Heaven and Hell - Swedenborg Foundation

HEAVEN AND HELL 143
22
Space in Heaven
191. All things in heaven appear, just as in the world, to be
in place and in space, and yet the angels have no notion or idea
of place and space. As this must needs sounds like a paradox, I
will endeavor to present the matter in a clear light, as it is of
great importance.
192. All changes of place in the spiritual world are effected
by changes of state of the interiors, which means that change of
place is nothing else than change of state. 141
In this way I have
been taken by the Lord into the heavens and also to the earths
in the universe; and it was my spirit that so journeyed, while
my body remained in the same place. 142
Such are all
141. In the Word places and spaces signify states (n. 2625, 2837, 3356,
3387, 7381, 10580); from experience (n. 1274, 1277, 1376–1381, 4321,
4882, 10146, 10580).
Distance signifies difference of state of life (n. 9104, 9967).
In the spiritual world movements and changes of place are changes of
the state of life, because they originate in these (n. 1273–1275, 1377, 3356,
9440).
The same is true of journeyings (n. 9440, 10734); illustrated by
experience (n. 1273–1277, 5605). For this reason “to journey” signifies in
the Word to live and progress in life; and “to sojourn” has a like meaning (n.
3335, 4554, 4585, 4882, 5493, 5605, 5996, 8345, 8397, 8417, 8420,
8557). To go with the Lord means to live with Him (n. 10567).
142. Man may be led a long distance in respect to his spirit by means of
changes of state, while his body remains in its place, also from experience (n.
9440, 9967, 10734).