1

Welcome to our one day program on the

Unification Principle.
 2
The Unification Principle provides the theological and
philosophical basis for the beliefs and activities of the
Unification Church and the Unification Movement.
 Unification Principle

Revealed to the
Reverend Sun Myung Moon

Intuitive discovery

New insights

3
The Unification Principle is the result of the
inspiration and revelation received by the Reverend
Sun Myung Moon.
These teachings were not worked out in a library by
a theoretician, but are the direct result of the prayer,
study and life experience of Reverend Moon as he
struggled to understand the Creator and to find
solutions to humanitys painful history.
As such, the Principle provides new insights into many
ageold areas of concern such as the nature of God,
the purpose of human life, life after death, the purpose
and direction of history, and many other issues.
 4
Reverend and Mrs. Moon and the members of their
worldwide movement have initiated many practical
projects based upon these teachings.
In diverse fields from international relations to
medicine, from performing arts to food production
the Principle has proven to shed light and foster
new cooperation to help solve the most troublesome
problems of our day.
 The Unification Principle
1. The Principle of Creation
The original ideal for the individual
and society

5
The Unification Principle is divided into three major parts.
The first part called the Principle of Creation
presents the model for the individual, family and society.
It presents life as it was originally intended and as it
will be someday when the ideal is finally realized.
 The Unification Principle
1. The Principle of Creation
The original ideal for the individual
and society
2. The Cause of Human Conflict
The origin of evil

6
The second part of the Principle reveals the origin
and nature of evil, and in so doing reveals the cause
of human conflict.
This section of the teaching looks at the reality of
the human condition and traces our long history of
suffering to an original deviation from our purpose of life.
 The Unification Principle
1. The Principle of Creation
The original ideal for the individual
and society
2. The Cause of Human Conflict
The origin of evil
3. The Principle of Restoration
The restoration of the original ideal

7
The third part reveals the Principles of Restoration
by which we are healed and can return to the original
standard for human life. It identifies the laws of
personal improvement and social change, as well as
the purpose and direction of history.
In this one day program it is impossible to deal with
all of the information within the Principle.
This program will serve as an overview of some of the
main teachings. Further study is necessary to gain
a comprehensive understanding.
 Principle of Creation

8
The first presentation will be a survey of the Principle
of Creation. Here we will clarify the healthy norm for
ourselves and society.
 What is the nature
of the First Cause?

9
Our first section will consider the nature of the
First Cause.
We may wonder if it is even reasonable to pursue such an
issue, but it is natural to want to know the cause of things.
For example, to deepen our appreciation of a favorite
piece of music we might learn more about the composer;
or, to improve food production we might study the laws
of agriculture.
But, how are we to begin to comprehend something so
vast and abstract as the First Cause?
 Nature of the First Cause
Revealed in the Universe

First
Cause

Universe

10
In everyday life we constantly surmise invisible causes
of things by observing their visible effects; as when we
feel loving intentions through a gift or assess the suns
position by considering the angle of shadows.
In the same way, we can observe the effects of the
First Cause in the world around us.
 Nature of the First Cause
Revealed in the Universe

First Mind Cause

Cause

Universe Body Effect

11
For example, the movements of our body usually
reflect our unseen thoughts or feelings. This is due
to an important principle of creation called the
Cause and Effect Principle.
The invisible cause which we now call gravity,
for instance, gradually became known by observing
the way in which various objects fell.
In this manner we can gain understanding about the
cause of the entire universe.
 Nature of the First Cause
Revealed in the Universe

First Mind Cause Artist

Cause

Universe Body Effect Work

12
A simple example of this principle is seen in the
relationship between an artist and his works.
By observing those efforts, we can come to conclusions
about that artist even without a personal acquaintance.
Likewise, by observing the created world, we can
understand something about the unseen Creator.
 13
For instance, even though Renoir is now inaccessible
to us, if we examine his many paintings we can feel
as though we know him. This is because his heart and
character are expressed in his beautiful paintings.
As sure as a fingerprint reveals the identity of
its bearer, so any craftsman leaves possesses his
unmistakable signature on every work he does.
 Creative process

