20 POINTS - EXPERIENTIAL CRITERIA OF C.C.
1) Spontaneity - Loss of self-analysis. Why do we not behave spontaneously prior to C.C.? Because of lack of understanding of the laws of action and reaction, cause and effect - we analyze and control behaviour in an attempt to bring about effects which we want. C.C. creates a situation v/'here intellectual understanding of right and wrong, cause and effect, is unnecessary because of living the spontaneous benefit of that knowledge at all times. Transition from lack of spontaneity to spontaneity is often awkward, because we can't get used to the fact that life is easy. We sometimes mistake spontaneity for lack of responsibility, because we find that we don't worry so much, but the end result of the spontaneity of action in C.C. is greater success, responsibility, etc. than before.
2) Change in relationship to time - "Living in the eternal present." We often find that in ignorance we live a curious blend of past and future - past experiences, memories, etc. and future hopes, which does not allow for maximum enjoyment of each present moment. In C.C. past impressions which are useful to present experience come when necessary - no need to dwell on them, try to remember, etc. Future is assuredly going to better with more expansion of consciousness, so no need to spend a lot of energy worrying and thinking about the future. "Time is a conception to measure eternity."
3) Less extraneous thoughts - Mind is always collecting things which * it holds in case they may prove useful some day, thus prior to C.C. the mind is filled with thoughts which do not add to efficiency, thoughts which just add clutter to the mind. Less thoughts do not mean dullness of mind, but each thought has more power because thoughts are more relevant to the needs of the moment - thought energy is more concentrated.
4) Greater energy and greater calm - We don't just release stress, we simultaneously strengthen the nervous system and enliven finer aspects of the nervous system, i.e. tap finer levels of energy. So the calmness of C.C. is not passivity - example of racing a machine as opposed to refining the functioning.
5) Awakeness, sharp perception - Change of definition of alertness, not just disappearance of dullness. Perception not only becomes broader, but also gains greater ability to focus on a point more intensely, i.e. greater ability to concentrate, but not based on effort to concentrate.
6) Joy - C.C. is more fun. Joy based on bliss-consciousness does not replace relative joys - it enriches them; we no longer depend on relative joys for fulfillment, so enjoyment is not limited by our experience. Transition to more blissful inner state can seem unrealistic at first, because we are so used to attributing our happiness to outer events. We expect to suffer in certain situations because we always have before, and when we cease to suffer in the same circumstances, we may feel that we're not taking life seriously, becoming too frivolous, etc. Definition of happiness changes.
7) Sense of humour - Natural result of joy in life.
8) Efficiency - All of the above points add to efficiency in action. More powerful, more orderly thoughts produce smoother action. Spontaneity does not waste as much time in unnecessary analysis. Greater energy and relaxation produces smoother, more effortless action - do less and accomplish more. Clearer, more awake perception obviously allows us to see how to "clean up" the process of activity. Joy in activity keeps the mind naturally engaged in performing the action.
9) Witnessing, detachment - Most easily misunderstood aspect of C.C. because of our definition of the word detachment in the waking state. We tend to imagine detachment as "feelings detached from action," intellect detached from action," etc. whereas it is absolute pure consciousness which is separate from relativity (feelings, intellect, etc. are included in relativity). Transition to this state of Self separate from activity is another situation where intellectual understanding is important, since confusion could arise if we had the experience only. Quote from Gita, p. 320. We don't "go with" feelings of detachment; when they arise, we "plunge into activity."
10) Desire not felt as lack - Does a man in C.C. have desires? He is liberated from the cycle of action, impression, desire, so the rising of desires due to some past lack of fulfillment is no longer found. Desire is based on need of the moment - impulse of that need is transferred into action without going through feeling of "want" or "lack." '
11) Self-sufficiency - Based on strength. Does not mean loss of desire for social encounters, relationships, etc. - it means relationships are based on giving, rather than need. Quote in Gita p. 340.
12) Flexibility, adaptability - Again because we don't have just the relative, limited field from which to derive our satisfaction, we are better able to accept new possibilities, surprises, etc. Also stronger nervous system means that places, situations which had previously caused stress can now be enjoyed or at least provide fascination.
13) S e 1 f - confidence - Due to strength, joy, alertness, etc. This boldness arises spontaneously and often surprisingly, not due to any attempt to feel more confident.
14) Breathe less - Breath becomes more refined not only during TM but also during activity, We Conserve energy, likening to as if we were functioning on super oil.
15) Balance (integration of personality)- This is a very important aspect. This quality of all aspects of one's personality being developed simultaneously. Not only does the development come in a integrated fashion but also it develops spontaneously. It is only obvious that fulfillment would have to be a state of balance. This is the problem of so many other techniques, they do not structure the development of the personality in a spontaneous^ and balance manner.
16) Loss of boredom - Boredom is due to stagnation. Maharishi's definition of the greatest danger to life is in fact this stagnation. When one moves quickly along path of evolution is naturally fascinating. Even "rough spots" can at least provide interest.
17) Awake in sleep, dreaming - Pure Consciousness is an all-time reality in CC, not just during wake state.
18) Emotional stability - The emotional stability found in CC should not be confused with emotional dryness. When the Gita speaks of equanimity in pleasure and pain, this does not mean emotional flatness in every situation. The flatness or unchanging aspect is Pure Consciousness, which is steady throughout even intense emotional situations. What happens is that emotions cease to grip life to the degree that it throws off the ability to function smoothly, disallows clear perception. Emotions are full, but are put in proper relationship to other aspects.
19) Spontaneous rightness - This is a great relief to know that we will spontaneously be right in CC. As we all experience knowledge of right and wrong is no guarantee that we well perform right action. Our only guarantee is to gain CC where right action is spontaneous.
20) More expanded goals - Meditators become greedier as our ability to achieve more and more grows in us as a living reality.
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