UNITY CONSCIOUSNESS: THE ONTONOLOGICAL COMMENTARY OF THE TOTALITY OF EXISTENCE BEHIND THE PHENOMENONS

Summary

This article examines the concept of Unity Consciousness, which refers to the perception of the unity of essence within the multiplicity of phenomena, from ontological, epistemological, and phenomenological perspectives. Human consciousness initially focuses on phenomena and interprets reality through external forms. However, when consciousness turns to essence, it becomes clear that behind these phenomena lies a single and continuous realm of existence. The article argues that unity knowledge is not acquired externally, but rather the conscious recall of knowledge already present within the inner structure of the essence. This approach is presented within a conceptual unity, linking it to Kant's distinction between phenomenon and noumenon, Husserl's theory of visibility, Heidegger's exegesis of being, and Ibn Arabi's doctrine of unity.

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Entrance

Human experience always gravitates toward the visible. The visible is the world of phenomena: forms, sounds, events, objects, and emotions. But what is visible is not the whole of existence; it is merely its appearance. Therefore, when a person perceives phenomena as truth, knowledge becomes fragmented; when a person sees phenomena as a reflection of the essence, knowledge becomes holistic. The fundamental question of this study is:

How is it possible to see unity in multiplicity and what level of consciousness does this vision require?

The answer to this question is found in the transformation of the orientation of consciousness.

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1.⁠ ⁠Theoretical Framework

1.1. Essence (Unity Field)

“Essence” is the unitary ground of existence from which phenomena emerge.

Kant calls it the thing in itself, Heidegger calls it being, and Ibn Arabi calls it unity.

The essence does not change; only its appearances change.

1.2. Phenomenon (Field of Multiplicity)

The phenomenon is the opening of the essence to the field of consciousness in the form of appearance.

For Husserl, a phenomenon is “what appears in consciousness.”

The phenomenon is not the truth; it points to the truth.

1.3. Consciousness (Orientation Capacity)

Consciousness, the phenomenon:

• can also be seen as an external object,

• can also be seen as a reflection of the essence.

Whatever the consciousness is directed towards, reality unfolds accordingly.

1.4. Unity Consciousness

Unity consciousness is the perception of seeing not separation in the diversity of phenomena but continuity derived from the same source.

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2.⁠ ⁠Epistemology of Unity Consciousness: Knowledge is Remembered, Not Learned

According to Plato's theory of anamnesis, knowledge is not acquired later; it is remembered.

The same is true of unity knowledge.

• It cannot be taught or acquired from outside.

• It is revealed by the consciousness turning towards the essence.

Therefore, unity consciousness is not a cognitive learning, but a realignment of consciousness on the plane of being.

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3.⁠ ⁠The Function of Phenomena: Catalyst of Awakening to Unity

The purpose of phenomena is to invite consciousness to reveal the knowledge in the essence.

Ibn Arabi formulates it as follows:

“Truth contemplates itself in forms.”

Well:

• Flower → is not just a flower,

• Tree → is not just a tree,

• Stone → is not just a stone.

They are all mirrors that show the essence back to you.

If the direction of consciousness is external → the world is fragmented.

If the direction of consciousness turns to the essence → the world is one and whole.

4.⁠ ⁠Transformation of Consciousness: From Partial Consciousness to Holistic Consciousness

Partial Consciousness Unity Consciousness

He considers phenomena to be independent. He sees phenomena as different aspects of the essence.

Meaning is sought outside. Meaning is found inside.

Multiplicity produces division Multiplicity produces unity

Knowledge is additive Knowledge is holistic

This transformation is not a change of thought, but a change of perspective.

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Conclusion

Unity consciousness is the perception of the essential unity that lies behind phenomena. This perception is not knowledge acquired from the outside; it is the essence's self-disclosure to consciousness. Therefore, unity is not established later; it already exists. The difference lies solely in the orientation of consciousness.

When consciousness returns to essence, multiplicity indicates unity, not separation.

Unity consciousness is the being's knowing itself.

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Source

• Heidegger, M. (1927). Sein und Zeit.

• Husserl, E. (1913). Ideen zu einer reinen Phänomenologie.

• Hegel, GWF (1807). Phänomenologie des Geistes.

• Ibn Arabi. Fusûsu'l-Hikam.

• Plato. Meno.

• Merleau-Ponty, M. (1945). Phénoménologie de la Perception.

• Rumi. Masnavi.