Image of the creator

Resemblance

14
This phenomenon demonstrates another important
principle of creation which we call the Principle of
Resemblance.
This tells us that every created thing expresses the
nature and image of its creator and portrays
a resemblance to him or her.
 15
Consider now the example of The Starry Night,
by Van Gogh. Materially it is just oil paint on cloth;
but somehow, through this material object, we experience
a self-disclosure of someones mind and heart.
Through it, Van Goghs passions and inner struggles
become revealed.
 16
What about the starry night of the heavens?
The stars that we see at night are just material
phenomena, consisting of gas, light, and so forth.
But they evoke similar feelings of wonder, beauty, love,
and other emotions that we feel when we observe
manmade works of art.
 17
What does the grandeur of nature, its power and
harmony, reveal to us about the attributes of its Origin?
 18
What Force or Being is behind the grace, the speed,
and the strength of a horse?
 19
A flower in nature is a collection of cells, yet our
feelings are often so moved by the sight of flowers that
we use them to express our affection toward one another.
Is the flower itself an expression of love toward us by
some invisible lover?
What kind of a heart or mind is behind such beauty?
 Evidence of the Creators
Nature in the Universe

Since the creation of the world Gods

invisible qualities His eternal power
and divine nature have been clearly
seenfrom what has been made.
Romans 1:20

20
In the Christian tradition, this concept of the Creators
presence being expressed throughout nature was
conveyed by St. Paul when he said:
Since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualities
His eternal power and divine nature have been
clearly seen...from what has been made.
(Romans 1:20)
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Masculinity Femininity

Common to all beings
Humans Man Woman
in the universe
Animals Male Female

Plants Male Female

Inherent within
the First Cause

21
Just as we take note of the common attributes of
an authors different writings to determine her
personality, so we can study the universal attributes
of the diverse created world in order to understand
the Ultimate Cause.
We call these general qualites the dual characteristics
of creation.
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Internal Character External Form

22
The first set of dual characteristics is that of
internal character, or essence, and external form,
or expression.
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Internal Character External Form

Humans Heart & Mind Body

23
For instance, each human being has an external
appearance or body, but also, behind this there is
some internal character which we call heart and mind.
 24
Every person has character a unique self-conscious
center of feeling, thought and decision which directs
our form, the material body.
In fact, our body is a mirror of our mind; it responds
to its emotions and commands. We might say our
mind is subjective while our body is objective.
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Internal Character External Form

Humans Heart & Mind Body

Animals Animal Mind Body

Plants Plant Mind Body

25
Among the animals, what corresponds to mind is
usually called instinct, which determines the behavior
of their physical bodies.
Plants likewise demonstrate a primitive kind of mind
which also guides their behavior.
 26
Animals may demonstrate many surprising features of
their inner natures, such as undying devotion to their
offspring or uncanny memory in their migratory behaviors.
Perhaps most interesting is the ability of animals to
respond to human love.
 27
Plants likewise demonstrate their internal character
not only in obvious ways, such as their preference
for light, but also in more mysterious ways, as in
their propensity to grow better in an atmosphere of
peaceful and supportive emotions.
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Internal Character External Form

Humans Heart & Mind Body

Animals Animal Mind Body

Plants Plant Mind Body

Molecules Inherent Nature Energy & Matter

Atoms Inherent Nature Energy & Matter

Particles Inherent Nature Energy & Matter

28
If these paired characteristics are present in all organic
creations, what about in the inorganic?
Even molecules, atoms and particles exhibit these attributes.
The external structure of all matter is governed by
certain laws and principles. We call this internal tendency,
inherent directive nature.
 29
Physiochemical laws determine the shape, color and
other properties of elements and compounds.
 30
The most recent scientific research, however, suggests
that physical laws are not the sole determining factor
in how matter behaves.
What some physicists cite as mental properties are
gradually coming to light as certain particles seem to
defy a purely material explanation for their activity.
 Mind and matter are but
two parallel streams arising
from the same source.
David Bohm
British Physicist

31
In the words of a prominent contemporary scientist:
Mind and matter are but two parallel streams arising
from the same source.
In other words, matter does not cause mind, and mind
does not cause matter. They both simultaneously exist
and interact because they originate from something
greater than both.
 First Cause Universe

External External
Form Form

Internal Internal
Character Character

Cause Effect

32
Internal character and external form exist in
a complementary and interdependent relationship.
They are as two aspects of the same being; they have
no meaning apart from each other. The unseen,
internal essence is the cause and determiner of the
external form and expression.
Since we find these characteristics in all things in the
universe, we may conclude that the First Cause also
possesses them.
 Everyone who is seriously involved
in the pursuit of science becomes
convinced that a spirit is manifest in
the laws of the universe a spirit
vastly superior to that of man
Albert Einstein
German Physicist

33
Many scientists have reached the same conclusion,
as had Albert Einstein, who was convinced that
a spirit is manifest in the laws of the universe a spirit
vastly superior to that of man...
 Dual Characteristics
Original
Original Original
Original
God Internal
Internal Character
Character External
External Form
Form
All Beings Internal Character External Form

