How High Can One Go? -- The Range of Human Consciousness
We now come to a very important concept, which offers great potential benefit for anyone seeking spiritual growth and transformation. If one is on a journey, it helps to know where one is in relation to one’s destination. If one seeks to go to higher levels of consciousness, what are those levels? How will one know when a new higher level is attained? What is one’s current level of consciousness? What is the level that is just one step higher than the level that one is currently experiencing?
By level of consciousness, we refer to three closely related things. One is the degree of LOVE or LOVINGNESS that pervades your consciousness, shining upon and extending to all of which you are aware. The second is the depth and breadth of UNDERSTANDING and/or KNOWINGNESS that one has regarding something, with all of the multidimensional aspects, and interrelationships pertaining to it, including that which arises from beyond individual knowledge and logical/linear thought processes. The third is the degree of POWER that emanates from a corresponding energy field. A powerful energy field has a capacity to influence or entrain that which is within it. The degree of LOVE, understanding and power is so different at different levels, that one sees differently, acts differently and things tend to play out differently depending on one’s predominate level of consciousness.
Very high levels of consciousness enjoin both great LOVE and great depth and breadth of UNDERSTANDING/KNOWINGNESS. In certain states of greatly expanded consciousness one experiences much greater LOVE, depth and breadth of UNDERSTANDING and transforming and transcending POWER than is typical of the everyday ordinary level of consciousness experienced by most people. People and societies take on very different characteristics at each different level.
To help humanity to better understand the range of states of consciousness to which we may aspire and which are an aspect of our DIVINE DESTINY, a medical doctor and psychiatrist, Dr. David Hawkins (who is a spiritual teacher and has reported experiencing higher levels of consciousness), put together a Map of Consciousness so that people could more easily understand the different levels of consciousness, from the lowest to the highest. (See chart and information contained in Dr Hawkins’ books, Power vs. Force, I, The Eye of the I, and Transcending the Levels of Consciousness.)
This map is a simple one dimensional scale. You can think of it as a ladder. Everyone has their foot on a rung of the ladder. The scale helps you understand the rung of consciousness that you are currently on, the rungs just beneath it, and the rungs just above it. It helps you understand where you are, where you have been, and where you might potentially go next. In addition, it helps you to understand which rungs those around you are on. This is valuable, because each of us will see the world very differently, act very differently, and come to very different conclusions, depending on where we are on the ladder. When we understand the level that other people are on, we can better understand where they are coming from, what motivates them and how they perceive life, and we can communicate with them and relate to them more effectively.
Those at the bottom of the ladder tend to exhibit less LOVE, fullness of UNDERSTANDING and transforming positive POWER than those higher on the ladder. They tend to be more narrow and rigid in their views and closed to exploring that which is beyond their current mindsets. Consequently, they lack a wide range of information that could inform them and give them a much broader context and range of perspectives for understanding and making decisions As you go higher on the ladder you are more open to receiving new information, which helps you develop greater insight, leading to greater awareness of DIVINE LIGHT and LOVE and greater depth and breadth of SPIRITUAL VISION. You can see much further that at the lower levels, with much greater context (you can see the big picture, the major influences, and the relationships between the parts), and you can see it with much greater clarity.
Meaning exists within context. Without context a fact means nothing. As the context changes or enlarges, meaning also changes. As one climbs the ladder, one may come to view the same fact or situation very differently than one did several rungs lower down, because one now perceives a vastly greater context regarding how it fits together and interacts with other things, which could not be seen from the lower level, but which at the higher levels have started to come into view.
A simple example of context is if you were to walk past a yard that has a high fence. You hear a gunshot and a scream and someone on the other side says “Don’t move or I will shoot him again.” You brace yourself and find a foothold and lift yourself to look over the fence, dreading what you will see. On the other side of the fence, you see a group of people making a movie. The view of things when you looked over the fence provided a new context and completely shifted your understanding. Before you climbed up and looked over the fence you had limited facts and made erroneous assumptions about them, which you took to be true. When you climbed higher and could see much more. Your understanding changed.
The higher you go up the ladder of consciousness, the greater the LOVE that you experience. The more you open to LOVE the higher your consciousness goes, and the higher it goes, the more your context changes, so that you see things differently, with far greater clarity than you did at the lower levels. Opening to LOVE results in one’s consciousness being lifted to the higher rungs on the ladder. At the higher levels, there is greater transforming power and one can experience being transformed, filled, and motivated by LOVE, in ways that were not possible when one was at the lower levels.
There is a degree of DIVINE LOVE and LIGHT at the lower levels of human consciousness, but attachment to lower things, ego-based misperceptions, and negative emotions tend to greatly cloud awareness of the DIVINE PRESENCE. On one hand, the scale shows the degree of LOVE, the openness to LOVE, DIVINE POWER, CLARITY, LIGHT, FREEDOM, and the GREATER UNDERSTANDING derived from having a much broader context. On the other hand, it indicates the degree of being closed to the DIVINE, the existence of rigid ego structures, obscured perception, selfishness, narrow context, and reliance on force instead of DIVINE POWER.
To assist human understanding of the various levels of the ego consciousness and of the states of consciousness that are higher than the ego states, David Hawkins came up with a numeric scale. The numbers are not intended for numeric analysis, just to provide a sense of proportion. For instance, mountains are much taller than molehills and a Size 2 shoe will feel quite different, depending on the size of your foot. than a size 12 shoe. The number 1000 represents a much higher level of consciousness than is represented by the number 1.
By using a number scale Hawkins provides a useful means for helping us comprehend the relative difference/distance between various levels of consciousness. Many people will find this approach useful, but not everyone. Fortunately, the numbers may easily be disregarded by anyone who is not interested in them and one may simply focus on understanding the characteristics of the different levels.
Hawkins denotes 1 - 199 on the scale as negativity. In this range, one finds people who whose consciousness is filled with despair, guilt, shame, hopelessness, alienation, loss, hatred, revenge, sadness, grief and sorrow, terror, fear and anxiety, want, greed, lust, anger, selfishness and pride. It is difficult to make a positive contribution in the world when immersed in theses negative mindsets.
At 200 one moves into more positive levels of consciousness, such as courage, integrity, honesty, humility, neutrality, willingness, acceptance and reason. People, at levels 200 - 499, are basically positive. People at these levels make a positive contribution to society. They are what one would call good and decent citizens. Being good does not mean they will never have problems, make mistakes, be tempted or have occasional failings or shortcomings. In difficult situations, they may sometimes make some selfish decisions, instead of all LOVING decisions. Most of them still have rough edges and negativity in specific areas of their lives. But they are generally positive, peaceful, and of good intention. They are much more open to LOVE and radiate much more LOVE than people under Level 200.
Until one reaches Level 500, human consciousness is strongly influenced by linear, ego-based thoughts and the basic animal-level instincts, socio-psychological needs and emotions. These tend to play out in extremely negative and destructive ways below Level 200.
