Title: Consciousness
Description: what is it?
Description: what is it?
Mar - June 15, 2007 07:56 PM (GMT)
Consciousness-what is it?
What do we mean, when we say consciousness?
When we say consciousness- do we mean- thoughts?
Anything else?
What is Theosophy's definition or explanation of- thought(s)?
What are "they".. ?
Do we "have" one thought or are there many thoughts,one after another..?
What do we mean, when we say consciousness?
When we say consciousness- do we mean- thoughts?
Anything else?
What is Theosophy's definition or explanation of- thought(s)?
What are "they".. ?
Do we "have" one thought or are there many thoughts,one after another..?
Nick the Pilot - June 16, 2007 08:29 PM (GMT)
Mar,
Consciousness is mental activity. I used to have a dog, and my dog used to have dreams while she was asleep. This convinced me that she had consciousness. Lie detector tests on plants have shown a form of mental activity, and large trees are said to have marvelous auras, which is another form of mental activity.
Theosophy says minerals are conscious, but at a very primitive level. The fact that minerals can create crystals is given as proof of mental activity in minerals. One Theosophical author said that when minerals undergo crushing, melting, etc., there is a slight effect or change to the mineral's group-soul — an example of conscious activity. It is said a mineral is the first step in the process where matter and spirit interact, and have an "I am" experience, although this is at a level far, far below the human level of self-consciousness. Desire is said to exist in minerals, for example, in the "desire" of chemical compounds to have valences, and "desire" to bond to each other in molecules.
Plants, too, have consciousness. Their consciousness is limited to performing simple things like controlling a metabolism. It has been said plants build complex physical structures, and this requires a form of consciousness. It has also been said plants are experiencing vibrations on the Emotional (astral) Plane for the first time.
Animals have consciousness, but Theosophy says they do not have self-consciousness. This, of course, is the difference between animals and humans. This difference between humans and the next level is, again, a difference of consciousness. As I stated above, the animal level is where the first activity on the Mental Plane of Existence can be seen.
It has been said that the level above human is where our sense of separateness will be removed. So perhaps the next level could be called a form of cosmic-consciousness.
It has been said all things in the universe are a form of consciousness (but not all have self-consciousness, like humans do). Annie Besant, a Theosophical author, has described the entire unfolding of the universe as an unfolding and maturing of pure thought (consciousness) in her book, A Study in Consciousness.
Besant, Annie, A Study in Consciousness, (online)
http://www.anandgholap.net/Study_In_Consciousness-AB.htm
Besant, Annie, A Study in Consciousness, (hardcopy)
http://www.questbooks.net/title.cfm?bookid=1
In her book, Besant outlines the stages that consciousness goes through as it travels down from the Absolute, down throught the seven Planes of Existence, through the mineral - plant - animal - human levels, and then back up to the Absolute.
The Unmanifest (the “Absolute”) cannot be described. There are no attributes or adjectives that the human mind can use to comprehend the Unmanifest.
Manifestation begins.
The appearance of atoms (Adi-level atoms, not physical-science atoms) on the Adi Plane. These atoms comprise the matter on the first sub-plane of Adi. Some of these atoms remain as is, while others combine into “molecules.” These new (multi-atom) molecules make up the lower, second level of Adi. Some of these second-level molecules then combine to create third-level molecules. In this way, seven levels of density of matter are created, causing seven sub-planes of Adi to appear.
The appearance of the first Anupadaka sub-plane (Anupadaka atoms). Atoms from the Adi plane of existence gather to form shells, which also have shells in them made of Mulaprakriti. The double-shells become the highest sub-plane matter of Anupadaka. Then, even more complex molecules appear, creating all seven sub-planes of Anupadaka. (This process of combing molecules on molecules, and attachng Mulaprakriti shells is then repeated on the Atmic level, etc.)
Monads first appear. Monads are the first individualized "spiritual-centers" of the divine, the "one becoming the many." They are "fragments of the Logos' life", separated off as an individual entity. The Logos' "Flame" causes "sparks" to appear in Anupadaka. These sparks, called Monads, contain the "will to exist," motivating them to move onto further levels of manifestation.
The Monad manifests an aspect of itself on the Atmic plane.
The Monad manifests an aspect of itself on the Buddhic plane.
The Monad manifests an aspect of itself on the Mental plane.
The Attaching of a Mental Atom to the Monad. The Monad anchors itself to a mental atom on the fourth mental sub-plane. This anchoring is done by Devas.
The first Elemental is created. (Elementals are objects that go on to become group-souls. Groups-souls are objects that ensoul minerals, plants, and animals.) The mental atom is separated from other groups, by a delicate film of monadic esence, which is the beginning of the group-soul. The resulting object is an elemental. The entire unit is gradually awakened by mental-level vibrations, produced by the vaguest of internal movement, leading to consciousness. Over time, these attached units acquire the power to vibrate in certain ways, vibrations which are the precursor to thinking, and will later make thought possible.
The Attaching of an Astral Atom to the Monad.
The elemental unit acquires a second layer of monadic essence, formed from monadic essence of the desire (astral) plane. The elemental now has two sheaths, the beginning of the walls of the group-soul.