Humans Heart & Mind Body

Animals Animal Mind Body

Plants Plant Mind Body

Molecules Inherent Nature Energy & Matter

Atoms Inherent Nature Energy & Matter

Particles Inherent Nature Energy & Matter

34
This means that the First Cause is not just a blind force,
but rather a Being who possesses the original mind
as well as original energy of the universe.
We may call this Being God.
 The First Cause
God

Yahweh Allah

Brahma Original
Being
Prime
Mover Tai chi

Heavenly Cosmic
Father Consciousness

35
The Ultimate Cause has been assigned many
different names.
In the Hebrew tradition it is Yahweh. In the Hindu
tradition, Cosmic Consciousness. In Islam, Allah is
the name given. Philosophers have referred to it as the
Original Being. Aristotle called it the Prime Mover.
In the Unification Principle we will refer to the
First Cause as simply God.
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Masculinity Femininity

36
As we observe the universal features of creation
we find yet another dual characteristic, that of
masculinity and femininity or the polarity of positivity
and negativity.
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Masculinity Femininity

Humans Man Woman

37
Human beings exist in masculine and feminine
expressions, though they are equal in value.
 38
Though man and woman clearly have differences
in essence and form, they share the same ultimate
purpose of realizing love between them.
As such, they exist for the sake of each other.
A complete human being is therefore neither man nor
woman by themselves, but the harmonious union of both.
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Masculinity Femininity

Humans Man Woman

Animals Male Female

Plants Male Female

39
Animals and plants also display masculine and
feminine complementarity.
 40
Male and female animals exist for the sake of each
other, and through their relationship they maintain
their species and contribute to the natural order and
balance of creation.
 41
Male and female characteristics are also present
within the plant kingdom, although both aspects are
often contained within the same plant in the form of
the masculine stamen and the feminine pistil.
 Dual Characteristics

All Beings Masculinity Femininity

Humans Man Woman

Animals Male Female

Plants Male Female

Molecules Positive Negative

Atoms Positive Negative

Particles Positive Negative

42
In the inorganic world, these dual attributes are expressed
in the form of polarity. Particles of matter generally
function as either positively or negatively charged.
 43
Plus and minus exist for the sake of each other, andtheir
interrelationship forms the basis for themultiplication
and development of all things.
 First Cause Universe

Masculinity Masculinity

+ +
Femininity Femininity

Cause Effect

44
Since it is from the First Cause that all beings receive
the attributes of masculinity and femininity, logically
these qualities should exist in God as well.
 Gods Characteristics of
Masculinity & Femininity

God created man in His own

imagemale and female He
created them.
Genesis 1:27

45
It can be understood from the Bible that the creation
of men and women served as a mirror of Gods own
complementary attributes.
We exist as men and women, because God possesses
both masculine and feminine qualities.
 Dual Characteristics
Original Original
God Original
Masculinity
Masculinity
Original
Femininity
Femininity

All Beings Masculinity Femininity

Humans Man Woman

Animals Male Female

Plants Male Female

Molecules Positive Negative

Atoms Positive Negative

Particles Positive Negative

46
God is both masculine and feminine in essence and
serves as the ultimate source and definition of all
masculine and feminine character.
Unlike in us, these traits are one in God who is the
harmonized being of original masculine and feminine
natures and original positive and negative natures.
 God Is Our Invisible Parents

Masculine
Expression
= Father

God

Feminine
Expression
= Mother

47
God is our True Parent from whom the aspects of
masculinity and femininity are expressed toward us as
a True Father and Mothers love.
 Nature of God

Ch
rnal ara
e

ct
Int

er
Inte

l
Wi l
ec
C t E m o ti o w
ll

n
on
ce pts La

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How shall we put these insights together to make a portrait of
our Creator?
The inner qualities of all created beings come from God, and the
resultant beings cannot be greater than that which caused them.
We can, therefore, reason that God is self-conscious and aware,
as we are, and His internal character must include emotion,
intellect, and will, for we find these faculties within ourselves.
Our feelings pursue the value of beauty, our thoughts seek truth,
and our wills are directed toward goodness. God is, of course,
the source of these values. Thus, God is an emotional, intellectual,
and purposeful being, supremely imaginative and creative.
Also, within Gods mind there must be certain original concepts,
mathematical principles, and laws which we see expressed in the
orderly principles of nature. But, have we yet described the most
fundamental aspect of Gods nature? No.
 Nature of God