Hawkins denotes Level 500 as being the point where LOVE becomes a very powerful influence in one’s life and consciousness, so that the majority of one’s decisions and actions are prompted by LOVE, even if the ego still provides some resistance. To say that LOVE predominates in the 500s does not mean that LOVE is not present at the lower levels, but that one’s awareness of it is greatly obscured, especially at levels below 200, where one’s perceptions are greatly clouded and distorted and there is much negativity.
At 500 and above one becomes increasingly aware of powerful non-linear spiritual influences beyond the ordinary world of form and human intellect, especially LOVE, and these begin to strongly prevail in decision-making and actions. Anything that is not of LOVE is illuminated and revealed and one is given opportunities to release and turn away from whatever remains that is not LOVE. In the high 500s the ego-function and old mindsets and ways of perceiving start to disintegrate, and are replaced by higher spiritual qualities and capacities.
At 600 one encounters the initial level of enlightenment consciousness where the ego identity collapses. From there, consciousness can continue to expand and go ever higher. Some of the qualities above 600 are difficult to explain and may seem highly abstract to anyone whose consciousness has not been lifted, or fluctuated (at least momentarily), to one or more of those levels. These are actually aspects of DIVINITY: SPACIOUSNESS, BRILLIANCE, SILENCE, LIGHT, LOVE, PEACE, ESSENCE, AWARENESS, POTENTIAL, MANIFESTATION, TRUTH, ALLNESS, ONENESS,
Hawkins chose Level 1000 to represent the HIGHEST CONSCIOUSNESS (LOVE, UNDERSTANDING, and POWER ) to have lived life in a human body on this planet. Hawkins assumes that JESUS was at Level 1000. (Putting CHRIST at Level 1000 does not mean that CHRIST is not infinite in nature or higher than 1000. It simply denotes the highest level consciousness to be present in a human body.)
The map of consciousness is like a ladder with rungs, but one does not have to move sequentially from one rung to the other to transcend to the higher levels or to descend to the lower levels. The purpose in describing the levels of consciousness as if they were rungs on a ladder is just to show where each level stands in relation to the others with regard to degree of LOVE, understanding, and power for transformation.
Although many people experience fluctuations of consciousness across a range of levels, a single major level of consciousness will generally tend to predominate in most people, most of the time. For instance, some people tend to live their lives in a state of fear, as if seeing the world through fear-colored glasses, and therefore acting and reacting to everything out of fear and even imagining and fearing things that do not even exist or have little or no probability of occurring. Others tend to live lives driven by addiction, lust, or desire or from of a sense of pride or anger. To someone who lives at the level of anger, every little thing is a reason to express irritation or to strike out verbally or physically. Although anger is a low level emotion, to experience anger as the impetus to take action to try to achieve some desired change is a higher level of consciousness than being in a state of fear, hopelessness, apathy, or of despair. However, anger is still a negative and destructive emotion and one would do much better to operate from a level of Intellectual Understanding, in the 400s, or LOVE, in the 500s.
The level of consciousness at which one typically calibrates can be viewed as where one’s consciousness is most of the time. If one fluctuates a lot or is in as state of transitioning from one major level to another, one’s level of consciousness can be viewed as the overall average of the fluctuations of consciousness. People can rise above whatever level of consciousness they are at. 200 is the point where people rise above negativity. Crossing over to this threshold is where many people have conversion or born-again experiences and turn their lives toward what they perceive as God, Spirit, or Unifying Intelligence or ONENESS. For them, reaching a 200 Level of Consciousness is a major epiphany.
To be at the Level of Fear, Courage, LOVE or Initial Enlightenment does not mean that one will never again experience lower levels of consciousness or that one will not sometimes experience higher levels. It merely means this is the rung of the ladder on which you currently stand. There can be periodic fluctuations up or down. Even a person who is in despair most of the time will have an occasional upswing and experience a moment of happiness. Even after making a decision to move out of Negativity up to the positive Level of Courage and toward God, many people tend to live lower than their decision, for long periods. Their consciousness was uplifted sufficiently at one point in time to make a decision for God, but it is as if it were a promise that will eventually reach fruition, to be held on to by faith, and moved toward, and not yet fully realized and manifested in daily life. Others may move up in consciousness and quickly stabilize at a level far above 200. Some open to LOVE and move all the way into the 500s, becoming a great blessing to others. A few move to even higher levels.
On Hawkins’ scale, the difference in level of consciousness between Level 500, where LOVE begins to predominate and Level 1000 at the top of the scale, is not 500 (half of a 1000), but much greater. The 1000 point scale is a logarithmic scale, where 1 is multiplied by 10 for 1000 times, so that the value of each number on the scale is 10X higher than the previous number. 1000 is 10X higher than 999 and 999 is 10X higher then 998. Therefore, the numbers at the top end of the scale are tremendously higher than numbers at the lower end. The higher one’s consciousness is on the scale, the greater is the LOVE, depth and breadth of UNDERSTANDING, and DIVINE POWER available for transformation and transcendence.
You can generally see much further from the top of a mountain than you can from the bottom of a deep crevasse. It is the same with a high level of consciousness, versus a low level of consciousness. As you read the descriptions of the lower levels of consciousness and then glance at a description of the higher levels, you will begin to understand the magnitude of the scale. So now, let’s examine how consciousness is different at the different levels and see how an awareness of those differences can increase our spiritual growth and understanding.
One way to understand the Scale of Consciousness is based on the degree of LOVE for others. The scale can be seen as a continuum of degrees of consciousness of LOVE, from an awareness of LOVE that is almost imperceptible at Level 1 to DIVINITY (PURE, FULL, OVERFLOWING, FREE AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE) at LEVEL 1000. The important concept to understand about this scale is that major qualitative shifts take place at certain levels. In other words, the varying degrees of openness and awareness of LOVE at different levels have a very different appearance. This can be illustrated in the following manner.
Let’s take water, H2O, for example and let’s look at it very closely. The only thing we will change is the temperature. It remains the same substance, but it appears different and impacts us in radically different ways at different temperatures. Water, at 32°F, turns to ice. It is cold and hard and brittle. Above 32°F ice becomes a liquid. At the 212°F boiling point, water starts turning from a liquid into a gas. Water flows to the lowest level, while steam rises and expands. Superheated, steam can be used to power steam engines and if brought to very high temperature it may explode. It is all H20, but the difference in temperature, greatly changes how H2O is used, how it looks and feels, and how it is valued and utilized in different situations. Depending on its temperature, H2O may be positive and beneficial for one purpose, while being destructive or useless for some other purpose.
The degree of awareness of LOVE and openness to LOVE (Level of Consciousness) in human beings is similar to water at different temperatures. People, groups, societies and situations that are below Level 200 are as different from those above Level 200 as ice is from liquid water, or as liquid water is from steam. The same is true for Levels above 500, above 600, and so forth. As the degree of awareness of LOVE and openness to LOVE increases or decreases, there are great qualitative differences in how people perceive, feel, think and behave at the various levels, such as despair, fear, desire, anger, pride, courage, neutrality/flexibility, willingness, intellect, LOVE, and the various levels of higher consciousness. People will see and expect entirely different options and opportunities and make different choices, depending on their level of consciousness, and life will unfold very differently for each.
