I believe, as many hermetics do, this is the alchemical world.
In the astral sphere of creation, which unfortunately is where most will find themselves upon leaving the physical world, time/space is much “slower” if you will. For those more versed in these subjects, forgive my generalizations. Trying to prevent this from being an essay (;
In the alchemical world, spiritual growth can occur at rates you would not see in the astral, mental or higher planes. If life-extension technology would ever become available, the only reason I’d bother extending my stay is to reap further alchemical benefits. Though time takes its toll, and a longer lifespan also means an increased probability to polarize negatively.
I’ve read that divine union (the individual self [not ego or primary higher self] merging with the greater self (beyond the higher self, with a direct line to unity or kether)) can only take place in this world. The alchemical world.
In the physical anatomy, all subtle layers (astral, mental, etc) seem to be connected in a particular way where the conditions of this universe can work together to provide the perfect experience for evolution.
So to connect everything…
I would believe that the purpose of being in the physical plane is to reap these benefits to their highest, greatest and utmost refined capacity.
Some would say the purpose of the physical plane is for it to merely exist. Like a symphony, the point is the music. There is no destination, the point is just to experience. Much like immersing in a video game world.
But- if the alchemical world concept is true (be it true or false, we all have an instinctive drive for bridging the gap between who we are now and our highest potential. Regardless of fears and pains, we all seem to share this instinct, and I see no harm in following it. I’ve read some call it the “primal instinct to return to the Source in which we came” - even if the goal is self improvement without anything spiritual, once you reach your self development goals and seek greater heights, spiritual pursuits become inevitable for continued evolution) then I’d say merely watching life go by is a waste of such a grand opportunity.
Also consider we have access to things our ancestors would likely never have access to thanks to the internet and potentially higher self guidance to particular things. It’s easy for us to think of this as normal, but imagine you lived 500 years ago and got 1/100 of the information you have now. Say law of attraction. You’d take action. Most people today are subject to information hoarding and consuming self-help and spiritual content as “infotainment”. Abundance has its costs on the psyche, in that an undisciplined mind is likely to derp in the presence of abundance.
So I think 2 perspectives are useful with all that said.
- Live each day in a way that would make the you at the end of the day smile.
- Live your entire life in a way that would make the you on your deathbed smile.
In a pragmatic and practical way, evolving even just 1% each day, you’ll get the most out of the alchemical world you can.
The alchemy I am refering to is the refinement of your character and inner being (they are not the same- you can refine your character to perfection but it doesn’t mean your inner being is directly developed).
Part of this is your perception. Returning from a mind that seeks meaning to an innocent mind, or a ZEN mind. Innocent mind is found in “a course in miracles” I believe, but from what I gather “ZEN mind” is the same. It’s purity of perception.
Saying you are trapped in the physical world is based upon information gathered in which you currently lack the means to verify/debunk. You may feel trapped, but that is a feeling. Feeling trapped does not mean the physical body and world are prisons. You may be trapped within your own psychological prison, but that is not the world or the physical makeup of the universe working to sabotage your quality of life.
You have to be very careful with what you “learn” and must always be open to the idea it may be wrong. Even my findings in which I’ve shared now, I’m always open to the possibility none of it is true and we’re all just slightly evolved apes trying to feel more special about ourselves.
“I don’t know” is the mark of true wisdom if you ask me.
But from what I’ve gathered, my personal experiences, and my interpretations of said experiences, this is what I contribute to this topic.
Whoops- became an essay anyway RIP