Ch
rnal ara
e

ct
Int

er
Inte
Heart

l
Wi l
ec
C t E m o ti o w
ll

n
on
ce pts La

49
God is more than the organizing intelligence,
overarching will, or even the imaginative center of
the cosmos.
The core of our being reflects His own, which is what
we call heart the impetus to give and receive love.
 Heart

Impulse to love

Source of love

Motive of creation

50
More precisely, heart is the irrepressible impulse to love,
and to experience joy through loving.
Heart is also the source of love, as well as the motive
for creating.
 God Being of True Love

God created the universe

by giving all of His Heart
and energy

God lives for the benefit

of His creation

51
As the Original Parent of true love, God gave one
hundred percent of His Heart and energy in order to
create this vast and beautiful universe.
As this consummate parent, God lives for the sake of
all He created.
 True Love

Thoughts For the benefit of

Words others even at the
Actions expense of ourselves

52
Gods own unconditional nature then establishes
the standard and fundamental basis for true love.
Love exists only for the sake of another, even at
the sacrifice of oneself.
 Nature of God
xternal Form
E
Ch
rnal ara
e

ct
Int

er
Inte
Heart

l
Wi l
ec
C t E m o ti o w
ll

n
on
ce pts La
Or
igin a n ergy
lE

53
Gods great Heart is expressed through His external
form of original energy the origin of all created energy
and matter, and the ground for all things that exist.
Thus we can conclude that God is a heart-directed Force;
a loving, intelligent, creative, personal Being and our
original True Parent.
 What is the purpose
of our life?

54
This brings us to our next important section which
deals with the reasons why God created, and in
particular, why God created us.
In this section we explore what is the purpose of our life.
 All Beings Have a Purpose

Purpose Value

55
In looking at certain man-made products, we naturally
assume they were designed for a particular purpose.
No one creates an object without a purpose or without
trying to create a certain degree of value.
 All Beings Have a Purpose

Purpose Value

Determined by the creator,

not by the created being

56
The purpose is conceived by the creator before the
object is made, and the object fulfills its potential and
value when used according to that purpose.
We may assume we ourselves have a certain intrinsic
purpose. Our purpose and value are directly related.
If we do not understand our purpose, we may waste
our potential.
 Goal of Desire Joy

Adventure
Money
Joy
Art
Happiness
Love
Satisfaction
Power
Knowledge

57
We can find our purpose by observing what it is that
we consistently seek.
At first glance, we find desires leading us to many
pursuits: knowledge, power, adventure, money, art,
and certainly, love.
Yet, the underlying goal of all these desires is the
experience of joy, happiness and satisfaction.
 How is Joy Created?
Love

Creator Creation

58
Since joy is so important to us, let us examine more
closely how it is created.
Joy arises from a relationship between a subject and object.
First, we may project love and investment into our object,
for example, in preparing food.
 How is Joy Created?
Love

Creator Joy Creation

Beauty
Subject Object

Resemblance Joy

59
Then, the object may reflect this investment back
to us as beauty, or in the case of our example, as taste
and nutrition.
Such an experience of reflection and correspondence,
(or resemblance), yields fulfillment and joy.
 60
As further illustrations from our everyday life, when
we create a ceramic, or write a composition, we invest
our love, ideals, and imagination into our creation.
As our created work reflects what we had imagined,
the resemblance appears beautiful to us and gives us joy.
Of course, diversity and surprise play a part too,
but we particularly enjoy finding a reflection of
ourselves in relationship with something or someone.
 Deepest Joy
Love

Parent Joy Child

Beauty
Subject Object

Resemblance Joy

61
The most satisfying of all of our creations is building
relationships with other people in friendships,
marriage, and such.
Of these, the highest experience of resemblance,
and therefore joy, comes from having a child.
The child most fully reflects the nature and ideals of
the two parents, their love, life and lineage.
 62
The bond of heart between parent and child is the
most profound of all relationships and holds the secret
to our purpose for existence.
 God Needs an Object to Love

Heart God

Love

Object Humans

63
God, however complete and perfect, nonetheless
needed to create an object of love in order to
experience love Himself and to satisfy His Heart.
Love and joy only exist in a relationship.
God needs someone to love and to return love.
Further, God could only experience the fullest joy,
if He could share His heart with someone of equal
potential, someone with creativity and imagination to
rival His own.
 God Needs an Object to Love

Heart God

Beauty Joy Love

Object Humans

64
This is why human beings exist: we are to be an object
of love for God.
Our value is therefore immeasurable, because we are
His very image and His child, the visible manifestation
of the invisible God.
As such, we are able to enjoy the deepest intimacy
with our Creator.
We can be beautiful to God and give Him joy.
 Purpose of Human Life

