«This might not have been, and this might not have been for me… I abandon what exists, what has arisen».
Three Aspects of Consciousness: Seeing Reality Without Illusion
«With the arising of name-and-form, consciousness arises. With the cessation of name-and-form, consciousness ceases» — an ancient observation on interdependence
Undoubtedly, consciousness is one of the most mysterious human experiences. Therefore, understanding its nature concerns every thinking individual. Meanwhile, most people identify themselves with their consciousness, considering it permanent or their «self».
However, it is important to understand: our consciousness is not an unchanging essence or «soul». On the contrary, it is a process that arises under certain conditions and constantly changes in all aspects. Therefore, our consciousness is conditioned or, in other words, a dependently arisen and ceasing phenomenon.
Fortunately, ancient wisdom offers a correct view on these questions of existence. Namely: consciousness arises in dependence upon name-and-form (mental and physical processes of the «mind-body» complex). That is, this is a natural function of the mind, as a process, not an unchanging «self» (or «mine»).
«Consciousness cognizes: the pleasant, the unpleasant, the neither-pleasant-nor-unpleasant. Understanding this threefold nature of existence leads to liberation.»
Three aspects of consciousness: allure, danger, escape
In essence, consciousness can be investigated from three sides. Moreover, such investigation helps to see reality without illusions. That is why understanding these three aspects leads to liberation.
🔹 The allure of consciousness
Pleasure and joy — arise in dependence upon consciousness. In particular, when consciousness cognizes the pleasant.
The sense of existence — the illusion of a permanent «self». For example, «I see», «my feeling», «my body».
The capacity for knowing — the ability to be aware of experience. Namely, to distinguish the pleasant from the unpleasant.
🔹 The danger of consciousness
Impermanence — consciousness constantly changes. That is, it is not a reliable support.
Suffering — dependence upon the pleasant. For example, the fear of losing pleasant experience or pleasant sensations.
Subject to change — the impossibility of control. In particular, consciousness arises and ceases, independently of one’s will.
🔹 Escape from consciousness
Removal of desire — the abandoning of passion for controlling consciousness. For instance, when a person sees the impermanent nature of consciousness, the mind’s clinging weakens.
The path of escape — the removal and abandoning of desire and passion for consciousness. Such craving for possession of consciousness leads people to wrong conclusions and concepts and, ultimately, to ignorance. Ignorance, in turn, leads to the cycle of unfavourable consequences in life — to suffering.
Undoubtedly, liberation comes through understanding these three aspects. When a person sees the allure, the danger, and the Path of escape, they become skilled in the investigation of consciousness.
Interdependence: how name-and-form give rise to consciousness
Collectively, these two observations of ancient wisdom are true and therefore remain relevant:
«With the arising of name-and-form, consciousness arises. With the cessation of name-and-form, consciousness ceases.»
Meanwhile, this observation does not require faith. Rather, it invites investigation (one can verify for oneself): when there are no mental and physical processes, there is no consciousness. Ultimately, liberation of the mind begins with understanding this interdependence.
In essence, name-and-form are the living embodiment of mental and physical processes in the aggregates of the «mind-body» complex. Namely: sensations, perceptions, intentions, and the body (the form in which the sense organs reside). Clearly, consciousness does not exist separately from these processes of mind and body.
Science also confirms this interdependence. For instance, neuroscience states that consciousness arises from the activity of the brain and body (Nature Reviews Neuroscience). Consequently, this ancient observation finds confirmation in modern scientific research.
From identification to freedom: a path without delusion
Ultimately, liberation of the mind is the development of its capacities. Namely, to meet one’s consciousness mentally independently of one’s «self», that is — without identification with one’s «self». In other words, with correct mindfulness in perfect equanimity.
There is an opinion that such practice makes us insensitive. The truth is that reducing sensuality, especially in enjoyments and sensual pleasures, removes the causes of new and sometimes very deep suffering. Therefore it is necessary to train the mind to protect itself from the illusion of a permanent «self» and «mine».
Genuine wisdom proposes a meeting not simply with reality, but with genuine actuality. Perfect equanimity gives us the opportunity to free ourselves from ignorance, from false understanding of the true picture of the world. For correct understanding of the impermanence of consciousness and the elements connected with it is the guarantee of future liberation of the mind.
Correct views and aspirations give us the opportunity to wisely penetrate the truths of existence without clinging to selfhood or to anything else.
Start small: 10 minutes of observing consciousness, one deep breath, one mindful recognition of the pleasant, the unpleasant, the neutral.