Consciousness and Awareness.

Some cultures and traditions use the same word differently, and this can add to our confusion…it certainly did to mine! The words ‘consciousness’ and ‘awareness’ can be used to mean the same thing, or something different.

Just to clarify.

The word ‘consciousness’ may be used in many contexts: some use this word to mean our highest part. In Buddhism, there are 5 consciousnesses of the body, and 3 faculties in the mind (the 6^th  consciousness, which is perception: the 7^th which is discernment: the 8^th which is the memory store). Some texts describe many more consciousnesses. From a Buddhist perspective, Empty Awareness is beyond consciousness.

It goes like this:

Being – which is Empty Essence, cognisant nature and unconfined compassion – views the external world through the 3 mind consciousnesses and the 5 body consciousnesses

This is one reason why text usually needs a commentary, as one word can have many meanings. It all depends on the context: consciousness and Awareness are only words to describe an experience, so use whatever feels right to you.

However, this is why – even though it is very good to experience many ‘paths’ at some stage  – we have to choose one, and practise within it: it is said that we cannot sew with a two headed needle! Further down the line we will understand that all ‘paths’ are saying the same thing…just slightly differently.

The word ‘path’ describes the confused state we are in at this moment: there is Ground, Path and Fruition.

The Ground is our natural essence.

The Path is our present confused state that does not recognise the Ground.

The Fruition is realising the nature of the ground, and that Path never existed in the first place!

Tony