A broad minded scientist might be willing to recognize three planes of existence based on current astronomical observations:
1) Dark matter
2) Dark energy
3) and us
Dark energy may be new terminology for some. It is responsible for the observed acceleration in the expansion of the universe.
It is equivalent to the cosmological constant in General Relativity, or the vacuum energy in quantum mechanics.
In terms of Omegas, where omega is one for a flat space-time curvature in General Relativity,
the omega for dark energy is about 2/3rds, the omega for dark matter is almost 1/3rd,
and the omega for us is an order of magnitude or more smaller.
So we live on a very thin plane of existence. More over, I believe that if a significant fraction of Dark Matter is comprised of Axions, whose temperature is essentially at absolute zero and therefore is a superfluid. Then astral projection, as well as after life is possible in Dark Matter.
Dark Matter could also turn out to be the plane of existence for our consciousness, or at least our dreams. Axionic fluids should have the capacity to store information.
We do not know if axions alone are sufficient to process information.
So I say 3 planes of existence, with no idea of what kind of existence goes on in dark energy.
Along with this you get 10 dimensions, with superstring theory being consistent with Buddhism, where for example in the Lotus Sutra the last buddha speaks of all the former buddhas appearing before him from the 10 directions.
This is also consistent with the Jewish Book of Creation where 6 of the 10 directions or dimensions are rolled up into tiny cylinders that cannot be detected, just like string theory.
I always like to link physics and metaphysics and religion on this forum.
Regards, Yanniru
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