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Writer's pictureTroy Mansfield

Human Science: The Brain


How experience shapes your Brain?

Check out the YouTube video at the bottom of this section to learn more about how experience shapes the brain.


Science of consciousness

Learning about the science behind our conscious and unconscious brain activity can provide insight into why we behave the way we do. You can find out more about the science of consciousness in a section on self-directed neuroplasticity, a form of enquiry meditation that challenges and questions the mind.


Click anywhere on this paragraph to discover more on neuroplasticity and self-directed neuroplasticity.


How the Brain is divided?

A big factor behind our experience of different states of consciousness is the division of the brain. Our brains are split into two sides: the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere. Each hemisphere performs a different role, and they’re both absolutely vital to us.


doctors examining brain scan

What is Pure Consciousness?

Pure consciousness is the essence of human identity. According to advocates of pure consciousness, we each have our own essential nature, regardless of how we move between each measure of consciousness.


What is Higher Consciousness?

A Deeper Look at an Elusive Concept

Consciousness is a term that’s thrown around a lot. It’s common in the fields of psychology and philosophy, although it can also be used in medical contexts, or in more spiritual discussions, too. Essentially, we use it to describe different states of physical and mental awareness.

But what is higher consciousness?


If you’ve heard of “Higher Consciousness” before but aren’t quite sure what it means, you’re not alone. Higher consciousness is a concept that has been around for centuries, but it can be difficult to pin down its true meaning.

Generally speaking, it refers to a heightened state of awareness and understanding. It’s often associated with spiritual growth and enlightenment, but it can also simply refer to a more expanded, open way of thinking and being.


A monk meditating

What are the Different States of Consciousness?

Not all forms of awareness are the same; in some moments we may experience open attention (in which our attention spans multiple points of focus at once), while at other times, like if we’re completing a practical task, it would be a more fitting response to practise a narrow form of awareness.

Various different factors can have an effort on how we attend, and it’s important to remember that this is a highly subjective experience.

A higher-order theory of consciousness is a way of explaining the difference between different states of awareness. Different kinds of consciousness are defined by different higher-order theories (you can find out more about higher-order awareness here).

Moreover, according to some teachings, spiritual levels of consciousness will help you understand the world better. These levels also give you an insight into your own world of intuition.

The most challenging states to explain tend to relate to “phenomenal consciousness”, a term used to describe a subjective experience in which a person ‘feels’ something. To help us understand different conscious perceptions, we can turn to “The Six Levels of Consciousness”.


Click anywhere on this section to discover more on The Six Levels of Consciousness.





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