Someone who sees and responds to all around them at the Level of Fear tends to be entrenched, cringing, defensive, evasive, tentative, reactive, preventive and protective. They perceive the potential for loss, harm, and suffering in each new situation. They are very different from the person who lives at the Level of Desire, who is forward moving, seeking, stretching, and reaching out to acquire what is desired. Those at the Level of Desire perceive the potential for gaining what they desire and will work hard to achieve it. A person, whose desires have been thwarted or who perceives a slight or an injustice, will frequently move to the Level of Anger. At the Level of Anger one is able to exert explosive energy to take very forceful action to push aside perceived barriers or correct a perceived wrong or injustice. In the right set of circumstances and if properly controlled, anger can be freeing, uplifting, and empowering. If uncontrolled and in the wrong circumstances, it can be very destructive. Persons, who normally live at a very low Level of Fear, may begin to stand up for themselves, by suddenly rising to the Level of Anger.
The primary indicator of one’s Level of Consciousness is the degree or extent of LOVE. As our consciousness goes higher we gradually extend our circle of LOVE from our self to our mate and children; outward to our extended family; then to our friends, tribe, clan, region, country; to one’s supposed enemies; and finally to all humanity, and eventually beyond that to GOD and ALL CREATION. The person who loves only their own friends or clan is at a much lower level of consciousness than someone who’s LOVE extends much further, such as to all of humanity or to ALL CREATION.
Much of the consciousness of humanity in the most war-torn parts of the world is quite low, often calibrating below 200, with the circle of LOVE or benevolence being tightly restricted to the family, friends, tribe, clan, or regional levels. The Japanese and the Germans during World War II had benevolence for their families and friends and their own societies, but were deficient in LOVE to those outside of that prescribed sphere. Hitler and many of his henchmen calibrated at a level of negativity, well below 200. The friendly benevolent family dog may calibrate at a much higher level of benevolence than some people. According to Hawkins, the 10 or 15 most civilized countries of the world calibrate in the low 400s, which is the level where reason and intellect predominate. This does not mean that everyone in those societies is at that level. The higher levels of consciousness are very powerful, and exert a continuous upward influence on everyone. It only takes a small percentage of people at the higher levels to pull a whole society to a higher level. CHRIST radiated and continues to radiate sufficient LOVE to counter balance and offset all of the negativity of the whole of humanity and keep humanity from completely drowning in negativity.
According to Hawkins, in Power vs Force, 12 Step Groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, tend to calibrate at the level of 540, Unconditional Love, which is supportive, encouraging, non-condemning, forgiving, transforming, uplifting and healing. This does not mean that each individual in a 12 Step Group goes through life at Level 540. It is the high intention, LOVE, forgiveness, compassion and acceptance expressing within the group, when it comes together as a whole, which results in such a High Group Level of Consciousness. The members are uplifted and their mutual LOVE, concern, and ongoing support and encouragement help to keep their resolve firm between meetings. Ideally, their individual consciousness goes up in the process. If their individual consciousness does not entrain to a higher level, they tend to relapse, upon leaving the group. Some close-knit prayer, sharing, study and support groups may resonate at a similar Level of Unconditional LOVE. Some churches attain this Level of Unconditional LOVE.
According to Hawkins, about 4% of the world population calibrates at or above 500, the level where LOVE begins to predominate in all aspects of life. About 1 person out of 200 calibrates at or above Level 540, the level of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. That which is traditionally referred to as enlightenment is actually a wide range of levels beginning at 600 and going upward past 1000. Historically, only a very small percentage of people have transcended to and continued to stay at any of these high levels. A somewhat larger percentage of people may experience occasional glimmerings of higher consciousness or may go into a higher state of consciousness for short periods, coming away with life-changing realizations of what is possible. In other words, some people have visited the territory of higher consciousness, some venture there every now and then, some go there frequently, and a few are currently living at one or another of those higher levels.
At the higher levels, great inner transformation may take place. Often, the higher inner states will also be reflected in great outward transformation. This is true at any of the levels. To move from the level of acting out of fear, up to the level of acting out of desire is a great advance. To move from the Levels of Anger or Pride up the Level of Courage and Integrity or from 499, the highest level of linear rational thought, to Level 500 where non-linear LOVE begins to predominate is a great leap upward. With regard to transformation, Hawkins notes in his book Power vs. Force that just about anything will heal at Level 600.
As one’s consciousness rises to higher levels one gains much more than a new perspective from which to look at life differently than before. Each level of consciousness has a corresponding energy field which powerfully influences that which comes into it. In choosing to go higher, one consciously or unconsciously connects and aligns one’s consciousness and one’s life with the energy field of the higher level of consciousness to which one aspires, which has great power to transform whatever connects and aligns with it.
At various points along the way, an upward advance of just one or two points will result in major qualitative shifts, equivalent to the point where ice begins to melt or water starts to turn to boil and turn to steam. Some people only advance upward in consciousness a few points in their whole life, but if it brings them across a new threshold, it can be a major transformation. Others may cross the thresholds of several levels of consciousness in the course of their life. Some may hold steady or retrogress.
David Hawkins’ descriptions of the levels of consciousness are well worth reading. His thoughts expressed in books and videos have greatly influenced my understanding and have been influential in my own experiences of transcending to higher levels of consciousness. Readers can find David R. Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness in his book Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior, as well as in Transcending the Levels of Consciousness: The Stairway to Enlightenment and in many of this other works.
The following portrayal of Levels of Consciousness, is inspired by Hawkins’ work, but varies from it in many ways, characterizing some things differently, based on my own explorations of the levels of consciousness; and expanding, elaborating, and explaining relevant to the interests and perspectives of those for whom this is written. Please keep in mind that what is presented here is for the purpose of helping provide a better understanding and sense of proportion regarding the vast range of consciousness that is experienced as we are transformed to the FULL STATURE OF CHRIST.
Some people may think it better to place some items slightly lower or higher than indicated on this scale or to describe or number them differently. Such thinking is encouraged. This discussion of the levels of consciousness is not provided as something one has to believe. It is just a way of looking at human consciousness that may help one’s understanding of it. Merely to contemplate such things will greatly broaden one’s overall depth and breadth of understanding, resulting in consciousness being raised.
If it helps your understanding, the term “State of Mind” can be used almost synonymous with the term “Level of Consciousness.” To see to what extent one can be transformed to the FULL STATURE OF CHRIST, let’s take a closer look at each of the major levels, beginning with the lowest, where human consciousness is most constricted and clouded by ego identity, perceiving self and others with the smallest degree of LIGHT, LOVE, DEPTH AND BREADTH OR UNDERSTANDING AND POWER FOR TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSCENDENCE. We will then explore the mid-range states of consciousness, after which we will explore the HIGHER STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS.
