The modern English term consciousness is derived primarily from the Latin word conscius, "knowing, aware." Thus, consciousness is the basic factor of perception and understanding.
Consciousness is the capacity for perception and understanding, and is therefore the basis of any living thing. Since living things are not equal and have a great deal of variety, so too does consciousness: it has infinite potential for development, either towards the heights of perfection or towards the depths of degeneration.
“…consciousness has the potential to increase to an infinite degree.” —the 14th Dalai Lama
Consciousness exists in every level of nature. Any given atom, any given particle, has three aspects:
- matter
- energy
- consciousness
From that point of view we understand that all of nature is alive. All of nature has consciousness, but in levels. That is why we study the Tree of Life (Kabbalah), which provides a map of all levels of consciousness.
"There are three types of consciousness: first, simple consciousness, second, individual self-consciousness, and third, cosmic consciousness. The animals have the first, the intellectual animal called a human being, the second. The gods have the third." -Samael Aun Weor, The Perfect Matrimony
"Light and consciousness are two aspects of the same thing. Where there is light, there is consciousness." -Samael Aun Weor, The Great Rebellion
