We are conscious beings on a journey of expansion. As the mystic
Teilhard de Chardin stated, “You are not a human being in search of
a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a
human experience.”
Consciousness is continually expanding and evolving. As conscious
beings, we are experiencing this evolution all the time.

There is an evolutionary impulse that continually propels us
forward. At first, it is largely unconscious. As the journey
continues, we become increasingly aware that we are on a journey.
When the evolutionary impulse becomes conscious, it progresses from
being intermittent and minuscule, to being continuous and immense.
This impulse amplifies in the presence of intention, attention, and
quietude. We can look back and see the evolution we have undergone
over the past several years. The more we see that we are on this
journey and the more we perceive the movement towards increased
consciousness, the more we feel inclined to speed it up. The journey
becomes exhilarating. We start feeling the movement and
possibilities in every moment. We see the array of choices increase.
The process accelerates as it approaches the key milestone where the
individual separate-self identification dissolves. Even as we want
to speed things up, we also relax recognizing everything is moving
at the perfect pace.
Undergoing this journey of evolution is our primary purpose for
existence. It is a relentless process, and the ensuing
transformation is imminent.
As beings on this journey, we may wonder “What are some attributes
of an evolved existence?” Recognizing and cultivating these
attributes can be useful on the journey. What is the path on which
we are travelling? Are there distinct levels that are discernable,
and spoken of by those who have gone ahead? Let’s explore these
questions.
Continuum of Consciousness
Even though as humans we are all conscious, our level of
consciousness is not the same. It varies considerably even though
the external packaging can belie the internal level of
consciousness. The level of consciousness of a being at a point in
time falls within a continuum of consciousness. This continuum of
consciousness is the entire range or spectrum of consciousness that
is possible.
The spectrum of consciousness ranging from perceived separateness to
realized unity, is shown in the diagram below.
Ordinary human consciousness is rooted in separateness with
existence in the physical where 3D space, time and matter are the
primary reality. Spirit consciousness is etheric and pure
being-ness.

Even
while we inhabit a body, our consciousness can be at any point in
this spectrum; it does not have to be at the ego level. Imagine a
speedometer-like gauge for level of consciousness. The needle shows
the primary identification of a being at a point in time. This
primary identification is indicative of ones level of consciousness
and represents the current state of evolution of the being. As a
person evolves, their external appearance may not seem any
different, but their internal point of identification keeps shifting
upwards.
Ego consciousness at one end of the continuum is the familiar state
of being identified