Please note that levels of consciousness are but one way of looking things. They are presented here because seeing things from this perspective has very great value for spiritual growth and understanding. No one is locked into a specific level and most individuals have a degree of experience across a range of levels. But life is complex and does not always proceed in a hierarchical form. So, what is presented is intended to be helpful, but not rigid.
NEGATIVE STATES OF EGO CONSCIOUSNESS
At the negative levels described here, a very high degree of ego identity exists and tends to run rampant. The most powerful of the lower level states is that of Pride and Self Importance. It has a strong capacity, at least in the short-term to shape its environment the way that it wants and get what it wants. The weakest state is Despair/Alienation/Hopelessness. As you look at each of these different states of mind beginning with the lowest and going higher, consider how it would feel to live and perceive life from within each state.
What would it feel like to perceive, think, interpret events, feel emotions, understand, contemplate, decide, act, react, and interact with all around you while in this state of mind?
What does it feel like to let the vibration of this state of consciousness resonate within you?
The Negative States of Consciousness
Despair, Abandonment, Hopelessness
Separation, Alienation, Destruction, Annihilation
Depression, Listlessness
Guilt, Shame, Self-Hatred, Self-Loathing
Sorrow, Loss, Grief
Fear, Anxiety, Terror, (Protecting, Defending, Fleeing, Hiding, Frozen In Place, Hiding)
Hatred, Blame, Grievance, Grudges, Harsh Judgments, Vengeance, Hostility, Enmity
Desire, Wanting, Needing, Craving, Greed, Physical Drives & Instincts, Lust, Addiction
Anger, Polarization (Use of force to correct perceived injustices & inequalities)
Pride, Self Importance, Being Right, Self Righteousness, Bigotry, Atheism
(At its most extreme, the individual becomes a law unto himself or herself and places his or her perceived good before all else.)
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Anyone who is living life and seeing things from the perspective of one of the above levels of consciousness (or states of mind) has a very different experience of the world, one’s self, and others than someone who is perceiving life from one of the other levels.
Depending on the level that one is at, one will come to completely different interpretations of events, perceptions of potential opportunities, and decisions regarding how to proceed and take action. Those with whom one lives and interacts will respond very differently, depending on one’s level of consciousness, which is displayed in one’s attitude, self confidence, demeanor and actions. A person at the Level of Pride or Desire will see and exploit promising opportunities in situations where a person at the Levels of Depression or Hopelessness will not perceive any opportunities to exist. Life’s events and circumstances flow and unfold very differently at different levels of consciousness.
A substantial portion of the total world population resonates in the negative range discussed above, but those who resonate at much higher levels counterbalance them and raise the consciousness of all of humanity and human society higher than it would otherwise be.
It is important to keep in mind that although one may experience most of life from the perspective of one of these levels, there are usually some natural fluctuations in level of consciousness so that most people have an acquaintance with levels that are both higher and lower than the predominate one. There is potential to experience very high states of consciousness for short periods of time and some people do. Even at the lower levels, just discussed, there will be opportunities to experience a degree of love, peace and joy and opportunities for unselfish contributions to one’s family, friends, community, and even to strangers.
POSITIVE STATES OF EGO CONSCIOUSNESS
In the mid-range of consciousness there is a much greater opening to LOVE and less ego dominance than in the negative range previously discussed. However, there is enough remaining ego that difficult circumstances can cause people who are generally positive to occasionally visit and experience the lower negative states from time to time.
As with the levels just discussed, keep in mind that there are no absolute boundaries between levels. A person’s level of consciousness may vary in different situations.
Interactions with family may take place at one level of consciousness and interactions with one’s closest friends, 12 Step Group, meditation group, or in the workplace may take place at some other level. Certain unique situations may have a strong upward or downward pull. Life is complex and people are complex. One may feel deep love for one’s children, be an upstanding member of one’s church and community, and be a model employee in the workplace, while still living in fear of losing one’s job and having a substance addiction.
Feel the energetic resonance as you read the description of each of these levels.
The level of consciousness that is just above Pride and Self Importance is Courage, Truth, Integrity, Duty
COURAGE, TRUTH, INTEGRITY, DUTY - At this level one realizes that it is not appropriate to see one’s self as the center of the universe or as being more important than others. Of course one may still be tempted to see one’s self as being more important than others and to place one’s self first, but there is an innate awareness that this is a false premise and that to live in such a manner would be out of balance with reality. At this level, at least in principle, one lives, chooses and acts for what is perceived as the greater good, from a sense of dedication to some higher purpose, which is loved or believed in, such as family, country, or God. There is increased awareness of the need to balance one’s goals and desires with the good of all. It requires courage to make the shift that will enable one to live in such a manner.
Many people move up to this level through major life-changing experiences, equivalent to conversion, being born-again, or letting go of addictive behaviors. At this level, an understanding arises that there is something higher than the personal ego. There is greater openness to LOVE, although it is still greatly obscured by the ego. One begins to find increased meaning and satisfaction in being of service to others. People who arrive at this level will often seek out clearly defined rules and guidelines to help them stabilize and avoid going back to lower levels. They tend to see life in terms of “good and bad,” “either/or” and “right and wrong.” They live in a dynamic tension with those at the lower levels of consciousness, seeking to change them, save them, or blame them from being the way they are. They constantly feel the pull of the lower levels and tend to be in a constant struggle with the desire to go higher and the pull toward that which is lower. There is much within themselves that they deny, repress, or despise as they fail to live up to their high ideas and rigid standards. They often project what they repress onto those around them.
FLEXIBILITY -- At this level people are less attached to specific outcomes and do not insist that they have to have things a certain way, in order to be happy, in the manner that results in so much distress, unhappiness and conflict at the lower levels. They state preferences, as opposed to “must haves” and work toward achieving preferred options and solutions. They are resilient and keep moving ahead with their lives, even when things don’t go the way they want. They are able to shift directions, compromise and delay gratification for the greater good. They are willing to consider other’s points of view and preferences. To the extent possible, they avoid taking sides and polarizing issues. They do not see life’s circumstances as being completely “black and white” or “right and wrong,” but perceive things in full color and complexity, or at least in shades of gray. They are more inclined to question rules and guidelines than those at the level of Courage / Truth / Integrity / Duty. They tend to be very aware of institutional imperfections and are quick to observe when the conventional rules and guidelines do not seem to fit a situation. They are good solid citizens, but often are often deeply skeptical, hold back a bit, and try not to get their hopes to high, so they won’t be disappointed. They live in a dynamic tension with rule-following people just below them, who they sometimes think of as hypocrites.
WILLINGNESS AND STRONG POSITIVE INTENTION -- At this level people participate with great gusto and willingness in the experience of living life. They exude great confidence in their ability to achieve their goals. They join, cooperate and commit with great optimism and enthusiasm. They tend to be excellent team players and leaders. They believe that they can work with others to change things for the better. They exert strong intention and work with great diligence and commitment to accomplish their goals. Their attitude is that if they believe intensely enough and work hard enough they can accomplish their goals and often they do just that. They exude the attitude of “Let’s go! We can do it!” They have their fair share of challenges and human failings. They sometimes bite off more than they can chew and sometimes act imprudently or run roughshod over others in their race to reach their goals. They tend to perceive the levels below them, as not be sufficiently focused, inspired and committed.
