Consciousness of any kind is merely the direction in which the self looks

[inavalan]

"Let us first consider the trance state. Let us for example consider the following circumstances, which are happening only in our imagination. We will therefore consider this imaginary circumstance: an individual is in a trance state. His focus of attention is rather severely limited in some aspects, and yet in other ways it is very strongly focused.

The individual involved is aware of very little as far as physical objects are concerned. There is, for example, a table in front of him. The table is real, it is physical. Under ordinary circumstances it could be seen and touched. Objects could be placed upon it; and yet, Doctor Instream, our entranced individual is not conscious of that table. In his state he is concentrating upon some object which we cannot see. Now, consider: we will attempt to prove the existence of this material table to this individual who is not aware of it. How, therefore, could we prove to him that this table exists, when he is not aware of it in any manner whatsoever? His attentions are focused elsewhere. For him the table does not exist. We have indeed a rather delightful dilemma; and yet, is this not what you require of me? I speak of "you" simply because I have come in contact with you. I recognize only too well your sympathy and your understanding. Nevertheless the situation in which you put me is exactly like the situation which I have only now described.

Your attentions are indeed focused elsewhere. You are in a trance as well as Ruburt is in a trance state now. This is far from unusual. I use you, dear Doctor Instream, only as an example. Consciousness of any kind is merely the direction in which the self looks. I told you this at our brief meeting. Consciousness is the focus, the direction of focus. Your ordinary consciousness is as much a trance state as any trance state induced through hypnotism. Therefore it is nearly impossible to convince a subject in trance that something he does not see exists.

If you have already suggested that the table does not exist for him, he will never see the table. The table will not seem to exist. The table will not exist in actuality for this subject in the trance state. It ceases to have any meaning for him at all. Nor will he recall or remember any meaning for him that that table might once have had.

Though objects upon the table be dearly familiar to him, in his trance state he will not recall them. Any sentiment involved with the objects on the table, such sentiment will disappear and have no meaning. The ordinary state of consciousness is no different from that trance state. You have merely turned the focus of your attention into different realities. My attention, and my reality, is mainly focused in another direction."

—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"Therefore it is not overplaying the point to say that all psychic phenomena is caused by suggestion. For my dear doctor, without suggestion, without automatic and continuous suggestion, no human being would breathe one breath. ...

... I hinted at our last discussion that it is indeed within the ability of the human personality to become aware of other realities while still keeping contact with physical reality. Manipulation in the physical universe is of course a necessity, but there are ways by which the human individual can become aware of other quite valid realities, and still maintain balance and control within his own more usual field of activity."

—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"In the dream state it would be impossible for the dreamer to prove the existence of the familiar street outside of his familiar door. His attention is momentarily directed toward a different sort of reality. The ordinary trees outside of his window do not exist for him. It would be highly difficult to ask a man while he dreamed to prove the physical reality of the bed in which he slept, or the bedside table which was at his head, or to prove the existence of the wooden floor upon which the bed rested. Highly difficult indeed, for such objects do not exist for our dreamer.

Therefore it is also highly difficult for me to prove my own existence to you, for you are not focused within my field of attention. You are focused within the physical universe."

—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"Again, the attention, the energy of all human personalities, as a rule, are severely focused in one scope of reality only. They are indeed in a trance.

This is necessary. I have no qualms with this, but it is possible, and in this stage of your evolution it is necessary, that the human personality learn to become flexible, to change the focus of awareness so that other realities can be perceived. There are indeed as I have said, effects that I can show you, and I will. Effects that will at least be of some import; but you must remember the table in our analogy of the man in the trance state."

—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"... we return again to the fact which neither of us can afford to ignore. We are each in a trance, you and I, (louder) but the focus of attention is within different fields. We speak with distortions."
—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"Ruburt, who cooperates with me so well, still is not certain that I am I. So indeed, how shall I blame others?"
—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"I do not imagine that this information will save the world. It will take more than myself and twenty gods beside to handle that problem. I do however insist that in my not too humble way, I can do something to set you right. And by right and by you I do not refer to you, Doctor Instream, but to humanity at large. I do not pretend, either, to know definitely what is right and what is wrong for your universe.

I may not know what is right for it, but I certainly know what is wrong. What is wrong is your limited perception. What is wrong are the arbitrary limitations which you have set upon reality; and these limitations, while set by you, nevertheless operate as if they were absolute."

—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"I say as I have said before, all human beings are breathers, and in this respect all human beings are mediums."
—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"If I sound aggressive, you must indeed read between the lines. I have said often that I am not humble, in your terms. Yet in many ways I recognize only too well the limits of my own knowledge and potentialities."
—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"At another time, at another occasion when we have an afternoon together, you and I can discuss the God concept, for it continually fascinates me, and it continually fascinates you."
—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"I am deeply aware of my responsibilities to Ruburt, through whom I speak, and I will endeavor to protect this personality from undue or unnecessary bother. But I will in all manners cooperate in any sincere effort that will add to the knowledge of the human [species] in general."
—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"I am concerned because I want the theoretical material to be widely distributed. I am not primarily concerned with giving effects or proofs of my existence. I know that I exist as you know that you exist. How would you feel if someone asked you to prove your existence? If you answer this question honestly, then you will see that I am far from being as irascible as it may appear. I bend over backward to understand. I bend over backward, and this is most difficult for me. (Strong.)

You must also understand that I work to some extent within the human limitations of Ruburt's own personality, and you have underestimated that personality. You have not underestimated my personality.

I am no secondary personality. There is no case of multiple personality here. What you have if you take advantage of it, is Ruburt's personality, which with Joseph's help is capable and willing to perceive more than one reality at once. You will not, my dear doctor, get a second chance in this endeavor."

—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965

[inavalan]

"There is very much concerning the characteristics of the trance state which you do not yet understand, and I can help you here. Hypnotism may seem very strange. It involves no more, however, than a study of human personality, for it involves nothing more than a switching of focus. It is imperative, if we are to speak easily, that you read the material having to do with the specific ways in which the human individual creates physical matter on a subconscious basis."
—TES4 Session 170 July 19, 1965