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As we start with ourselves, improving and observing our own consciousness we will begin to know ourselves on a truly personal level. As research methods and science improves we will be able to chart our experiences with those of others. Explaining and sharing these experiences will help others to achieve the same. Therefore leading to a more complete understanding of the nature of consciousness. An overall improved society will reveal itself through the process of trying to achieve a higher state of consciousness.
Grof shared this view (1990, p. 18) when he said “I see consciousness and the human psyche as experiences and reflections of a cosmic intelligence that permeates the entire universe and all of existence".
Research into these areas has already begun. “Pauli and Jung sought the mechanisms of the collective consciousness that connected a number of human brains across space and time” (Jibu, Mari, Yasue and Kunio, 1995, p.142). One day we will all be connected in a state of higher consciousness.
CONCLUSION
There is a path to a higher state of consciousness. It cannot be written in stone or summed up in 10 steps, it involves a combination of different techniques and changes that must occur within each individual.
Realizing that each one of us is connected with a higher order we can choose to become one with it, and use the knowledge gained to help foster an improved society. Each evolutionary and historical epoch has been associated with a specific stage of individual cognitive development together with correlative socially shared worldviews and moralities. It has been observed that cultural evolution and individual development go hand in hand. Humans can increase their own consciousness, in turn affecting those around them. The effect will be huge leading to a better understanding of consciousness. It has been observed that new organisms come into being as a result of necessity. Therefore, increase your necessity so that you may increase your perception.
Concluding, I agree with Tart when he said:
In Buddhism, the word for heaven is “Pure Land.” Each day through what you put out, you are making your world into a Pure Land. And this just happens, without effort. Life takes on a magical quality. (Tart, 1990, p.165)
Therefore, I am not advocating a set path to a higher state of consciousness. I believe it is truly unique to each of us. It is important for each individual to choose his or her own way and develop as much as possible to take oneself to the seldom-achieved ultimate.
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