“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

The inner ego knows when to apply safety valves, and is aware of the danger before the outer ego is alerted. The inner ego is concerned with maintaining the foundations and balance, which is very important, of the whole self, and it is open to messages from the overall entity. The inner ego receives messages through the inner senses, and is aware of realities which the outer ego cannot afford to recognize because of its specialization. In some important aspects the outer ego is supposed to represent to some degree the subdominant personalities who still dwell in the subconscious. When the outer ego is narrow, and poorly represents these subdominant personalities then they rise up in arms, and when conditions are favorable attempt to express themselves through a momentary weakness on the part of the dominant ego. But without even doing this they may momentarily take over or express themselves through a single function, such as speech or motion, while the outer ego is blissfully unaware.

When the outer ego, from the surface of its consciousness, reflects the outer world, it sees reflections of the inner ego which are the images within its own eye; and as the self creates matter subconsciously within its own eye, and as the self creates matter subconsciously and not consciously, and as the self creates matter in line with inner and not outer expectations, so then does the ego, in viewing the material universe, come face to face with the face of its own inner ego; and the outer ego cannot escape from this inner self.

In many respects it is a reflector, the surface of the self looking outward. While this is necessary, the whole remainder of the self could not be left to an organizer or caretaker who did not focus his attentions within the depths but sat, as it were, on the front porch of the house, leaving the inner workings unattended. The outer ego does not want to meet the inner ego. The outer ego does not want to admit the existence of the inner ego. As the eye cannot see its own pupil without a mirror, so the outer ego could not even see itself, were it not that the inner ego hides in the depths of all reflections.

These subpersonalities are not unconscious to themselves. They are conscious of themselves, but they are not conscious of themselves in relation to other selves. They are conscious of needs and drives, and of their existence. They are different from the inner ego or director in that the inner ego is conscious not only of itself, but of the outer ego, and is aware of the existence of the outer world, although not too much concerned with it unless the whole self becomes jeopardized through the actions of the outer ego.

[...] The outer ego directs the manipulation of this gestalt in the physical universe. The outer ego is rather more tied to physical properties, and yet it can directly experience inner reality by a change of focus through aligning itself with the inner ego, focusing its energies with the inner rather than the outer senses. This is by far the most advantageous method of experiencing inner reality, because the outer ego is therefore consciously aware of what has been going on, and can use such knowledge in its own sphere.

The inner self obviously needs the outer ego with its outer senses, in order to permit its own materialization in various camouflage forms. [...] Without the outer core, the inner self could simply not add to its own value fulfillment through participation in energy-constructs (hyphen).

When the inner ego and the outer ego pursue directly opposed viewpoints and different aims and goals, then you run into difficulty. [...] When a complete barrier, or nearly complete barrier, exists between the inner and outer egos, then the whole self is denied value fulfillment to a large degree. [...]

When the two are in balance and when there is communication between them, then the inner ego can directly communicate with the outer ego, bring to it the necessary enlightenments, and give it, that is give the outer ego the benefit of its own, the inner ego’s own, condensed comprehension and direct participation in the existence of the universe as a whole.

In the various levels of existence the inner and outer egos begin to merge. Gradually direct experience of inner reality is spoon-fed by the inner ego through the mouth of the subconscious to the outer ego. The division between the inner and outer egos is necessary for other reasons than the nature of direct experience itself. That is, the outer ego is shielded from direct experience of reality because it could not take the impact of such experience. [...]

[...] The subconscious is sometimes aware of this, and the outer ego is aware of very little. [...] The outer ego must concentrate much of its energy toward survival in and manipulation of the outer camouflage world. [...]

This sort of experience will always be shielded from the outer ego of necessity. Even a watered-down version of a direct inner experience is a shock to the outer ego on your plane, since the ego imagines itself and its own perceptions to be supreme. You have no idea, even with what training you have, of how shattering such a complete experience would be to the outer ego, so we will take one inner-sense experience at a time.

