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5 - The History of Consciousness

 

The evolution of human consciousness is a nuanced and intricate process that encompasses a delicate interplay between truth and deception. At its essence, heightened consciousness acts as a guiding force, offering individuals a sense of direction, belonging, and moral grounding. It facilitates profound reflections on life's existential inquiries and encourages spiritual development.

However, intertwined with these genuine insights are elements of deceit, evident through the imposition of dogma, manipulation, and exploitation for ulterior motives. Throughout history, religion has been utilized as a means of exerting control, perpetuating societal hierarchies, and enforcing cultural norms. It has been employed to manipulate emotions, instill fear, and justify oppressive actions or violence.

Recognizing this dual nature inherent within religious practices is imperative for navigating their intricacies and embracing their positive attributes while remaining vigilant against potential abuse. Over the course of human history, the exploration of consciousness has been an ongoing quest to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and attain greater clarity of understanding. This journey has involved the adoption of various practices such as relaxation techniques, meditation, chanting, and mindfulness. However, amid these genuine pursuits lie instances of trickery and the exploitation of occult beliefs promising supernatural powers.

Adherence to prevailing religious doctrines often promised heavenly rewards or elevated status within communities, while deviation could lead to ostracization and feelings of guilt. Although many religious rituals stemmed from simple mechanisms like contemplation and meditation, they were often perceived as miraculous due to their profound effects. However, some rituals veered into extremes, involving lengthy discomfort or even human sacrifice.

The origins of meditation and mindfulness can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient traditions of India and China. In India, the practice of meditation is deeply intertwined with the teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism. The earliest written records of meditation can be found in the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, which date back over 3,000 years. These texts describe various techniques of meditation aimed at achieving states of deep concentration and spiritual insight.

Similarly, in China, the practice of meditation has its roots in Taoism and Confucianism. The Tao Te Ching, attributed to the legendary sage Laozi, speaks of the importance of stillness and inner peace in attaining harmony with the natural world. Confucianism, with its emphasis on self-cultivation and moral integrity, also advocates for practices that cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness.

As these ancient traditions spread and evolved over time, so too did the practice of meditation. In the 5th century BCE, Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, revolutionized the spiritual landscape of India with his teachings on enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths. Central to the Buddha's teachings was the practice of mindfulness, or sati, which he described as the key to overcoming suffering and attaining liberation.

The spread of Buddhism across Asia brought meditation and mindfulness practices to a wider audience, influencing not only religious traditions but also philosophical and cultural movements. In Japan, Zen Buddhism emerged as a distinct school of thought emphasizing direct experience and intuitive insight. Zen meditation, or zazen, became synonymous with the practice of mindfulness, as practitioners sought to cultivate a state of awareness free from conceptual thinking.

In the West, the exploration of consciousness took on new dimensions with the rise of philosophical inquiry and scientific exploration. From the ancient Greeks to the Enlightenment thinkers, philosophers grappled with questions of mind and matter, consciousness and perception. Figures like Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes laid the groundwork for modern theories of consciousness, while scientists like William James and Sigmund Freud delved into the workings of the human mind.

The 20th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in meditation and mindfulness in the West, spurred in part by the influx of Eastern spiritual teachings and practices. Figures like Alan Watts, Ram Dass, and Thich Nhat Hanh played key roles in popularizing Eastern philosophy and meditation techniques, introducing millions of people to the transformative power of mindfulness.

Today, the practice of meditation and mindfulness continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of modern society. From corporate boardrooms to classrooms, hospitals to prisons, people from all walks of life are turning to meditation as a tool for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and personal growth. Scientific research has also shed light on the physical and psychological benefits of meditation, confirming what ancient sages have long known—that the cultivation of mindfulness can lead to greater well-being and a deeper understanding of the self.

In a world increasingly characterized by distraction and disconnection, the ancient wisdom of meditation and mindfulness offers a path to inner peace and self-discovery. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the practice of turning inward and cultivating awareness becomes not only a means of personal transformation but also a source of hope and healing for the collective consciousness of humanity.

Some of the people who helped foster these practices and techniques are explored below.

P. D. Ouspensky

P.D. Ouspensky, whose full name was Pyotr Demianovich Ouspenskii, was a Russian philosopher, mystic, and esotericist. He was born in 1878 and lived until 1947. Ouspensky gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly during the first half of the 20th century.

Ouspensky is best known for his association with the teachings of the mystic George Gurdjieff. In 1915, Ouspensky encountered Gurdjieff's ideas and became his pupil. Together, they developed a system of spiritual and psychological teachings known as the Fourth Way, which synthesized elements of Eastern spirituality, Western esotericism, and psychology.

Ouspensky's beliefs, influenced by Gurdjieff, centered around the idea of human beings living in a state of "waking sleep," unaware of their true nature and potential. He taught that most people operate on automatic pilot, driven by habitual behaviors and unconscious impulses. Ouspensky and Gurdjieff proposed methods for awakening individuals from this state of unconsciousness and helping them attain higher levels of consciousness and self-awareness.

Central to Ouspensky's teachings was the concept of self-observation, or the practice of becoming aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in real-time. Through self-observation and self-study, individuals could begin to understand the workings of their own psyche and break free from automatic patterns of thought and behavior.

Ouspensky's writings, including "In Search of the Miraculous" (1949) and "The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution" (1950), introduced Gurdjieff's teachings to a wider audience and influenced many individuals interested in esoteric spirituality and personal development during the early to mid-20th century. While Ouspensky's popularity waned after his death in 1947, his ideas continue to be studied and explored by those interested in the intersection of mysticism, psychology, and spiritual transformation.

