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Is the "I AM" consciousness a clue that existence is not purely evolutionary, but fundamentally intentional?

Ruffles said:
My answer to this loaded question is: no, it is not.
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🙃

Can we persuade you to believe otherwise?

One important aspect I haven’t seen mentioned yet, is the function of language in this “I AM”-ness.

In Lacanian psychoanalysis, the Real is seen as the no-thing that escapes representation.
Our supposed ‘I’ is merely some fabricated self-image that keeps insisting on itself through language as a loop.

It can be argued that consciousness does not precede language. On the contrary, language precedes consciousness. (Consciousness of an illusory supposedly separate self, mind you.)
 
Interesting perspective, but I see Lacanian concepts more as intellectual ideals than lived realities. In my view, 'I AM' is not something language creates—language is an expression of I AM. We are not fabricated by speech; we are revealed through it. Consciousness isn't a byproduct of words, but the very ground on which language stands.

To say the self is merely a loop of linguistic constructs is to overlook the deeper essence of being—the silent awareness that precedes both thought and word. Yes, language shapes our experiences, but the 'we' that speaks was already present, already aware.

I believe the real confusion begins when we claim that what escapes experience is the true reality. That, to me, feels like mistaking absence for depth. Instead, I see all things—language, thought, feeling, even the sense of 'I'—as interconnected threads within the same living tapestry. There is no separate I, no separate language, no isolated observer. All is part of the same unfolding essence. That’s what defines us.
 
Not with wording like that. To me it sounds like megalomania.

As important as consciousness might be for individuals, and of only human individuals which is a ridiculously small fraction of what consciousness has been in this planet, the world simply has been and will continue to be independent of it. Our type of being definitely does not represent the rest of biological existence, which we are individually and communally the great abusers and destroyers of. And much less extending anything of our human nature to the atomic eternals.

There is no intelligence or design outside of humanity. And what could be claimed as evolution is just a different word for change, an iterative change, not progress.
 
The I AM said:
Interesting perspective, but I see Lacanian concepts more as intellectual ideals than lived realities. In my view, 'I AM' is not something language creates—language is an expression of I AM. We are not fabricated by speech; we are revealed through it. Consciousness isn't a byproduct of words, but the very ground on which language stands.

To say the self is merely a loop of linguistic constructs is to overlook the deeper essence of being—the silent awareness that precedes both thought and word. Yes, language shapes our experiences, but the 'we' that speaks was already present, already aware.

I believe the real confusion begins when we claim that what escapes experience is the true reality. That, to me, feels like mistaking absence for depth. Instead, I see all things—language, thought, feeling, even the sense of 'I'—as interconnected threads within the same living tapestry. There is no separate I, no separate language, no isolated observer. All is part of the same unfolding essence. That’s what defines us.
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Very well put. People confuse awareness and meta-awareness. Like I know and I know that I know.
We humans have this meta-awareness in contrast to other animals. We can't say that a bird isn't aware.
Of course, it is. It's our heightened mental capacity that creates problems and provides solutions to them at the same time.

Ruffles said:
As important as consciousness might be for individuals, and of only human individuals which is a ridiculously small fraction of what consciousness has been in this planet, the world simply has been and will continue to be independent of it. Our type of being definitely does not represent the rest of biological existence, which we are individually and communally the great abusers and destroyers of. And much less extending anything of our human nature to the atomic eternals.
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It's based on physicality of reality, but it's just a collection of ideas we got from school. Universe could be mental in the end.
We shouldn't mix the cultural psyche we run on right now and our capacity to be conscious.
We people have potential to be God-like, we have this Buddha nature inside.
It's just not on the surface level, where we create all these atrocities.
Spirituality is real, but it's far from what is presented nowadays.
 
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The I AM said:
Interesting perspective, but I see Lacanian concepts more as intellectual ideals than lived realities. In my view, 'I AM' is not something language creates—language is an expression of I AM. We are not fabricated by speech; we are revealed through it. Consciousness isn't a byproduct of words, but the very ground on which language stands.