ACCEPTANCE, NON-RESISTANCE, AND HARMONY -- At this level, people begin to realize that their experience of life is greatly influenced by their state of mind and that happiness is an inside job. They begin to take responsibility for their state of mind, attitudes, thoughts, feelings, perceptions, choices, and actions, thereby altering their experience of life in a positive manner. They move through life with a greater sense of proportion, balance and appropriateness. They tend to focus less on placing blame and more on resolving problems and seeking workable solutions. They tend to be positive in situations where others find it easy to be negative. They seek harmonious solutions. They gracefully accept what is and look for all the good they can find in it, instead of living in a state of constant resistance to the ever changing flow of life. They are more inclined to forgive and be lenient with themselves and others. They change what can be changed for the better, accept what cannot be changed, and have the wisdom to know the difference.
KNOWLEDGE, REASON, UNDERSTANDING -- At this level people are more objective and less emotional in their observations, decisions and actions. They tend to be very well educated. They seek ever greater understanding; carefully reasoning, measuring, and analyzing the world around them. They delight in learning, exploring and discovering new concepts, theories, techniques and inventions and applying what they have learned to make life better for them and for others. They exhibit abstract reason, capacity for synthesis, artistic expression and creativity. They are exemplified by people such as Plato, Isaac Newton, Thomas Jefferson, Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Sigmund Freud, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Bach, and Mozart. Their insights, discoveries and inventions modify the environment; add insight and beauty; shape human experience and the environment; and greatly improve the quality of human life.
Historically, there have only been a small percentage of people at this level, but they have done much to move humanity from being hunter gatherers to living in the modern society that we now experience. One does not have to be a genius to live at this level. Those who continually bring new concepts, understanding, techniques, and inventions into their own lives and into the lives of those around them live life at this level. This includes those who explore and seek to understand and apply knowledge in the realms of art, music, religion, theology, metaphysics, consciousness and spirituality. People at this level have very sophisticated ego identities. Even though they are educated and have a far better quality of life than most; and are better able to utilize reason and rein in their emotions than those at lower levels of consciousness; they still have ego identity and experience a full range of human failings, challenges and suffering. They seek the most sophisticated and comfortable ways of dealing with their problems, utilizing all of the latest treatments and therapies.
LOVE - There is a point at which LOVE begins to take precedence in one’s life, choices and actions. David Hawkins places this at 500 on his scale of human consciousness. LOVE is the deep awareness of SELF, ONENESS, and ALLNESS -- of ONE SOURCE - of the sacredness of all that is sourced by DIVINTY in each moment. LOVE recognizes the inherent unity and harmony that is unfolding in all that is. It recognizes the PRESENCE OF THE CREATOR in and through THE CREATION. It exists beyond intellect, form, linear thought and reason. It points toward all that is DIVINE, both manifest and beyond.
LOVE exists even at the lower levels of consciousness, but is greatly obscured by ego, misperceptions, negative emotions and excessive and habitual thought. As the awareness of LOVE in one’s life increases, that which is unloving is revealed, enabling it to be released. As this takes place, considerable ego resistance may be experienced. Gradually, more and more of the old is let go and more of that which is higher is perceived and shines through. There is much greater willingness to forgive, although forgiveness may still seem difficult. This is a great level, but it does not tend to be an easy level. At this level one experiences many challenges, short-term failures and long term victories, transformations and transcendence.
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE - As LOVE takes precedence, it becomes clear that LOVE is to be extended in every circumstance of life, without conditions. LOVE REIGNS SUPREME IN THE HEART guiding mind, thought, choices and actions. Anything that is not in harmony with LOVE is revealed to be released. One begins to let go of all kinds of assumptions, misperceptions, preferences and beliefs about oneself and others and about how life should unfold. It becomes clearer that there can be inner peace, regardless of outward circumstances. At this stage of growth one is naturally drawn to practice and experience ever greater equanimity of mind, so that LOVE may shine constant. At this stage it becomes much easier to accept the unfolding of life without resistance and without labeling it moment by moment as being right or wrong or good or bad. The attitude becomes one of withholding judgment and of allowing, waiting and seeing what transpires. Because things continually change, what seemed very bad in one moment may seem much better in the next. One is willing to let it play out and see the whole over the course of time, instead of judging everything based on the limited perspective of that moment. One has compassion for oneself and for others as things unfold. This is a challenging, but very fulfilling level.
BEAUTY, JOY, ECSTACY - As more and more attachments, ego misperceptions, and the negative emotions that are associated with them are given up, there is less and less there to bring distress to the mind. DIVINITY shines through. One sees beauty all around. That which did not previously appear beautiful suddenly seems to be beautiful. Beauty is so apparent and so appreciated that one may simply gaze at a pebble or a leaf or a flower for several minutes. The people around one and the unfolding of life often seem stunningly beautiful. One may spend hours watching a sunset unfold and merge into velvet darkness. Sometimes it seems like one is full of LIGHT within and that all that is about is also filled with LIGHT. One may experience great JOY as one goes through everyday life. Greeting another person is like meeting DIVINITY and feeling DIVINITY within one’s self. One may easily move into states of BLISS and ECSTACY. One perceives and feels DIVINITY all about. One is filled with JOY, BLISS and ECSTASY. At this stage, there are constant openings and fluctuations of consciousness to much higher levels.
Inevitably, something will shift and the sense of JOY will diminish. For many on the spiritual path, this brings consternation. “What is wrong with me? How did I lose the JOY? Such thoughts bring in negative emotions, resulting in even more negative thoughts, which result in even more negative emotions. One experiences a great sense of loss and despair, which is known as the “Dark Night of the Soul.” Rising to the peak of JOY and then spiraling or plunging down to the depth of despair may happen multiple times before equanimity is achieved. Eventually, one begins to view these cycles with the same equanimity as one views all other transitory phenomena, so that not being in a state of great bliss is no longer cause for despair. One more and more identifies with being the observer of it all -- the mind in which it plays out and not as that which is playing out. One does not have to give up JOY, BLISS AND ECSTASY. One simply learns not to be attached to them and realizes there is no need to go into a state of despair if one does not experience a maximum of JOY, BLISS and ECSTACY every day of the week.
At this point on the journey, the extraordinary may begin to occur in very noticeable ways. Problems resolve. Healing may take place. Transformation and change can be very rapid. One may suddenly have a knowingness of something of which one was not previously aware. It is best not seek or cherish extraordinary occurrences, but to view them with equanimity. Otherwise, their comings and goings could result in a downward spiral until equanimity is achieved.
