P152:1, 14:0.1 Paradise is in the Central Universe; it is the gigantic nuclear Isle of absolute stability that rests motionless at the very heart of the magnificent eternal universe. This perfect universe occupies the center of all creation; it is the eternal core around which the vast creations of time and space revolve. It is of enormous dimensions and almost unbelievable mass and consists of probably a billion spheres of unimagined beauty and superb grandeur, but the true magnitude of this vast creation is really beyond the understanding grasp of the human mind.
P152:2, 14:0.2 Paradise is the one and only settled, perfect, and established aggregation of existences. This is a wholly created and perfect universe; it is not an evolutionary development. This is the eternal core of perfection, about which swirls that endless procession of universes that constitute the tremendous evolutionary experiment; the audacious adventure of the Creator, it duplicates in time and reproduces in space the pattern universe, the ideal of divine completeness, supreme finality, ultimate reality, and eternal perfection.
P154:5, 14:2.3 The material of Heaven consists of the organization of many basic chemical elements and the balanced function of the forms of Heaven energy. Each of these basic energies manifests several phases of excitation, so that the Heaven natives respond to many differing sensation stimuli. In other words, viewed from a purely physical standpoint, the natives of the central universe possess many specialized forms of sensation. The morontia senses are several, and the higher spiritual orders of reaction response vary in different types of beings.
P154:6, 14:2.4 None of the beings of the central universe would be visible to us. Neither would any of the physical stimuli of those faraway worlds excite a reaction in our gross sense organs. If we could be transported to Heaven physically, we would there be deaf, blind, and utterly lacking in all other sense reactions; we could only function as a limited self-conscious being deprived of all environmental stimuli and all reactions thereto.
P154:7, 14:2.5 There are numerous physical phenomena and
spiritual reactions transpiring in the central creation which are unknown to us.
The basic organization of a threefold creation is wholly unlike that of the
twofold constitution of the created universes of time and space.
P154:8, 14:2.6 All natural law is co-ordinated on a basis
entirely different than in the dual-energy systems of the evolving creations.
The entire central universe is organized in accordance with the threefold system
of perfect and symmetrical control. Throughout the whole Paradise-Heaven system
there is maintained a perfect balance between all cosmic realities and all
spiritual forces. Paradise, with an absolute grasp of material creation,
perfectly regulates and maintains the physical energies of this central
universe. On Paradise nothing is experimental, and the Paradise-Heaven system is
a unit of creative perfection.
P155:1, 14:2.7 The universal spiritual gravity is amazingly
active throughout the central universe. All spirit values and spiritual
personalities are unceasingly drawn inward towards the abode of God. This
Godward urge is intense and inescapable. The ambition to attain God is stronger
in the central universe, not because spirit gravity is stronger than in the
outlying universes, but because those beings who have attained Heaven are more
fully spiritualized and hence more responsive to the ever-present action of the
universal spirit-gravity pull.
P155:2, 14:2.8 Likewise does the Infinite Spirit draw all
intellectual values Paradise ward. Throughout the central universe the mind
gravity of the Infinite Spirit functions and constitutes the urge of the
ascendant souls to find God, to attain Deity, to achieve Paradise, and to know
the Father.
P155:3, 14:2.9 Heaven is a spiritually perfect and physically stable universe. The control and balanced stability of the central universe appear to be perfect. Everything is perfectly predictable, but mind phenomena and personality volition are not. But there has never been an instance of misconduct by any creature of any group of personalities ever created in, or admitted to, the central Heaven universe. So perfect and so divine are the methods and means of selection in the universes of time that never in the records of Heaven has an error occurred; no mistakes have ever been made; no ascendant soul has ever been prematurely permitted to remain in the central universe.
P155:4, 14:3.1 Heaven is a spiritual unity. Concerning the
government of the central universe, there is none. Heaven is so exquisitely
perfect that no intellectual system of government is required. There are no
regularly constituted courts, neither are there legislative assemblies; Heaven
requires only administrative direction. Here may be observed the height of the
ideals of true self-government.
