Aphorism 11

11. Aphorism xi.

The Cosmic Will, as the World‑Brain,

seeking Consciousness through its appropriate Principle,

manifests the natural phenomena of the universe.

From a state of Unconsciousness,

through many stages of Semi‑Consciousness—

through many degrees of Simple Consciousness;

Self‑Consciousness;

Super‑Consciousness;

and states still higher in the scale,

undreamt by mortal mind,

on toward the highest states of Cosmic Consciousness—Spirit conscious of Itself;

the Cosmic Will proceeds.

Consciousness, in all of its phases, proceeds through Change—Consciousness depends upon Constant Change.

Consciousness always produces Activity, and manifests Motion.

Consciousness always manifests objectively in Change and Motion in Substance—in substantial shape and form.

In this, then, is to be found the explanation of the phenomena of the involution and evolution of the Cosmos,

with all the incidents thereof—in this is found the answer to the Ultimate “Why.”

The answer is understandable only through

the symbol of the “World‑Brain.”

In order to appreciate the meaning of the Aphorism, we must regard the nature and meaning of "Consciousness."  

Consciousness means "awareness," and, of course, is purely mental in principle.  

The Aphorism says: "Consciousness in all of its phases, proceeds from Change--Consciousness depends upon constant Change."  

Is this borne out by modern psychology--let us see!  

The best authorities in modern psychology agree to this statement.  

To them, Consciousness is a stream of changing mental states, with their corresponding physical changes.  

The text-books say: "Every act of consciousness involves a change from a past state to a present."  

A leading authority says: "Consciousness is in constant change";

also: "No state once gone can recur and be identical with what it was before";

also: "Consciousness does not appear to itself chopped into bits...It is nothing jointed; it flows.

 A'river' or a 'stream' are the metaphors by which it is most naturally described.

 In talking of it, let us call it the stream of consciousness."  

Another authority says: "Consciousness results from perpetual change.  

It is impossible to maintain a uniform conscious state.  

A uniform sensation of pressure becomes quickly unnoticeable--the pressure must perpetually vary or the sensation will cease, and this is true of all conscious states whatsoever."

 All the best authorities agree in the above position.  

The Cosmic Will which is embodied in the Cosmic Substance, just as is the will of man embodied in his brain-substance, must constantly manifest changes within that substance in order that it may be Conscious.

 It must do this constantly and perpetually, else it becomes Unconscious.  

When it is remembered that states of consciousness are always accompanied by corresponding material and physical changes--that thoughts become brain-things--then we can see the explanation of the constant change in the physical world, which we call natural phenomena.