Karen Armstrong Homo Consciousness Research Paper

Victoria Galluccio

Matthew Cinnirella

01:355:101:EX

Paper 1 Rough Draft

September 10, 2015

Title

Consciousness can be defined many different ways. Some think of it as simply being awake. Thus, sleeping would translate as being unconscious. So, what if you are awake but your mind is asleep? My definition is consciousness is a bit more complex than others. If I could sum it up in one word, I would choose awareness. Awareness of one’s self and awareness of one’s environment is essential. In “Homo Religiosus,” Karen Armstrong considers the relationship that transpires between religion and personal relationships, both with higher powers and the relationship you have with yourself. In ancient times, religion served as a medium for transforming consciousness,

We tend to identify ourselves as many things, but the true self has yet to be determined. People like to think of themselves as the roles and behaviors they take on, such as teacher, car enthusiast, intelligent, athlete, et cetera. This can also be as simplistic as identifying as female or male. Personal identities have long consisted of a combination of social relationships, affiliations, occupations, interests, and several other factors. However, transforming one’s consciousness allows him or her to dig underneath the surface and truly start to get to know themselves. The body and spirit awaken and we experience things that we are not previously familiar with. Our senses are heightened, emotions intensified, and our beliefs, attitudes, and behavior, we are no longer sure of. Armstrong discusses the creation myth and questions, “Why had anything come into being at all, when there could so easily have been nothing? There has never been a simple or even a possible answer to this question, but people continue to ask it, pushing their minds to the limit of what we can know” (page 11). Perhaps, in an altered state of mind, we may find the answers to these questions. We are often scared to put ourselves out there and really be alive, but Earth’s mysteries will reveal themselves to us in the absence of fear and

More than just meditating or posing, yoga connects the mind, body, and spirit while uniting your individual self with your higher self. It alters one’s perspective and provides newfound reverence for civilization and selflessness. This transformation allows for acceptance of others and personal accountability. In a different state of consciousness, we worry less about the superficial things that are going on in our lives and step back and take a look at the bigger picture. To be conscious is to have self-awareness, and to be aware of yourself is knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and emotions and how to use them positively. This is essential in having control over your life and the path you choose to take. Deprived of consciousness, it proves challenging to be the master of your own