The Vedanta Society of San Francisco is an institution based on broad and universal teachings. It aims at explaining the philosophy of life in a simple, rational and practical way. It has an uplifting and vital message for persons in all walks of life. You are cordially invited to the lectures by Swami Prakashananda of India delivered every Sunday at 11 A. M. and 8 P. M. Tuesday and Thursday class lectures and individual lessons are for the members. Any sincere truthseeker is eligible to membership. For further information please inquire or write to the Secretary. The Inner Consciousness How to Awaken and Direct It _By_ SWAMI PRAKASHANANDA Published by THE VEDANTA SOCIETY OF SAN FRANCISCO 2963 Webster Street San Francisco, California U. S. A. Copyright, 1921, by Vedanta Society of S. F. THE INNER CONSCIOUSNESS How to Awaken and Direct It In theoretical as well as applied psychology no term is more misleading, or confusing than the term consciousness. We use the term often in our conversation; we come across it in our study; but when we are asked to define it properly, to explain its significance, its meaning, or the idea for which that word stands, we are unable to do so. And that is because there are so many varied ideas concerning consciousness. There are so many aspects of consciousness, there are so many states of consciousness that we get mixed up--that is, we confuse one with the other. So we must know thoroughly the true significance of the term. Then we can make such distinctions as inner consciousness and outer consciousness. What is truly meant by consciousness, or what is the principle back of that term? There are many ideas which cannot be expressed properly for lack of words, or lack of terms. The word consciousness is really derived from the Latin root =scio=, to know, and =con=, together; so the word consciousness from the derivative meaning would signify: to know together. We use the term generally in the sense of being conscious of a fact. That is, consciousness means knowing an object, as it were; knowing something. But the word consciousness really indicates two things--subject and object. It implies the duality of existence. There is one who is the knower, the subject, the ego, the perceiver. I know it; I am conscious of it; I perceive it; I think about it. Therefore there is always the subject, the ego--I--as the background of any form of consciousness.