BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Meditation Could consciousness be an illusion?

Roni, thanks for getting back to us ...

Take care - Susan

Philosophers of science have held that only matter exists, and therefore consciousness is indeed an illusion. The universe consists of atoms, molecules etc. and they are purely mechanical, how could they be conscious? Consciousness was an embarrassment, something that shouldn't be there.

The discovery of quantum physics overturns all of this; there is now an attempt to develop a quantum theory of consciousness. This is a profound and important subject; here's a link to an article about it from Thymos: Studies on Consciousness, Mind and Life

Dear Briareus,

I skimmed the article at the link and I feel most comfortable with the idea that consciousness is a property that is always present and does not arise.

What does everyone else in the forum think?

Susan

That's what the scientists are saying -- that it's a physical universe in which consciousness is present everywhere. But it could be a spiritual universe in which matter is present everywhere; I like that version better.

briareus

here ya go: www.waiting.com
It is easy enough to put in if it doesn't go on its on. Every site does the outside addy in it's own way.

BTW: I thought I would come in and put up the site immediately but of course I wandered about for awhile; soooo...if it is the wrong addy I will come back and fix it...oh and while I am here: I too agree that conciousness is everywhere; too bad there is not always any notable intelligence to accompany it!

Roni, thanks for the URL - it works by clicking on it...

lots of information there...

Roni

The website you linked, with important information about coma, is in synchronicity with the legal battles to keep Terri Schiavo alive. She is conscious, but is she conscious enough? If consciousness were an illusion, this struggle would be pointless.

Our perception of what consciousness is makes it real. Without our perception of consciousness what is there? Freedom.

Yes Consciousness is an Illusion, if one sees from the physical senses. In reality we are beyond the physical senses.
We exist beyond body and mind. To 'see' and to 'Understand' this we have to transcend the physical plane. Meditation is the way to transcend and experience it.

Meditationguru
www.meditationguru.com

Meditationguru, could you share here how you experience consciousness in meditation?

Susan