Consciousness

According to philosopher David Hume, self is nothing but a series of transient feelings, sensations and  perceptions. 'Everything in our conscious state is derived from impression. For Hume the 'self' is several ideas and impressions. There is no single impression that endures one's whole life'.  Any notion of a consistent self is but an imagination. From Hume's viewpoint because our consciousness is constantly changing there is no 'self' which remains constant.

One of the points that strikes me when attending the talk by Ajahn Sumedho was when he mentioned that consciousness is beyond self. I am always struggling with trying to understand the concept of non self. For me the attachment to the idea of self (me, my and mine) is the greatest cause of dissatisfaction and unhappiness in life. Hume's belief that 'self' is an imagined state excites me. Ajahn Sumedho's point about consciousness not being personal brings to mind an often suggested question to ask during meditation. 'Who is being aware?' From Sumedho's viewpoint whatever that is aware of the self is not the self, it is not a person.

This understanding or experience is important for me because it will propel me not only to gain more wisdom but to be a more compassionate person. It will calm my comparative mind and shape my values to achieve more equanimity and peace.

For instance, when a person is totally absorbed in the here and now like when he is with nature or when he is playing a piece of music, the consciousness of self is absent. These non-self engagement in the absence of 'restrictive self identification boundaries' foster a sense of freedom and fullness of life. This perhaps is true consciousness.