 

Swami Satchidananda

Swami Satchidananda's teachings through the 1960s and 1970s were rooted in the philosophy of Integral Yoga, which emphasizes the integration of all aspects of the individual—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—toward achieving harmony and wholeness. Here are some key teachings of Swami Satchidananda:

Oneness and Unity: Swami Satchidananda taught that the essence of all beings is divine and interconnected. He emphasized the importance of recognizing this underlying unity and cultivating a sense of oneness with all of creation.

Yoga as a Way of Life: Integral Yoga, as taught by Swami Satchidananda, extends beyond the physical practice of yoga postures (asanas) to encompass a holistic approach to life. He emphasized the integration of yoga practices such as meditation, breathwork (pranayama), ethical principles (yamas and niyamas), and selfless service (karma yoga) into daily life.

Mindfulness and Awareness: Swami Satchidananda stressed the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness as key components of spiritual growth. By cultivating present-moment awareness and observing the fluctuations of the mind, individuals can attain greater clarity, peace, and inner transformation.

Ahimsa (Non-Violence) and Compassion: Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a central tenet of Integral Yoga. Swami Satchidananda taught that practicing compassion and non-harming toward oneself and others is essential for spiritual evolution and fostering harmony in the world.

Peace and Harmony: Swami Satchidananda was a dedicated advocate for world peace and believed that inner peace is the foundation for creating a peaceful world. He encouraged individuals to cultivate inner peace through spiritual practice and to extend that peace outward through acts of kindness, understanding, and cooperation.

Integration of East and West: Swami Satchidananda had a unique ability to bridge Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, making ancient wisdom accessible to people from diverse cultural backgrounds. He emphasized the universality of spiritual truths and encouraged individuals to integrate teachings from various traditions into their own spiritual paths.

Service to Others: Integral Yoga emphasizes the importance of selfless service (karma yoga) as a means of expressing love and compassion toward others. Swami Satchidananda encouraged individuals to use their talents and resources for the betterment of humanity, fostering a spirit of service and community.

These teachings of Swami Satchidananda continue to inspire individuals around the world to lead lives of greater awareness, compassion, and spiritual fulfillment.

Ken Keys

Ken Keyes Jr. was an American author and personal growth advocate who became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. He is best known for his book "Handbook to Higher Consciousness," first published in 1972, which became a bestseller and influenced many individuals seeking personal transformation and spiritual awakening during that time period.

Keyes believed in the power of human consciousness to transform personal lives and contribute to global peace and harmony. His central teachings revolved around the idea that individuals could achieve higher levels of consciousness by practicing mindfulness, self-awareness, and unconditional love. He proposed practical techniques and exercises for overcoming negative thought patterns, releasing emotional baggage, and cultivating inner peace.

"Handbook to Higher Consciousness" outlined Keyes' 12 Pathways to Higher Consciousness, which served as a roadmap for individuals seeking to elevate their awareness and lead more fulfilling lives. These pathways included principles such as taking responsibility for one's own happiness, practicing forgiveness, embracing uncertainty, and focusing on the present moment.

He taught that one could change their demanding addictions into preferences and that people create so much of their own misery.  Also that we harm our body, produce walls of separateness, less love, become judgmental, distort our perceptions and muffle our creativity when we suffer from our power addictions.  We suffer due to bad programming.  We need to really love our self.  If we always do our best, we can blame our self.  We learn from our mistakes.


Ken Keyes Jr.'s teachings resonated with many people during the 1970s and 1980s, a period characterized by a growing interest in Eastern spirituality, self-help literature, and personal growth movements. His emphasis on practical techniques for personal transformation and his optimistic vision of a more conscious and compassionate world inspired countless individuals to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and inner healing. While his popularity may have peaked during this time period, his teachings continue to influence individuals interested in personal development and spiritual growth.  At the age of 25 he contracted polio and became paralyzed in legs and hands.  He died in December of 1995.

Don Miguel Ruiz

Don Miguel Ruiz is a Mexican author and spiritual teacher known for his bestselling book "The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom," published in 1997. Born in 1952 in rural Mexico into a family of healers and spiritual teachers, Ruiz initially trained as a surgeon before a near-fatal car accident led him to reevaluate his life's path and pursue spiritual teachings and shamanic wisdom.

Ruiz's teachings are heavily influenced by the ancient Toltec wisdom tradition, which emphasizes personal transformation, awareness, and living in alignment with truth. Later another agreement was added. "The Five Agreements" distills these teachings into five simple principles or agreements that, when practiced, can lead to personal freedom and happiness:

1.  Be Impeccable with Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2.  Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3.  Don't Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4.  Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

5.  Be Skeptical, but Learn to Listen: Don't believe yourself or anybody else unconditionally. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind the words, and you will understand the real message.

The 5th agreement was introduced in "The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery," written by Don Miguel Ruiz and his son, Don Jose Ruiz. It was published in 2010, as a follow-up to their previous collaborative work, "The Four Agreements."


The Four Agreements became a widespread success and gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, resonating with readers seeking practical guidance for personal growth and spiritual development. Since its publication, Ruiz has continued to write and teach, expanding on the principles outlined in his book and sharing Toltec wisdom through workshops, lectures, and other writings. His work has had a significant impact on the self-help and spiritual communities, inspiring millions of individuals around the world to live more authentic, fulfilling lives.


The Fifth Agreement delves deeper into the concept of personal freedom and mastery, offering additional insights and practices for navigating the complexities of life with awareness and authenticity. The book builds upon the foundational teachings of the original "Four Agreements" while introducing new perspectives on how to apply these principles in various aspects of life.

1. New Truth, New God (new)

2. Tacking Complex Subjects

3. The Problems with Religion

4. Meditation and the Proof of the Core Self

5. The History of Consciousness (new)

6.  Deepermind and the Catholic Church (new)

7.  Mary and the Time Machine (new)

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