Towards A New Consciousness

This book is not the product of a well thought-out, logically coherent system or philosophy. It is the outcome of 'seeing' or perception from moment to moment. Therefore, it is not in the form of teaching or advice to the reader, because in that form it may mean very littleor it may mean something entirely different from what is intended. It is rather a thinking aloud which is audible only when the ear and the heart are open and the intellect is resting. Because of the nature of this writing, it may not be very acceptable from the literary point of view. There are repetitions which may appear superfluous, but this style is maintained for the sake of emphasis. The same words have been used to convey different meanings in different places. The chapters, which were written in a different chronological order from the one that appears in the book, have been arranged to produce a semblance of continuity. But the author conceived each chapter as an entity complete in itself. To one reader this approach may appear very close to that of Shri J. Krishnamurti; to another it may appear to be a translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. But it is neither. When one sees or perceives, perception is integral or whole; it is neither this nor that. The Yoga Sutras have been given at the ends of the chapters when appropriate. They have been quoted not as authority in support of the author, but because when one sees, one sees a harmony behind even apparent contradictions. Perception is always new; it is always in the present. Tradition is oldbut there would be no tradition if there were no truth entrapped in its core. The human mind, in its search for psychological security, seizes upon this truth and organizes it. It is then rendered inert and fossilized. It is on the inexplicable power of perception which sets this truth free, and allows one to proceed further and avoid the pitfalls through which tradition has travelled. While going through these pages, the reader is advised not to inrerpre or draw conclusions. To draw conclusions is the easiest thing to do. But if the reader understands, he will see what is behind these words. This understanding is not of the intellect; it comes only out of openness of the heart and complete attention. For those who have no time to go through these pages patiently, the following synopsis can be given: "See and listen but do not believe. Do not repeat what you do not understand. Be honest with yourself. With this honesty and simplicity in your heart, truth may knock at your door."