Distinguishing Between Mind And Consciousness …

Distinguishing between mind and consciousness
… and their unity.

Consciousness – or rather, pure consciousness – is the cognisant essence of mind. It is what we are – pure perception, uncontaminated knowingness before anything is known. The content of this pure cognisance is thoughts and memories, and this is what we call ‘mind’ – my mind.

Mind does not see consciousness: it is consciousness that sees the thoughts and memories. Our primary problem is that consciousness believes the mind to be what we are; we call it ‘myself’. That is the illusion we live under. So far, so good?

How does consciousness and mind become a unity?

In the ordinary state of not knowing what we are, we (consciousness) are subject to being ruled by thoughts and memories that we’ve acquired though ‘life education’. In other words, it’s our programming. It is because of identifying with a type that we remain vulnerable and confused, and it’s also the reason we dig our heels in, and refuse to change.

The moment we realise we are pure consciousness, any distraction from mind becomes an immediate wake-up call; it’s our teacher. This is why the metaphor of the unity of a mirror and its reflection is used, to point out the inseparability of mind and consciousness/appearances and recognition.

The two ignorances:
not knowing what we are
and
maintaining that not knowing.

This is why it’s good to know.
😀