Saattvik Living

Spiritual Reality - Journey Within
(Compiled by: Jitendra Gajjar)
An introduction to the concept of saattvik living (Spirituality in daily life)
To understand this section please read - Sattva, Raja, Tama - the 3 subtle
basic components of the Universe
1. Introduction
Each one of us would like to know how to sleep well so that we get up
well-rested. A number of factors are involved in how to sleep well. One of
the factors is our sleep posture. We all have a typical sleep posture and
we feel comfortable when we sleep in that sleep posture. We are aware
that there are implications of our sleep posture from a physical health
point of view. Also there are many psychological explanations of the sleep
postures. In this article, we will explain how to sleep well from a spiritual
perspective. We will focus on which is the best sleep posture to sleep well

and why. We will explain what actually happens in the subtle dimension
with each sleep posture, so that we can make an educated decision on
how to sleep well and which is the sleep posture to achieve that.
At the outset we have to understand that
 From a spiritual perspective, sleep is basically a state most related
to the subtle basic Tama component. That means, during sleep the
subtle basic Tama component in our body gets heightened.
 Coupled with this, as our spiritual practice is also at its lowest
during sleep, we are spiritually most vulnerable when we sleep. As a
result, when we sleep, we are more susceptible to attacks by ghosts
(demons, devils, negative energies, etc.)
We also need a basic understanding of the Kundalini energy system of the
body.
The Kundalini is the inherent spiritual energy system in the body. It
consists of 7 main centres or chakras, 3 main channels - the Sun Channel
(Right channel or Pingala-nadi), the Moon channel (Left channel or Ida-
nadi) and Central channel (Sushumna-nadi) and innumerable ducts and
ductules.
The below diagram is a representation of the dormant Kundalini energy
system in a human being.

Also refer to the diagram of the chakras in relation to the physical body
The energy for the bodily and mental functions flows through the Sun and
Moon Channels. The energy flowing through the Central Channel
(Sushumna-nadi) is related to spiritual growth.
The Sun Channel (Pingala-nadi) is Raja predominant, whereas the Moon
Channel (Ida) is Sattva predominant. The energy flows alternately
through the Ida and Pingala. This shift happens every 3-4 minutes. Even
though the energy flow changes so often, as the Ida and Pingala cross
sides across the body, both parts of the body receive adequate energy of
each type. This maintains a balance between the 2 types of energy flows.

During the changeover from the Sun to the Moon channel, the Central
Channel gets activated very briefly for 1-2 seconds in people with lower
spiritual level. This is negligible from the perspective of any benefit
derived from the activated Central Channel. With increasing spiritual level,
the duration of activation of the Central Channel increases. Above 55%
spiritual level, the duration of activation lasts for more than 1-2 minutes.
When it lasts this long, some benefit results in terms of spiritual growth.
The activation of the channels also depends on the sleep posture. The
channel opposite to the side we are sleeping on gets activated
predominantly. When one sleeps on the back, the Central channel
(Sushumna) gets activated in people above the 55% spiritual level. In
people below this level, no channel is activated.
The activation of the Sun or Moon Channel can also be as per the
requirement of the body. For example, after our meals the Sun channel is
predominantly activated to facilitate digestion of food.
Also when there is a surge of emotions, the Sun channel is activated.
When the emotions subside, the Moon channel gets activated. However,
when there are rapid and frequent vacillations in the emotional state,
there is a rapid and irregular shift in activation of the two channels as the
Sun channel remains predominantly activated. As a result, there is an
imbalance in the two types of energy flows (Raja and Sattva). In an
emotional person, this roller coaster of emotions continues even in sleep
in the sub-conscious mind. This is because the impressions in the sub-
conscious mind are active even in sleep.
Refer to the tutorial - The spiritual nature of the mind.
2. Sleep posture 1 - sleeping on the back

When we sleep on our back
 the chetana (the aspect of Divine consciousness that governs the
functioning of the mind and body) in the cells of our body becomes
unmanifest and dormant.
 Our body is most exposed to the Region of Hell (Patal), as a major
portion of the body is directed towards the floor.
Due to the combined effect of the above two factors, the body cells are
unable to repel the attacks by distressing vibrations from the Region of
Hell (Patal)
However, the effect of this sleep
posture differs as per the spiritual
level of the person.
Scenario 1: Spiritual level below 55%
In a person below the 55% spiritual level, the extent of emotions is quite
high compared to his spiritual emotion (bhav). Due to this, there are
frequent and rapid vacillations between the channels. Hence, there is a
constant imbalance in the energy flows from the Sun (Right Channel
or Pingala) and Moon (Left Channel or Ida) channels of
the Kundalini energy system in the
body.

As explained above, when a person below the 55% spiritual level takes a
sleep posture of lying on his back, his Central Channel is not activated.
However, because of his emotional nature there is an imbalanced flow of
energy to the body. The imbalance between the two energy flows of the
Sun and Moon Channels can effect a rapid transfer of subtle basic Raja-
Tamacomponents in the body from the surrounding atmosphere. When
there is an increase in the subtle basic Raja-Tama components, a person
runs a higher risk of being attacked by distressing vibrations from the
Regions of Hell (Patal). However, once one has progressed spiritually to
the level of unmanifest spiritual emotion, one can control the energy
flows. Till such time, it is best to avoid sleeping on one’s back where there
is maximum exposure of the body to the ground, and thereby to the
Regions of Hell (Patal).
Below is a picture based on subtle-knowledge, of the effects of sleeping
on one's back when one is above the 55% spiritual level.
Remedy: However, for some reason if one does need to sleep on the back,
the risk of distress can be reduced by using spiritual remedies like lighting

a sattvik incense stick, like the SSRF incense stick, near the bed before
going to sleep, keeping a picture of God under the pillow, spiritual
purification of the bedroom, especially near the bed, playing the chant of
Name of God in a very low volume throughout the night, etc.
Scenario 2: Spiritual level above 55%
When a person above 55% spiritual level sleeps on his back, his Central
Channel of Kundalini system is activated. The spiritual emotion (bhav) of
this person is quite high; whereas the influence of emotions is quite
reduced. When one is above the 55% spiritual level, one attains control
on the flow of the subtle basic Raja-Tama in the body as per the
requirement. This happens at the level of one’s unmanifest spiritual
emotion (bhav). This is because one starts functioning more and more at
the level of the Energy of Soul (atma-shakti). This is opposed to the level
of Energy of Mind in the case of people below the 55% spiritual level. This
Energy of Soul maintains the balance between the Sun and the Moon
channels of the Kundalini system.
3. Sleep posture 2 - sleeping on the stomach
When a person sleeps on his stomach, there is pressure on the spaces in
his abdomen. This pressure instigates the downward flow of the subtle
excretory gases in the abdominal spaces. Sometimes when the proportion
of these subtle excretory gases is high in the chest, they move in the

upward direction too and exit out of the body through the nose and
mouth. During the course of this dispelling of the subtle excretory gases,
the body is highly sensitive to absorbing the frequencies of subtle
basic Raja-Tama components from the external environment. When one is
sleeping in this posture, the movements of the actual body organs are
slowed and the spaces around the organs are activated because of the
pressure of the subtle excretory gases. Due to this, the process of
excretion of subtle excretory gases excreted from the organs and filled in
the spaces is hastened. During this period the person's body is
hypersensitive to the process of transmission of the subtle basic Raja-
Tama components at the subtle level. As a result, the person is vulnerable
to attacks by ghosts from the environment as well as from the Regions of
Hell (Patal).
on one's stomach.
4. Sleep posture 3 - sleeping on the sides

When a person sleeps on his side, the Sun or Moon channels of
the Kundalini system are predominantly activated.
on one's right side.
 The Moon channel is activated when a person sleeps on his right
side.
on one's left side.

 The Sun channel is activated when a person sleeps on his left side.
When the Sun or Moon channels are activated, the chetana in the body
cells remains activated. As a result, there is a lower level of the subtle
basic Tama component generated and the chetana also helps fight the
attacks from ghosts.
5. In summary
From a spiritual perspective, unless one is above the 55% spiritual level,
it is best to sleep on one's sides.
1. Introduction
All of us would like to know how to sleep well so that we get up well
rested. Among the many factors involved in how to sleep well, one is the

time of going to sleep. Many people have the habit of taking a quick nap
after returning from the office in the evening. In this article, we will
explain what actually happens in the subtle dimension when we go to
sleep at twilight so that we can make an educated decision on how to
sleep well and when to sleep to achieve that.
At the outset we have to understand that
 From a spiritual perspective, sleep is basically a state most related
to the subtle basic tama component. That means during sleep the
subtle basic tama component in our body gets heightened.
 Coupled with this, as our spiritual practice is also at its lowest
during sleep, we are spiritually most vulnerable when we sleep. As a
result when we sleep, we are more susceptible to the spiritual pollution
of subtle basic raja-tama and attacks by ghosts (demons, devils,
negative energies, etc.)
2. What happens when we sleep?
When we sleep
 We go from the conscious state to the dormant state.
 Due to this the efficiency of the internal spaces in the body, as well
as of the cells and the circulatory system is highly reduced. Internal
spaces are the spaces between 2 organs in the body.
 Due to the sleeping state the sub-vital energies in the body
(upapraana) are set into motion. This activates the internal excretory
gases and they start moving in a downward direction.
 Due to the influence of this downward flow, the distressing
vibrations transmitted from the Regions of Hell are attracted towards
the sleeping person.
Now, the momentum of the subtle basic raja-tama particles in the
atmosphere is higher during twilight when compared to other parts of the
day. Negative energies from the Regions of Hell (Paataal) utilize this
motion of the subtle basic raja-tama particles to gain easy entry into the
atmosphere. Because of the influence of this spiritually polluted
atmosphere, the subtle basic raja-tama frequencies are transferred from
the physical body of the person to his vital energy body (praanadeha) in a
very short time.

