Past-Life Memories and the Individual Self
© 2004
>> I do have a question regarding an individual's experience over multiple lives. Maybe the question is better phrased "Does an individual "Self" retain its unique set of experiences (i.e. memories and associated Karma) from one incarnation to the next? <<
Yes, this is the sequential or temporal mental body wherein the lifetime's memory of time-space experience resides.
>> Or, does every individual after death eventually merge irreversibly with the Greater in such a way that subsequent projections of the self into the physical plane carry with it the entire set of experiences of the Greater. <<
No. When I wrote "merge", I should have qualified and explained it. :) Let me explain it better in reference to your next question . . .
>> In an earlier thread you stated that the incarnating spirit after death goes to the astral plane. Their astral body eventually disintegrates and the mental body eventually merges with the Greater (I hope I got that right). What do you mean by eventually? How long is eventually? Does a self have to merge with the Greater prior to incarnating again? <<
Okay, let's start at The End, as it were. :) Upon physical death, the focus of the astra-mental awareness is shifted to the astral realm. Over a span of astral-time, the persona works out all the unresolved emotional issues left over from the immediately previous incarnation. This is the dis-integration of the astral body and it takes as long as it takes, depending upon numerous factors unique to the persona. When that process is complete, the awareness of the solitary mental body or Individual Self is shifted to the mental realm. The level or "zone" to which the Individual Self shifts corresponds to the Individual's level of spiritual maturity.
It's at this point that the Individual Self becomes consciously aware of its Greater Self. When I spoke of "merging", it was not an irrevocable merging; but rather more akin to a conference or face-to-face meeting. This interaction between Individual Self and its Greater Self occurs within the mental "zone" where the Individual Self resides, as opposed to within the eternal realm where the Greater Self resides.
Since this meeting involves the eternal and the temporal aspects of self, it does not involve any space-time duration. In other words, from our physical perspective, this meeting takes no time whatsoever -- even though the experience itself can seem very prolonged or lengthy.
This interaction between Greater and Individual occurs before each incarnation. It isn't until the Individual Self attains to the level of Binah/Saturn *while incarnate* that the opportunity to merge irrevocably with the Greater Self arises. The attainment of Binah *while incarnate* means that after the astral disintegration, the Individual Self automatically rises to the Saturn zone. This means that the Individual Self and its Greater Self have become as one. Only then is an *irrevocable* merging even possible.
>> Does this "forgetfulness" always occur ? Or does a more evolved mental body remember more than a less evolved one ? <<
As a person evolves over lifetimes, the memories become easier to retrieve; or rather, to re-connect with at the level of the mundane awareness. And eventually, it is possible to intentionally incarnate without losing one's connection to those past-life memories. In any case, by raising one's conscious awareness to the level of the Individual Self, it is possible to re-connect with all of those past lives in the most intimate manner.
>> Though I'm quite some way from being able or even wanting to recall my past lives (I prefer to focus on my current one at present), <<
A wise move! :)
>> Given that trauma, tragedy, very painful death and criminal behaviour will no doubt feature if one goes back far enough, how does one integrate these memories into oneself harmoniously? I have no doubt elemental equilibrium plays a crucial role, but as one progresses, does one learn additional techniques that aide this process? <<
Well, as you state, the Elemental Equilibrium is the crucial factor. The other thing is the awareness that these are *past* actions that one cannot change but must accept as being part of one's history. In a sense, this is no different than accepting the present self during the soul mirror work.
>> Bill Mistele's writings indicate a lot of assistance that the Earthzone spirits offer in this respect, but if the memories are revealed from the depth point exercises, such assistance may not be at hand that early in the training? Also, though passive HGA contact is featured in Step 5, is this the specific avenue to pursue with regard to this matter? <<
The depth point exercise does not reveal one's past life memories. In order to explore them, one must probe much deeper into the Individual Self and also one must *consciously and intentionally* pursue those memories.
>> Just rather concerned about the whole process of 'integration'. It seems to me unwise to pursue an experience unless it can be fully & safely integrated into ones everyday life and self. <<
Indeed. Just remember that regaining these memories is a *choice*. The solution to your concerns is to simply wait until you feel ready. :)
My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
30 June 2004