Astral Soul
The Astral Soul, sometimes called the "inner man",[1] is a phrase to denominate "the lower part of the dual Fifth Principle"[2] that is, the lower Manas, or Kama-Manas.[3] Thus, the astral soul is an intermediary principle "between matter (body) and the highest intellect (its immortal spirit or nous)"[4] known as the Higher Ego.
It can be seen as a "double" of the physical person. Although sometimes the astral soul is explained in ways that may resemble the linga sharira, Mme. Blavatsky said that the two should not be confused.[5]
Being part of the transient personality, "no astral soul, even that of a pure, good, and virtuous man, is immortal in the strictest sense; “from elements it was formed — to elements it must return.”[6] After death, when the higher consciousness enters Devachan, the astral soul is discarded and becomes the "shell".[7]
Notes
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 315.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. VI (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1989), 195.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 37.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled vol. II, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 112.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 197.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 432.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. IV (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1991), 121.
Further reading
- Triad at Theosopedia