Due to this the person can suffer the following distress
 nightmares
 waking up with a startle
 trembling of the body
 sensation akin to electric shock
 possession by ghosts
Thus at a physical level we may feel rested by this nap in the evening but
at a deeper spiritual level we run a greater risk. As we are ignorant about
this science we do not realize that we have been affected, neither do we
link any of the above distress to being affected.
3. In summary
From a spiritual perspective as the proportion of the subtle basic raja-
tama component is high at twilight, it is best not to indulge in an activity
like sleep which is predominantly taamasik.
1. Introduction to going to sleep late at night
All of us would like to know how to sleep well so as to be at our best when
we get up. One of the important parameters involved in how to sleep well
is the time of going to sleep. Most of us have experienced that we are not
at our best in the morning when we go to sleep late. Some of us are
aware about the ill-effects of going to sleep late at night at a physical and
psychological level. However either due to pressure of work or partying,
more and more people are going to sleep late at night. In this article we
take a look at what happens in the subtle dimension when we go to sleep

late at night. This will help us take an educated decision about how to
sleep well from the perspective of when we should go to sleep at night.
2. Spiritual research about how to sleep well - time of
going to sleep
Seekers of SSRF having advanced sixth sense or extrasensory perception
(ESP) investigated at a spiritual level the effect of the time of going to
sleep as a parameter of how to sleep well. The divine knowledge that they
received was verified by His Holiness Dr. Athavale.
3. Benefit of our actions as per the time after sunset
From sunrise to sunset clockwise or positive frequencies are moving in the
atmosphere. After sunset the anticlockwise or distressing frequencies
start moving in atmosphere. Hence we get progressively lesser and lesser
benefit of our actions. To understand this in further detail let us divide the
12 hours between sunset to sunrise in 4 blocks of 3 hours each. The
following diagram shows how the benefit of our actions are compromised
after Sunset. (In this example we have taken 6:00 PM as the time of
sunset and 6:00 AM as the time of sunrise.)

4. Increasing influence of subtle basic raja-tama at night
The time after sunset is a period of higher subtle basic raja-tama activity.
This subtle basic raja-tama component goes on increasing as the night
starts advancing. The subtle basic raja-tama component is not conducive
to positive activity. Hence when we try to accomplish something during
the period after sunset we have to work against the tide of higher subtle
basic raja-tama component. Thus a lot of our energy is wasted in just
overcoming the negative influence of the heightened subtle basic raja-
tama component. As a result to accomplish any task we end up having to
spend much more energy.
The fluctuation of the subtle basic components of sattva, raja and tama is
by 5%. During the early morning hours the subtle basic sattva component
is at its highest. As the sun goes up, i.e. during the day, the subtle
basic raja component steadily rises. With sundown the subtle
basictama component starts rising and is at its highest around 12:00 AM
to 3:00 AM. Hence the early morning hours are most conducive to

accomplishing any positive activity. This is because the
enhanced saattviktaa in the atmosphere enhances one's capacity to work
and because of the lower subtle basic raja and tama, the resistance to
activity is lower.
5. Influence of ghosts at night
Another important factor to be taken into account is the influence
of ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.). Due to the steady
increase in the subtle basic tama component after sunset, the influence of
ghost is increased in two ways.
• Increased ability to harness black or negative energy from the
environment
• Increased ability of utilizing this energy, e.g. by draining people of their
vital energy and putting negative thoughts in their minds.
Their influence increases progressively after twilight and is at its height
after midnight. The period from 12.00 am to 3.00 am is the period of their
maximum influence. It is also the period where the effect of spiritual
practice is at its minimum, as already explained above. Hence we are
more vulnerable to their attacks.
6. In summary
Thus apart from the physical and psychological ill-effects of going to sleep
late at night, at a spiritual level too going to sleep late at night is
detrimental. Also when we go to sleep late at night we invariably end up
getting up late in the morning. As explained above the subtle basic sattva
component is at its highest in the hours just before sunrise and the hours
just after it. Hence by not working in the early morning hours we lose the
benefit of the enhanced saattviktaa at that time. Thus from the
perspective of getting maximum value for the time we put in, it is best
not to go to sleep late at night.

 1. Introduction to sleeping with feet facing South
1. Introduction to sleeping with feet facing South
In this article series about sattvik (sāttvik) living pertaining to various
aspects of how to sleep well, we are looking at various parameters of how
to sleep well. In this article we will study the effect of sleeping with our
feet facing South. This study into how to sleep well is entirely from the
spiritual perspective. It will help us make an educated decision about how
to sleep well from the perspective of the direction of our feet when we
sleep.
1.1 Spiritual research into how to sleep well – effect of
sleeping with our feet facing the South
The effect of sleeping with our feet facing South from the perspective of
how to sleep well was investigated at a spiritual level by seekers of
SSRF with advanced sixth sense or extrasensory perception (ESP). The
Divine Knowledge that they received was verified by H. H. Dr. Athavale.
2. Spiritual effect of sleeping with feet facing South
2.1 Increase in activity of the downward
and tiryak frequencies
There are various frequencies inherently present in the atmosphere. Their
presence and flow is predominant in certain directions. When our body is
aligned with the direction of their flow we enter their field and are
influenced more than when we are not in their field. Among these
frequencies are two distressing or negative types of frequencies. One is
the downward flowing frequencies that go towards the region of Hell
(Patal, Pātāl) and the other is a type of frequencies known as

the tiryak frequencies. Tiryak literally means skewed. As these
frequencies are skewed, they cause distress. Both these frequencies move
in the southern direction. Hence the southern direction is charged with
these negative frequencies.
When we sleep with our feet facing South, our body is most exposed to
the activity of the downward frequencies and the tiryak frequencies. This
increases the activity of the subtle basic Raja-Tama particles both inside
and outside the body. This increased activity of the subtle basic Raja-
Tama component aids the activity of ghosts (demons, devils, negative
energies etc.). Consequently, we face an increased risk of being affected
or possessed by ghosts.
2.2 Increased flow of vibrations from the region of death
(Yamalok) and the region of Hell
The southern direction is also associated with the region of death, the
subtle basic Raja-Tama frequencies and distress. When we sleep with our
feet facing South, the vibrations from the region of death and the region
of Hell join together.
Due to this we attract subtle basic Raja-Tama frequencies or ghosts.
Consequently, as a result of the combined effect of the above when we
sleep with our feet facing South, we can suffer distress in the form of
difficulty in falling asleep, nightmares, feeling scared while sleeping or
waking up in fear.
3. In summary
Thus from the perspective of how to sleep well, it is important to take into
account the direction of our bed when planning the layout of the house.
Even when we are camping outside or in hotels or in someone else’s
house, it is best to take care that we do not sleep with our feet facing
South.
In the following articles in this series on how to sleep well, we will
consider the effect of sleeping with our feet facing other directions.

o 1. Introduction to going to sleeping with feet facing West
1. Introduction to going to sleeping with feet facing
West
In this article on how to sleep well, we study the effect of sleeping with
our feet facing the West direction. This study about how to sleep well is
entirely from the spiritual perspective. It will help us take an educated
decision about how to sleep well from the perspective of the direction of
our feet when we sleep.
1.1 Spiritual research into how to sleep well – effect of sleeping
with our feet facing West
Seekers of SSRF having advanced sixth sense or extrasensory perception
(ESP) did spiritual research into different sleep positions. They sought to
find out the effect of sleeping with our feet facing the West, and the best
direction to sleep in. The Divine Knowledge that they received about the
effect of sleeping with our feet facing the West, and the best direction to
sleep in, was verified by H. H. Dr. J. Athavale.
2. Spiritual effect of sleeping with the feet facing West
2.1 Benefit of the frequencies of Action of God
The frequencies of Action (kriya-lahari) of God are aligned in the East-
West direction. Their movement is in the space between these two
directions. By sleeping with our feet facing West, we get higher benefit of
these frequencies of Action of God. They give us strength to perform our
actions.
2.2 Activation of the five vital energies (pancha-pran) in the body
Due to the transfer of the frequencies of Action in the body, the five vital
energies situated at the level of the navel are activated. These five vital

energies throw out the subtle excretory gases from the body through the
medium of the sub-vital energies. This helps in the purification of the vital
energy body and the sheath of the vital energy body. This makes the
person invigorated.
2.3 Benefit of the sattvik frequencies
At dawn sattvik frequencies (apart from the above-mentioned) are
transmitted from the East direction. These sattvik frequencies from the
atmosphere enter our body easily from the Brahmārandhra of the Kun
alinī system when we are sleeping with our feet facing West, as our head
then faces East. Brahmarandhra is the opening above the 7th
Kun
alinī chakra, i.e. the Sahasrar-chakra. By imbibing
these sattvik frequencies we too become sāttvik. Thus we begin the day
with higher sāttvikā. Hence to begin the day on the highest positive note,
we should sleep with our feet facing the West.
2.4 Clockwise motion of the body cycle
Apart from frequencies of Action (kriya-lahari) of God and
the sāttvik frequencies at dawn, the pleasant sapta-tarang (lit. seven-
ripple) frequencies come from the East direction. When we sleep with our
head in the Eastward direction, we derive maximum benefit from
these sapta-tarang frequencies. Due to their influence our body cycle
moves in the clockwise, i.e. desired, direction. As a result, all body
functions are optimised. The body cycle is the subtle intangible system of
all gross and subtle body functions.
2.5 Relief from sleep-associated Raja-Tama particles
When we sleep with our feet facing the West, as our head is in the
Eastward direction, 10% more sapta-tarang frequencies are imbibed by
the seven Kundalini chakras. As the chakras influenced by the sapta-
tarang frequencies move in the clockwise direction, the person gets
benefit at a spiritual level. Hence one does not experience distress from
the subtle basic Raja-Tama particles generated in the body due to the
sleeping state. Thus one sleeps well.
3. In summary

From the above explanation we can see that from the perspective of how
to sleep well, the East-West direction with the feet facing the West is the
best direction to sleep in.
Note to our readers: In order to better understand this article, please
familiarise yourself with “What is a subtle picture?”
In this article, we describe the subtle vibrations that an Indian cow’s milk
attracts and emanates, through a subtle picture. It has been drawn by
Mrs. Yoya Vallee, a seeker with an advanced sixth sense of vision. It has
been verified and authenticated by His Holiness Dr. Jayant Athavale. When
checked through advanced sixth sense, this picture was found to be 80%
accurate.

