Within the framework of the Tree of God cosmology, the concepts of Layers and Transcendence serve as fundamental foundations that shape the structure of reality and existence. Layers refer to the hierarchical grouping of different levels of reality, while Transcendence describes the entity or principle that surpasses those boundaries. A deep understanding of these two concepts allows for a more comprehensive interpretation of the structure of the cosmos.
Definition and Structure of Layers
Layers are a hierarchical grouping of reality divided into four main levels:
1. Lower Layers: These are the lowest levels that reflect chaos, disorder, and raw potential. Here, energy and matter are not yet perfectly formed, creating a space for possibilities and transformation.
2. Middle Layers: This level reflects the reality we experience in everyday life. Here, the laws of physics and logic apply, enabling the existence of life and consciousness. The Middle Layers serve as a bridge between the chaos of the Lower Layers and the order of the higher layers.
3. Highest Layers: These represent a higher tier of reality, where ideal forms and universal principles reside. Concepts such as justice, truth, and beauty exist here in their purest form.
4. Upper Layers: The highest level before reaching Transcendence. The Upper Layers are inhabited by entities that have almost surpassed all the boundaries of reality, yet still remain bound within the hierarchical structure.
The Role of The Writer in Interpreting Layers
The Writers are entities or individuals who possess the ability to interpret and analyze each Layer. They act as interpreters of reality, using their understanding to connect the various layers of existence. To facilitate this analysis, the Writers form covenants with the Four Emanations—entities that do not belong to the ordinary hierarchical structure and are manifestations of Transcendence.
Understanding Transcendence
Transcendence is a concept that describes something that goes beyond the boundaries of reality comprehensible to the human mind. The term originates from the Latin "trans" meaning beyond, and "scandere" meaning to climb. In this context, Transcendence refers to an entity or principle that lies beyond human understanding—surpassing space, time, and the laws of nature.
In philosophy, Transcendence is often associated with the nature of God, who is considered so exalted and unreachable by human comprehension. This concept also encompasses the idea of something that surpasses ordinary human experience and cannot be scientifically explained.
Self-Transcendence in Psychology
In psychology, the concept of self-transcendence describes an individual's ability to go beyond personal limitations and connect with something greater. Viktor Frankl, Abraham Maslow, and Pamela G. Reed are among the psychologists who have contributed to the development of this theory.
Self-transcendence involves spiritual experiences in which individuals feel like an integral part of the universe. It includes the expansion of consciousness in several dimensions:
Intrapersonal: Awareness of personal philosophy, values, and dreams.
Interpersonal: Relationships with others and the environment.
Temporal: Integration of the past and future.
Transpersonal: Connection with dimensions beyond the recognizable world.
Transcendence in the Context of the Tree of God
Within the Tree of God cosmology, Transcendence is not merely a philosophical or psychological concept. It is an entity that surpasses all forms and limitations—including quarks and the continuum. Transcendence embodies a force that encompasses meta-qualities, meta-meta-qualities, and every conceivable extension of this process.
This entity exists at a level where its power influences the space of all logically possible worlds—creating and actualizing immense realities, or even manifesting the frameworks of those worlds themselves. Thus, Transcendence is the source of all possibilities and all existing realities.