Snaggle I find your ideas interesting as well. I agree about our consciousness being multifaceted. I have often 'mind linked' with other characters which are myself, and which are busy doing their things in different worlds. In fact that is one of my primary ways of dreaming. I slip into the bodies of other parts of me and take control of them for the period that I am there. Often I feel out of my depth because I don't have the know-how or abilities of the character I have taken over. I used to try explaining to people that I am actually from "earth level", but the reaction of other DCs to such revelations is usually one of shock and horror, as if earth level is a place of horror for them. Through these mind links I have mapped quite a number of other selves which seem consistent rather than fleeting. Some of them are related to past lives I have had, but still exist as individual beings.
The ascension technique is a little different. I feel that I do actually meet other independent beings who dwell in different layers of the higher worlds. It is not just my personal dream projection. These layers can be passed through using the technique. I also feel that the higher you go, the more refined and sophisticated the nature of your experience becomes. I also feel that going higher also verges on superconsciousness, rather than the usual understanding of dreams being realated to the subconscious.
Regarding the Nyingmapa, yes I do know what that means. In 2013 I lived in a Tibetan monastery for half a year, as an English teacher. However I would have thought that the Buddhist philosophy of mental formulations would meld well with your thoughts. They believe that all things are interconnected, and any ideas of gods or demons are mental forms. I agree that Tibetan Buddhism got caught up in the whole shamanic Bon inspired imagery, but other schools of Mahayana certainly have a sophisticated understanding of the mind and consciousness.
