Consciousness: Digest Number 779

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Consciousness

 

According to Vedanta philosophy, Consciousness is the only

subject/witness or absolute all pervading existence, also called as

Self, God, Atman, or Brahman. Matter reflects this Consciousness in

varying degrees according to its organization. Through the prism of

space, time, and causation one Consciousness appears as divided in many

individual parts. Matter evolves to express the Consciousness in clearer

and clearer form. A particular arrangement reflects a specific aspect of

consciousness. Thus one may speak of stone consciousness, tree

consciousness, animal consciousness, human consciousness, etc.

 

Again, the quality and type of arrangement of mind and brain determines

the purity of expression of human consciousness. Therefore, we see both

selfish people and saints in the same society.

 

Religion, as a science of spirituality, and the technique of sadhana,

is an attempt to purify oneself to express higher and sublimated level

of consciousness. A stage is reached when one can identify oneself with

Universal Consciousness instead of identifying with limited body and

mind consciousness. Such a state we call as samadhi, a desirable

'altered state of consciousness'.

 

In this transcendental journey of crossing the body-mind consciousness

so as to reach the Absolute Consciousness:

 

a) Various visions of God and beatitude are encountered,

b) The person experiences certain attitudes or bhava (spiritual moods)

which are beneficial to his character and ethical-moral uplift; and,

c) Values like selflessness and altruism are born.

 

c s shah