Giving & receiving joy

Our full resemblance to God

Our fulfillment of
the Three Blessings

65
How, then, do we fulfill our original purpose?
Simply stated, we do this by growing to fully resemble
God within ourselves, with each other, and in relation
to the created world.
This in turn is determined by our fulfillment of what
are called the Three Blessings, or the three great purposes
of life. Our privilege and capacity to do this is actually
a gift of empowerment, which once accomplished,
allows us to realize our ultimate potential and find
true happiness.
 First Blessing
Second Perfection
Blessing of Individuality
Perfection of the Family

God
S O

True
Mind Love Body

Ideal
Person

Our ability to create a personality of true love

66
The First Blessing concerns our ability to create
a perfected personality to resemble God as an
individual and to become an ideal person.
We can recognize this purpose in our fundamental
ambition for self-development and improvement in
everything we do.
This means to bring harmony between our words and
deeds, especially to have moral integrity.
Since God is a perfectly balanced being, our mind and
body are also meant to be harmonized into oneness,
directed by true love.
 Ideal Person

1. Dwelling place of God

Embodies Gods Heart
2. Actions follow original mind
Rejects falsehood and
temptations
Receives and practices truth

67
The fulfillment of the First Blessing would enable God
to live fully within an individual. In such state, we feel
Gods heart instantly.
Our actions always follow our original mind,
or conscience, which reflects moral law.
Realizing such potential requires us to resist falsehood
and unprincipled things. It demands self-control and
discipline of mind and body according to the standard
of divine love.
 First Blessing

Be perfectas your
Heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48

LoveGod with all your

heart, soul andmind.
Matthew 22:37

68
Indeed, Jesus encouraged his followers to become
perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.
Also he exhorted them to love God most, and to
revere truth, goodness and true love.
This is the essential meaning of the First Blessing
that we should perfect our character to resemble
that of God.
 69
Jesus, of course, is an excellent example of a man
of such true lovingness, an ideal person who so
fully resembled God that people felt Gods presence
through him.
But as Jesus himself pointed out, each of us has the
capacity, indeed the responsibility, to become like him.
All cultures celebrate those who approach this
standard of character, because we intuitively know
that this is our purpose and potential. Any family,
village, society or nation recognizes great men and
women who lived for others.
 Second Blessing Perfection of the Family

God
S O

Ideal True Ideal

Husband Love Wife

Child

Our ability to create a family of true love

70
The Second Blessing bestowed by God is the potential to relate
perfectly to other people with mature, true love, and to ultimately
establish a family harmonized by the true love of God. We find this
purpose reflected in our social desires we all enjoy giving and
receiving affection with others and participating in a family.
After reaching spiritual and physical maturity we are still incomplete
until we unite in harmony with one of the opposite sex; after all,
God is a beautiful synthesis of both masculinity and femininity.
The ideal man and ideal woman can join together in a powerful
bond of love as husband and wife. As the fruit of that true love,
their children can readily grow to perfection through the love and
example of their parents.
God can be seen even more fully through an ideal family than through
an ideal individual, because an ideal family more fully resembles the
nature of God. Thus, the Second Blessing furthers Gods ultimate plan
to completely manifest Himself and dwell with His children on earth.
 Ideal Family

School of love
Basic unit of a peaceful world

71
For these reasons, the ideal family is the school of
true love.
It is the place where we learn the pleasures and
responsibilities involved in respecting and loving
others properly.
Therefore, it is also the basic, irreducible unit of
a model society and the blueprint for establishing the
ideal world.
 Gods Love Expressed &
Experienced through the Ideal Family

God

Husband Ideal True Ideal Wife

Father Man Love Woman Mother

Son Daughter
Children
Brother Sister

72
The ideal family is, indeed, where divine love is
meant to be expressed and experienced as a reality in
our lives.
Through learning how to be a principled son or daughter,
brother or sister, and then an ideal spouse and parent,
we come to know more and more of Gods Heart.
The Second Blessing is the establishment of Gods love,
life and lineage on the earth in a substantial form.
 73
In parenting we can experience the heart and feelings
towards our child which God experiences in creating
and loving us as His children.
In turn, through us, our children can feel God caring
for and embracing them.
 Second Blessing
God

Ideal
Ideal True
True Ideal
Ideal
Husband
Husband Love
Love Wife
Wife

Child

Family

Society

Nation

One World Family

74
Through realization of the Second Blessing, our society,
our nation and our world are to be based on the pattern
of the ideal family.
In such a society, then, there would be no crime,
because we would feel each others hearts, just as our
body feels the interconnectedness of its parts and does
not want to hurt itself.
 Third Blessing Perfection of Dominion

