(The following is a chapter from my book-in-progress "Meditation." I have been writing this since 2019 with editor John Geib. This project will be completed and I will print 100 copies before the I die in 2069. Hopefully, much sooner than that.)
The concept of consciousness has been explored deeply in various philosophical, spiritual, and scientific traditions, each offering unique perspectives. Mainstream Buddhist philosophy views consciousness as an impermanent, non-self phenomenon. In this tradition, consciousness is one of the five aggregates (along with form, sensation, perception, and mental formations) that make up the human experience. Buddhists argue that consciousness is not a permanent entity but a stream of momentary experiences arising from sensory inputs. It is not an unchanging "self" but a process that is constantly in flux. The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to transcend attachment to this stream, realizing the nature of impermanence and reaching enlightenment, where consciousness ceases to fuel the cycle of suffering (samsara).
In contrast, yogic philosophy, particularly as outlined in Vedanta, sees consciousness as eternal and fundamental. The practice of yoga seeks to realize the true self (Atman) as identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman), which is pure consciousness. Unlike Buddhist thought, where the self is seen as an illusion, yogic philosophy argues that the self is real and divine. Consciousness, in this view, is not subject to birth, death, or change. It is the underlying reality that exists beyond the physical world. Through practices like meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and ethical living, yogic philosophy aims to quiet the mind, allowing the practitioner to experience unity with the eternal consciousness.
Physics, especially in its modern quantum and theoretical forms, approaches consciousness from a different angle, focusing on the material aspects of existence. Some physicists suggest that consciousness may play a role in shaping reality, particularly in how the observer effect influences quantum mechanics. This perspective hints at a deep relationship between consciousness and the fabric of the universe, though it remains speculative. Unlike Buddhist or yogic philosophies, which explore consciousness as a fundamental or spiritual phenomenon, physics views it through empirical methods, seeking to understand how consciousness emerges from the brain or interacts with the material world. Nevertheless, physics opens up intriguing questions about the nature of observation, reality, and consciousness, albeit without a spiritual framework.
In psychology, particularly in Western traditions, consciousness is often seen as the sum of cognitive processes, mental states, and self-awareness. Sigmund Freud introduced the idea of conscious, subconscious, and unconscious layers of the mind, while Carl Jung expanded on these ideas by introducing the collective unconscious, which holds shared human experiences and archetypes. Western psychology generally views consciousness as a product of the brain, with self-awareness emerging from neurological processes. This contrasts with both Buddhist and yogic views, which see consciousness as something either transient or eternal. Psychology focuses more on understanding the mechanisms behind conscious experience, often using scientific methods to study behavior and cognition.
Western philosophy has a wide range of views on consciousness, from Descartes’ dualism, which separates mind and body, to modern theories of materialism, where consciousness is seen as a byproduct of brain activity. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant argue that human experience is shaped by the structures of the mind, suggesting a framework in which consciousness is deeply tied to perception and cognition. Unlike the spiritual views of Buddhism or yoga, Western philosophy often grapples with consciousness in terms of identity, ethics, and existence, with debates centering on whether consciousness is purely material or if it suggests something beyond the physical.
Taoism, much like Buddhism, sees consciousness as a part of the natural flow of life (Tao). However, Taoism emphasizes harmony with nature and the universe, advocating for an approach where one aligns their consciousness with the Tao, which cannot be fully explained or understood intellectually. Consciousness, in Taoism, is not something to be transcended or controlled but something to flow with. It rejects rigid definitions and embraces the paradoxes of existence. This contrasts with the active pursuit of enlightenment in Buddhism or yoga, where practices are often more structured. In Taoism, consciousness is about quiet observation and yielding to the natural order of things, reflecting its more fluid and flexible approach to the mind and self.
Zen Buddhism, which is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, views consciousness in a way that aligns with broader Buddhist teachings but emphasizes direct experience and simplicity. Zen does not engage deeply with philosophical explanations of consciousness but instead focuses on practices that allow one to directly perceive reality. In Zen, consciousness is seen as something that should not be analyzed or intellectualized but rather experienced directly through meditation (zazen) and mindfulness in everyday life. Zen practice aims to strip away the illusions and conceptual thinking that cloud our perception of the present moment. Consciousness, in this context, is not something to be fixed or improved; it is simply observed. The goal is to achieve a state of "no-mind" (mushin), where thought and consciousness are fluid, ungrasped, and without attachment. This stands in contrast to yogic traditions, where consciousness is explored through structured practices to achieve unity with the eternal self.
On the other hand, the worldview of archaic, earth-honoring nomadic peoples, such as the Aboriginal people of Australia and the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, offers a distinctly different perspective on consciousness. These traditions often see consciousness as deeply intertwined with nature, the land, and the cosmos. For Aboriginal Australians, consciousness is not separate from the land or the ancestors. Their concept of the "Dreamtime" reflects an interconnected view of reality, where the past, present, and future coexist in a unified experience. Consciousness, for them, is not an individual experience but a collective, living connection with the land, the ancestors, and all living beings. It is through rituals, stories, and direct engagement with the natural world that they experience and maintain this connection. This differs significantly from Buddhist and yogic ideas, which focus on individual enlightenment or liberation.
Similarly, many Indigenous peoples from North and South America see consciousness as inseparable from nature and the spirit world. For them, consciousness extends beyond the individual self and is part of a greater web of life that includes animals, plants, the earth, and the cosmos. Shamans, medicine people, or spiritual leaders in these cultures often communicate with this extended consciousness through rituals, visions, and ceremonies. Unlike the analytical or meditative approaches of Zen or Buddhist traditions, Indigenous consciousness is often accessed through communal practices, storytelling, and ceremonies designed to align human life with natural and cosmic cycles. The focus here is on harmony, balance, and the reciprocal relationship between humans and the universe.
In contrast to Zen’s non-dualistic, present-moment awareness or the individualized pursuit of enlightenment in yoga, Indigenous philosophies emphasize the interconnectedness of all life, where consciousness is not something "owned" by individuals but shared among all beings. This relational consciousness ties humans to the natural world in a way that is spiritual, practical, and deeply rooted in community life, offering a holistic view that contrasts with more inward-looking philosophical traditions.