with
the body/mind matrix trapped in the space/time continuum with a
compelling storyline with which we find it hard to separate
ourselves. We are matter bound in this state, and find ourselves
craving for material experiences.
A significant leap happens when the identification shifts to spirit
as soul. In this superconscious state, one perceives reality in a
more fluid energetic state. The body/mind is seen as a grosser
manifestation of subtle energy. There is a natural detachment
towards the body/mind and a feeling of neutral indifference towards
it. The soul has a multi-incarnation perspective. It’s objective is
to optimize learning across time-frames beyond a single lifespan.
This is already a much more expansive and big-picture view compared
to the ego-centric body-bound view. However, there is considerable
room for further expansion!
The next quantum leap takes us to a state of unity with the entire
creation. Every atom of creation and every creature in the entire
universe is seen as being part of oneself. A large perspective
indeed. One is beyond the limitations of space and time.
Finally, to complete the picture, at the other end of the spectrum
is Cosmic consciousness, where ones identification has even
transcended all of creation, and is one with the Pure Spirit beyond
creation. This lofty state, though a rarified state, is still real
and attainable. It is the most expansive state one can conceive of.
However, intellectually it is hardly describable.
Level |
Identification |
Description |
Constituent |
Identity |
Ego Consciousness |
Ego |
Separate entity with body and mind located in 3D space and
time |
Matter |
I am body and mind |
Superconsciousness |
Spirit as Soul |
Individualized spirit indifferent towards the body and
mind |
Energy |
I am Self |
Unity Consciousness |
Spirit in Creation |
Oneness with all creation |
Idea |
I am Creation |
Cosmic Consciousness |
Pure Spirit |
Oneness with Pure Spirit beyond creation |
Pure Consciousness |
I am |
Characteristics of Evolved
Consciousness
Beings that are evolved share some common characteristics,
regardless of the specifics of the path that they have traversed.
Key elements of such an evolved existence are outlined below. Simply
being aware of these characteristics, and introspecting on them in
conjunction with a spiritual practice that includes meditation,
starts bringing one closer to it and makes one a more perfect
instrument of the Divine.
Each characteristic below is first defined in general terms followed
by one more specific to the topic at hand. It is then briefly
described with an image that assists in understanding and
internalizing the concept. Finally a question that serves as a
trigger for introspection is presented.
Alignment.
 |
Definition
Arranged in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate
relative positions. Lined up with the Divine. |
Description
As the agenda of the ego is dissolved, the being finds that
it’s aspirations, actions, attitudes, internal space are in
alignment with the Divine. |
Image
As an aircraft prepares for landing, it lines up with the
runaway as it reduces its altitude. This alignment with the
runaway is critical as it gets closer to touchdown to ensure
a smooth landing. |
Introspection trigger
Is my primary life intention in alignment with my Higher
Self? |
Integrity.
 |
Definition
The state of being whole and undivided, internal
consistency. Every part or facet has the same agenda as the
whole. |
Description
We are facets of a whole with each facet including the
information contained in the whole. So each facet has the
same internal agenda as the whole, and is intrinsically
connected and resonant with the whole. When we live from a
place of integrity, we act in a way that automatically
balances out the differences and tensions between individual
parts. |
Image
An image-hologram can be broken up into smaller pieces, but
each piece has the ability to recreate the same image as the
whole. |
Introspection trigger
Do any parts of my psyche have their own agenda that is
different that my primary life purpose? |
Authenticity.
 |
Definition
Of undisputed origin; faithfully resembles an original.
Genuine, accurate, veritable. |
Description
Living authentically means living from a place that is 100%
genuine. All thoughts and actions flow from a non-conflicted
place of verity. |
Image
A priceless jewel or timepiece or the Declaration of
Independence document. |
Introspection trigger
Are my speech and actions accurately reflecting my
intentions? |
Congruence.
 |
Definition
In agreement or harmony, identical in form; coinciding
exactly when superimposed. |
Description
Congruence results from the coincidence of the individual
self with the Higher Self or Divine. So there is an exact
match when the “shapes” of the self and Self are superposed. |
Image
Two identical geometric shapes. |
Introspection trigger
Are my choices in people I choose to spend time with in
congruence with my highest intention? |
Coherence.
 |
Definition
Logical and consistent, united as or forming a whole, having
a constant phase relationship. Each wave or facet is in
phase with the Divine. |
Description
Coherence in living comes from a timeliness with respect to
being in sync with the Divine. So doing the right things at
the right time on this plane driven by a higher plan would
result in coherence. |
Image
Music or waves in phase with each other. |
Introspection trigger
Are my intentions, thoughts, actions in sync with my highest
aspirations? |
Purity.
 |
Definition
Freedom from adulteration or contamination, Every layer down
to the core has divine urge. No separate agenda. |
Description
When the earthly manifestation is free from any
contaminants, we are living a life of purity. |
Image
Clean glass of water |
Introspection trigger
Are they any corrupting ingredients in my mental content? |
High-fidelity.
 |
Definition
The fidelity of the reproduction: accuracy, exactness,
precision, preciseness, correctness; strictness, closeness,
faithfulness, authenticity, faithfulness, loyalty,
constancy; trueheartedness, trustworthiness, dependability,
reliability, allegiance, obedience. Precisely faithful and
loyal to the divine. No distortion of source energy. Pure
channel or conduit for spirit. |
Description
Identification with the individual ego and it’s schemes
cause distortion in perception as well as in action. When
this distortion is eliminated, you have a hi-fi reproduction
of the divine on earth. |
Image
Re-creation of sound with no distortion |
Introspection trigger
Am I being a high-fidelity receiver for intuitive messages
from my Higher Self? |
Clarity.
 |
Definition
Lucidity, clearness, coherence; transparency. No
obscuration. No impedance. No internal friction.
Transparent. |
Description
The transparency of an evolved soul results in Divine Light
coming through clearly with no obscuration or impedance. |
Image
Looking through a clear glass. |
Introspection trigger
Am I crystal clear on my life purpose and intention in all
interactions with the world? |
Subjective Experience of Evolved
Consciousness
The subjective experience of an evolved consciousness is beatific
and sublime, as described below.
Pure Joy. Pristine,
unalloyed joy. Feeling like one is bursting with ecstatic bliss. A
sense of exultation from marveling at the glory and perfection of
everything.
Connectedness. Everything is
“us” or everything is “me” and thus not separate. Existence feels
complete and whole.
Now-ness. Everything is now.
Expansiveness. Continuously
growing to cover more space in dimensions beyond 3D.
Lightness. Lack of mass or
weight or density. And full of light.

The
journey of consciousness, especially as one is a little further
along, can be delightful and joyous. Advancement is not linear.
Considerable distances can be covered in an instant, when the
conditions are right and there is inner readiness and thirst. As
paradoxical as it may seem, the journey culminates with the
realization that one in essence knew even at the very beginning (at
the deepest level) the same realization that emerged at the very end
of the journey.
This article is from Suresh Ramaswamy,
creator
of Lucid Field.