Consciousness

In the work of Martinus, consciousness is a central aspect of the living being. Martinus connects consciousness with the being's ability to perceive and create, and he describes the processes of Nature as expressions of life and consciousness.

This article outlines consciousness as Martinus presents it: as a reality connected with the I, with the organism and with the wider spiritual structure of existence. It also describes the awakening of cosmic consciousness through the process Martinus calls the Great Birth.

Consciousness and the structure of existence

In The Eternal World Picture, Martinus describes a living, creating "Something" behind the phenomena commonly called dead. The consciousness, will and power of this creator are said to create and maintain the universe; Martinus identifies this consciousness with the spirit of the Godhead.

In Livets Bog, Martinus argues that phenomena in Nature express plans, that plans express ideas, and that ideas are combinations of thoughts. Since combinations of thoughts are identified with consciousness, he concludes that Nature's processes and phenomena are expressions of consciousness.

The individual living being is likewise described as an eternal phenomenon. Its consciousness, mentality and life are expressed through changing organisms, while the ability to create is presented as an eternal aspect of the being.

Consciousness, the I and the organism

Martinus analyses the living being through three connected realities: the I, the organism and consciousness. In his terminology, consciousness or the individual's life is designated as X3, while the I and its creative power belong to the other aspects of the living being. The present organism and present mentality are temporary expressions, whereas the living being itself is eternal.

This distinction means that consciousness should not be identified simply with the current physical body or with a temporary mental condition. The organism changes, and qualities such as beauty, ugliness, goodness or badness describe changing states rather than the final nature of the eternal living being.

Cosmic consciousness and the Great Birth

Martinus uses the term "cosmic consciousness" for a widened spiritual faculty of experience. In Livets Bog he describes the Great Birth as a spiritual process that occurs when an individual's development has reached a stage adapted for love, intelligence and intuition. This process releases latent spiritual faculties and gives the individual a spiritual or cosmic sense horizon in which immortality, the purpose of life and the eternal Godhead can be experienced.

Martinus presents this development as part of the general course of evolution rather than as a permanent privilege belonging to one person. He states that every human being will experience the process when reaching the necessary stage of development.

He also describes modern science as "the dawn of cosmic consciousness": an early spiritual manifestation that represents a temporary stage and will develop towards a more perfect expression.

Super-consciousness and the cosmic sun

In Martinus' terminology, the I in connection with the mother-energy constitutes super-consciousness. Together with consciousness, designated X3, it forms the fundamental structure of the living being.

Martinus further identifies the cosmic sun or solar power with cosmic consciousness. This power is said to be present in every living being, regardless of its race, category or spiral zone, and to be the being's eternal source of light and heat.

See also

• Martinus
• Livets Bog
• The Eternal World Picture
• The Road to Initiation
• Karma