| What
is a soul? Let us define the word. A soul is the smallest
unit of self-aware consciousness that exists. As such, a soul
perceives and interacts with its surroundings while under
the mistaken impression that its environment is separate from
its identity. This faulty perception is of course a direct
effect of the duality inherent in becoming conscious of self.
Hence the soul can be described as the first and immediate
result of the apparent separation of a portion of the Source
from the totality of the Source, which occurs every time the
Totality wishes to observe Itself. The soul is therefore,
like all else, an integral part of the First Cause, while
perceiving itself as a separate entity.
As
it interacts with the many aspects of Creation, the soul
matures and acquires the capabilities and the specific set
of qualities it will need to perform the role for which
it was separated from the Oneness. Souls are basically similar
to each other, but just as human cells are made of the same
stuff while having distinct functions, so do souls. Again,
just as cells, they start out undifferentiated then gradually
take on the specific qualities needed for the function they
are destined to have. However, in the case of souls, these
qualities are differences in perceptions, observations and
conclusions rather than variations in chemistry.
What
makes a soul specifically human? In one word: experience.
For it to reach the level of awareness where it becomes
a human soul, that minute entity must evolve to the point
where it fits a certain criterion of awareness and capability.
To do the work the Creator assigned it, the soul must match
the universal classification level required for that type
of creature. As you in your capacity as human beings become
ever more capable and aware of your function, you come into
contact with intelligences who match your level of evolvement
and with some others who belong to the next level to which
you can aspire. It is therefore imperative that your soul
be at the appropriate level of evolution, without which
it could not maintain a body such as yours.
Although
the soul per se is an eternal non-material entity, it can
bind all or a part of its awareness for a time in a material
form. Its purpose in assuming a defined shape is to gather
data, perform functions that require a body and gain insight
into various experiences it undergoes in its temporary material
existence. Throughout its corporeal state, the soul is in
constant contact with the pool of collective intelligence
to which all souls are linked. When its stint in materiality
is completed, the sum total of information it acquired adds
to the experience and insight of the Totality. Limitless
by definition, the soul cannot be circumscribed any more
than can the Origin to which it belongs. Consequently, the
soul exists and evolves as long as the Source IS.
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