A Record of Meetings held by P.D. Ouspensky - HolyBooks.com

MR. O. Yes, but one cannot find truth by writing about things that onedoes not know about.MISS R. Have you any idea of the symbolism that is given to the word'water' in the New Testament?MR. O. No, there are different ideas described at different times.MRS. S. Isn't it possible that we can deceive ourselves?MR. O. Very easily. We can deceive ourselves about everything.MRS. S. Is it hard to know if it is real consciousness?MR. O. No, if you work on it you will see the difference.MRS. N. At a moment of consciousness, wouldn't you know that it wasreal?MR. O. One cannot be conscious unconsciously.MRS. N. You wouldn't have a moment when you think that youdeceive yourself?MR. O. Perhaps you lie so much it is a habit.MISS B. Is there any relationship between the thousands of 'I's andcentres?MR. O. Certainly, they are divided. There are 'I's belonging to emotionalcentre, 'I's belonging to moving and some to instinctive.MISS K. Is the exercise of self-remembering, remembering the past?MR. O. First, self-remembering is not an exercise and secondly, it hasno subject. Simply—try to be aware of yourself.MISS R. Why did you pick carbon, oxygen and nitrogen out of theninety-three elements?MR. O. Because it shows that at the basis of chemistry in this system isput organic chemistry. You will see that organic chemistry consistschiefly of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. At the same time it hasmeanings in connection with other language in other systems.MR. Z. If I make an effort to self-remember will it become easier next time?MR. O. No, more difficult. Because you become more and more tiredwith the effort. Self-remembering may be easier.MRS. S. Is self-remembering possible without control of the centres?MR. O. How can we get self-control without self-remembering?MRS. R. What corresponds to air and earth? [Comparison of chemicalterms of this system to terms of others.]MR. O. H192. Yes, but that won't help. It's only words.[Here were asked short questions pertaining to the Food Diagram,illustrated on board.]