We use different colours for labelling the different elements in the picture
as they match the colours of the spiritual vibrations. For example, the
spiritual vibrations of Divine Consciousness (or Chaitanya in Sanskrut) are
yellow when seen through an advanced sixth sense of vision. Accordingly
we have used yellow to label the points related to Divine Consciousness.
The following are some salient features about cow’s milk obtained
through spiritual research.
 An Indian cow’s milk is one of the most sāttvik drinks. Milk from
cows from other countries is 50% less sāttvik than the milk from an
Indian cow. It has the ability to attract Divine Consciousness
(Chaitanya) and emits subtle vibrations of Divine Energy (Shakti).
 As a result when we drink an Indian cow’s milk, the cells in the
body get charged with the sāttviktā present in the milk.
 There is a spiritual proverb in Sanskrut which states that our
thoughts stem from the food that we partake of. Thus when we have
sāttvik food and drink, the purification of the whole body takes place.
Due to this there is a positive transformation of our thoughts as well.

Sāttvik thoughts in turn lead to a person performing only righteous
actions.
 The milk from an Indian cow is more sāttvik than milk from other
animals.
Note to our readers: In order to better understand this article, please
familiarise yourself with “What is a subtle picture?”
In this article we describe through a subtle picture, the subtle vibrations
that fruit juice attracts and emanates. It has been drawn by Mrs. Yoya
Vallee, a seeker with an advanced sixth sense of vision. It has been
verified and authenticated by His Holiness Dr. Jayant Athavale. When
checked through advanced sixth sense, this picture was found to be 80%
accurate.

We use different colours for labelling the different elements in the picture
as they match the colours of the spiritual vibrations. For example, the
spiritual vibrations of Divine Consciousness (or Chaitanya in Sanskrut) are
yellow when seen through an advanced sixth sense of vision. Accordingly
we have used yellow to label the points related to Divine Consciousness.
 Fruit juice is Raja-Sattva predominant and therefore bestows
health.
 Fruit juice is recommended from a spiritual point of view as it
attracts and emanates positive spiritual energy.
 It provides Vital Energy (Prāna-shakti) and thus strengthens and
infuses the body with a zest for action and reduces lethargy.
 We are less likely to be attacked by negative energy when
consuming fruit juice.
 Fresh fruit juice is preferred as it has a higher proportion
of sāttviktā. However even canned or bottled fruit juice is
recommended as it is only marginally less sāttvik than freshly
squeezed fruit juice.

Home > Spiritual Research > Spiritual Science > Spirituality in life | Sattvik living > Spiritual effect of having tea in bed (before brushing
one's teeth)
1. Introduction
Drinking the first cup of tea (or coffee) in bed, as soon as we get up, is a
treat many of us look forward to and in some cases cannot do without.
Also, serving a partner breakfast in bed is considered very romantic. We
have to remember though that every action of ours has the potential to
attract spiritual positivity or negativity into our lives. Undertaking spiritual
research into this small but routine activity has shed a different light on
this habit.
2. Effect of sleep on the mouth cavity
When a person is asleep, due to the sluggishness of the body, there is an
increase in the subtle Tama component. Along with this, as our spiritual
practice is also at its lowest during sleep, we are spiritually the most
vulnerable at that time. The environment at night too is
more Tamapredominant than at any other time of the day and negative
energies are also the most active. As a result when we sleep, we are more
susceptible to attacks by ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.).
The mouth cavity is especially susceptible to get saturated
with Tama vibrations as it is most associated with the Absolute Cosmic
Water element. This is because the Absolute Cosmic Water element has
the property of retaining maximal negative Tama vibrations. As a result,
after a full night’s sleep, there is a high build-up of the
distressing Tama vibrations in the mouth cavity along with a foul odour.
3. Spiritual effect of having tea in bed (before brushing
one’s teeth)
As there is a high predominance of distressing vibrations in the mouth
cavity when one gets up in the morning, anything that is ingested at that

time also imbibes the subtle Tama component. In the subtle picture below
the various subtle negative vibrations that come into play while drinking a
cup of tea are shown. Moreover tea by itself is Tama-Raja predominant
and this in turn adds to the build-up of distressing vibrations. Whenever
there is a build-up of distressing Tama vibrations there is also an increase
in susceptibility to being attacked by ghosts (demons, devils, negative
energies, etc.).

This subtle picture has been drawn by Ms. Priyanka Lotlikar through an
advanced sixth sense of vision. It has been verified and authenticated by
His Holiness Dr. Jayant Athavale. When checked through advanced sixth
sense, the picture was found to be 80% accurate.
Please refer to the table below for the description of the various elements in the picture.
1.
Attraction of a flow of distressing energy towards the tea as it is Tama-Raja
predominant
1 A. Creation of a ring of distressing energy which then continues to revolve in
an activated state
1 B. Spreading of waves of distressing energy into the environment
2. Creation of a ring of Illusory (Māyāvī) Energy and it revolving further
in an activated state
3. Attraction of a flow of distressing energy towards the person
3 A. Creation of a ring of distressing energy in the intellect which then continues
to revolve in an activated state
4. Creation of a ring of distressing energy in the mouth cavity
4 A. A flow of distressing energy entering the body
4 B. A ring of distressing energy is created. It revolves in an activated state
and emits concentric rings of distressing energy in the body.
4 C. Spread of activated particles of distressing energy in the body and the
environment
4 D. Spread of waves of distressing energy in the body
5. A thick negative energy sheath is created around the body

1. An introduction to a spiritual perspective on
vegetarian versus non-vegetarian diet
There is a wide debate as to whether it is better to be a vegetarian or a
non-vegetarian. People in either camp have pretty much dug their heels in
swearing by the benefits of being a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian
respectively. There is, however, a worldwide trend of more and more
people crossing over and becoming vegetarians. In this article we explore
the issue from a spiritual perspective.
2. Spiritual purity of food
In our article on Sattva, Raja and Tama, the three subtle components of
the universe, we explained how everything in the universe at a subtle
level is made up of these three subtle components.
Food is no exception and at a subtle level, it too is made up of
the Sattva, Raja and Tama subtle components. The proportions of these

subtle components vary depending on the type of food. Sattva stands for
purity and knowledge while tama denotes ignorance and inertia. Anything
that has a higher Sattva component assists our spiritual journey and
anything that is Tama predominant has a tendency to diminish or obstruct
our spiritual practice.
Through spiritual research we obtained the subtle component readings for
vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
Please note: These readings are an average across each food category.
Fish is included in non-vegetarian food and has marginally
less Tamacomponent than white and red meat. The food within a category
differs marginally from each other. For example mutton and chicken in the
non-vegetarian category differ marginally from each other in terms of
their Sattva, Raja and Tama components.
The reason for the increased Tama in meat after the animal dies is
because of the extent of suffering when it is being killed. Also the
thoughts of anger and revenge in the animal are far more pronounced as
compared to a plant which has a rudimentary mind and intellect. This is
the main reason for the increased Tama component.
As you can see from the above table a vegetarian diet would have a
higher proportion of the subtle Sattva component. As a result of

the Tamapredominance in meat, the act of eating non-vegetarian food is
a taamasik activity.
2.1 Subtle picture of meat
The picture below shows what a seemingly healthy piece of meat looks
like when seen through sixth sense vision. The picture has been drawn by
Mrs.Yoya Vallee (Paris, France).
2.2 Subtle picture of a banana
The picture below shows what a saattvik fruit like a banana looks like
when seen through sixth sense vision. The picture has been drawn by
Mrs. Yoya Vallee (Paris, France).

2.7 Are canine teeth in humans not meant for consumption of
meat?
The function of canine teeth for human beings is to tear food. Proponents
of a non-vegetarian diet maintain that God has given us canine teeth for a
meat-based diet. This is no argument. It is like saying just that because
we have nails we should scratch others as animals do. Just because
humans have canines it doesn’t mean that they should eat meat.
From a spiritual perspective the purpose of a human birth is to attain God
Realisation. The key difference between human beings and animals is that
only human beings have developed minds and intellects that can be
channeled towards saattvik activities to propel themselves towards God-
realisation. Accordingly, it is spiritually recommended that people do not
copy what carnivorous animals do and eat.

2.8 A spiritual perspective on eating garlic and onions
Some communities refrain from
having onions and garlic. What is the spiritual perspective on this? Onions
and garlic have a higher proportion of the subtle Rajacomponent. It is for
this reason, as per the science of Ayurveda, that a diet with garlic and
onions is recommended to improve a person’s appetite. The
increased Raja component from eating onion and garlic in moderation is
very quickly overcome by the increase inSattva component of a person
doing medium (4-5 hours) to intense spiritual practice (10-12 hours).
2.9 A spiritual perspective on milk, curd and cheese
 Cow’s milk, when consumed, helps to increase a
person's Sattva component. Out of all types of milk, the milk from a
cow is the most saattvik.
 Curd and butter milk are less saattvik than milk
 When other items are prepared from milk (especially through the
process of spoiling milk such as in the making of cottage cheese) it
starts reducing the Sattva component and increasing the
subtle Tama component.
3. Effects of diet on man
3.1 At a physical level
By eating a non-vegetarian diet, since there is an increase
in Tama component, it is more likely to cause various diseases.
3.2 At a psychological level
The increase in the Tama component from a non-vegetarian diet leads to
an increase in thoughts relating to various desires and other taamasik
thoughts such as sexual thoughts, greed, anger, etc.

3.3 At a spiritual level
 The higher proportion of Sattva component in a vegetarian diet is
conducive for spiritual practice.
 Example: Matthew is at the 30% spiritual level. He begins to do 4-5
hours of spiritual practice on a daily basis as per the 6 basic principles.
All factors being equal, if he were to choose to be vegetarian, he would
reach the spiritual level of 40% 20 years faster than if he consumed a
non-vegetarian diet.
For God Realisation, we need to transcend the 3 subtle components.
Therefore through spiritual practice we have to go beyond our likes and
dislikes, as they are made up of the 3 subtle components. This
happens for all practical purposes beyond the 90% spiritual level. After
this level what one ingests makes no difference to the proportion of the
3 subtle components in us.

