“Three distinct representations of the Universe in its three distinct aspects are impressed upon our thought by the esoteric philosophy: the PRE-EXISTING (evolved from), the EVER EXISTING; and the PHENOMENAL (the world of illusion, shadow, reflection). During the great mystery and drama of life known as the Manvantara, real Cosmos is like the object placed behind the white screen upon which are thrown the Chinese shadows, called forth by the magic lantern. The actual figures and things remain invisible, while the wires of evolution are pulled by the unseen hands; and men and things are thus but the reflections, on the white field, of the realities behind the snare of Mahamaya, or the great Illusion. This was taught in every philosophy, every religion, ante as well as post diluvian, in India and Chaldea, by the Chinese as well as the Greek Sages. In the former countries these three universes were allegorized, in esoteric teachings, by the three trinities emanating from the Central eternal germ and forming with it a Supreme Unity; the Initial, the Manifested, and the Creative Triad, or the three in One.” ~ The Secret Doctrine, H. P. Blavatsky
Three Universes
What Blavatsky is calling the three universes is not the same as dimensions. There are more than three dimensions. This is more like three states or three ages of the universe. In the first age, there was only the preexisting universe of spirit created by God. Then the Great Fall happened creating the realm of matter and the dimensions that are a mixture of matter and spirit. We could say that the first three dimensions are what Blatvatsky is calling the Phenomenal World, or the world of matter. The top three dimensions are the realm of spirit, and the middle three are the ever existing ones. Blavatsky correctly refers to the material world as that of illusion, shadow, and reflection.
World of Illusion
The material levels of existence are called the world of illusion and shadows for several reasons. One is that what we see, or think we see, is not what is truly there. Everything is hidden behind a veil, a shadow, and what we see is the shadow or distorted reflection. In addition, our beliefs and training affect what we see. So, for example, when Columbus landed in America, the Native Americans could not see the ships because they could not believe such large boats could exist. Only the Witch Doctor or Shaman of the tribe could see them. Once he explained what was there to the others, most of them started to see it as well. But in many cases, what we have agreed that a thing is, isn’t the reality of it, but the shadow, as in Plato’s Cave.
Source of Illusion
God is not trapping us in a world of illusion. The source of illusion is primarily the Demiurge, the Gnostic name for the Fallen Angels that created the realm of matter. But while the Demiurge is responsible for most of the illusion, we ourselves create much of the details. The third dimension of matter (with a little spirit mixed in) is where we are when in physical form. Few of us realize it, but our thoughts mold this dimension into what we think of. Sometimes, it is on an individual level, but mostly it is the masses of millions and billions of humans together that shape this realm. That is why the results of individuals trying to manifest what they want rarely works. When a billion people want something different, they override the one. It is said, however, that one spiritual Master can override the thoughts of millions.
Allegorized, in Esoteric Teachings
Yes, much of this knowledge about the overall structure of the total universe can be found in spiritual and religious writings of the ancients in allegorical form. It may be that many references to a trinity refer to the three aspects of the universe. That is not the only thing that is found hidden in allegorical form in those writings. In fact, almost everything in them is allegorical. Even when they describe an actual, historical event, the significance of it is found in its allegorical meaning. Jesus turning water into wine may have been a real miracle, but it refers allegorically to Jesus turning ordinary people (water) into spiritually awakened and aware individuals (wine). And the war in the Bhagavad Gita is really an allegorical reference to the War between the Forces of Light and the Forces of Darkness.
From the SUN TALK collection by Harold Boulette