P155:5, 14:3.2 There is no need of government among such
perfect and near-perfect intelligences. They stand in no need of regulation, for
they are beings of native perfection interspersed with evolutionary creatures
that have long since passed the scrutiny of the supreme tribunals of the
superuniverses.
P155:6, 14:3.3 The administration of Heaven is automatic, it is
marvelously perfect and divinely efficient. It is chiefly planetary and is
vested and directed by the elected Intern of each Heaven sphere. The residents
are also perfect administrators. They teach with supreme skill and direct their
planetary children with a perfection of wisdom bordering on absoluteness.
P156:1, 14:3.4 Personalities native to Paradise and Heaven
serve as receptionists for ascending souls from the evolutionary worlds of time.
In the execution of the Universal Father's great plan of soul ascension the
pilgrims of time are landed on the receiving areas of the circuit.
P156:2, 14:3.5 Although the spheres of the circuits are
maintained in all their supernal glory, only about one per cent of all planetary
capacity is utilized in the work of furthering the Father's universal plan of
mortal ascension. Only a small amount of these enormous areas are dedicated to
the life and activities of the Receivers, beings eternally settled in light and
life that often sojourns on the Heavens. These exalted beings have their
personal residences on Paradise.
P156:3, 14:3.6 The planetary construction of the Heaven spheres
is entirely unlike that of the evolutionary worlds and systems of space. Nowhere
else in all the grand universe is it convenient to utilize such enormous spheres
as inhabited worlds. Its physical constitution, coupled with the balancing
effect of the immense dark gravity bodies, makes it possible so perfectly to
equalize the physical forces and so exquisitely to balance the various
attractions of this tremendous creation. Antigravity is also employed in the
organization of the material functions and the spiritual activities of these
enormous worlds.
P156:4, 14:3.7 The architecture, lighting, and heating, as well
as the biologic and artistic embellishment, of the Heaven spheres are quite
beyond the greatest possible stretch of human imagination. You cannot be told
much about Heaven; to understand its beauty and grandeur you must see it. There
are also real rivers and lakes on these perfect worlds.
P156:5, 14:3.8 Spiritually these worlds are ideally united;
they are fittingly adapted to their purpose of harboring the numerous tasks of
differing beings who function in the central universe. Manifold activities take
place on these beautiful worlds that are far beyond human comprehension.
P158:4, 14:5.1 On Earth we pass through a short period of time
during our initial life of material existence. On the mansion worlds and up
through our system, constellation, and local universe, we traverse the morontia
phases of ascension. On the circuits of Heaven our attainment is intellectual,
spiritual, and experiential.
P158:5, 14:5.2 Life on the divine worlds of the central
universe is so rich and full, so complete and replete, that it wholly transcends
the human concept of anything a created being could possibly experience. The
social and economic activities of this eternal creation are entirely dissimilar
to the occupations of material creatures living on evolutionary worlds like
Earth. Even the technique of Heaven thought is unlike the process of thinking on
Earth.
P158:7, 14:5.4 When intelligent beings first attain the central
universe, they are received and domiciled on the pilot world of the Heaven
circuit. As the new arrivals adapt to their new spirituality, attain identity
comprehension of their superuniverse Master Spirit, they are transferred to the
sixth circle. (It is from these arrangements in the central universe that the
circles of progress in the human mind have been designated.) After ascenders
have attained a realization of Supremacy and are thereby prepared for the Deity
adventure, they are taken to the fifth circuit; and after attaining the Infinite
Spirit; they are transferred to the fourth. Arrival on the first circuit of
Heaven signifies the acceptance of the candidates of time into Paradise.
Indefinitely, according to the length and nature of the creature ascension, they
will tarry on the inner circuit of progressive spiritual attainment. From this
inner circuit the ascending pilgrims pass inward to Paradise residence and
admission to the Corps of the Finality.