 By having a higher Tama predominant non-vegetarian diet, a
person is more prone to attacks by ghosts (demons, devils, negative
energies, etc.). All things being equal, a person who eats meat is 20%
more likely to be possessed by ghosts than a vegetarian. The reason is
that meat is a food group that is liked by demonic forces. Seekers who,
as their spiritual practice, serve to spread Spirituality in society, are
even more prone to being affected when ingesting non-vegetarian
food. This is because higher-level ghosts take advantage of the
increase in the Tama subtle component to trouble them.
 Do we incur a sin by eating non-vegetarian food?
The answer is yes, we incur a sin when we kill anything be it animals or
plants. Also, we inadvertently become party to the sin of any ill-
treatment of animals in factory farms and slaughterhouses by eating
their meat. People who eat the meat become party to that sin, albeit
not as much as the person doing the ill-treating and the killing. People
who work in factory farms incur 70% of the sin while the people who
eat the meat incur 30% of the sin. In many cases people who work in
slaughterhouses are possessed by ghosts and this is one of the reasons
for their callous attitude towards animals. The workers get possessed
by ghosts because their jobs are in alignment with the preferences of
ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.).
The sin in killing plants is much less than in killing animals, as the
plants' comprehension of pain is far less due to their rudimentary mind
and intellect.
However, if we are doing medium to intense spiritual practice (as per
the six basic principles of spiritual practice) we nullify this sin by our
daily spiritual practice. Since almost all people do not do spiritual
practice in the true sense of the word, these sins do not get nullified.
The sin incurred in killing plants and animals is however much less
than killing human beings. The reason is that humans have the
potential to realise God, and by killing them we take away that
opportunity. Among all animals the cow is the most sattvik and the sin
incurred when killing animals is maximum when killing a cow.

 When a person grows to the spiritual level of 60%, whether his diet
is non-vegetarian or vegetarian makes much less of a difference. This
is because, from a spiritual growth perspective, the value of his ability
to chant with spiritual emotion far outweighs what his diet is. As per
spiritual science, when we compare the two factors on a relative scale,
for a person at the 60% spiritual level:
 The subtle Sattva component of a person eating vegetarian
food increases by 0.0001 %.
 However, if one chants with spiritual emotion then the
subtle Sattva component increases by 5%.
However what happens is that as a person’s spiritual level grows they
become more Sattva predominant. Concurrently they are more sensitive
and averse to the tama component in non-vegetarian food. As a result,
people at higher spiritual levels are generally vegetarian as they feel
distress when eating non-vegetarian food.
4. Some do’s and don’ts with regard to non-vegetarian
food
 If one is unable to give up meat it is recommended that at least
during the following times one must abstain from it. The various times
are sunrise, sunset, during an eclipse, at night, two days before and
after and during full moon and new moon days. At all these times
ghosts are more active and can take advantage of the
heightened Raja-Tama in the environment. (We have included sunrise
even though it is considered a saattvik time as there is still some
influence of the darkness which is Tama predominant.)
 If one is serious about one’s spiritual practice, it is recommended
that one only have a vegetarian diet.

1. Introduction to how colors affect us spiritually
We all make choices on a daily basis with regard to color. An example is
choosing the color of the clothes that we will wear for the day. From time
to time we may need to choose the color of the next set of bed linen that
we purchase. Sometimes we have to choose the color of paint for the
walls in our home.
Through spiritual research, we have found that depending on the color we
choose (be it clothes or our surroundings), we will be affected accordingly
at a spiritual level. In this article, we share some of our spiritual research
on the many ways colors affect us so that our readers are better equipped
to make decisions that will enhance their lives.
2. How colors affect us spiritually?
The entire Universe, at a subtle intangible level, is made up of three
subtle components of Sattva, Raja and Tama. We have explained this in
detail on our website and urge you to familiarise yourself with this
concept, so as to gain a better understanding of this article.
Colors are also categorised as sāttvik, rājasik or tāmasik depending on
their predominant subtle components. Sattva stands for ‘spiritual purity’
while Raja and Tama stand for ‘action’ and ‘spiritual ignorance’
respectively. When we wear clothes that are of sāttvik colors, it helps us
with our spiritual practice, while colors that are Raja-Tama in nature are
detrimental towards making spiritual progress. Wearing clothes that have
a Raja-Tama predominance increases the negative spiritual vibrations
around us. Hence we are also more likely to attract negative energies as
they too are Raja-Tama predominant.

The following is a list of colors and their effect on our spiritual state.
When a color is described as being ‘Helpful’, as mentioned in the chart
below, it means that the color helps to attract spiritually positive
vibrations and repel negative vibrations. ‘Harmful’ indicates the ability to
attract negative vibrations whilst simultaneously alienating us from
spiritually positive vibrations.

As you can see from the chart above, colors such as white, yellow and
blue assist in increasing the spiritual purity around us. The color black on
the other hand, has harmful vibrations which not only attract negative
energies but repel any positive spiritual energy.
The two subtle pictures below show the difference in spiritual vibrations
between the colors white and black, when worn. In particular, the subtle
pictures focus on the energies that the colors attract/repel and their effect
on the person wearing the colors. The subtle pictures have been drawn by
Ms. Priyanka Lotlikar, a seeker with an advanced sixth sense of vision. The
pictures have been authenticated and verified by His Holiness Dr. Jayant
Athavale. Through spiritual research, both the drawings, depicting the
spiritual vibrations of black and white were found to be 80% accurate.

Both subtle pictures show, in isolation, the subtle vibrations attracted and
emitted by the colors black and white. The final vibrations emitted or
attracted by a person is the sum of myriad factors such as spiritual level,
personality defects, state of mind at that time, whether negative energies
are affecting him, the type and color of clothes, etc.
3. Reasons why we like certain colors
At a physical level: A person generally likes a certain color because it
matches his skin tone.
At a psychological level: An individual’s taste or distaste for a certain color
can change with his mood. These mood changes are often situation-
based, for example:
 According to event: People prefer to wear vibrant colors while going
on outings.
 According to the event and culture: During a funeral in some
cultures, black is worn, while in others, people dress in white. Refer to
the article on what color should one wear for a funeral?
 According to tradition: Lawyers in some countries wear black
because it is a tradition to do so.

 According to age: People in their teens and early adulthood may
have a passion for pink. With advancing age the interest in this color
can wane.
 As the color stands for something:
 The color and style of clothing worn by a celebrity most often
can influence the choice of attire of his fan following.
 It is in fashion
 People may dislike a color by its association to a certain
section of society that they dislike
At a spiritual level:
 Due to basic nature: The most pertinent factor in why a person
likes a certain color is because it closely matches his basic nature.
A sāttvik person would prefer sāttvik colors such as white or light blue.
If the basic nature of a person is tāmasik, they would prefer
more tāmasik colors such as black.
 Due to the effect of negative energies: A person under the control
of negative energies usually perceives good vibrations even from the
color black. All the four bodies namely physical, mental, intellectual
and the subtle ego can be spiritually impaired when an individual is
possessed by negative energies. If the distress persists for a long time,
the person slowly begins to lose his own identity. The character of the
possessing entity comes to the fore and plays a dominant role in
exercising its likes and dislikes which are reflected in the person’s
behaviour. This means that the person’s consciousness gets completely
controlled by the negative energy possessing him. Since the negative
energy is Tama-predominant, the person also takes a liking to Tama-
predominant objects such as black garments.
The wearing of the color black affects people in the immediate vicinity
too. If two people are affected by negative energies and they wear black,
this only assists in the exchange of subtle black energy between the two
negative energies. However if there is a person who is honestly trying to
make efforts in his spiritual practice in the area, he too is prone to be
adversely affected by the increase in the Tama component due to another
person wearing black. This is because negative energies focus their efforts

on trying to dissuade people from doing serious and intense spiritual
practice.
 Due to past life impressions: If an individual was harmed by a
person who was wearing green clothes in a previous birth, the
individual will most likely have an aversion to the color green in the
next birth by subtle association.
 Change due to the level of spiritual practice: A seeker who
experiences a sustained state of spiritual emotion may prefer the color
blue. This is because in the spiritual dimension, the subtle color of
spiritual emotion is blue.
4. General spiritual perspective while choosing colors for
clothes
The color of clothes should be sāttvik: Select sāttvik colors such as
white, yellow, blue and shades of these colors. There is a 1/1000 part
effect of colors on an average person. This seemingly small proportion will
in most cases significantly affect a person’s physical and psychological
state. Notwithstanding this small proportion, wearing Sattva-
Raja predominant clothes benefits a person by either:
 complementing his Sattva-Raja personality or
 lessening the Raja-Tama predominance in him
If a person likes wearing black, he may look for reasons or excuses to
continue wearing black even after reading this article. It is strongly
recommended that the use of one’s intellect in this instance will only be
detrimental. This is because there is no spiritual upside to wearing black
and it can only adversely affect one’s well-being.
Color of clothes should not be gaudy: Gaudy colors have a greater
predominance of the subtle Tama component. An individual wearing
clothes with gaudy colors also becomes Tama-predominant over a period
of time.
Clothes should be uniform in color: Clothes with a plain, single spiritual
color, without any print or design are indicative of transparency and
hence, are considered more sāttvik from a spiritual viewpoint.
Colors of clothes should be complementary to each other: If a top and a
bottom with different colors are to be worn, then the colors should

complement each other, that is, they should be compatible with each
other to an extent of at least 20 percent. For example, a combination of
two sāttvik colors is spiritually more appropriate. Below are some
examples of sāttvik color pairs:
 White and pale blue
 Pale blue and dark blue
Background Information
We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our article, a spiritual
perspective on greeting. It provides important background information in
order to understand this article.
1. Introduction to namastē or namaskār
Namaskār, also known as namastē is a form of greeting practiced most in
the Indian Subcontinent. It is used both while greeting and upon parting
company. When a person greets another with namaskār, the greeting is
accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms
touching and fingers pointed upwards and closely positioned in front of
the chest. Along with this, the words ‘namastē’ or ‘namaskār’ are said to
the person who is being greeted. The hand position is known as
the Namaskār Mudrā. (Mudrā means a particular hand gesture or
position.)
While it is a popular non-contact form of greeting along with the Japanese
bow and the hand-wave, its spiritual basis is what sets it apart from any
other greeting we have researched. In this article, we will explore its
spiritual meaning along with its benefits to us at a spiritual level.
2. The meaning of namastē or namaskār

