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'The evolution of man is the evolution of his consciousness' -- George Gurdjieff
How can awareness expand into consciousness?
Let us use imagery to approach this subtle question.
A Han Dynasty sculpture of a dog portrays awareness. The dog is aware of something.
Perhaps he sees a cat or a bird. Perhaps he has been called by his master.
He senses are focused on the object of his awareness: his keen eyes, his pointed ears
and sensitive nose.
The dog is aware. The artist who sculpted the dog, sculpted 'awareness'.
Let us contrast the dog's awareness with that of a Sui Dynasty Bodhisattva.
The Bodhisattva's eyes are half-shut. Unlike the dog, he is not fascinated by an outside
object, nor does he seem preoccupied with himself, with his internal mind activity.
He is looking and not looking.
He seems simultaneously aware of the outside world and of himself.
His facial expression conveys contentment.
Herein lies the difference between consciousness and awareness:
Awareness is linear, moving from one point to another.
Consciousness expands, like the circular ripples created by a pebble dropped into a pond.
Consciousness is self-awareness.