P: In the state in which one spends a large part of the day, images come and go;
that is still consciousness.
F: My point is that consciousness is patchy: it is not a continuous phenomenon.
K: Can we start this way? I am approaching it tentatively—there is
consciousness, wide or narrow, deep or shallow. As long as there is a centre
which is conscious of itself, that centre may expand or contract. That centre says
that it is either aware or not aware. That centre can attempt to go beyond the
limitations which it has placed around itself. That centre has its deep roots in the
cave and operates superficially. All that is consciousness. In all that there must be
a centre.
P: Consciousness is that which registers. It is the only thing which distinguishes
life from a state of death. As long as there is a registering, there is no death.
K: Are we speculating? Look, let us begin very simply. When are you actually
conscious?
P: When I am awake, when I am aware.
K: I would begin very simply. When am I conscious?
P: I am conscious of this discussion.
K: Let us keep it simple. When am I conscious? Either through sensory reaction,
or through a sensory shock, a sensory resistance, a sensory danger, a conflict in
which there is pain-pleasure—it is only in those moments that I say that I am
conscious. I am aware of the design of that lamp; I perceive that there is a
reaction, and I say that it is either ugly or beautiful. Is not that the basis of all
this? I do not want to speculate. I ask myself: When am I conscious? When I am
challenged, when there is an impact of conflict, pain, pleasure, then I am
conscious. This whole phenomenon is going on, whether there is a deliberate
awareness or not; this thing is operating all the time. That is what we call
consciousness.
F: The response to impact.
P: You mean there is no photographic consciousness. I see a dust bin—
K: But you are seeing it. The mind is registering it. That is, the brain cells are
receiving all these impacts.
F: And in that is there no classification as pain, pleasure?