Consciousness and awareness

A forum for beginners and members of other Buddhist traditions to ask questions about Theravāda (The Way of the Elders). Responses require moderator approval before they are visible in order to double-check alignment to Theravāda orthodoxy.
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tellyontellyon
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Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 4:59 pm

Consciousness and awareness

Post by tellyontellyon »

What is consciousness?
Is it the same as awareness?
What is awareness?
Are they the same or different?
Please help me to understand ❤️
“To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.”
― Søren Kierkegaard
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DooDoot
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Re: Consciousness and awareness

Post by DooDoot »

"Awareness" is an English word with many different meanings. Therefore, it has no relevance to anything in Buddhism.

"Awareness" is an English word used by Western Buddhist teachers who are confused about the teachings.

Kind regards :ugeek:
There is always an official executioner. If you try to take his place, It is like trying to be a master carpenter and cutting wood. If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand.

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retrofuturist
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Re: Consciousness and awareness

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings,

If you compare the meaning of sampajañña and viññāṇa, then you will see that they're two very different concepts, much further apart in meaning than "awareness" and "consciousness" are in English.

Metta,
Paul. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
pulga
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Re: Consciousness and awareness

Post by pulga »

Ven. Ñanavira wrote a nice letter to Mr. Dias which touches upon the subject:

https://www.nanavira.org/index.php/lett ... march-1962
"Dhammā=Ideas. This is the clue to much of the Buddha's teaching." ~ Ven. Ñanavira, Commonplace Book
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