Unknown Pilgrims

Author(s): N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi

Page 30

The Unknown Pilgrims
integration, b) The path of simplification. Let me simply outline a synopsis of this theme.
Human consciousness, apart from what it may be in itself, is without doubt the inseparable and indispensable companion of Man's pilgrimage, at least on earth. It is in and through our consciousness that we formulate our thoughts and words and even what we are, our being, although being is somehow, greater than consciousness. To attain supreme or absolute consciousness has been the goal (or dream) of the great religious traditions of humanity. Consciousness is 1consciouness. The I is the subject of consciousness. There may be consciouness of objects, even consciousness of self, but consciousness as such is, by definition, the subject, the subject pure and simple, whatever that subject may be. Now, this consciousness can reach its zenith in two different ways:
a) By the integration of whatever presents itself, under one form or another, into consciousness. According to this approach the body and matter in general enter into consciousness. Thus salvation (this word being understood as the symbol of Man's goal) demands the transformation of matter and the assumption of time. History must be taken into the reckoning, the world transformed, all its elements redeemed. Sin, hell and damnation occur precisely when the corresponding part of this universe refuses or fails to achieve the transformation it is called upon to undergo. Traditions of this first type, that could perhaps be called tantric or sacramental, are not necessarily moniştic, though that does not imply that they are necessarily dualistic. Nor are they of necessity in thrall to logic or the logos, for there is always at least one element, the body, matter, which will only be transformed at the end of the personal or cosmic destiny. Up until that moment an undetermined element, an 'a-logical factor persists. The supremne value here is goodness; and when the word 'truth' is uttered, one thinks immediately of liberty - and justice.
b) The attainment of supreme consciousness can also be envisaged as a totally pure çnsciousness that has eliminated all that sullies its absolute purity, that is, matter, the body. Salvation in the broadest sense of the word) is then deliverance from this material prison, a breaking out from all historical and temporal limitations. Traditions of this second type, that could perhaps be called idealistic or gnostic,