BEing, Consciousness and Self-Awareness
© 2002
>> What is the difference between 'consciousness' and 'awareness'? <<
At first, we are barely aware of Self. It doesn't even enter into our daily lives as something of practical importance. But eventually we do become aware that there is this whole other layer of existence, both inner and outer, that we call Self. This is the first stage of Self-awareness. It is mostly investigative and Self is still a separate entity. Eventually we
become conscious of Self. By 'conscious' (as opposed to 'aware') I mean that we come to a point where we know Self well enough that we begin to *participate* in Selfhood. We BE Self, if you'll excuse my poor use of Ebonics.
This, at least in my book, is the essential distinction between consciousness and awareness. Consciousness is participatory and immanent; whereas, awareness is a self-other dynamic. Awareness is 'self' referenced but it is a small 'self' that exists in relation to 'other' -- consciousness is Self referenced, period.
BEing is consciousness of Infinite Self.
Awareness shares the same essential *quality* of Selfness that we find in consciousness, but each expresses a different *quantity*.
>> If I climb to the top of the pyramid, and observe the divine workshop, am "I" simply pure inter-relatedness, qualitatively SELF realizing, as a velocity BEing? <<
When you reach the top of that pyramid, you don't just observe (become aware of) the Divine workshop -- you BE it (become a conscious participant). It may be for only an instant in temporal terms but when you touch eternity, it touches you eternally. But we must always climb back down that pyramid, reduce our velocity, and fit back into our finite temporal bodies. This descent reduces our 'awareness' but it does not diminish our 'consciousness' of what we have seen.
My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
18 Feb 2002