“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

Consciousness, seeking to know itself, therefore knows you. You as a consciousness, seek to know yourself, and to some extent or other, you become aware of your self as a distinct and individual portion of All That Is. You not only draw upon this overall energy, but you do so automatically, for your existence is dependent upon it.

The extent of your realization of this fact is the extent of your freedom or vitality, fulfillment and power. It should not be forgotten, however, that the ego is also a portion of All That Is, a highly specialized portion, enabling the inner self to manipulate and interpret particular conditions. If the ego considers itself as the only self, then you are cut off to a large degree from the vitality and energy available.

The ego’s false ideas prevent it from accepting this energy, but once the ego is aware of its position as a portion of the self, then it should not be shunted aside, but can take its place. It is sometimes referred to almost as if it stood entirely outside of basic reality. It is, of course, within it also.

The ego, as you now know it, will not always be necessary, you see, but a type of ego is a basis for individuality and will always be necessary. An inner ego, of course, that contains various egos that have been or will be a portion of any given self—these egos and any ego organizes experience along various lines and ties experience together within meaningful pattern.

The inner self or the whole personality consists of many such egos, as you know, but the inner self is also aware of itself as something more than the sum of its parts. Now this something more than the sum of its parts is a curious phrase, but within it lies a key that can give you some small understanding of what God may be.

The loss is always temporary and self-generated. This is quite enough on a difficult subject this evening. We shall close the session, or I will be glad to answer any questions, if you wish.