The following essays get to the very heart of some of the most profound existential questions. It behooves us then, to enter into this dialogue, a dialogue with the Self, with our language “tools” keenly sharpened. So let’s learn something about the key words and relevant meanings of those words in order that we avoid getting lost in the confusing jungle of semantics. In bold face type are dictionary definitions of our key words. Following those dictionary definitions we have fleshed out those words with additional metaphysical meaning.
CONSCIOUS
(From the Latin, conscious: com, together + scire, to know) Having an awareness of one’s own existence, sensations, and thoughts and of one’s environment. Subjectively known or felt. Aware.
The entire thrust of Self-realization comes from a seeking of “awareness.” All of the energy of humanity individually and collectively, consciously or unconsciously drives us to wake up. It is the “purpose” of life—it is the answer to the Great Question—why am I here? We are here to become CONSCIOUS. Obviously as contemplatives or mystics, we mean something much more than the pedestrian or psychological meaning of being “conscious.” The awareness that we are seeking is transcendent and takes us into a realm of consciousness beyond suffering, a wondrous realm indeed.
CONSCIOUSNESS
A critical awareness of one’s own identity. The essence or totality of attitudes, opinions, and sensitivities held or thought to be held by an individual or group, e.g. national consciousness.
Notice first, that part of the above definition begins to sound like a description of worldview. A more complete definition would define worldview as a person’s beliefs, attitudes and values. This same definition also applies to the worldview of groups of any size whether it is a neighborhood club or an entire nation. The worldview of a group we could call a collective worldview. This word CONSCIOUSNESS as you can see in the first sentence of the definition addresses the second Great Question—who am I? Our challenge in seeking Self-realization is to assume a more profound identity.
INSIGHT
The capacity to discern the true nature of a situation, penetration.
To wake up we must become observers of our own personal experience. Through that process of observation we will gain profound “insights” into the nature of reality. These “breakthroughs” are at the heart of shifting from the relative to the Absolute, from P-B to Simple Reality and the attainment of what Buddha called “right view.” Through right view we arrive into the present moment, the Now. We arrive at the place that we never left and experience it for the first time.
REALITY
The sum of all that is real, Absolute and unchangeable.
Until we see Absolute reality and learn to distinguish it from the relative or illusory world, we know that we are not seeing the true Reality. That which is real does not change. The word REALITY addresses the last of the three Great Questions—where am I?
REALIZE
To comprehend completely or correctly.
When we are able to have a profound “realization” we will be able to answer all three of the Great Questions profoundly. We will know where we are or what the nature of reality is. We will know who we are. We will have an identity beyond any illusions. And finally, we will know why we are here. We will hear Creation, the one Mind calling us to follow our bliss.
PROFOUND
Coming as if from the depths of one’s being. Penetrating beyond what is superficial or obvious.
Whether we call the source of profound wisdom “the still small voice” or “communing with the divine’, or “connecting with the implicate order”, we must learn to listen to that inner guidance as it leads us beyond the old worldview. We will leave the ordinary world of illusion and enter into a new world of profound awareness.
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Find a much more in-depth discussion in books by Roy Charles Henry:
Who Am I? The Second Great Question Concerning the Nature of Reality
Where Am I? The First Great Question Concerning the Nature of Reality
