Posted 15 November 2016 by Sal
Prior to Consciousness, You Are
Is it possible that statements like, “I am consciousness,” and “He is conscious,” are just beliefs? I hear the words “conscious” and “consciousness” used so much these days. Yesterday, I had a moment where it occurred to me that consciousness exists within awareness. So, to say “I am conscious” is more identification with the self to an extent, whereas awareness is releasing the idea of being “conscious.” This is like a statement and question in one.
Also, since there is only this moment, does that mean awareness only exists in the moment?
You are not consciousness or awareness. Those are both objects, which can easily become identities. That is why I don’t use the word “awareness.” You are not a thing. You exist, yes. You are aware, yes. And, to answer your second question, you are now. You are not in the now. You are NOW.
In my opinion, Now and You are synonyms; Now and Aware are synonyms, and Now and Knowing are synonyms. None of those words—now, aware, knowing—are objectifiable. That is who you are. You are not a thing. You are no-thing—now, aware, existing, knowing.
Consciousness is a function that appears in and because of the body. It is the primary function, followed by the five sense functions and thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Without consciousness, there is no world. The world is revealed by the senses.
In deep sleep, what happens? Consciousness becomes dormant and there is no world and no personal you. But aware must still be there in deep sleep because when the alarm goes off, consciousness is triggered and you wake up. Upon waking in the morning, what happens? Consciousness becomes active, and with it, simultaneously, the personal you and the world appear. I speak about this in more depth in the first book.
And yes, you are aware, or know, that you are conscious. Thus, you must be prior to consciousness. This is all well and good, but it should not be made into a philosophy. It really does not matter for coming to know freedom. Just forget all of that and be free.