What a wonderful synopsis of consciousness! It is one of the most debated topics globally. Philosophers and scientists for long looking to reveal the truth about it. You have presented the views on the topic in a very holistic way. As a Biologist, I feel that we should also look into our own brain to reveal the causes and consequences of consciousness. I believe that consciousness lies in our own neocortex and for that whole of our brain should work in unison. Neuroscientists are now studying the role of claustrum which is located in the forebrain.
Thank you so much for your helpful comment, Tatwa! I will look into the role of the claustrum. As we know, there are many types of consciousness, the human mode of self-consciousness being only one of them. Is there a way to get your latest book in English? Best wishes to you and the people of Nepal! Thank you again for translating my book A Compassionate Civilization into Nepali.
Hi, Rob. While writing my book (I Am Not My Thoughts) in 2016, I tapped into a phrase rarely used in the cosmic consciousness realm: Pod of Consciousness. I had asked for a phrase to identify the self or individual. The closest on google was "agent of consciousness". I concur with all the history you give. You don't seem to want to weigh in on the "self" in "self-consciousness." I give my scenario of the 'birth' of "self" at around age 2 in chapters 7 and 11. It turns out that AI research has a similar theory. Keep up the good work. Hope you and yours are returning to a healthy normal after the floods. Love, Dick
Hi, Dick, Great to hear from you. Here are some excerpts from the essay dealing with the "self":
"In humans and in some other animals, there is an additional dimension of consciousness of being aware of their awareness, or self-awareness. And with humans there seems to be a further dimension of consciousness of being aware of being conscious of their awareness – multiple, reflective consciousness.
"This begs the question of a self. Is there a self, an entity of individualized consciousness? If so, what is it is nature? If not, then how does consciousness function?
"The most confused and dangerous illusions affecting consciousness are human beliefs in the separateness, autonomy, and permanence of phenomena, and in the existence of a separate, independent, permanent self as the locus of consciousness. This delusion denies the essence of consciousness found in relatedness, interdependence, mutual causality, and impermanence, and sets the egoic self in a dangerous battle of self-protection and self-exaltation driven by fear, anger, hatred, pride, and greed causing great harm to other beings.
"If we become trapped in confused consciousness of separation and permanence and of being a separate, permanent self, negative emotions of greed, pride, fear, anger, and hatred will result in actions that harm other humans, other species, and the ecosystems of the living Earth."
Compassive consciousness leads to compassionate actions for a better and humane world - This is my take-away for this original piece. As you rightly argue that there is so much complecxity in understading the phenomena, Yet human beings have made significant progress - A LOY MORE NEEDS TO BE KNOWN
What a wonderful synopsis of consciousness! It is one of the most debated topics globally. Philosophers and scientists for long looking to reveal the truth about it. You have presented the views on the topic in a very holistic way. As a Biologist, I feel that we should also look into our own brain to reveal the causes and consequences of consciousness. I believe that consciousness lies in our own neocortex and for that whole of our brain should work in unison. Neuroscientists are now studying the role of claustrum which is located in the forebrain.
Thank you so much for your helpful comment, Tatwa! I will look into the role of the claustrum. As we know, there are many types of consciousness, the human mode of self-consciousness being only one of them. Is there a way to get your latest book in English? Best wishes to you and the people of Nepal! Thank you again for translating my book A Compassionate Civilization into Nepali.
Hi, Rob. While writing my book (I Am Not My Thoughts) in 2016, I tapped into a phrase rarely used in the cosmic consciousness realm: Pod of Consciousness. I had asked for a phrase to identify the self or individual. The closest on google was "agent of consciousness". I concur with all the history you give. You don't seem to want to weigh in on the "self" in "self-consciousness." I give my scenario of the 'birth' of "self" at around age 2 in chapters 7 and 11. It turns out that AI research has a similar theory. Keep up the good work. Hope you and yours are returning to a healthy normal after the floods. Love, Dick
Hi, Dick, Great to hear from you. Here are some excerpts from the essay dealing with the "self":
"In humans and in some other animals, there is an additional dimension of consciousness of being aware of their awareness, or self-awareness. And with humans there seems to be a further dimension of consciousness of being aware of being conscious of their awareness – multiple, reflective consciousness.
"This begs the question of a self. Is there a self, an entity of individualized consciousness? If so, what is it is nature? If not, then how does consciousness function?
"The most confused and dangerous illusions affecting consciousness are human beliefs in the separateness, autonomy, and permanence of phenomena, and in the existence of a separate, independent, permanent self as the locus of consciousness. This delusion denies the essence of consciousness found in relatedness, interdependence, mutual causality, and impermanence, and sets the egoic self in a dangerous battle of self-protection and self-exaltation driven by fear, anger, hatred, pride, and greed causing great harm to other beings.
"If we become trapped in confused consciousness of separation and permanence and of being a separate, permanent self, negative emotions of greed, pride, fear, anger, and hatred will result in actions that harm other humans, other species, and the ecosystems of the living Earth."
What are your thoughts on the above?
Best wishes,
Rob
Compassive consciousness leads to compassionate actions for a better and humane world - This is my take-away for this original piece. As you rightly argue that there is so much complecxity in understading the phenomena, Yet human beings have made significant progress - A LOY MORE NEEDS TO BE KNOWN
I love your reflections here. Thank you. Yes, let's continue our journey of consciousness of consciousness.