From the densely populated Fifth Heaven, one passes into a more thinly populated world. Only a few have risen to this where even the least advanced is definitely self-conscious, and also conscious of its surroundings. One is to some extent able to review the past through which one has come, and is aware of the purpose and method of evolution. One knows that one is engaged in self-development and recognises the stages through which one passes in one’s lower vehicles. The personality, with which one is connected, is seen by one as a part of oneself. One endeavours to guide it, using one’s past experience from which one formulates the principles of conduct. These are sent down into the lower mind directing its activities. In the earlier part of one’s life on this sub-plane, one may continually fail to make the lower mind understand logically the foundations of the principles one impresses upon it. Nevertheless, one succeeds in making the impression, so that such abstract ideas as truth, justice and honour, become ruling conceptions in the lower mental life. So firmly are such principles wrought into the very core of one’s being, that no matter what may be the circumstances or temptations, to act against them becomes an impossibility. For these principles are the life of the ego. Part of one’s evolution on this sub-plane consists of increasing conscious direct touch with the personality, which so imperfectly represents one in the lower levels.
Only such individuals who deliberately aim at spiritual growth live on this sub-plane, and in consequence, become largely receptive to the influences from the planes above them. The communication grows and under this influence, the thought takes on a singularly clear and piercing quality, even in the less developed. This effect manifests itse1f in the lower mind as a tendency towards philosophic and abstract thinking. In the more highly evolved, the vision gives a clear insight of the past, recognising the causes set up, their working out, and what remains of their effects still unexhausted. Egos, living on this plane, have tremendous opportunities for growth for here they may receive instruction from more advanced entities and coming into direct contact with their teachers. No longer by thought-pictures, but by a flashing luminousness impossible to describe, the very essence of the idea flies like a star from one ego to another.
(The article has been taken from the book Life Beyond Death by Anil Sharma)