Realize, before you read, that this is not a subject you will read easily. It takes definition of terms and concepts to read with understanding. You might need to read many times, reflecting on what I say in each sentence. Conception of creation is simplified here, but this does not imply it's simple to conceive. In fact, it's inconceivable apart form seeing it for yourself. Meditation required. Get familiar with the image below before rising to the Word above. This is important both metaphorically and literally! See with the mind's eye to see with both eyes open. Scroll to the bottom image to figure it out. Don't get caught up in the image.
A tree grows from a seed by the following path: Line, Branch and Fold (fruit). From the fruit, a fully folded seed then divides itself into a branching root and starts the line over again.
Line, Branch, Fold : Fold, Branch Line
Dimensions work the same. A 1D line branches becoming a 2D plane. A 2D plane then folds in layers to stack the 3D object. The 3D object then moves in a line of time. Here is where the fold of time must be seen with time-space-MIND, which is one thing. A branching timeline (dimension 6 below) falls from the fold of all possible states (Astral).
The Astral plane represents the folded thoughts of all beings before choices are made in dimension 5. In 5, Manu chooses. In 4, Yama judges, then casts the thought into form, which is the world you see. In the mind, your imagination (image of self) is reasoned in the Astral. Collapse of wave function then engages the outer world as an image. As the Dhammapada states, "With your mind, you make the world."
If the mind in dimension 7 rises above its state of awareness in dimension 5 (Manu is Sanskrit for Mankind, meaning, "To Think), then it finds a dimension where many states of being exist before becoming form in lower dimensions. This is why astral travelers see shadows of forms before they manifest. In essence, you see all minds folded and at work thinking (Manu's job).
The following chart of dimensions comes from my books. This is not an advertisement for my books. I do not actively promote the books. I add it here as a handy reference only.
From the chart, figure out how the mind rises above the astral to find rest in dimension 7 (learning). In truth, you are never out of the higher dimensions. Rising above to Bodhisattva is a gift for the one finding his compassion for others. Why? They are all in dimension 8 as branching minds. In 9, the Son of God as an image of God. God is 10. The image of the Father (10) is the Son. See Colossians 1:15-17.
Look up the definitions for the terms I list. So many things will become clear to you if you do. For instance, what does it mean that the Lord (Son of God in 9) takes you out of Egypt and into the promised land of Israel? Now you know. First, captivity in Babylon (time and commerce). In Egypt, the land of dead kings (egos). For instance, what does it mean for the Bodhisattva to realize compassion? He realizes that he (dimension 8) is one with all beings, just after realization of oneness with all people. Where is dimension 8 and realization? At the branching of the Son of God into all relatives to himself. From this, the line of all minds thinking enters Samsara (lower six realms). Suffering can only happen if the mind is in Maya (Illusion / Buddha's mother). Once the illusion is realized, BUDH (meaning to awaken). How do you awaken the higher mind asleep? Meditate and meet yourself above the astral plane in learning (Above Samsara). Sattva is defined in Sanskrit as True / Being.
When Paul seek the third heaven, he sees himself in the Mind. When Jacob asks the Lord what his identity is, the Lord tells him it's not time to know. In other words, Jacob was the Lord (we are all the Lord collectively). All in one. One in All. One loaf / many slices. One blood / many veins.
All this to define dimension 6: Astral