Exploring Consciousness: The Key to Human Evolution
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Chapter 1: The Universe's Mysterious Origin
The universe seemingly materialized from nothingness, a notion often embraced by contemporary science. Everything, from matter to energy, found its rightful place, governed by established laws.
While few engage in deep reflection about this idea, doing so is crucial because the implications of this belief shape the lives we lead.
To claim that the universe emerged from a void is akin to stating that the device you're using to read this text simply appeared out of thin air. Rupert Sheldrake encapsulates this thought:
> "It's almost as if science said, 'Give me one free miracle, and from there the entire thing will proceed with a seamless, causal explanation.' The one free miracle was the sudden appearance of all the matter and energy in the universe, with all the laws that govern it."
This perspective may seem absurd at first glance. It prompts us to pause and ask: Why does this matter to us?
The answer lies in how our worldview influences our existence.
Believing that the universe arose from nothing can foster feelings of isolation, alienation, and fear. In such a constricted reality, we may perceive ourselves as fragmented beings, devoid of purpose. Life could easily become a battle for survival, often at the expense of others.
In contrast, what if we embraced the idea of a central force that orchestrated the universe? A force that not only directs celestial bodies but also influences our lives.
Adopting this expansive perspective may lead us to realize that we are interconnected, rather than isolated entities. This understanding fosters feelings of love, hope, and peace.
Unfortunately, science has predominantly reinforced the former perspective throughout its history. As scientific discourse leans toward a constricted worldview, many people experience fear and disconnection from their inner selves and higher consciousness.
Consider the many individuals today who feel lonely or depressed; they may lack insight into their higher selves. This disconnection is evident in those around us, even if we don't feel it ourselves.
In contrast, yogis, saints, sages, and various spiritual traditions advocate for an expansive worldview. They teach that Consciousness is the source from which the universe emanated.
The cosmos is governed by Cosmic Consciousness, just as our individual lives are guided by personal consciousness. Swami Kriyananda was once asked about the nature of God, to which he responded:
> "He is not a person. He is neither He nor She, and He is both He and She. He is everything our souls ever craved: perfect bliss, immortality, complete consciousness — Satchidananda, as He is defined by those who are familiar with the concept of absolute perfection. There is nothing and no one apart from Him. All that we see around us is but a part of a cosmic dream."
This inquiry into God's nature can be paired with another crucial question: Who are we? At our core, devoid of superficial labels, resides a spark of consciousness. This essence, as suggested by Jesus Christ, holds the key to understanding divine reality.
Skeptics might wonder: If consciousness exists, why hasn't science validated it?
Looking for the Right Things in the Wrong Places
Mulla Nasreddin, a Sufi mystic from the 13th century, exemplified the power of storytelling as a teaching tool. One of his tales illustrates a profound lesson:
Nasreddin misplaced his ring in the living room and, after searching fruitlessly, went outside to look for it. His wife asked, "Why search in the yard when you lost it in the room?"
He replied, "The room is too dark, and I can't see well. The yard is much brighter."
Many resemble Nasreddin, seeking evidence of consciousness in inappropriate places. When searching in the wrong locations, it’s no surprise that one fails to find what they seek. Consciousness and matter differ significantly; while matter can be observed and measured, consciousness must be experienced internally.
Researchers often seek evidence of consciousness externally, overlooking its intangible nature. They attempt to analyze consciousness through a material lens, neglecting the realization that it cannot be fully grasped by intellect or thought alone.
The inner realm may feel dimly lit, discouraging us from exploring it. Meanwhile, our quest for Truth outside ourselves leads to futility.
Consider this analogy: A light bulb illuminates its surroundings but cannot reveal the power that makes it shine. We can observe the world around us, yet we cannot directly perceive the consciousness that animates us. Understanding this essence transcends conventional thought and intellect.
Some dismiss the reality of consciousness simply because it eludes intellectual validation. However, can love for a child be quantified? Just because it cannot be measured does not mean it doesn't exist — the same applies to consciousness.
Those Who Know, Just Know — Those Who Don't, Don't
While I have critiqued science for its limitations, it's important to acknowledge that some forward-thinking scientists recognize the existence of a higher reality.
Max Planck, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and the pioneer of quantum theory, expressed:
> "I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness."
Similarly, Sir James Jeans, an esteemed physicist, remarked:
> "The stream of knowledge is heading towards a non-mechanical reality; the Universe begins to look more like a great thought than like a great machine. Mind no longer appears to be an accidental intruder into the realm of matter… we ought rather to hail it as the creator and governor of the realm of matter."
In an interview, Jeans was asked whether he believed life on Earth was a mere accident or part of a grand design. He stated:
> "I incline to the idealistic theory that consciousness is fundamental and that the material universe is derivative from consciousness, not consciousness from the material universe… In general, the universe seems to me to be nearer to a great thought than to a great machine."
Einstein also contributed to this perspective, expressing:
> "A human being is part of a whole, called by us the 'universe,' a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts, and feelings, as something separated from the rest — a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness."
This notion of separation can trap us in a prison of personal desires. Our challenge lies in expanding our compassion to encompass all living beings and the beauty of nature.
The Scientist Who Left Matter for Consciousness
Eben Alexander gained recognition with his book Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife, where he recounts his near-death experience and transition in and out of consciousness.
In 2008, he suffered from acute bacterial meningoencephalitis, resulting in a week-long coma. Upon awakening, he was astonished, recalling a profound journey that encompassed over 20,000 words of experience.
His narrative portrays a journey beyond the confines of conventional understanding, revealing a reality of consciousness that transcends the physical realm.
"I originally referred to that deity as Om, the sound that I recalled from that realm as the resonance within infinity and eternity." — Eben Alexander
As a disciple of Yogananda, I find parallels between Alexander's experiences and yogic teachings.
Despite the traditional scientific community's tendency to dismiss such accounts as hallucinations, Alexander contends that the materialist model overlooks the essence of consciousness.
For him, the world will never be the same, and he urges scientists to explore the broader possibilities of consciousness.
Those who glimpse such consciousness cannot remain silent, as illustrated by Alexander's compelling account. His experience is as tangible as the material universe itself. Near-death experiences often encompass feelings of unconditional love, profound peace, and the sensation of leaving the physical body.
Alexander proposed various models in neurophysiology, yet none adequately explained his unique experience.
A Way to Know & Find the Truth
Near-death experiences are not the sole pathway to such states.
Yogis and sages have advocated for meditation as a scientific method to achieve deeper awareness for millennia.
Through meditation, one can quiet the senses, still the body, and calm the mind. This challenging endeavor allows the realization of being more than just the body or thoughts — we are consciousness itself. This consciousness manifests in all forms of creation, both animate and inanimate.
Descartes famously stated, "I think, therefore I am." Yogis would counter with, "When I stop thinking, then I really am."
Yogis affirm that this realization of consciousness is the ultimate goal of human development.
Interestingly, while Einstein sought to articulate the divine through mathematical equations, he recognized that even the most perfect formula would fall short of capturing the essence of existence. Describing Mozart's music in terms of sound waves could never encapsulate its spirit or meaning.