'Namaskār' is a Sanskrut word which is derived from another Sanskrut
word ‘Namaha’, which means paying obeisance. In our article on ‘What
are we comprised of’, we have stated that within each of us there exists
the Divine (God Principle) known as the Soul. The greeting of namaskār is
when the Soul in one person acknowledges and pays obeisance to
the Soul in another.
While the words namastē and namaskār are synonymous there is a
spiritual difference between them. Namaskār has more sāttvikta than the
word namastē.
3. Spiritual research into namaskār (namastē)
3.1 Spiritual benefits of namaskār (namastē)
When we conducted spiritual research into namastē (namaskār), we
found it to be the most spiritually beneficial and sāttvik way to greet
another person. The reasons for this are:
1. The intention behind the greeting:
 As this greeting is about acknowledging the Divine in
another, it enhances the spiritual potency and attracts Divine
Consciousness (Chaitanya). When done with the spiritual
emotion that one is actually paying obeisance to the Soul in the
other, it inculcates the attitude of surrender and gratitude. This
helps spiritual growth.
 While doing namaskār, when one thinks, “You are superior to
me; ‘i’ am the subordinate one. I do not know anything, You are
omniscient”, it helps in reducing one’s ego and increasing
humility.
2. The actual hand gesture:
 By doing thenamaskār mudra,a greater level of Chaitanya is
absorbed into the body. By sayingthe
words namastē or namaskār, the Absolute Ether
element (Ākāsh-tattva) is invoked. However when the words are
said along with the mudrā, a second element that is the
Absolute Earth element (Pruthvi-tattva) is also invoked. This is
because the mudra by itself is associated with the Absolute
Earth element (Pruthvi-tattva).When a higher number of

the five Absolute Cosmic elements are invoked, more spiritual
positivity is attracted.
3. The lack of physical contact:
 Physical contact enhances the ease of flow of subtle energies
between two people. With this greeting as there is no physical
contact, the ability for one person to affect another negatively is
minimised.
 The impact of negative vibrations affecting the individuals
greeting one another is further reduced due to the rise in
the sattva component due to the spiritual context of the
greeting.
 Having said this, even this greeting can emit negative
vibrations particularly in the case of a possessed person
greeting another person with namaskār. The possessing entity
can spew negative vibrations from the persons’ finger tips at the
person being greeted and into the environment. However,
compared with a greeting that involves physical contact, the
impact of the negative entity is substantially limited.
The spiritual emotion with which the greeting is done further
minimizes and potentially eliminates the negative vibrations
altogether
3.3 Spiritual frequencies generated from namaskār (namastē)
The subtle picture below shows the spiritual frequencies generated when
two people greet each other with namaskār.In this example the person
greeting is at the 30% spiritual level while the person being greeted is at
the 50% spiritual level.
This subtle picture has been drawn by Ms.Priyanka Lotlikar through an
advanced sixth sense of vision. It has been verified and authenticated by
His Holiness Dr.Jayant Athavale. When checked through advanced sixth
sense, the picture was found to be 80% accurate. (To be able to attain
80% accuracy in a subtle drawing is a very high accomplishment. Unless
intense spiritual practice is undertaken subtle artists are not able to attain
anywhere near this percentage of the Absolute Truth in a subtle picture.)

The table below provides the details behind each of the aspects in the above
picture. Refer to the article on chakras to acquire a better understanding of the
table below.

Sno. Explanation
1 When a person greets another with the feeling that “I am paying
obeisance to the Soul in the other” then a ring of spiritual emotion
(bhāv) is created within him
1A Where there is spiritual emotion (bhāv) there is Communion with God
and one is better able to access God’s thoughts
1B As a result there is a ring of spiritual emotion (bhāv) that is created
around the person who is being greeted
2 This in turn attracts a flow of the Divine Principle or God’s power
2A A ring of the Divine Principle is created and activated
3 Wherever there is Divine Principle,a flow of Bliss (Ānand) is attracted.
Bliss is a type of subtle energy that brings about supreme happiness
which is not dependant on any stimulus.
3A This creates and activates a ring of Bliss (Ānand) around the person greeting
3B The person being greeted also imbibes this flow of Bliss (Ānand)
3C As a result there is a creation and activation of a ring of Bliss (Ānand)
around the person being greeted
3D There is an activation and emission of particles of Bliss (Ānand)
into the environment
4 A flow of Divine Consciousness (Chaitanya) is also attracted to the
person who initiates the greeting
4A Thereby creating and activating of a ring of Divine Consciousness
(Chaitanya) around him
4B The Divine Consciousness (Chaitanya) is emitted into the environment
4B2 The person being greeted too imbibes the flow of Divine
Consciousness (Chaitanya) from the person greeting him
4C A flow of Divine Consciousness (Chaitanya) is also attracted
directly to the person being greeted
4D There is creation and activation of a ring of Divine Consciousness
(Chaitanya) around the person being greeted
4E There is activation and emission of particles of Divine Consciousness
(Chaitanya) and the environment is benefitted spiritually
3.4 Points to remember while doing namaskār
(namastē)
 Eyes should be closed while doing namaskār

By keeping the eyes closed while doing namaskār to God or any
person, it facilitates the process for one to ‘see’ within and have the
vision of God within us or focus on the Soul (God) within a person.
 Do not to hold any object while doing namaskār
While doing namaskār, if any object is held in the hands, usually the
fingers and their tips are not straight. As a result, the flow of
the Sattva component is restricted from entering the tips of the
fingers. The Sattva component emitted towards the person
doing namaskār, strikes the object held and bounces back. Additionally,
if the object in the hand is Raja or Tama predominant and if it is
touched to the forehead or chest while doing namaskār, then the Raja-
Tama components from it may enter the body of the one who is
doing namaskār.
4. In summary
 Out of all greetings, the Spiritual Science Research Foundation
endorses the namaskār (namastē) as the most sāttvik form of greeting
and should be adopted as far as possible.
 Even if it is not the cultural norm to greet a person in this manner,
one can still greet another person mentally with namaskār.
 To do namastē (namaskār) with spiritual emotion, it is important
that one should do regular spiritual practice. It is because of spiritual
practice that one is able to generate spiritual emotion (bhāv).

Abstract
The three subtle basic
components (trigunas) of Sattva, Raja and Tama are the very fabric of
creation. Unknown to modern sciences, they permeate through all living
and non-living, tangible and intangible things. The vibrations emitted by
anything are dependent on its predominant subtle basic component. This
also influences the behaviour of all things. The proportion of these
components in human beings can only be changed by spiritual practice.
1. Introduction and definition
The purpose of this article is to give our readers a strong foundation
about the concept of the three subtle basic components. It is a very
important article for our readers as it forms the basis of many of the
articles on this website.
According to modern sciences, the Universe is made up of basic physical
particles that include electrons, protons, neutrons, mesons, gluons and
quarks.
At a spiritual level, however, the Universe is made up of something even
more basic. These basic particles are known as the three subtle basic
components (trigunas) namely Sattva, Raja and Tama. In the
word triguna, "tri" stands for three and "gunas" stand for subtle-
components.
The characteristics of each of these components are described in brief in
the following table:

We call the components subtle because they are intangible, not physical
in nature and they cannot be seen with any instruments such as the latest
electronic microscopes. Technically advanced physical instrumentation in
the future too will not be able to measure them. These three subtle basic
components can only be perceived by the subtle sense organs or our sixth
sense (ESP).
 The subtle basic Sattva component is the most subtle or intangible
of the three subtle basic components. It is the component nearest to
divinity. Hence its predominance in a person is characterised by
happiness, contentment, virtues like patience, perseverance, ability to
forgive, spiritual yearning etc.
 The subtle basic Tama component is the basest of the three. Its
predominance in a person is reflected by laziness, greed, attachment to
worldly matters etc.
 The subtle basic Raja component provides fuel to the other two, i.e.
brings about the action. So depending on whether a person is
predominantly sattvik or tamasik the subtle basic Raja component will
bring about actions pertaining to Sattva or Tama.
Due to the intangible nature of the subtle basic Sattva,
Raja and Tama components, schools and universities that teach modern
sciences are unaware that they exist. Hence they do not include them in
their curriculum. As a result, the concept of the three subtle basic
components may seem alien to some of us. However this does not
discount the fact that they pervade our entire existence and the world we
live in. Depending on which one of the three subtle-components is
predominant within us, it influences how we:
 React to situations
 Make decisions
 Make choices
 Live our lives
Since they are not physical in nature, it is difficult to put a finger on them
and give them a physical characteristic. Through this article, we have
endeavoured to give you a sense of what these three subtle-components
are about and how they influence our lives.

2. What do the subtle basic components look like?
The following diagram obtained through the sixth sense (ESP) shows what
the three subtle basic components look like when they are active.
The three subtle basic components are basically intangible particles.
When they are active, i.e. when there is energy accompanying them, they
appear in a wave form.
Explanation of the diagram
 Colour: The subtle basic Sattva component appears yellow, the
subtle basic Raja component red and the subtle basic Tama component
black in colour when perceived through highly active sixth sense.
 Wavelength: The subtle basic Raja component being the most
active is reflected in its wavelength, whereas the subtle
basic Sattvacomponent being more tranquil has a longer wavelength.
The disorganised and distorted nature of the subtle
basic Tama component is reflected in its irregular wavelength.
 Amplitude: The amplitude of the Raja component is the highest as
it is the most active. The amplitude of the subtle
basic Sattva component is lower and regular, whereas that of the
subtle basic Tama component is low and irregular.
 Length: Their length is dictated according to the need of the
function.