P159:1, 14:5.5 During your sojourn in Heaven as a pilgrim of
ascent, you will be allowed to visit freely among the worlds of the circuit. And
all this is possible to those who sojourn on the circles of Heaven without the
necessity of being ensupernaphimed. The pilgrims of time are able to equip
themselves to traverse "achieved" space but must depend on the
ordained technique to negotiate "unachieved" space; a pilgrim cannot
leave Heaven nor go forward beyond his assigned circuit without the aid of a
transport supernaphim.
P159:2, 14:5.6 There is a refreshing originality about this
vast central creation. Aside from the physical organization of matter and the
fundamental constitution of the basic orders of intelligent beings and other
living things, there is nothing in common between the worlds of Heaven. Every
one of these planets is an original, unique, and exclusive creation; each planet
is a matchless, superb, and perfect production. And this diversity of
individuality extends to all features of the physical, intellectual, and
spiritual aspects of planetary existence. Each of these numerous perfection
spheres has been developed and embellished in accordance with the plans of the
residents. And this is just why no two of them are alike.
P159:3, 14:5.7 Not until you traverse the last of the Heaven
circuits and visit the last of the Heaven worlds, will the tonic of adventure
and the stimulus of curiosity disappear from you. And then will the urge, the
forward impulse of eternity, replace its forerunner, the adventure lure of time.
P159:4, 14:5.8 Monotony is indicative of immaturity of the
creative imagination and inactivity of intellectual co-ordination with the
spiritual endowment. By the time an ascendant mortal begins the exploration of
these heavenly worlds, he has already attained emotional, intellectual, and
social, if not spiritual, maturity.
P159:5, 14:5.9 Not only will you find undreamed-of changes
confronting you as you advance from circuit to circuit in Heaven, but your
astonishment will be inexpressible as you progress from planet to planet within
each circuit. Each of these numerous study worlds is a veritable university of
surprises. Continuing astonishment, unending wonder, is the experience of those
who traverse these circuits and tour these gigantic spheres. Monotony is not a
part of the Heavens.
P159:6, 14:5.10 Love of adventure, curiosity, and dread of
monotony -- these traits inherent in evolving human nature -- were not put there
just to aggravate and annoy us during our short sojourn on earth. Physical death
is only the beginning of an endless career of adventure, an everlasting life of
anticipation, an eternal voyage of discovery.
P160:1, 14:5.11 Curiosity -- the spirit of investigation, the
urge of discovery, the drive of exploration -- is a part of the inborn and
divine endowment of evolutionary space creatures. These natural impulses were
not given you merely to be frustrated and repressed. True, these ambitious urges
must frequently be restrained during your short life on earth, disappointment
must be often experienced, but they are to be fully realized and gloriously
gratified during the long ages to come.
P160:2, 14:6.1 The range of the activities of Heaven is enormous. In general, they may be described as:
P160:6, 14:6.2 Many superfinite activities take place in the Heaven of the present universe age, involving untold diversities of absonite and other phases of mind and spirit functions. It is possible that the central universe serves many purposes that are not revealed to us, as it functions in numerous ways beyond the comprehension of the created mind. Nevertheless, we will endeavor to depict how this perfect creation ministers to the needs and contributes to the satisfactions of the orders of universe intelligence.
P160:7, 14:6.3 1. The Universal Father -- the First
Source and Center. God the Father derives supreme parental satisfaction from the
perfection of the central creation. He enjoys the experience of love satiety on
near-equality levels. The perfect Creator is divinely pleased with the adoration
of the perfect creature.
P160:8, 14:6.4 Heaven affords the Father supreme achievement
gratification. The perfection realization in Heaven compensates for the
time-space delay of the eternal urge of infinite expansion.
P160:9, 14:6.5 The Father enjoys the Heaven reciprocation of
the divine beauty. It satisfies the divine mind to afford a perfect pattern of
exquisite harmony for all evolving universes.
P160:10, 14:6.6 Our Father beholds the central universe with
perfect pleasure because it is a worthy revelation of spirit reality to all
personalities of the universe of universes.
P160:11, 14:6.7 The God of universes has favorable regard for
Heaven and Paradise as the eternal power nucleus for all subsequent universe
expansion in time and space.
