Stream
of Consciousness is mind boggling?
This
piece is a Hypothesis not a Concept to arouse investigation of the
mind and its underlying force.
Some
of the things proposed are outrageous but one should not throw away
the basic tenet of the hypothesis due to inconsistencies.
I
do not want to use the word consciousness and specially the
subconscious mind with only two layers of mind (essentially matter or brain
bound).
I
prefer the eminent philosopher James William’s theme, the stream of
consciousness as a near enough hypothesis.
The
most outlandish statement to begin with is that the stream of mind
(consciousness as stated in modern western terminology) does not
necessarily need a brain or matter for its existence.
It
can exist without the matter principle.
Even
though, in Indian and Buddhist cosmology there are many domains of
existence of beings, I would like to narrow it to three levels for
the purpose of simplification but would dare say, the the potential
and the sphere of the stream of mind is so limited.
In
actual fact, it is very difficult to comprehend.
The
three levels for discussion are;
1.
Mind without matter principle, essentially an energy form with
unlimited extensibility.
2.
Mind with matter principle invariably bound to the matter in the form
of neural system extending to the level of many “brain forms”
(human brain is not supposed to be the ultimate and the highest).
3.
The third is the transitional or subtle form, there is neither matter
nor no matter but interaction of the stream of mind in many forms.
Why
this subdivision?
It
is all, to explain, the behavior of the mind of gifted individuals,
mediums, those cultivated by meditation, those who posses ability to
remember past lives, telepathy, hypnotic transgression and such
experiences like tunnel vision in near death syndrome.
In
the way, we look at in modern science, many of the above cannot be
explained or disputed by mere conjecture or by preposition or
hypothesis.
I
won’t go into many details but start with few examples.
Take
the case of amoeba.
It is the simplest of living forms but it has an
enormous amount of DNA material for its simple survival. The genetic
pool is enormous for its simplicity. It does not have a brain or
brain material to think and to do purposeful workout.
But
seemingly handicapped, as it may sound, it does all what is necessary
for living, reproduction and survival.
There
is a purpose for survival and “the purposeful activity is not too
different from a higher order animal with a primitive brain”.
The
will for existence and purposeful collection of genetic material for
future evolution into a higher form of being, yet without a brain.
I
call this form of existence, “the brainy mechanism of sustenance”
what a single cell accomplishes on its own.
The
single cell is the brain for its own existence.
When
we take multiples of these cells when organized purposely as brains
in different species including aliens that may exist in other worlds,
the potential of the brain systems and stream of mind is enormous.
So
one should not get surprised for somebody having telepathic ability
or to communicate with the dead or subsequent lives or departed dear
ones (assuming rebirth as distinct possibility) with paranormal
ability.
Simple
disputing of paranormal ability is not the way about it.
There
were many in our history and often disputed (deliberately for vested
interests)Ana Blasticova is a case in point.
We
have not developed sufficiently sensitive instruments to detect these
“energy forms” and EEG is not the “be all and end all
instrument of detection”.
My
personal view is we need a finely tuned ‘another higher brain’ to
monitor these activities.
Not
all of us have these abilities inbuilt.
It
is the duty of the psychologists and psychiatrists to invest in these
areas and training, instead of denial and disputation.
One
way of developing this power is through meditation but only a few of
us can sustain it to such a higher levels.
My
own conviction is that the practice of meditation has many other
benefits apart from achieving goals mentioned above and one should
use it for one’s own higher transition rather than using it as a
diagnostic tool.
But
I won’t condone anyone who is pursuing scientific and diagnostic
pathways.
Now
let me dish out some outlandish views.
The
mind on its own without a material base.
Can
it exist on its own?
Where
does its energy come from without a biological base?
If
the cell can survive without a brain (amoeba) why not a mind without
a brain?
In
the material world there are so many energy forms including cosmic
radiation.
In
that spectrum not having an energy form called stream of mind (James
William’s own description of the mind as a stream) is unacceptable
to an inquiring mind.
If
the medical world (I do not) could formulate something called
subconscious mind for centuries, above hypothesis is an antithesis.
In the eastern cosmology, beings with subtle bodies with
spiritually developed minds are tenable.
It
is often said people who had attained different level of absorptions
through meditation are born in these worlds and live a long life. It
is also said these beings can travel vast distances from their mother
planets and visit alternative universes.
In literal terms they are the Devas or Gods.
Extension
of that theory is what I am proposing not the alteration of the
eastern cosmology.
If
that scenario is possible, that mind stream would penetrate atomic,
subatomic and quantum levels of uncertainty and comprehend everything
the modern science delve in.
So
what?
That
mind should theoretically (mind’s behavior is attachment to
entities or ideas) be able to merge with subtle material and change
(shape change described in alien films) its form at wish or will.
I
think my hypothesis is going well beyond this world to other
dimensions.
Is
it 7, 10 or 13 or string theory of mathematics?
The
possibility of the stream of mind is incomprehensible and vast.
Binding
to a dogma, idea, religion, culture, politics, race or science is
very narrow.
Try
to discover your own mind potential but remain within the limits,
lest you get virtually mad.
Come
to think about it, this world is full of mad guys/girls especially in
the political field.