The Relationship Between the Physical Self and the Spiritual Self

The concept of the soul has captivated human thought for millennia, with different cultures and belief systems providing various interpretations of this intangible entity. From a Hebrew perspective, the soul is literally a creature that lives, as the word similarly denotes 'life.' In Greek, the term refers to a living being. This holistic approach emphasizes the unity of the soul and the physical body.

Are the Soul and Physical Body One or Separate Entities?

The philosophical debate surrounding the nature of the soul and its relationship with the physical body has persisted for centuries. Some argue that there are two separate entities—our physical self and our spiritual self. However, there is no objective, verifiable evidence supporting the existence of the soul as an independent entity. This does not mean the concept is invalid; rather, it suggests that the relationship is more complex and nuanced.

The Role of the Soul in Our Lives

For those who believe in the soul, it co-lives within the human body to experience the complexities and richness of earthly life. The soul is seen as the vehicle through which we evolve spiritually, absorbing life lessons from struggles and hardships. According to this view, the soul is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in the journey of self-discovery and growth.

The Process of Incarnation and Beyond

The process of incarnation involves the soul connecting to a spirit body and a physical body in the womb during conception. After death, the physical body is discarded, and the soul transitions to a spirit body, resembling the physical body but made of a lighter substance. This spirit body allows the soul to continue experiencing itself in the spirit world. Over time, the soul evolves, and after thousands of years, it may enter the soul universes and discard the spirit body. At this point, the soul is fully conscious of its unique personality and purpose, achieving a state akin to a demi-god.

The Nature of the Mind and Consciousness

From the perspective of Colin Hankins, there are two distinct states of mind: one engaged in conscious mental activity (CMA), which is busy with life and thinking, and another that is devoid of CMA but remains alert and passively aware, resulting in a state of bliss.

At the root level, everything is fundamentally spiritual, even objects we consider matter. Science supports this by revealing that what we perceive as solid is actually vibrations that have condensed to appear solid. What science cannot explain, however, is the underlying consciousness or higher reality, where spirituality comes into play.
Therefore, in layman's terms, the physical self is the body, and the spiritual self is our higher being—the part of us that exists beyond the physical.

In essence, we are spiritual beings, encapsulated by a physical body, an astral body, and a causal body. This encapsulation is the intricate relationship between the physical and spiritual self.