Contemporary Evolutionary Quotes

This is the place for quotes from the cutting edge of contemporary thinking on the evolution of conscioussness, such as Cohen, Wilber, Beck, Elgin, the thinkers at the Noetic Institute.

A MOMENTOUS LEAP

I believe that for most of us, the only way to our own higher development lies in the context of human relationship, relationship based upon a breakthrough to a shared experience and recognition of consciousness beyond ego. Of course, consciousness beyond ego always means the state of enlightenment itself. So what I’m referring to is the shared experience and recognition of enlightened consciousness, where the shadow of ego or separate self-sense is entirely absent. In this experience of intersubjective consciousness beyond ego, a momentous leap occurs. It is a leap from I to We, from extreme individuation to a living context of intersubjective nonduality—a higher We consciousness in which all parties experience simultaneously their own individual and collective transparency while remaining fully and completely themselves.
-Andrew Cohen

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Remaining Whole in the Face of the Truth

Spiritual development is moral development. It’s the movement from division to wholeness. Most of us are deeply divided, which means we have mixed motives. This is why most of us are untrustworthy. Under pressure, the self divides and suddenly you don’t know who a person is; you don’t know what they are going to do. So when we become interested in evolving, we have to begin to face this deep division within ourselves. We have to confront the darkest motives that exist within us, the deeply unwholesome drives of the ego, and we have to emotionally get in touch with the effect we have on those around us when we act from those motives.

As we evolve, we become a lot more sensitive to the deeply destructive nature of ego, in ourselves and in others. That’s the awakening of conscience—a higher conscience that has nothing to do with ego but comes from the level of the soul. But it takes humility to develop at this level. Most of us cherish a self-image that has very little to do with how we really are. When the true picture is revealed, some people come to their knees in humility. Others fall into a narcissistic rage, unable to bear the truth. It’s at moments like these, when there is tremendous evolutionary pressure, that the self divides.

If you make a decision to remain whole under pressure, to face the truth without wavering, what emerges is literally a new human being. You discover self-confidence, spiritual and moral strength, self-respect and dignity. That’s soul development. But it takes a tremendous commitment and a deep surrender to resist the temptation to divide. If the self doesn’t divide under pressure, then evolution takes place in real time.

Andrew Cohen

Re: Remaining Whole in the Face of the Truth

velcrow ~

Thank you for that post, it is very similar to the traditional Christian concept of
The Dark Night of the Soul.  I believe that also the the premise behind the Sun Dance of the Lakota. UNtil we suffer a breakdown of the ego, or discover its limits in utter desparation and reach beyond them, we will remain in its prison.

When you get a minute, come over to Soup's On and help me stir the soup.

Aho.

CalmEagle

Re: Remaining Whole in the Face of the Truth

Separation, good, bad, ego, etc.

Thinking like that, even when referring to “evolving” has really never helped me.

It always made me feel psychotic. I read all the theories. I know the dogma. It still doesnt help.

I am lately very pro gentleness. And I am a person of strength and sometimes incredibly destructive power and anger. (Never underestimate the power of impatience! lol)

And when I read that quote, it was like “BAM! - I dont like this.” Not because it isnt true, and here many will go into loops about how its my mirror. Yes, but the point is “what helps?”

I'll tell you, 4 years with the Gnostics, I can dissect that ego for ya right now!

And what?
And what resulted was a feeling of unwholesomeness, self-distrust (cus I can change my mind any minute) and general sadness about the state of things.

It was MY experience, sure. But that kind of perception and personal ideology makes people dislike themselves. Which isnt the point. The point is to embrace yourself, Embrace your imperfections. Embrace your inconsistencies and face yourself with love.

Rainbows,
Katya

Re: A MOMENTOUS LEAP

rocket fuel!