Download as PDF, PPTX
![The East & West Divide (continued)
– “We have neither any idea how consciousness emerges from the
physical activity of the brain nor do we know whether consciousness
can emerge from non-biological systems. we also accept that the
term consciousness is currently being used in many different and
often ambiguous ways, and presently it is too premature to make any
precise definitions of consciousness.”
[Richard Frankowaik, 2004, „Human Brain Function‟]
– There are and have been people like Joseph Campbell who believe
that „consciousness and energy are somehow the same thing‟
and „consciousness does not originate in the head, it is only
inflected by the head in a certain direction‟ – a thinking that
comes very close to Indian wisdom
4](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/tscppt8-150923091551-lva1-app6891/75/Consciousness-is-Central-to-the-Functioning-and-the-Objective-of-the-Universe-4-2048.jpg)
![Manifestation of Consciousness at Human End
7
Pure Spirit
& Spiritual
Plane of
Existence
The Absolute Brahman
The Divine Consciousness (integral vision of all planes) - Existence (Pure
Spirit), Conscious Force, Delight
Super Knowledge by Identity – Truth (object of knowledge sought created within)
Intuitive Intuitions, Revelations (total object of knowledge without thought)
Illumined Light & Illumination (descent of knowledge without thought)
Higher Silence of Mind (enabling better thought, greater knowledge)
Mental
Plane of
Existence
Pure Mental
Ideas, Concepts, Rational Thinking, Logical, Pure Thoughts, Conscious Self-
Conception
Vital Mental
Knowledge Imbued with Emotions, Feelings (interests, opinions, sentiments,
beliefs, values, ideals)
Physical Mental
Input of Information, Storage, Understanding, Comprehension, Decision
making)
Vital Plane
of
Existence
Mental Vital
Emotional Thoughts as Attitudes, Life Intelligence, Higher Emotions (incl.
conduct, social norms, conscience)
Pure Vital Emotions, Feelings, Passions, Intense Human Relationships
Physical Vital Sensation of the Nerves (urge, desire, fear, seeks action, relationship)
Physical
Plane of
Existence
Mental Physical Body Knowledge of How to Act, Primary Skills of Existence
Vital Physical Physical Urges and Sensations (pain, hunger, lust, craving, etc.)
Pure Physical Origin of Physical Movement, Instinct for Survival
[Source: Writing of Sri Aurobindo]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/tscppt8-150923091551-lva1-app6891/75/Consciousness-is-Central-to-the-Functioning-and-the-Objective-of-the-Universe-7-2048.jpg)
![Construct & Nature of Creation
“The center of experience is the center of the universe – physical as
well as metaphysical, and this supreme center is the real center of
man, the Atman, the unchanging basis of an ever changing universe
composed of both nature and personality, above cause and
therefore above time and the self transcending in the perfect truth of
perfect non-duality”
[Swami Ranganathanand]
9](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/tscppt8-150923091551-lva1-app6891/75/Consciousness-is-Central-to-the-Functioning-and-the-Objective-of-the-Universe-9-2048.jpg)
![Construct & Nature of Creation continued
“The origin of the creation is an infinite spiritual energy source or
reservoir known as the “Supreme Creator” or “Being” (with
attendant features of supreme energy, supreme intelligence,
supreme refulgence and supreme bliss) with its accompanying
quantum spiritual force-field spanning the entire macrocosm. Each
constituent fundamental particle of this quantum spiritual force-field
known as the spirit-force, is the one which possesses prime-energy
and that all other forces (mind-force or physical force) of nature
have been evolved by the association of this spirit-force with media
(mind and physical matter) of different kinds. This concept of “spirit-
force” is no more intrinsically mysterious than “mass”.
[His Holiness Prof. Satsangi, 2007]
10](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/tscppt8-150923091551-lva1-app6891/75/Consciousness-is-Central-to-the-Functioning-and-the-Objective-of-the-Universe-10-2048.jpg)
![“Consciousness in intrinsic to the grand cosmos, both
at macroscopic as well as microscopic levels. Man, a
creation on planet Earth happens to be a perfect
microcosm of the macrocosm. Spirit-mind-brain
consciousness interactions are at the microscopic
levels analogous to consciousness interaction
between Supreme Being (Universal Spirit) – Universal
Mind – Physical Universe at the macrocosmic levels”
[His Holiness Prof. Satsangi Sahab, 2010]
16](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/tscppt8-150923091551-lva1-app6891/75/Consciousness-is-Central-to-the-Functioning-and-the-Objective-of-the-Universe-16-2048.jpg)
Uploaded bySandeep Gupta
Consciousness is Central to the Functioning and the Objective of the Universe
The document discusses two contrasting views on consciousness: the idealist perspective, which sees it as a primordial essence of existence, and the materialist view, which considers it a product of brain function. It explores the origins and nature of consciousness, detailing its relationship with the universe and emphasizing the concept of 'pure consciousness' as the foundation of human experience. Additionally, the document highlights the spiritual evolution of humanity and the role of consciousness in navigating between self-centeredness and selflessness.
