross physical bodies.

The avatars of Vishnu such as Rama and Krishna are like his shells. The original Vishnu does not come directly to Earth. Similarly, Brahma also has avatars, and so does Shankar. Shankar places his form — for example Hanuman is an avatar of Shankar, a Rudra avatar sent to help Rama during the Rama incarnation.

In this way many deities placed their forms. At that time they resided in Swarg Loka and manifested as monkeys. The Sun sent his son, Indra also sent a form. Many deities, when they wish to incarnate in human form, appear through such manifestations while their original form remains elsewhere.

For example, during Krishna’s incarnation, the gopis who came — their original form was in Vishnu Puri, in Goloka. They placed a shell and came to participate in the Ras Lila with Krishna.

The Purpose of Soul Experience

Why do souls manifest in so many forms? The purpose is experience and evolution. Through multiple lifetimes, realms, and dimensions, the soul:

• Gains knowledge, Understands karma, Transcends the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), Moves toward liberation

When true knowledge arises, the soul recognizes its timeless nature and can transcend the cycle of birth and death.

Spirits, Ancestors, and Subtle Beings

The subtle world is not empty. It contains:

• Ancestors who remain near earthly realms

• Spirits formed from unfulfilled desires

• Benevolent subtle beings that assist others

Some souls remain bound due to attachments, while others evolve and guide humanity. The great ashrams and sages on Earth — Brahmarishis, Maharishis, Rajarishis — are not ordinary beings. They are great ascetics. Do not think they exist only in human form; their subtle forms also assist them. The subtle realm always remains connected to the physical.

Knowledge vs Devotion

A central teaching emphasizes the distinction between:

• Devotion (Bhakti) — emotional connection to the divine

• Knowledge (Gyan) — realization of the soul’s true nature

Ultimate liberation comes through direct knowledge of the self and the supreme reality. Once divine knowledge awakens, the soul perceives the cosmos clearly and attains inner freedom even while living.

Liberation and the End of Illusion

When divine insight (divya drishti) awakens:

• The soul understands the origin and structure of the cosmos

• Illusion (maya) dissolves

• The soul becomes knowledge-incarnate

Liberation is not only after death — it can be experienced while living through awareness and realization.

Conclusion

The teaching of subtle bodies and cosmic soul journeys reveals a universe far more expansive than ordinary perception. Human beings are multidimensional souls participating in a vast cosmic drama — existing simultaneously in physical, subtle, and eternal forms.

Through knowledge, meditation, and self-realization, one can awaken to this deeper truth and move toward ultimate liberation. The path invites every soul to discover its origin, understand its purpose, and experience the infinite nature of existence.