As the influence of Shakti’s static principle transforms consciousness more and more, a portion of cosmic mind densifies and becomes the etheric factor or what we term “space.” Space is the stuff in which the universe exists; it is the subtlest substance. It has the capacity to carry the subtlest quality, that of sound— even though, in pure space, it is not yet audible.
The static tendency continues exerting more and more influence within a portion of space and transforms it into the next denser factor: air. The aerial factor can carry the vibrational essences of both sound and touch. Air gives sound the ability to touch the ear; thus, sound becomes audible at this stage. Atoms of hydrogen come into being, and the pressure of the static force draws them together, forming hydrogen clouds. The force of gravity causes the clouds to condense, which drives the atoms closer together, causing friction and heat. This is the first expression of the next denser factor: luminosity.
The luminous factor carries the vibrational qualities of sound, touch, and sight. Thus light comes into being, and stars are born. At this stage the increasing heat and pressure at the center of a star fuses the hydrogen nuclei together to make helium. Later heavier atoms are fused and each of the elements is created. The space between atoms and molecules continues to decrease, eventually condensing the luminous factor into liquid plasma.
The liquid factor carries the sensory qualities of sound, touch, sight, and taste. Further pressure from the static tendency solidifies the liquid factor, and the solid factor— carrying the vibration of smell as well— comes into being. At this point all the factors coexist simultaneously in the universe. The degree and combinations of these five factors determines the makeup of all material substances and how the next act in the drama of creation evolves.
THE PRESSURE THAT CREATES LIFE
To this point, the creative process has been extroversal (meaning “the whole moving outward”) — movement from subtle to dense. Inanimate matter is the densest form of consciousness. Shakti’s static force can transform no further, and its hold must begin to loosen. The introversal phase of creation (meaning “the whole moving inward”) begins as matter finds its way back to pure consciousness again.
The static tendency exerts so much pressure on the solid factor that a tension of forces is created. The center-seeking force of static Shakti clashes with the force of expansion, which is directed from the center outward. These two forces vie for dominance, and a critical climax in the cycle of creation occurs. If the force of expansion becomes dominant, the structure can no longer maintain the delicate balance, and it dissociates into billions of particles.
On the other hand, if there is an imbalance of the five factors within the structure, the object contracts more and more, the tension in the solid factor becomes very great, and an explosion occurs. At this point the densest factor is converted back into subtler factors to “try again.” This means, of course, that no factors are lost. The eventual death of the universe, therefore, is impossible. Furthermore, cosmic mind is never imperiled by the explosions in the dense factor; the particles return to their respective factors. Cosmic mind-stuff remains unaffected, and creation continues endlessly.
The alternative course is that which, when it occurs, is the turning point in the cycle of creation. If, in this struggle between the expansive (centrifugal) and center-seeking (centripetal) forces, the center-seeking force wins, a resultant force is created that controls all of the factors within the structure. All five factors must be in requisite proportions and the balance of forces within the structure must be such that each factor’s energy is controlled and coordinated. The controlling point of all the energies within a structure is called its “vital energy.” With vital energy, the evolution of life begins.
THE CREATION OF INDIVIDUAL MIND
Just as vital energy is the controller of all of the forces within a structure, the vital energy itself must be controlled. Individual ectoplasm, or mind-stuff, emerges to direct the vital energy, controlled by the will of the cosmic mind. Another way of putting this is that the loosening of Shakti’s bondage enables the cosmic ectoplasm to reflect, or show through, as individual mind-stuff. Thus begins the second half of the cycle of creation, the attraction of the unit being toward its Self, the supreme consciousness. Matter has evolved from mind, and now mind evolves from matter and moves toward merger with consciousness. The mind-stuff of the individual controls its vital energy through the development of instincts. In the least-developed life forms, the two basic instincts are self-preservation and reproduction.
As reactions are experienced and stored in the mind (a “vibrational record” as it were), behavioral patterns emerge. The entity encounters a clash with its environment, which is recorded in the mind, and the structure evolves capacities for overcoming that clash. Thus more and more complex life forms evolve. The sense of existence emerges in the unit mind, and throughout successive generations the entity develops a more complex nervous and glandular system to control the more highly developed body.
Eventually, from the sense of existence, the ego or the feeling “I act” emerges. The wavelength of the mind becomes more subtle, and ego is formed from a portion of ectoplasm. At this stage, the ego has two functions: determination — or will — and translation into action. Living beings with only mind-stuff act only on mechanical impulses; those with ego as well can make limited decisions about their actions. For example, a worm confronted with a stimulus such as fire can only contract instinctively. An ape, however, when attacked, may either fight or flee. This is due to the more highly developed glandular system and the corresponding development of ego.
Moving on in the course of evolution, the mutative tendency begins to wane and the subtle vibration of the sentient tendency carves a place in the individual mind. The subtlest aspect of mind, the sense of self-awareness, awakens. At this stage, the mind of the living being is a complete reflection, potentially, of the mind of God. At last a conscious awareness of that reflection is possible, and a desire to know arises. “Who am I?” “Where do I come from?” “Where am I going?” These are the questions that haunt the human being and that she alone is capable of asking. The attraction of the supreme nucleus, the longing for the infinite, propels us toward self-realization.
As the longing for the Great increases, the physical body develops certain complexities for an adjustment with higher psychic demands. Hence we find that in creatures having developed sentiments, the physical body is a composite structure of a large number of glands with their peculiar activities. The developed glandular complexity is essential for facing the psychic clashes in subtler spheres.
— P. R. Sarkar
During the long process of evolution, the individual soul is propelled through many incarnations, moving up the scale of complexity, eventually embodying a human form. There are three forces of evolution that guide this process and determine the duration and complexity of each structure in each lifetime.