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Consciousness is Central to the Functioning and the Objective of the Universe
- 1. Consciousness is Centralto the Functioning and the Objective of the Universe Sandeep Gupta Towards a Science of Consciousness – TSC 2013 DEI, Dayalbagh, Agra 8th March, 2013
- 2. Two Schools ofThought • Idealist: – view reality as an “integrated whole” – interpret “consciousness” as something primordial, independent and the all-creating essence of existence. • Materialist: – view reality as a “fragmented whole” – interpret consciousness as a function of the brain, the essence of which lies in the reflection and constructive-creative transformation of the world. 2
- 3. The East &West Divide • East: – Believing in the concept of “oneness in creation i.e. single point reality with multiple manifestations of different shades” - has always been a proponent of the „Idealist school of thought‟ – Replete with information about consciousness & its nature • West: – Influenced by physical sciences in the 1900s adopted a materialist stance and since then has been viewing consciousness as a product of physical reality and reducible to it – Still struggling with the concept of consciousness 3 „When a higher system is investigated by applying the laws of the lower system, one only gains a peek into the higher system but not the full knowledge of the higher system‟ (Boulding, 1956)
- 4. The East &West Divide (continued) – “We have neither any idea how consciousness emerges from the physical activity of the brain nor do we know whether consciousness can emerge from non-biological systems. we also accept that the term consciousness is currently being used in many different and often ambiguous ways, and presently it is too premature to make any precise definitions of consciousness.” [Richard Frankowaik, 2004, „Human Brain Function‟] – There are and have been people like Joseph Campbell who believe that „consciousness and energy are somehow the same thing‟ and „consciousness does not originate in the head, it is only inflected by the head in a certain direction‟ – a thinking that comes very close to Indian wisdom 4
- 5. 1. The natureand origin of „consciousness‟ 2. The objective of the creation 3. Role of consciousness in the creation 4. Relationship of human consciousness with the macrocosmic consciousness 5
- 6. The Nature andOrigin of Consciousness • Consciousness is singular in nature • Human consciousness is only an extension of the consciousness of the „Creator‟ which is popularly known as “Pure Consciousness” or “Universal Consciousness” • Consciousness at the Creator‟s end manifests as „Param Sat-Chit (Prem)-Ananda Svarupa’ 6
- 7. Manifestation of Consciousnessat Human End 7 Pure Spirit & Spiritual Plane of Existence The Absolute Brahman The Divine Consciousness (integral vision of all planes) - Existence (Pure Spirit), Conscious Force, Delight Super Knowledge by Identity – Truth (object of knowledge sought created within) Intuitive Intuitions, Revelations (total object of knowledge without thought) Illumined Light & Illumination (descent of knowledge without thought) Higher Silence of Mind (enabling better thought, greater knowledge) Mental Plane of Existence Pure Mental Ideas, Concepts, Rational Thinking, Logical, Pure Thoughts, Conscious Self- Conception Vital Mental Knowledge Imbued with Emotions, Feelings (interests, opinions, sentiments, beliefs, values, ideals) Physical Mental Input of Information, Storage, Understanding, Comprehension, Decision making) Vital Plane of Existence Mental Vital Emotional Thoughts as Attitudes, Life Intelligence, Higher Emotions (incl. conduct, social norms, conscience) Pure Vital Emotions, Feelings, Passions, Intense Human Relationships Physical Vital Sensation of the Nerves (urge, desire, fear, seeks action, relationship) Physical Plane of Existence Mental Physical Body Knowledge of How to Act, Primary Skills of Existence Vital Physical Physical Urges and Sensations (pain, hunger, lust, craving, etc.) Pure Physical Origin of Physical Movement, Instinct for Survival [Source: Writing of Sri Aurobindo]