The inner ego or the inner self-conscious self directs such experiences and uses the inner senses in much the same way that you use the outer senses, except that the inner ego knows all of the mechanics involved in the use of the inner senses, and you know little of the mechanics involved with the outer senses.

[...] The outer senses deliver data from the outside world of camouflage to the body. However, the inner senses are aware of the body’s own physical data at all times, while the outer senses are concerned with the body mainly in its relationship to camouflage environment. In other words the inner senses have an immediate, constant knowledge of the body in a way that the outer senses do not.

[...] It is not so much that it exists simultaneously with the outer world, as that it forms the outer world and the outer world exists in it.

As I have said, the outer senses deal mainly and as far as I know exclusively with camouflage pattern. [...] These inner senses therefore are thoroughly capable of seeing the inside of the body, in a way that the outer eyes cannot.

[...] Any material that is important for the body’s contact with outer camouflage patterns is given to the brain. The subconscious, so-called, is a connective between mind and brain, between the inner senses and the outer senses. [...]

The energy of this inner self is used by it to form from itself—from inner experience—a material counterpart in which the outer ego then can act out its role. The outer ego then acts out a play that the inner self has written. This is not to say that the outer ego is a puppet. It is to say that the outer ego is far less conscious than the inner ego, that its perception is less, that it is far less stable though it makes great pretense of stability, that it springs from the inner self and is therefore less, rather than more, aware.

[...] As the outer ego manipulates within the physical environment, so the inner ego or self organizes and manipulates with an inner reality. The inner ego creates that physical reality with which the outer ego then deals.

It is this inner self, out of massive knowledge and the unlimited scope of its consciousness, that forms the physical world and provides stimuli to keep the outer ego constantly at the job of awareness. [...]

The outer ego is spoon-fed, being given only those feelings and emotions, only that data, that it can handle. [...]

The physical structure alone is simply not divided from other structures in the manner which you perceive it to be through use of the outer senses. The outer senses are usually considered mainly as perceptive organs, enabling you to experience reality as it is. My dear friends, I have been waiting to tell you for some time that in a very true sense, the outer senses can be regarded as inhibitors.

Using the outer senses, you are more or less forced to conceive idea groups only within the scope of perceptions received by the outer senses. It is true that use of the outer senses, and full joyful use, is necessary on your plane. [...]

The cells and molecules, forming their psychic gestalt into a particular human physical structure, are separated from what you might call the outer environment, and yet they are also connected to the outer environment more than they are separated from it. [...]

This arbitrary limitation set upon the individual self is put upon it by its reliance upon the outer senses, as a method of perceiving reality. The outer senses are excellent tools of perception for limited circumstances. [...]

The inner senses are capable of expansion and of focus in a way unknown to the outer ones, and the inner world, of course, is a part of all realities. It is not so much that it exists simultaneously with the outer world, as that it forms the outer world and exists in it also.

[...] The outer senses deliver data from the outside world of camouflage to the body. However, the inner senses are aware of the body’s own physical data at all times while the outer senses are concerned with the body mainly in its relationship to camouflage environment.

The inner senses have an immediate, constant knowledge of the body in a way that the outer senses do not. [...] What you have here … are inner nervous and communication systems, closely resembling the outer systems with which you are familiar.

[...] Actually, they do not parallel the outer senses; and this will sound appalling to you, I’m afraid, simply because there is nothing to be seen, heard or touched in the manner in which you are accustomed. [...] The inner senses have a strong immediacy, a delicious intensity that your outer senses lack. [...]

Since the outer senses or their equivalent are the main perceptors of camouflage constructions, then the outer senses and the physical apparatus or its equivalent will habitually perceive its particular system as a closed one.

Psychological vitality is a transformation of energy, again, into terms not recognizable by the outer senses. There are literally countless such manifestations of energy with which the outer senses are not familiar. [...]

The outer senses perceive only certain given distinctions within an open, infinite system, and these distinctions therefore become the apparent boundaries of the system. [...]

