SC Musings for Nitya Gurukula

Consciousness & the Mind

April 11, 2025

Dear Readers, Welcome to SC Musings, Blog 34

In this Blog 34 we will be exploring and deepening our understanding of ‘consciousness and mind’. Our journey began with inner processes accompanying transformations after my Master-trainer ship in Blog 33.

The differences between, consciousness, awareness and the mind have been intriguing me for quite some time. They are often used interchangeably, and I wanted to discover the experiential and finer qualities of these inner mechanisms which happen continuously within.

Let me introduce 2 case-studies which emerged almost simultaneously.

A young woman was struck by doubts and worries about her impending marriage, eagerly awaited for years. Though she had met and chosen her fiancé, his every move seemed to ring alarm bells, as their wedding approached. She was crumbling within and outside, feverishly processing what could go wrong.

Another was a young man, on the verge of separation from his wife, who had opted out. Despite his concentrated efforts to bridge the gap, she had decided to move.

Torn between the good times they had had in the past, his deep attachment to his daughter and fear of losing everything, he struggled to come to terms with the immanent reality.

Two case-studies, paradoxical in that, one was the threat of entering a new relationship, and another about losing a cherished one. The common theme in both was heightened emotions freezing thinking and actions culminating in incapacitation.

In both cases, consciousness appeared to circle and spiral in a frenzy, fuelled by internal processes, prompted by external reality. This dynamic process captured in Figure 34.1, when continued over time, even in a lesser intensity, is a huge block to transformations. Status quo is maintained within and without, and individuals function on autopilot in life.

Now, let’s delve into meanings of consciousness and mind.

According to Merriam Webster, Consciousness is ‘the state of being characterized by sensation, emotion, volition, and thought’(2025).

I found the following 2 relevant definitions of Mind in Merriam Webster: ‘the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons; the organized conscious and unconscious adaptive mental activity of an organism’.

From the above definitions it is evident that consciousness and mind are intricately woven together experientially. Western philosophy followed by psychology have been grappling with the distinctions to make meaning and make a difference in human lives.

Medical world has an interesting definition of consciousness as ‘orientation to person, place and time’ (Radhika,n.d. pc.), shown in Figure 34.3.

Nitya Guru (2013) refers to the ‘modulations of consciousness’ composed of the knower, known and knowledge (p.2). According to him, when we engage with an external object, just look at it, we develop a deep connection with it- it becomes a part of our consciousness.

I am remembering a spectacular event this morning where I experienced the unification of the knower, known and knowledge. I witnessed a Mahavir Jayanth procession on the Main Market road in Ooty. Young and old, moved gracefully in procession, taking care not to hinder the traffic. Tradition and modernity integrated, with the little ones on skates leading the procession, followed by walkers in festive attires, a huge lorry with children and musicians, and a chariot. I joined in the festive spirit, attempting to capture the moments of beauty, movement and spirituality.

Experientially conceptualising consciousness and the mind is essential in people work for guiding individuals for sustainable transformations.

In the case-studies presented earlier, I tuned in to my sensations and experiences during the coachees outpourings. A space to vent and for getting different perspectives of their situation, settled and readied them. Viewing their inner turbulence activated their witnessing consciousness, and they began to look at their immediate and life goals. The knower, known and knowledge distinction was thus activated in them.

Dear Reader, looking forward to seeing you in Blog 35, when we will further our discussion on fine tuning our consciousness, integrating modulations for oneness and reduction of stress.

References

Consciousness: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consciousness
Mind: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mind

Radhika: Dr. Radhika, Surgeon and Gynaecologist, GH Coimbatore

Yati, G. N. C. (2013). (original work published 2003). That alone, the core of wisdom:

A commentary on atmopadesa satakam, the one hundred verses of self-instruction of Narayana Guru. New Delhi: D. K. Printworld