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A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga588
In this lesson we take up the subject of “The Unfoldment of
Consciousness”—a most interesting subject. Many of us have been in the
habit of identifying “consciousness” with mind, but as we proceed with this
series of lessons we will see that that which is called “consciousness” is but
a small portion of the mind of the individual, and even that small part is
constantly changing its states, and unfolding new states undreamed of.
“Consciousness” is a word we use very often in considering the science of
the Mind. Let us see what it means. Webster defines it as one’s “knowledge
of sensations and mental operations, or of what passes in one’s own mind.”
Halleck defines it as “that undefinable characteristic of mental states which
causes one to be aware of them.” But, as Halleck states, “Consciousness is
incapable of definition. To define anything we are obliged to describe
it in terms of something else. And there is nothing else in the world like
consciousness, hence we can define it only in terms of itself, and that is very
much like trying to lift one’s self by one’s own boot straps. Consciousness is
one of the greatest mysteries that confronts us.”
Before we can understand what Consciousness really is, we must know
just what “Mind” really is—and that knowledge is lacking, notwithstanding
the many ingenious theories evolved in order to explain the mystery.
The metaphysicians do not throw much light on the subject, and as for
materialistic science, listen to what Huxley says: “How it comes about that
anything so remarkable as a state of consciousness comes about by the
result of irritating nervous tissue, is just as unaccountable as the appearance
of the genii when Aladdin rubbed his lamp.”
To many persons the words “consciousness” and “mental process,” or
“thought” are regarded as synonymous. And, in fact, psychologists so held
until quite recently. But now it is generally accepted as a fact that mental
processes are not limited to the field of consciousness, and it is now generally
taught that the field of sub-consciousness (that is, “under” conscious)
mentation, is of a much greater extent than that of conscious mentation.