The Attaching of an Physical Atom to the Monad.
The elemental unit acquires a Third layer of monadic essence, formed from monadic essence of the physical plane. The elemental now has three sheaths, the walls of the group-soul are now complete.
Complete Group-souls now exist (having three separate layers which form an envelope, which contains innumerable triads). Group-souls float on the great sea of matter (especially before immineralization), as baloons might float in the sea.
~~~
The bottom of the cycle has been reached. Consciousness nows reverses direction, and begins to move upwards, back towards the Absolute.
~~~
The first attaching of a group-soul to a “chunk” of mineral (The first ensouling of a physical object by a “soul”.)
Physical awareness now begins to awaken. For the first time, the life-form turns outward, recognizing contact with other entities in an external world.
This is the first realization of “I” and “Not I”, although this consciousness is described as "sleeping" in the mineral world.
The mineral experiences of freezing, melting, being crushed, turning to molten metal, all impact upon the mineral consciousness. As a result, vague answers of sympathetic vibrations arise, within the deep-slumbering consciousness.
Chemical valency and the bonding of chemnical compunds are seen as strong desire on the mineral level. There is a response within the astral part of the group-soul, although it is quite unorganized.
There is no mental activity within mineral group-souls.
When the group-soul is ready, it is guided by Devas to the plant kingdom for plant manifestation.
At the end of the mineral kingdom phase, the activity of the mineral group-soul is transferred to the mental plane. Then it nourishes the already-present mental bodies, and makes them gradually less vague.
There is a great deal more astral activity for plants than minerals. A tree that lives a long life, for example, becomes able to experience pleasure and discomfort.
We see, for the first time, a small accumulation of mental matter around long-living trees, which manifests as faint memory, followed by faint anticipation.
When ready, a vegetable goup-soul is guided by Devas to life in the lowest of animal, for example, bacteria, amoebae, etc.
It is important to note that bacteria do not suffer from the removal of its group-soul. The bacteria are a host, not bodies formed specifically for the use of a permanent atom.
Each triad eventually becomes possessd of its own individual group-soul envelope, ready for Individualization. It is now ready for a casual body, and its first human incarnation. As time goes on, a group-soul gradually contains fewer and fewer triads. When a single group-soul contains only one triad, and is ready, it becomes a part of a causal body. The upward-drawn group-soul meets triand meets the downpouring from above (from a causal body). This, then, is the beginning of a reincarnating human, born into its first independent human incarnation.
The new human “soul” (causal body), freshly individualized from its animal group-soul, now begins its first human incarnation.
The human eventually achieves Nirvana and moves on to levels of existence beyond human.
~~~
You asked,
"What is Theosophy's definition or explanation of thought(s)?"
--> Thoughts are seen as objects — objects that exist on the Mental Plane of Existence. When we are finally able to be conscious on the Mental Plane of Existence, I believe we will be able to "see" what other people are thinking.
Consciousness is mental activity. I used to have a dog, and my dog used to have dreams while she was asleep. This convinced me that she had consciousness. Lie detector tests on plants have shown a form of mental activity, and large trees are said to have marvelous auras, which is another form of mental activity.
Theosophy says minerals are conscious, but at a very primitive level. The fact that minerals can create crystals is given as proof of mental activity in minerals. One Theosophical author said that when minerals undergo crushing, melting, etc., there is a slight effect or change to the mineral's group-soul — an example of conscious activity. It is said a mineral is the first step in the process where matter and spirit interact, and have an "I am" experience, although this is at a level far, far below the human level of self-consciousness. Desire is said to exist in minerals, for example, in the "desire" of chemical compounds to have valences, and "desire" to bond to each other in molecules.
Plants, too, have consciousness. Their consciousness is limited to performing simple things like controlling a metabolism. It has been said plants build complex physical structures, and this requires a form of consciousness. It has also been said plants are experiencing vibrations on the Emotional (astral) Plane for the first time.
Animals have consciousness, but Theosophy says they do not have self-consciousness. This, of course, is the difference between animals and humans. This difference between humans and the next level is, again, a difference of consciousness. As I stated above, the animal level is where the first activity on the Mental Plane of Existence can be seen.
It has been said that the level above human is where our sense of separateness will be removed. So perhaps the next level could be called a form of cosmic-consciousness.
It has been said all things in the universe are a form of consciousness (but not all have self-consciousness, like humans do). Annie Besant, a Theosophical author, has described the entire unfolding of the universe as an unfolding and maturing of pure thought (consciousness) in her book, A Study in Consciousness.
Besant, Annie, A Study in Consciousness, (online)
http://www.anandgholap.net/Study_In_Consciousness-AB.htm
Besant, Annie, A Study in Consciousness, (hardcopy)
http://www.questbooks.net/title.cfm?bookid=1
In her book, Besant outlines the stages that consciousness goes through as it travels down from the Absolute, down throught the seven Planes of Existence, through the mineral - plant - animal - human levels, and then back up to the Absolute.
The Unmanifest (the “Absolute”) cannot be described. There are no attributes or adjectives that the human mind can use to comprehend the Unmanifest.
