The Inner Consciousness

THE INNER CONSCIOUSNESS

How to Awaken and Direct It


In theoretical as well as applied psychology no term is more misleading,
or confusing than the term consciousness. We use the term often in our
conversation; we come across it in our study; but when we are asked to
define it properly, to explain its significance, its meaning, or the
idea for which that word stands, we are unable to do so. And that is
because there are so many varied ideas concerning consciousness. There
are so many aspects of consciousness, there are so many states of
consciousness that we get mixed up--that is, we confuse one with the
other. So we must know thoroughly the true significance of the term.
Then we can make such distinctions as inner consciousness and outer
consciousness.

What is truly meant by consciousness, or what is the principle back of
that term? There are many ideas which cannot be expressed properly for
lack of words, or lack of terms. The word consciousness is really
derived from the Latin root =scio=, to know, and =con=, together; so the
word consciousness from the derivative meaning would signify: to know
together. We use the term generally in the sense of being conscious of
a fact. That is, consciousness means knowing an object, as it were;
knowing something. But the word consciousness really indicates two
things--subject and object. It implies the duality of existence. There
is one who is the knower, the subject, the ego, the perceiver. I know
it; I am conscious of it; I perceive it; I think about it. Therefore
there is always the subject, the ego--I--as the background of any form
of consciousness.