3. The three subtle basic components and the five
Cosmic Elements (Pancha-mahabhutas)
The three subtle-components also make up the five Absolute Cosmic
Elements. The five Cosmic Elements are Absolute Earth (Pruthvitattva),
Absolute Water (Apatattva), Absolute Fire (Tejtattva), Absolute Air
(Vayutattva) and Absolute Ether (Akashtattva) Principles. The Cosmic
Elements are intangible in nature and are the subtle most aspect of the
actual elements that we can see and feel. For example, the Absolute
Water Principle is the subtlest form of the water that goes to make up the
rivers and the oceans etc. In short, the five Absolute Cosmic Elements are
the building blocks of the Universe. But they are also made up of the
three subtle basic components.
The following table shows how each Cosmic Element differs in its
composition with regards to the proportion of the three subtle basic
components.
As you can see from the table above, the Absolute Earth Principle has the
highest amount of Tama, hence it is also the heaviest. The subtle
basicTama component limits existence, whereas the subtle
basic Sattva component makes it expansive. This explains why the
Absolute Earth Principle is the most inferior among the five Cosmic
Elements. It also explains why the Absolute Ether Principle is the most
subtle and sattvik and thus the most powerful. The reduction in

the Tama subtle basic component across the five major Cosmic Elements
makes the elements progressively less tangible. For example, Fire is less
gross or tangible than Earth.
Humans are composed predominantly of the Absolute Earth and Absolute
Water Principles. As an individual starts evolving spiritually, he or she
starts functioning at progressively higher levels, like the Absolute Fire
Principle etc. This is characterised by a sense of radiance emanating from
a spiritually evolved person. As this happens, the individual's basic
needs begin to decrease, such as the need for food and sleep. In
addition, his comprehension and capacity to perform various activities
increases markedly both quantitatively and qualitatively.
4. The three subtle basic components and the world
4.1 Natural Disasters
If there is an increase in the Raja and Tama in the world, it translates into
increased wars, terrorist activities and natural disasters. The increase
inRaja and Tama in the world causes a destabilisation of the five Cosmic
Elements resulting in catastrophic natural disasters. Please refer to the
article on the reason behind the increasing intensity of natural disasters.
4.2 Non-living things
The following chart shows the relationship between non-living things and
the three subtle-components.

4.3 Living entities
The following chart shows the relationship between living entities and the
three subtle-components. As you can see, life has a greater value in
terms of the Sattva subtle basic component across the board as compared
to even religious places as shown in the table above.
This is also one of the main reasons why the spiritual level of a person in
a particular premises has more impact on the overall vibrations
emanating from that place as opposed to the premises itself. For example,
if a person of the level of a Saint enters a premises that has negative
vibrations due to defects in construction, it will have negligible effect on
the Saint. Thus the sciences of Feng-shui and Vastushastra are of more
relevance to persons at lower spiritual levels or those who do not perform
any spiritual practice.
5. The three subtle basic components and our lifestyle
Everything around us can be categorised as sattvik,
rajasik or tamasik depending on the predominant subtle-component that
they are made up of. The predominant subtle-component in anything can
only be measured with one’s sixth sense (ESP).
We have provided a few generic examples of the various facets of the
world we live in and the dominant subtle-component. Depending on
whether we are sattvik, rajasik or tamasik individuals, we will gravitate

towards sattvik, rajasik or tamasik lifestyles. Also associating ourselves
with particular components through our lifestyle choices increases the
respective subtle-components within us.

1. Definition of an experience and a spiritual experience
The Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) defines that which is
experienced through the medium of the five senses, mind and intellect as
an ‘experience’. For example, the experience of eating one’s favourite
dish, feeling love for one’s child, resolving a problem at work by using
one’s intellect, etc., fall into the category of an ‘experience’. Experiencing
something which is beyond the comprehension of the five senses, mind
and intellect constitutes a ‘spiritual experience’. Even if one can perceive
an event through the five senses, mind and intellect but the reason
behind it is beyond the gross intellect of mankind, it still constitutes a
spiritual experience.
2. Experience versus a spiritual experience and how we
perceive it

We experience the gross world through the five senses, mind and
intellect. Corresponding to the five senses, mind and intellect that we are
well aware of, we also have five subtle senses, a subtle mind and a subtle
intellect, which when developed or activated, help us to experience the
subtle world or subtle dimension. This experience of the subtle world is
known as a ‘spiritual experience’.
In the above picture, we see a lady who smells a bunch of roses and
experiences the fragrance of roses. This would constitute an experience
as there is a definite source to the fragrance of roses i.e. the bunch of
roses. In the other picture, we see a lady sipping her morning coffee,
pondering over the start of her working day. All of a sudden and with no
apparent cause, she gets a strong fragrance of sandalwood. She initially
dismisses it, as she cannot see where it’s coming from and goes on to
drink her coffee. However the fragrance follows her to her work place and
lingers with her throughout the morning. She asks other people around if
they can get the fragrance but no one does. This would constitute a
spiritual experience. In this case, the lady actually perceived a fragrance
emanating from the subtle dimension and experienced the fragrance
through the medium of her subtle sense organ of smell.

Quite a number of us may have had an experience like this i.e. getting a
fragrance without any apparent source, but dismissed it as we did not
know better. A spiritual experience can also be perceived through the
other four subtle sense organs of taste, touch, sound and vision and also
the subtle mind and subtle intellect. This extra perception that we get, is
known as our sixth sense. As mentioned earlier, even if one can perceive
an event through the five senses, mind and intellect but the reason
behind it is beyond the gross intellect of mankind, it still constitutes a
spiritual experience.
 An example of this would be when an object moves without any
apparent external cause that can be viewed by anyone with their gross
eyes (i.e. not their subtle vision). In common parlance these
experiences are popularly known as paranormal. These experiences are
called 'perceptions from the subtle dimension'.
 Let us take another example of a mother whose child lies in critical
condition in ICU following a gruesome accident. The doctors have tried
everything but the child is just not responding. They are not promising
anything. At her wits end, she fervently and continuously prays to God
for her unconscious child. Then miraculously and without any medical
explanation, the next day there is a noticeable improvement in the
child. In time, the child steadily improves and moves out of danger.
Here the child’s condition and the mother’s prayer are both in the
gross, but the cause of the medical science-defying-improvement is not
explainable by the intellect. Experiences such as these too fall into the
category of spiritual experiences.
3. What is sixth sense and how do we perceive the
unseen world?
We recommend that you refer to the article on sixth sense for a more in-
depth explanation as to how we perceive spiritual experiences and the
subtle world which is infinite compared to our known world.

4. Spiritual experience related to the five subtle sense
organs and five Absolute cosmic elements
The world is made from the five absolute cosmic
elements (panchamahabhoota). These cosmic elements cannot be seen
but make up all of creation. As we progress in our spiritual practice our
sixth sense gets activated, and we begin to get experience of these
absolute elements progressively, beginning from the most gross to the
most subtle. Thus we are able to experience them in the order of the
Absolute Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether elements through our subtle
sense of smell, taste, vision, touch and sound respectively.
The following table provides examples of positive and negative spiritual
experiences that we may perceive through our sixth sense, that is
through the medium of the five subtle senses.
5. Spiritual experience and spiritual level

As our spiritual level goes on increasing, we are able to get spiritual
experience of a higher and more subtle level. .
The table below shows the minimum spiritual level necessary to be able
to experience each of the individual five subtle senses if one’s sixth sense
was seen purely as a function of the spiritual level. For example, one can
get spiritual experience of the subtle sense of smell at the 40% spiritual
level.
While this bar graph serves as a guide to explain the direct relationship
between the spiritual level and types of experience through the various
subtle senses, it is important to note the following:
 When somebody acquires a spiritual experience of subtle smell, it
does not necessarily mean that he has attained the spiritual level of
40%. More often than not, it is a case of momentary or transient rise in
spiritual level or ability, either because of intense spiritual practice like
chanting the Name of God, being in the company of Saints, etc.

 There could be other factors contributing to the experience. For
example, if a ghost (demon, devil, negative energy etc.) wants a
person to get the smell of urine around the house to frighten them, it
could use its spiritual energy to make it happen. This is without the
necessary rise in spiritual level of the targeted person.
 It does not mean that all persons at 40% spiritual level will
necessarily perceive a subtle smell. The spiritual level of a person is the
net function of many attributes; sixth sense is just one of them. Refer
to the article on spiritual level.
 It also does not mean that these persons can perceive up to 100%
of all the varieties of subtle smells available or that they can perceive it
all the time and at any time.
 It also does not mean that a person at spiritual level of 40% or
above will necessarily perceive a subtle fragrance. A person may attain
Sainthood (i.e. the 70% spiritual level) without once having perceived
through the five subtle senses. One of the reasons for not getting such
an experience could be that this person has already had these
experiences in the past life and does not need them now. All Saints
however have the sixth sense that pertains to the subtle mind and
intellect.
You can also see from the graph that the subtle sense of touch and sound
are only perceived at higher spiritual levels. The reason for this is that
they are more subtle among the five subtle senses
6. What is the importance of spiritual experiences?
The following points summarise the importance and main benefits of
spiritual experiences:
6.1 Generation of belief and faith in the theoretical aspect of
Spiritual science
In reference to the quote at the top of this page, the intellectual or
theoretical knowledge in words has only 2% importance while 98%
importance lies in the experience of those words. When one undertakes
an appropriate spiritual practice based on the basic principles of Spiritual
science, one makes spiritual progress and gets spiritual experiences.

