A question regarding conciousness

[Anastasia]

I've been doing some reading about conciousness, mostly because of my interest in physics (though I am no expert to say the least) and the idea of a place where space and time do not exist. This sounds very scientific, but what makes it interesting, to scientists especially, is that it is perhaps more spiritual than many of them would want to believe and accept; the concept of conciousness that is.

This may seem a bit confusing, I myself am still trying to understand it, but my question is the following.

When people talk about experiencing a 'higher state of conciousness' as a form of an experience of closeness (in fact some might say oneness) with God or what some call the 'Christ conciousness', does that sort of state of mind or meditation, if you will, exist in Orthodox Christianity; or in Christianity period?

As Christians we are taught that we are sinners, is it possible, as a sinner, to ever experience a state of mind in which we are as one with God or rather, where we can live, even briefly, in a Christ like, conciousness?

There is more going on in my mind, but I think I will leave it at that for now. Thank you!

Your Sister In Christ,
Anastasia

 

[Photini]

When people talk about experiencing a 'higher state of conciousness' as a form of an experience of closeness (in fact some might say oneness) with God or what some call the 'Christ conciousness', does that sort of state of mind or meditation, if you will, exist in Orthodox Christianity; or in Christianity period?

As Christians we are taught that we are sinners, is it possible, as a sinner, to ever experience a state of mind in which we are as one with God or rather, where we can live, even briefly, in a Christ like, conciousness?

Yes, that "state of mind" (though I hesitate to call it that...it's more a state of heart) does exist and is taught in Orthodoxy.
Living with a Christ-like conciousness is the goal of our Christian lives on earth...or should be our goal.

Elder Amphilochios of Patmos said this: "When someone opens your heart, I'd like him to find nothing there but Christ."

and also : "Pay no attention to things earthly and passing. Be concerned about the union of your soul with God."

We can see this clearly in reading the lives of the Saints, especially the monastic ones (i.e. St Symeon the New Theologian, St Gregory Palamas, St Silouan the Athonite).

P.S. Thank you for opening this thread. Sometimes I forget that salvation is not merely just the forgiveness of sins...but our unity and likeness to God. Our souls are like mirrors, and when they are clean they are able to shine and reflect the light of Christ, and when He looks at our souls, He will see His face looking back at Him. But a soul that is smeared or dirty (even just a little) distorts the images reflected in it.

 

[Anastasia]

Photini, thank you for your answer! When I read about a 'state of mind' I suppose what I have a hard time understanding is if that phrase is used to describe an experience, or a way of life.

To try and be Christ like, is this trying to achieve a closeness to God or an understanding of God? Is it to be with God or like God, and by the phrase 'like God' I mean, achieving the 'enlightenment' Jesus had?

I feel that I struggle with my own ego, it is very easy to slip into a 'me' centered world where I easily forget about the greatness of my own existence as a servant of God. That's why I've been reading about this sort of thing, I want to know and have the tools, to try and be as close as I can to a 'higher awareness' if you were, to have the grace, love, and wisdom of our Lord. I just wonder if achieving that means having to be conscience of my own conciousness and trying to distinguish who I am and what I am; namely, a child of God.

If this is too heavy or confusing, please tell me. I feel like I'm rambling!

Your Sister in Christ,
Anastasia

 

[Photini]

To try and be Christ like, is this trying to achieve a closeness to God or an understanding of God? Is it to be with God or like God, and by the phrase 'like God' I mean, achieving the 'enlightenment' Jesus had?

I feel that I struggle with my own ego, it is very easy to slip into a 'me' centered world where I easily forget about the greatness of my own existence as a servant of God. That's why I've been reading about this sort of thing, I want to know and have the tools, to try and be as close as I can to a 'higher awareness' if you were, to have the grace, love, and wisdom of our Lord. I just wonder if achieving that means having to be conscience of my own conciousness and trying to distinguish who I am and what I am; namely, a child of God.

If this is too heavy or confusing, please tell me. I feel like I'm rambling!

Your Sister in Christ,
Anastasia

!! You're not rambling at all. I'm excited that someone else is having these same thoughts! Honestly, to be Christ-like is ALL those things you said above. It is a closeness to God and an understanding (which is continually learning) of God. It is to be with God and to be like God.

I'll write some more later on....I have some great quotes from a few Saints. Right now, my kids have a soccer game...

 

[Anastasia]

!! You're not rambling at all. I'm excited that someone else is having these same thoughts! Honestly, to be Christ-like is ALL those things you said above. It is a closeness to God and an understanding (which is continually learning) of God. It is to be with God and to be like God.

I'll write some more later on....I have some great quotes from a few Saints. Right now, my kids have a soccer game...

Thank you! I look forward to the quotes.

 

[Photini]

"Dwelling unchangeable in His divinity, the Word became man in taking on flesh,
preserving His humanity unchangeable in His flesh and His soul,
He made me completely god.
He took on my condemned flesh and endued me with complete divinity.
For indeed baptized, I have put on Christ,
not in a sensible way, but completely spiritually.
And how is it that one made god by grace and adoption
will not be god in awareness and knowledge and contemplation,
he who has put on the Son of God?
If the God Logos became man unconciously,
then it is permissable that I also may become god in ignorance
of the fact as is natural to suppose.
But it is in knowledge, in fact and in conscious experience,
that God has assumed a whole human nature.
I am entirely god by sharing in God in a conscious awareness
and by knowledge, not by essence
but by participation, as is absolutely necessary to believe
to be orthodox."

--St. Symeon the New Theologian, from Hymns of Divine Love, Hymn #50

 

[Anastasia]

Oh wow, that really took my breath away. I feel comforted now! Thank you so much Photini.

I was reading today somewhere online where it said that you find God when you stop seeking Him, and I thought to myself that this is my problem. I feel as if I'm always looking for God when He is already here, in me and with me, all around. It is sometimes difficult for me to remember that, and remember that my life isn't about what I'm going to wear today, where I have to go, or who I know. I am not defined by those things, and God is not something or someone far away, that I can never understand or feel.

 

[Photini]

I am not defined by those things, and God is not something or someone far away, that I can never understand or feel.

So true!

This made me remember this verse:

"I am a God nigh at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off." Jeremiah 23:23