Notice the phoenix is a universal symbol of death and rebirth. It echoes what exists beyond cycles of regeneration, deeper transformation, transmutation, immortality. Referred to as a "thunderbird" in Native American cultures, this creature is widely felt to shape weather, wield inner power and abundance.
As a dream symbol, the phoenix echoes we are each a portal to a new reality. As energy, we dematerialize and rematerialize or re-invent ourselves. Our projections reflect
state of our inner world. Every moment, we are source of our own fire and ashes, embody courage to face challenges, know soul itself is indestructible.
So, essence of being continues after death. The energy of consciousness is eternal. Even though our current physical body, 5 aggregates (physical form, feeling, perception, mental formation & consciousness), this physical energy may disappear, wider consciousness is. Truth is beyond belief. Energy continues. Awareness linked to our individual body is impermanent as it depends on things to be aware of.
To go beyond ego’s false ideas before physical death, allows transcendence. Yet, until that uncontrolled (unconscious) energy is exhausted, the cycle of death and rebirth continues. So, after death, soul returns, maybe in a dualistic realm similar to here where pleasure and pain, fear and happiness are available. But in another uncontrolled rebirth, we might be reborn as an animal or in what we call hell.
Come what may, hell doesn’t mean an endless situation or a place we cannot escape. Hell is not a permanent state. It is also not something outside of us that we have to fight. Hell is a vibration of consciousness. Hellish environments arise from our consciousness, from negative projections. Thus, feelings and frequencies create our reality. Contrary to popular belief, hell is not a burning place waiting for those who deserve punishment. Nobody but ourselves puts us here. When our consciousness is ready, our hologram materializes based on vibration.
Rebirth, disease and death—these are basic human sufferings. But the nature of hell is extreme suffering that is far greater than the usual human sufferings. Despite its intensity, that state is also impermanent. It does not last and is not static and unchangeable. When the energy for that state of consciousness ends, another arises, until one stabilizes the cycles and is fazed by nothing.
Turns out, mental projection creates every experience, not belief. Discomfort may arise, whether you believe in it or not. It all comes back to energy vibration, frequency and inner magic. We are each like a phoenix that has unforeseen potential to unleash.