The distinctions formed by the outer senses therefore actually limit perception as a whole, while intensifying it into a small but vivid, seemingly enclosed radius of reality. [...]

The outer ego is very seldom aware of the inner ego, and the subconscious is indeed a vast area dividing them. We are discussing now the outer ego in relation to the inner ego, and describing a situation in terms of relationships. Other relationships would show both the outer and inner egos in a different light. [...]

The inner ego is focused inward, with as much intensity as the outer ego is focused outward. This inner ego is in many respects a composite, as indeed to a lesser degree the outer ego is a composite.

[...] It is a relative storehouse of energy, and it is capable of aiding the outer ego when certain conditions arise. [...] In many cases it is the I who dreams, bringing valuable information to the personal subconscious, information that may be then used for the benefit of the outer ego itself.

As the outer ego is constantly creative, so is the inner ego. [...] The subconscious could be thought of as a nucleus, surrounded by the inner and outer egos. [...]

[...] He was neither wholly oriented to the inner world nor to the outer, and therefore was not efficient in either.

This involves efficient, complete use of the outer senses in their perception of camouflage reality, and of joyful, effective behavior and manipulation within that field of camouflage in which you spend a certain level of your existence. [...]

The inner senses therefore should also be used as fully as the outer senses. [...]

The outer senses are dulled, but the inner senses have not yet been turned on. [...]

[...] The line between inner and outer does not exist in actuality any more than a line exists between consciousness and unconsciousness. What you call the subconscious is merely an ill-defined meeting place of inner and outer experience; and I am forced to use these terms inner and outer only because of your misconception of duality.

The term ESP in itself is a result of this artificial duality, maintaining as it does that anything not perceived through the outer senses is therefore extra and tacked on, so to speak. [...] In the first place, your most pragmatic scientist is even now forced to admit, as even Ruburt knows, that solid objects are not solid; and the interesting sidelight of this fact must be that your faithful, tried and true, so-called dependable outer senses are in reality lovely liars, since the eyes see a chair as solid while the chair is not solid at all.

When I speak of the whole self I am of course referring to the personality as it exists in its entirety, having at its command use of both the inner and outer senses. [...]

[...] It is extremely difficult to relate data received by the inner senses into data that will be picked up by the outer senses.

This does not in any way absolve you from using your outer senses to their fullest capacity. If you recall, your outer senses, Joseph, tipped you off as to a message that your inner senses had been endeavoring to deliver. The falling tree incident is what I am referring to, and often there is such a completed circle when the outer senses will return you to inner data.

Different outer senses are necessary at different levels and on various planes to interpret the different camouflage patterns. These outer senses are developed to cope with these particular camouflage patterns which the personality will meet in its various environments. [...]

[...] It is true that focusing upon the inner reality at times requires a temporary lessening of outer focus, and this would sometimes give the appearance of letting go, but the inner concentration requires discipline and intent. It is quite possible to let the inner and the outer senses operate at the same time. [...]

[...] The outer senses are not as fluent as the inner. [...] The outer senses dealing with rigid camouflage patterns could not be as fluent as the inner senses.

This inner ego knows the outer ego well. The outer ego is but a counterfeit image of the inner ego. The outer ego as a rule is not aware of what you may think of for now as the thoughts or communications of the inner ego; but the inner ego knows every step you take, every particle of air you breathe, every dream you have; and it is the source of your own personality and is the representative of the entity of which it is part.

The outer senses do not deal with direct perception of reality. The outer senses themselves are camouflage patterns, part of the necessary and essential physical body camouflage. They, the outer senses, are perceptors of camouflage patterns. [...]

[...] Any instruments made on your plane are like your outer senses, constructed to perceive camouflage patterns. The instruments of the scientists, and the outer senses themselves, are camouflage patterns and cannot, and never will, dissect themselves.

[...] Nevertheless, with your camouflage senses you perceive only that part of the concept that happens to fall within your box, and even then you receive and interpret such a concept with your outer senses, and therefore distort it out of all recognition.

