A New Paradigm of Man (6) The Problem of Consciousness

There are two cardinal errors of present-day psychology, which cripple our understanding of human nature.
The first error is to regard all psychological experiences as ‘mental’. The second is to ‘believe’ that all psychological experiences are an epiphenomenon of the neuronal activity in the brain. The brain may be the highest seat of mental activity in man, but a mentalised intelligence pervades the entire body, coordinating the process of each tissue and cell. Indian psychology regards the body and mind as an instrument, an action and result of consciousness. The body is a phenomenon of which consciousness is the primary cause. The body and brain only manifest this consciousness. Consciousness is primary. By a special process of concentration and self-limitation, the One consciousness throws out countless phenomena of which our materialised human existence is but one. It also extends beyond and below the material world, creating typal worlds with a different form and combination of substance-energy-force, with other properties different from matter. Interestingly, progressive evolution of the material world is the consequence of an increasing pressure from these ‘other worlds’ according to the rishis. Their energy, sub-stance and force progressively prepare, mould and knead matter till it is ready. This evolution goes on till a still greater being, with a form more capable of expressing the perfect Consciousness, Truth, Light, Beauty, Harmony, Peace, Delight and Love emerges.