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Chapter VI: The Soul-Slumber2197
To those whose ideals on the subject of “the other side” have been so
‘influenced by the teachings of current theology that this conception of
the soul-slumber may seem strange and unusual, we would say that a little
consideration will show that under the popular conceptions of even the
most favored theologies will be found many veiled allusions to this blessed
state of rest which the soul so sadly requires after one strenuous life and
before another. “He giveth His beloved sleep;” “There is rest for the weary;”
“He has gone to his long rest;” these and many other familiar expressions
and quotations seek to express the innate idea implanted in the human
mind regarding a period of rest which shall come to the tired soul. The
idea of “rest,” after the stress and storms of life, is so natural and instinctive
that it may be said to represent the strongest inclination and conviction of
the human soul in connection with the idea of death. It is as fixed as is the
conviction of future life beyond the grave. In the advanced occult teachings
alone, however, are to be found the explanation of the idea.
The soul which is instructed regarding the existence and nature of this
period of soul-slumber will find nothing but satisfaction in the contemplation
thereof. It will learn to regard this stage of its future existence as a blessed
balm and comfort. It will feel toward this state that which we find expressed
in the words of the old song: “And calm and peaceful do I sleep, rocked in
the Cradle of the Deep.” As rest, securely resting, on the bosom of that Great
Ocean of Life. Rest, calm, peace, security, protection—this is the condition
of the soul-slumber on the Astral Plane.