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You and Universal Consciousness
Written by Caroline Chaplin Tuesday, 03 November 2009 16:57

You & Universal Consciousness
By Keith Sherwood
The goal of every human being alive today whether they can articulate it or not, is to experience union with universal consciousness. Although this goal may appear to be illusive the simple fact is that everyone is in union with universal consciousness regardless of their physical, emotional, mental and-or spiritual condition.
Indeed, union with universal consciousness is not something that must be achieved through self-improvement or learned through a course of study. It is not reserved for the elect or for those who believe in some special doctrine. Union with universal consciousness is a condition which exists a priori in everyone including you. Though you may not be consciously aware of it as you progress spiritually this unique relationship will grow until union with universal consciousness becomes your moment to moment experience. Until then it is important to to get some idea of what universal consciousness is, how it functions and what union with universal consciousness would be like.
Who Is Universal Consciousness?
Much has been written about universal consciousness in Yogic, Tantric and Taoist literature. But it’s important to note that universal consciousness is not an object of knowledge and has no defining qualities. So, a precise definition of the universal is impossible.
Although a precise definition may be impossible what we do know is that universal consciousness is the source of time-space and the consciousness, energy and matter that fills it on all worlds and dimensions. It is alive and aware and the source of human life as well as the wellspring of bliss, joy and love which animates it.
Universal consciousness transcends the limits imposed by time-space as we experience it through the five senses. Thus, it can never die nor is it subject to the rhythms of birth, life and death. It never changes and is not bound by the limitations imposed on the phenomenal universe by the processes of evolution and involution, which compel everything to change.
‘The mandukya Upanishad’ calls universal consciousness ‘Santam Sivam, Adwaitam’ (Mand. UP. VII). Universal consciousness is peaceful, blessed and non-dual. It is tranquil, infinite, and complete. It is intelligent and blissful. Universal consciousness is the impersonal absolute. It contains within itself all that has emerged and therefore has no second’.
If you still don’t know exactly what universal consciousness is don’t dismay, you’re in good company because most of the worlds sages, seers, theologians and psychologists have had the same problem with universal consciousness as you. The truth is that it’s impossible to know the universal consciousness using the individual mind and ego as a tool because by identifying yourself as an individual you limit your perception to finite things. Indeed, what is finite and continually changing cannot conceive of universal consciousness which is eternal and doesn’t change.
A metaphor of Reunion
However, you can get an idea of what your relationship to universal consciousness would be like once you experiences the benefits of union, by using a metaphor.
For a moment imagine that you’re in a theater, the sole spectator of a movie in which you star. Now, imagine that after a while you became so engrossed in the film and the character you were playing that you forgot you were in union with universal consciousness and began to identify exclusively with the part you were playing on the screen. Eventually, you might become so immersed in the thoughts, feelings and sensations elicited by the events and characters in the movie that the movie might become more real than the ‘real’ world.
Now, imagine that after identifying with the character on the screen you once again remembered that the movie wasn’t real and you no longer chose to identify with your character and the thoughts feelings and sensations which supported it. By withdrawing from the affect, the movie, and returning to the cause, universal consciousness you would once again remember who you really were. You would remember that you as well as the movie and everything else emerged from and remain part of universal consciousness.
Having recognized the truth you wouldn’t become more spiritual in any real sense or become a better person. You would simply remember who you were. And once again you would experience your union with universal consciousness consciously and the benefits which include pleasure, love, intimacy and joy.
Find out more about Keith Sherwood on www.wholelove.com





