Constant Consciousness

21 Jan 2002

I am reading a book by Ken Wilber titled "One Taste". It is my first Wilber book and it is very readable and insightful.

[background]
"Regarded as the most intelligent and self-critical voice to emerge from the 'Transpersonal Psychology' movement, [48yr old] Ken Wilber is the genius author of over a dozen books that integrate contemporary spiritual practice with everyday psychological insights. "
[by Alex Burns]

In the book, Wilber talks about (after 25 years of meditating) of often being able to stay completely conscious though his body be asleep. He is able to stay conscious through all the levels of sleep, from dreaming to deep dreamless sleep. He calls it "continuous consciousness" but it sounds like he is describing the "Perpetual Intelligence" (K20) in which the adept no longer sleeps.

He does not claim to have this awareness "all the time", so if true, he does seem to be describing a stage of development between the momentary flash(es) of K16, and the "permanent" continuous consciousness of K20.

Any comments?

__________________

Paul Case said continuous consciousness while sleeping was almost his natural state. He didn't make any effort to do it--it just occurred. I have had it a few times and i daresay that many pfc-ers have, and have not recognized it. I prefer sleep but am quite willing to have my wakeful consciousness extended when needed/useful. I have known others who have experienced this. Joseph