By the time one reaches the LEVEL OF LOVE, one has a relatively sophisticated, spiritualized ego (self concept), which claims to have the aspiration of being fully transformed into a good, kind, loving person; or even into LOVE. By the time one begins living at the LEVEL OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE or the Level of JOY, BLISS AND ECSTACY the ego is greatly diminished and begins to unravel very quickly. One’s individual consciousness is continually being lifted higher, by being held within and attuned to the very powerful fields of those levels of consciousness and also by the uplifting power of even higher fields of consciousness, in which the FIELDS OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE and of JOY, BLISS and ECSTASY exist as sub-fields. There is so much LOVE, UNDERSTANDING and POWER TO TRANSFORM AND TRANSCEND once consciousness reaches the LEVEL OF UNDONDITIONAL LOVE that the ego identity cannot easily be sustained and begins to disintegrate and fall away.
The thoughts that arise in mind are about releasing ego thought and identity and about the eventual dissolution of the ego. The bundle of concepts about what one is begins to include the concept that one is not that bundle of thoughts and that one is seeking to realize and know that which is beyond the bundle of concepts. One finds oneself pursuing spiritual practices designed for ascending to higher levels of consciousness and continuing to diminish and dismantle misperceptions that make up the ego identity. The spiritualized ego (the set of concepts that are your ego identity) foresees the trajectory of consciousness to higher levels and is aware, acquiescing, and conceptually willing that its dissolution will soon take place. One is not sure what will be experienced when the dissolution takes place, but there is hope that what will be experienced will have less pain and suffering than has been experienced up to this point and that there will be a greater awareness of peace, clarity, understanding, harmony and joy. One perceives that transformation must take place and that going back is really not a satisfying or acceptable option.
One enjoys being in a state of awareness beyond thought (beyond the mental chatter and the identity concepts of the ego) for longer and longer periods of time and finds and practices techniques of thought abatement so that one can experience that state for longer periods.
The seven levels just discussed comprise the vast middle range where the ego still exists although in diminished capacity, compared to the negative levels of consciousness.) There is much less ego at the three levels just discussed than in the first four levels of this middle range. Great difficulties, issues, temptations and challenges still arise, and from time-to-time one may still experience occasional bouts of negativity, such as pride, anger, fear, or despair.
HIGHER SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS / Beyond Ego Identity
At some point, the perpetual chain of thought and associated emotions, the constant flow of which helped to support all of one’s concepts abut life and one’s personal identity, breaks and comes to a stop. The set of concepts that are the foundation of ego identity have already been unraveled to the point that they barely provide a sufficient framework to support ego identity. The remaining cluster of concepts pertaining to the supposed ego identity, no longer supported by the ongoing chain of thoughts, collapses and falls away. At this point, there is an experience of unobstructed clarity of perception, silent awareness, and knowingness, which enables one to perceive things as not being separate, but as part of a larger whole.
Without the obscuring filters of ego concepts, thoughts, and the associated emotions; it becomes evident that one does not have to perceive oneself as a separate self who does things to others and to whom things are done. There is a realization that there are no clear, distinct separations between all that is unfolding. One sees that the perception of a separated state, as experienced at the ego levels of consciousness, was based on an erroneous understanding of the nature of existence. One sees that at the ego levels of consciousness, erroneous concepts filtered and modified what was being perceived to match the concepts.
When the ego identity falls away, the manner in which one used to perceive life is perceived as being an illusion, as when one exits from the hall of mirrors or from the software program, where one has just experienced looking at visual effects which make one look very tall, very wide, or stretched and distorted in various ways. People at the ego levels of consciousness look at what is projected on the screen of consciousness and take it as reality, not realizing that what they see is being filtered by a set of concepts in which they believe, and not realizing the degree to which those concepts modify their perceptions.
In attempting to describe things from the perspective of HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS, it becomes apparent that all of human language and much of human understanding about the nature of life is built upon erroneous concepts. Therefore it can be difficult to find verbal constructs suitable for conveying the way that things appear from the perspective of higher states of consciousness. Once one sees life directly, without the filtering of the ego, one can still speak in terms of being the “one who is doing something” or the “one to whom things are being done,” so as to communicate with others who see things through that conventional set of conceptual filters. However, when such communication takes place, it is done in a provisional manner. It is understood that life’s unfolding can be viewed and divided up in all sorts of ways, according to a diversity of arbitrary mental concepts. It is understood that there is a conventional manner in which most of humanity views life, including the concept of separation, so that a hypothetical “me or this” can be perceived to be doing something to a hypothetical “you or that,” instead of seeing it as the unfolding of a cohesive whole.
After the collapse of ego identity, the conventional view of life appears very distant, superficial and unreal. In its place, there is great clarity, so that an underlying harmony and deep, cohesive wholeness begins to be perceived. One now has two views of life. One can still relate to the old view, enough to talk intelligently about it. One can understand the illusionary viewpoint and its underlying erroneous and illogical framework and that from a certain perspective it seems completely real and logical. At the same time, one has a completely different perception and understanding of all that is unfolding in consciousness.
From the new perspective there is greater clarity. Sometimes sensory perception of the physical world, the radiance of the DIVINE PRESENCE, perception of essence, DIVINE ATTRIBUTES such as BEAUTY, and awareness of other aspects beyond the physical dimensions can be very vivid and intense. There can be a very great sense of FREEDOM, as well as of deep connection, ONENESS and JOY. There are also times when awareness of the physical body and the material world seem distant and unreal and also times when life feels relatively ordinary. Time seems more elastic and life seems to flow with greater fluidity, and there is increased awareness and understanding of existence beyond physical space and time. There is greater awareness of energy fields and levels of consciousness and how things play out within them. There is a greater awareness of the broad context in which things take place and more attention is placed on the context than on the specific content.
Unlike conventional consciousness which has certain assumptions about cause and effect and how people and things impact each other, there is greater awareness of things playing out as cohesive aspects of the whole, within the overlapping influence and confluence of essences, patterns and energy fields, extending far beyond the specific content, on which most people focus. Sometimes there is an awareness of what is coming or how everything fits together, like seeing it all playing out from high above or like watching a play taking place from behind the curtains, instead of from out in the audience.
Situations which are cause for great unhappiness from a conventional perspective may not seem that way from this perspective. That which others would pass by as mundane or ordinary may be perceived to radiate great BEAUTY. One is more and more aware of DIVINE PRESENCE in all that one perceives. Service to others takes place. A question is asked, knowingness arises, and an answer is given. Someone comes with a problem and there may be a rapid transformation of the person or the situation.
Knowingness supersedes thinkingness. There is the realization that the underlying wholeness is so complete that one does not have to analyze and think everything through in the conventional manner. There is simply a knowingness regarding whatever is happening This KNOWINGNESS is an aspect of the underlying ONENESS and ALLNESS. The KNOWINGNESS is not separate from what unfolds. It is not as if KNOWINGNESS occurs and then there is a decision to go along with it. It is more like KNOWINGNESS and any corresponding action that takes place are two sides of the same coin. They seem to occur simultaneously.