[...] As the outer ego manipulates within the environment and physical reality, so the inner ego or self organizes and manipulates within an inner reality. The inner ego creates that physical reality with which the outer ego then deals.

The energy of this inner self is directed and used by it to richly form from itself, from components and inner experience, a material counterpart in which the outer ego then can act out its role. The outer ego is most in the role, acting out a play that the inner self has written. [...]

This is not to say that the outer ego is a puppet. It is to say that the outer ego is far less conscious than the inner ego or the inner self, that its perception is less, that it is far less stable, though it makes great pretense at stability; that it springs from the inner self, and is less rather than more, aware. [...]

[...] The outer ego is not continuously, in your terms, aware of anything. [...]

The “outer ego” and the inner ego operate together, the one to enable you to manipulate in the world that you know, the other to bring you those delicate inner perceptions without which physical existence could not be maintained.

There is however a portion of you, the deeper identity who forms both the inner ego and the outer ego, who decided that you would be a physical being in this place and in this time. [...]

For those of you who wonder where I place the subconscious, as psychologists think of it, you can imagine it as a meeting place, so to speak, between the outer and inner egos. [...]

[...] You can identify, for example, with your outer ego alone, and cut yourself off from abilities that are a part of you. [...]

[...] Such inner data continually and automatically is accepted by every other portion of the human framework except by the outer ego. Even this outer ego, however, acts all unknowingly often on the basis of such information, which it will not admit it has received; and often such action saves it from dire circumstances.

[...] Mankind still deals with surfaces, depending mainly as he does upon the powers of the outer ego, whose purpose it is to deal only with surface reality.

[...] These forces are dealt with and balanced by the subconscious, and not by the outer ego.

As you know, at one time it was necessary for the ego to focus exclusively upon outer data, but the channels never closed between the inner self and the ego. [...]

[...] It originates instead in the energy of the entity and inner self, and is directed by means of the inner senses, outward so to speak, through the deeper layers of the individual subconscious mind, then through the outer or personal layers.

Your Freud and Jung have probed into the outer, personal subconscious. [...]

[...] Nor was, nor should, my well-meaning suggestion be taken, as Ruburt at least once mentioned, as any sort of temptation to him to retreat from the outer world.

You will never find me advocating a withdrawal from the outer world, advocating prejudice of any kind, advocating any activities that will be in any way injurious to health, or advocating a fanaticism, ever, on the part of the sessions themselves.

[...] I have spoken of the inner and outer senses to make our discussion easier. However you must know by now that there is no actual distinction between inner and outer. The apparent outer senses are merely concerned with the particular camouflage of a particular plane. [...]

[...] If you will ignore the apparent distinction between inner and outer senses you will get along at a faster rate. [...]

[...] It takes some doing to be aware of this fuel, since it is so instantly transformed by the outer senses into the stuff of camouflage. [...]

Again, your elements, those that you know and those that you will discover, and the elements you will create, are only camouflages of the basic stuff or vitality, which you will not discover with your outer senses. [...]

[...] When this occurs the inner and outer egos merge. The outer ego recognizes its own duties, but it is aware that more is involved.

Identity is no longer limited to the outer ego alone. The outer ego is now familiar with the whole self, or the entire identity, and has available to it strength of which it was not previously aware. [...]

[...] There was a merging of inner and outer egos. The startled outer ego did indeed hold you back from an excellent projection.

[...] It is possible for the inner and outer egos to merge to some extent, and this merging when it occurs does indeed represent the formation of a new kind of consciousness.

[...] Also, the inner ego is aware of so-called future decisions not because he forces such decisions upon the outer ego but simply because the future as such does not exist to the inner ego, and therefore he can perceive where the outer ego cannot.

It is quite true that the inner ego is aware through the inner senses of any choices that the outer ego will make with the use of free will. [...]

[...] The inner ego is aware of fewer barriers and therefore is not bound by time to the degree that the outer ego is bound.

[...] Your outer ego is now experiencing the camouflage time year of 1964. [...]