Editing Cosmic hierarchy (section)

== Cosmic Hierarchies in Major Traditions ==

=== Abrahamic Traditions ===
In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam:

* God is the absolute and transcendent source
* Angels act as intermediaries between divine and creation
* The material world is governed by divine will
* Human beings occupy a central moral position

Related structures include:
* [[Angelic Hierarchies]]
* [[Divine justice]]

=== Neoplatonism ===
A highly influential philosophical model:

* The One (absolute source)
* Divine Intellect (Nous)
* World Soul
* Material world

This system emphasizes emanation, where reality flows downward from unity into multiplicity.

=== Hindu Cosmology ===
Hindu systems describe layered existence:

* Brahman (ultimate reality)
* Devas (celestial beings)
* Subtle realms (astral/spiritual planes)
* Physical world (Bhurloka)
* Underworlds and lower realms

Cosmic cycles of creation and destruction regulate these layers.

=== Buddhist Cosmology ===
Buddhist systems include multiple realms:

* Formless realms
* Form realms
* Desire realms (including human and lower beings)
* Hell realms

These are governed by karma and impermanence.

=== Ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian Systems ===
These traditions include:

* Supreme gods (e.g., Anu, Ra)
* Lesser gods and cosmic forces
* Spirits and underworld beings
* Physical world as a divinely ordered system