If deciding or intending takes place at all, it is as if it is simultaneous with the KNOWINGNESS and whatever action unfolds. Any deciding or intending that takes place is not done by a separate self, within a separate compartment, beyond the influence of all of the overlapping fields within fields and patterns within patterns.
This is what is referred to by the phrase “being lived”. It is as if life flows and there is an experiencing of all of the facets of it – the ongoing flowing observation of simultaneously KNOWING, deciding, and acting. The experience of LIFE varies greatly depending on the level of consciousness from which it is being observed.
It is difficult to comprehend this state until you have experienced it. One who has not experienced it simply assumes that there is an ego identity that is weighing and analyzing alternatives and making decisions and acting on them in the conventional manner.
Note that to live and experience life at Higher Levels of Consciousness does not mean that one is perfect, cannot make mistakes, has all knowledge, will never again experience any of the lower levels of consciousness (such as fear or anger), or has all power. Many aspects of everyday life go on very similar to the way that life is experienced by most other people. Sometimes things seem very ordinary. Things do not always LIGHT UP! One does not always get to look from behind the stage and know what will happen next.
Ego consciousness does not understand the nature of higher, enlightened or awakened consciousness and tends to have unrealistic expectations about it. Lower level ego perceptions are based on an erroneous concept of separation, tending to perceive everything in terms of black and white, right and wrong, either/or and this or that. Reality, as perceived from the higher states of consciousness is experienced as much more of a continuum than as sets of conflicting opposites. The different levels of consciousness do not have barriers at their edges to prevent all experience of lower or higher levels of consciousness. This is true of the higher levels as well as the lower. When reference is made to living at a particular level of consciousness it only refers to the predominate level at which life is being experienced. There is no intent to convey that one particular level is the only level at which life is being experienced.
It is closer to reality to think in terms of gradations (most of the time, some of the time, not very often) or in terms of potential and probable rather than in terms of “all or none”. At the lower levels of consciousness, thinkingness and ego concept cover everything like giant glaciers. At the level of JOY, BLISS and ECSTACY, thinkingness and ego concept are like the few remaining patches of snow in springtime. The higher the level of consciousness, the less potential there is for a patch of snow to manifest and if a patch of snow does manifest, there is far less potential for it to expand into a glacier. As consciousness ascends to higher levels one experiences things like anger less and less often and if one does experience it, it may be for just an instant or a couple of minutes, instead of happening frequently and lasting for long periods of time as it does at the lower levels of consciousness.
The magnitude of the change of state that takes place on transcending to the first level of consciousness beyond ego identity is far greater than for any of the previous shifts of consciousness. However, it is far short of anything that could be called absolute perfection. By its very nature consciousness is a very fertile field in which all kinds of concepts may easily manifest. Although the specific cluster of concepts that form the core of the ego identity can unravel and fall away, that does not mean that all concepts have ceased to exist. Indeed, there is nothing wrong with concepts. Concepts exist at very high levels of consciousness. If every form of concept ceased, there would be nothing to do or say or know or experience pertaining to anything.
It is beneficial to know the following. Some concepts can be erroneous by their very nature. Almost any concept can be perceived in a manner that is erroneous. It is the potential for erroneous perceptions and concepts to occur that leads to the seed concepts upon which the ego identity is based.
Tiny threads or wisps of erroneous concept may be encountered at any point in time and be experienced, understood and/or released. From the perspective of being at a higher state of consciousness, coming across an erroneous concept is often like coming across a thin thread. This is different from the lower states of consciousness where one continuously encounters massive webs of erroneous concepts made of thousands of crisscrossing threads. Depending on the nature of the erroneous premise or concept that is encountered, there can be a temporary sense of uncertainty, confusion, fear or anger or other negative emotion, as the concept is held in mind and experienced. The erroneous concept of an “I” or “me” that could potentially be harmed can momentarily arise, even at a relatively high level of consciousness. If it is held in mind, it may be perceived as being important enough to think about and a brief chain of thought may occur. If it takes root and continues to expand, there could be a downward fluctuation in consciousness for a period of time.
At the highest levels of consciousness this kind of event may be as rare as a snowstorm in the Bahamas, where it is generally much too warm for snow or ice to develop. None-the-less, there is a potential for it to happen, even at very high levels. A careful reading of the life of JESUS indicates a few situations where he became angry for a moment or briefly appeared to be attracted to some possibility other than the highest.
At the FIRST LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS BEYOND THE EGO, there is a degree of potential for thinkingness to briefly manifest or for ego concept to begin to crystallize. However, due to the innate power emanating from that high field of consciousness it is likely to quickly melt away. If it does take hold for a period of time, the experience is perceived as being so intensely unpleasant that it tends to be released, so that the fullness of the higher state again predominates.
It is important to maintain a sense of proportion when discussing the potential possibility for an erroneous concept to emerge and be temporarily held in mind at the HIGHER LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS. There is a vast difference between occasional encounters with erroneous concepts at the higher levels, compared to the ongoing experience of the full fledged mass of ego identity and thinkingness that exists at the lower levels of consciousness.
It is conceivable that one who has been at a high level of consciousness might fluctuate downward to a lower state and stay there for some period of time (seconds, minutes, hours, days, months or years). However, it is the same situation as discussed previously regarding the Dark Night of the Soul. Once the error or misperception is seen and released, there can be a very swift return to the experience of higher states of consciousness.
At the lower levels of HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS many opportunities will be given to resume an ego identity. The best way to stay in the HIGHER STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS is to just be LOVE. LOVE is the only identity worth having. It is the one identity in all of CREATION that does not lead to negative levels of consciousness and suffering. It is the only identity that one will ever need. It takes one HOME in each and every moment because it is always HOME. If the occasion ever arises to choose to be LOVE or something else, choose LOVE.
We have talked about the possibility of downward fluctuations in consciousness. Now let’s look on the bright side and discuss the potential for experiencing upward fluctuations. At the ego levels of consciousness there was a strong belief in separation along with self-imposed limits. At those levels one feels that one does not deserve to go higher, is incapable of going higher, or will be prevented from going higher. None-the-less, upward fluctuations take place and very high states are sometimes experienced by those who are normally at a lower level of consciousness.
The good news is that once the ego identity dissolves and the perpetual chain of thinkingness is broken, it becomes much easier to explore the height and depth and breadth of the SOUL and of DIVINITY. The higher levels of consciousness exert a powerful upward pull. The higher levels are perceived as accessible, accepting, inviting, welcoming and uplifting. At the higher levels of consciousness there is a KNOWINGNESS of UNITY, ONENESS AND ALLNESS which enables consciousness to soar higher and higher. At the higher levels, the different aspects of consciousness begin to merge into each other in a nonlinear manner. Experience is somewhat less limited to moving one level at a time.
