As you probably guessed, there is no higher consciousness, but astral bodies and souls depend on the definition. There are things that resemble astral bodies and souls.
On the other hand, since Atman (Brahman) is universal, it naturally permeates insects as well. In that sense, insects can be considered part of Brahman, but there is also the primitive mind of an insect, which is an impermanent, individual thinking subject. Both can be considered consciousness, and while they are part of the eternal consciousness of Atman, there is also an eternal consciousness (primitive mind).
I asked ChatGPT about this point as well.
About AI-generated content
This article was partially created using AI. The content has been reviewed and revised by editors
◆ General Spiritual Trends
In modern spirituality, it is often assumed that
all existence is energy and consciousness.
For this reason, the majority of people believe that:
- insects have consciousness
- insects have energy bodies (auras/astral bodies)
- insects have souls.
However, the "evolutionary model of consciousness" is often adopted, which states that
- human souls = highly individualized souls
- insects = still at a stage close to collective consciousness.
◆ New Age Thinking
New Age thought often holds a worldview that:
- all things are one (One Consciousness)
- souls evolve
- reincarnation can transcend species.
For example, the idea is that
- reincarnation occurs from human to animal to human
- the soul experiences various forms as a learning experience.
In this case, it is explained that insects also have souls, but that their souls are at different "learning stages."
◆ Influence of Representative Thinkers
People who have influenced New Age include:
- Rudolf Steiner
- Eckhart Tolle
In the Steiner school,
- insects are often explained as belonging to "species spirit beings" rather than individual souls.
On the other hand, in non-dual schools like Tolle's,
- everything is understood as a manifestation of the same consciousness.
◆ Common New Age Summary
1. Insects have souls, too.2. However, their ego is not fully developed.
3. They are close to a collective consciousness.
4. They share the same "essence of light" as humans.
◆ Common Beliefs in Modern Spirituality
- Insects also have emotional energy.- Killing an insect generates karma (to varying degrees).
- Love and intentions are transmitted across species.
Theosophical (Blavatsky-style) Position
In theosophical beliefs of Helena P. Blavatsky and Annie Besant,
- All living things have a "life principle."
- However, individual, self-conscious souls (ego) like those of humans develop in stages.
In the case of insects:
- They have something equivalent to an astral body.
- However, they are often described as belonging to a species soul (group soul) rather than an "individual, permanent soul."
In other words,
Rather than each insect having an independent "eternal soul,"
the understanding is that they function as part of a collective soul of the same species.
Yoga Philosophy (Especially Vedanta/Sāṃkhya)
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and Vedanta hold:
- Atman (true self) resides in all beings.
- Life takes various forms due to karma.
From this perspective,
- Insects, plants, and animals all share the same essential spiritual principles.
- However, their conscious minds are at different stages of development.
So, from a yogic perspective,
Insects also have souls. However, their self-awareness is not as developed as that of humans.
Buddhist-leaning Viewpoint (Reference)
Buddhism denies the existence of an "eternal soul," but it does hold that:
• consciousness (stream of consciousness) exists
• insects exist within the cycle of reincarnation.
In other words, this position holds that while there is no fixed entity called a "soul,"
there is a continuum of consciousness due to karma.
Similarities
What they mostly have in common:
- Insects also have a "stream of consciousness" and a "life principle."
- However, they lack the same level of self-awareness as humans.
- Existence evolves and unfolds in stages.
Major Differences
| Biggest Difference | Contents |
|---|---|
| Is the soul eternal? | Buddhism denies it, others affirm it. |
| Individual soul or collective soul? | Theosophy emphasizes the collective soul. |
| Freedom of reincarnation. | New Age is flexible |
| The weight of karma | Buddhism is clear, New Age focuses on intention |
Do insects have souls? Summary by Philosophy
| Perspective | Theosophy | Yoga Philosophy | Buddhism | Modern Spirituality | New Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does a soul exist? | Yes (but tribal souls) | Yes | No fixed soul | Yes | Yes |
| Is it an individual soul? | Basically collective | Essentially the same Atman | No Self (No Individual Entity) | Gradual Individuation | Depending on the Stage of Evolution |
| Astral Body/Energy Body | Exists (Astral Body) | Exists Subtle Bodies | Functions as the Five Aggregates | Often Considered to Have an Aura | Energy Being |
| Stage of Development of Consciousness | Low | Low | A Stage of Reincarnation | Low Vibrational Frequency | Learning Stage |
| Reincarnation | Tribal Soul Unit | Reincarnation Beyond Form | Six Realms of Reincarnation | Can Transcend Species | Souls Experience Various Forms |
| Karma of Killing | Arises, but is minor | Arises | Arises clearly | Varies with Intention | Depends on Vibrations and Intention |
| Worldview | Spiritual Evolution Theory | Path to Liberation | Selflessness and Dependent Origination | Oneness | Oneness + Evolution |