Spiritual practice bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge obtained
from books and spiritually experiencing it.
Theoretical information (intellectual knowledge) only assists those curious
about Spiritual science in gaining some belief. It is a necessary step in
the stages of spiritual development, however when one gets spiritual
experiences, one develops faith in the theoretical knowledge.
Please refer to article on stages of spiritual development.
It is for this reason that spiritual experiences are discussed
during spiritual meetings (satsang). Seekers attending spiritual meetings
(satsang) realise that what is taught there in terms of spiritual knowledge
is not mere information but that it can be actually experienced.
6.2 Awareness of spiritual progress
Spiritual experiences confirm that we, as seekers of God have adopted an
appropriate spiritual practice and getting progressively higher spiritual
experiences confirm that, we are making spiritual progress. They act like
milestones and encourage us in our spiritual journey. Suppose we were to
discontinue our spiritual practice, we may not continue to get spiritual
experiences. If we were to stagnate in the spiritual practice, we will not
get higher spiritual experiences. By stagnation in spiritual practice, we
mean, doing the same spiritual practice year in and year out, without
increasing it qualitatively or quantitatively. This is God’s way of telling us
that we have to augment our spiritual practice further.

Refer to articles ‘Spiritual Practice should be done on a daily basis’ and
‘Increasing the level of spiritual practice regularly’.
Note: When doing spiritual practice according to a particular path if we do
not get any spiritual experiences for three years, then we should ask a
spiritually evolved person i.e. a Saint, if our chosen path is right or not. If
you do not have access to a Saint, please read our article on chanting the
Name of God according to your religion of birth as a suggested first step
in your spiritual journey.
6.3 Reduction of ego by impressing the greatness of God
In the early stages of one’s spiritual journey, if one gets to hear many
other co-seekers narrating their spiritual experiences, the variety and
depth of spiritual experiences can be quite mind-boggling. One begins to
realise how insignificant one is, as compared to God who gives each one
of us unique spiritual experiences to generate faith. As a result, one’s ego
about one’s own abilities gets reduced when compared to God's ability.
Reduction in ego is a primary requisite for spiritual growth.
7. What is the importance of documenting spiritual
experiences?
 By documenting and publishing spiritual experiences, other seekers
of God get to know about the various types of spiritual experiences
obtained as a result of spiritual practice. Thus it gives seekers more
enthusiasm to do spiritual practice.
 It re-enforces the importance of spiritual practice on the mind and
intellect and convinces us to persevere with our spiritual practice
 If we get a unique spiritual experience then there is a possibility of
doubting its genuineness. However if we know about similar spiritual
experiences obtained by others, then faith is generated. We are
convinced that there is some science behind it thus prompting us to
undertake the study of Spiritual science.
 We can also enrich our own spiritual practice by studying what
exactly was done by that particular seeker from the viewpoint of
spiritual practice to derive that spiritual experience.
8. What are the limitations of spiritual experiences in
enhancing spiritual practice?

All said and done, spiritual experiences do not necessarily enhance or
augment spiritual practice. Even if people were to witness a miracle it
doesn’t necessarily mean that they would start spiritual practice. 30% of
people despite having spiritual experiences either stop active spiritual
practice or stagnate at the same spiritual level. To actively pursue
spiritual practice, one needs to develop the conviction that, ‘I must evolve
spiritually in this very birth’. Spiritual experiences do not necessarily
assist the intellect in this. For this attitude to develop, we require the
study of Spiritual science to provide us with a framework for sustainable
spiritual practice. Any study of spiritual science needs to be undertaken
with an open mind that is not biased by pre-conceived opinions.
9. Why is it that sometimes we do not obtain spiritual
experiences despite spiritual practice?
The reasons for this are as follows:
 Spiritual experiences are indicators of our spiritual progress.
However our spiritual progress may not begin as soon as we begin
spiritual practice. The reason for this is that our spiritual practice may
be utilised to reduce the intensity of our severe
negative destiny (prarabdh) or accumulated account (sanchit karma)
instead of solely for spiritual progress. As a result, spiritual progress
does not occur initially and hence we do not get spiritual experiences.
However persistent spiritual practice enables us to overcome this initial
phase.
Here we have used the term negative destiny to indicate destiny
that results in experience of unhappiness. An example of severe
negative destiny can be meeting with a serious accident. Thus
when a person starts doing spiritual practice, the initial spiritual
practice may be utilized in reducing the intensity of this
particular destiny, i.e. meeting with a serious accident. Thus the
seeker, just before meeting with the accident may get a
premonition to slow down or go in some other direction, thus
reducing the intensity of the accident and severity. The seeker
may then survive minor or no injuries at all.

To develop faith in God or when our faith begins to waver, to fortify it God
bestows spiritual experiences. If our faith is strong then we may not
require spiritual experiences. Refer to the article stages of spiritual growth
which shows how spiritual experiences augment our faith.
1. Introduction to life before birth
Is this life all I have? Where do we come from before we are born? Where
do I go after I die?
These questions will undoubtedly be familiar to almost all of us. Some
time ago, we published an article on ‘What happens after death’. Through
spiritual research we will cover our life before we are born in this 2 part
series of articles. The two parts are:
 Part 1: The time before we are conceived
 Part 2: The time we are in the womb
The reason we have published both life before birth and life after death is
because it brings to focus that we live our lives with consequences.
TheLaw of Karma pervades our entire life. The life that we lead in our
current birth decides the quality of our afterlife and subsequent births.
Paradoxically while most people are interested in the spiritual life before
birth and life after death, only a handful are interested in actually doing
something about their spiritual life on Earth. This is so as to have a better
afterlife and subsequent births and to ultimately get out of the cycle of
birth and death.
2. Where are we before we are born?
After we die on Earth, we (i.e. our respective subtle bodies) go to one of
the various subtle regions of the Universe depending on our spiritual level

and merits and demerits. Here we stay for varied periods of time before
we get a chance to be born back on Earth. (Refer to point 2.4 for which
subtle region we are most likely to go to.)
2.1 Life before birth: Regions of Heaven and above
In the current times, only 2 out of every 100 of us will make it to the
higher positive regions of the Universe such as Heaven
(Swargaloka),Mahaaloka etc. In the higher regions of the Universe, the
predominant experience is happiness and Bliss.
The rest of us go to either the Nether world (Bhuvaloka) or one of the
regions of Hell (Paataal). Here the predominant experience is unhappiness
to extreme suffering.

2.2 Life before birth: The Nether world (Bhuvaloka)
The suffering experienced in the Nether world (Bhuvaloka) is generally far
more than that on the Earth plane as there is not much freewill. In the

Nether world (Bhuvaloka), 10% of the subtle bodies are guided by subtle
bodies from higher regions such as Heaven and Mahaaloka. These subtle
bodies are those of seekers with yearning for spiritual growth.
Approximately 2% are controlled completely by destiny. Approximately
88% of subtle bodies are attacked by ghosts (demons, devils, negative
energies, etc.) and controlled by them. These subtle bodies are fully
conscious that they are controlled by ghosts but can do little to fend them
off as they do not have any spiritual strength of their own.
2.3 Life before birth: Regions of Hell (Paataal)
With regards to Hell, even the worst part of one’s life on Earth is better
than that experienced in the regions of Hell (Paataal). In Hell (Paataal)
subtle bodies are controlled 100% by higher level negative energies. As
we go to the lower rungs of Hell, the suffering and pain is only amplified.
We stay in the region of Bhuvaloka for approximately 50-400 years before
we are eligible for rebirth on Earth. In the case of the region of Hell, we
can languish for thousands of years before we get an opportunity to be
reborn.
2.4 Spiritual practice in the subtle regions
The following chart shows the likelihood of the subtle region we will go to
after we die in current times.

The only thing that can alleviate the suffering in the lower subtle regions
of the Universe is spiritual practice. However the likelihood of doing
spiritual practice in the lower subtle regions of the Universe (i.e. Nether
and Hell) is next to nil. Intense suffering compounded by attacks from
higher level ghosts make the environment impossible for spiritual practice
as subtle bodies switch into survival mode to combat the harshness of the
environment.
In the subtle region of Heaven (Swargaloka), the happiness experienced
is such that subtle bodies get caught up in its experience and hardly do
any spiritual practice. So while subtle bodies can theoretically do spiritual
practice in Heaven (Swargaloka), the likelihood of actually doing it is
minimal due to distractions of various pleasurable experiences.
Spiritual practice can be done and actually does happen only in the higher
subtle regions of Mahaaloka to Satyaloka. Subtle bodies in these regions

do not have to be reborn on the Earth plane to settle their give-and-take
accounts or to do spiritual practice.
Life on the Earth region is of great importance as it is the only plane
where people from the lower regions can be born to do spiritual practice,
complete their give-and-take and get outside the cycle of birth and death.
2.5 Do we know about our previous births while in the subtle
planes?
The average subtle body generally remembers events only from its last
birth on Earth. It does not remember births before that unless they are
very notable. This is up to the time the subtle body is reborn on Earth
again. Wanting to know about previous lives is not the highest item on
our agenda in regions such as the Nether world or Hell. Avoiding
unhappiness, fending off ghosts and the agony of being away from people
that they are attached to are generally what occupy most subtle bodies in
the Nether world.
2.5.1 Why do we not remember our previous births in this
lifetime?
As we get involved with the world, we forget our previous life in the subtle
regions and on Earth. Our physical senses strongly overshadow our sixth
sense and we lose our ability to perceive our previous births. It is also
God’s compassion for us that He has so arranged that we forget the
previous lifetimes. Just imagine how difficult it would be to go about the
day to day affairs of this life remembering past life events like the past
birth relationships we had with the people in our life in this birth. For
example, a father and son in this life could well have been husband and
wife in an earlier life. Or a present life mother could have been
responsible for the death of her present life daughter in a previous
lifetime.
3. Why are we born on Earth?
We are born on Earth to settle our give-and-take account or Karma and to
do spiritual practice. In the Nether world and Hell it is almost impossible
to do spiritual practice so as to burn our give-and-take account.

