' Unchanging Consciousness '...

There, in the deepest state of contemplation, the awareness of a second thing--whether this be the world of objects outside or the world of thoughts inside--vanishes.

But unconsciousness does not follow. What is left over is a continuous static impersonal and unchanging consciousness.

This is the inmost being of man. This is the supreme Self, dwelling within itself alone.

Its stillness transcends the activity of thinking, of the knowing which distinguishes one thing from another. It is incommunicable then, inexplicable later.

But after a while from this high level the meditator must descend, returning to his human condition. He has come as close in the contact with the Great Being, the most refined ultimate Godhead, as is possible.

Let him be grateful. Let him not ask for more for he cannot know or experience more. This is as far as any man can go, for "Thou shalt not see God and live."



-- Notebooks Category 23: Advanced Contemplation > Chapter 7:
Contemplative Stillness > # 293 Paul Brunton