Manifestation begins.
The appearance of atoms (Adi-level atoms, not physical-science atoms) on the Adi Plane. These atoms comprise the matter on the first sub-plane of Adi. Some of these atoms remain as is, while others combine into “molecules.” These new (multi-atom) molecules make up the lower, second level of Adi. Some of these second-level molecules then combine to create third-level molecules. In this way, seven levels of density of matter are created, causing seven sub-planes of Adi to appear.
The appearance of the first Anupadaka sub-plane (Anupadaka atoms). Atoms from the Adi plane of existence gather to form shells, which also have shells in them made of Mulaprakriti. The double-shells become the highest sub-plane matter of Anupadaka. Then, even more complex molecules appear, creating all seven sub-planes of Anupadaka. (This process of combing molecules on molecules, and attachng Mulaprakriti shells is then repeated on the Atmic level, etc.)
Monads first appear. Monads are the first individualized "spiritual-centers" of the divine, the "one becoming the many." They are "fragments of the Logos' life", separated off as an individual entity. The Logos' "Flame" causes "sparks" to appear in Anupadaka. These sparks, called Monads, contain the "will to exist," motivating them to move onto further levels of manifestation.
The Monad manifests an aspect of itself on the Atmic plane.
The Monad manifests an aspect of itself on the Buddhic plane.
The Monad manifests an aspect of itself on the Mental plane.
The Attaching of a Mental Atom to the Monad. The Monad anchors itself to a mental atom on the fourth mental sub-plane. This anchoring is done by Devas.
The first Elemental is created. (Elementals are objects that go on to become group-souls. Groups-souls are objects that ensoul minerals, plants, and animals.) The mental atom is separated from other groups, by a delicate film of monadic esence, which is the beginning of the group-soul. The resulting object is an elemental. The entire unit is gradually awakened by mental-level vibrations, produced by the vaguest of internal movement, leading to consciousness. Over time, these attached units acquire the power to vibrate in certain ways, vibrations which are the precursor to thinking, and will later make thought possible.
The Attaching of an Astral Atom to the Monad.
The elemental unit acquires a second layer of monadic essence, formed from monadic essence of the desire (astral) plane. The elemental now has two sheaths, the beginning of the walls of the group-soul.
The Attaching of an Physical Atom to the Monad.
The elemental unit acquires a Third layer of monadic essence, formed from monadic essence of the physical plane. The elemental now has three sheaths, the walls of the group-soul are now complete.
Complete Group-souls now exist (having three separate layers which form an envelope, which contains innumerable triads). Group-souls float on the great sea of matter (especially before immineralization), as baloons might float in the sea.
~~~
The bottom of the cycle has been reached. Consciousness nows reverses direction, and begins to move upwards, back towards the Absolute.
~~~
The first attaching of a group-soul to a “chunk” of mineral (The first ensouling of a physical object by a “soul”.)
Physical awareness now begins to awaken. For the first time, the life-form turns outward, recognizing contact with other entities in an external world.
This is the first realization of “I” and “Not I”, although this consciousness is described as "sleeping" in the mineral world.
The mineral experiences of freezing, melting, being crushed, turning to molten metal, all impact upon the mineral consciousness. As a result, vague answers of sympathetic vibrations arise, within the deep-slumbering consciousness.
Chemical valency and the bonding of chemnical compunds are seen as strong desire on the mineral level. There is a response within the astral part of the group-soul, although it is quite unorganized.
There is no mental activity within mineral group-souls.
When the group-soul is ready, it is guided by Devas to the plant kingdom for plant manifestation.
At the end of the mineral kingdom phase, the activity of the mineral group-soul is transferred to the mental plane. Then it nourishes the already-present mental bodies, and makes them gradually less vague.
There is a great deal more astral activity for plants than minerals. A tree that lives a long life, for example, becomes able to experience pleasure and discomfort.
We see, for the first time, a small accumulation of mental matter around long-living trees, which manifests as faint memory, followed by faint anticipation.
When ready, a vegetable goup-soul is guided by Devas to life in the lowest of animal, for example, bacteria, amoebae, etc.
It is important to note that bacteria do not suffer from the removal of its group-soul. The bacteria are a host, not bodies formed specifically for the use of a permanent atom.
Each triad eventually becomes possessd of its own individual group-soul envelope, ready for Individualization. It is now ready for a casual body, and its first human incarnation. As time goes on, a group-soul gradually contains fewer and fewer triads. When a single group-soul contains only one triad, and is ready, it becomes a part of a causal body. The upward-drawn group-soul meets triand meets the downpouring from above (from a causal body). This, then, is the beginning of a reincarnating human, born into its first independent human incarnation.
The new human “soul” (causal body), freshly individualized from its animal group-soul, now begins its first human incarnation.
The human eventually achieves Nirvana and moves on to levels of existence beyond human.
~~~
You asked,
"What is Theosophy's definition or explanation of thought(s)?"
--> Thoughts are seen as objects — objects that exist on the Mental Plane of Existence. When we are finally able to be conscious on the Mental Plane of Existence, I believe we will be able to "see" what other people are thinking.