God
S O

Ideal True All

Person Love Things

Dominion
of
Love

Our right of dominion of true love over creation

75
Finally, the Third Blessing bestowed by God is the
potential given to us for establishing perfect relationships
with the things of creation.
As subjects with the universe as our object, we are
to establish harmony with each created thing. This is
fulfilled by pursuing our artistic, intellectual, athletic
and other creative desires.
The Third Blessing empowers us to have a caring
dominion over all things of the cosmos by developing
our unique talents and capabilities in accordance to
the universal standard of love.
 76
Human beings have the ability to love animals, plants
and other things in a way unmatched by any other
creature. In addition, all things are created with the
capacity to respond accordingly.
Why?
Because God intended His children to be the rulers
of creation.
We have been entrusted with the authority to make
this magnificent world even more beautiful through
sensitive and respectful creativity.
 77
Loving dominion means that our material prosperity,
as well as our technological and scientific capabilities
would be devoted to benefiting all people, and not only
one culture, nation or individual.
As our body is to be cared for by our mind, so we
would care for the gifts of the earth and beyond.
An ideal world and cosmos called the Kingdom of
Heaven was the original intention of God and the
motivation behind granting these Three Blessings to
His children.
 The Purpose of Our Life

We live to bring joy to God

through our relationships
of true love

With God
With others
With the universe

78
This then, is the fundamental reason God created
to realize love together with His children and all
things of nature.
Furthermore, it clarifies the importance of our
responsibility to live for something beyond ourselves.
The realization of unconditional love within ourselves,
our families, and our environment is the primary
purpose of our lives. God cannot do this alone;
we must help accomplish this ideal.
 What is the
nature of our
existence after
death?

79
If God indeed created us for the purpose of love,
why do we undergo the sorrow and suffering of death?
Is death the end of our existence or merely the
beginning of another dimension of our life?
If so, what is the nature of our existence after death?
 God Created Us with Eternal Nature

Eternal
God Parent

Beauty Joy Love

Human Eternal
Being Child

80
If God is an eternal Parent, then God would need
eternal children.
Since we were created to be Gods beloved object of joy,
it would appear that we should exist as long as God does.
Some aspect of us should last forever in order to fulfill
our purpose of life.
 The Cosmos Reflects Our
Dual Characteristics

Spiritual
Mind Invisible World

Body Visible Physical

World

81
In fact, there is a spiritual world which relates to this
material world in a way similar to the relationship
between our mind and body.
Just as our visible body is part of a larger physical
environment, so too, our invisible mind dwells in
a greater metaphysical world.
 Physical Self

Physical Mind

Physical Body

82
To grasp this let, us consider what is familiar first.
We each have a physical self, composed of a physical
body and a physical mind.
Our physical mind is associated with our brain and is
concerned with physical survival. The physical mind
coordinates the physiological functions of the body.
It is the location of instinctual desires such as,
the need for nourishment and protection.
 Visible Substantial World

Five Physical Senses

83
Our five physical senses are designed to pick-up
stimuli from our external environment; if we did not
possess them, we would be unable to perceive the
visible substantial world. Hence, for us the physical
world would seem as though it did not exist.
 Physical Self Spiritual Self

Physical Mind Spiritual Mind

Physical Body Spiritual Body

84
In addition to our physical self, we also have a spiritual
self which is designed to last forever.
The spiritual self consists of a spiritual body and
a spiritual mind.
Our spiritual body is an energy form which survives
our physical death. More importantly, the spiritual
mind provides the uniquely human aspect of our
being and allows us to connect with God.
It is where our heart resides and is the center of all
feelings, thoughts and decisions.
 Invisible Substantial World

Five Spiritual Senses

85
The spiritual self also has senses with which to perceive
the invisible substantial world just as our physical self
can perceive its corresponding realm.
However, the faculties of spiritual sight, hearing,
touch, taste and smell have been dulled in most people
nearly to the point of extinction. For this reason,
most of us cannot perceive the spiritual world and
hence believe that it does not exist.
However, many people throughout history have had
this ability at least in part and have left behind
significant insights.
 86
Many people indirectly apprehend the spiritual self when
they notice an aura around a persons physical form.
This aura is related to the link between the two selves.
Religious paintings often portray saints and other holy
people in this manner.
 Invisible Substantial World
[Priests] serve at a sanctuary that
is a copy and shadow of what is in
heaven. Hebrews 8:5