P160:12, 14:6.8 The eternal Father views with never-ending
satisfaction the Heaven creation as the worthy and alluring goal for the
ascension candidates of time, his mortal grandchildren of space achieving their
Creator-Father's eternal home. And God takes pleasure in the Paradise-Heaven
universe as the eternal home of Deity and the divine family.
P161:4, 14:6.14
3. The Infinite Spirit -- the Second Source and Center. The Heaven
universe affords the Infinite Spirit proof of being the Conjoint Actor. In
Heaven the Infinite Spirit derives the combined satisfaction of functioning as a
creative activity while enjoying the satisfaction of absolute coexistence with
this divine achievement.
P161:5, 14:6.15 In Heaven the Infinite Spirit found an arena
wherein he could demonstrate the ability and willingness to serve as a potential
mercy minister. In this perfect creation the Spirit rehearsed for the adventure
of ministry in the evolutionary universes.
P161:6, 14:6.16 This perfect creation afforded the Infinite
Spirit opportunity to participate in universe administration -- to administer a
universe as associate-Creator offspring, thereby preparing for the joint
administration of the local universes.
P161:7, 14:6.17 The Heaven worlds are the mind laboratory of
the creators of the cosmic mind and the ministers to every creature mind in
existence. Mind is different on each Heaven world and serves as the pattern for
all spiritual and material creature intellects.
P161:8, 14:6.18 These perfect worlds are the mind graduate
schools for all beings destined for Paradise society. They afforded the Spirit
abundant opportunity to test out the technique of mind ministry on safe and
advisory personalities.
P161:9, 14:6.19 Heaven is a compensation to the Infinite Spirit
for his widespread and unselfish work in the universes of space. Heaven is the
perfect home and retreat for the untiring Mind Minister of time and space.
P161:10, 14:6.20 4. The Supreme Being -- the evolutionary unification of experiential Deity. The Heaven creation is the eternal and perfect proof of the spiritual reality of the Supreme Being. This perfect creation is a revelation of the perfect and symmetrical spirit nature of God the Supreme before the beginnings of the power-personality synthesis of the finite reflections of the Paradise Deities in the experiential universes of time and space.
P161:11, 14:6.21 In Heaven the power potentials of the Almighty
are unified with the spiritual nature of the Supreme. This central creation is
an exemplification of the future-eternal unity of the Supreme.
P161:12, 14:6.22 Heaven is a perfect pattern of the universality
potential of the Supreme. This universe is a finished portrayal of the future
perfection of the Supreme and is suggestive of the potential of the Ultimate.
P162:1, 14:6.23 Heaven exhibits finality of spirit values
existing as living will creatures of supreme and perfect self-control; mind
existing as ultimately equivalent to spirit; reality and unity of intelligence
with an unlimited potential.
P162:12, 14:6.34 7. The Evolutionary Mortals of the Ascending
Career. Heaven is the home of the pattern personality of every mortal type
and the home of all human personalities of mortal association who are not native
to the creations of time.
P162:13, 14:6.35 These worlds provide the stimulus of all human
impulses towards the attainment of true spirit values on the highest conceivable
reality levels. Heaven is the pre-Paradise training goal of every ascending
mortal. Heaven stands before every will creature as the portal to Paradise and
God attainment.
P163:1, 14:6.36 Paradise is the home, and Heaven the workshop
and playground, of the finaliters. And every God-knowing mortal craves to be a
finaliter.
P163:2, 14:6.37 The central universe is not only man's
established destiny, but it is also the starting place of the eternal career of
the finaliters as they shall sometime be started out on the undisclosed and
universal adventure in the experience of exploring the infinity of the Universal
Father.
P163:3, 14:6.38 Heaven will unquestionably continue to function with absonite significance even in future universe ages which may witness space pilgrims attempting to find God on superfinite levels. Heaven has capacity to serve as a training universe for absonite beings. It will probably be the finishing school when other universes are functioning as the intermediate school for the graduates of the primary schools of outer space. And we incline to the opinion that the potentials of eternal Heavens are really unlimited, that the central universe has eternal capacity to serve as an experiential training universe for all past, present, or future types of created beings.