- 8. The Objective ofCreation • All traditions maintain that this creation has taken place for the benefit of man • According to Radhasoami Faith, the “Supreme Being” has created this universe, with the objective to give “spirit-entities” with low spirituality an opportunity to increase their spirituality and become fit to eternally enjoy His Supreme Bliss and Refulgence 8 SUPREME BEING “Spirit- Entity” Birth on Earth Life of pain & joy Realize temporal nature of joys & bliss Search for permanent joy & bliss Truth realized Spiritual practice Spirituality increased
- 9. Construct & Natureof Creation “The center of experience is the center of the universe – physical as well as metaphysical, and this supreme center is the real center of man, the Atman, the unchanging basis of an ever changing universe composed of both nature and personality, above cause and therefore above time and the self transcending in the perfect truth of perfect non-duality” [Swami Ranganathanand] 9
- 10. Construct & Natureof Creation continued “The origin of the creation is an infinite spiritual energy source or reservoir known as the “Supreme Creator” or “Being” (with attendant features of supreme energy, supreme intelligence, supreme refulgence and supreme bliss) with its accompanying quantum spiritual force-field spanning the entire macrocosm. Each constituent fundamental particle of this quantum spiritual force-field known as the spirit-force, is the one which possesses prime-energy and that all other forces (mind-force or physical force) of nature have been evolved by the association of this spirit-force with media (mind and physical matter) of different kinds. This concept of “spirit- force” is no more intrinsically mysterious than “mass”. [His Holiness Prof. Satsangi, 2007] 10
- 11. Construct & Natureof Creation continued 11 REGION OF PURE SPIRITUALITY / NIRMAL CHETAN DESH (1st Grand Division) No. Region Constituents‟ 6 Radhasoami Dham SPIRIT 5 Agam Lok 4 Alakh Lok 3 Anami Lok 2 Sat Lok 1 Bhanwar Gufa Maha Sunna REGION OF UNIVERSAL MIND / BRAHAMAND (2nd Grand Division) No. Region Constituents‟ 6 Sunn SPIRIT + MIND 5 Trikuti 4 Sahas Dal Kamal 3 Sphere of Vishnu 2 Sphere of Brahma 1 Sphere of Shiva Chidakash REGION OF UNIVERSAL MATTER / PIND (3rd Grand Division) No. Region Constituents‟ 6 Spirit or Moon Orb SPIRIT + MIND + MATTER 5 Sun 4 Earth 3 Jupiter 2 Saturn 1 Neptune
- 12. MAHASUNNA CHIDAKASH Principle of Delegation RadhasoamiDham Agam Lok Alakh Lok Anami Lok Bhawar Gufa Sat Lok Sunn Trikuti Sahas Dal Kamal Sphere of Vishnu Sphere of Shiva Sphere of Brahma Spirit or Moon Orb Sun Earth Jupiter Neptune Saturn Region of Pure Spirituality / Nirmal Chetan Desh (1st Grand Division) Region of Universal Mind / Brahamanda (2nd Grand Division) Region of Universal Matter / Pind (3rd Grand Division) 12 Upon death “spirit-entities” present themselves
- 13. Principle of Polarization 13 #Nirmal Chetan Desh # Brahamand # Pind Adi Chetan Dhar (Sound “Radha”) Shabd Dhar (Sound “Soami”) # The entire creation is an “omni quantum field of consciousness”
- 14. Principle of Elimination Regionof Pure Spirituality / Nirmal Chetan Desh (1st Grand Division) Region of Universal Mind / Brahamanda (2nd Grand Division) Region of Universal Matter / Pind (3rd Grand Division) (Super „+‟ Pole) (Negative Pole) Spirit Force Spirit Force Mind Force Spirit Force Mind Force Physical Force MAHA SUNNA CHIDAKASH • If „physical force‟ eliminated – Pind collapses • If „mind force‟ eliminated – Pind & Bhramanda collapses • If „spirit force‟ eliminated – entire creation collapses 14
- 15. Relationship of HumanConsciousness with the Macrocosmic Consciousness 15 Nirmal Chetan Desh Brahamand Pind Six apertures in human brain corresponding to the six planes Six apertures in human brain corresponding to the six planes Six chakras in human body
- 16. “Consciousness in intrinsicto the grand cosmos, both at macroscopic as well as microscopic levels. Man, a creation on planet Earth happens to be a perfect microcosm of the macrocosm. Spirit-mind-brain consciousness interactions are at the microscopic levels analogous to consciousness interaction between Supreme Being (Universal Spirit) – Universal Mind – Physical Universe at the macrocosmic levels” [His Holiness Prof. Satsangi Sahab, 2010] 16
- 17. From Self-centeredness toSelflessness 17 Self-centeredness to Selflessness Individualconsciousness I & my family MAN SPIRIT Figure - 3
- 18.
- 19. Post Creational Evolutionof the Universe 19 (Source: HH Prof. Satsangi Sahab, 2007, Description of Creation and Glory of Radhasoami-Mystical Name; Expositions of Truth Ultimate Reality and Supreme Being; Radhasoami Satsang Sabha, Agra)