The dust returns to the earth it

came from and the spirit returns
to God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:7

Jesus is seen talking with the

spirits of Moses and Elijah
Luke 9:30-31

87
The Bible, as well as scriptures from other religious traditions,
contains numerous references to spiritual realities.
Hebrews 8:5 states that the sanctuary of the temple in Jerusalem,
on earth is but a copy of a sanctuary in the spiritual world.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 clarifies that the spiritual self survives after
physical death, stating, The dust returns to the earth it came
from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Hebrews 12:1 also refers to the continuing presence among us
of the spiritual selves of faithful people who died, calling them
a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.
Luke 9:30-31 tells of Jesus disciples seeing him talking with
the spirits of Moses and Elijah.
 Examples of
Spiritual Phenomena

ESP Extra-sensory perception

Experiences of life after death

Mediums and channeling

88
There are various types of spiritual phenomena. One of the most
common is known as extra-sensory perception (ESP), the receiving
of information apparently apart from any physical means.
Many people have reported near-death experiences, where they
saw themselves leaving their body and entering a world beyond
death. There are also prominent books today which are said to be
the results of what is called channeling. Channeling involves the
presence of a medium who intercedes on behalf of the deceased
and communicates messages to loved ones and others on earth.
A more common example can be seen in a parents ability to know
of their childs distress miles away. Conversely, children may sense
the moment of a parents death even before word reaches them.
Such experiences occur every day, but we often discount and
ignore them due to our lack of understanding.
 Elements Common to Most
Near-Death Experiences
1. Feeling of peace
2. Movement through a tunnel
3. Sensation of being outside the physical self
4. Meeting other spirit beings
5. Encountering a loving Being of Light
6. Moral reflection on earthly life
7. Returning to the physical self

Source: Life After Life, by

Source: by
Raymond
Raymond A. A. Moody,
Moody, Jr.
Jr. M.D.,
M.D., 1975
1975

89
Many people have reported an awareness of their spirit leaving their
body during accidents, surgery or even sleep. Such experiences are
strikingly real when they happen, yet when we return to a conscious
state we may doubt their authenticity.
Raymond Moodys classic book, Life After Life, points out the
remarkable sensations of hundreds of people who have clinically died
and then revived. Regardless of previous belief, the recorded
recollections of these people show tremendous similarities.
Most neardeath experiences include: A feeling of inexpressible peace;
movement through a tunnel towards a light; a sensation of being out of their
physical self; meeting other spirits; encountering a loving being of light;
moral reflection on life, followed by a returning to their physical self.
Moodys study lends support to the concept that apart from our
faith, the spiritual world exists as a substantial reality. As such,
it is reasonable to assume that science will eventually be able to
document the existence of this realm.
 90
In virtually every culture on earth there has been
recognition of purely spiritual beings. These include not
only humans who have passed beyond material life,
but also beings who never possessed physical bodies.
These nonhuman beings are called angels.
They resemble our spiritual selves in that they have
emotion, intellect and will, and they are companions for
us in the spiritual world.
Religious scripture from every tradition is full of
references to angels. Even modern culture recognizes
their influence. Clubs, organizations and news articles
have appeared all over the world which testify to the
existence of angels.
 Our Position in the Cosmos
Physical Spiritual
World World

91
These complementary worlds have only one point
connecting them ourselves. Human beings are
the only ones able to relate to both realms.
We dwell in the visible world where we relate to each
others physical bodies and share our life with animals
and plants.
At the same time, we also reside in the invisible world
and relate to other spiritual beings.
 Relationship between Physical Self & Spiritual Self

Air
Sunlight
+

Food
Water

Physical Self

92
Finally, let us consider the practical relationship
between our physical and spiritual selves, especially in
regard to our internal development.
Our physical self grows and maintains itself as long as
it receives the proper balance of nutrients and a proper
living environment. We distinguish these elements in
plus and minus terms.
Atmospheric elements of sunlight and air are considered
to be plus elements, because they do not require any
effort to obtain, whereas, food, water, and clothing do
require effort and thus are called negative elements.
 Relationship between Physical Self & Spiritual Self

Air Gods Love &

Sunlight Vitality Inspiration
Elements
+ +
Life
Elements

Spirit
Elements Actions
Food
Water
Vitality
Elements
Physical Self Spiritual Self

