In "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna", it is stated that on October 28, 1882, Sri Ramakrishna said that the Vedas speak of seven planes where the mind dwells. When the mind is immersed in worldliness, it dwells in the three lower planes, the navel, the organ of generation & the organ of evacuation. The fourth plane is the heart. Here one has the first glimpse of spiritual consciousness. One sees light all around. The fifth plane is at the throat. The person only likes to hear & talk about God. The sixth plane is at the forehead. The aspirant sees the form of God day & night. The seventh plane is at the top of the head. When the mind rises there, the person goes into Samadhi (spiritual trance) & directly perceives God.
St.Teresa of Avila, the 16th Century Spanish mystic wrote "The Interior Castle" which comprises of seven "mansions". Each representing a stage of spiritual progress.
The first "mansion's" door is accessed through prayer. Only souls in a state of grace (who can free themselves from sin) can access it. The second mansion is attained by souls, who although they may fall into sin, are closer to God & can hear his call better. The third mansion is attained by souls, who do not retreat & are seperated from the world in all humility. The fourth mansion is inhabited by those who pray of stillness & love much. The fifth mansion's is occupied by souls incipient in union with God. The sixth mansion deepens the union but with very hard labours. The seventh (last) mansion celebrates the spiritual marriage with God & the soul becomes one with God.
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