Refer to the article on the purpose of life.
After the death of a person, being born on Earth again is not in the hands
of the person (or rather his subtle body). Birth on the Earth plane is rare.
For every entry of a subtle body into an embryo, millions of other subtle
bodies compete to gain entry on Earth to experience worldly life. But it is
only that subtle body that is destined to enter an embryo that will get
birth on Earth.
4. What are the factors that decide when and where and
to whom we are reborn on Earth
The two main factors that decide our birth on Earth are:
1. Are the conditions on Earth conducive for settling our give-
and-take account?
2. Which region are we in prior to our birth on Earth?
4.1 The give and take account and rebirth
Our give-and-take account is the single most important factor that
decides
 the time period when we are born on Earth and
 into which family etc.
Our give-and-take account decides the time of our conception right up to
the year, month, hour, minute and second. This means that we take birth
on Earth during that period when it is most conducive for us to complete a
maximum amount of our accumulated give-and-take account. Hence we
take birth at the same time when those people with whom we have major
give-and-take accounts are around and also that external circumstances
on Earth are conducive too. Let us take a look at the following example
case-study:
Mr. A has cheated Mr. B of all his fortune. Thus Mr. A has created an
adverse give-and-take account with Mr. B. If he dies without repaying this
debt then he will have to be reborn to repay it and thus complete that
account. Now to complete this, he will either have to be reborn
immediately when Mr. B is still around or wait till such time that Mr. B is
reborn. Also if Mr. A has further lived a life of fraudulent deals etc. he will
have to face a life of major unhappiness in one or more of his rebirths to

atone for this. Naturally he will have to be born during a period of general
strife. Hence he cannot be born during relatively good times.
An important point about the give-and-take account is that it is not
maintained in terms of how much money is to be returned etc. but in
terms of units of unhappiness or happiness. In the above example if Mr. A
by cheating Mr. B of a certain amount of money has been responsible for
1000 units of unhappiness to Mr. B then Mr. A may be reborn as mother
and Mr. B as her child. The child (Mr. B in earlier birth) is born very loving
and obedient and enjoys lot of love from the mother. He then dies in a
fatal accident or brief illness at the age of say 10 years. By that time the
mother has become quite attached to the child and his untimely death
thus causes 1000 units of unhappiness to his now mother but earlier Mr.
A.
The religion that we are born to takes a lesser priority as compared to the
give-and-take account we have with the parents we are born to.
4.1.1 What decides which part of the accumulated account will
play out as one’s destiny on Earth?
Here again the same rule applies: that part of the accumulated give-and-
take account will be selected based on what can be maximally settled in
the impending birth.
4.1.2 Can parents attract a more advanced and saattvik subtle
body before conception through spiritual practice like
chanting?
Yes, it is possible to attract a more advanced and more saattvik subtle
body into the womb through spiritual practice. This is only possible when
parents are doing a considerable amount of spiritual practice, (i.e. a
minimum of 4-5 hours a day according to the six basic principles of
spiritual practice including the sacrifice of body, mind and wealth to serve
God).
In the event of the spiritual practice by parents, suppose the first subtle
body in line (according to the strength of give-and-take with the parent)
to come into the womb is not that saattvik, then it will get superseded by
the next most saattvik subtle body in line. Some of the characteristics
ofsaattvik children are that they are well behaved, intelligent and well

adjusted. There are also less chances of having physically and mentally
challenged children. The reason for this is that people have challenged
children due to negative destiny. Destiny is overcome through spiritual
practice. If parents are doing a high amount of spiritual practice according
to the six basic principles of spiritual practice then their negative destinies
are reduced.
If a Saint (i.e. a person above the 70% spiritual level) is to be born then
the spiritual level of the mother needs to be at least 50-60% to be able to
bear the positivity of the baby. The mother’s spiritual level holds 70%
importance as opposed to the father’s spiritual level.
4.1.3 What decides if one is born to wealthy families or to parents
of a higher spiritual level?
If a subtle body has more merits it will generally be born in good
conditions and into families that are well off. If the subtle body has an
above average spiritual level, it will be born to parents that are of a
higher spiritual level that will be able to nurture its spiritual growth.
However Saints being born are beyond merits and demerits and can also
be born into very poor families. This will depend on their mission on
Earth.
4.2 Rebirth on Earth with respect to the region we are in before
birth
The likelihood of being born on Earth is much lower when a subtle body is
in the
 higher regions of the Universe such as Mahaaloka and above or
 lower regions such as Hell.
4.2.1 Rebirth from regions above Mahaaloka
As mentioned earlier when a subtle body attains the subtle regions
of Mahaaloka and above they are beyond the 60% (samashti, samashṭi)
or 70% (vyashti, vyashṭi) spiritual level. At this spiritual level they
attain Mukti or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Whatever
remaining destiny they may have can be settled from the subtle region
itself through spiritual practice.

People beyond 60% (samashti) or 70% (vyashti) spiritual level can
however get born of their own will. InMahaaloka and Janaloka as the ‘I’ or
subtle ego is still active, though minimal, the subtle bodies themselves
decide when they want to be reborn as per the time conducive for their
mission. Because of their high spiritual level, they are born just by their
wish and they will be born to parents of a higher spiritual level. Even
more spiritually evolved subtle bodies from Tapaloka decide both when
and where they will be reborn. In fact, many such evolved subtle bodies
are already born in the world to sustain the coming 1000 years of spiritual
renewal. Refer to the article on Armageddon.
4.2.2 From the region of Heaven
If one is in the region of Heaven, it can take approximately thousands of
years to be reborn on Earth again.
4.2.3 From the regions of Hell
In the lower regions of the Universe such as Hell, the time period of
suffering is greatly increased. Along with this, higher level ghosts directly
influence the subtle body’s existence making them do negative acts. As a
result, the subtle body goes into a negative vortex of negative give-and-
take which keeps them in the lower regions of Hell.
It is only when a subtle body from the first three regions of Hell has
completed its quota of suffering that it gets rebirth on Earth. Even then
the probability of a subtle body from the first region of Hell getting reborn
on Earth is only 1 in 100,000 births. The probability of rebirth from the
2nd and 3rd regions of Hell is even more negligible. The likelihood of
getting birth from beyond the third region of Hell is next to nonexistent.
In the approximately 350,000 births that happen on a daily basis around
the world, only three subtle bodies will be from Hell, the rest will be
mainly from the Netherworld and only a few from Heaven.
In some rare cases a subtle body will be going through its first birth even
in today’s era. As these subtle bodies have no prior give-and-take
accounts, all the events in their life are due to their wilful action. Also as
they do not have any fixed raja-tama impressions in their sub-conscious
minds, they can use this wilful action for spiritual practice. Hence they are
in the best position to achieve God-realisation in their first birth itself.

5. What is the time gap between death and rebirth on
Earth?
There is no fixed time interval between death and rebirth on Earth. On an
average it is 50-400 years for subtle bodies from the Nether region
(Bhuvaloka). Subtle bodies in Heaven may have to wait thousands of
years before they get rebirth on Earth.
It is in very rare cases that a person dies and gains immediate entry into
a womb. Generally if this happens it will be just after the first trimester.
Therefore one is reborn in 6 months time. The probability of this
happening is 0.001% out of all births.
In even rarer cases the subtle body of a person who has just died can
oust some other subtle body in a 9 month old foetus and be born again
immediately. In this case the subtle body ousting another would need to
have a higher spiritual level and a more intense give-and-take with the
family being born to.
6. When is the next birth of a person decided?
The next birth is decided at the time of death in the previous life itself in
the case of the majority of people. This is because most subtle bodies do
not do any spiritual practice in the afterlife after their physical death. As
spiritual practice is the only way to nullify the give-and-take account, for
the majority of subtle bodies the give-and-take remains unchanged due to
a lack of spiritual practice in the afterlife.
Only in the case of evolved subtle bodies coming from the region such
as Mahaaloka and Janaloka, it is decided at the time of their birth. This is
because when to be born is as per their wish, i.e. they are not affected by
destiny. However the subtle bodies in the lower subtle regions like the
Nether region (Bhuvaloka), Heaven (Swargaloka) and regions of Hell are
100% bound by destiny.
7. How many births have we gone through?
It is very difficult to give an answer that will encompass all people. The
thing is we could have lived over a thousand births as humans and it
could also be the first time we are being born in this current lifetime of
ours. However on average the person at the 20% spiritual level in today’s’
world would have been born a number of times in the last 1000 years.
The adjoining table gives one an understanding of the various types of

births that a human at the 20% spiritual level could go through over a
thousand year span.
Please note this is typical of a person that has come from the Nether
region (Bhuvaloka). He can be born in various forms to suffer before
coming back as a human.
8. Does a person know his destiny or who he is going to
be born to?
A person does not know about the family he is going to be born to until
the very moment of conception. Even after that there is a likelihood of it
losing its place in the womb to another subtle body. At the point in time of
conception they have an understanding of their give-and-take with the
family they are being born into. This means they understand whether the
account is positive or negative. They may also understand the nature of
the reason for the account. They are however not privy to the life that is
destined for them.
9. Before one is born is there any guidance from an
evolved subtle body on what is expected of one?
No, there is no guidance given.

10. What decides the sex of the baby?
In the first birth the sex of the newborn is decided by God. From God’s
point of view, being born as a male or female is a moot point from the
perspective of realising the basic goal of life, i.e. attaining God-realisation.
After the first birth, those who are born as males generally continue to be
born as males if that is the predominant impression in the sub-conscious
mind of the person. This happens according to the rule that ‘What we
don’t know we are not interested in’. However if a person happens to have
a lesbian or gay constitution that person can be born in the next birth in
the sex which they have a stronger liking for.
From completing ones give-and-take account point of view being male or
female is of no value as the other personality characteristics remain the
same like anger etc. Also getting a male birth is not necessarily a plus
from a God-realisation point of view.
In fact according to Spiritual science, man and woman are not superior or
inferior, rather they are just one unit – Sun Channel (Surya nadi) and
Moon Channel (Chandra nadi) of the Universal Spiritual Energy system
(Kun
alinī).
However in exceptional cases like for example when a woman has taken
immense beating for years from her husband and wants to repay him in
the same coin by becoming the husband in another birth with the present
husband being born as the wife, a reversal of sexes can happen.
But again, it is not really necessary to be born as husband and wife in role
reversal to undergo the above mentioned negative destiny. The present
life husband can undergo the requisite units of unhappiness in other
ways.
11. What decides whether an animal is reborn as a
human?
There is a chance of an animal being born as a human being if a human
being had regressed to that animal form as punishment for his misdeeds.
After the animal that was initially a human has finished its quota of

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