93
Likewise, our spiritual self has requirements for its health and development.
Corresponding to air, warmth and light are Gods true love and inspiration.
Like the positive physical elements, these life elements are universally available
to all people. However, our ability to experience them is dependent upon our
faith and willingness to receive them. These life elements provide the spiritual
self with energy, understanding, and love which invigorate us internally and
strengthen our conscience.
Upon receiving the life elements, the spiritual self passes on spirit elements to
the physical self. These help our physical self to remain healthy and to resist
disease. Western medicine is now actively studying the so-called psychological
or spiritual factor of physical health.
The spirit elements give an impetus to physical action which in turn generates
vitality elements that are passed on to the spiritual self. These vitality elements
correspond to the food and water needs of our biological self in that they
require our effort. The quality of this vitality is determined by the morality
of our deeds.
Our internal development, then, comes as we act upon the life elements we
receive, our spiritual self is nourished by vitality elements. It is the fruit of both
how much love and truth we are able to receive from God as well as how much
we act upon that inspiration.
 Good and Evil Vitality Elements

Good Good Good

Actions Vitality Person
Elements

Human responsibility fulfilled

94
To better understand the role of the vitality elements,
we can elaborate further.
Good vitality elements are produced when our actions
are moral and responsible in accordance with our
conscience. As a result, our personality takes on greater
attributes of goodness and health.
 Good and Evil Vitality Elements

Good Good Good

Actions Vitality Person
Elements

Human responsibility fulfilled

Human responsibility failed

Evil Evil
Evil
Actions Vitality
Person
Elements

95
On the other hand, if we fail to live by our conscience
and we commit wrongdoings then we receive evil
vitality which distorts our character accordingly.
This gradually dulls our conscience and we become more
and more unable to receive life elements. In this way,
each day we are either improving the status of our eternal
spiritual existence or degrading it.
 Actions Determine
Spiritual Growth

Each person was judged according

to what he had done.
Revelation 20:13

Faith without works is dead.

James 2:26

96
In other words, we determine the level of our own
spiritual development.
Therefore, where we go after death is decided by us
according to the quality of life we have chosen to lead.
Religious scripture from all traditions contains
references to this concept of being judged according to
our actions. It also affirms that belief in truth gives us
an opportunity for spiritual growth, but it is of little
value unless practiced.
 Physical Death
Gods Love &
Inspiration
+
Life
Elements

Actions

Vitality
Elements
Physical Self Spiritual Self

97
Physical death is merely the transition to another
dimension of our life. Our instrument of vitality is
taken away.
Ideally, by then we would be spiritually perfected and
have no further need of it, but in reality, no one has
died having fulfilled the Three Blessings.
Like unprepared students forced to graduate, we often
have an intuitive sense that we are not ready for death.
 Destination after Death Determined
by Our Level of Heart Development

Our capacity to give &

receive true love

The fulfillment of our

portion of responsibility

98
Our destination after death is the direct result of the
moral choices we make during our earthly life and of
our level of heart development. No force will direct us
anywhere other than where we feel comfortable, that is,
where we find people like ourselves.
This is because the invisible world is based upon
spiritual laws moral laws and principles that separate
its inhabitants just as surely as do geographic barriers
in this physical world. This can be a curse or a blessing
depending upon to what degree we have fulfilled our
responsibility to resemble God and embody His love.
Indeed, qualities of love distinguish the different levels
in the next life.
 Physical Life
Our Unique Opportunity

1. Perfect our character

Restore spiritual errors

2. Give birth to children

3. Learn to appreciate all

people and things of creation

99
Our physical life is, therefore, a precious and unique
opportunity to fulfill our purpose and prepare
ourselves for what will follow.
Again, it is like a university of integrity and love.
It is only here we can perfect ourselves and correct
our mistakes, and only here that we can know the joys and
learn the lessons of raising children, only here where we
learn how to appreciate all people and all of Gods creation.
 Three Phases of Life

Womb Earth Spiritual

9 months 90 years Eternity
Liquid Air Love

100
Our existence, then, has three distinct phases.
In the womb, we prepare ourselves for an unknown future.
Birth brings a dramatic transition from the liquid world
of the womb to the air world outside. It is like a death,
yet we find we are born anew into greater freedom
and potential.
We learn to enjoy this earthly life while preparing
again for an uncertain destiny.
When we die, we will be born again into a realm where
love envelops us.
Our mastery of loving decides our liberty and
happiness in there.
 In as far as you advance in
love you will grow surer of
the reality of God and the
immortality of your soul.

F. Dostoyevsky
Russian Author
The Brothers Karamazov

101
The mysteries of the spiritual world become clearer to
us as our heart develops. As Dostoyevsky said,
In as far as you advance in love you will grow surer of
the reality of God and the immortality of your soul.