Chapter 1: The Quest for Consciousness

To be candid, I’m not the most qualified person to delve into the complexities of consciousness. Lacking any formal education in physics or neuroscience, my thoughts often flit about like a butterfly, making me ill-suited for rigorous philosophical discussion. Much like Shakespeare's Autolycus, I gather fleeting insights, connecting them with memories and snippets of conversation to create a makeshift theory. However, I possess a significant resource that adds depth to my exploration—more on that shortly.

Returning to the inquiry at hand, I've recently been captivated by a series of discussions featuring diverse speakers tackling the same fundamental question. This reminds me of a whimsical poem my father often recited:

Yesterday, upon the stair,

I met a man who wasn't there.

He wasn't there again today;

I wish, I wish he'd go away...

This excerpt, from a poem titled Antigonish by William Hughes Mearns, reflects the elusive nature of consciousness.

One noteworthy speaker was a university researcher investigating psychic phenomena. They connected spiritual mediums to EEG machines to observe brain activity while the mediums communicated messages from beyond. Surprisingly, instead of the anticipated activation of obscure brain regions, the readings showed minimal activity. The mediums, nonetheless, conveyed their messages with fervor.

The Scientific Problem of Consciousness - YouTube

This video explores the challenges scientists face in understanding consciousness, shedding light on the perplexing nature of brain activity during altered states.

The researchers were baffled, but I found this outcome unsurprising. Subsequently, I watched a Netflix documentary highlighting near-death experiences (NDEs). Participants recounted vivid memories of their time while clinically dead, despite their brains being deprived of oxygen. Some described traversing a tunnel or meeting compassionate beings, while others recalled intricate details of surgical procedures or the efforts of family members to reach them. Medical professionals interviewed in the documentary struggled to provide scientific explanations.

The next evening, I attended a webinar focused on consciousness, where neuroscientists expressed astonishment at individuals under the influence of psychedelics exhibiting little measurable brain activity during their experiences. We also learned about experiments involving flatworms, which were trained to perform tasks before having their heads severed. Remarkably, these creatures grew new heads and retained the learned behaviors.

As scientists grapple with the enigma of consciousness, akin to the character in my father’s rhyme, they are left pondering the presence of something that remains frustratingly absent from conventional scientific inquiry.

Chapter 2: A Unique Perspective on Consciousness

I consider myself exceptionally fortunate. My connection with Asher, a reticent individual I once taught, evolved into a profound friendship. He possesses access to a vast repository of knowledge, which he likens to an infinite library existing beyond the constraints of time and space.

Where Is Consciousness Located? - YouTube

This video examines the various theories regarding the location of consciousness, contemplating its implications on our understanding of reality.

Asher has the extraordinary ability to transcend the physical realm at will, exploring this repository of insights. I find myself metaphorically standing outside, seeking his guidance on questions that earthly sources cannot adequately address.

We eventually devised a collaborative approach: I would document our shared experiences, while he would enhance the narrative with his insights communicated through telepathy. One of my inquiries focused on the essence of consciousness. Asher's response led to a detailed chapter in our book, too extensive to share in full, but I will summarize a few key points.

Asher remarked that every individual perceives themselves as separate, which holds true in our physical existence. However, on a cosmic level, we are all manifestations of consciousness.

When I expressed my belief in my physical incarnation, Asher prompted me to ponder the deeper meaning of "incarnate," which essentially translates to "in meat." He asked me to consider what constitutes the "self" that inhabits this physical form.

Through our dialogue, I learned that this "self" can be envisioned as a light body—a radiant essence that connects us to the universe. This light body exists at varying frequencies, with the portion intersecting our physical form resonating within the visible light spectrum.

Asher clarified that while consciousness can detach from the physical body, the light body remains integral. He pointed out that scientific measurements reflect the interaction of consciousness with the physical form, but they fail to capture the broader, non-local aspects of consciousness.

In essence, EEG readings signify brain activity rather than the true essence of consciousness. During deep states of meditation, while brain activity appears minimal, consciousness is actually at its most expansive. Conversely, heightened brainwave activity does not equate to a deeper connection with higher realms.

Conclusion: The Nature of Consciousness

Asher's straightforward explanation provides clarity about consciousness in ways I had previously struggled to grasp. Our bodies may experience unconsciousness, but our essence remains ever-present. Our memories, dreams, and transcendent experiences reside within the light body, contributing to what Jung termed the Collective Consciousness. This vast repository of knowledge eludes scientific measurement and can only be glimpsed when consciousness interacts with the physical body.

Ultimately, the quest to understand consciousness continues, intertwining scientific inquiry and profound personal experiences.