To say the self is merely a loop of linguistic constructs is to overlook the deeper essence of being—the silent awareness that precedes both thought and word. Yes, language shapes our experiences, but the 'we' that speaks was already present, already aware.

I believe the real confusion begins when we claim that what escapes experience is the true reality. That, to me, feels like mistaking absence for depth. Instead, I see all things—language, thought, feeling, even the sense of 'I'—as interconnected threads within the same living tapestry. There is no separate I, no separate language, no isolated observer. All is part of the same unfolding essence. That’s what defines us.
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That’s the positive way of looking at … it!

Just be mindful of the fact that your neuroses are also part of that .. unfolding.

Psychoanalysis isn’t the be-all and end-all, but we still underestimate its potential for self-inquiry.

And I definitely wouldn’t rule out the notion of this being no-thing at heart, which we’ve dressed up with all kinds of fancy words.
 
I think it's also important to keep in mind that the "I AM" is experiential. We can conceptualize about it literally forever, but that won't come close to matching the raw reality of it.

This description of a 5-MeO-DMT breakthrough paints a nice picture of what it's like. And of course, this extreme expression of being can be experienced by a dedicated sober meditation practitioner as well.

 
Here&Now2 said:
I think it's also important to keep in mind that the "I AM" is experiential. We can conceptualize about it literally forever, but that won't come close to matching the raw reality of it.

This description of a 5-MeO-DMT breakthrough paints a nice picture of what it's like. And of course, this extreme expression of being can be experienced by a dedicated sober meditation practitioner as well.

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Ok, but bear with me …

I’m not so certain an I can experience AS AN I what it has no words for.
 
I still think I AM requires I WAS NOT or I WILL NOT BE. Without those other states how does I AM look?
 
I love books, or documentaries, but I love hearing the views of nexus members more! If every question can be solved by 'look what this wise person said about this subject' then we might as well not discuss anything here :)
 
fink said:
I love books, or documentaries, but I love hearing the views of nexus members more! If every question can be solved by 'look what this wise person said about this subject' then we might as well not discuss anything here :)
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Sure thing. Just wanted to share what is close to my understanding. I can't put it as eloquently as Bernardo.
There are lots of good philosophies around, but most of us come from the West.
We connect more readily with our tradition and science, imo.
Maybe the video can raise some questions and provide a new view on consciousness.
🙏
 
I'm sure you are right about cultural influence on philosophy. Lately I seem to have reached a point where almost everything I read or listen to on platforms like youtube feels hollow and naive.

All I could ever hope to learn is contained within. Within you, within me. In the quiet, unknown minds of ordinary humans.
 
fink said:
I'm sure you are right about cultural influence on philosophy. Lately I seem to have reached a point where almost everything I read or listen to on platforms like youtube feels hollow and naive.

All I could ever hope to learn is contained within. Within you, within me. In the quiet, unknown minds of ordinary humans.
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I feel you. I can't watch any movies anymore, and it was my passion for years.
When it comes to YouTube & books, it's back and forth for me.
Sometimes I get passionate about new ideas and outlooks, but other times it's all shallow and fake.
As they say: You can get only what you already know.
Yeah, it's all within. Some days this truth is very obvious, but then a doubt creeps in.
We're all human, with our baggage, hopes and wishes. Faith is big topic for me nowadays.
Blessings ❤️
 
Be the cat! Enjoy being stumped and take a nap. 😉

Listen to your heart and create/accept the perceptions that fit your Being the best.

Absolutes we perceive are mere illusions created by our Being. Once you recognize the illusions one can start flowing in the Flux. Then you can bump into new absolutes and feel the ones that fit your heart-strings. Maybe hook onto them and flow along until they also detach.

Fluid like water.
Light like the butterfly.
Stumped like the cat.
Sleep well,
enjoy the dreams of reality.

🦋
 
CommonConduit said:
Can you expand and leave behind?
While being intimate with what is?
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This is a huge question! It troubles me greatly on a daily basis. Some days I am able to see our world as a reward in an otherwise chaotic and infinite conciousness. Other days I feel trapped here, wondering what the hold up is. I don't think I could ever show a sufficient amount of gratitude for what I have. But I know I could do better at it than I am currently.
 
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