2. Mahâtala. Corresponds to the Hierarchies of Rasa or Taste Devas, and includes a state of consciousness embracing the lower five senses and emanations of life and being. It corresponds to Kâma and Prâna in man, and to Salamanders and Gnomes in nature.
1. Pâtâla. Corresponds to the Hierarchies of Gandha or Smell [pg 567] Devas, the underworld or antipodes: Myalba. The sphere of irrational animals, having no feeling save that of self-preservation and gratification of the senses: also of intensely selfish human beings, waking or sleeping. This is why Nârada is said to have visited Pâtâla when he was cursed to be reborn. He reported that life there was very pleasant for those “who had never left their birth-place”; they were very happy. It is the earthly state, and corresponds with the sense of smell. Here are also animal Dugpas, Elementals of animals, and Nature Spirits.
Further Explanations of the Same Classifications.
7. Auric, Âtmic, Alayic, sense or state. One of full potentiality, but not of activity.
6. Buddhic; the sense of being one with the universe; the impossibility of imagining oneself apart from it.
(It was asked why the term Alayic was here given to the Âtmic and not to the Buddhic state. Ans. These classifications are not hard and fast divisions. A term may change places according as the classification is exoteric, Esoteric or practical. For students the effort should be to bring all things down to states of consciousness. Buddhi is really one and indivisible. It is a feeling within, absolutely inexpressible in words. All cataloguing is useless to explain it.)
5. Shâbdic, sense of hearing.
4. Spârshic, sense of touch.
3. Rûpic, the state of feeling oneself a body and perceiving it (rûpa = form).
2. Râsic, sense of taste.