The Angelic Mind 9 - Spiritual Beauty

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Understanding the fundamental distinctions between spiritual and material causes of power sheds light on the profound nature of human capabilities and beauty. Spiritual thinkers recognize that true power originates not from physical attributes but from the will and intellect, transcending the limitations imposed by materialistic views. This insight reveals that bodily powers are expressions of the mind’s spiritual qualities. Moreover, the hierarchical nature of power illustrates that the greatest strength resides in those who align themselves with Divine Love and Wisdom, beyond mere sensory experiences. This alignment not only enhances spiritual power but also manifests in exterior beauty, demonstrating the intrinsic connection between spiritual harmony and physical appearance. In this exploration, we delve into the intricate relationship between spiritual and material causes, and how they influence both power and beauty.
Spiritual vs. Material Causes
Those who think spiritually understand that the true causes of power lie in the will and intellect rather than in the material body. This understanding leads to the conclusion that bodily powers are fundamentally expressions of the mind’s spiritual properties. The exclusive focus on sensory objects and delights weakens both mind and body, limiting spiritual and physical capabilities.
The Hierarchy of Power
In the natural state, humans have the least power among self-conscious forms that receive Divine Life. The greatest power is found in those who, in the ground of innocence, receive the Lord’s love and wisdom, abstracted from the conclusions drawn from sensory objects and delights. This spiritual receptivity enhances their capacity to exercise true power, surpassing those confined to materialistic thinking.
Connection Between Power and Beauty
The same mental properties that determine the power of spiritual beings also give rise to their beauty. Exterior beauty is a manifestation of interior beauty, which correlates to the alignment of love and thought, or the agreement of the will with Divine Love and the intellect with Divine Wisdom. Thus, the beauty of those in higher heavens surpasses that of those in lower heavens, just as the beauty of all in the heavens surpasses that of those in the world.
Spiritual Beauty
Spiritual beauty is the outward reflection of inner spiritual harmony. The alignment of the will with Divine Love and the intellect with Divine Wisdom creates a harmonious and beautiful spirit, which is then reflected in the outward appearance. The higher the degree of this alignment, the greater the spiritual and exterior beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the distinction between spiritual and material causes emphasizes that true power is rooted in the will and intellect, rather than the material body. Spiritual thinkers understand that focusing solely on sensory objects and delights diminishes both mental and physical capabilities. The highest power is achieved through spiritual receptivity to Divine Love and Wisdom, transcending materialistic confines. This spiritual alignment not only enhances the capacity for true power but also contributes to greater beauty, as exterior beauty reflects inner spiritual harmony. Ultimately, the degree of alignment with Divine principles determines both the power and beauty of spiritual beings, showcasing that the essence of power and beauty lies in the profound connection between the mind’s spiritual properties and their external manifestations.
From The Doctrines For Spiritual Christianity
So it is that the Lord is heaven, for Divine Truth which emanates from Him and is received by the angels makes heaven. Consequently the more perfect the manner in which angels receive Divine Truth that comes from the Lord and accordingly receive the Lord, the more perfect the human forms they possess. Eventually they become so perfect that their beauty surpasses belief; anyone who sees them, as I have done, will be dumbfounded. For in their outward form angels are manifestations of heavenly love and charity, and that is the truly human form. The reason why angels possess human forms is that the Divine in heaven is the Lord, and those who receive Divine Truth within good from Him are images of Him. (Arcana Coelestia 9503)
The angels themselves appear in a human form in the heavens absolutely according to the truths which pertain to them in good, with a beauty and brightness according to the quality of the good from truths. (Arcana Coelestia 8988)