Self-sustaining Consciousness

One of the primary characteristics of consciousness is intention. Consciousness is not automatic or involuntary. Consciousness is not willful. Will is the sum of energy possessed by a separate self, a measure of power exercised by a fragment of oneself. Will is a preliminary stage of development of a higher power over oneself, self-mastery. What I refer to as intention is the potential of one’s whole being to act, not a fragment of oneself. Consciousness is one’s whole being. Consciousness is what unifies one’s being, what connects every part of oneself and forms a whole.

Emotions are reactions that arise from thoughts. Emotions are a preliminary stage of developing the energy of which we consist into a self-sustaining energetic body. Learn to get a feel for being present. Paying attention is a continuous feeling of being conscious. You can’t be present unless you feel present.

Make the physical body still. Close your eyes. Withdraw from external distractions. Pay attention.

Observe the chronic thought process, recognize its potential and pose the question, "Who am I?" The aim is to develop self-sustaining consciousness.

Consciousness is a non-conceptual knowing and a feeling. With the mind we learn to perform a higher function of knowing ourselves, and with the heart we learn to perform a higher function of feeling ourselves.

A characteristic of consciousness is self-sustenance, perpetual motion. That means genuine independence. Consciousness means self-mastery and self-knowledge.