From time to time, I hear people say that we are all enlightened and there is a degree of truth in it. That which we take to be our local individual consciousness exists as an aspect of a continuum of overlapping fields of energy/consciousness, within overlapping fields of energy/consciousness. Since there is no separation, one is always held within the higher energy fields, even though one may feel that one is stuck in the lower energy fields. Since there is no separation, one may as well claim the higher energy fields as one’s destiny and inheritance and begin to explore them. If you have Mount Shasta in your backyard, why not venture out and climb it all the way to the top. No one is stopping you. Everyone already has all of the prerequisites for experiencing the Higher Levels of Consciousness. There are four key prerequisites.
The first prerequisite is AWARENESS. We all have a degree of Awareness. We could not get very far in life without it. The second is the upward pull of the higher fields/levels of energy/consciousness. The third is intention. The fourth is focus and/or attention. which is an aspect of awareness. Awareness has the innate capacity to focus, pretty much like a lens. Awareness naturally focuses on that to which it is attracted and to which it is being pulled. Whatever awareness is focused on is that which fills one’s consciousness at any given time. When one is focused on any person, place, or thing that resonates at a HIGH LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSENSS or on one of the DIVINE ATTRIBUTES, such as JOY, LOVE, PEACE OR HARMONY, these will fill consciousness and pull one higher. In this way one, one can transcend swiftly. This is how one can move very quickly out of the Dark Night of the Soul or up from any other lower state and toward an awareness of the HIGHER LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, within which one already exists.
Two lists are given below. The first list points to the awareness and experience of HIGHER LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS in the midst of everyday human life and activity. The second list addresses the awareness and experience of HIGHER LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS at the LEVEL OF INFINIITY. Some of the levels and attributes may appear to overlap in various ways. That is because they do overlap. As we proceed to higher levels of consciousness, we are moving deeper into the nonlinear, where everything merges, reflects the others and contains the others and is an aspect of the others. As one reads on, it becomes more and more difficult to place one level or set of attributes over the others, as being higher. At the highest levels they are all aspects of each other and none need be considered higher or lower. Read through one by one, letting your mind focus on each level and feel its resonance.
LEVELS OF HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS IN DAILY EXPERIENCE.
FIRST STAGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT -- SILENCE OF MIND
KNOWINGNESS -- DEEP INNER PEACE
Cessation of Ego Identity and Thinkingness
Cessation of the perception of Subject and Object and cause and effect.
Cessation of the sense of existing within a localized physical body.
Increased perception of existing in a continuum.
BROADENING OF PERCEPTION - AWARE of and identifying with the vast context in which content arises, more than with the content. Aware of and identifying with the “observing capacity” as opposed to with what is observed. Increased awareness of underlying harmony and unity. Perception of DIVINITY shining in creation.
PERCEPTION OF DIVINE ATTRIBUTES AND ESSENCE beyond Form/Time/Space SPACIOUSNESS, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, AWARENESS, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, ...
PERCEPTION OF WHOLENESS - Increased perception of CREATION as a seamless and interconnected whole. Deepening sense of Oneness and Unity.
DIRECT AWARENESS OF CREATION as the
expression of the CREATIVE SOURCE
BRILLIANCE - GOLDEN LIGHT - SPLENDOR
PLAY OF CONSCIOUSNESS - Perceiving what is experienced in life as being within, rather than without - unfolding within consciousness - a play of consciousness.
DIRECT EXPERIENCE DIVINITY IN ALL
AWARENESS OF THE VOID - AN INFINITE EXPANSE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
EXISTENCE, CONSCIOUSNESS AND BLISS
DIRECT PERCEPTION OF POTENTIAL
DIRECT PERCEPTION OF BEINGNESS AND ISNESS
DIRECT PERCEPTION OF ONENESS
DIRECT PERCEPTION OF THE SELF
DIRECT PERCEPTION OF ALLNESS
DIVINTY - EXPERIENCING THE FULL STATURE OF CHRIST ON EARTH
CHRIST CONSCIOUSNESS AS UNITY WITH SOURCE
HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS AT THE MACROCOSMIC LEVEL
That which has been discussed thus far focuses on Levels of Consciousness and the Experience of DIVINITY close-up and intimate, at the microcosmic level, in the midst of the unfolding of everyday human life, while working, resting, playing, and being of service to others. The focus of this section is on the awareness of HIGHER LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS and experience of DIVINITY at the level of INFINITY. Most of the human experience of HIGHER STATES OF CONSCIOUSNES is at the local microcosmic level. But, consciousness is capable of extending its focus much wider and at least touching and obtaining a glimmer of the HIGHER STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS, the experience of DIVINITY, and the DIVINE ATTRIBUTES at the level of INFINITY.
The following levels are arranged in approximate relationship to their Perceived Level of Power, beginning with that which is closest to the level of humanity and CREATION, but at the LEVEL of INFINITY, they all blend into each other, reflect each other and are contained within each other. At the Level of INFINITY, there is non-linearity, so that hierarchies, for the most part, break down. It would be a misperception to think that BEYOND THE BEYOND is higher than POTENTIAL, LIGHT or BEINGNESS. Each is simply a different aspect of the whole. Manifest is not higher or lower than Unmanifest. They do not exist in separation from each other. They exist beyond time, so none may be seen to come before the others from a chronological perspective. We could make suppositions that some states are the foundation for others from a logical linear perspective, but since we are focusing on nonlinear reality, it is not clear that it would be more than an empty exercise to do so. All exist in a continuum. We could label, define, value and separate, based on some arbitrary set of premises, but it would be an empty exercise.
These very high states are listed here to draw your attention to them, so that you may let your awareness focus on them and feel their resonance. This is possible because your field of consciousness is held within them and is not separate from them. They are your destiny and your inheritance.
HIGHER LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS --- LEVEL OF INFINITY
INFINITY - CHRIST CONSCIOUSNESS - UNITY OF CREATION AND SOURCE
FULL AWARENESS IN CREATION OF UNITY WITH SOURCE
INFINITY - COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS OF ALL UNIVERSES AND
DIMENSIONS
INFINITY - DIVINE ATTRIBUTES - DIVINE PRESENCE, LOVE, PEACE, JOY,
HARMONY, SPACIOUSNESS, RADIANT LIGHT, PRESENCE
INFINITY - DIVINE CREATOR - DIVINE MIND - AWARE - CREATING -
MANIFESTING
INFINITY - THE SELF - SENSE OF SELF - AWARENESS OF SELF
INFINITY - AWARENESS OF BEING AWARE - CONSCIOUSNESS
INFINITY - LIGHT - LIGHT UPON LIGHT - AWARENESS
INFINITY - UNMANIFEST AND MANIFEST - SOURCE OF ALL
INFINITY - POTENTIAL MANIFEST AS ISNESS - BEINGNESS
INFINITY - POTENTIAL
INFINITY - BEYOND THE BEYOND
INFINITY - ALLNESS - ONENESS - WHOLENESS - COMPLETENESS
INFINITY - SUPREME SPIRIT - ALL IN ALL
This is an excerpt from a soon to be published E-Book, Higher Spiritual Consciousness, by David Winfree
Excerpt from Higher Spiritual Consciousness Copyright 2010 ©
by David Winfree - All Rights Reserved