by The Abode of Possibilities
Ether, also known as ākāśa in Sanskrit, is the fundamental principle from which the subtle elements arise in succession. These elements, in turn, manifest as the various substances found in the created world. As the basis of everything, ākāśa transcends both space and time, which are also aspects of reality. It cannot be fully understood through intellectual processes, and is therefore described as “uncreated,” “incomprehensible,” and “indefinable.”
In the chapter on the Philosophy of the Elements, we have already outlined the elemental classification according to Hindu doctrine. Kabbalistic speculation, particularly as expressed in the Sepher Yetzirah, describes a process beginning with Ether, seen as potential (Avir). From this potential, a contraction occurs, leading to the emanation of light (Aur). That marks the first manifestation of Unity—a primordial point that, through radiation, produces extension. This extension gives meaning to the original point, which then becomes the centre of manifestation.
Before the point, there is nothing—except for Ain, the pure and incomprehensible ether. This point represents the origin of distinctive knowledge. Known as Mahashaba, it signifies Thought or the Word, which is understood as divine Intellect. It is known as the “abode of possibilities” in Christian theology, the “Holy of Holies” in Kabbalistic thought, and the “quintessence” in alchemical traditions. Initially conceived as interior Thought, it later manifests outward as a Word that engages with universal existence. This process generates Sound, the manifestation of Thought, akin to the Fiat Lux of Genesis.
We quote Bardon’s words on this exercise fully, as it will help us understand an apparent contradiction:
Assume your usual posture (asana) and close your eyes. Imagine yourself at the centre of boundless space, where there is no top or bottom, no left or right. This infinite space is filled with the subtlest energy substance, known as universal ether. While ether is colourless, our senses perceive it as black violet or near-ultraviolet; this is the colour we associate with the etheric substance. Inhale this etheric substance and intentionally channel it through your breath into your bloodstream.
— Franz Bardon – Initiation into Hermetics – Wuppertal 1987, p. 79
What is the contradiction? If ākāśa is the indefinable causal principle, how can we “alienate” it so that it manifests within our limited understanding of space and time? The contradiction is only ostensible because, in practice, we consider its effects in the physical world, where it takes on the characteristics of ether and becomes the medium through which primordial vibrations are transmitted.
In Sanskrit terminology, ether is referred to as mahābhuta, meaning the element in its manifest, gross aspect, associated with the ear and mouth as instruments for receiving and modulating sound. In contrast, ākāśa represents tanmātṛa, the potential or essence of that element itself. However, we should avoid the mistake of viewing them as two distinct principles; instead, they form a continuum that encompasses the essential meaning of all things, from timeless eternity to the aggregates that exist within space and time.
We can find a vivid illustration of this concept in the tenth sephira of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, known as the Shekinah, which represents the immanent presence of God in the world.
For practical purposes, Bardon replaces the vibratory essence with an etheric image that embodies the luminous counterpart of that vibration: the first colour visible to the human eye, violet, arising from the short-wavelength, high-frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum. To emphasise the outlying nature of this colour, it is envisioned as emanating from the invisible region of the spectrum—the ultraviolet. In his text, Bardon frequently uses the terms “ether” and “ākāśa” interchangeably, making it challenging to discern their differences in context.
The execution of this exercise is similar to the conscious breathing practised in the First Step. However, this time, the goal is to connect our deep awareness, which we are familiar with as the depth point, with the ākāśa, or universal ether. It is a preliminary exercise designed mainly to prepare us for working with the physical ether. The exercise is as follows:
- Assume your usual position and close your eyes.
- Clear your mind of all thoughts and reach the depth point.
- Once you’ve established this condition, visualise yourself in an infinite space, completely devoid of reference points. In this space, the universal ether appears as a very dark violet, nearly black substance.
- Inhale this substance into your lungs, allowing it to flow into your bloodstream. This inhalation is not about accumulating or concentrating the element, as ether is incompressible by its nature. Instead, focus on uniting your body with the ether and feeling its presence in your blood.
- Continue this exercise for as long as you feel comfortable, but stop when you start to feel tired. Once you are comfortable with this etheric-breathing process, you can move on to the next exercise.
Rispondi