Conscious Goodness and Conscious Evil

To be human is not merely to exist in the world with a body; it is to give meaning to this existence through the soul, the mind, and the heart. True humanity is fulfilled through the intention of the act and the awareness of the act. For both goodness and evil are defined not only by outward results, but by inner awareness.

Every act of goodness done unconsciously is but a shadow deprived of intention; its effect is superficial, leaving no lasting echo. But goodness performed with awareness is not merely an action; it becomes a light that revives the soul and multiplies meaning. The value of goodness is measured by the intuition, compassion, and understanding that lie behind it.

Yet evil too, when it touches awareness, takes on another dimension. Conscious evil is not only a moral deviation; it is the soul’s betrayal of itself. For when a person knowingly and willingly chooses darkness, they harm not only others but also their own inner light. Conscious evil not only taints the deed; it silences the conscience and dulls inner guidance.

Ancient Syriac spirituality links these two poles of action with the spiritual vibrations that resonate within the human being. In the words of Isaac of Nineveh: “Mercy is not merely a deed; it is a light flowing from the heart of God.” This light can only be carried by a consciousness united with love.

For goodness, when done with awareness, heals not only the other but also the doer. Every act that springs from the heart and is directed by understanding brings clarity of mind. In such acts the soul is washed, cleansed, and purified. Conscious goodness allows a person to touch the divine essence within. This contact is the starting point of spiritual growth and moral development.

Likewise, evil performed with awareness wounds the soul. Conscious evil deepens darkness, opening the door to decay on both an individual and societal level. For conscious evil is not merely an error; it is a denial of values. This is spiritually destructive, for every dark act carried out by suppressing one’s own voice of conscience is a departure from one’s essence.

In the Syriac tradition, for this reason, an inner contemplation—an inward turning—is encouraged before and after every action. For every act leaves not only an imprint in the outer world, but also a trace within the inner world. Hence the church repeats this prayer:

“O Lord, forgive us all our sins, whether done knowingly or unknowingly, by our will or beyond our will.”

This prayer expresses not only forgiveness, but recognition, awakening, and a desire for inner cleansing. To recognise is the first step of transformation. Conscious goodness elevates a person at this step; conscious evil lowers them at the very same step.

Life is a journey given for the purification of the soul. In this journey, the true test is not in the visible part of actions, but in their spiritual imprint. When we set aside the ego and bring our conscience forward, we build a bridge between love and thought. This bridge is not only a passage to individual enlightenment, but also to communal peace.

True goodness is born of a conscious love that does not judge, does not dominate, and does not expect reward. Such goodness leaves a light without interfering in the darkness of others. Inner transformation begins when this light warms the soul.

Therefore, to live goodness with a love-infused awareness, and to recognise and transform evil with awareness, is our essential responsibility.

Let us unite knowledge with conscience, and love with understanding, so that our light may grow both in the inner world and in the outer world. For true spiritual ascent is possible only through conscious goodness.

Remain with love, with light, and with deep awareness.

Yusuf Beğtaş