XXX. Introduction to Theosophy V

Let us now return to the stages of initiation and consider the sixth stage. The student learns that everything that surrounds him outside his body belongs to his body, that is, minerals, plants, animals — in a word, the whole earth to which his consciousness extends. In this way, the feeling of separation is eliminated within him. He understands that this feeling is an illusion, that on the contrary he is connected to everything like a finger to the body, and that the ability to move freely on earth according to his will does not imply detachment from an inner connection with his surroundings. We are connected to our environment first and foremost through the functions of breathing and nutrition. This stage is referred to as the “burial.” Then the meaning of Christ's words, “He who eats my bread treads me underfoot,” becomes clear. These words must be taken literally, because everything on earth is the body of Christ. At this sixth stage, man is incorporated into Christ, buried in Christ. At that moment, he becomes an inhabitant of the spiritual world; he lives in it, and is only seemingly bound to his physical body.