Introduction to Phenomenal and Access Consciousness
The human quest for the understanding of consciousness has led to the development of complex theories and frameworks. Two significant concepts in this domain are phenomenal consciousness and access consciousness. These are two distinct manifestations of the phenomenon we experience, differing primarily in their accessibility and the way they are experienced. Understanding these concepts is crucial for anyone interested in exploring the multifaceted nature of human awareness.
Access Consciousness: The Practical Tools of Life
Access consciousness is a practical approach that emphasizes the use of simple techniques, tools, and processes. It focuses on enabling individuals to create and achieve their desired outcomes with ease and without complexity. This perspective is fundamentally different from phenomenal consciousness, as the former is more about action and the latter is about direct experience.
Understanding Hierarchical Consciousness
The structure of consciousness is often described using a hierarchical model. NCC (Neural Correlate of Consciousness) and CMC (Corpus of Consciousness Models) frameworks suggest that consciousness arises from lower-level phenomena such as the activity of neurons and molecules, which combine to form a higher-level phenomenon—a network of neurons and brain areas that correspond to the experience of consciousness.
The Duality of Consciousness
While both NCC and CMC approaches describe consciousness as a hierarchical process, there are instances where phenomenal consciousness exists without access. Phenomenal consciousness refers to the direct experience of a mental content, whereas access consciousness refers to the ability to use and manipulate that content. Overflow is a phenomenon where certain mental contents can be experienced without being accessed directly, leading to complexities in understanding the relationship between these two forms of consciousness.
Accessing Phenomenal Consciousness: Scientific and Religious Approaches
Access to phenomenal consciousness is sought by scientists and religious aspirants through various methods, often guided by the principles of objectivity and introspection. Scientists delve into the physical and chemical properties of consciousness, while religious practices encourage introspection and meditation to attain a deeper understanding of the self and consciousness. Both approaches aim to extract the essence of consciousness.
The Role of Intuition in Accessing Consciousness
The experience of consciousness can be both direct and indirect. Direct experience is characterized by subjective access, which is intuitive and immediate. On the other hand, indirect experience involves a more objective approach, similar to the scientific method, where different layers of consciousness are explored systematically. This universal access to consciousness is seen as essential for any meaningful understanding of one's true nature.
Quantum Mechanism and Harmony
The path to accessing consciousness is seen as a harmonious journey. The human intellect must remove the distinction between its seeking and the phenomenon of consciousness. This is because the essence of consciousness is already inherent, either inside-out or outside-in. Seeking it elsewhere only disrupts this natural harmony. Just as energy in a perfect state of rest can access consciousness, so too can forms in a state of rest.
Concluding Thoughts
Vedas emphasize the concept of 'Shanti' (peace) as the ultimate state of consciousness. This encompasses the idea that the experience of consciousness is not some extraordinary or out-of-the-world phenomenon but rather the immanence within one's own form. It is this inherent connection that forms the basis of both access and phenomenal consciousness. By understanding and embracing this intrinsic link, one can live in harmony with their true self.