Editing Involution (esotericism) (section)

== Integral thought ==

In [[Integral theory (Ken Wilber)|integral thought]], involution is the process by which the Divine manifests the [[cosmos]].  The process by which the creation rises to higher states and states of [[consciousness]] is the [[Spiritual evolution|evolution]].  Involution prepares the [[universe]] for the [[Big Bang]]; evolution continues from that point forward.  The term ''involution'' comes from the idea that the divine ''involves'' itself in creation. After the creation, the Divine (i.e. [[Absolute (philosophy)|the Absolute]], [[Brahman]], [[God]]) is both the [[singular god|One]] (the Creator) and the [[Plural|Many]] (that which was created).

The integral philosopher [[Ken Wilber]] refers to involution in his online chapter of ''Kosmic Karma'', employing concepts from [[Plotinus]], [[Advaita Vedanta]], [[Tibetan Buddhism]], and Sri Aurobindo.  According to Wilber, the cosmic evolution described in his previous works is preceded by an involution of Spirit into Matter.  This involution follows the reverse stages to the sequence of evolution—e.g. Spirit to soul to mind to life to matter.  Once the stage of insentient, lifeless matter is attained, then "something like the Big Bang occurs", whereupon matter and manifest world come into concrete existence, from which stage evolution follows.<ref>Wilber, Ken, ''Introduction: From the Great Chain of Being to Postmodernism in Three Easy Steps'', [[Shambhala Publications]], 2005.</ref>