Chapter 8 of "In Search of the Miraculous" by P.D. Ouspensky

Different states of consciousness possible for humans include sleep, waking state, self-consciousness, and objective consciousness. Ordinary individuals experience only the first two states: sleep and waking state. The third state, self-consciousness, and the fourth state, objective consciousness, are rare and require special efforts to achieve.

In the ordinary waking state, one is not truly conscious but functions in a form of sleep, acting mechanically without self-awareness. True self-awareness, or self-remembering, is rare and often mistaken for something possessed naturally. Achieving self-remembering requires understanding its absence and knowing that it cannot be created by desire alone.

Objective consciousness allows a person to see things as they are. While flashes of objective consciousness occur, they are often forgotten upon returning to normal consciousness. Two higher centers exist: the higher emotional center and the higher thinking center. These centers function continuously, but their work does not reach ordinary consciousness due to the properties of our clear consciousness.

Self-study and self-observation are essential for understanding and changing oneself, requiring self-remembering during observation. Identification and internal considering act as barriers to self-remembering. External considering, sincerity, and struggling against negative emotions are crucial for development.

Buffers are psychological constructs that prevent true self-awareness. Morality is relative and varies among individuals, but true conscience can be developed through self-work. Humans consist of multiple 'I's that need to be understood and unified. Recognizing and separating the real self from the invented self is necessary for self-development.

Gurdjieff’s Reticence About Exercises.pdf

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